An Alpha and His Two Mates

A War Sails In

Oooooooooooooooowhoo!!!

Trees trembled from a mighty howl that tore through the darkness. Corresponding roars shook them even harder as the crisp night air quivered from wolves of all manner, raising their snouts to the sky. A copper-red wolf raced his way from the packhouse to a clearing in a crop of trees to the south. A line of 100 wolves followed behind him, with the massive Alpha bringing up the group's rear. Taking the forest as their dance partner, wolves of all manner weaved their way through snowcapped trees while leaping over frosted rocks. The copper wolf was the first to make it to the clearing, yipping excitedly and pawing at the ground while he waited for the pack to catch up. No sooner than he blinked his hazel eyes, they all came into his view.

Animated yaps filled the air as they circled the awaiting wolf and pawed at the ground. Another minute later, the Alpha broke the Circle, making his way to the center. It looked as though diamonds frolicked in the silver streaks of his fur from the glimmer of the moon. The great white wolf sat and let out a loud bark that quieted the forest and made all others look center. Throwing his head back, another great howl was aimed towards the mother moon before he stood and circled the new wolf. After the third pass, Alpha Linus let out a low growl causing the copper wolf to drop and roll over, exposing his tummy. Walking over, he placed a paw on his chest, bellowing a long howl. Leaves in the forest shook once again as the rest of the pack joined in the cry. Bearing his fangs, Alpha Linus bit the exposed neck of the now submissive wolf beneath him. Then, removing his great paw, he let him stand.

Congratulations, Brett; this was the last step to joining the pack. You are now mind-linked to the rest of us and have specific duties expected of you from now on.

Linus stated through the mental connection they now shared as pack members.

I am so happy to be a part of this fantastic group of wolves. I can't wait for a chance to prove myself.

Brett responded, electrified.

Now, let's go for a run, everyone. Linus relaid to the group.

Exhilarated barks filled the air as the wolves took off into the trees. They were weaving their way through the snowy forest, the excitement of the new pack member fueling each wolf. Finally, with no time passing, they reached a cave at the end of the woods. Slowing to stop one yard in front of the entrance, the Alpha turned to face the rest of the pack.

Once again, I welcome you, Brett. Finally, you and the pack are free to mingle and get to know one another. But, I want some time alone.

With a sense of pride, he watched his ever-growing pack disperse, leaving him to wander into the cave . This underground oasis was Linus' favorite place to soak after a long run. The grotto always welcomed him with dark yet peaceful arms. Reverting to human form, he walked over to the mouth of the cave and checked to make sure the clothes he'd placed there earlier hadn't be stolen by one of the younger pack members as a prank. Seeing them still neatly folded on the ground, he continued deeper in the grotto until he found the fluorescent blue pools he sought. Steam frolicked and swirled above the bright blue ponds inviting him to take a dip and relax. These pools were deep enough to take a swim in, and the minerals made it easy to float. Linus stepped to the pond's edge, put his hands together, and fell headfirst into the pool. The heat from below permeated his muscles, relaxing them instantly. Popping his face up and shaking water out of his hair, he swam to the water's edge. He laid his head in a specially carved space and let his body float upwards and unwind.

Oooooooooooooooowhoo!!

Alpha Linus snapped his head at the sound of his beta's howl, breaking the peaceful silence of the night. Then, leaping out of the serene volcanic pools, he sped through the caves. Bones cracking echoed through the otherwise quiet cave as Linus lept off a rock, shifting to a white wolf remarkably similar to that of his fathers. He had two silver lines that ran from the sides of his eyes around his head, down his shoulders, and back in two parallel lines to the tip of his tail. The cave's dark wall became a blur as his wolf's muscular legs rocketed him to the entrance. He put his clothes in his mouth, knowing that whatever dangers caused the alarm, it would need his wolf to be solved, but he didn't want to be left naked after the confrontation.

 Linus came to a halt at the opening of the crop of trees, sat back, and let out a mighty howl informing Lupin that he had heard his cry. Then, gathering the clothes that fell from his jowls, he took off running in the sound of the uproar. Life there had been peaceful for so long. Stories that his father used to tell him as a pup ran through his mind. His father created this island nation as a refuge for those supernatural, not wanting to stay in Jestan. All supernatural beings were on the same footing then, new to the human domain, so peace was easy. It was irritating to Linus to have never been able to have known that peace in his time as Alpha. 

