Chapter 5 Dredge up old grievances.

As the darkness settled in, the forest air became colder, and Mikhail did not move. The previous talk with Susan still floated around in his head. Her words had unsettled him, but he pushed the thoughts aside as the sound of footsteps broke the silence.

Mikhail sharply swiveled his back and sides, his claws remaining out, crouched and ready to engage. But it wasn't an enemy that stepped through the thick trees-it was him.

The Alpha.

Their father's prominent personage attracted Mikhail's elder brother from the somber sides. He was there, his silhouetted form was visible, and he appeared more intimidating and his yellow eyes shown like beams.

What are you doing on the edge of the facility out here?," the Alpha said, his voice cool but firm, leaving no chance for contradiction.

Mikhail lowered his claws but didn't relax. "Thinking."

The Alpha gave him a "that's a load of.", expression that he thought for a second. Just then a second set of footsteps proceeded, sturdier and more purposeful. Their father.

Mikhail's chest tightened as the older man appeared, his weathered face marked with scars from battles long past. Behind him came the elders, their presence somber and purposeful.

"Is this how you greet your family? Their father asked, his deep voice carrying a mix of reproach and weariness.

"I wasn't expecting company, Mikhail replied, keeping his tone even.

The Alpha was marching by with a distance, his sights were disastrous and he was toiling over his brother. "So, you've been slipping away every now and then, huh?"

Show-stopping himself not even by a bit, Mikhail shielded his gaze obstinately ahead from his enraged brother. "I do what's necessary."

"Necessary," their father repeated, his tone unreadable. He made eye contact with the Alpha and then directed towards the forward clearing. "Let's get settled. We have much to discuss."

Mikhail's grief was twisted inside out at the very time, but he managed to give a little nod, and they were on their way toward the camp.

At the campfire, stood a center, and above, the distinctive shapes of the trees were moving gently beside the flicking shadows, and the heat was very consoling in the cold. The elders settled first, their expressions calm but unreadable. The Alpha sat down on the right side of their father, his broad back filling all the available space while Mikhail just stood by, arms crossed and poised in the midst of an ambush.

"You could sit, " the Alpha said, his voice low but pointed.

"I'm fine," Mikhail replied, his tone clipped.

The Alpha shrugged, leaning back against the log. "Suit yourself."

The tension in the air was thick, and Mikhail could feel the weight of the elders' eyes on him. They were judging him, as they always did. Whatever successes he achieved, he was never good enough for them. Not compared to his brother.

Their father broke the silence. "It's been a long time since we've all been in the same place. Too long."

"Whose fault is that? Mikhail muttered under his breath, earning a sharp look from the Alpha.

Keep your traps shut," the Alpha said, his voice a menacing whisper.

"Enough," their father said, his tone brooking no argument. "We didn't come here to fight."

Mikhail clenched his jaw, biting back a retort.

An elder, a man of silver hair and luminous blue gaze, moved closer. "The pack has been through much these past moons. It's a blessing to see the bloodline together again."

Mikhail resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The old ones always spoke like enigmas, and never understood each word but what hidden truth each contained.

Why is this family reunion happening all of a sudden? Mikhail inquired, his temper fraying.

Their father fixed him with a steady gaze. "There is."

He gave the old man a long look and noticed he was not about to speak. The Alpha's face was void of any reaction, but, on the other hand, there was a glint in his look that agitated Mikhail.

Oh, come on, how can we get around the edges of the issue? asked Mikhail.

"Well, yes, sooner or later, health issues," the Alpha threw in with as cool a voice as he could. "For now, let's sit back and take the peace in. It might not last long."

Mikhail's fists clenched at his sides. The calm? Since when did his brother care about calm? The Alpha thrived in chaos, in battle, in proving his strength to everyone who dared to challenge him.

One of the elders spoke up, breaking the silence. "Mikhail, your reputation precedes you. Your recent victories have not gone unnoticed."

Mikhail's gaze darted to the elder, surprised by the praise. "I was just doing my duty."

"Duty or not, another elder said, his voice rough with age, "you've brought honor to the pack. Your father must be proud."

Mikhail's gaze shifted to his father, but the old man's expression remained unreadable. Proud? That word had never been directed at him before, and it didn't feel genuine now.

"I do what's necessary, " Mikhail repeated, his voice quieter this time.

The Alpha made a soft chuckle, which hurt Mikhail's nerves. "Always so serious, little brother."

Mikhail glared at him. "Not all of us can afford to be carefree."

It was of no wonder then that the alpha's amused gesture vanished, and for a while, the two men shared a long, fiery look the intensity of which was extraordinary.

Their father cleared his throat, drew their gaze toward him. "As far as I'm concerned, this ends here. No more complaints." We didn't come here to dredge up old grievances."

"Then why are you here? Mikhail asked, unable to hide his frustration.

Their father got up, his broad shape created a long shadow over the camp. "We'll discuss that in the morning. For now, rest. You'll need it."

Thereupon Mikhail got a sudden drop in his dizziness. Nevertheless, as he realized how things could get worse if he went on, he kept his robot frozen facial expression and said nothing. The old folks mumbled something to each other, their words weaved in, and ears flapped in silence.

When the Alpha unfolded and reached for him, he gave Mikhail a knowing glance. "Get some sleep, little brother. Tomorrow's going to be... enlightening."

Mikhail was being overcome with his feelings so that his chest tightened and his thoughts were running wild. What was going on that his brother, their father, and the old guys had to come all the way here for?

Settling into the camp with firelight casting peculiar shadows on their faces, the group existed quietly, and Mikhail was overwhelmed by the feeling of the fact that whatever was coming would change everything.

Moreover, for the very first time in a long time, he also felt a twinge of fear.