The Alpha's Heart

by Nana Adu

  I want to see Noah again.

  As if a wolf falling off a cliff, the feeling in me from before falls. My heart beats faster and faster as I close my eyes, shaking my head.

  Why don't I have any control of my body nowadays?

  I gasp, as that something locks into place. My mind clears as I inhale. The air is clean, fresh, like a first breath. My wolf pulses within me as I flex my fingers, a power I've never known flowing through me to my toes.

  Embrace your blessing.

  I close my eyes, opening them to a brighter world. The figures in front of me take a step back as my eyes land on them.

  I'm ready for them. I know what I must do.

  I'll return home.

  Noah POV

  My eyes bore into the pack house I visited not so long ago, Moonstribe. I glance to my left and right, watching as my pack creeps in the shadows, ready to pounce at my command.

  At your command, Alpha.

  My beta mind links me. I nod.

  After a day of heavy training and planning, we're here, a couple hundred feet away from our enemies. Far enough not to be smelt.

  We'll fight for our fallen and get Eliana back.

  Wait for me, Eliana. I'll bring you home and never let you go again.

  Just a little longer.

  CHAPTER 61

  Eliana POV

  Noah.

  My heart skips a beat as his smell just barely brushes my nose.

  I can smell better too. He's here. Noah's here.

  A witch takes a step towards me as the Goddess's words come back to me.

  Their weakness is they are powerless on their own.

  Without the spells, or the wolves under their command, they're just humans who stand no chance against the creatures they have tamed.

  "John, bring 5 soldiers and escort the witches out of here. Bring keys to get me off this fucking wall." My power courses out my mouth, final in every syllable. The door opens again as John and his warriors come inside, grabbing the witches. They're movements are robotic as they hold the five creatures away from me.

  I have control over members of my race. I don't need my power to restrain the witches.

  "You're underestimating us young girl, if you think these wolves will be able to stop us from reaching you." Another high-pitched voice says, beginning to whisper hushed incantations under her breath.

  They still have their spells. Shit.

  My breath is knocked out of me as the wolves let go of them, instead wrapping their arms around themselves. They spin in place, staring up at the ceiling.

  I knew it wouldn't be that easy.

  Go.

  My head snaps to the window, as my face contorts in confusion.

  Noah?

  The ground suddenly rumbles as feet and paws, pound the earth above us.

  "Seems like your lover boy just launched his attack. This good for nothing pack couldn't even kill the right sibling, now we have to deal with him." A squeaky voice giggles, her shoulders bouncing up and down in her cloak.

  "What is that supposed to mean?" I snarls, my chest rising and falling fast. The witches move pass the wolves, gathering around me as one takes my hands. I struggle against her.

  Since I left Moonstribe there's been more and more questions, piling in my heart and no answers.

  "Well, they were supposed to kill your mate. He's our threat." A prick on the back of my hand sends shock waves of pain throughout my body. My wolf whimpers.

  Noah's a threat to them? Moonstribe were supposed to kill him?

  My heart thumps hard in my chest as the witches begin to chant something.

  I can't sit here and let them hurt me. They want Noah dead? I'll end them before they can think that thought again.

  "John!" Sweat beads on my forehead as the freezes.

  This is a blessing, not a curse.

  "Men!" I shout again, a resistant tugging at my soul as my power pushes through it. They freeze.

  I'm willing to accept and embrace it. For Noah, for the Royals, for everything.

  Come get me out of these bonds.

  I'm awake now.

  John pushes past the witches, his soldiers right behind him. They are knocked to the side as he takes out the keys in his pocket, unlocking my cuffs to the wall. My ankles and wrists scream in pain as he releases them one by one.

  Grab them by their necks and make sure they can't say a word.

  I don't have to say anything out loud, I just have to feel it and make it absolute.

  The men get to work, one grabbing two by their throats, as the others get one each. John finishes freeing me. I drop to the ground, my feet unable to hold me up as my fingertips rub numb against the dirt ground.

