Love Thy Shadow, Satan (LTSS) [#Wattys2018]

HIDDEN CHAPTER #2: Josiah's POV

His 18th Birthday...

I woke up bright and early to meet my father, The Sleeping Alpha Johndoe White.

Don't let the name fool you. No matter how cheerful and friendly he is, he's not one to drop your defences in front of - he's known for his radical tactics in the battlefield.

Although not regular, my father has the tendency to flip like a switch between himself and his wolf, Guilla.

Guilla is a sharp, tactical and strong-headed Alpha wolf who loves nothing more than to torment the individuals who awaken him from his much-loved slumber. I get my white fur from him, as I hope my children will be lucky to inherit someday.

White fur is the symbol of purity and power in my pack - however, beliefs in this vary between packs. For some, it's symbolic for a Bringer of Death. Can't for the life of me understand why.

"Son! I'm glad you're awake - I was just about to wake you. Happy Birthday, Jo." He came in for a hug, trying but failing not to crush me in the process.

Why does he always take bear-hugging to whole new level? Was the one thing going through my mind as my bones fractured and re-healed in his powerful hold. Ouch...

"Thanks, dad. Can't wait to get the party started though." I don't bother to try to tone down the 100-watt smile currently lighting my face.

My dads eyes shine with understanding. "I'll most likely meet my mate today," I say, before remembering, "- if she's part of my pack, that is."

He laughed with rough amusement as he landed a heavy hand on my back, winding me for a second before I gained my usual composure. "Can't wait to do the deed, can you Jo?"

He just loves to test us, doesn't he? Haze, my wolf, muttered from the depths of my sub-conscience. Puts a little more push into that form hit of his, whenever he uses it.

Don't I know it. Was all I could rhetorically answer with, stretching out my words as I did the same to my stiffened back.

"Dad... No." I said nothing more to defend myself - not that I could. Celibacy is practiced in our lineage, and I can't say I'm not excited at the prospect of coming out of mine. Keeping ourselves only for our mates ensures we do not produce any children out of mate-lock, keeping our children's blood pure and at its most fertile.

Bastard Alpha-pups are almost always born sterile - if not, the pups are abnormally weak in the womb, so have a higher chance of dying through a miscarriage. However, there is always a chance a lucky few will survive.

I'm just glad I've never given myself the chance to be put in that position.

Popping my knuckles, I flexed my neck as I expertly work the frustrating knots.

I got down into the kitchen and grabbed an apple out the fruit stand, biting down with a healthy crunch as I spun round to hug the plump woman at the sink.

"Hey ma! How you doin' m-" she grabbed hold of my ear before I could finish singing my new set of favourite lyrics to my oh-so-awesome mother.

"Josiah Lucas White!" She boomed, "What have I told you about listening to too much of that human rip-rap songs rubbish?!"