Under The Alpha's Protection

Chapter 16: The Western Pack

The beginning of a new week brought with it bad news.

There had been another attack in the Eastern Pack. In Dense Root Grove, located within the Eastern Territory, werewolves were ambushed while picking out fruits. What's worse was that the Eastern Pack members who were hurt had been in human form. Lucian had first received word of the attack from Iggy, one of the alpha werewolves he'd sent as additional guards for the Eastern Pack.

Iggy Tailersway had included in the text message that, had members of the Northern Pack not been shifted in werewolf form at that time and in the same area, more members of the Eastern Pack would've gotten wounded. Possibly killed.

The Southern Pack had sent more werewolves into the Eastern Pack this time. From two werewolves to eight.

It had been a good thing—a life-saving thing—that Lucian had sent more of his Pack's own alphas and betas. The trained werewolves had been able to easily defend the Eastern Pack members.

The Northern Pack's bi-weekly meeting with the Head Luna Sorrel Waverly's Pack wasn't until next week, but Lucian had insisted on paying a visit to the Eastern Territory out of respect.

Head Luna Sorrel had turned down his offer, telling Lucian that she was handling things, and that the Head Alpha's presence in their Territory might send her Pack into a panic, thinking that the Pack War was becoming a reality more and more.

Laia had been in Lucian's living room, head in her hands after Lucian told her what he'd told his Council; about the events in their allied Pack. These types of news made Laia anxious, even more so than ever now that she was pre-mated to Dawson Waverly.

"This isn't right," Laia mumbled. Then, more clearly, she said, "This isn't right. The Southern Pack hasn't been this aggressive in such a long time, not since–"

"–since Head Alpha Paxton Ryder died and his son, Niall, took over his place," Lucian finished his sister's thought. "It's becoming more and more obvious that Head Alpha Niall is testing out the Pack's strength and speed when it comes to a fight."

"But why target the Eastern Pack like this?" Laia looked up at where Lucian was leaning on the wall across from her, her eyes wide with emotion. "Why is Head Alpha Niall sending his werewolves in small batches? If his true intent was to try and take over the Eastern Pack, wouldn't he just send more or less fifty to seventy werewolves in an instant?"

"Because Head Alpha Niall isn't trying to take over the Eastern Pack."

Laia blinked. She paused, trying to understand. "He's not?"

Lucian shook his head. "He's trying to test how our werewolves respond to the attacks." There had been no confirmation, no source telling Lucian this, and yet his gut had finally felt like it had made the right inference as soon as this thought had come to him. "In all three Pack Wars recorded in our state's long history, no matter who was against us, the Northern Pack has always come out on the winning side." They were known as the warrior pack for hundreds of years, before Lucian was even born. "The Southern Pack has not even tried to attack the Eastern Pack from within its Territory. Instead, the Southern werewolves lie in wait, staying in the places far from the main population of the Eastern Pack, like in the Colossal Forest or the Dense Root Grove in the Eastern Territory. Why?"

Laia gaped, then shut her mouth. She swallowed. "The Southern Pack knows that the Eastern Pack travels to those places with our werewolves protecting them."

A heavy silence followed. Neither wished to voice the implication both of them knew now—that the Southern Pack's target might not have been the Eastern Pack at all. Instead, it had been them this whole time.

"Have you told the Council this yet?" Laia asked, her voice dropping as if wary of people overhearing.

"I plan to tell them after I have taken further precautions."

"What sort of–" His sister halted. "No."

Lucian nodded. "I've sent the letter to Head Alpha Tristan Hornswood after my mind processed the things I just told you. Within the letter, I've asked for an audience with him tomorrow, so I may formally court his sister, Teesha Hornswood."

Laia was already on her feet, her argument on the tip of her tongue, "Lucian–"

"If we get the Western Pack to form an alliance with us, it'll mean we are closer to outnumbering the Southern Pack and their allies from different places," Lucian was quick to remind his sister. There were far bigger things on the line than who he became mated to.

Laia's jaw was tense with the effort not to outright shout at Lucian.

Once she got herself to calm down with an exhale, her words were, "If Head Alpha Tristan sends a letter back and agrees to meet, I'm coming with you to the Western Pack."

