Alpha Twins' Wolfless Slave

The stuffy atmosphere clung to her nostrils, making it hard to breathe. As Lyla pushed through the crowds in the arena, she strained to hear whoever was at the front. It was a familiar voice; one she had grown to hear every year.

"This is not enough!"

It was him. Bald head, long white beards that he meticulously raked through with his sharp dark claws.

"But this is all we have. It's all we could gather for the year round." Evan, one of the men Lyla knew to be the spokesperson of the Woodscrewer replied back, his grey hair standing out. "Our grounds are barren and the waters are poisoned. Unless we plan for Woodscrew to become a wasteland, there is no way we will grow foods regardless."

The bald man, tall and intimidating with predating eyes pushed forward. Evan flinched and took a step back. Everyone knew Turaq and one thing they never dared to do was stand against him. He was more like their backbone in Woodscrew. One silly mistake and they will be sent out of Reeds pack, with no food, security or anything they got with their sweat while in their territory.

It has been years since the Woodscrew sought refuge from the Reeds led by Alpha Cyrus in the Great heart of the Jungle. After the mighty war amongst all the clans, trampling over the smaller groups of Wolves, Alpha Cyrus took them in. Like an older sibling, the Alpha of the Reeds pack took care of Woodscrew and its families. To repay this kind gesture, the leader, Evans, suggested that they do whatever is asked of them. One of which is to pick a farther area for settlement. A rear end jungle that is almost cut off the Reeds territory on the map.

What a great mistake that was!

Ever since, the elders would often come annually to get tributes which is almost all of their harvest in one year since the Woodscrew are known to be healers and farmers rather than hunters.

"For many years we have housed you, clothed you and protected your people," Turaq started.

"And, this is how you repay the great Alpha's kindness?"

"That is not what I intend to do, your grace. I just ask that you reason with us." The people murmured in agreement. "There have been shortage of foods and water for the past few Moon seasons. This is all there is to give."

A small scan over the people that stood expectantly, waiting for the final verdict. Fear and

frustration written all over their faces.

"By the power and authority vested on me by the mighty Alpha Cyrus of the Reeds, I hereby..."

"Wait!" A young girl in her teens, scrawny but pretty emerged from the crowds.

Her glistening brown hair cascading down her waist and blue eyes made her exceptional from the other people. But also the confidence oozing out of her made the atmosphere more soothing.

"I'm really sorry but I think you do not seem to understand the gravity of what is going on! Our people are dying!"

Indistinct chattering arose. Muffled voices spread amongst the people until Turaq raised his wrinkled hands to maintain decorum before finally settling his gaze on the girl before him.

"And who are you supposed to be?"

"Lyla."

He raised an eyebrow in interest. "Interesting. But Lyla, don't you think this discussion is a little too advanced for you?"

"Forgive her, your grace." An identical but older woman rushed towards the girl and pushed her aside.

"She is but a child and doesn't know what she's doing. Please, have mercy."

"Mercy is not a word Reeds is familiar with. However, I'll be generous today. I give you six days to gather all your spoils or I promise Woodcrew will be forgotten in a day." His threat kept echoing even as they retreat from the arena with their horses and carts.

Lyla swallowed as she watched the dust rise and fall behind them, her heart racing at the thought of what would happen to them in six days.

"Are you crazy?" Diane spat as she looked at her daughter straight in the eyes. "You could have gotten us all killed! Or worse, thrown out of Reeds."

"Living here isn't any better, mom."

"Or so you thought, young lady!" Diane walked around the table to face Lyla who stood her ground. "Reeds has fed us for so many years and given many of us a life. If not for their kindness, we would probably be dust. Like the Golden Moon packs, or the Yellow Guardians."

"They should be more open as to what they want then. This is nothing but a mutual agreement between us and the Reeds." Lyla sighed. "If they want something from us then they better sit us down and be reasonable."

With that, she bounded up the stairs to her room. She closed the door hard behind her before falling on the bed, thinking about everything. The Woodscrewers have always lived life like slaves but no one dared spell it out. They were given privileges that they did not deserve and she was being a wimp about it. Soon, she turned over and slept off.