  Blood returns to my limbs slowly as the witches choke, gasping for air as the grips on their necks keep them in their torment. I lean against the wall, using it as support as my strength builds. I turn to face them.

  I can't let them live, but I have no time for this. A war is raging outside and I can already smell the blood from here.

  Noah's outside.

  There's no time to stall. My family needs me. These witches will get everything they deserve. If they can't say their spells, they lose.

  "Rip out their tongues." I try to hold down my bile as I let the command out, turning away from them and making my way out of the basement as the smell of blood intensifies in the air.

  I'm willing to do anything for the ones I love.

  I'm coming, Noah. I'll fight by everyone's side.

  Noah POV

  The sun shines low as dusk stains the sky. Moonlight coats us in light coverings, as the moon hangs full.

  We are creatures of the night. As dark comes, we become stronger. But so do they.

  It's our best bet though.

  My pack watches me keenly, waiting eager on their feet to attack. Some wait in wolf form, as others stand in their humanoid state. My eyes stare into the golden purple horizon as the sun finally ducks out of sight.

  Now.

  "Go!" I yell, shifting into my wolf form, as my members around me charge towards the pack house. Wolves from the enemy pack hop through windows and sprint out their main door, Liam leading them.

  They knew we were here.

  Blood spills as Beth bites into the neck of a Moonstribe soldier, spitting the throat out to the side as she growls loudly, claiming her kill. My members join her, growling at their opponent before attacking.

  The blood soaks the ground and air as the battle rages on.

  Eliana. I can smell her from here, apart from the stench these guys give off.

  I hurry towards the house, breaking wolves necks as they try to attack me, throwing them off to the side as my beta and Hunter cover me.

  Robert was right. After mating with Eliana, my wolf's become bigger and stronger, even resistant to silver.

  The front yard I walked through before, stands close ahead of me as Eliana's scent gets stronger. I nearly cross it but suddenly, my shoulder is bit into, pain sprouting from the wound. I snarl, shoving the wolf off of me. Liam lands in front of me, glaring through his bright yellow eyes as I do as well through my blue.

  He knew I would try to get to Eliana. The bastard.

  I've been wanting to put him in his place, but I'm in a hurry right now. I have to see how she is. I need to know she's alright.

  I won't get to enjoy killing this mutt as much as I would've liked to.

  Growls fill the night as mine and Liam's hum along with them. He crouches down ready to pounce as I mirror him.

  Wait, what is th-

  My nostrils flare as my gaze is drawn to the main entrance of the Moonstribe house. The sounds of battle tune out as a figure limps out from behind the door, breathing heavily as her stare connects with mine.

  Eliana.

  CHAPTER 62

  Eliana POV

  I choke on the smell of blood as my eyes meet Noah's. My heart pounds loud and fast in my ears as he stares back at me.

  He's her
e. I see him. I missed him.

  I need him.

  The door shuts as I struggle to walk out the house. My ankles scream in pain as I take heavy steps, trying to reach Noah.

  I gasp as Liam pounces on to Noah, catching him off guard. My head shakes as Liam tears into Noah's black fur.

  No. All this has to stop.

  My eyes scan the battlefield. Beth's dark brown fur drips with blood, as Noah's parents stand back to back, surrounded by at least ten wolves. Kai and Hunter scratch and bite their enemies to death, ripping through skin and bone.

  Fallen wolves from both packs lay shattered in the field.

  They won't be able to keep this up much longer. This is a bloodbath.

  It has to end. I won't let anyone else I care about get hurt.

  These wolves have families that love them. I know what it feels like to lose that now, and I've seen what losing even one family member can do to someone.

  I have to stop them. We have to listen to each other. Even with the hatred that lies beneath our feet.

  My blessing travels up and through my body, no longer making me dizzy but instead sharpening my view and every sound.