-----

The Head Alpha of the Western Pack had sent a letter back the very same day. It was the fastest Tristan Hornswood had responded to any of their formal letters—not that he was one to answer letters sent to his pack in the first place.

Lucian had told his Council of his destination, and kept his mouth shut when he saw the relieved expressions of the Council members who had been insisting for a long time that he formally court Teesha Hornswood.

With the help of other werewolves, Lucian had packed up three boxes of gifts for the Western Pack—essentials, such as oils and an assortment of dried meat and fabric. Then, Laia had picked out a pearl necklace from the Pack's treasury, hidden from the general population of their Territory, as Lucian's personal gift to the Head Alpha's omega sister.

Lucian refused any escorts, only asking to borrow Elvis Dunn's jeep so he and Laia could drive to the Western Pack. It would be better to arrive just the two of them, anyway. It would give off the impression that Lucian trusted that the Western Pack would not attack him or his sister.

It took four hours of driving to reach the border of the Western Territory. By then, it was already near midday.

The smell of the sea had already reached their nostrils the second Lucian turned off the jeep's engine. Ashen Grove was the only way to the seaside settlement, where the werewolves of the Western Pack had always resided.

At the edge of the tree line stood a woman wearing a loose dress with a shawl over her shoulders, four men flanking her sides like bodyguards. The four men were alphas... the woman was a human.

"Hello, my name is Carrie," The woman smiled and shook Lucian and Laia's hands. "I'm glad you've both made it here safely. We're here to escort you to the Head Alpha's quarters."

The four men had stared at Lucian as if they were sizing him up, but none of them had said a word. Even more surprising was how they wordlessly followed when Carrie ordered them to bring the boxes of gifts Lucian and Laia had in the jeep's trunk.

Given that Carrie was a human who bossed around these alphas as if she did it several times, Lucian immediately understood that she must be in a high position within the Western Pack.

The Head Alpha's quarters was located on a cliff overlooking both the entirety of the Western Territory plus the Fairview Sea—which had gotten its name because of the continuous view of the waters as far their sights could reach. Carrie had led them along an uncrowded route to head up the cliff, and she didn't try to engage either Lucian or Laia in small talk, the silence filled with the sounds of their shoes against the ground and the waves hitting the shoreline, seagulls flying loudly above the blue liquid.

Lucian and Laia both took in the view of both the sea and the seaside settlements as much as they could.

Lucian had heard from his parents before that the Head Alpha's quarters in the Western Pack also doubled as a lighthouse, but seeing it in photos and finally getting to see it in real life was totally different. The lighthouse itself was higher than Lucian had expected, and built into one side of its lower region was a rectangular structure where Carrie gestured for them to follow.

Inside were plain white walls, framed pictures of different people—the past Head Alphas, Lucian assumed—hung all around the space. At the further end of the room, a table made of wood and metal, two individuals with blonde hair and brown eyes seated next to each other.

Carrie inclined her head towards the two individuals. "Head Alpha Lucian and his sister, Ms. Laia Steele."

Tristan and Teesha Hornswood. The twin suns of the Western Pack. They looked like different versions of the same person—while Tristan had an angular jaw and defined cheekbones, his sister Teesha had a rounded face with a button nose.

While the omega seated at the table kept her gaze carefully blank, coolly looking over Lucian and Laia, the Head Alpha sported the beginnings of a pissed-off look.

Understandable, really.

The four alphas brought in the three boxes, setting them to Lucian's left. "Head Alpha Tristan, Teesha. Thank you for agreeing to see us on such short notice," Lucian made his voice cordial, gesturing to the gifts next to him. "These are for the Western Pack."

Head Alpha Tristan drummed his fingers on the table for a few seconds. Then, he looked to Carrie and the four alphas behind Lucian. "Leave us."

They all filed out in an instant, closing the door behind them.

Tristan's first words to Lucian were, "Head Alpha Lucian Steele," Tristan's deep voice drawled. "You must have a mighty set of balls to pull this off when I have made it very clear that the Western Pack wishes to be left alone."

Laia had tensed next to Lucian. But Lucian had expected this kind of reaction, and had prepared for it. "I did not mean any disrespect with the letter, I simply wished for my intention to be entertained."

