James

I didn't know what else laid ahead of me.

Apologizing or even admitting defeat in front of Jace was the last thing I ever expected I'd have to do. The sudden hatred between the abandoned wolves and us, Alphas, took a hideous form. A form where nothing but destruction laid ahead. Bloodshed, death and extinction of werewolves all caused by the contaminated souls blinded by the passion of acquiring power and authority.

A similar war that too of the medieval times during Romero's time span was somehow overshadowed by evil especially the amoral witches casting spells just for their entertainment. The disappearance of Romero's mother, the Moon Goddess's death still remained unsolved. The graveyard containing the remainings of such historical phenomena, especially the witch whose curse led to the birth of werewolves, was sealed soon after some tainted soul tried to steal it.

"What are you thinking so deeply about?" Jace asked fiddling a pen in between his fingers.

"A lot of things" I sighed.

"Look, stop stressing about everything. Just clear your head up and think practically." He suggested throwing the pen inside the pen holder, "Bingo."

I rolled my eyes at his childish behaviour, "Are you really the older one? I sometimes doubt so."

"Maybe. Even I think you're too..oldish to be the younger pup." He commented looking at me.

I scowled at his response, "Why do you always drag me in between?"

"Related by blood, you know, blood," he tilted his head and whispered again, "Blood."

"Yeah," I mumbled, irritated by the repetition words, "Enough of stating our bond of the same blood and answer a few things for me."

He coughed and narrowed his eyes, "Finally. I was waiting for you to get started with your usual questionnaire because it feels weird when you're so quiet and good."

A burst of sudden laughter erupted inside the room. I snapped my gaze towards the direction of the sound to see Drake standing near the door. I almost forgot his presence inside the office. He stood there in the same position he was an hour ago, without a single bit of movement. I never understood his ability to maintain the same composure without the slightest of movement. I clearly remember, three years ago, on the day of my eighteenth birthday Drake walked in and his stance was similar to that of today.

"Why are you standing there like that?" I asked shooting him a glare. "You're not a school student anymore."

He chuckled and shook his head, "It's my duty as the beta."

Jace snorted and mumbled in a lower tone, "Such a great beta he is." His voice was loud enough of me to hear and I couldn't help but let out a light chuckle.

"Come sit here." I said pointing at an empty chair placed right next to Jace, "It's worthless standing out there looking a third wheel."

"Nah, not really." Jace said pointing at Drake, "He was actually talking to someone using his mind-link."

Drake gasped looking at him, "How did you know?"

"I know everything." He grinned, a toothy one. He gave Drake an intense look before looking away.

"If that's so," I wagered, "then tell me, what were you doing in there, the graveyard of doom I mean, and how did you get in? Since the place is all sealed with holy barriers."

I was intrigued, the curiosity building inside of me was growing at a faster rate. I felt agitated, remorseful at the secretiveness of the entire situation.

"Well," he started, shifting a little in his seat, "I..I was informed by..uh..someone a long time back."

I narrowed my eyes at his struggling self. "Why do I have a feeling that you're lying?"

He rolled his eyes, "No?" He said looking at me.

"Speak the truth, Jace," I begged.

"Look, I had some personal reasons for visiting that place and I came across a rogue. I helped her since she was injured and well yeah. That's it." He answered.

"You helped a rogue?" I gasped, "Why?" Jace certainly wasn't the type to help someone without his benefit lying somewhere deep within.

"Why such a reaction?" He calmly asked raising an eyebrow, "I just said that she was injured, didn't I?"

"Even though they've killed and abducted so many people from my pack you still go and help them?" I laughed dryly, "What kind of a brother are you?"

He scoffed and glared at me, "It's your pack, not mine. I'm not bounded to help you in any way, I was ready to decline your petition for guidance but couldn't since it was our father who asked for it. I'm not in any debt of yours keep that in mind."

"But-"

He interrupted, "Oh and about the rogue, that incident took place almost five years ago, don't worry that was long after I was banished from your pack."

"I'm not saying anything about you being banished, wait, that reminded me, where is that companion of yours? The weird girl, I haven't seen her around the pack in a while." I asked Jace, "Did you see her anywhere, Drake?"

Drake shook his head, "No I didn't, in fact, I was planning to ask the same question."

"Lucy, Ah, she went back to my la- house." He said with a smile.

"House? Where do you live?" I asked, unaware of his habitat.

"That's none of your business." He snapped, "Are you done asking all your questions?"

"No. When you said you had some personal business to take care of which made you actually take a stroll inside the graveyard, what was it?" I asked intentionally.

"James," he breathed, "How many times do I have to repeat the same thing? Whatever I do, I repeat again, whatever I do is none of your business. Stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

"Now I get it, why mom is not fond of you. It's your behaviour you know." I bitterly stated, shaking my head in disappointment.

"I seriously don't care about her and what she thinks" He spat, "And wait for you seriously want to compare me to yourself?" He laughed wryly, "You know why father keeps you away from himself? Because you're weak. You don't know half the things that go on around you."

I shook my head, "I know well enough to tell nothing can make you spill the truth." I tested the situation in the hope of convincing him to speak up.

"I know what you're trying to do. It's a shame for an alpha to test the waters like that. Just don't do it because it decreases your standards, more." He said. I sat there speechless, "You must be wondering how I figured out your cheap tactics. Dude, don't forget that I'm your elder brother. I'm quite aware of your personality."

His behaviour shifted drastically and took a shape of pure angst which was difficult to meltdown. And the only reason behind it could've been.."Is it about her?" I asked softly.

"I see you do remember about the past. Yes, it always is." His eyes softened. A smile crept up his lips. "You made a mistake and so did I. Time never stops for anyone so it's better to correct the mistakes made than to weep when it's too late."

Author's Note:

No matter what, the piece of advice given by Jace to his little brother was indeed worth it.

There are so many unsolved mysteries that need to be answered. 😐 Hopefully, the mysteries will start unwrapping itself one by one from now on.

I hope you all like this chapter.

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