Alpha Lucas

James' POV

"Alright, everyone. Let's begin." I state, and while I try to stay calm and keep my heart rate level, I find myself dumb founded on how readily people seem to listen to me, a nineteen year old wolf still in school, and not even officially Alpha.

'Doesn't matter. You have their attention. Now let's use it.' Sloan urges me, his growing unease over the recent events pushing me on edge as well.

"As a sign of good faith, we'll kick things off. We asked you to come here today so we could discuss a rising issue within both of our borders. Both in Vollmond and Melamar there have been multiple sightings and reports of shadows stalking the lands and stirring up trouble. While the crimes started off petty and disturbing they've progressed into an outright terror. Two of my Warrior commanders, along with an unaccounted for an unknown witch found in the Rogue Lands, came across a corpse- a wolf-angel Hybrid, that was torn apart, and their blood used to write a message. 'Revenge will be had.' Our goal is to understand the extent of this threat and where the threat has infiltrated. After that, I think we should band together to fight them off. Usually I would try to down play this as much as possible but as some of you know, a prophecy was given by Lady Ciara of House of Spirits and I'm worried that whatever she was trying to warn us about, is already happening under our noses." My accidental speech seems to hold everyone's attention, but I'm still weary, specially of Alpha Lucas.

While generations of Alphas have worked together hand in hand for the most part, every hundred years or so, the two Alphas of our sister packs just can't seem to get along. Sometimes it just means a generation of estrangement and sometimes it means war.

While I don't know the specifics, Alpha Lucas and my father had a falling out years ago, back when I was still a child and my Father had yet to raise a hand to me. It ended in all trade ceasing between the two packs and the border all but closing down over the past thirteen years or so.

Alpha Lucas was young then, had only just graduated from Higher Education and taken over his fathers position of Alpha as his old man retired and passed on a chance to be an Elder Council member.

While I don't know much about the Alpha and Beta of that pack, the stories and stereotypes of the Winter Moon pack have stood the test of time and hushed tones, scared to get caught by my father. Our sister pack, founded by the twin brother of our own founder so long ago, is known for its fierce military might and nature. Almost eighty percent of all able bodied wolves in Winter Moon are on the Warrior Force. All of them are trained in hand to hand combat from the time they choose a path at ten to follow down. I've heard that while they're strong and powerful, they've lost a bit of their heart. They aren't as pack oriented as the Autumn Falls Pack and I've even heard jokes of people claiming that the Winter Moon was a nice name given has everything wolf there seemed to have a frozen stone heart. I once asked an Elder to describe them to me. He claimed that if they were humans and they had to pick a profession, they would be a cult of powerful mercenaries.

So as I sit at the same table of the man deemed capable of leading such a pack, I remind myself that while he might not be pack or wolf oriented, at the very least I should be able to count on him for nothing more than self preservation and interest. Though a part of me worried he'll suggest we let the Daemons rampage and whoever lives is strong enough and worthy to live.

Before my brain can drive me crazy with any more theories or worrisome ideas, Alpha Lucas finally speaks.

"We too have had an increase of crime. Enough that I've lost one of my commanders as he tried to protect citizens. There hasn't been a murder in our pack, outside of war, for over two hundred years. While I would be quick to decline your offer not wanting to admit any weakness, I recognize that being allied with you would allow for our Warriors to be properly used and stationed with the assurance that the South would be completed unprotected. Though I'm still unsure why you have invited Faeries here, James. They're usually too busy magically jerking each other off and looking down on the rest of us like pigs to admit to anything going wrong in their perfect country." The last of his answer isn't directed towards me but instead snarled towards Jasper and Lord Azrin who sit on the other side of the table.

Jasper's jaw tics in annoyance, and I prey that he doesn't lose his usually not so tightly bound temper, but thankfully Azrin comes to save the day. His smile is evil but pointed and mischievous, his eyes flashing for a brief moment.

"Alpha Lucas, I can very much assure you that the High Lords and Ladies of the High Hiuses of Melamar are most certainly magically jerking each other off and looking down on the rest of you, myself included. Our Crowned Princess and soon to be Queen, Artemis is holding an audience with the High Court, pleading at them to interview the shadow that her gaurds caught a few nights ago. This is her second pleading. They refuse to believe it was anything more than a one off mistake and that no one would ever be brave enough to rise against them. If she tries again, I'll start to worry for her safety. I won't sit here and deny that the Faeries here in Kaulike are a bunch of self-righteous Celeste complexed fools that will probably get us all killed. Which is why we're here to make sure that doesn't happen. You don't have to like us, but it would be smart to work with us. The Prince and I's reach and sway over Melamar is significant enough that we would be able to open the border of the Mind Elemental Region to refugees, information spies and even for backup. All we want in return in information and your bond word that when we need you, you will fight." It's unusually for me to see Azrin so serious and business like, but even so, his smile doesn't leave his face, his purple eyes fierce enough by themselves.

