My Light in the Dark

Strike One

Damon's P.O.V

Ash.

It was the only thing that came to mind as I viewed what was left of the once prestigious manor. A place I often called home while growing up was burned beyond recognition. I looked at the plastic sheet covering the four unfortunate victims. Only one had been burned severely that it could not be identified. The fire department had ruled out foul play. The cause was an electrical fire due to an exposed wire. An emergency meeting was held to discuss a plan of retaliation.

"Explosives?" my mother questioned.

"Yes, ma'am," Alyx replied. Minutes ago she had been in a panic, but quickly switched into her commander role when ordered. "My group found small traces of explosive residue among the remains. Matthew led a second group to survey the surrounding area. That group found several scents that are similar to the wolves we are currently tracking."

"How the hell did rogues get past the vanguard?" The General barked.

"It might not just be a few rogues," my mother suggested calmly. "We could be looking at an organized attack. The rogues who have attacked in the past tend to attack along the border. Whoever planned this attack surveyed border patrols for days, located weak points, and snuck their way inside."

"Even if they aren't, we aren't dealing with the average rogue. Patrol should have caught them before they reached Mr. Grey's. Someone helped get rogues into our territory."

"This are strong accusations, General," I said, my voice low. Blaming others in times of panic often severed pack ties. "Where's your evidence?"

"The rogues would have to get through three divisions of patrol before reaching Mr. Grey, set up the bomb and get out without being noticed."

"The bomb could have acted as a diversion," my mother pointed out.

"We're missing the major point here. There are rogues in the area and we were attacked which could be a declaration of war. Alpha, I highly recommend that we strike back immediately."

"Let's not jump to conclusions, General. War has not been officially declared, and we can capture the offenders without starting one. Contacting the Council-."

The General slammed his fist on the table. "The Council won't do shit! They'll just sit on their asses and say that they are doing something to help us. By the time help shows up, our entire pack will be eradicated."

I contemplated what to do next. Striking back seemed like the reasonable thing to do after they attacked and murdered some of our pack members. However jumping head first into war would result in multiple unnecessary casualties.

"We aren't going to war," I said.

"Alpha, I have to disagree."

I cut the General off with a glare. "We are not going to war. As Alpha of this pack, I have to think of how to handle this situation that will minimizes the number of casualties. Instead we will tighten border control by adding more numbers and shifts. We will also ask for help from the Council."

"Alpha-."

"Do not interrupt me again, General," I warned. "The Council is in charge of rogue regulation. If this is an attack from a rogue pack, they need to be informed. I want the new shifts to be active by tomorrow. If there are no more questions, then this meeting is dismissed."

The room cleared quickly. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration.

"Sorry about my dad," Luke said, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "He goes a little overboard sometimes."

"Don't worry about it," I said shrugging. "He's just thinking of the pack just like everyone else. If you could just give me a minute."

He nodded and walked out leaving just me and my mom.

"You handled that well," she praised.

"Did I? We've never asked for the Council to intervene before. Does this make me weak?"

"Of course not. The strongest know their limits." She paused. "Have you spoken to Mr. Grey?"

"No."

"You should go see him. He may not look like it, but he's struggling. He feels responsible for everyone who lost their lives today."

I searched the house finally finding him in the parlour. He sat at the bar with a full glass and half empty whiskey bottle beside him.

"Evening, Damon. Care for a drink?"

"No thanks." I took a seat on the barstool next to him. "I'm sorry about your house."

He shrugged and took a swig from the glass. "The place was ancient. It was bound to burn down. It can easily be rebuilt, but I can't replace the lives that were lost. May the Goddess guide them to peace." He downed what was left of his glass. "Have they identified the burnt victim?"

I hesitated before answering. "Harriet Wilks."

He froze as he poured another glass. "Fate does not want to be kind to that woman."

"What do you mean?" Every time I saw Harriet she was happy and glowing with joy. The only time I ever saw her angry was when I knocked over a vase as a child. If she was burdened with years of sadness, she never showed it.

"You weren't born yet, but I'm sure you've heard of the rogue wars. They tend to happen every decade or so, but the war of 1995 was one of the bloodiest. For two years rogues waged war against us. Large packs were reduced to shocking numbers and others were wiped out completely. Have you heard of the Snow Warriors?"

I shook my head.

"Exactly. I watched our pack die, your father included. No one fights dirtier than rogues." He patted his calf. "Damn rogue nearly tore it off. I was being confined to an infirmary bed for who knew how long. That's were I met Harriet. The poor woman had lost her mate to cancer and her infant son to SIDS. She found a new mate and even tried to start a new family, but her mate died in the war. She miscarried a few days after hearing off her mate's death. She and many others sought shelter with our pack. Many of the the transfer wolves were assigned to the infirmary to help with the injured." He smiled slightly at the nostalgia moment. "She was spunky that one. I was stubborn as hell mind you. I thought my time was better spent helping rebuild the pack than in a bed all day. I remember one time when I actually tried to leave. She fussed out me out for a good hour." He chuckled at the memory. "The guys never let me live that down."

"Did you love her?" I asked.

"Maybe. I never really figured that out. Maybe I did love her, or maybe I just loved her company. Harriet told me she wanted to find love again, but she was afraid. She considered herself bad luck; that her mate was always going to die, and she was destined to be alone. Maybe she can finally find happiness."

He sighed, and for a second I thought I saw a broken man.

"Damon, take this attack as a warning. If the rogues want a war, you won't be able to save everyone."

"I know, but I sure as hell will try."

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