“Everyone, Quickly run towards Lupin’s howl and hold strong until I can get there.” Linus mind linked the other pack members. He didn’t bother informing them to listen to his beta’s commands as he already knew that everyone in the pack not only respected Lupin but would lay their lives down for him the same as they would for Linus. Why are more humans discovering the island and disrupting life? He thought to himself, trying to take in the scenery around him as he lept through the forest gracefully. He loved the way the trees would display the crystal snow on their leaves. The moonlight frolicked across the snow on the branches and gave the best shadows displays on the ground. Once again, his father’s stories crept into Linus’ mind as he raced across the snowy island. What a sight it would have been to see this island before it had thriving supernatural communities sprawled out between the mountains and the trees. The picture before him cut through his thoughts as he saw his pack lined up at the shores facing six boatloads of humans. Linus weaved his way through his men. The Lonewolf pack was large after all of these centuries and spanned over 200 wolves. All of his wolves stood tall and strong. Dropping his clothes in the back, he slowly weaved his way through the battle formation until he was at the head of the pack. Eventually, he made his way front and center with four of his most vital wolves at his side, two on each side. Fifty of his wolves were grouped directly behind him, with two more groups of fifty on each side facing the boats. The reserve group of twenty-five would be able to either pitch in or get help should things go badly. 

 “At some point, I am going to shift to see what these humans want. Do not make a move unless I shift to my wolf again. If that happens, attack immediately.” Linus’ mind linked to the pack.

“Yes, Alpha.”He heard in unison from all the pack members.

Linus took his time taking in the surroundings. They were on the only beach that was accessible to humans. The white sands reflected the full moon and displayed the ship’s shadows. Waves lapped the bottoms of the vessels, and the soft rocking caused the boats to creak. The night was crisp, and it was frigid. Unfortunately, there was a fog rolling in from the shore. There are six boats that I can see but are there more beyond the mist? Linus wondered. The fog formation did not seem natural. A lot was hovering around the boats, but very little fog seemed to make its way up the shore. Linus couldn’t tell if it was a power from someone on board or just an odd island phenomenon, which was a problem. With so much magic amassed in and on the island, there are often many curiosities that occur on Riara. It’s always best to know what you’re going up against in battle, and both he and his wolf could sense that they didn’t have the full story. The tension in the air was thick as both sides stood staring, not saying a word. Linus’ ears twitched upon hearing a faint sound. It was the steady steps of someone walking up from the bow of the boat. A severe but rather average-looking man emerged from the bowels of the massive ship. He removed his white naval hat placing it under his right arm and revealing his buzz cut as he took a look around. The brunette man swiveled his head around, clearly surveying the scene before him.

“Well, I do love myself a pretty dog, but I am looking to have a conversation,” he hollered to the wolves before him.

Linus let out a vicious roar before shifting into his human form. A female wolf from the front rank rushed over and positioned herself hiding his nakedness in front of him.

The naval officer threw a disgusted look at Linus, grabbing his cap from under his arm, and threw his hands up to his side.

"You couldn't even be bothered to bring clothes to this battle? What kind of amateurs am I dealing with!? He yelled out, turning side to side to look at his men receiving low chuckles.

Linus met his glare with one of his own. Who was this worthless piece of s**t to get him worked up? Such childish gripes wouldn't take his attention off the gravity of the situation in which he found himself. Every second you give yourself counts, though, Linus thought. 

"let me get him worked up," He whispered to himself. 

Then, looking up, Linus  yelled out,

" I did bring clothes actually, but who the f**k are you to make me get dressed?"

The man walked forward and spit over the edge of the boat, then yelled,

"I'm an admiral of the king's royal navy and head officer of the council of humans, and you should learn to respect your betters."

The Admiral stood upright and walked back towards the center of the boat. My better, huh, this guy has a lot of freaking nerve, but again I won't let that distract me from the situation at hand.

Yes, he thought to himself, there weren't many boats, but who knows who and what they have on those boats. Humans have been getting equal parts intelligent and cruel in battles over the years.

"There are way more than six boats, alpha. I see at least 15 through the fog."

