Alphas and Imprint

Chapter 4: Beneath the Surface

The air was heavy with tension as Zachary and Athena concluded their conversation. The thick atmosphere seemed to pull at their hair, weighing them down. Zachary's words were laced with frustration and warning.

"Listen, just keep your mouth shut until Gabriel or I tell Aliyah ourselves. I don't need you stirring up drama and spreading rumors around the pack. Your stubbornness and sarcasm are the last things I need around me or my pack." Zachary's sigh was deep, his exasperation evident.

Athena's eyes flashed, ready to protest, but Zachary's intense glare silenced her. His expression was a clear warning: push him further, and she'd regret it. The conversation ended abruptly, with both wolves storming off in opposite directions.

Zachary's heavy footsteps crushed the thick grass as he walked toward the open fields of the pack territory. Towering trees and wildlife animals surrounded him, a serene contrast to the turmoil brewing within. The pack respected the wildlife, hunting only when necessary.

As Zachary approached the hunting practice area, he spotted Zavier training the wolf cubs. Zavier's eyes locked onto his brother, sensing the tension in his body language.

"Is everything okay?" Zavier asked, concern etched on his face.

Zachary sighed, releasing some of the pent-up frustration. "I don't even know, dude. Athena just drove me insane for 20 minutes." His voice turned serious. "She knows about the marriage alliance, Zavier."

Zavier's eyes narrowed, his expression a mask of concern. "What did you—" he began, but Zachary cut him off.

"Don't worry, I had a tense conversation with her. She won't say anything until Gabriel or I tell Aliyah ourselves."

Zavier let out a deep sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing as he processed the information. "I've never really hung out with Athena, but just from her scent, I can tell she's a force to be reckoned with. She's fierce, stubborn, determined, and tough – similar to Aliyah, but even more intense. She doesn't back down from a challenge, no matter how daunting it may seem."

As the brothers continued their conversation, they strolled across the field, observing the wolf cubs as they practiced their hunting skills. Zavier had taught them various techniques earlier that morning, and now they were putting their newfound knowledge to the test.

Zavier's eyes scanned the field, his gaze settling on a young cub attempting to hunt a fake chicken. "Steady, youngster..." he commented, offering words of encouragement. Both Alphas walked over to the cub, with Zachary transforming into his wolf form to demonstrate the perfect pouncing position.

Zavier explained the technique, while Zachary showed the cub exactly how to position itself for a successful hunt. The cub nodded, taking in the advice, and tried again. The other cubs gathered around, watching intently as the two Alphas explained the hunting position once more.

One of the cubs spoke up through their mind link, "It's hard..." The young wolf's frustration was palpable, but Zavier and Zachary were there to offer guidance and support.

Zachary settled down onto the grass, his eyes locked onto the young cub. "Try again, just like I showed you," he encouraged, his voice calm and reassuring.

The cub nodded, determination etched on his face. He lowered his body onto the grass, his head slipping between his paws as he fixed his gaze on the fake chicken. His breathing slowed, becoming light and steady. The other cubs followed his lead, mimicking his position in unison.

Zavier's voice drifted across the field, guiding the young wolves. "Concentrate..." he whispered, his tone soothing. "Be patient... make sure you're breathing lightly. You don't want to scare your prey."

The cubs remained still, their eyes fixed intently on the fake chicken. The air was thick with anticipation, the only sound the soft rustling of the grass beneath their paws. Zachary and Zavier watched with keen eyes, offering silent encouragement as the cubs honed their hunting skills.

After a fulfilling morning of training and teaching the cubs essential hunting skills, Zavier and Zachary dismissed the young wolves, allowing them to frolic and play near the serene lake. The cubs' laughter and yips filled the air as they chased each other, their paws padding against the grassy shore. Adult wolves lounged nearby, soaking up the warm sun's rays, their watchful eyes ensuring the cubs' safety.

As the two Alphas strolled through the pack territory, Zachary noticed a subtle yet intriguing change in Zavier's demeanor. His brother's eyes had locked onto something – or someone – with an intensity that bordered on fascination. Zavier's body relaxed, his breathing transitioning from deep and measured to light and effortless in a matter of seconds.

Zachary's curiosity piqued, he followed Zavier's gaze, discovering that his brother's attention was focused on Aliyah. She sat serenely on an armed chair, sipping afternoon coffee with a group of she-wolves. The warm sunlight danced across her face, illuminating her features and captivating Zavier's attention.

Through the unique bond of triplet brothers, Zachary and Zev could sense and hear Zavier's thoughts via their mind link. Zachary discovered that Zavier was experiencing an overwhelming sense of familiarity and connection, as if his mate was nearby. In Zavier's mind, Aliyah was the one – his destined mate.

Zachary's expression transformed, his face a mask of shock, intimidation, and anger. He halted his stride, his eyes boring into Zavier's with a fierce intensity. "You're not getting her to yourself," Zachary growled, his voice low and menacing.

Zavier's brow furrowed, sensing the palpable tension in the air. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he responded, "Oh, it's on, brother..." The air was electric with anticipation, the stage set for a rivalry that would test the bonds of brotherhood and the hearts of those involved.