My heart and soul yearn to belong to her, and when she withdraws, I comprehend that I already do.
“Notice me,” she whispers.
Rocco
Korbin remains unsettlingly silent as we complete the final segment of our journey home, gazing at the woods we swiftly pass by. It is terrifying. He is perpetually vocal.
Before I had even boarded the plane, Korbin contacted me on the day of the attack, his voice laden with terror as he insisted I return to the hotel. He was unable to articulate what had transpired, his speech slurred as he incoherently implored me for assistance. I endeavoured to soothe him and remained on the line until I arrived to the hotel, when I was stunned to discover Jaxton’s lifeless body concealed in the back of the truck.
What transpired?” I insisted, unable to trust my own vision as I gazed at the corpse.”
“He simply lost his mind!” Korbin gasped intermittently amid his weeping. “I am uncertain about what transpired,” he lamented. I attempted to prevent him. I attempted to communicate, but he refused to heed my words! He would not… He merely shot himself,” he lamented. “He discharged a firearm… He inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
It required several hours to pacify Korbin sufficiently to comprehend his account, although even so, I could not discern the events of that day, unable to grasp how Jadi compelled Jaxton to kill himself without uttering a single word. Jaxton possesses numerous qualities, although suicidal is not among them. He would have resisted before succumbing. Another event must have occurred that day, but I am unable to elicit the truth from Korbin.
“Father…” Korbin murmurs, his eyes glistening as he gazes at me. “I am frightened.”
I share his sentiment; I wish to convey my thoughts, yet these words would be of no benefit to him at this moment, so I restrain them and adopt a courageous demeanour.
“Alpha will seek the precise details of that day,” I exhale wearily, glancing at Jaxton.
What should I communicate to him?Korbin murmurs to himself.
I tighten my hold on the steering wheel while attempting to formulate an appropriate response. Korbin is incapable of deceit, thus it is advisable to be forthright about the events that transpired. Deceiving Noel is unequivocally not permissible.
“Please recount the events precisely once more,” I respond.
Korbin nods, his eye blinking rapidly as he clears his throat. “We were en route to River Moon as instructed, when we encountered Jadi and his companion travelling in the opposite direction. At that moment, Jaxton became unhinged and retrieved a firearm from his trousers. I attempted to prevent him, but he discharged his weapon at them. I believe he injured Jadi’s companion. I am uncertain. Events transpired rapidly, after which Jaxton halted the vehicle and resumed firing at Jadi. Jadi shifted and gazed at Jaxton for an extended duration. At that moment, Jaxton abruptly revolved the cylinder of his firearm and directed it towards his own head, weeping as if imploring Jadi for clemency, although Jadi remained silent. He remained stationary, gazing at him. Jaxton urinated on himself due to his extreme fear. He discharged the firearm repeatedly until a bullet ultimately penetrated his head.
“Jadi directed his attention towards me, and I experienced a surge of panic,” Korbin elaborates. “I conveyed your message to him, and he responded that Alpha Noel would lament alienating him.”
“Did Jadi genuinely communicate with you?” I enquire, attempting to recall the last occasion on which Jadi articulated a single word.
“No,” Korbin replies, shaking his head. “He established a mental connection with me, but it was peculiar.”
“Unusual?” “I reiterate, arching an eyebrow at him. Jadi had never engaged in mind-linking previously. I was uncertain of his capability to do so. “In what manner?” “
“It felt as though he was within my thoughts,” Korbin elucidates. “As if he could perceive all my thoughts and observations.” He issued a directive, and I felt compelled to comply. He merely instructed me to be silent, and I felt compelled to comply. It was peculiar.
“Is it akin to an Alpha command?” “
“No,” Korbin replies, shaking his head. “No, it was not my wolf that was compelled to listen… It was I.” I felt this yearning, this need, this want to do as he suggested. It is illogical.
I grow frustrated with my son and his cryptic narrative as we draw up to the Scarlett Haven gates and snap at him.
“Pay close attention, Kor, as I will articulate this only once,” I hiss through clenched teeth. “You will remain silent while I inform Noel of the events that transpired.” Refrain from making any noise while I speak, do you comprehend?”
Korbin nods his head and I start to convey my strategy to him, Korbin saying it to himself over and over again.
Upon arriving at the pack house, Beta Earl stands at the door, his expression grim as he observes only Korbin and me exiting the truck.
“Noel is incensed regarding your unsuccessful mission,” he murmurs, scrutinising the truck with suspicion. “You must provide a thorough explanation.” Where is the small irritant? His mother has been incessantly enquiring about the delay in your return all day, driving me to distraction.
“I will elucidate later,” I respond, as Earl alternates his look between Korbin and me.
“Where is Jaxton?” “
Korbin seeks my assistance, prompting me to clear my throat.
“Inform the Alpha that we must prepare for the Moon Warrior Ceremony.”
Christmas
“The Gamma has arrived, Alpha,” Beta Earl proclaims as he enters my office abruptly.
Perspiration accumulates on his forehead, and the expression in his eyes indicates that something is up regarding Rocco’s arrival. A sense of dread courses through me as I stand and follow him to the driveway. There, I see Rocco standing beside the truck along with other guards, the look in his eyes remote and indifferent. Korbin quivers nervously beside him, each minor movement instilling fear.
“Alpha,” Rocco exclaims audibly, causing Korbin to flinch apprehensively.
Something is undoubtedly amiss, Arden, my wolf, murmurs.
I observe two individuals, but where is my son?
Rocco seemed to comprehend my inquiry and kneels before me.
“I regret to inform you, Alpha, that circumstances took an unforeseen turn during our visit to California,” he states, his voice resolute despite the trepidation underlying his words.
Articulate distinctly. “You are not making any sense,” I retort, struggling to maintain my composure as Rocco gazes at me vacantly.