♧

That night was just like any other night, except this time, it was filled with panting and grunting. Heavy paws bounded the dry grasses as two heavy furry bodies wound their ways through the forest, the chilly air doing nothing to cool their boiling blood. The grey fur Wolf ran as fast as it could but did little to catch up to the jet black wolf with silver mane in front. It's speed was unmatched. More like he bewitched the wind.

The black wolf did a sudden stop, making the pebbles before him roll forward and off the cliff.

They had reached the end of the road with no kill.

"Let us go back home." Dranco heard a faint whisper in his head and knew his brother was connecting with him.

His grey eyes, slanted so they could catch a prey pretty well began to dilate. "Not until I get my kill."

Before Franco could stop him, he'd jumped down the hill and followed the pebbles that rolled. He could hear Franco's defeated sigh as he turned back to the palace.

"Coward!" His wolf shuddered in agreement.

After several hours of planning and moving stealthily, Dranco finally caught a Buffalo. He felt fulfilled within him. Nothing more could be more satisfying than having the biggest kill in the pack. Several footsteps approached behind him and as he turned, blood dripping down his powerful jaws, he was faced with not the guards as usual. This time, the Beta, Turaq, came with them.

The cracking of bones and reshaping of forms could be heard across the woods. His growls and grunts slowly losing its intensity and intimidating texture. Finally, he laid on the ground, naked.

Turaq dumped a coat on him, face expressionless.

"Meet up in the Chambers by five." He then turned to leave.

"The distance from here to the palace should take at least an hour. How am I supposed to get there in five minutes?"

Turaq paused, looked back and assessed the supposed heir apparent to the throne.

"Godspeed." He said nothing more and left with his bandwagon.

Dranco heaved an exasperated sigh. He is never allowed a time of his own. A moment for himself. He groaned inwardly before wrapping himself in the coat and making his way back to the palace.

The moon had risen high in the sky by the time Dranco would get back to the palace. He entered his room hoping he could lessen the insults he would get from his father by showing up in a nice attire. A number of women stood ready by the bathtub as he entered, each of them a sight to behold. They were dressed in tiny linen that barely covered their breasts and trailed down to cover their lady part. Dranco often sighed within himself in satisfaction knowing the cohorts belonged to him.

"Leave!" He ordered knowing his bath was ready. "Except you, Yoda."

Yoda smirked. Tonight was her lucky night; maybe not his. But if he was going to be yelled at by his father tonight, he'd rather much pleasure himself first.

The door to the chambers opened as Dranco entered dressed in a cotton white shirt, pants and fighting boots. He expected, not to say the least, a knife swooshing past his cheeks. But he was met with the most unusual atmosphere.

"He's here, your highness." Shmoore, the commander in chief announced.

Franco sat beside his father or what seemed to be like him. King Cyrus was now a plopped-up or squished version of himself casually thrown onto the throne. His brother held their father for support while his sister stood behind, looking worried.

"What happened?"

He woke up from his usual nap looking like this." Francisca, his sister would say.

"What? How?"

It did great damage to Dranco seeing his all-mighty father, Alpha Cyrus in this state. A part of him shattered like a glass. He was afraid picking the remnants would result in greater damage.

"Has anyone called the royal physician?!" Dranco barked but no one moved.

"A witch from Woodscrew has been summoned. Hopefully, she prefers a solution." Franco who had been dead silent since he arrived spoke up. "And don't act like you care now, Dranco. You had all the time to show up, but you have only chosen now to come."

"I swear I didn't mean to."

"You will be King..." Franco stuttered. "Soon, you will be the Alpha and I am already afraid of what will become of Reeds."

"You talk like you're certain of Father's death."

"Because I think ahead!"

"Enough!" Turaq snapped, his eyes moving from one brother to the other. "Enough with the bickering. This is a time for you to stand together and make sure your father gets well."

Dranco moved closer to his father, his heart further searing.

"How long will it take for the healer to get here?'

"At most, by sunset." One of the elders answered.

