{Prelude- Updated 6/2/21}
Hiding in the shadows of the hallway, she slowly and quietly crept towards the open office door. Willow knew better than to eavesdrop on her fathers conversations with Stephen, his Beta, but curiosity got the better of her. She wanted to hear what menacing plan he had come up with now. Her father, Dominic, was a power-hungry Alpha who stopped at nothing to gain what he wanted and loved the feel of blood on his hands. Holding her breath and praying to the goddess above that he didn't sense her outside the door, she pressed her back to the wall and leaned in closer to the door frame.
Their pack had recently taken on the Crescent Moons and though they killed their alpha, they still lost the battle and many members of their pack. She hoped that with such loss they would break from the constant war her father waged, but as she listened, he was forming a plan of attack for a small pack just south of their borders. The more she listened to him speak with Stephen about their attack strategy the angrier she became. Their pack had already lost so many and her heart ached for them. Taking a deep breath and trying to find the courage she knew was only temporary, she closed her eyes for a moment and barged in the door.
"Father, don't you think we have enough land for now! Our people are hurting and grieve for their lost loved ones and need time to heal. These merciless, land grabbing, power hungry attacks need to stop. I mean where is it getting you? We take over one pack, gain new members and land, just to turn around and loose them. I mean, My Goddess it's not like..."
Falling backwards she realized that her father had struck her once again. Not even letting her finish her sentence. Her mind barely had time to register what had transpired as it happened so quickly. Looking up into the dark, red rimmed eyes of her father she scrambled to her feet. His anger had no limits and she better than anyone knew that. It always seemed that she was on the receiving end of it and was no stranger to it. The slap was mild compared to some of the beatings she received growing up.
Face red and eyes narrowed, "Who in the hell do you think you are? Did I come to you and ask you for your opinion on pack affairs? NO, I do not think that I did! Why in the fuck are you snooping around my office? Do I need to remind you of your place in this pack bitch?"
Shaking her head and wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth she backed away from him. She struck a chord, and she knew it but still felt the need to try and stop what was about to happen. Bumping into a table by the wall she realized she had no where else to go as he slowly stalked towards her.
Looking down at the ground, "I was just thinking that we need to stop for a while father. Can't you see how the pack mourns its losses? How they are trying to heal. I just feel it would be in everyone's best interest if..." Looking up to the man who, in his words, tolerated her existence she saw the tell-tale signs of a beating. His eyes were black as coal and the animosity and resentment shown through clearly. His hands were balled up at his sides tightly into fists. His upper lip was curled showing his lengthening canines.
Deciding she said her peace and being conscious was better than being laid up in bed for a week she turned on her heel and ran from the room. His malicious laughter followed her down the hallway as did his words. "That's right! Run little bitch run! This is far from over and I think a proper punishment is in your future. You have nowhere to go. You will be back, and I will be waiting!"
Bursting through the back door she took off across the backyard until she happened upon the overgrown and rundown gardens. In the middle of it all was a small sanctuary only accessible by a hole in the shrubs. Willow thought of it as her secret garden. The overgrown shrubbery created high walls and the wildflowers grew in random patches all over. Flowering vines grew up the broken stone fountain on one side and butterflies danced on the wind. For her it was paradise compared to her everyday life. It was the only safe place she had in the whole pack.
Being the neglected and despised daughter of the Alpha and Luna of the Blood Moon Pack was hard. Her parents cared nothing for her and showed it daily for as long as she could remember. They didn't even care about the wellbeing of their pack. Only for themselves. Their hatred towards her stemmed only from the fact that she was born a female instead of a male. Her fathers hatred towards her and need to become the most feared Alpha, although he was far from it, and her mothers excuse being she caused her mate to hate and loathe her losing his love. Katrina always made her feel as though what her father did to her was her fault and that she deserved everything that she received.
