Chapter 4 Choices

The flutter of leaves reacting to the caress of breeze was the only sound that could be heard, my wolves waiting to hear my answer, his wolves ready for war. Memories of my childhood flood my mind, the pain and suffering I had to go through to acquire my kingdom, my fighting for survival. But now I had to fight for theirs, the survival of my pack. I have made plenty of choices before, but this is the hardest of all.

Putting my crown on the floor as their queen and submitting to him is proving I am not worthy to be an Alpha. Alpha's always fought for their pack and position. But I will protect mine. Choices will always bring consequences. Pack before emotions.

He waits patiently, his eyes never once drifting from mine. He knows my choice but he wants me to say it out loud. "I withdraw my rights as Alpha and shall submit to you." I cannot breathe. My heart clenches, the spines around them pushing deeper to pierce through flesh.

The females cry holding their babes not knowing the outcome of this whilst the males snarl and growl at me wanting my throat. I never once turn and look at my wolves, only hear their responses to my decision. I am a coward.

"Ragon," He beckons the male by his side, muscular and visually striking with hair the colour of the dark sky. The title he holds radiates as an aura from him, this male is Deimos's beta. "Leave a team of our warriors for their protection. Help this pack prepare for the move."

Ragon kneels, his head tilted in a bow. "Yes, Alpha." I turn towards my Beta, her eyes brimming with tears.

"You understand why I had to do what I did." It wasn't a question, I know she understands.

"I will protect you with my life as you have protected us Alpha." Her voice cracks.

"No, this is my fight. Now go help the pack, they need you."

Turning around, peering up at the daunting male our eyes collide. The field is vacant of wolves except for both of us. No matter his ruthlessness, I find no hate in my heart for him and so does my wolf. Rather, we wish to acquire a taste of what lies in front of us. The pathway to his soul, his eyes are void of any emotion. I have never seen a wolf as such who can hide his feelings quite well.

"What is your name?" I do not answer him. "I will not repeat myself mate!" His voice thunders across the field.

"I do not wish to answer you." His eyes darken, fangs elongating he strides towards me. My heart quickens its beat. Hands around my neck, claws tightening. My body quivers from the sparks his touch brings. A new feeling.

"You will know better than to disobey me. Mate or not I will put you in your place."

"What is my place?"

His eyes lock with mine. "Beneath me." He growls. I just look at him gazing into his eyes trying to decipher any other emotion than fury. Does our touch not rise any feeling within him? Like the path of heat trailing from my chest to my core.

"Give us time, we need to bury our dead. A few of my elder wolves passed away in their sleep last night." Alarmingly vacant emeralds peer down at the meeting of our flesh right where I hold him.

"They shall remain upon this land's soil and their souls shall be put to rest. There is no need to bury them." A tilt of his head to show his denial of my wishes.

"It is my duty. You must allow me this." My voice falters, palms sweating as I feel the curse of my ancestors befall upon me. Our traditions collide, unable to fit together as one. He wants me to choose his way.

His irritation to my pestering surges as he loses control to remain calm and collected. Gripping my chin harshly he propels my face towards his. Forest greens shoot bestial cold-blooded arrows straight to my heart. The way he looks at me hurts me. "This pack belongs to me now. My word is the law. Your wolves will not be buried."

"You cannot do this. I will not allow my traditions to be tarnished by yours!" Low growls of disapproval of this male's ways are shown blatantly for him to see and feel.

His voice drips with an icy coldness that freezes my heart, "I gave you a choice, be willing or go to war with me. I have been kind to offer you that choice. Do you rather wish I did like the rest?"

Closing my eyes shut, my pain deepens with every minute. With every word, he spits at me. I am lost, I am helpless once more.

"Look at me when I speak to you." A large warm hand reaches forward thick long fingers coil up the strands of my hair as he pulls my face to him.

"You offered me no reasonable choices. You know this." I merely do as he asks gazing into his eyes trying to decipher any other emotion than fury. The heat of his breath kisses my skin, his eyes linger on my lips. Does our touch not rise any overwhelming feelings within him? Like the path of heat trailing from my chest to my core.

"Your wolves shall be protected much better than under your rule." His eyes flash with his truth he pours out with dominance, which leaves me speechless. "You must learn to obey me. I do not do well with disobedience." Eyes darken, fangs elongating he shows me his true essence. Alpha.

"Alpha." Ragon interrupts our conversation. Deimos's eyes glance up at him and he slowly withdraws his hands from my neck.

"Speak", he commands bringing back his eyes to mine.

"Everything is prepared." Ragon's voice falters feeling the tension between us.

"Let us leave," Deimos says walking away from me.

"What of my land?" Worry coats my voice.

"I will use it as I see fit." He walks away without facing me.

As I prepared for departure with a mourning soul, my future is uncertain yet I know one thing for sure. My defiance with him shall bring me problems.