Demon War: Rise of the Alpha

Chapter 8 Shopping

             Jin looked out the window and grinned as her eyes took in the countryside. She turned her head to Wyatt and smiled widely.

            “You enjoying the trip? It is much faster to get around by a vehicle.” Wyatt grinned as he watched her nod excitedly.

            “Yes this is fun. It is quicker then walking but not as fast as riding a dragon.” She giggled and then looked back out the window.

            “You’ve rode on a dragon before?” Wyatt asked curiously. The rest of the passengers quieted down as they looked at her with interest.

            Jin had a soft smile resting on her face as she continued to look out the window. “Yes. I have.”

            “Oh wow. That is amazing Jin. Did you grow up together?” Wyatt asked casually.

            Jin opened her mouth and then continued to quietly stare out the window.  “We’ve only known each other for a couple years.”

            “How did you two meet?” Renee asked engaging in the conversation.

            Jason noticed how Jin’s hands squeezed together. She stared out the window blankly for a moment before she turned and looked at them. She drifted her attention from Wyatt and looked at Jason. She then drifted her gaze back to Renee. “She is the one who rescued me… My past is a bit dark to be talked about on only the second day knowing everyone.” A smile was forced over her face as she stared back out the window. He squeezed his hands together as he watched her hide behind her smile.

            “Oh umm. Well, what was the dragons name? You seem like you are friends?”  Renee cleverly tried to lighten to mood.

            Jin’s eyes smiled as she looked back at Renee. “Her name is Ciana. You guys will meet her soon.” She then looked at Wyatt. “As long as you are okay with that?” She watched Wyatt nod. “We split up when I went looking for Wyatt. She went scouting for the demons. Trying to get an idea on their movements.” Jin looked down at her hands. “I hope she is okay.”

            “I’m sure she is. Dragons are really strong.” Susan reassured Jin with a kind voice. She felt more at ease with Jin. Wyatt didn't seem overly interested in her and she seemed like a sweet girl.

            Jin nodded. “You’re right. I know you all will love her.”

            “You say that like she will be living with us…” Jason trailed off sounding a bit annoyed.

            “If she is welcome, she would love to stay. Not indefinitely, but until the war is over. Her parents are away traveling the world, so she has been on her own for a few years.”

            “What about the kingdom she is from?” Wyatt asked.

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“Demon War: Rise of the Alpha” by JM Snap exclusively for Stary Ltd ( Dreame, Ringdom, Innovel). All rights reserved.            

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            Jin shook her head. “Ciana isn’t from a kingdom. She grew up in one of the utopian villages. You know the villages where all species gather neutrally. Her parents raised her there to keep her safe. She is special and they wanted to make sure she was raised away from anyone who may wish to abuse her powers.”

            “You trust us with such a secret?” Sam asked with a wide grin.

            Jin nodded. “Yes, you are all nice people. I know you would never take advantage of her.”

            “You trust us?” Jason asked and her eyes flickered up to meet his gaze. “Well, I want to know about your past.”

            “It isn’t that I don’t trust you. Honestly, I don’t know why I trust you all already. Is that weird?” Jin asked but not really expecting an answer, so she continued. “It is just that my story is not an easy one to digest.”

            “I trust you too Jin. I don’t think it is weird. It doesn’t matter what your past is. Not to me. And if you ever want to talk about it I am ready to listen.” Wyatt leaned over and patted her shoulder.

            She looked up at Jason. “If you really feel like you want to know now then I will tell you. But maybe we should leave that conversation for this evening. It’ll ruin everyone’s mood to hear it now.”

            Jason felt his chest squeeze uncomfortably hearing that. Was her past that bad? He had the urge to wrap his arms around her and let her know she was safe with him. s**t. Why was he feeling like this? There was just something about Jin. Something that made him irritated at the way his body was reacting. He turned and looked away from her and back out the window. “That’s fine.” He managed to reply. Meanwhile, he was raging a war within himself. A war that had him questioning everything.

            Jin looked at the big building they pulled up to. The building stretched far in the distance. She suddenly felt a bit nervous. There were so many people going in and out of the building. A warm hand landed on her shoulder and she turned to see Wyatt’s bright smile.

            “Time to get you some clothes.” Wyatt scooted out of the vehicle and then turned offering his hand to her. He pulled her up next to him and watched her eyes flicker around nervously. “I would stay with you if I could but Sam and I have a meeting to attend. Renee and Susan will be with you though.”

            “That’s fine. I’ll be fine with them.” Jin smiled at Renee and Susan. She walked up towards the girls who excitedly began to drag her into the building.

