James Richards
There are moments in your life that define you as a person. The first moment was when I became a wolf. It shaped my identity. It wasn't something I was ashamed of, it was a part of my grandmother's heritage. I was honoured to have been blessed by the Goddess to receive such a gift. The childhood stories that I grew to love were nothing of myth and legend, but something that existed, that was true. I still remember taking my younger brother for long rides on my back. I can still hear his squeal in the back of mind.
It wasn't until my brother became of age, that the squeal I loved became something that tormented me. My brother's birthday where it was found he was human, became the second moment in my life that defined me. The brother who was like my best friend, became a stranger. He was someone who turned cold and no longer wanted to follow me like my shadow. It was bitter for me because I loved him deeply and wanted to protect him. But alas, it wasn't meant to last and both of us separated following different paths.
Another defining moment was when I decided to join the Lotus Pack. It was there that I didn't feel resentment for what I was, but I found a sense of belonging. I found another family, one that wasn't bitter or filled with hate. For I could never tell my mother about the truth of my relationship with my brother, her heart would break. So I forged my own relationships, my own path. One that embraced the part of me that my brother could not accept. It was there that I learned to fight, to defend and protect those who needed it. It was there that my career began which led to me becoming a Beta. Following in the footsteps of my mother's bloodline. I still remember the pride on her face when I told her the news.
The most prominent moment that defined and changed my life was when I was introduced to my brother's soon to be wife. She was and still is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. She looked like an angel, all dressed in white. I still remember her eyes widening at my presence and when I shook her hand, the sparks that ignited on my skin was something that stories and legend could not prepare me for. I saw her look at my hand as my touch lingered on her skin. However, the thing that I could not prepare for was the look of adoration that my brother had for his wife to be. I clenched my eyes tightly, knowing that I couldn't take away the person who brought the spark and happiness back in his eyes.
That conversation with Ellie's mother was the longest conversation we ever had. My wolf was howling in mind, he wanted his mate, but he understood the human part of me that couldn't break his brother. It was too late for us. When we spoke in private, I didn't even have to say what we were feeling, she already knew. She rejected me and I in turn rejected her. The pain in my chest was like nothing I ever felt before. It was ripping me apart, it felt like my chest was on fire. With tears in my eyes, I silently watched my brother wed my beloved mate.
I wouldn't feel pain like that again, until the day I felt my wolf howl in agony. Even if we weren't mated, there was an inevitable string that tied us together. My wolf had lived his life with that simple thread, he lived for his mates happiness. When Ellie's mother died and it snapped, I collapsed in pain, I was distraught. I didn't know what to do to with myself. That saving grace, no longer existed. I felt hollow.
It wasn't until I laid eyes on little Ellie, who was battered and bruised in my brothers home which was filled to the brim with dirt and drugs. It was that moment that I felt a spark ignite inside me. My wolf howled at the child who resembled my mate. The need, the instinct to protect her had developed. My wolf developed a bond, one that resembled a child. His anger scorched as he looked at my brother in disgust. The need to kill the one who dared hurt the child of his mate, the child he recognised as his own was overwhelming. I could see my mother look at me with concern as my eyes darkened and my nostrils flared. She gently shoved Ellie in my arms, aiming to simmer the fire for my brother's blood.
Years went by, I privately trained Ellie. I wanted her to be able to defend herself, I never wanted her to be scared or fear for her life again. I showered her with affection, I cuddled her when she had nightmares, I loved her unconditionally as any father should love his child. I watched the shy and introverted girl become strong and independent. She was caring and resilient. She was someone I was extremely proud of. Her desire and passion to help those less fortunate than her was something to be admired.
So when the Alpha son's carelessly rejected her. I couldn't help the hate boil inside me. I lost respect for the man who I was meant to protect and and follow. For he deemed someone I raised and viewed as my own child, unworthy. It was an insult on my family. The Luna he loved dearly was nothing but someone who slept around. There were many times that she tried her luck with me, but I couldn't help but look at her in disgust. My wolf would growl any time she was close. It was during this time that I fought between my duty as a Beta and my duty as a father. I knew it was my duty to report the truth about their mating but I couldn't bare to place Ellie in a situation where she would be an unwanted mate. For me, as a father figure, he was unworthy of the Gem that was Ellie Richards.
