More Than An Alpha

Deadly Plan

The day passed in a blur as we accommodated our new guests, there were curious glances shot our way as I guided Cordelia around the territory. She'd decided that a one on one chat would do us some good. I was, after all, descended from her, the woman who started it all. The woman who chose love and produced something so wonderful that the other witches were afraid.

Cordelia had explained that it was fear and jealousy that drove them, not the true belief that I shouldn't exist. The Witches of Old couldn't produce their own heirs, there was no rational explanation why. Just that one day, at some point they stopped being able to procreate with warlocks or with humans. So to have a wolf who had the physical capabilities that were beyond them and the magical abilities that could raze lands was not acceptable. It had to be destroyed.

When I asked why we'd been allowed to be on the run for so long and not fight back she answered with one terrifying response. They didn't have the magic or the numbers to fight. The Witches of the North were few and spread too wide, their coven dying out to the western culture and beliefs. Or some just didn't wish to live that long, not after watching all their loved ones die of old age or worse, persecution.

Coredlia explained that it was James' last wish that she protect his line, protect his children and their children's children for as long as she could. Until she found a way to defeat the Witches of Old. She was tired herself, travelling the world to find more witches like her to join her coven, to put their magic in one huge pool they could all sciphen from.

I liked her, I didn't know if it was because I could see myself in her and her tragic life or if it was her optimism. She carried herself in a way I wished I could but I was too broken at this point.

"Can I ask you something?" I said, pausing under a canopy.

"You already did," she responded with a small smile.

I rolled my eyes but smiled back, "What would you do in my situation? With Osckar I mean."

I held my breath as I waited for her response.

"He is still young, not fully into himself yet." She said slowly, "I don't think he knows what he wants or where he's going in life. I think that you should do what feels right. That mate bond will never go away, so take your time. Just know that even if you look somewhere else for love you won't find it. Neither will he."

I swallowed deeply and nodded once.

When we got back to the packhouse people were not subtle in shooting Cordelia dirty looks as she walked past. I growled at each person until all their eyes were downcast as we walked to the porch. I knew there wouldn't be an open arm reception for them but to be this rude in front of our guests was unacceptable. Especially when they were guests that would help us win.

"Sorry about them," I said quietly hoping their distrust in her did not sway her decision to help.

Cordelia waved her hand in dismissal, "I'm used to it. Is there a room I could use? I think it's time I prepared for what's ahead of us."

"Of course," I answered quickly, leading her into the house and poking my head into each room until I found one that was empty.

"You could set yourself up here," I said gesturing to the dining room, "I'll make sure you're not desturbed."

Cordelia inclined her head.

I left her to it and walked up to my room, needing some time to myself to think. I realised I'd been needing a lot of time to myself lately. I didn't always need so much. Time was a funny thing, a person could change in a heartbeat their desires and needs shifting with every decision made.