            Wyatt watched them until they disappeared. Wyatt had to go and lead a roomful of Alpha’s. Alphas did not like to be told what to do or challenged by anyone. It wasn’t in their nature. This was his task though. He had to get the Alpha’s to fall in line under him. The red energy inside of him began to slightly swell again. It didn’t disappear this time but stayed there keeping a low presence. Jason followed them over to the conference room that was located in the mall.

            “I guess this is where we leave you Jase. Go raid the food court. We will see you shortly.” Wyatt listened to his brother’s low growl before he and Sam entered the room.

            The gentle murmuring of voices was heard immediately as they walked into the room. The room was decorated in a red carpet that had many circular tables set up. Alphas and the Betas were all seated at these tables. Dozens of different packs were being represented here. As Wyatt walked into the room James from the Ashton pack walked up to him. “Wyatt. You have your hands full here.” James chuckled and looked back over his shoulder. “I brought my son along with me instead of my Beta. Kyle is taking over for me next year, so I want him to get used to these events.”

            “Wyatt!”

            Wyatt turned and smiled. “Uncle Aaron, Ace. I’m glad you guys could make it.”

            “Are you kidding? We have to be here. We need to show our support and get these demons taken care of when the time comes.” Aaron (Alpha of the Silver Moon pack and his mother’s brother) was one of Wyatt’s biggest supporters.

                 Wyatt nodded his head and looked out. He saw many unwelcoming stares. Another good reason not to have Jason here. He would be rampaging at the way these men were looking at him. He looked back at the raised platform behind him. He might as well get started.

            “I guess this is a real case of getting fed to the wolves.” Sam snickered at his own joke. “Seriously, you’ve got this Wyatt.”

            Wyatt let out an airy laugh and sighed. He took authoritative steps up the platform and walked out to the center. He turned and looked out over the men sitting there waiting for him to speak.

            “I’d like to start out by thanking you all for coming. We are gathered here under a grave circumstance. As many of you know from firsthand experience demons have been gathering in masses. Our packs are continually colliding with them during patrols. Some of us have even experienced several casualties.”

            “That’s not our fault that other packs are weak.” A voice growled out from the crowd.

            “It has nothing to do with a pack being weak. But with the ever-increasing presence of an enemy. A war is approaching. There is no avoiding it. We must unite together and band against a common enemy. This is much bigger than you all know. The demons are going to make their move to claim all of the earth’s surface. If we do not act now there may never be another opportunity to defend ourselves.”

            Yelling and snarling immediately filled the air. The idea of going to war with demons made some of the Alpha’s scowl. Not everyone had been troubled by the demons. They failed to see where this was their problem. Others were demanding they all unite having had mass casualties. The growing voices and growls continued to rise. The room echoed with the increasing anger of the growing mob. Alphas lashing back at Alphas.

            The red energy inside of Wyatt started resonating inside of him. The light grew and seized his body as a mighty roar escaped his lips. “SILENCE!”

            There was no more sound. Immediately after his command everyone turned to look at him. Not another word was heard.

            Wyatt growled and looked over at the other Alphas. An authoritative strength spread through him. He set a commanding glare over everyone.

            “There is no choice in this matter. The packs will unite and fight against the demons when the time comes. We will defend our territory. We will protect our kind. We will join forces with those who fight against the demons. This is our one shot, and I will not let anyone’s pride get in the way of this. This moment is too important.” Wyatt snarled out angrily. Power filled his voice. A strength he had never felt before. “Is that understood?”

            “Yes.” The room said in unison. Wyatt looked over the room wide eyed. What just happened there. He felt a strange power continue to seep out of him. He watched as his uncle Aaron and James approached the podium cautiously.

            “What is it?” Wyatt asked casually.

            “How long have you known?” James whispered out in an awe-struck voice.

            “I never thought I would live to see this day.” His Uncle Aaron said in a breath.

            Wyatt chuckled and then hopped down beside the two men. “What are you senile men talking about?”

            “Do you know what you just did?” James asked, his eyes widening. He was shocked. It was apparent that this young Alpha in front of him didn’t have the slightest idea.

            “He doesn’t even know…” Aaron looked at James and then back to Wyatt. Just wait until Tyler and Lilly find out. He couldn’t believe it. Yet, he had witnessed it himself. He had felt it inside of him. There was no denying who his nephew was.

            Wyatt looked up at the still quiet crowd. What was he missing? He looked back at the two men in front of him. He raised his brow at them. “Do you care to enlighten me then?”