Well, s**t that's just what I needed, an even larger amount of unknown.

"Send a wolf to gather the witches and have someone contact the mermaids." He ordered his soldier on the mountain.

"Yes, Alpha," he heard in response.

Surely the humans wouldn't put someone so dense in charge of so many, Linus thought to himself.

Why is he making such a scene? Is this to distract from something Linus wondered to himself. No, that can't be it, he thought to himself; thanks to the alliances on this island with the witch and fairy magic combined, there was only one way to access this island if you were a human.  Linus always wanted to close that area, but for some reason, the alliance was unable to find a way to do so without blocking everyone. Some supernaturals that visit like to leave and mingle among the humans; the only issue is that they had to leave an area open or risk attempting to make their own way and causing havoc with the protection around the island. Leaving a waterway through treacherous rocks led to a shore where a mountain greets them was the workaround.  The jagged rocks that proceeded the islands were spelled so that only boats made on Riara island that had blessed lolite gems in them were guaranteed to pass safely.  From the water, the mountain is looming and is impassable. Linus spent his life prepping for war because of the human's rediscovery of the supernatural. The story his father told him, he ran through his head.  Just seventy short years ago, a young vampire visited humans. He met a beautiful young woman, and they spent the night together. He accidentally drained her while they were making love. His failed attempt at hiding the body caused humans to investigate. That young vampire would make it back to the island and ultimately home to Jestan before they caught him but that only spelled terrible news for Riara Island. From then on, they have consistently tried to gain access to the island. The occasional straggler from a raggedy beat-up ship would make it through, making it relatively easy to take them down. Since Linus was born and turned of age, more vessels were starting to make it to the island intact. Never had a whole fleet made it through the rocks, though. The humans were adaptable and cruel; that kind of enemy requires constant forethought. In his father's time as Alpha, the wolves would go around the mountain since it was relatively easy to take care of just a few humans, and they could take their time. With the increasing amount of attacks, Linus needed a better way to get to the battlefield. Through the mountains, with the help of the witches, the wolves forged many paths. The main path leads out to the middle shoreline, where all of his wolves emerged, greeting the boats. There were, however, many more paths that led through the mountains where he had some of his fighters lying in wait should any surprises be thrown their way. Now knowing the fleet's full extent, Linus wasn't sure if those men would be enough. He sent for the witches, but this was a pretty large island; he only hoped they would arrive on time.

"Ughguh," Linus turns his head slightly at the sound of the naval blowhard clearing his throat.

"That's enough staring at each other, I think," he said,

laying his hat down on the edge of the boat and walking forward.

" I came here to talk, so let's talk, shall we," the Admiral paused,

waiting for Linus to respond. In any other situation, I would have attacked this asshole already, Linus thought to himself, but he was glad for the extra time for his men to gather the witches. Looking around at his men to give himself as much spare time as possible. Linus extended an arm and said,

"OK, let's talk then."

Linus watched the man's face curl into a sinister smile as he looked around the island.

"Tell me, what are you hiding here! As an admiral in the king's royal army, I demand and have a right to know," he boomed. "You disgusting abominations refuse to let humans here in your unholy resting place." The Admiral lifted his hands and lightly touched his fingers together and continued,” Which could only mean that you are plotting to take over.” The Admiral picked his hat up and placed it back on his head, resting his hands behind his back, and continued quietly, "It's simple really; if you have nothing to hide, then just let us on the island to take a look around."

Anyone could see the murderous glint in his eyes as he looked down at Linus even without supernatural eyesight. Linus chuckled as he boomed back.

"You come into my home, insult my family and me while expecting a proper welcome." He let out a cold humorless chuckle as he glared back at the Admiral while growling, "and you call us disgusting abominations."

The Admiral returned Linus' cold laugh while looking down on him and sneered, "I can't help being a brutally honest man and calling it as I see it." Then, he shrugged and took a couple of steps back towards the middle of the boat.

"So I take it, then you're not going to be a good host and invite us in," stated the Admiral

with a cold smile, making the tension in the air even thicker. "Not even if you asked nicely," Linus retorted, returning the cruel smile. "Perfect, Just as I thought," cackled the Admiral.

"After them, Now!" screamed the Admiral!