1. Claude Phoebe(ManxMan)

•Chapter 2✓

I sat up in my bed, blinking rapidly and groaning. There was only darkness around me and I sighed getting off my bed, stretching and moving to the window. I pushed the curtains away and stared into the pack yard. It was still and peaceful and just like clockwork, I watched as a small boy ventured off into the dark and lonely forest surrounding us.

Without even a shirt on I walked out of my room silently, rubbing my eyes and fluffing out my hair as I took my time. The pack house was quiet, save for the few giggles from rooms shared by mates or even siblings.

I stopped by my own siblings rooms, peaking in and seeing each one sleeping. Travis had fallen out of the bed and I chuckled walking in and picking him up. The boy groaned, cuddling into my chest and I watched him as he sighed and slept soundly. I rolled my eyes setting him down and tucking him in.

The wind blew gently and I shifted, I slowly ran through the forest, sniffing him out until I found him. He sat still as stone, silent as always and simply staring at the large stone. I paused and sat down within the trees where I wouldn't be seen however we both knew I was there.

He stayed, silently and I looked up at the moon, full and shining brightly on us. Xavier sighed and rubbed his cheek. The scent of salt had me wiggling my nose before I approached him. I bumped his shoulder and sat beside him. He made no move to look at me, instead looked away before I shifted.

"Someone is up after their bed time." He stayed silent, staring away from me and I pursued my lips, my heart squeezing as I wrapped my arms around my legs and sighed staring at the head stone. "He's not in there you know."

"I know."

"He loves you still." He scoffed then and looked down at his lap, his head tilting. "Xavier..." I called him gently and finally he lifted his head to see me. I stared into his beautiful violet eyes, he looked so pale, innocent and so much sorrow radiated from him in waves, crashing into me, threatening to drown me.

"I don't care." He stated and I blinked. "I won't ever care about him."

"And yet, you're here every night."

Xavier held out his hand then and in it lay a dead locust.

"She keeps dying," Xavier began softly, "I keep bringing her back."

I furrowed my brows then as the locust began to kick it's legs. I marvelled as the once still insect kicked and began to stand, shaking slightly before jumping from Xavier's hand.

"Why?" I asked as we watched the locust go on about its night as though it hadn't just been risen from the dead.

"It makes me feel...better."

Tilting my head I stared at my younger brother as he blankly stared at the locust which then disappeared from our impeccable sight. He stood then, straight and let out a breath before turning away.

"Isn't it wrong?" He paused and I stood after. "Life and death magic... didn't Theodore say never to do it?"

I watched his form tighten, his hands balling then before he sighed and relaxed his hands. I knew I couldn't stop him, that there was nothing I could ever even say to make him feel as though he had reason to be guilty for doing this.

"Whatever consequence comes is mine to bear, for it was my own choice." My brows furrowed feeling the familiarity of those words. Xavier walked away from me and again I was reminded of how no matter how many times I come to join him, how many times I try to be there, provide some kind of comfort through my presence, the boy just didn't want to open up, even though I was his brother.

I sighed picking up my boxers which I had carried here, I stared at them covered in wolf saliva, even though it was mine I found myself shaking my head and balling them up before I followed slowly behind Xavier who had his head bowed and hands in his pockets. I kept my distance and simply stayed behind. I wondered if he could see this, if he somehow could feel the sorrow his son has over his disappearance.

Xavier stopped and so did I. Christian stood before him and smiled, tilting his head to the side and Xavier sighed, aiming to walk around the boy who only turned with him, grabbing his hand. I smiled as Xavier verbally protested and yet made no move to remove his hand. I smiled knowing he would never truly be alone.

It was the weekend and despite that, I had been woken early. I groaned and whined at the loud yell and jumping on my bed.

"It's sleep time!" I whined putting my pillow on my face as someone opened the curtains. So cruel.

"It's food time!"

"Yeah, wake up lazy." I growled at my siblings and they giggled. My pillow was taken and I rolled over only for my blankets to be pulled from me.

"You guys are being mean!" I sat up and they laughed. I rubbed my eyes and finally laying eyes on my brother's and sisters, all dressed and ready for the day. They each kissed my cheek before running out as Ace found his way in.

I pouted at him resting his hip on my door frame.

"You should do better at protecting me."

"From?"

"Those mogrels." I nudged my chin in the direction of loud giggles and running.

"Maybe if you paid me, I'd actually think about trying."

"Just to think?" I walked into the bathroom and he followed. "You're such a cheat." Ace chuckled as I brushed my teeth.

"So, what are you doing today?"

"What do you want me to do?" I narrowed my eyes at him and he shrugged looking away. I finished brushing my teeth before dropping my boxers which I had put on after leaving Xavier to sleep. Ace turned sharply.

"I'll-ah- consider telling you when you finish- ah, sh-showering, yeah, that." He bolted for the door and I laughed getting into the shower.

I stood beside Winston while I ate my toast, we watched the pack kids playing, my brother's and sister's included.

"The neighbouring alpha will be here tomorrow morning." I nodded chewing slowly and squinting at the yard.

"Did he say why?"

"He's being terrorised by outsiders. I think he's hoping for a few warriors to help defend his land."

"You think we should help?" I looked to him as Ace ran out the pack house, laughing and being chased, I smiled before looking back at Winston who sighed.

"He's the reason those rogues didn't get to our territory last month, he's been rather helpful over the years, I don't see why not."

"So the only question is how many."

Winston hummed staring at the ground as though deep in thought and I frowned wondering what could have him so conflicted. I looked back at Ace then who was smiling brightly as he picked up a pup that shifted and kissed it's face. The pup growled and barked which was the cutest thing ever and Ace only laughed and cuddled her.

Come with me.

Where?

Dad needs me to go see uncle Ted. I paused then and met Ace's gaze, he gave me a thin smile as he set the pup down. I gave him a single nod understanding. Thanks.

A/N
Written: 2 December 2020