Ties That Bind

Chapter 3

Arthit sneaked up on his informant, confidante and officially his father's secretary, Chonthicha. Nobody remembers how she came to be a member of the pack but his father once told him that shortly after becoming the Pack Alpha he had gone on a run in the forest he came upon her collecting herbs. She wasn't a werewolf or a vampire or a witch or even a human that he could smell. When many would have fled or screamed when faced with a five feet hulking wolf Chonthicha had calmly looked up and told him he was right on time for their meeting. Perplexed he just stared and she offered condolences on his father's passing and was sad she wasn't there for him at the end. He stared at her while she spoke about his father and his pack in great detail, but not like an enemy or a lover but more like an overseer. Surprisingly instead of attacking her he ended up spending the day with her.

He followed her into the forest to a modest home long abandoned when it became too dangerous for packs to stay apart. When he had asked her how his father had never spoken about her or hadn't seen her around the pack before she answered, 'Because we never walked the same path at the same time.' Instinctively, he knew that she would play a role in his life.

Over the years Khaemkhaeng grew fond of her much like an older sister and gave him solace when the burdens of leading pack became overbearing. She was the one who nudged him towards Pensri when everyone else suggested a more docile and traditional omega for him. She helped him through his grief and weather the packs criticism about his heir. Finally a year before Arthit was born she moved into the Den.

Chonthicha was enjoying her evening tea in the library next to his father's study. It had a nice nook overlooking the backyard where one could enjoy the beautiful scenery with a nice book, and the stocked pantry nearby was convenient too.

It was a game between them from childhood, to sneak up on each other, but until a few years ago he hadn't succeed. Now, he delighted on sneaking up on her at every opportunity. Sometimes, he felt that she was letting him, but brushed it off.

'How was school, Ai'Oon?' She asked without looking up from the book she was reading. Aside from his parents, he only liked it when she called him Ai'Oon. His friends teased him with that name sometimes, but he tried to stop reacting to it, so they would stop. Mostly, they did.

'Mom said Dad is too busy with the pack and Council to talk about my internship,' he said without preamble and settled himself on cushions placed on the windowsill. In front of him was a small centre table with two huge pastel wingback chair on either side. They were nicely placed so everyone had a view to look out and still have a conversation with each other.

She looked at him appraisingly and he turned his gaze away, picking at some lint on his pants. Sometimes, when she looked at him, he felt that she could see right into him, to the very depth of his being. He brushed it off as twilight fancies.

'Would you like some tea?' She asked, walking towards the pantry.

'Just came from the kitchens', he said in answer but knowing he would be served irrespective of his wishes.

He sipped his tea, knowing there was no point in rushing her, she would decide when and what she divulges, despite his urgings.

After making him wait a while she looked at him, 'Things are going to change from here on.'

'Change, what kind? To the pack? Dad? Or Mom?' he gestured wildly and with a frightened squeak, 'Is that why the Council member here? Is it war?'

At her arched brow, he shut up and sipped his tea and waited.

As I was saying, 'Things are going to change', she looked at him expectantly and when he merely sipped she continued.

'The witches and humans are plotting.'