Better Half

CHAPTER 3

I woke up even before my alarm clock rang. I didn't sleep well last night so, I'll go for a run today.
After washing my face and gargling some mouthwash, I changed into my black jogging pants and gray shirt.
I opened my cabinet, took the black hooded windbreaker off the hanger and put it on. Mom brought it last week. She also brought a red one for Ember, of course. It's always been like that ever since she came into our lives. It seems like I have to share her half of everything I have...

I quietly left the house and jog my way to the back of the village where the road leads to the forest, my safe haven...

I jogged in normal human speed. The Westwood Village has rules for our own safety. It includes, 'No running in wolf speed' and 'No shifting around the village'. Unless it's a matter of life and death, of course. The CCTV's are monitored 24/7 by our security team.

I reached the entrance to the forest. The two guards salute before opening the gate for me. I nod to them before sprinting into the forest. It's still dark and a bit cold.

We have guards around our village and in the forest, guarding our borders for any possible attack. The cool thing about our pack is, we have a so-called Elite fighter team. They're not just high-ranked wolves that are good in MMA, they're also good in different weapons, can detonate bombs, hack websites and even drive different vehicles, whether it be planes or ships. They're like secret agents in real life. And the most important thing is, their identity is hidden to the pack. I only knew about it because I'm the alpha's son.

Each member of our pack starts their martial arts training the youngest possible age. It's not that bad since we are werewolves, we're not normal and so our strength.
I started training taekwondo at the age of seven. I even joined competition when I was in elementary. I won several times and I did it fair and square. Our pack's council is strict in implementing rules especially when it concerns human.
I started my elite training the day after I shifted, I'm just thirteen then. I have no choice because I am the next alpha.

I stopped for awhile and inhaled the fresh air. I closed my eyes and listen to the sound made by the forest wildlife. I smiled as I was able to identify insects, bats, birds and deers distinctively. This is how I trained my ears to identify something by just listening...

I opened my eyes and began trekking to my favorite spot, the cliff. It has a beautiful view of sunrise along the sea.

I reached the cliff and patiently waited for the sunrise. I watched the stars disappear one by one. It's not too long when red streaks of light painted the sky and reflected in the sea below.  I smiled as I watched the color changed from the shade of red, to orange until the darkness of the night disappeared completely and the sun shone brightly in the sky.

I know I should've photographed it but no. I'd rather enjoy the beautiful scenery in front of me than bother myself taking a perfect shot. Camera can never capture the feeling of happiness and peace you'll experience watching one of the Almighty Creator's masterpiece. And that is what I want to cherish...

“A new morning means a new hope, a new endeavor, a new struggle, but with the Lord by our side, it's a new day of goodness for His people.” That's what I learned from The Truth Caster I'm following on the social media.

I began walking back to the pack's village feeling energized. I smiled as I heard the chirping of the birds. I'm almost out of the forest when I felt the presence of other wolves.

Who will go to the forest this early aside from me?

It's not prohibited but I don't remember anyone else who loves morning run in the forest as I do.
We have a pack's gym in the center of the village. Usually our members just go there after running around. Archer and Knight does regularly.

I'm about to go to the other side of the forest to see who they are when I felt something familiar. I turned to see a red wolf leaped from the thick bushes. And like the first time, I froze in my spot...

Its lustrous fur is really beautiful...

Was it the same red wolf I saw four years ago? I wondered.

I watched it gracefully run to the thick woods. Disappearing in just a seconds.

As if by instinct, I run after it. I'm not really sure what's the wolf gender but it think, it's a feminine. But better be sure.

How could it be possible that there's a red wolf in our territory? If there's really one in our pack, I should've known about it.

I stopped in the middle of the oak trees. I can't smell its scent anymore.

How could it be that swift?

The Red Wolf Kingdom is the smallest kingdom in the Werewolves World. According to the history books, they're the purest because they don't breed with other kingdom. Some said, each one of them is born with a special skills. The known strongest kingdom is the White Wolf Kingdom, they heal faster and they have the healing gifts. The Black Wolf Kingdom is considered the wealthiest kingdom, owning a lot of businesses and private properties. Our pack is a descendant of the Gray Wolf Kingdom, the largest kingdom. Well, we're famous in the human world. Most of our members are active in politics, entertainment world and sports.

I shook my head and started my way out of the forest.

My brows arched when I saw Sav from the distance, running back to the village.

“Did Sav went to the forest? I thought it's her I just saw running home.” I asked.

“Right, Zed." Shawn, the guard with brown complexion. His face is kinda hard to read. He resemble those body guards you see on the movies.

“Why are you letting her go to the forest alone?”

“Alpha allowed her since she's currently the strongest woman in our pack.” Lance, the fair one. His face is emotionless. Sometimes I think he's a vampire than wolf.

“Did someone else went to the forest aside from us?”

“No other...”

“Alright. Keep up the good work.”

I went home thinking deeply again.

Was it possible that Sav is a red wolf?

Based from the facts I know, Delta Samson and Aunt Vienna are both gray wolves. If her parents are both gray wolves, it's impossible for her to be a red wolf. Unless...

Is she adopted?!

Then I realized, I haven't seen her in her wolf form. I smiled broadly...

“You look happier, son...” My mother, Luna Jemima, noticed as we're eating breakfast together.

“It's just the sunrise and the forest, Mom.” Not a lie, just half truth.

“Well, it's good to see you smiling more often. You've been very busy, lately.”

We heard the front door opened.

“Hey, Ember, it's time for breakfast. Come here and join us.” Mom said knowing she'll hear it.

“Yes, Mom. I'll just change clothes, I jogged.”

I stopped from chewing. Mom looked at me suspiciously...
An idea came into my mind. I will talk to Ember and ask her help with Sav...