"Have her come to my section after she must have checked up on my father. He must get well soon." Dranco ordered and turned to leave while the elders murmured behind him.

"This is absurd!" Shmoore yelled.

"Ridiculous!" Matteo chipped in.

"Preposterous!"

"He's not even the Alpha yet and he orders us around like chickens. For goodness sake, I can't get over the fact that the Moon Goddess chose him over a well-behaved Prince." Shmoore rapped again, his face filled with worry.

♤

The sun was still high in the sky when Diane gathered her things in a sack. A portly man in his forties came outside and dropped a kiss on her forehead. "Be careful, sweetheart."

"I'll be back soon, Ryan. I just need to find out what is wrong with the Alpha." She muttered but it seemed like Lyla had been listening all along because she jumped into the conversation.

"You can try to tell the King about our predicament. Hopefully, he is generous enough to have mercy." Lyla chipped.

Diane rolled her eyes, irritation painting the lines on her forehead. "There will be no discussion about Woodscrew. From what I heard, I'm not sure the King can hear or speak anything." She moved closer to Lyla, eyes lowering to intimidate her daughter who doesn't do as much as flinch.

"Don't you think it's thoughtless of me to table such matters before him?"

"I...I didn't know."

"Yeah, right." Walking past her Ryan, she muttered discreetly. "Never let her out your sight."

"Valid!"

Lyla stared at her mom who walked down the arena, sacks plopped on her shoulder. Diane is the best healer in Woodscrew, there is no doubt about that. Being that their kind of Wolves emerged from the lycans and Omicrons many centuries ago, they had very significant powers such as visions, healing and speed. Now that the King is sick and on the brink of death, their expertise is needed. This is going to be a great opportunity for them only if they know to utilize it.

Nighttime arrived and Diane was yet to come back. Lyla had been working on the field with the other teenagers awaiting her mom. The sky was already darkening by the time the teenagers were done with their work. Except they still had something else to do.

"Hey, freak!" One of the big boys, Sanjo, walked up to where she crouched picking nuts. "Now that your mum isn't here to defend you, I wonder how you're gonna survive." Lyla refused to give them audience. "You don't have the nerve to speak back now, uh?" Her hands were getting shaky and it was visible, giving them an upper hand.

"She's shaking, guys! Are you scared?" Sanjo grabbed Lyla by the hair and pulled her up. "Fight back now, bitch." Lyla's eyes burned as she heard that word. But Sanjo was stronger and everyone in Woodscrew knew that.

"You know very well that I'm going to marry you eventually. You're such a good-for-nothing wolf with no special powers. Except for your sharp mouth that will one day kill us, you have nothing to offer."

He pushed her to the ground and the others laughed.

"At least, I can stand up for what's right." She retorted, not minding what Sanjo could do to her.

"I don't pee my pants at the arrival of the Reeds elders!"

A smack sent her spinning. That was all she remembered before blacking out. By the time her eyes would flutter open, the sky was red. Or, the blood dripping from her head only covered her eyes. And, her ears picked up an unusual sound from the square. Her head throbbed as she managed to stand but she pushed herself out of the field. Sanjo was a bastard and she was already accustomed to his bullying. He wouldn't stop anyway, no matter what she did.

By the low chirping of the crickets and the increasing singing of the birds, she knew she was out until morning.

"What will become of us?" A woman asked on the verge of tears.

"Honestly, I don't know." Diane sat perched on the edge of the table, surrounded by the people. "We are at the mercy of the next Alpha or the elders."

The people gasped and cried.

"Mom?" Diane looked up at Lyla, eyes glassy. "What happened?"

"What happened?" They both chorused but Diane pursed her lips before speaking. "The Alpha couldn't make it. From what I could deduce, he just had a cerebral issue but...yes, I couldn't save him." She hesitated and ushered Lyla in. "Tell me how you got this on your head and why you're just coming from the field."

Slowly but totally, the people dispersed, except Evans and Sanjo. Ryan joined them at the dinner table as well as they speak while Diane tended to her head.

"I hit my head while I was coming and passed out." Diane's hand stopped as if she didn't believe her story but quickly brushed it off.