"Your intention is to formally court my twin sister." Head Alpha Tristan scowled. "You, more than anyone, Head Alpha Lucian, should know what that implies."

It implied that their two Packs would be bound together indefinitely, implying that Teesha Hornswood would move and live with Lucian in the Northern Territory, where she would become Head Luna.

Lucian's eyes met Teesha's.

The omega had a regal air about her, with a straight posture and long, golden hair, wearing a green dress made from soft material with a plunging neckline showing off more of her smooth, tanned skin. Her brother looked equally elegant, hair trimmed and style neatly, wearing a vest on top of a white, sleeveless shirt. His hands were full of rings, which was uncommon for werewolves since they shifted to werewolf form so much.

Lucian and Laia had dressed up a bit for this first meeting. While Laia had donned a white jumpsuit with billowing pants, Lucian had busted out a navy button-down shirt with sleeves stopping right at his biceps. It made them look more formal in front of the effortless elegance Tristan and Teesha seemed to exude.

Remembering the velvet box in his back pocket, Lucian slid it out before carefully approaching the table. He stopped in front of Teesha, Tristan's eyes burning holes in the side of Lucian's head.

Teesha returned Lucian's gaze unflinchingly, her posture unchanging.

"Ms. Teesha Hornswood," Lucian greeted, inclining his head in a sign of respect. "We have not met before. My name is Lucian Steele."

Teesha jutted her chin a bit upward, reaching her hand out. "Pleased to meet you, Head Alpha Lucian."

Lucian gently took the omega's hand—they were soft to the touch—and pressed a light kiss on Teesha's knuckles. It was the standard way of greeting after the intention to formally court a woman was made.

The velvet box was placed on the table. "This is for you."

Teesha made a curious noise. This close, Lucian could smell the scent of salt and sun clinging to the twins. Tristan's pheromones gave off tenseness in pulsing waves, while Teesha's was surprisingly calm. The omega smelled sweet like cherries.

The string of pearls was lifted from the velvet box with dainty fingers, Teesha smiling at the piece of jewelry before turning to the side to show her brother. "It's quite beautiful, huh?"

Tristan rolled his eyes. Lucian heard Laia exhale harshly behind him, but his sister didn't say a word.

"Head Alpha Lucian," Tristan called out again. "You should know that I am aware this is merely a plot so my Pack would become allies with the Norther Pack. Your scent had not changed upon being so close to my sister, and it confirmed to me that you have no actual interest in her."

Teesha continued to observe the necklace, her expression unchanging, as if she had known that Lucian held no desire to formally court her because he was interested in her beauty and all.

Without Teesha looking at him, Lucian had no choice but to stare at Tristan. "I don't know much about Ms. Teesha Hornswood, that's true. But just as my sister had grown to have real feelings for Dawswon Waverly, Head Luna Sorrel's only son, I believe that with time, Teesha and I could develop deep fondness for one another." Laia had helped Lucian with that little monologue.

It was Teesha who spoke up. "Deep fondness," she echoed, setting the pearl necklace back in its place. "With all due respect, Head Alpha Lucian, deep fondness should not be reason enough for two people to become pre-mated." The omega's voice was smooth and quite pleasant to hear, actually. "It might've been tradition for omegas like myself to become part of arranged pairings during the time of our great grandparents," She looked up at Lucian. "But that's no longer the case."

Lucian looked down at the table, slightly bowing his head. It was a rare sight for an alpha to do so, but Lucian was more than willing to even kneel if the Western Pack considered becoming allies with the Northern Pack. "I don't wish to force myself on you, Teesha."

"Let's save each other the time," Tristan sighed again, looking less pissed and more, just... done with the whole meeting. "Why have you decided out of the blue to try and formally court Teesha? The truth, Head Alpha Lucian. Otherwise, you can see yourself out this instant."

Lucian hesitated.

He turned around, meeting Laia's gaze. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, but her eyes held her opinion: you might as well just say it.

And so, Lucian did. He told the twin suns about the Southern Pack's frequent attacks on the Eastern Pack, how werewolves from the Northern Pack were defending the Eastern Territory alongside Eastern werewolves as part of the long-term agreement Head Luna Sorrel and Lucian had signed. He explained the worries he and his Council had, the fear that a Pack War would become a reality if Head Alpha Niall continued the way he was.

