Alpha Vs. Beta

The new life

Markus is awakened by a soft voice and a hand on his hand.

Alice: "There, there. Your head is looking much better. No infections. He's looking good Estella."

Markus stirs and opens his eyes to see a strikingly beautiful young woman staring at him. He blinks a few times, thinking he's still dreaming.

Markus: Clearing his throat, "Umm... Hi there. And you are? another nurse?

Alice: "Hah! No, I'm not a nurse. I just help out sometimes here." She scratches her head gently in awkwardness, looking away with a closed eye smile.

Estella: "She's my mate's sister. And a talkative little thing." She gives no eye contact as she continues to look over medical papers.

Markus notices Alice's features. Short brown hair, blonde streaks, blue eyes, and freckles. She's bright like sunlight. She smells of flowers and spring rain. His cheeks turn red as she looks at him and stares. HE looks away embarrassed for staring so long.

Alice: Moving in closer to look at him, "You're still chained up?" Looking back over to Estella, "Why is he still chained? It's scarring him! Why can't we undo his restraints? He won't hurt anyone. Not in HIS condition."

Estella: "That's enough Alice." She says coldly. "He is not our guest nor part of our pack. He's there in his chains until he is to be released upon the Alpha's orders. End. Of. Discussion."

Alice pouts and furrows her brow.

Alice: "Dad is always being overprotective." Looking back at Markus with a disappointed look, "I know it seems harsh. I hope you get well soon, but not TOO soon, ya know?"

She gives him a wink and a smile. Markus is unsure about Alice. He can't tell if she's just immature or genuinely this bubbly of a person.

Markus: "Thanks, I think. You all have been kind enough to treat my wounds, feed and shelter me. I could never repay your generosity."

Alice: "Psshhh, you were half dead out there. I couldn't let Darian leave you out there like that."

Markus: "You were there too?" he says slightly curious.

Alice: "Oh yeah! I saw you pass out! Darian and I were out hunting. You looked so scared when Darian growled at you. It was kinda funny actually."

Markus: "Your brother was the grey wolf? He was terrifying." he shivers remembering the moment.

Alice: "He pretends to be such a badass, but I know, he's got a soft side." she gives him a wink and a small giggle.

Estella: "Are you quite done making him your new friend?" she says with annoyance finally looking up and over at the two of them.

Alice: "You're just cranky because of the pups inside you!"

Markus looks over at Estella surprised.

Markus: "I'm sorry, it's none of my business... but did you say 'pups'? As in..."

Alice: "Yup! She's having twins!" with a smile on her face.

Estella: "You're right, it isn't any of your business. And regarding your big fat mouth, Alice, get out of here and quit telling people my business!"

Alice: Looking back to Markus to speak softer, "See? She's a cranky pregnant lady."

Estella: "Now please? Before I fetch your brother." she says threatening her.

Alice: Rolls her eyes, "Okay FINE. I'm going." She gets off the floor near the cot and heads for the door. Giving one last lingering look at Markus before she closes the door behind her.

Markus: "She's very bubbly. Almost child-like."

Estella: "If you know what's good for you, don't tell her anything. She's not good at keeping secrets."

Markus: stays quiet for a moment until he can't resist the urge to ask, "Twins huh? Pretty rare for our kind."

Estella: "Yes I know. Not many make it through the birth, but as I said before... None of your business, 'traitor'."

Her use of the word made him feel numb. He knows that he didn't betray anyone and didn't deserve the pain that was inflicted upon him. Markus looks down at his scarred wrists and tries to put the past behind him for now. He needed a plan. Once he leaves here, where will he go? The anger inside him began to rise. He felt his heart beating faster and his ears got hot. He swallowed all of it after taking a deep and long breath. In an instant, it came to him. Everything he needed to accomplish to seek his vengeance. To honor Asha's sacrifice and get back at what his clan did. What his former Alpha had done. If he had to live for both of them, he would do anything within his power to do so. Markus opened his eyes with determination and looked over at Estella.

Markus: "If it's okay with your Alpha, as long as I am chained, may I at least step out and get fresh air? If he can consider it even slightly."

Estella: "I will mention it to him. But don't be surprised when he says NO."

Markus: "I will accept his decision."

Another day passes by before Alpha Allen comes to see Markus again. As he sits on the side of his cot, Allen approaches him. Alice and Darian are to his right and left. Alice of course beaming and Darian with his pinched face and solid jaw. He's discontented and Markus can see it.

Allen: "Stella tells me you wish to roam through the compound. I don't see why that's necessary in your condition. You've barely begun to heal properly. And I'm not fond of an outsider seeing how we live."

Alice: Gently leaning forward to speak, "Father, if he is to be watched, then what's the harm in it?"

Darian: "Know your place sister. It is for Father to decide."

Allen: Raising his hand to stop the two from bickering as siblings often do. "You will be allowed to walk out of the room and through a controlled area of the compound. Under guard and watch at all times. you report back to the medical office afterward. If you go missing or do anything that we disapprove of, you will be in a cell and not in the cot you've come to appreciate. Do you hear me?"

Markus: Nods in agreement. "Yes sir. I will honor your request. I thank you for letting me stretch my legs, even for a moment a day." he looks down at his wrists. "Is it too much to ask of your kindness, if my wrists were free? I won't shift. I just want to heal faster. I will be out of your hair much faster if that is allowed."

Allen: "You ask for a lot of trust from us when you show up with the mark of a traitor." He looks over to Darian for confirmation that he is telling the truth. He nods reluctantly. "Then it is settled. You will have your chain removed."

Darian leaves to tell one of his men to find a way to remove the chains from his wrists. Alice is trying her best not to shout with excitement. She smiles brightly at Markus as his chains get broken and his wrists are finally free. He rubs them holding back tears of joy. He felt his inner wolf again. He had been sleeping and frustrated. Alice bounced over to Markus and grabbed his arm.

Alice: "C'mon! Let's go eat! Our cooks here are the best!"

Markus is suddenly reminded of Asha when she said that to him the first day they met and became friends. He's brought back to reality when he's literally pulled by his arm and forcefully follows Alice out of the medical wing of the compound.