Alpha's Offspring

Chapter 21

My eyes fluttered open to a new day. A dreary one at that. Rain was pouring down and my coat was drenched. I groaned and rose to my feet, my muscles tense from the cold.

I would've shaken myself off, but that wouldn't do much since we were outside and rain was still pouring down. I'd have to go looking like a drowned rat for the day. I realized I hadn't had my wound checked out from the previous day.

It wouldn't matter anymore. Besides, there was no time. The Blood Moon shown through the clouds against the sun. When the sun touched the horizon, the world would be at war. Wolves all over would be fighting hell hounds to protect the world as we know it.

I seen Zoran speaking to a group of wolves. I walked up to them.

"Melody, you'll lead the last group. When the hounds attack, keep tabs on all your wolves. We want as less casualties as we can manage."

"Zoran?" I asked. "What are you doing?"

"Organizing the leaders for tonight."

"I thought we were doing that together?"

Zoran smiled a little. Water dripped off of his ears, which were folded down. "You needed rest. Besides, we discussed this a few days ago. I haven't made any changes."

"Oh." I said softly. "I guess I forgot."

"It's alright, love."

"Dimitri?" I asked, a tint of hope in my voice.

He nodded.

I sprung onto my mate, licking every inch of his face. "I missed you so much."

Dimitri laughed. "Careful, Alima. Don't waste your energy."

"Right, sorry."

Melody cleared her throat. "We get to choose our wolves for our parties right?"

I nodded. "Of course."

Melody yipped with excitement and bounded off along with the other wolves.

"So," I started to ask, "how long before Zoran takes over?"

"He won't be back until the hounds attack." Dimitri smiled. "He wanted me to have some time with you before the battle. I know we're ready." He sprung up with his head lowered in a playful stance. "We can so do this!"

I laughed a little. "If you say so."

"Don't doubt yourself, or your abilities." He spoke softly.

"It's not that I don't doubt myself. I don't know what Hex and Theo are capable of."

Dimitri sighed. "Try not to worry, okay? There's not much more we can do."

I looked up as the rain began to ease. "I'm gunna go check on Clem." I left without another word.

Clem was with Ignasio as usual. He'd been guarding her since the attack.

"Hey." I said softly.

Clem erupted. "Alima!" Her little body bounded forward and crashed into mine. "I know we can win this!"

"Be careful." Ignasio warned. "Don't hurt yourself."

"I'm fine, Ignasio." Clem stated. "You don't have to baby me."

"I'll baby you all I want to." Ignasio smirked as he took Clem's scruff between his teeth and pulled her close so their noses touched. "I'll baby you, because you're my baby."

Clem giggled and her ears flattened with embarrassment.

I cleared my throat. "So, Ignasio, is everyone prepared?"

Ignasio turned his head to look at me. "Of course. If they weren't I wouldn't be spending all of my time with my mate. Besides, you asked me this yesterday. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"It's alright if you're scared." He said with a smile.

With that, my whole pack began to form one by one.

Nico nudged my shoulder with his nose. "We'll do our best, alpha."

Zara looked at me sadly and whispered softly in my ear, "If it's Dimitri you're worried about, don't be. I've seen him training. His powers are strong. He'll be okay."

I nodded to Zara, sending a silent message of thanks.

Deven never spoke a word. However, his tail wagged every which way.

I laughed at his seemingly innocent antics. He was far from innocent.

Nia licked my ear in an attempt to soothe me.

The only one missing from our little meeting was Dimitri.

I sighed. "Thank you. I promise I will do my best to save the packs. We won't be defeated."

A long, slow howl rang out. Everyone soon joined in. I knew that howl, but it was unfamiliar.

Zoran was howling in my mates body.

As the echoes from the howls died down, he began to speak.

"Tonight or at dawn we will be attacked. I am very pleased to say that we as a whole stand a chance against the hounds. In fact, I will be surprised if we lose. I have faith in every single one of you. The leaders of the parties were chosen for a reason. If you are one of those wolves, do not doubt why you were chosen.

"My mate, Alima, and I will lead us into the war. I won't lie. Some of you may die, but with our medical supplies and wolves who are highly skilled at what they do, I'm sure the casualty rate will be slim to none. Just remember who we are. We are the wolves, and we will not be beaten by some scrawny mutts. The world rests on our shoulders. Good luck to each and every one of you, and I hope to see you all when the war is over."

And with that, he slipped away without another word. I knew I wouldn't be seeing him anytime soon. The next time I would see any trace of him would be in the war. I also knew I hadn't practiced my powers much, however, I knew I would be alright without them. My telekinesis offered me the most protection. I could go on the defensive and the offensive with it. My other skills were an easy attack system.

It's strange to know that this very battle is what I was born to do. This whole battle rested on my shoulders along with my mate's. Even though it isn't my mate. I looked around. All the wolves in this pack were ready. All the groups were prepared and going over last minute details.

My pack brought me back to them. Small gestures were being exchanged as we said goodbyes for awhile. With hopes high that this wouldn't be the last time we would see one another, we let out a long slow howl.

Eventually, all wolves joined in the battle cry.

The sun was in the middle of the sky. As it began its descent to caress the horizon, we waited anxiously. The moon grew brighter with every passing minute.

An eerie red glow filled the darkness as the sun dissapeared. There was no sound, only silence. The breeze made the trees whisper softly and offered comfort to all the wolves it touched.

Soon, a horrific screech filled the night. I looked towards the sound and my fur bristled. Before us, hell hounds surrounded our camp. On a stump at the top of the hill, which was feet away from me, was Theo. His teeth glistened as he bared them. Hex was at his side. She made no sign of caring at all.

The wolves and hounds stared at each other, both sides ready to attack.

All at once, I gave out the cry. Bodies collided and blood was spilled.

I turned to see a hound leaping for me. I crouched down. The only thing I could do for the packs at this point was trust that they had been trained enough. My muscles rippled as I sprung to intercept the hound.

The Great War had begun.