"I don't believe the King had cerebral whatever it is you called it, Diane," Evan spoke up first.

"I'm glad you're catching up. From my findings, the King was poisoned. Not just from any food but his favourite ale and it was laced with a silver pearl seed." The rest of them gasped except Lyla.

"And the elders asked you to cover it up?" She asked.

"And how would you know?" Sanjo tackled. "You didn't go with her, did you?"

Diane cleared her throat. "She's right. The elders threatened to throw us out if words get out about the real cause of death."

"But why?" Evans questioned, his forehead creased. "Why would they need to cover it up instead of finding the culprits?"

"Because they are the culprit."

Silence dawned on them as the morning sun rose slowly by the window, slowly seeping in and granting them warmth.

Dranco stood in front of the mirror all dressed in gold and black. He was looking neat and handsome as usual, his Ash colored hair complimenting his grey eyes. The hall and outside the hall bubbled with celebration and cheerful shouts. They were celebrating the coronation of a new Alpha for their pack. He should be there in their midst, looking all proud, but soon enough, dead. It has been a week since the death of his father and he knew he was the heir. Obviously, the throne should go to him. But the healer had been threatened to keep quiet about the cause of his father's death.

They had also agreed that Franco was the best fit for the Alpha throne. He couldn't risk it.

Slowly, the scepter in his hand fell.

"I can't do it." He murmured. "I just can't."

A knock snapped him out of his deep thoughts, making him flinch. A familiar voice called from outside the door.

"Your highness, it's time for you to be coronated." Dranco sighed as he stared out at the moon turning blood red. He would soon be King and his life would be at risk. He was strong but not enough to fight all the elders. At least, not now.

"Your highness?" The guard rapped on the door a number of times before retreating to call another guard. Hushed low voices were exchanged before they began kicking at the door.

"Your highness, are you okay?"

No answer. After a few kicks and pushes, the door flung open. The guards looked at each other as the room was empty. This isn't good.

Dranco ran as fast as he could, removing his gold plated coat that made it hard for him to run fast. After running a few meters, his wolf began to take over.

"Calm down, Ray." He calmed his wolf knowing very well that transforming now would expose him.

The moment he got out of the palace walls, Ray took over and his bones crackled and shrunk. A painful moan soon got replaced by a ground shattering growl before a black furry body emerged and began running towards the end of the Jungle.

♤

"You should hurry up so we can meet up with the ceremony, Lyla." Diane said as she walked past Lyla's room that was empty unknowingly to her.

Lyla, who was not interested in anything that has to do with Reeds thought it was useless participating in their ceremony. They were Woodscrewers and shouldn't be involved in the affairs of the Reeds. Besides, unless the Moon Goddess picked someone, the elders will be responsible for choosing a leader which will obviously be someone with the same interests as them.

"What are you doing here?"

Lyla had reached the barn and saw a figure standing tall next to the foods that were stored. The moment the figure turned and the moon shone on his face, she did a double take.

"Sanjo?" He pulled her in and closed the door, placing a strong hand against her mouth.

Sanjo was not only huge but five years older so if he did anything to her now, she would be helpless.

"You will not tell anyone you've seen me."

"What are you doing here?" Lyla pushed his chest but he didn't budge.

"It's none of your business. Stay away from me. By the way, I hope you still remember my plans." Lyla shook her head, trying to play dumb. "Are you crazy?" He grabbed her chin so he was looking down at her.I will marry you and take you with me! Understood?"

She looked away but he slapped her face back to him. "Understood?"

Lyla turned to look away again but he kept hitting her in the face to assert dominance, each slap increasing intensity. She had now closed her eyes as she endured the pain, losing hope as she continually got bullied. Tears stung her eyes, her face red and possibly bruised.

Suddenly, he stopped. Before she would open her eyes, she felt the heat in the room had increased. More like there was more than one person in the barn.

But a snare and growl made her eyes flutter open.

"Lay one finger on her again and I promise you'll be eating off the ground like a dog." His voice.

"Who are you?" Sanjo asked, voice quivering.

It was dark so Lyla couldn't make out who it was as well.

