Fallen Alpha

-14- 🥀 Nobody's Listening

TW: violence, blood

"I feel stupid when I pray. Why the fuck am I praying anyway if nobody's listening?"
~Demi Lovato, 'Anyone'

~~~

*Easton's POV*

"Are you sure?" I whisper in shock. "How is this possible?"

My dad shakes his head while scratching his beard. "I don't know either. How they've been able to get through those packs' security is beyond me."

"Fuck," I run my hand over my face. Over the past few months, two Alphas from other packs have gone missing. No one knows how they're slipping through the packs undetected, or even who they are. It's speculated that it's a group of rogues since they're targeting the heads of the packs. My dad just informed me that a third Alpha has been reported as missing.

"You need to be on high alert," my dad instructs. "Whoever they are, they could come after you next."

"There's no way," I shake my head. "Those other packs were smaller, less guarded. We're the biggest pack in the area. There's no way they would break in here."

"Easton," my dad starts firmly. "I'm not going to tell you how to run your pack. You're the Alpha now, and I trust you'll do what you think is best. All I'm asking is that you take this matter seriously, and be cautious."

"Of course," I sigh. "I'll order Mateo to have the warriors on high alert. Landon won't go anywhere without guards, and the same goes for you, mom, and Leon. Even though it's only been Alphas going missing so far, we shouldn't take any chances."

Dad nods his head. "Good. I'm glad you're taking this seriously."

I incline my head, and he turns to leave my office. Once he's gone, I slump in my chair and run my fingers through my hair.

Why does he feel the need to micromanage me? Does he not think I've been doing a good enough job as Alpha over the past four years? I don't need his fucking help.

'He's just worried,' Elias argues in a quiet voice. 'Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop.'

I furrow my brows. 'You've never apologized for that before.' When he doesn't respond, I push forward. 'What, is there something you want to say?'

'No,' he answers quietly. 'There's nothing.'

An uneasy feeling settles in my stomach. 'Elias, you can tell me. I won't get mad.'

'Are you sure?' He questions sharply. 'Because it seems like I can't say anything without you getting mad and shutting me out. Goddess, Easton, do you know how much that fucking sucks? Being trapped in a dark box within your mind, not being able to talk to you?'

'Elias—'

'And what about Leo?' He stresses, the pain obvious in his tone. 'I haven't gotten to see my mate in so long. I can barley sense him with the way you've been shutting me out. How would you feel if you couldn't see or talk to Landon?!'

A crushing guilt weighs on my chest. He's right, I haven't been giving much thought to my wolf lately. I've been so concerned with keeping him oblivious to the voice, that I've neglected his needs completely.

"I'm sorry," I whisper aloud. "I've been so terrible to you. There's just... a lot on my mind lately, and I don't want to burden you with it all."

'Easton...' Elias's voice softens. 'It's not a burden. As your wolf, it's my duty to—'