The Mark of an Alpha

A Bullet

Alex's wolf eyes blind as she trembled, lifeless by the riverbank. Why did she chase that rabbit? Why did she pick up that scent? Why did she stop to get a drink? Too many questions raced through her head as she layed there. Blood pouring from her side, down her grey fur. A bullet. Of all things to get her. Humans were getting more brave, leaving the city to hunt. But really. To be mistaken as a regular wolf? Did Rogues really look that pathetic?

And then she heard something.

**Earlier that day**

Rowan tied his boots up tight and headed out the front door. He walked to the garage, where he knew his father would be waiting. Loughlin stood there, his greying hair glistened in the early sunlight. His blue eyes, reflected in the sky. "It's about time," he said, with a fake scowl. 

"Please." Rowan protested, "It's barely dawn." 

"Did you speak with the Alpha yet?" Barely skipping a beat.

It made Rowan hesitate. "No. What for?" He went into the garage, approaching the dead car infront of him.

"Your mother said one of his beta's were by, looking for you." His father raised a brow. "Tell me that you have chosen your Mate."

"Oh Dad, please!" He said, with slight disgust as he aggressively popped the hood. "Come on we got work to do."

"Well she's either snooping around because she wants you to choose her, or.." he trailed off.

"Or?" Rowan popped his head out of the busted window. "Or what? I missed a patrol? Because I haven't. I wandered out of our boundaries? Because I haven't. I skipped curfew? Because I haven't.." he was feeling annoyed.

"Then it must be the Mate thing." His father cut him off.

Rowan climbed out of the driver window. "Seriously, Dad. Can we just not, right now."

"I'm just saying, your mom is getting worried. Men can fully shift by 18, usually we choose a mate not long after. I mean, that's how I met your mom. And you're how old now, Rowan? So either you've chosen a mate and decided not to tell us or.."

Rowan interrupted, "No, I haven't chosen a mate. Sarah and I are just friends. I'm a little low on the beta pole to even consider someone like Sarah as my mate, NOT THAT I HAVE." He seen his father's smile widen at the thought of Sarah and his son.

Rowan just shook his head. "Can we get back to work now?"

Loughlin shook his head, "Fine. Keep ignoring Destiny. Whatever. You know everything now." As he put his head under the hood, some men in black suits and Sarah entered. 

"Excuse me? Rowan?" She asked and he turned to her, trying not to look flushed. Did she hear anything? 

"Yea?"

Her eyes met his. "The Alpha wishes to speak with you."

He dropped his gaze out of respect for her, knowing his place and followed. 

As they approach the main house, they are greated by another Beta. Jordan. He's around the same age as Loughlin. He smiled as they entered the home, taking Rowan to the study. The Alpha, Lucas said quietly at his desk. "Rowan. How are you?" 

Rowan watched as the other betas exited the room, closing the door. What did I do? "I, ugh, I'm fine Alpha." His eyes looked back to his Alpha. Not meeting his gaze.

Lucas motioned for him to take a seat. Rowan did, without hesitation. "Do you know what it's like to be an Alpha?"

Rowan shook his head. He's a Beta. His parents are Betas. His sister is a Beta. All he's ever known are Betas.

His Alpha smiled. "To be an Alpha, you need to first put your packs interests infront of your own. You need to care for them, like your own children." 

"You have children.." Rowan's eyes widened. He interrupted his Alpha. Why? 

Lucas stood up. "You're right. I do. But Alphas breed Alphas. They have their own packs to run. And I'm afraid I'm too old to run anymore." He walked to the door, "Come take a walk with me, young Beta." 

Rowan stood and opened the door for his Alpha and they headed outside.

After a brief silence, Rowan spoke, "I'm still not sure why I'm here, Alpha."

"Rowan." Lucas stopped. "I barely have enough energy to stand, let alone fight. Who will defend our lands once I'm gone?"

"You have Jordan, and Sarah."

Lucas waved his hand as if to swat flies away. "Please. Jordan is old. Not as fast as he used to be. And Sarah is too impulsive. She would get you all killed."

Rowan's eyes wandered, searching for an answer on his Alpha's face.

"If someone challenges me now. I'm afraid I will not survive and only the Gods know what will happen to you. No. I must name a successor instead."

"Ok?" Rowan questioned. "Did you need my help in choosing one?"

Lucas laughed an old and raspy laugh. "No, my boy. I want you to lead the Crescent Moon pack."

Rowan widened his eyes, "You want me to lead the pack?" Please, Moon Goddess, have someone challenge him! I can NOT be Alpha!!

Just the Jordan and Sarah approached them. "Sir!" Jordan bowed his head to the Alpha. "There were Rogues, spotted along the boundary lines."

"Rogues?" He asked.

Rowan looked worried. "Rogues? You sure? No one has seen any on our land in years!"

Sarah nodded. "We're on our way to investigate. Did you want to come?"

Rowan looked back at his Alpha, but Lucas just nodded. Rowan looked back to Sarah with a nod and they headed into the woods.

Jordan looked back to Lucas. "He's going to need Alpha training. Only you can do that."

Lucas nodded. "He will be ready before I go. I'm sure of it."

Sarah and Rowan searched the woods, and spotted nothing. 

Jordan ran to catch up with them, telepathically linking to their location. He stopped suddenly by the river, just on the edge of their boundary line. He heard the soft whimpers of an injured animal.

A high whistle she whimpered through her nose and she gasped for breath. The bullet must have punctured her lung. She was sure of it.

Her eyes tried to follow the sounds around her.

"Oh my Goddess." Rowan exclaimed. "Is she dying?"

"Yes." Jordan said plainly.