An Alpha King's Heart

-Claire-

Leaning my head back, I watch as tiny pieces of burning ash rise into the air. Though I know I can’t see anything, it feels as if I do, watching my brother’s soul travel to the Moon Goddess’ realm. Yet, even though I have been told there is nothing but peace there, I desperately wish I could call him back. I know it’s selfish. This world has pain and death, but I’m not ready to let go…

I feel a tear travel down my cheek, and with it, the world enters. I hear the sobs, but I don’t feel the pack’s pain. I’m too young to have gone through the transformation, but I don’t need the pack bond to understand what a deep tragedy this is.

Something grabs me. I turn, looking up to see my mother standing beside me. She is dressed in all blue, as is tradition. She has always seemed so solid, like a rock to me, but this time, she clings to my shoulder as if she needs me to remain standing.

Glancing around her, I see my father beside her. His hand holds her, but I sense a distance between them that wasn’t there before. Maybe that’s why she clings to me now. Maybe I’m solid.

While I loved my brother, I also understand there were quite a lot of years between us. They knew him better than I did.

The sobs and cries continue as the pyre burns. Only as it begins to die down does the pack disperse. Not everyone heads for the main house. It’s clear some want their own time and space to grieve, or maybe they want to give my family that.

My father finally turns, dragging my mother with him. I feel her grip tighten on my shoulder.

“Come on, sweetheart. He has left.”

I shake my head, and to my luck, my mother merely pats my shoulder, then walks away with my father. I remain, even as the last member leaves. I’m not quite sure why. I’m quiet. Other than silent tears, I don’t move, I don’t scream, I don’t plead, though on the inside, I do hope the Goddess hears me.

However, even though I know she doesn’t grant such powerful and otherworldly wishes, my young heart can’t help but hope.

There is no answer.

There is only a pyre that has begun to die out and a body long gone.

“Why you?” I whisper.

Maybe this is why I can’t quite fall into the grief. Perhaps I can’t quite accept that it’s my brother who is gone.

So powerful.

A pure alpha.

And someone with a great heart.

Logically, if I try to make sense of it, I can’t. He isn’t the sort of person who should have died so young. He didn’t deserve this. And yet, there he lies—or the ashes of him—while I stand here, while the people responsible for his death are still out there.

I know my father won’t rest until they are punished, but their deaths won’t bring my brother back, and they won’t mend the hole left behind by him.

I reach up, feeling that sharp ache within me starting to grow.

Maybe it’s happening now. Maybe I’m finally ready to scream and plead.

I wait, but nothing happens. I just stand and stare.

Slowly, I start to turn, walking across the open grassy space that leads to the forest and back to the house. I take the way behind the house, making my way into a large living room. Low music plays while groups have formed around me, drinks in their hands.

My eyes land on my mother, sitting on a couch in the large seating area, surrounded by other women. Some are resting their hands on her shoulders, others holding onto her, showing support. I consider going to her. Where else?

But I just walk through the room and into the hallway. I wander, unsure of my destination. My eyes scan the place like it’s not familiar to me. Like I haven’t walked these hallways for years, and yet I feel so distant from it all. Even the many pictures on the walls seem to be of strangers, not family.

I find one with my brother when he was about my age, surrounded by friends. There is another right below it where he holds me as a baby, a large, wide smile on his lips and deep yellow eyes that match mine, proof of the power I have been told my family has.

I don’t quite understand it. I have been told I will only feel it once I have transformed, but I’m not sure that’s true now. If my brother had such power in him, why is he dead?

I wander away, going toward the front of the house, when voices reach me. As I get closer, I notice my father standing in the entrance hallway, talking to his beta, Ren.

“There is no choice now,” he says.

My father looks deeply concerned.

“She is the heir now.”

“We could have more children.”

“And while I hope for it, Alpha, you remember what the doctor told your mate after her last birth.”

My father lets out a dark growl, which makes his old friend turn his head in submission.

“I’m sorry, Alpha. I overstepped.”

“You did.”

“I just think… it’s too important an opportunity to let pass. If you don’t accept now, they might withdraw the offer in the future when you need it,” he urges.

“But that family!” he hisses.

“I understand, but maybe Claire is exactly what they need. What we all need for a brighter future.”

Me? What do they need me for?

“I just lost a son. You really want me to consider this now?”

“You have already made them wait two years. How much longer do you think they will wait?”

“She is a child!” my father hisses.

“You heard them. They will wait until they are both of age. She will remain here.”

“But her fate is decided. That is not how I wanted this for my children. While I was lucky with my mate, I wanted it different for them.”

“I know, Alpha… and it would have been, if…” Ren doesn’t finish the sentence, and I can feel the heaviness rise.

Today is truly the darkest of days.

Slowly, Ren looks up, only for his eyes to land on me, panic clear in them. He gently nudges my father, who turns, a soft smile appearing on his lips when he notices me.

“Claire, little wolf, why aren’t you with the others?”

He begins to walk toward me while their conversation runs through my head.

“I don’t want to be in there.”

“Why not?” he asks, then kneels in front of me, looking so calm now that I don’t like it.

“They are all so sad.”

“We are all sad,” he responds, then strokes my hair.

I shake my head. I don’t know how to explain to him that I don’t feel like the rest.

“Come,” he says, then leans down to scoop me up.

I’m far too old to be carried, but he is a very large alpha, and he easily holds me. Besides, there is nothing better than being safely tucked against my father’s warm body.

“Why were you talking about me?” I ask.

“No reason. No reason at all,” he says as he walks away.