The Prey (LGBT+)

Chapter 15: The Mourning After

Kohl

"What do you mean?" Kohl asks.

In light of the death of Gaius, the Elders have called a meeting. The meeting started in the same way they all do. The conversation then took a detour to the topic of the night of Parker and Gaius' fight with the vampires. The Elders are adamant that they must know more about Parker's powers, even calling him a possible liability before implying he is a weapon. They implied this without saying it directly.

Jasar is aware of Kohl's growing frustration, especially when the Elders call Parker's actions reckless.

"Tell me," Kohl's voice is beyond strained, "Which part was reckless? When he told all the wolves to evacuate the situation and took them on himself, with the help of my deceased father? Tell me, what did anyone else lose that night?"

"The pack lost an Elder."

"I lost a father!" Kohl shouts.

The room is quiet now. The four Elders seem to be at a loss for words. Jasar worried that Kohl's mental state wouldn't be ready for this. His thought extends to the entire Ashwood family. Kohl's outburst is not in his personality, not anymore. His demeanor has changed since he became an Alpha and found his mate.

Jasar clears his throat, "Perhaps we can adjourn and reconvene at a different, less stressful time."

Aldan, one of the longest-running Elders, seems to agree. Aldan is an older man with short grey hair and a rather well-kept beard. He must be in his late sixties by now. His pale skin is on par with the vampires.

"Jasar is right. Emotions are running high now and the wound is fresh." Aldan says, "Our assertions, though well intentioned for the pack, are inexcusable. We offer a formal apology for any disrespect against you or the Luna."

"Thank you, Aldan." Jasar says.

The Elders gather their things and leave the room. Jasar watches as Kohl walks over and stares out of the window. Jasar knows that speaking at this moment would be the worst thing he could do. Kohl's wrath is ever present.

As a friend, he knows this. As an advisor, he must speak up. Still, he waits a few minutes before speaking.

"Are you alright, Alpha?" Jasar asks.

"Do you think I'm a good Alpha?" Kohl asks as he turns to him, "I'm not always right, I know. I get that."

"You've been an amazing Alpha. Yes, there has been less than a handful of major setbacks but you've put the pack above yourself."

"What about as a mate?"

"I honestly wouldn't know."

"I just—Gaius was probably not perfect in the beginning but he always knew what to do. He could always figure it out and he always kept a level head." Kohl says.

"Maybe that's because he made mistakes and learned from them." Jasar suggests.

"Maybe you're right."

"I doubt he ever had the types of problems you do. A God as a mate, attacks by woodland nymphs and vampires and the little fact that you share a mate with your brother."

"Out of all of those, that one makes me cringe." Kohl frowns, "Yet, here we are. I just don't get the grand scheme."

"No one does." Jasar says, "Perhaps, and this is as your friend, you should take a day or two to gather yourself and make sure your family is alright. I haven't seen Parker in a couple of days."