The Long Lost Alpha

Chapter 7: The Bitter Truth

Theo

My breath hitched in my throat at Ilona’s question. It was at that moment I realized what had blurted out of my mouth. I believed that it was what I desired, yet, it was a terrible thing to announce. That too, especially to someone I had only met a day ago.

“Theo! She’s going to think we are so desperate and pushy!” Kai yelled, also shuddering at her words.

My blood diverted to my legs, preparing me to flee from the uncomfortable situation. But Ilona’s mesmerizing ocean eyes made me stay put. Yet, I was nervous about what she was thinking of me and if I had just chased her away from me.

“Breathe, Theo. I was only joking,” she blurted out with a giggle when I was almost at the edge of breaking down.

Exhaling with relief, I shook my head at her, “Ilona, that was not funny. I almost had a heart attack!”

“Serves you right for using such words. Anyway, I see you decided to visit the market again.” The beautiful Alpha’s daughter tapped the crate next to her, inviting me to take a seat.

Accepting her offer, I soon found myself staring straight into Ilona’s blue eyes. Her sweet smile washed me over with a sense of peace, a sense of belonging. But soon, my curiosity got the best of me and I unleashed my questions to her.

“So, what happened yesterday? Did you get into any trouble?” I asked, my eyebrows narrowing in concern.

Ilona’s face fell but she squeezed out a tight smile, “No. Everything was fine. They do that when I overstay my freedom outside of the packhouse.”

“You’re kidding. That’s horrible!” I exclaimed, outraged by the state of her life.

But, the brave soul seemed unaffected, “Yes. My father doesn’t quite like me. As a daughter, I’m an embarrassment to him.”

“Ugh, how vile! But, why should he be? You’re still his daughter and his heir, right?” My voice was rising by the second in disbelief.

Ilona nodded in agreement, “Yes, I am, though he always wanted a male heir. But, the main reason is that, as an Alpha, I should have a wolf. Wolves generally shift at the age of 18. But, Alpha werewolves are different. We start shifting as early as 15 years old. But, here I am, a week shy of my 18th birthday and still no wolf.”

“But, there is a chance you will shift at your 18th birthday, right? So, he can’t abandon you then,” I retorted.

Her head shook and her body slumped down, “There is no guarantee.”

To be honest, I had no intention of even talking about her reconciliation with her father. He was a bad leader and a terrible parent. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to say those words. Not when she appeared broken up about it. Hence, I tried my best to offer positive outcomes through my gritted teeth.

“Still, that’s no reason to forsake your own daughter, your own blood! He should know that everyone is different. I am sure you will shift when both you and your wolf are ready.” My voice was steady yet carried a hint of frustration.

But, that wasn’t enough to assure the Alpha female. She had a reply waiting, “That is no excuse for Alpha Xander. He despises my unfortunate status. All he cares about is his power and glory. He is somehow always worried about his position and the security of the pack.”

Before I could reply, Ilona continued, “He thinks that I am powerless and a liability. He keeps me cooped up in the packhouse and has his people track me. The only time I get to myself is to come here to the market. But, that too, only for a certain amount of time.

“That explains what happened yesterday. Oh, wait, what about this?” My hand reached into my pocket and pulled out the small vial she had given me.

The pack’s heir sighed out loud, “That used to belong to my mother. She was a hybrid. Half-witch, half-werewolf.”

“Oh, that's why you had it. Wait, was?” I asked, unsure if I had misheard her words.

“Yes. She was my rock, she always took my side and was proud of me. But, due to some complications, she passed away after delivering my baby brother. However, he too didn’t last too long, only a couple of hours. He joined Mother soon after.” Tears began to fill her eyes but she cast them down, wiping away the drops rolling down her cheek.

Kai whined, his face sulking in despair, “Oh, poor baby.”

“I am so sorry,” I muttered, swallowing back the lump that had formed in my throat.

Ilona sighed before continuing, “You know, I used to be jealous of my baby brother, Levi. He got to be with our mother while they left me behind with a father who wanted nothing to do with me.”

“That is understandable. Trust me, I know the feeling,” I replied, placing my hand over hers in an attempt to comfort her.

She turned to look at me, intrigued by my words, “Did you lose someone too?”

“Sadly, yes. My whole family and village. An act of pure evil and hatred against the harmless and innocent.” Blood boiled in my veins at the recollecting thought of The Willow Den, as tears stung my eyes.

This time, I felt a hand cover mine in consolation. Ilona wrapped her soft, petite hand around mine and squeezed it. Despite her own sorrow, she chose to comfort me instead, striking me with awe. She kept proving that she was the polar opposite of her father and that only drew me closer to her.

“Theo, I can’t bear to see her sad! Make her smile again!” Kai admonished me, rattled by her distressed state.

“Okay, okay. I’ll think of something. Calm down, Kai!” I mind-linked him, desperate to pacify my restless wolf.

There I was, caught between a somber Ilona and my disturbed wolf, distraught by her gloomy state. Tension crept up my shoulders, clouding my mind. Ideas escaped me and Kai was of no help. But then, I thought of the best way to fix the situation at hand. In fact, I was rather surprised that it took some time to pop up in my mind when it was the most obvious solution.

“I know the perfect way to cheer you up,” I announced as my hands tapped my thighs.

“What is it?” she asked, her eyebrows knotted in uneasiness.

Standing up from the crate, my lips twisted into a smile, “Ready to say hello, Kai?”

“Hell yeah! I’m born ready, baby!” Kai screamed in my head, almost deafening me.

The silly white wolf started jumping up and down like a hyperactive puppy, making me dizzy. I was happy for him, pleased to see him so joyful. But, deep down, a slight ball of hesitation started churning within me.

I hope I’m making the right decision.

~.~

Ilona

Theo, my new crush, looked at me with pure excitement. His eyes carried a hint of grief for me but also, a glimmer of hope. Yet, I was still skeptical of his idea, a tad worried about the consequences that may befall me.

The ravishing male extended his hand towards me, his palm open, “Come with me.”

“Where? Why?” I questioned, looking up at him.

Shaking his head, Theo looked down at me. His eyes stared into my soul, his husky voice beckoning for me, “Ilona Rannulf, do you trust me?”

“Yes,” my mouth replied on its own accord, my very soul speaking for me.

Theo helped me up and I raised my hood over my head, concealing my identity. But, every once in a while, I would sneak a peek at the gentleman beside me. The towering man led me towards the forest, yet, I felt safe with him.

In fact, I knew that we had to part soon, but I never wanted to leave. I couldn’t bear to go back to my captivity, not after seeing what freedom could feel like. I wanted to stay outside the packhouse for good, perhaps even with Theo. With him by my side, I felt as if nothing could ever go wrong.

If only I had known that within the dark trees, someone was watching.