Alpha and Omega

Chapter 9: A True Love

Vi's new life was about to begin. The next train shot through the Valley, and the red wolf could feel the wind and spot the telltale plume of smoke whizzing through the trees. The golf birds flew next to her, a few feet above her head. They had helped Vi time her run, so she could catch the next train. Neither the birds nor the wolf knew where the train led to, but Vi did not care. If Caitlyn could not be a part of her adventures, she would make her own adventures and go to a place where an Omega might be treated fairly. Perhaps she need not be an Omega. Vi could be a lone wolf riding to the edge of the world. She would finally get the golden experience of a lifetime that she always dreamed of, an experience more thrilling than any log down a slope. For a long time, Vi thought Caitlyn was the wolf embodiment of that experience, but she now realized that was a mistake. An Alpha such as her could never love her.

"Do you think I can make it?" the wolf asked the birds.

"Yes, sir, and just as you hit the tracks, you should see an open train car," Paddy informed.

"Well, avoid truck stops, bears, and that hideous dessert," Marcel recommended. "What is it called?"

"Cupcakes, sir," the duck reminded.

"Uh, yes, cupcakes. Ugh."

"I will," said Vi. "Thanks, guys." The birds then flew in their own direction, leaving Vi for the final time.

"You know, you shouldn't be so judgmental about cupcakes," said Paddy. "They really are quite delicious."

"I wouldn't know," said the goose.

The red wolf raced to the open car that was now in view. She had to time her jump perfectly in order to get inside. She entered a clearing where the tracks curved. When she got within twenty-five yards of the train, a flash of light occurred in the open car. In the flash, she saw herself and Caitlyn in their howling postures just like the previous night. Her heart quickened, and she slowed down considerably. The memory of the last train ride overwhelmed her. But that had been last night. Things were different now. She shook her head and refocused. After Caitlyn committed to marrying Jayce, she concluded that she had to restart her life. Without the she-wolf she cared so deeply for, Jasper Pack would only remind Vi of the crushing pain. She had to start anew. She regained her original speed and jumped, leaving behind the only home she ever had—and the only love she ever had.

Meanwhile...

Caitlyn and Jayce arrived at the Ceremonial Valley. The other Eastern and Western wolves took their formal positions around the Speaking Rock which had a pleasing array of flowers surrounding it. As part of the tradition for unifying packs, the pack leaders were required to sit next to each other. Tony moved to the Western side and exchanged nods with Winston. Next, he sat between Hutch and Cassandra. Caitlyn and Jayce stood on the Speaking Rock with their chests broadened, but neither exuded confidence beyond that.

"So... Are you ready?" Jayce asked nervously.

"Yes," Caitlyn answered firmly.

"Good," he replied. Jayce could tell that Caitlyn was at least a little saddened, but he could not think about Caitlyn when her sister was behind her. Mel saw nothing but the ground. The Omega was as visibly depressed as she could be. The lock of hair had been pushed back over her left eye.

"Are you okay?" asked Caitlyn, bringing his attention back to her. She wondered what he was staring at over her shoulder.

Heh, heh, heh! You bet! No problems on this end. Ready to go, go, go." He stretched his back and saw his father make a paw gesture through Kate's legs. Tony moved his forepaw in a circular motion to tell Jayce to quickly wrap things up. The red wolf finished stretching and looked back at Caitlyn. "So, you want to start this thing or me?"