  "Stop." I whisper. Everyone in front of me freezes, as if time has stopped. I walk down the steps, my ankle no longer screaming in pain.

  The Goddess was right. This power makes me stronger. What has she been wrong about?

  My duty as a Royal is to protect our race. I'll do just that, no matter how much I want to tear them to pieces. I'll give them a little bit of a chance.

  "I'm going to let Noah's pack free, but I need you all to not attack the enemy before you. Just wait." I say, letting my voice travel across the field as I stop close to Noah.

  He's so close. Three days was too long to be away from him. I thought I've never see him again.

  "Moonstribe stay frozen. Everyone else, do as you please." I state, as Noah's body twitches free from under Liam. My feet take me towards him, as he shuffles from Liam's hold on him, getting to his paws and running to me.

  Sparks and tingles spread through me as his fur touches my skin. He snuggles his head into my chest, his tail wagging wildly.

  I missed you.

  A faint voice says in my mind. It's Noah.

  "I missed you too." I cry, tears wetting my face as he whimpers on me.

  I thought I might never see him again.

  I made it home.

  "Hey I don't mean to break up the moment, but I brought back up clothes in case something like this happened." Beth speaks up from behind us, already in a new set of clothes. I stare at her wide-eyed, the moisture in my eyes drying.

  She's talking to me again?

  Noah bites onto the bottom of my shirt, urging me to come with him. I smile and follow behind him. Beth sends me a wave as I simply stare at her while we pass by. Noah lets go of my clothes and bites into the ones with Bethany.

  What's going on?

  Noah nods me to continue following him and I do. He stops at a tree close by, walking to the other side of it as I stand in wait. My hands trembling.

  They're mostly all here, but how do I talk to them? How do i explain everything without it sounding like lies. Why would they believe me?

  My body is suddenly swung to the side as Noah's scent engulfs me and his arms wrap around me. My smile widens as I return his embrace. He stuffs his face in the crook of my neck, squeezing me tighter to his chest.

  "Don't ever do that to me again. Please. I don't want to go through something like this ever again, so please. I was dying without you. I haven't slept for two days. Nothing was right with you gone." He cries against my shoulder. I nod, gripping his shirt tighter.

  "I wanted to come back. I wanted to fix everything and come back to you. The things I found out here-" Noah pulls back, grabbing my shoulder, his expression alarmed. My eyebrows furrow at him.

  "Stop using your powers. We can fight them, don't worry about that. You shouldn't be using your life force like this." He breathes heavily, his eyes wide as I smirk, shaking my head.

  I'm not the slightest bit tired in this moment and I have the entire Moonstribe frozen. It's incredible.

  "I don't think it works like that anymore. I have a lot to tell you."

  Noah POV

  We stand among the pack in the front yard of Moonstribe's house. Eliana stands next to me, as we face the pack warriors and my parents. They all wait in silence as Eliana holds my hand. She glances at me and I nod.

  She looks stronger. Confident. She looks onto our pack with no hesitation.

  She's back in my arms.

  I smirk as Eliana clears her throat.

  I want to know everything she's been through. It's like meeting her all over again.

  "Before I explain anything, I want the whole pack to be here so we'll have to wait until we get back home. Right now, I need you guys to choose what you want to with the Moonstribe. They were under the control of the witches who choose to attack you an-" I nod at her, along with the rest of the pack as she quiets to a confused stare. Her eyes land on me.

  "A girl named Vanessa came to our base two days ago and told us everything. We know you aren't from Moonstribe and they actually attacked both our packs under the influence of the witches. It doesn't get rid of our hatred for them, though." I turn my glare on to Liam's frozen figure.

  "So I don't have to explain anything? Y-you guys know? Vanessa?" She laughs, tears coming to her eyes as she shake her head.

  She was broken over this. Eliana...

  I squeeze her hand, stroking the back of her hand with my thumb. She wipes her tears with her free hand and takes a deep breath.