After a beat of silence Alpha Lucas erupts into a laugh one that shocks those of us around the table enough to jump slightly even his own Beta. "Azrin was it? I like you. Might be old enough to be my grandfather, but I've never met a Faerie willing to tell it how it is." He compliments Azrin and the Mind Faerie gives a mock bow, his eye never loosing their sharpness.

"Alpha James you mentioned a prophecy being told to you by Lady Ciara of Melamar and that you fear it has connection towards what's happening. Care to share it?" Beta Cole addresses me, a worried crease dressing him brow.

"Of course. It went like this:

Fangs, paws, mana, horns, and magic
if these cannot become one, the result is tragic
blindfolds, missing pieces and keys
the official story isn't the one to seize
after three hundred moons, darknesss persists
uncovering of history will cause hearts to shift
All as one the united stand tall
As the oldest source of evil finally falls
wait for the dawn breed by the briefest if nights
for the fifteen warriors that show the world their might.
the ages long fight will come to a close
As a phoenix from the ashes, a new age rose."

There's still that same feeling of magic passing through me as the words fall from my lips, the words searing themselves into the minds of everyone here as silence echos through the room.

"I don't know about everyone else, but the first two lines to me, seems kind of obvious now that I've had some time to think about it." I hear and I frown when I realize that the slightly nervous voice belongs to Cody, his ears red as he addresses the table. "'Fangs, paws, mana, horns, and magic; if these cannons become one, the results will be tragic.' It's clearly saying that Vampires, werewolves, Faeries, Daemons and Witches need to join and alliance and work together or something bad will happen." He says with a small shrug as the room takes in his interpretation.

"I have to admit, it does seem to fit." Admits the Head Warrior of the Winter Moon pack, Zander.

"But that doesn't make since. Why would we have to team up with Daemons? I understand Witches since for the past thousand years they've lived by the Treaty, but Daemons have always been the ones we're fighting against. If we're supposed to team up, who the hell are we fighting?" This comes from Zee, her beautiful brown face screwed into confusion.

"That's also true." Zander mutters reluctantly.

"Do you think it would be possible for Satan to return?" Alex asks, his face grim and while I hate the question, I can't deny a part of me wonders, too, if we should be worried.

It's Lord Azrin's turn to respond, the shake of his head firm and decisive. "No that's not possible. Goddess Celeste herself came from Heaven and sealed Satan away in Hell. No one even knows how to get to another Dimension or how many exist besides the two and our own much less how to free Satan." He defends but Jasper just groans and finally speaks up.

"I don't care about politics, that's the whole reason I gave my crown to my sister, but even I know that the worst thing anyone can do is sit here and conjure up theories, spies and monsters that could be ready to destroy our home at any moment. Before we can decide what to do, we need to remind ourselves of the actual facts." I try not to look so surprised at the ease and elegance that Jasper talks and behaves as he brings up a good point. I'm used to the carefree, nonchalant asshole that prowls through the school halls, not a regal competent leader.

Though with his adversion to the crowd, I would assume that's on purpose.

"You're right, Prince Jasper. And the facts are here. According to these reports everyone has provided me with there have been about thirty shadow sightings, 3 murders and a handful of rapes all within the past month or so. There was also contact with an unknown Witch deep within our borders, and the corpse we found definitely wasn't from around here. Vollmond doesn't have any Angels, Hrybirds or not." Zee explains, shifting through the paperwork in front of her.

"With that information we can do three things. We can keep an eye out and ask around about the Faerie after Timari & Johnathan make an official report and give a description. We can send out our best spies to other parts of the country to ask around and see if they're dealing with the same problems we are. Maybe force more alliances and information trades. And lastly, we need to keep this away from Vilin. If we take this to them before we even know what's going on, they're going to swoop in, harass us and our people, invade our privacy, make people uncomfortable in their own homes and hold information from us regardless of our involvement. Frankly, I don't trust them to handle this. I don't know why, but my gut it telling me it's the right thing to do. I still don't know what the rest of the prophecy means but it doesn't say anything about helping Hybrids only about not 'seizing the original story' and if I had to take a guess, it means the High Government and how they control the narrative. Whatever is going on. I want to find out the truth and stop it before it's too late." I confess, confident in my words and decision.

"You have my word, Young James. I will ensure no one knows about our alliance or information trade. I'll use only my most trusted people to operate as discreetly as possible. I certainly don't want to attract the High Government's attention. Not the Council or the Church. I may appear brass, but I'm not naive enough to bring enough attention towards myself that I end up like my Master Duella." He assures me and my heart squeezes at the daunting reminder of what they did to his late Master after she questioned the intentions of the High Government.

I nod my thanks and understanding and turn towards Alpha Lucas.

