6: Return of the Alpha
1700 Words
As the days passed, Javier appeared to have two patients to keep track of: his mother and a stranger whose name he still didn't know. It looked like no relatives were searching for the woman because they still didn't know who she was.
He had also been busy in recent weeks. He was determined not to return to Europe, and his parents and friends were right. He was the Alpha of the Black Moon Pack, and many members relied on him. Not just that, he neglected numerous businesses while leaving the nation.
Perhaps now was the moment to face the realities of life. No matter what he did, whether he wished for the impossible or screamed bloody tears, he could not bring his deceased Luna back to life. Beatrice was gone.
He'd never forget his Luna. She had been his comfort, strength, and joy. Even though they had not been graced with pups, he would have the sweet memories of his deceased mate in his heart.
He needed to move forward with his life. Many people loved and relied on him, and the world would continue to turn despite the tragic events in his life.
He couldn't help but think about the stranger woman he had rescued. It was nothing short of a miracle that she survived what had happened to her. Despite the awful circumstances and her severely unrecognisable face, she persisted in her fight for survival. She still wanted to live.
That is why he was grateful to the stranger woman. He gradually learned that life was not a paradise. It's not just about rainbows and butterflies. It's not all about happiness. Life is cruel. It is dark and complicated. Nonetheless, individuals try to discover brightness in dark places and situations. Everyone wishes to rise above and find comfort and happiness. He understood in his heart that life was still beautiful. It felt incredible to wake up, see the sunrise, and be alive.
“Thank you, whoever you are. Because of you, I found the courage to face my life again. If you, in your unfortunate situation, are fighting against death, how about me? Who can be considered fortunate in life?” He murmured to himself, thinking of the woman he had helped.
Lost in his own musings, he remained oblivious to his father's approach. He stood on the terrace of their villa, taking in the breathtaking view and savoring the invigorating breeze.
"You seem to be in a cheerful mood today, my son. Why, did you hear the news?” The old man asked him with a grin.
He glanced in his direction. “Hey, Dad. How's it going? Well, I can't really pinpoint why I'm feeling light today. I just realised that it's good to be back. I'm happy to be back to my old self, in the place where I grew up, with our pack and my family.”
His father patted him on the shoulder. "I'm glad to have you back with us, son."
He furrowed his brows, recalling what his father had mentioned. "What news are you talking about?”
“I received a call from the hospital. Your mother is already clear. She woke up earlier and can be discharged," his father's eyes gleamed joyfully.
His heart was filled with immense happiness. Finally, he can be reunited with his mother once more. They had been puzzled as to why his mother remained unconscious even though she was no longer in critical condition. But maybe, in her subconscious mind, she was depressed because she wasn't with her only child.
"I'm relieved, Dad, that Mom can come home. Let's go pick her up," he exclaimed with enthusiasm.
The following moments were filled with intense emotion. Christy Romanov was in disbelief as her only child stood before her.
“Oh, my son! I’m so happy that you’re here. I know you can’t resist your mother forever,” The older woman's voice trembled as tears streamed down her face. "You came back, finally," she said.
“I'm sorry, Mom. I know you missed me and were worried about me. I won't leave again. We'll be together from now on,” he promised.
His mother nodded understandingly. "I get it, Javier. We understand with your situation. It can be difficult to experience the loss of a loved one.”
The next day, Javier felt light-hearted as he started his day. He had many tasks to tackle and sort through. He was torn between prioritising his business or attending the council meeting. However, he believed it was important for the Black Moon Pack to be aware of his intentions and for him to return and fulfil his obligations.
Jordan assisted him in arranging a gathering for all the pack members. Events and meetings were often held at the Romanov Dome, a venue with a seating capacity of 2,000.
"Don't be nervous. You don't seem like an Alpha right now," Jordan whispered, chuckling, as he walked with him towards the stage.
"Good day, Black Moon Pack," he began nervously.
The members didn't know how to react, so they all stood from their seats and bowed to him in welcome.