"Head Alpha Niall Ryder," Tristan murmured, drumming his fingers again. "I met him when his parents were still alive. A downright sociopath, that man is." He shook his head. "And now, he's Head Alpha of the Pack with the largest number of werewolves."

"I have sources telling me that many of his Pack members dislike him as their Head Alpha," Teesha piped up, more so to her brother than Lucian.

Tristan hummed, then turned to Lucian again. "Head Alpha Lucian, while I do understand your worries, it is all the more reason for my Pack to stay out of these conflicts."

Lucian felt his mouth gape slightly before he forced it shut. "Head Alpha Tristan, we are talking about a Pack War here. I respect the way you run your Pack, and how you've all chosen to live in your own seaside world, but I believe you need to stop pretending that you can stay out of trouble if you continue not to engage with the other Packs. If Head Alpha Niall is not stopped, if he is not intimidated or threatened into backing down from this high-horse he thinks he's riding, then there will be chaos in all our Territories. A Pack War does not spare anyone."

Tristan's expression changed from passive to sour, like Lucian had just shoved a whole lemon down his throat.

While Lucian awaited the other Head Alpha's response, she saw Teesha's hand move again on the table, sliding the velvet box away from her. "I think now is a good time to tell you, Head Alpha Lucian, that I reject your intention to formally court me."

Lucian felt his stomach drop. Laia's scent spiked in worry.

Teesha raised a hand in a gesture that said wait. "You and I have not met before, but I have asked many people about you. I made sure to know every Head Alpha currently leading the other Packs, and I admire you as a werewolf who does not let emotions get in the way of doing what's best for his Pack. However," The omega smiled in apology. "I have already promised myself to someone else."

Huh.

Lucian blinked multiple times. He had not seen this coming.

"You are... pre-mated?" Lucian clarified.

A large grin graced the omega's features, and oh, that was love. "I am engaged. And luckily for me, I feel more than just deep fondness for him."

"Engaged." That came from Laia, who took a careful step towards the table. "Engaged as in... like, the human tradition? Engaged to be wed?"

Teesha nodded. "Precisely, Ms. Laia." To Lucian, Teesha said, "I'm engaged to a human who's already part of our Pack. My brother approves of the marriage."

A human. Teesha Hornswood was sworn to a human.

Tristan had managed to respond evenly despite the little reality-check Lucian had just attempted to give the other Head Alpha earlier. "Putting aside the risks we'd be taking in forming any sort of partnership with the Northern Pack, I'm afraid that we can not be involved with werewolves who do not know how to live in harmony with humans."

For what felt like the -nth time since they had arrived here, Lucian was taken aback. "I beg your pardon?"

Tristan said, "The Western Pack is known for having the most peaceful relations with humans compared to any other Pack in Clawsbrought State. We also have the highest number of humans living within our Territory." The Head Alpha gestured to the door. "My assistant is a human. Carrie being a human has proven helpful, because she's not affected by any werewolf's scent."

Lucian had to form his next words carefully, feeling like he was teetering on a very unstable platform, with a fifty-foot drop on all sides. "Head Alpha Tristan, what has given you the impression that we do not know how to live in harmony with humans?"

"Your Pack's reputation precedes you, but the things said about the Northern Pack that reached our shores are not all positive." Tristan arched an eyebrow. "Is it true that no humans live within your Territory?"

Shit.

It was true. The Northern Pack did have a reputation, but the reason no humans lived in their Territory was not because their Pack hated humans. It was simply because their way of life demanded a certain level of activeness and danger that scared most humans away.

The talk of humans in Packs reminded Lucian of Blue.

"Our Pack had just Officially Welcomed a human—a girl who helped an omega give birth to triplets," Lucian informed the twin suns. "We have more humans under our protection. They just choose not to settle down in the Northern Territory."

Tristan had looked pleasantly surprised at Lucian's words. "While it was lovely of your Pack to do that, it'd take more than just promising to protect a few humans to convince me that partnering with your Pack means you wouldn't also drag us into troubles against the people in Neutral Territory."