“What is this Alpha like?” Korbin enquires, reclining on his armchair with his arms positioned behind his head. “Have you encountered him?” ”
“I have,” I exhale wearily, aware that Korbin will pose numerous enquiries on this journey.
“And what?” Korbin enquires, abruptly adjusting his posture.
In the rearview mirror, I saw Jaxton incline his head towards me, seemingly attentive to my remarks regarding his elder brother.
If only you were aware that you have already encountered him…
“He is a man of few words,” I respond cautiously.
Neither of them requires knowledge of Jadi’s true identity. At least not at this moment, however.
“What is the name of the Alpha?”
“Please refrain from referring to him as Alpha.”Jaxton erupts, ultimately exasperated by Korbin’s relentless enquiries. “I am the Alpha!”
“You are not yet,” I respond, gazing at him via the rearview mirror. “I recommend altering your tone if you wish to continue on this mission.”
“If he is truly an Alpha, why did Father expel him?” If he were a true Alpha, he would never have consented to separate from his pack. He would not retreat; he would confront Stonecold like a man!”
“In contrast to you, Alpha John possesses a genuine interest in your brother,” I respond with a smirk, finding satisfaction in Jaxton’s expression of outrage. “He holds value to him.”
“What is the implication of that statement?” Jaxton scoffs.
“Nothing,” I respond with indifference. Your brother is a Purebred Moonlit Wolf, in contrast to you, and Alpha John is astute. He understands that a Moonlit Wolf, such as your brother, is uncommon. Purebreds are scarce, with the last documented lineage being the Altico clan of Mexico, a familial line that vanished years ago. Why squander his time on a hybrid such as you when he may pursue the genuine concealed heir instead?”
“What gives you the authority to address me in that manner?” Jaxton growls.
“Your superior,” I respond with composure, his expression twisting in fury. “Pay close attention, Jaxton, as I will only articulate this once.” Although you may be the Alpha’s offspring and a Moonlit Wolf, this mission is mine. Your mother extended an invitation for you to participate. I am in authority, and you shall not challenge my decisions. You shall remain silent, motionless, and inactive unless instructed otherwise. Am I clear?”
He merely moans in reply, gazing out the window to evade my gaze.
I exhale in exasperation. Jaxton is youthful and foolish. He will only guide our pack to its demise.
A tense stillness pervades the vehicle, but soon we arrive at the airport, seeking our terminal. I detest flying; nevertheless, I refuse to endure a 15-hour automobile journey with Korbin and Jaxton. I would like to perish.
“What is his talent?” Korbin hisses as we take our seats near the wings of the plane, while Jaxton selfishly upgrades just himself to first class, displaying his unpleasant nature.
I merely shrug in reply. I did not observe Jadi’s initial transformation, hence I am unaware of his talent.
The inaugural transformation is a significant event for a werewolf. Upon encountering your counterpart, you are formally inducted as a new member of the pack, establishing a mindlink for communication with fellow pack members during the subsequent full moon. We refer to it as the Night of Melodies ritual. As an outsider, Jadi’s initial shift was quite unremarkable.
..“Sir, are you certain?”
“Are you once more interrogating my decisions, Rocco?” Noel growls. His voice becomes deeper when I shake my head. “Subsequently, escort him to the cabin adjacent to the waterfall and leave him there for his designated shift.” Return him next week.
“Do you plan to have him manage his initial shift independently, Alpha?” I enquire, perplexed by such a notion. “However, he is your-”
“Sufficient!” Noel bellows.” “I shall not elucidate my decisions to you, Rocco.”
“Affirmative, sir,” I respond, suppressing my remarks as I turn to depart.
As I extend my hand towards the door, Noel’s voice halts my progress.
“Accompany Melina.”
Startled, I pivot to confront the Alpha, only to see him turned away, gazing down at a diminutive portrait of Olivia, infant Jadi, and young Duncan.
“She is capable of … ahem …” “She can supervise him during his transition,” he states softly.
“Affirmative, sir,” I respond, numerous ideas swirling in my mind as I seek out Jadi and Melina at the Hive.
I do not aspire to comprehend my Alpha, and frankly, I doubt he understands himself as well. I can only hope that he will not later regret his decisions.
Jadi merely feigns a smile when I inform him that his father declines to accompany him for his inaugural shift and that he will undertake it independently. He neither questions my decision nor exhibits any resentment towards me or his father for not receiving a Night of Melodies ceremony, unlike other pack members. He meekly acquiesces to his fate with a slight nod and commences to pack a few garments for the journey to the waterfall.
