Secrets Behind the Betrayal

Chapter 1

There's something abnormal about this world that not everyone understands. Be it something so tiny that it barely makes a difference or something so catastrophic that really gets your attention. Either way, it is out of the ordinary of our everyday routines. It makes us aware of all the boring parts of our lives and yearn for change. However, change makes us all uncomfortable. It's strange, really. Wanting things that make us uncomfortable. But maybe that's just the humanity in us.

However, our humanity is the reason for our flaws. That's what makes people interesting. If we were all the same with the same problems, life would be more boring than what we already experience. That boredom benefits us though. It allows us to experience those abnormalities when we would have ordinarily missed them. Most people would just brush it off as if nothing happened. However, there are a select few who would gladly accept these abnormalities and fit them into the everyday routine or get rid of it all together. Except, they can't always be gotten rid of so we may be forced to deal with the consequences of adding them into our everyday life. That is also the humanity in us.

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I throw my hair into a messy ponytail as I make my way down the stairs. The tantalizing smell coming from the kitchen makes my mouth water and I pick up the speed. Hopping off the last couple steps, I round the corner into the large dining room where many pack members are already gathered around the table, conversing and shoving food into their mouths with words of thanks to my mother who grins widely.

When she notices me, she raises her hand and beckons me to her. I hurry over to her and throw my arms around her shoulders, hugging her close. She pauses for a moment before wrapping her arms around me.

After a few long moments, she pulls away with a smile plastered on her face. "What was all that for, Zena?"

I shrug, rubbing the back of my neck in slight embarrassment as some of the pack members stare questioningly before whispering to each other. "I missed you and Father getting home last night. That and I was afraid you would miss my birthday tomorrow so I got a little excited when I saw you in here."

"You know I wouldn't miss your birthday for anything in the world. Not when this one is so important." She puts her hand on my shoulder for a moment before nudging me towards the long table holding the breakfast she prepared. "Now go get yourself a plate and eat something. Knowing you, you haven't eaten more than a few bites while I've been gone. You're too busy for your own good sometimes."

I smile and make my way over to the table, picking up a plate and grabbing a waffle, piling strawberries on top of it. I glance at the table where my brother sits chatting with the people around him. I hesitate, taking a small step towards the table before shaking my head slightly and making my way out back, sitting down the stairs of the porch. Sitting in silence, I slowly eat my food, watching the birds flit around in the trees at the back of the yard.

Staring at the trees, I feel my wolf getting restless within my body.

Just one more day, Rae. I murmur to her.

I feel her growl in agitation before disappearing in my subconscious.

I had just set my plate beside me when I feel a hand on my shoulder, making me jump. I look up to see my father, Alpha Gerard.

I smile up at him. "Hello, Father. How was your trip?"

He sits next to me, looking out at the trees. "It was good. Your mother and I spent some much needed time together in between business."

"That's great to hear. You two deserve more time away from your responsibilities. You work too hard."

He looks over at me and smiles. "That's part of being Alpha, unfortunately. Lots of responsibility in order to keep the pack safe and running smoothly. It will be much better once your brother takes over."