The Fenrir Saga - Part I

Chapter 7

--- Henry ---

We were ten, and they were two, but there was no doubt who had the upper hand. Alpha King Prospect Ben Connors oozed power, and his beta was... equally intimidating. I cast my eyes down in what officially was a respectful submission, but the truth was that this alpha's mere presence almost demanded it. I felt my father's struggle, but even he was eventually subdued by the power in front of him, and the alpha hadn't even said a word yet. Instead, his beta spoke.

"Alpha Neron Johnson. You and your entourage are most welcome to the Prospect Pack territory. What brings you here today?"

He said entourage almost mockingly as if they knew my father had only brought our pack members here to level the power. We all now learned that my father's attempt had failed miserably.

"Beta Zac, Alpha King Prospect Connors. Let me introduce my son, Henry," my father nodded toward me and gestured for me to sit on the chair next to him.

They both looked at me and nodded.

"Beta Zac, Alpha King Prospect Connors. It's an honour to meet you," I knew my choice of word would annoy my father, but it was true. 

"Please sit down. All of you."

A mocking tone again, and as much as I tried, I couldn't entirely suppress a smile this time. Fortunately, I didn't think anyone saw it. As the pleasantries continued with the offer of coffee, snacks, and small talk about pack dealings, I studied the men on the other side of the table.

Both were tall and muscular, as per protocol. Beta Zac had quite unusual blonde hair and blue eyes for werewolves. Something unruly and edgy was around him, a looming presence of his wolf pacing restlessly in the back of his mind—or rather, in the front of his mind. His friendly face suggested otherwise, but having to choose any of them as an opponent, I think I would've fared better against his alpha than him.

Alpha Connors had a very different appearance. His darker hair was combed to the side, and where Beta Zac had a couple of days stubble, Ben Connors had a full beard. His eyes were dark, and his intelligent gaze was hard to face. If his beta was all friendliness, Ben Connors was like a statue. No emotions at all. Due to the nature of our visit, I was somehow grateful for this lack of feelings. There could be no bad ones if there were no good ones.

I was wrong.

My father had delivered the message from the discussions, and a deafening silence ensued. Finally, Alpha Connors spoke.

"Oh. So you think I am unfit to rule?"

My father had the decency to at least hesitate when he answered.

"My Alpha, this is certainly not my personal wish, but the question has been raised, and I felt it my duty as your closest neigh -"

"I am sure you did. Now, pray tell me. How has this 'unfitness' expressed itself? Do you feel unprotected against the other Prospects? Enlighten me, please."

By now, I was sure my father had realised that being the messenger had not worked in his favour. Discussing rumours about the Alpha King Prospect's love life, or lack thereof, was probably not something he now wanted to venture into, as "you can't find your mate, you are probably cursed" just didn't have a serious ring to it. My father still looked undefeated, though, and answered promptly:

"Well, rogues."

An ever-so-slight movement by Beta Zac told me something had struck home.

"What of rogues? There are no rogue problems here," Alpha Connors replied, not without hiding the irritation in his voice.