The Fallen Alpha

Chapter Three: Solaren

My paws pounded on the forest floor as I pushed myself to the limit. My muscles screamed from the exertion, barely registering the adrenaline that laced my blood. I ran in no particular direction just away from the Lunari wolves that I knew would be chasing me. Skidding through leaves, skirting fallen branches, leaping over dead trees. The only thought in my mind was escape. I didn't even notice when I crossed the Lunari border. I just kept running.

But they could still chase me through the no mans land between their border and Solaren territory, might even chase me into the other packs territory. I halted at the stream that meant entering through their boundary, sneaking a glance over my shoulder. Two wolves raced towards me, tails flying out behind them in the breeze. One's fur was the gray of roiling storm clouds, whilst the other's was the chocolate shade of brown. I knew them well; they were my best friends sent to kill me.

My mind was made up. Gathering my muscles and my courage, I leaped over the stream and rocketed myself into Solaren territory. As soon as my paws touched the ground, I was bowled over. Two paws held me down, pinning me there. I turned my head, catching a glimpse of light gray fur. Behind me, I heard four different growls. Two other Solaren wolves must have leaped over the stream to face the wolves who had been chasing me.

The growling went on for a few minutes before it stopped. Then there were two more wolves standing next to the one keeping me on the ground. I assume they were conversing in silence. Wondering what to do with me. Certainly they knew who I was, or at least, who I had been. Then the one pinning me down moved away, and one of the other two changed to human as I started to get up. He motioned for me to do the same. I did.

One moment a white wolf stood in front of them, the next moment a human did so. Looking at them and attempting to calculate my chances of survival, I kneeled down and raised my hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Alpha Sparks?"

The word stung. I would never wear that title again.

"I am waving a white flag. I wish to see your Alpha."

"On what terms?"

"On the terms that I am no longer Alpha, but a rogue."

He looked at me, dumbfounded and shocked. He offered his hand to help me stand, and I took it gratefully.

"We will take you to Alpha Karien."

He turned and, as a human, led the way towards what I expected their housing was. The two wolves followed behind me as if guarding against escape. Not that I minded. It's what I would do.

We walked deep into Solaren territory until coming upon housing. The two wolves peeled away, heading towards separate houses while the human led me towards one of the grander of the buildings. He strode through the doors as if he was Alpha, walking towards a chamber I assumed was for pack meetings. There were humans gathered around a table, one sitting in a large high backed chair.

"Alpha Karien."

The male escorting me bowed his head, and curious, I looked at who I assumed he was talking to. I had never met the Solaren Alpha.

"Zach. Why have you brought a Lunari wolf into our presence?"

I examined the man who spoke. He sat in the high backed chair; he must be the Alpha. He was handsome, with magnificent cerulean eyes and spiked black hair. His light skin gave extra color to his beautiful eyes that had me entranced.

Zach, the one who had escorted me, stepped aside, lifting his head to look at me.

"This is not just any wolf. This is Alyssa Sparks, the former Lunari Alpha."

The Alpha arched a brow, curiosity spreading over his features.

"Former? Explain."

I took a step forward and kneeled before the Alpha like I had before Zach.

"The raid your wolves partook in killed my fellow Alpha, Alex Firen. I took the blame because I had not protected him. I was made an outcast."

"Raid? When was there a raid?"

His questions surprised me. Surely he must have been there, or ordered it to happen!

"The raid three nights ago by the great oak tree in our lands. Alex and I were on patrol when six or more Solaren wolves jumped us!"

My voice was filled with anger. He was denying what had happened. He looked at me for another moment, then over at one of the men who stood around him.

"Caleb, did you lead this raid?"

He stared straight at the Alpha, a sneer on his face.

"Yes I did. You weren't being hard enough with them, so we taught them a lesson."

He sounded proud. Rage bubbled within me and red specked the edges of my vision. The Alpha looked angered as well.

"Your actions will have consequences. You attacked and killed an alpha! Who could barely defend himself! Six of you-"

"Seven."

"Seven," the alphas voice seethed. "All of you will be punished. Get out of my sight!"

He turned and left, not looking back. He was pleased that he had killed Alex. Probably pleased I was no longer an alpha. Pleased that someone other than he got blamed. The alpha turned back to me.

"So you come here to seek safe haven away from the wolves who turned against you?"

I nodded, too angry to respond yet.

"Well then, Alyssa. Welcome to the Solaren pack."