The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ZADOK

I watched the people enjoy the comfort that my wolf blasted into the air. It was one of the best feelings in the world.

The atmosphere changed and long after Kir retreated from the forefront of my being, his presence was felt among us.

I cleared my throat and began my speech when they settled down. “For the past three years, I have failed you.” I started, and they kicked against it.

“No, Alpha!” One of the werewolves spoke to my surprise, “We failed you! We failed to understand what pain you were going through and stand with you through it all.”

Choruses of yes filled the air, hindering me from talking. When Azriel noticed the situation, he silenced the people, and the peace returned.

“I know I have failed at performing my duties as you Alpha in the past three years.” I started. “There are no excuses for my selfish, wicked and terrible acts towards you.” I looked around my people and swallowed the pain that I felt. “For the longest time, I believed I was the only one hurting. And for the selfish reason of refusing to accept the death of my mate, I sent your mates, and warriors on a terrible journey to the dark forest. Killing and endangering their lives for no just cause.”

I bowed my head. “For this, I am eternally sorry.”

There was silence. Just silence. I took it as a queue to continue.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“In these few years, not only was I a killer to my people, but I relegated my duty as alpha, placing all the responsibilities on my beta, and continually putting him in situations where he has to be the one in front to face your fury, and pain.”

“I was reprobate to your cries, needs and pain. I violently shut everyone out, too consumed in my pain to care about that of others, including my wolf, Kir.” My lips shook as I tendered the apology. “For this and the many others I have failed to list, for three years of darkness in the BloodHound pack, singlehandedly championed by me, I am truly, and deeply sorry. I promise to turn a new leaf and do better in the future.”

I bowed my head, feeling shame course through me. I didn’t deserve to be their alpha – especially not after what I’ve done.

“You are more than deserving to be our Alpha.” That was Azriel. He held my shoulder strongly, and I realised my thoughts weren’t privy to me.

The entire pack had heard the thoughts that ran through my head, and most likely felt my emotions like I did theirs.

“For three years, we have been mourning the demise of our Luna, whom we treated with scorn and hate during her short time with us. If she could sacrifice her life to save ours, three years is not enough for us to mourn the gem you have lost. Even if it takes forever, we will gladly go through it, because we owe her our lives and nothing is too much a sacrifice for our Luna.”

I saw my people stand in solidarity with Azriel, and I was shocked by the power of their love and respect towards not just me, but my mate.

How on earth did I land such good fortune?

“If you are done with your drama, assure the people, there will be a change moving forward, Human.” Kir breathed in my mind and the tears I fought to keep hidden spilled down my cheeks.

“I didn’t think you would talk to me ever again,” I said to him, sobbing.

“As much as I’d love to do that, It’s hard seeing we are more or less the same person.” He reminded in a light tone. “Ignoring you is the same as ignoring myself, human. No matter how much I hate it, that’s the truth.”

I nodded my head, smiling through the tears. That’s the truth.

I raised my head, unashamed of my tears, and spoke the words without a sense of doubt. “I promise to be better. To serve you better and bring back the glory we are known for.”

Pleased with my words, the crowd roared in cheers, filled with faith in me. With the howls of joy that proceeded from the bloodhound pack, I felt strength come into my body and let out a powerful howl backed up by the howls of the pack members.

It was then I saw it. The break in the clouds. A sign of a new era, and a new beginning of the Blood Hound pack. One I was ready to build using every drop of my blood.

******

Dinner was a celebration of a new bloodhound pack.

After our little community meeting in the early hours of the day, I declared the evening a feast with my people, celebrating the new dawn and fresh start of the Blood Hound pack.

Although we weren’t as much as we used to be, it was still a joyous and successful event. I watched my people eat, dance and chat to their heart’s content. It was a beautiful sight to see.

“Here you go,” Azriel poured me a drink and I took it. “The people are happy to have you back. You should make a toast.” He suggested.

I nodded my head and noticed he was missing a glass. “Where is your drink?”

“I can’t drink. I am on duty tonight.” He answered with a shrug.

My head tilted to the side, “Last time I checked, you assigned people to guard the territory, and oversee them.” I said, “One glass won’t kill you.”

Azriel shook his head, “The last time I got distracted, you were missing the next morning.” He tapped my shoulder. “Enjoy yourself while I do my job.” He said and without waiting for another word, walked away.

My eyes remained on him till he was out of sight. I could tell he carried much burden – More so since I returned. There was more to Azriel than meets the eye and I was determined to find out what went wrong while I was away.

I got up and naturally, their eyes drifted towards me. I raised my glass. “To a new beginning!”

The people raised their glasses, “To a new beginning!”