Looking up to the sky Willow watched as the sun and the clouds played hide and seek. She wished to be as carefree as they were and longed for that freedom. Her fathers last words started seeping into her thoughts and although she tried not to dwell on them, she found it next to impossible. His malicious laugh replaying in her head caused the hairs on her arms to stand on end. Closing her eyes, she counted down the hours until her 18th birthday. "Soon" she thought "soon. Only 24 more hours and I will be free!" Once she turned 18, she had the right to choose to stay or leave her pack. Her answer was easy, but the way out was not as she technically had to have her fathers permission first.
Looking back to the sky she waited patiently for the sun to set. Her father and what remained of the pack would soon be off on another reckless and stupid siege of another pack. Once he was gone, she would be safe to return to her room, where she knew Tilly would be waiting worried sick. Things would be so different if she was the Alpha or Luna of this pack. Sadly, she also knew those thoughts were meaningless. Her parents would see her dead before they let her take over. Her focus now should and will be how to get out of here alive.
Stepping into the role of Alpha was not easy for Christopher. He received his new title bearing great sadness and pride. His father had trained him well on how to lead the pack but at that very moment he wished he never had to remember all his teachings. He wished more than anything that his father was still here to walk this path beside him and to help guide him. His father commanded respect but also gave it. He was a fair, levelheaded leader that was loved by all and would do anything to ensure their safety ending with the loss of his life.
Looking out the window of his fathers, well now his new office, he was thinking back to when it all happened. The shift in leadership and demise of their beloved Alpha was felt by all. The exact moment his father lost his life his heart shattered, and power overwhelmed him. His world became black, and he couldn't remember much of what happened after besides what he had been told. Leo told him that he went on a rampage and took out any Blood Moon he encountered. Taking one down after another like they weighed nothing more than a feather. He was merciless and vile in his attacks and didn't stop until they retreated.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose he started to think back to the last real conversation he had with his father that day.
"Dad c'mon you don't need to go. We can handle the morons ourselves. Doc said you need to rest and let your wounds heal."
"Come now Christopher. Don't fret over me like a mother hen. Do you really think a few cuts and scrapes are going to slow me down son? Don't give me that look. I am fine. Its time those bastard blood moons learn their place in the order of things. And attacking my pack and family will not go unpunished."
"They are more than just cuts and scrapes dad and you know it. I know that you are healing fast but that last bite was exceptionally deep. Doc had to stich you up."
Holding up his hand to stop his son from talking he gently placed it on his shoulder and drew him in for a hug. "Son you worry too much. I am fine honestly. I am just ready for this sad excuse of an alpha to leave us alone and realize he will not and can't win. Even with his cheap shots and cheating ways. They need to learn who they are truly messing with."
Pulling back Chris gave his dad a half-hearted smile. He knew his father was tough but could not help the nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen. "I love you dad! If you're sure you are ready, then I will stand by you 100%. Let us show these dogs who they are truly messing with!"
"I love you to son. Let's get this over with. Athena has been baking all day and I can't wait to come home and see what goodies she has whipped up." Holding his hand out and motioning towards the door, "After you."
Snapping back to reality Christopher wiped a silent tear from his cheek. There were so many things he wished he had changed about that day but knew there was no going back. What was done was done and his father was gone. Every time that realization hit him his hatred for the Blood Moon Pack grew. He hated them all and couldn't wait to send them to the pits of hell for sending his father to an early grave. For hurting him and his pack in such a way that it would take a long time to heal. He swore that he would get revenge for his father and his pack no matter how long it took. Those bastards would pay if it were the last thing that he did.
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Hello Everyone! New readers and those who have read my book in the past. I have been working on editing it and I am going to start to upload each chapter as I finish them. I loved my book from the start but as I re-read what I have written I feel like I could beef it up some. Add more details in places. Retell certain things. So that is what I am doing.
I know you read this on every story but if you could please comment, like, and share it I would appreciate it. If you would like to help me by reading my edits before they are posted drop a comment on my wall or if you would like to read the original that was posted (Yes I have a copy of both) just let me know so you can compare.
Anyways enough chit-chat. What do you think of our Prelude (previously chapter 1)?
How do you think these 2 characters will come together?
Let me know your thoughts and feelings! Much love to all of you! Until next time.