Forgotten

-27-

It was a regular occurrence now for Esmond to come to Sansa's cabin in the morning. She was used to him knocking and coming in. Sometimes they shared breakfast, other times he came with a small offering of food for her.

But not today.

Sansa stared worriedly out the window, wondering where he was.

He was the stand in Alpha after all, but Sansa realized that he had become her friend these past few weeks.

The closest male friend she had ever had was Warren. And Sansa sometimes even questioned if that was what could describe the relationship she and Warren shared.

After waiting another half hour, Sansa finally grew worried enough to step outside and head towards the pack on her own.

Something felt wrong the closer she came to the main pack lands.

Sansa frowned, wondering what it was. An attack? Sudden fear gripped her at the thought that the pack had been challenged without her realizing it.

But when she emerged from the forest, nothing seemed out of place.

Sansa cautiously moved forward. She knew something was wrong, even if the look of the pack deceived her inner thoughts.

A sudden voice was heard on her left, "who are you?"

She turned quickly to see an unfamiliar male emerge from the pack house.

Sansa felt her jaw clench as the reality struck her.

The real Alpha was back.

Esmond's father resembled him in many ways. Like his son, he had hair and eyes that appeared golden. However, the lines of laughter that seemed to curve around Esmond's face were replaced with ones of hatred and anger on this male.

Sansa nodded her head in respect, an old custom that she knew caught the male by surprise.

"I am just a passing she-wolf. I am on my search."

The male stared down at her, his eyes narrowing in thought as they each evaluated the other.

"And is your mate here?"

"No," Sansa whispered, "I did not find him."

"Then I suggest you continue your search."

Sansa bowed again, slowly backing away from the male. But before she could, the door to the pack house opened again. Both Sansa and the male looked up to see Esmond.

"Don't hurt her."

The Alpha grinned at his son. Sansa repressed her fear at the smile that was not a smile. Nothing upon the male's face had moved except his lips.

"Why would I hurt her?"

Esmond remained silent. His eyes never traveled to Sansa as father and son continued to stare at one another.

"Mmmhh..." The Alpha turned back to face Sansa. "So it's you."

Sansa had enough time to look up and see him reaching for her. She quickly moved away avoiding his outstretched hand by falling to the side.

The Alpha seemed unphased as he looked back at his son.

"Did you think I would not know that you brought a healer in without my permission? Do you think the whole pack is loyal to only you?" The male laughed, and Sansa wished that Esmond had told her the name of his father. For some reason, this question was the one that burned her mind as she gazed at him in silent observation.