Shattered

15

"It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit."

by J.R.R Tolkien

Haleiwa, Hawaii

"We don't have a choice, you stupid brat." Natalie was getting impatient and it was rare nowadays for her to lose her patience with me. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the letter we received from Alpha James and Luna Regina—in fact I was pissed off. It hasn't been long since we've settled into the small, beach-town of Haleiwa a few miles from a bigger town called Waialua and on the island of Honolulu.

The surf town was laid-back and peaceful much like the pack residing here. The main pack resided in the capital city while sub-packs resided in the towns and cities. The Alpha hadn't time to greet us when we first arrived but that was fine because we were greeted happily by the Luna and her mass of young and older pups.

I glared at her, "I know we don't but it doesn't stop me from being pissed off." I remarked nastily.

Kuma was settled at my feet looking up at me as if unsure why I was suddenly upset. I scratched the top of her head and in between her ears to reassure her that I was fine. Natalie's defensive posture relaxed a bit, "I'm not happy about this either," She pointed out with a deep frown, "I hate social gatherings." She sunk into her favored chair and sighed angrily.

"I know I heard rumors and even something from the Beta's daughter but I didn't think it would be this soon," I got up and went to the kitchen to start up some tea for the both of us, "When are we due to go?" I asked as Natalie re-read the letter that brought us shitty news.

I was content not returning to my pack. I did miss my family and my friends but I was happy where I was...I loved traveling. It gave me the chance to be free and not be reminded of what happened to me nearly two years ago. I knew Alex and Helen wouldn't be happy to hear of my forced return.

My wolf stirred and released a growl.

My own expression hardened.

They wouldn't be allowed to attend...that I knew. It was made clear by the Alpha in his letter. That was a relief but just being back in the pack...where they might see me or I might see them was unpleasant to say the least.

I was stronger now and wiser.

But could the near two years I've been gone make me react differently if I were to see them? I could easily hurt them badly and potentially kill them if I was in enough rage...I shook my head but my wolf was content with killing both Alex and Helen. She had no care for Alex or his wolf even thought I was sure the wolf part of Alex had no love for Helen.

But my wolf was not so merciful towards the other wolf.

"Our next stop is Maine," Natalie spoke up, "The same time that this wolf ball is going to take place. We have about seven months until we're forced to go to this stupid thing," She balls up the letter and flings it into the nearby trash can, "The good news is that my nephew has returned to the pack and wants to take his place as the Alpha." Natalie has her sharp eyes on me and she is gauging my reaction.

I am surprised to hear.

Deon...the name of the wolf who was rejected his mate. He had been rejected almost a year before me. He also left the pack to travel but only within the states...he didn't want to venture too far from his home but it had almost three years since he had returned home. I wonder what made him come back.

I was genuinely curious onto what made him come back and take his place as Alpha.

"My brother is going to start his training and then hand over the title and position to Deon at the ball." Natalie mused with a thoughtful expression; she seemed pleased by my reaction. What was she thinking?