Let's go

"There's no one around, Alpha," a shaggy-haired youth bowed to Father. He continued, "There were signs of a scuffle... but that was it, no blood or body in sight." He looked up at me with a frown. Did he think I was lying? Or crazy? I know some pack members have been whispering about my behavior since Aria went missing; a few even suspect I helped her escape! I growled at his impudence. "Take that gaze from me, or I'll make you eat your eyes." The young guard shivered and bent his head. Beside me, Garsam scoffed. I knew he was making fun of me. I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white, then turned to Father. "You have to believe me. I fought two men here; they were abnormally strong, and one of them smelled to high heaven like the walking dead!" I pointed at Garsam, who remained silent even though people were questioning my sanity. "He killed both of them, even worse than when he fought the feral. He basically tore them to shreds!" Father turned a somber yet inquiring gaze to Garsam. Garsam smirked, his tone sarcastic yet relaxed. "You don't believe your son, will you believe me, hmm?" That's true, I turned to Father. He didn't believe me. Did he also think my mate leaving was driving me crazy? I was yet to reject her, as he had repeatedly suggested, so her absence did have some effect on me, but I am far from losing my rationality. "I do believe my son," Father's tone was clipped. "Oh," the heir tilted his head. "Is that so?" It wasn't a question, just a statement. Garsam yawned before Father could reply. "It's late. I have to sleep," Garsam turned around and walked away. "And yes, I did kill the men who beat up your son," he waved without turning back. *** "No!" "Dad!" "Alpha!" Father glared at me. "I am speaking as your Alpha, and I will not be disobeyed!" A force, warm but pressing, had me lowering my head. I can't believe he used the aura of an Alpha on me. And why? Because I want to find my mate. "I will not have you leaving the safety of the pack to run after a little witch!" "She is my mate!" I snapped. "Not while I'm still alive." My eyes widened in shock. "Dad!" How could he say that? Father shut his eyes with a sigh. He took off his reading glasses and rubbed his temple. And once again, I was hit with the realization of how old he was getting. He had lost his spirit and youthful glow. But it was not just old age; his work and duties as Alpha were draining him. I wish he would just let me help! "I am doing this not just for your good, but also for the good of the pack. I cannot—will not have it break apart in your hand," he said. His decision was final, his mind will not be changed. But I refuse to give up. I can't hide behind him forever. "I felt her pain today," I began. "She is hurt, maybe even dying, and I... I am not there to help her." I took a deep breath. I didn't want to, but it looks like I'll have to open up old wounds. "You regretted not being there for Mother. Don't make me live like that as well." 'I'm sorry,' my heart whispered when I saw the flash of pain in Father's eyes. About him, a dark shade of blue surged, a shade I knew all too well. Grief. My heart tightened. I stood in silence as he struggled to control his emotions. When the color had faded to an almost transparent form, he spoke again. "You refuse to reject her." He knows I won't. "If anything happens to her, you will lose me." I cringed a bit; I didn't mean to make it sound like a threat. "You will reject her," he continued as if he didn't hear me, but I know he did from the slight spark of red aura around him. "There will be a rejection ceremony tomorrow." I wasn't expecting that. He doesn't mean to... "I am your Alpha," he turned to look me dead in the eye. "You will reject her if I tell you to!" *** I didn't need much. I took a can of scent concealer and a decorative dagger that my mom had given me two birthdays before she died. I stared at the gold hilt. I knew she would be sad that I was leaving Father, but she would support me in fighting for my mate... she was a hopeless romantic. I chuckled when I remembered her many dreamy sighs as she binged several Harlequin novels. I tucked the dagger into my backpack. Aside from a few packets of beef jerky and a bottle of water, I didn't take any other food. I can always hunt for prey, and I'm sure it should be easy enough to find a stream on my way. Last but not least, I took out a small brown ring box from a hidden space in my bed. The contraption gave a slight click as it shut the secret opening. I opened the box to reveal a tiny ball, the size of a teardrop. It glowed faintly in the dark. I wasn't fooled, though. In the right hands, this tiny thing could summon great power... but only in the right hands, and those hands aren't mine. I shut the box with a snap and tossed it into my backpack. I looked around my tidy room. It felt so hotel-like, as if no one had truly lived here. I exhaled. But I will miss it. I walked to the window and slid out. I landed with an inaudible thump. I felt like a thief sneaking off in the night. I held my breath and leaned against the wall when I heard movement. Two guards walked past my hiding spot. "...crazy," I heard one of them mutter. "He's our future Alpha," the other scolded. "So? I'll change my pack." "Hehe, good luck." I strained to continue listening, but they were gone. I straightened and turned. "You're leaving." My heart dropped. That voice. I looked to the side. Like a demon, he emerged out of the darkness. With a smile, he looked me over. "My prince," I ground out through clenched teeth. Why the hell was he everywhere? Will I have to give up on escape? "Wolf pup," he called out. "Where are you going?" If I had a bit more confidence, I would want to whack him upside the head. "To get something." His eyes narrowed. "Bzzt, wrong answer. Try again; you have only one chance left." My jaw ticked. "I am going to find my mate." "Better," he smirked. "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" He walked away. That's it? He wasn't going to report me? I made to ask him exactly that when he turned to me. "Well, come along, pup. Do you want to get caught?" He snapped his fingers and turned with a flourish. "Let's go"