Orphan Wolf

23 Tell The Packs*

The Alpha Banquet is tomorrow. I'm freaking out about it, but right now, I'm more concerned with tonight. We are having a bonfire inviting both packs, and I will be presented as the next Alpha. I'm not sure how they will take it. We decided that the new pack would simply be called the Royal Pack since I am king. It was Malak's idea, so don't blame me. Uncle Rhy sent us a family of seers to help since all they seem to talk about is me. So yeah, now I know anyone who shares my blood will be immortal, too. So anyone who accepts me as Alpha will live forever... I'm not sure if that will work for me or against me. Malak seems ok with it, which is a relief, considering he is already tied to me... It's a lot to deal with.

"Hey Alic, I just wanted to say goodbye before I fly out." Trent says from my doorway. He's been training with me and Alpha Aaron. He's grown a lot... I think he sees the importance of his position and being prepared for it now.

"Cool, see ya, man! Hope all goes well with your Dad." I tell him.

"Like Alpha Aaron said,"every Alpha needs a pack, and every pack needs an Alpha." I think I'm ready to be that for my pack... I'll miss you, my king." He bows to me, and I laugh jumping up from my bed.

"Knock it off, Trent! I'm glad you're taking your position more seriously. I'm proud of you, and your Dad will be too." I say hugging him. He does the quick three pat hug and pushes me away.

"Don't get all mushy on me, Alic. It is not a proper kingly attitude." He says, puffing his chest like a 'true king' should. I just laugh.

"I'm not a normal King if you hadn't noticed." I say.

"True dat! Anyway, I'm heading out... I'll see ya later, man." He says and walks out.

"Yeah, see ya!" I call after him. I'll miss that fool! But I have a lot to worry about myself.

I go downstairs and grab some leftovers. After a rushed meal, I head to the Alpha's office.

"Morning Alpha Aaron." I say as I enter.

"About that... you should really start calling me Aaron. You are an Alpha. You aren't required to use titles... also, it makes you look like a child or a subservient wolf... you are neither." He tells me.

"But you are my Alpha." I argue.

"Yes... and you are my King... it's important that the Alphas tomorrow don't see you as weak. You don't bow to any wolf. At most, you can give a slight nod. You can't show any signs of submission." He explains. I nod

"Sooo... Aaron... what do you have planned for today?" I ask.

"Just the bonfire tonight... you ready for this?" He asks.

"Yes, sir... I won't let you down." I tell him.

"Never imagined you would." He grins.

"About the rogues... when they attacked us... they weren't... normal." I say. It's been weighing on me for a while now. We need to figure this out.

"How so?" He asks.

"No fear. No pain. Total bloodlust. It's like they have no soul." I explain.

"They were infused with a serum that forces your primal instincts to the forefront. It removes inhibition. It basically makes them rabid. Crazy... I believe the hunters are using our own kind against us." He explains.

"How do we beat them?"

"You tell me. You are the King. Our leader. No pack can do this alone. You came at the perfect time."

"Oh." I breathe, not knowing what to say. I am the only one with the power to unite us all... and I have no idea how to do it.

"Go for a run. Spend some time with Malak and Ruby... you have the day off. You've been working hard... you've earned this." Aaron says.