"The people at this table are the first people I've talked to outside my pack in ten years. Cole handles the Annual Visit which isn't for a while. Everything will be kept under tight lip and key. At least on our end. Are you sure you'll be able to keep this away from your father?" The question is direct and to the point almost making me squirm but I decide to be honest, taking a note from Cody's book.

"He's barely around these past few months as I get closer to graduating. As long as we keep it away from the Elders it won't be a problem. I want to take a month to get affairs in order and gather a squad to investigate other territories for rumors of shadows and increase of crime. As well as any unusual murders or connections to the witch." I inform the table and they nod in understanding.

"We shall do the same, Young James and will return here in one months time for another update." Azrin agrees and Alpha Lucas nods along.

"Good. now that that's taken care of, Tiamari, Johnathan, please describe the witch that you said saved you." I instruct my commanders and they nod and slide off their bar tools at the island to stand behind me and give their report.

"The Witch around five foot eight inches with pale skin amd black hair. Her cat eyes were purple. Her scent was hidden by a spell. Her specialty magic seemed to be mana manipulation. She could make physical weapons or anything out of mana. She didn't share her name but she seemed young enough to be a student. At least a junior.I doubt she's a fifth or sixth year. Timari rattles off, her memory and attention to details one of the many reasons I called on her to be one of my commanders.

"She also mentioned just vaguely that she was searching for some sort of key. I'm not sure why she would be looking in Rouge Land, though. I had started to ask questions, but once I did we were attacked by shadows and she helped us defeat them. Shortly after that we came across the body." Johnathan adds and I can tell that it bothers him that he didn't grill her more. "And then one second she was there and the next she was gone. I'm assuming she used magic though I'm not sure what. We didn't get anything else on her." He finishes the regret and apology thick in his voice and I have to remind myself to check in on him later and reassure him that he did his best, but for now I turn towards the other leaders present snd give them my last request.

"Please look out for this Witch and if found, try to get her in for a conversation or questioning. It can even be here. But I have a feeling she knows something. And I want to know why she was here and what key it is she claims she's looking for." I explain and they all agree before we finally get up to leave and say our goodbyes.

Jasper and Azrin walk over to Alex and I as we stand and stretch, Cody yawning slightly as he stands off to the side. "Young Alex, Young James. You're shaping into fine young men. Protect your people. Grow stronger together and find the people that you're willing to fight and live for. I believe Young James has already started down that path." He says with his usual cocky smirk, and my cheeks heat up as I laugh and shake his outreached hand.

"Thank you, Lord Azrin, and you too Jasper, for coming. Make sure to keep Art safe." I plead, worried about the warning Azrin shared earlier.

"I'm insulted you'd even ask. She has a kingdom to rule. She's not allowed to die." Jasper says with a scoff and I can't help but crack a smile, a promise in his own shitty way.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow. Don't forget to get a pass. Azrin can sign it." I remind him, thankful Zee's Apprentice status allow her to do the same saving me from either going to my parents or explaining the absence.

"I don't care about school. I'm not becoming King and I might become a lord of something one day I don't know. Being a Prince is overrated." He shrugs casually as if he didn't just suggest giving up his crown.

"Okay well, how about we revisit that conversation after whatever crisis this is is over?" I ask mildly panicking about this crazy ass Faerie who was somehow born to be King.

"Fine. Better to stick close to the shithead anyway. Keep her safe and all that." He mutters, his golden earrings catching the late afternoon light.

"Good to hear." I say and Azrin and Alex laugh before we all say our goodbyes until it's only the Autumn Falls Pack left inside.

I step towards Cody and lead him towards the kitchen away from everyone else and watch him for a second before holding him tightly, giving him the pressure he once whispered helped him feel safe and calm. "Hey, bean. We're going to go home now. Is it okay if I stay with you again?" I ask him, my head on his shoulder as I rub his back slowly.

"Yeah. I would like that. I'm just really tired. It was a lot today." He admits, and I can hear the slight waver in his voice as if scared to admit what he thinks is a weakness.

I laugh just a little before kissing his shoulder likely. "I would think you were crazy if you didn't. Today was insane. All I want to do is carry you home and curl up with you and go to sleep." I confess my heart full with the feeling of him in my arms.

"Why aren't we doing that yet?" He groans and I laugh and scoop him up with ease into my arms, willing to take a little longer to get there if it means I can hold Cody to my chest with his face in my neck.

'He's perfect, James. Just perfect.' Sloan whispers and I'm inclined to agree.

"Alright guys. Sweep the place to make sure we didn't leave anything and head home. We'll recap tomorrow you guys worked through the night. Get some rest. Great job everyone." I tell them, knowing that Charlotte now outside the door can hear me.

A few minutes later we're heading home with the sun warming my skin and setting Cody's golden skin aglow.

Beautiful.

Absolute Perfection.

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A soft and sweet end to in intense scene. What do you guys think of everyone and of what they discussed?

Thoughts?

Comments?

QOTD: would this be a better anime or live action show