Chapter 2 Memories that Lingers

Xavier's POV

The agony of losing one's parents really hit me hard. I thought through it everyday and night. Anyone that says you could get over anything had made a big mistake.

A parent's death isn't something one could just let go of without stopping to think through once or twice. I was heartbroken.

The responsibilities resting on my shoulders as the new alpha of the pack was indeed a weight to be carried.

Uneasy they say, lies the head that bears the crown. All thanks to the goddess for giving me such relentless spirit to fight for what I wanted. I had out passed everyone during the trials, a rare feat that was achieved over four decades ago by my grandfather. The relentlessness of course, is a family trait.

I remembered waking up that morning from noise coming from the back of the house. The soldiers scampered for safety all over the place and everyone were running for their lives.

One of them barged into my room, "We need to get you to safety young master, it's not safe here" he said, stretching out his hand to pull me up. I quickly obeyed because there was no hope of the entire situation calming down anytime soon. The noise seemed to increase every now and then.

I followed him sheepishly, strapping myself to his back. That was my first time discovering a secret tunnel in the pack house, a house I've stayed in for the past twelve years of my life.

I was moved to safety. My uncle was in the secret tunnel, pacing around and looking at his wrist watch every now and then. He's been obviously waiting for us to come. His eyes brightened up upon seeing us

"Xavier! How're you my son?" He said, touching me all over. He turned to one of the men

"I hope he's not hurt?" He asked, looking with anticipation.

"At all sir. We found him sleeping peacefully in his room. The attack hasn't gotten to where he was" he said.

A coup d'etat was planned at my parents' abode from what I could remember. It was a silly occurrence no one thought could happen anytime soon. The pack was too peaceful for something of such to happen. Infact, I don't remember my father having any power tussle with anyone. It was just too perfect for anything like that to happen.

I searched frantically for questions I needed urgent answers to.

I was lost. What attack? What's going on? I asked myself.

I realised I was still putting on my pyjamas. It's too early for all this drama. I still wanted to sleep.

The men were seen pacing up and down in hushed tones. I was ushered to a seat to calm myself, my uncle came to where I was, trying to pacify and reassure me. All these didn't have any meaning to me whatsoever, all I wanted was to see my parents and nothing more.

"You just have to take things easy, okay? There's just a little tension ongoing. Everything's going to be fine" he said.

He was speaking in parables I didn't understand. I continued to wonder what this man was actually saying.

What tension? Why is he saying I'm going to be fine? These thoughts filled my mind as I wondered what exactly was going on.

News of my parents demise spread like wildfire.

I was heartbroken. Every move made by my uncle to pacify me proved abortive. I thought over the years what must have happened that lead to my parents death. It really broke me.

It was later discovered that Katherine's parents had perpetrated such an evil act. I hated her immediately. We used to be friends but not anymore.

I never saw myself being friends with someone whose parents killed mine.

My uncle stayed on the throne temporarily until I was of age. I was considered unfit because of my age and size. How could I possibly preside over a pack when I haven't even done my trials? So of course, I had to be introduced to the process early enough to prepare me for what was ahead.

"You have to put the past behind you if you really want to learn the art of leadership. It's not child's play. If you want to learn, show the commitment to want to learn. I know it's not easy but you just have to let go and let your mind and soul connect" my uncle will often say.

I wasn't concentrating at training and it was affecting my pace. My uncle later enrolled me for therapy classes. It helped a great deal. It helped me heal even faster and better. There I was again, back in shape.

I anticipated my birthday when I'd be crowned as the new alpha and of course, the undisputed leader of the pack.

I was advised to stay an extra year before choosing a mate, a principle I found very interesting. At least, it'd help me concentrate and get better. A lot of troubles and drama came with marriage and I wasn't ready for any of them. Infact, I was still too young to think of marriage at that point in time.

"The men are waiting for you outside sir" one of my men said,

"I'd join them in a jiffy. Tell them to be patient" I said, trying very hard to hide my nervousness.

I was anxious and nervous at the same time. I didn't know what to expect. I've witnessed many coronations my parents were invited to during their lifetime, now I was experiencing it myself. It was really worth all the worries.

"Xavier, you should be dressed by now...why aren't you dressed up?" my uncle asked, looking worried, his arms akimbo.

"I will get dressed uncle, I'm just being nervous"

"You shouldn't be. After all, it's your parents inheritance and not anyone's" he said, stepping out of the room. I sighed heavily picking up my clothes.