  "Sorry, we can talk about that later too. Since you know who is responsible for your attack, what do you want to do?" She asks us.

  "Your pack was completely killed off. You have a say in this too." Beth says, clenching her fists as her eyes look at the ground.

  I hope the guilt of abandoning her friend is eating her up from the inside out. I hope all of them are torn up inside.

  I know I am. My own guilt was her final push to leave me.

  Eliana nods, looking at each member. Her eyes settle on my parents.

  "I would personally blame the people who gave the order and the ones who gladly consented to it. I have the witches in the house. We can decide then."

  CHAPTER 63

  Noah POV

  "You mean, those demon creatures are in the house behind us right now?" Kai asks, pointing over his shoulder. My eyebrows furrow.

  "How'd you get them to stay put?" Hunter asks and Eliana glances at him, swallowing as she shifts uncomfortably on her feet.

  "I had their tongues torn out. Since they can't say their spells, they pose no threat to us. They're like humans." She explains as we all watch her with wide-eyes. I chuckle, pulling her to my chest as everyone still stares at her with open mouths.

  She has become stronger and more dangerous. She's perfect as Luna with this attitude.

  It's cute, but I'll try not to get on her bad side.

  "Bring them out." My mother states, her tone low as Eliana nods.

  The door opens as five wolves, including John, escorts five hooded figures down the stairs and in front of us. Blood follows them like a path, leaking from their mouths.

  Samantha, we'll avenge you today. You and everyone who died that day.

  Eliana's doing this? Seriously? It isn't affecting her life?

  I've missed so much growth in her. The distance between us is wide enough though we've been reunited.

  I have to hear everything that happened. I want to know every last detail. Despite all that, the pride in my chest is overwhelming.

  She's found herself and I'm by her side. We'll continue to grow even more.

  "Tell them to get some paper and pencils for them. They might bleed like humans but they have magic in their blood. They won't die from losing too much blood." My father informs us as Eliana nods.

  Two of the wolves run into the house and come bac
k quickly, bringing what was asked for and stuffing it into the witches hands.

  "Why did you want to attack us 13 years ago?" My mother demands, her voice shaking as my father keeps a firm hand on her shoulder. His other fist is clenched.

  My anger boils as well, my sister's face flashing in my mind.

  She didn't deserve to die. She was a small sun with all the potential of the universe and they took her away.

  Eliana takes a step closer to me, laying her head on my shoulder.

  "Let out whatever you feel today. Don't hold back." She whispers. I glance down at her.

  She always knows what to say.

  One witch on the far end scribbles fast, raising her notepad at us.

  We felt a strong spirit coming from your pack and were scared because it lived in the forest with us, it would one day become a threat. Moonstribe killed the wrong sibling. It wasn't supposed to be the girl, but the little boy.

  My eyes widen as I read the text.

  I was their target. They simply missed and killed Sam then? Why did so many others die that day then?

  It was all my fault, just like I thought. I-

  "Don't you dare blame yourself, Noah. The ones who caused everything are in front of you. Their evil intentions led to actions and deaths that we can't reverse. Let everything in you heart go. Don't let it clutter anymore." Eliana tugs my collar, bringing me close to her face. I nod slowly at her.

  She's right. I have to end this battle with a clear mind and soul. My pack and I have held on to this grudge so long, we even drove Eliana, a victim, to a breaking point.

  This has to end now.

  "You fucking bastards. You felt threatened so you end lives as you please? You hurt so many with your decisions to ensure your safety against a pack who were minding their own business. You sealed your fate that day. You created the threat you tried to destroy. It'll make sure you feel the consequences of your actions." I scream, growling at them. The whole pack shakes, some crying in anger and others seething in a quiet rage.

  We were all hurt that day.

  My father kneels before one of the witches. We all watch in a silence as he grabs the pencil out her hand and stabs her in the eye. She buckles at the waist, her hands covering her face, as my father gets up.