Alpha Running Rogue

13. Choice

Arabella's POV

When we think of an alpha, he is strong.

He is intelligent.

He is a leader.

He is powerful, and righteous, and courageous and selfless and protective of his pack.

He is a Him.

Always He. He. He. Always him. but never She.

Never She.

Never Her.

I can't see why the female gender was deemed less capable to those of the male specimen. We are just as strong and just as clever, but what made us different was our ability to bear young. 

If blood spilt and swirled between us, how do we tell who's blood belonged to who?

I watch small droplets of rain race down the window of Matthew's office as my mind begins to process the war Elliot had started against the North West witch. 

Blood will be spilt. 

But it won't be mine.

Seconds of silence hung in humidity as the ticks of an old analog clock passed the time.

"Arabella? What's wrong?"

Tick.

"Arabella?"

Tock.

~Brrrrrrrrrrriiiiiinggggggggggggggggg~

I snap out of my trance to focus on a cussing Matthew fumbling the phone to put it on speaker once more.

A haunting voice rings in my ears, and such a soothing voice at that. One that dripped like liquid honey and brought back the memories of a once happy lifetime.

~Flashback~

The winds whispered broken promises as diamonds glint on rocking waves. She had a mind too old for a body so young but the boy beside her would never grow old. He would never experience the alienation she felt on a daily basis even though she was in the company of so many others. 

Everyone around her was fake, they all respected her as the future leader but never understood her. They never even tried and she knew deep down, that they wished that her younger, less experience, but more extroverted brother would take the lead. She knew that they thought a female would never be able to keep the pack together, but they will be proven wrong. 

They  did not have the right to judge, when her capabilities exceeded each and every one of the student in her school. Whether it was fighting, or studying, she was doubtlessly the best. Not because of the social class she was born in, not because of the power of her parents, not because she was born rich. She was the best because she worked so hard that migraines were frequent and nosebleeds were easily dismissed.

The young girl squealed as Elliot chased her along the scorching white sand towards an endless ocean. She tripped, and fell into the ice cold water,  just as she looked back to see if he was still running after her. Moments later, the boy splashed in, spraying water into her eyes. That was not fun and with her temper getting the best of her, she shifted and shook off the water back at him. Both wolves playfully fell into a water fight before leaping over rolling waves. 

She spun onto her back and let the waves lift her. There was a sense of calm as the twilight neared whilst she let the tides keep her afloat.

"Arabella! Elliot! Come back! It's time to go." Her mother yelled from ashore. They both wanted to stay and did not like the prospect of leaving, but the skies had begun to dip into darkness and they could not stay any longer.

~Flashback ends~

"It's Alpha Elliot, I would like to speak to Alpha Matthew." Elliots voice cackled through the phone.

"You're speaking to him what can I help you with."

"As you already know, we would like your alliance to fight against the North west witch. I am willing to pay any price for your side Alpha. I'm well aware of that you are one of the strongest and still on neutral ground."

"What is your offer?" My breathing stills as I watch Matthew consider his proposal.

"The daughter of my beta. I hear you are still in search of a Luna."

"What a hefty price! How did you manage to anger a witch? One would think you were too careless." Matthew narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"Have you heard of the moonstone Alpha?"

"The stone that gives you the power to bring a person back to life? Why would you need that?"

"Yes, the moon deity gifted the wolves with a moonstone to not only resurrect, but to allow the one who possesses it to control the desired deceased. 5 years ago, the witch stole it from us and ran into hiding. I'm afraid she's controlling the dead with that stone. The resurrections have already begun. Graves are becoming empty holes as past wolves are awakening. I have searched for her long and hard to finally catch her, but nothing comes without a price with a witch. I was offered a choice but both are difficult to give."

"What choice?"

"The North west witch was willing to give me the stone in exchange for either. One: My entire pack and Two: Arabella." 

My nails draw spots of blood as they dig into the palms of my hand. I watch Matthew take in a slow breath and let it back out in a rush.

Inhale.

Exhale.

 "Arabella?" He stares straight at me. My heart pounds wildly in my chest.

"I forgot to mention my sister. She left us a few years ago and have never returned. Oh, My poor sister. That girl is so clever that she would be able to solve any problem. If only she was here, I miss her dearly. I'm so worried for her. I know she's still out there because the witch wouldn't ask for a little dead girl. If she requested for Arabella, she is still alive and out there in the woods. This is confidential, but I need your alliance. I hope this remains private between us as a sealed deal."

"I need time to think."

"I'm afraid I need an answer soon. Time is limited in war."

"I'll let you know within 24 hours but there is one more thing I want answered."

"What is it?"

"What will you give for the moonstone? To stop this war."

"That's easy. Arabella. It'll be hard but I will find her. No matter what."

Matthew roughly slammed the phone down with his chest rising and falling with each breath.

Inhale.

Exhale.