He casually brushed away the perspiration from his brow. "I'm relieved that you all still remember who I am."
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, which helped calm his nerves. "I understand that I let you down in lots of things. I left without bidding goodbye. I must confess my actions were immature. I won't try to excuse my actions in leaving everyone, but I was deeply affected by the pain of losing your Luna. I love Luna Beatrice very much, so it felt like a part of me was lost when she passed away."
A heavy silence descended upon the entire dome, casting a sombre mood that was reflected on the faces of all present. "I travelled to a different land, seeking solace from the sorrow. And finally, I mustered up the bravery to come back to our homeland, to our pack. Let me rectify my mistakes. Allow me to once again protect and lead our pack. I may have had my flaws, but I have grown and become a better man at managing my emotions. Allow me to reclaim my position as the leader of the Black Moon Pack."
His heart was pounding with nervousness. He expected a negative reaction from the pack members since he had been gone for several years, and his parents had taken over his responsibilities.
But instead, he saw the cheers of joy and the happy faces of the Black Moon Pack. Some even had tears in their eyes. Everyone stood up and applauded him.
"Welcome back, Alpha Javier!"
"We've been waiting for you. We knew you'd return, Alpha Javier!"
"The pack has been weak and sad since you left, Alpha!"
"We love you so much, Alpha Javier!"
These were just some of the shouts he heard. His heart was filled with joy. He was so happy. Jordan gave him a strong pat on the arm.
"See? You were overly negative in your thinking. I told you the Black Moon Pack will always accept you. Welcome back, Alpha Javier,"
He smiled and drew a big breath. It's great to be back as Alpha Javier.
When he returned home to the villa that day, his father gave him a serious look. He immediately sensed that something was awry, so he followed his father inside the library.
"Sit down, Javier." His father issued a command.
He swallowed hard. His father now addressed him as "Javier" rather than "son."
"Dad, have I done something wrong? What is wrong? Your look is making me nervous," he admitted honestly.
Joseph Romanov gave a heavy sigh. "Javier, please be honest with me. I do not want any lies. Is it true that you are seeing a human? A woman?"
His eyes widened. How did his father find out? Did Jordan or Nick inform him? Only the three of them knew about the stranger woman.
His father read his thoughts. "Oh, so Jordan knows too?"
So Jordan wasn't the one who told him? It was impossible that Nick told his father. Nick wouldn't do that. How did his father learn that he was helping the woman?
"How did you find out... dad?" he asked hesitantly.
His father's gaze sharpened as he peered carefully at him. "How did I find out? It's only my guess. I can smell that human scent on you! I can smell her simply by sniffing you. Can you explain this to me? Don’t tell me you’re dating a... human?"
He coughed at his father’s words. "What the hell, dad? Of course, not! You know I have not moved on from Beatrice!"
His father's face appeared to relax. "So, who is this woman? And why are you spending time with a human?"
"Dad, there's nothing wrong with being around humans. You know that. For many years, we coexisted with humans, living among them and interacting, befriending them. Maybe it's an issue for you today because this human happens to be a woman."
"You're correct. I do not want the Black Moon Pack to think you are dating a human. I don't hate humans, but a human shouldn't be your mate," he said in a serious expression.
He laughed hard. "Don't worry about it. Beatrice is my only Luna. I was just helping this woman. Someone attempted to kill her. She's in bad condition, and her face is severely damaged. Anyone would feel sorry for her situation. I was simply being a concerned citizen. Don’t put any malice to that,”
His father sensed the seriousness in his expression and believed him. "In that case, I'm fine with it. There's nothing wrong with you helping this woman; I just don't want you to build a close relationship with her."
"Do not worry, Dad. I am not insane enough to search for a new Luna."
His father was about to speak when his phone rang. "Excuse me, Dad."
He saw that Jordan was calling, so he answered. "Hey, dude."
But he heard Jordan's frantic voice. "Javier, the woman woke up! The patient is conscious!"
The woman… is already awake!
- Writer