"You don't have to know." A loud smack resounded and Sanjo twirled and landed face down on the floor. She didn't know whether to be happy or scared for her life but after he stepped forward into the light that managed to enter through a small opening in the barn, she swallowed. Hard.

Standing before her was a man almost twice her height, able-bodied and naked. His hair was kind of like he just escaped a fire outbreak and the ashes gave his hair a permanent makeover. The moon shining on his hair made him look like an angel, especially with his stony gray eyes that kept blazing as he stared directly at her.

"Now, who the fuck are you?"

She almost gave in to her quivering legs. It was almost as if she would pass out. This man standing before her was too beautiful to behold. Is he even real?

"Um..." She moved forward and poked his chest with her index finger. A gasp escaped her lips.

"You're real."

"Thank you. I'm grateful. You saved my life. These were the words I expected, not that." His voice was also a rich velvet and warm chocolate bass. Everything about him was surreal or otherworldly.

"Who are you?"

"Lady..."

"And why are you naked?"

As if Lyla reminded him that he was naked, he stared down at himself and quickly crouched.

"Oh, fuck!" She bit her lips to stop her from laughing. He panicked and stumbled around the barn grabbing anything to cover himself.

"Find me something to wear or find your laughing head on a plate." His voice thundered, snapping her out of her laughing attack.

"Sorry. It's just...you can have my coat." She slipped out of her own overall coat and handed it over.

"You don't look like you'd ever imagine yourself wearing this but that's what I grew up wearing."

The man gave her a side glance, eyed the handmade cotton coat she's offering and snatched it from her without uttering a word.

"So, where are you from? Knowing Reeds, they are not particularly nice to strangers so I hope you're not one of the Rogues or Omicrons or whatever." She chattered off as he wore the coat but he didn't reply or do so much as look at her.

"I will only tell you little since I'm gonna need your help after saving you."

"I knew it. You're trying to invade the Reeds." She grabbed a bunch of haystack and threw it at him like it would do anything. "Leave before I scream."

He stared at her with an arched brow. God! This man is every inch beautiful. He stepped in closer while she took a few steps backwards. She stopped when her back hit the wall.

"What are you doing?"

"I dare you to scream." They were inches apart and unlike Sanjo, this man looked like he would break her into two without thinking twice. She wouldn't want to cross him.

"What do you want?'

"That's what I thought," he breathed lowly, filling her nostrils with the smell of amber and pine cones from the woods. He smelled like he spent half his life in the woods yet looks fresh and luxurious. "I need help running out of Reeds territory and I know this is the best place to run out from."

"You're running from Reeds? Why?" That explains his appearance. He must be one of the guards.

"The King just died and er..." He paused, almost as if he's not sure why he should trust the young pretty girl before him. But his wolf nudged him and he continued. "I'm supposed to take over but the elders don't seem to like me so instead of risking my life by just standing there, I'll rather much take my chances."

Lyla just stared in shock, blood drained from her face. Her lips parted and she was held in a chokehold.

"Y...you're the next Alpha?" She managed to say and he stared at her to confirm her suspicion.

"Oh my God! Oh my god!" She began to move around, panicking. "What should I do? What would happen to me?"

It dawned on her then that her childhood crush was standing next to her. So close as well. Not really seeing the Prince made her think he was just like every prince in a fairytale and soon her fantasy would die. But that Prince was here.

"Prince Dranco?"

Dranco was the one with Ash strands but now, his whole hair is full of that colour. She wanted to hug him and take in his scent but she wouldn't dare so she bowed a little.

"I'm really sorry for being rude."

She could be killed and nothing would happen.

"I just need you to help me. That's all."

"You should be at the ceremony, not here."

Dranco grabbed her arm as if shaking her back to reality. "Didn't you hear what I just said? My life is on the line and I have to run."

She looked up at him and when she realized his strong warm hand was wrapped around her bare arm, she shuddered inwardly. Their bodies were pressed together making it hard for her to breathe. He is holding her. Really holding her.

"Can you hear me?"

"Yes." She would do anything for him at this point.

"Then help me escape."