However, I should know that fate works in mysterious ways and when the truth was revealed. I was forced to reveal the secret of Ellie's location to my old Alpha. For even if I was a strong wolf, we couldn't ignore the order of an Alpha. My wolf reluctantly bowed in submission and I had to tell him everything about the child I loved most in this world. It was that moment that I felt I had betrayed my family, my kin.
Now as I watch on as the Council impose their ruling on my darling Ellie that I can't help but feel the building resentment in my heart. I was not above the council, I was no one in comparison with the Chancellor. The Chancellor who in my opinion was not worthy of his position. I knew the pain and hurt he caused my parents. I watched on in silence as he preached about mates when he had no value or understanding himself. It was then that I watched on in silence as Ellie challenged him with everything in her might. Never in my history of existence had I seen someone challenge a wolf who was in the highest position. All through the pack link, murmurs of awe could be heard at the unknown and underdog she-wolf challenge the Chancellor on his principles.
It was then that I realised that the child I loved unconditionally had painted a target on her back. I didn't have to ask anything to know that she was in danger for her actions, for her words. Even if nothing she said was a lie, she was challenging the way things were done. No matter how right she was, Chancellor Thorn wouldn't stand by idly and let her get away with it. I knew what a vindictive, manipulative man he was. There had been many meetings that he chaired in which I silently watched on as he narcissistically gave orders to other packs.
Ellie may think I didn't back her, that I didn't support her. However sometimes, it is best to hide and work from the shadows. I knew she would be unhappy about being sent away to spend time with her mate, but I knew she would be safe. Safe from harm of the Chancellor. If he believed that she was following her orders and that I was encouraging her to forgive her mate, that she would be safe for some time.
I knew that this moment would be define my life. I knew that Ellie may resent me but if it was a choice between her hatred and her being alive. I would choose her being alive. I refused to loose the most important person in my life. No matter how much Clare chastised me for forcing her into this situation. Ellie disappearing would give me time. Time to protect her, time to help her, to save her.
The duty between being the best father to Ellie and the best Beta was clashing. But my wolf knew that we would always prioritise the safety of Ellie over the safety of the pack. It was with clenched eyes and a tightened fist that I made a call to someone who would be able to help, who would be able to save the only child I loved.
I picked up my phone and made a call to someone I was blessed to have met, someone who held power that may be able to save Ellie from the fate of being with someone she didn't love, someone who would be able to help her achieve things that I couldn't imagine. She was someone with enough power that wouldn't stand by and watch an innocent she-wolf go through a forced mating. I knew this woman would be the only one that would be able to aid her in ways that I couldn't.
"Beta Richards." The woman sung on the other end of the phone. "I can't say that I wasn't expecting a phone call from you. I just didn't expect it to be so soon." She chuckled warmly.
"Luna, I really need your help. My daug-" I hesitated. "- My niece really needs your help. You are the only one I know who can help her. Please." I begged.
"James, what's going on? Hold on I'm putting you on speaker." The clicking of her phone can be heard through the call. Her voice echos, as I hear her speaking to someone else. "Babe, can you come here. James in on the phone. It's sounds urgent." Her worried tone resonates through her voice. Shuffling could be heard in the background.
"James, what can we do for you?" The man's voice is deep and calming but equally he concerned tone can be heard in his tone.
"Luna Loretta, Alpha Xavier. I really need your help. Ellie has challenged the Chancellor and I don't believe she can fight this battle on her own. I beg you to help her." I pleaded through the phone as I shut my eyes listening to the silence that comes through the receiver.
"What has that imbecile done now?" Alpha Xavier sighs.
"James, you know we will help you no matter what, we owe you. Now tell us how we can help." Luna Loretta speaks.