Alpha's Virgin Queen

"Be fast with it, Shilah! You're so slow" Ina rasped from the table where she sat.

"She walks like a snail...."

The 23 years old Shilah said nothing as she climbed down the creaky stairs to the archaic dinning where the rest of her family sat comfortably, some already eating. Dressed in drabs of grey, she almost felt like an outsider to the family as her sisters were looking much better than she was.

Round white eyes with grey balls were her unique features which complimented her round shaped face and longer hair. Despite how tired and weary she looked, anyone could see the underlying beauty in it all.

"I hope you added enough sauce to it?" The other asked, but the naive Shilah said nothing, still.

Her eyes were lowered to the floor as she walked towards the dining which was surrounded by 6 people - her father, step mother, three step sisters and just one step brother.

"Sorry I took long. Had to heat it up" Shilah said as she finally stood in front of the dining and Ina - who'd requested for the sauce - snatched it roughly from her.

"You should be sorry" Ina cut her eyes heaven ward and started eating, a bristle of her hair flopping over her left eye.

There were about seven seats in all round the table, just 6 were occupied, but Shilah knew the 7th seat wasn't for her.

"I think that is all. You can leave". Her step mother suddenly said, signalling Shilah to leave. And with humility, she bowed and started walking away.

"Why doesn't she just join us? At least, for today?" Vanessa - her second sister - asked and Shilah stopped walking, waiting to hear a response.

Eating with them... that would have been nice.

"What is wrong with you, Vanessa? Why would she eat with us? This is a table meant for Mountain Lions - not an empty lady, posing as one" Ina snapped in, her words tearing Shilah's heart apart.

"Ina....!"

"What?" She scoffed. "I didn't tell a lie, did I? It's the popular bitter truth. Shilah's the only WOLF who hasn't shifted. She's the only WOLF who doesn't have a single ability. She's just dumb - like a mere human. If it isn't for the fact that father claims she's the daughter of his first wife, I'd have sworn she's not from this family - not from the lineage of the wolves!"

"That's enough, Ina". Their father chipped in and turned to Shilah who was now looking pale.

"You should leave".

And with a tight gulp, she turned around and resumed walking away.

Vanessa's mood had gone ruined as she lowered her head to the floor. She couldn't understand why her family's been treating Shilah that way ever since her mother died. She didn't deserve such hatred from them; she should be treated as a member of the family.

Shilah's heart was so heavy; her eyes glistened with tears she wasn't ready to let out. She had to walk carefully for fear of tripping. It wasn't the first time she was getting bullied by her family, it wasn't the first time she was getting insulted, but each time, they hurt differently.

She headed for the kitchen first, took her meal and proceeded to her snug, lonely room.

It wasn't like the usual kind of room where you'd see a cool bed, a closet, some arranged chairs and a bed. Hell no. The only good thing Shilah had in her room was her bed.

Her appetite had completely gone cold. So, she dropped the wooden plate of meal on the table and went to the bed to sit.

One good thing she loved about her bed, it was so close to the window and gave her the privilege to enjoy some cool air from it.

She stared out the window for sometime, wishing her worries could just blow along with the wind, but sadly they couldn't.

Alas, she only had one friend - just one person she could talk to. She turned away from the window to the bed, taking up the doll lying await.

Yeah, that was the only friend she had - a doll; a toy.

She smiled as she stroke it's yellow scanty hair. It's fake eyes were staring at her. Well, maybe not at her, but she wanted to believe it was staring at her.

"They wouldn't let me eat with them at the dining today - as usual" she continued.

"Vanessa had tried convincing them....but they wouldn't listen."

She paused and exhaled deeply.

"Why am I so unfortunate?" She asked, her voice cracking a little.

"I wish.... I wish someone could explain it to me; explain why I'm the only one without my wolf abilities - why I'm a wolf, yet don't feel like one. Am I cursed or something?"

She paused and sniffed.

"I wish mother was alive; maybe I wouldn't have to go through these....".

Shilah's prayer was abruptly cut short by a knock on the door.

She didn't expect someone to come to her at this hour. Setting her slight surprise aside, she stood up and opened the door. It was Vanessa standing outside.

Shilah ushered her inside, and the two sat down on the edge of the bed.

Vanessa anxiously clasped the hem of her dress and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry you couldn't join me for dinner. I just grabbed a quick and immediately came here to accompany you."

Hearing this, Shilah felt a warmth wrapping her heart. The grievance she had just suffered instantly vanished with Vanessa's comforting words. For Shilah, a genuine concern was a priceless treasure.

With a bright smile, Shilah replied gently, "Thank you for speaking for me and coming to see me. I'm more than happy."

"They are too picky. I don't want to stay at home." Vanessa let out a long sigh.

"Today is the No Movement Day. We can go out tomorrow. But why did the Alpha King declare today as the No Movement Day anyway?"

To this day, the Alpha King remained the object of terror for every breathing soul around the mountain fears. No one dared to defy his orders.

Vanessa shook her head and was about to say something when a noise came from outside.

"Oh, Pia was losing consciousness! What do we do!? " The step mother - Madame Walter - screamed.

Pia - who was the last daughter of the house - was putting her family in a tight corner as her ailment had gotten worst. Although, she'd been showing some symptoms of sickness the previous day, they had no idea it would get so worst.

The father hurried to carried her on the bed and then returned to the table.

"It is No Movement Day. The entire mountain is on lockdown. We can't get any physician or anything from the market. But....if we could get some hem leaves, I think it should help calm down the fever to some extent." Her father said.

"Some hem leaves? But there's no hem leaves around, father. And we can't get one unless we go to the area close to the cave." Ina asked.

"Are you trying to say it's impossible saving Pia's life? Please...! Someone needs to go get it." Her mother wept.

Vanessa and Shilah just stood to the side without saying anything. After learning that Pia was very ill, the two fell into a gloomy mood. However, with the No Movement Day order, nobody dared to disobey it.

A longer time passed as they all stared helplessly, and suddenly, Ina came up with an idea.

"Mother, Why don't we ..send Shilah to go for us?"

Shilah's eyes widened in shock after hearing this. Before she could even refute, Vanessa stepped forward to defend her.

"How can we send Shilah?? It doesn't make any sense or change the fact that she would also get killed as soon as she's caught." Vanessa flinched.

"Well, we don't have an option, Vanessa! What do you suggest we do?" Ina grumbled.

"Pia is dying, and since neither of us can go out to get the leaves, Shilah should go for us. Besides, she's always been the messenger".

Vanessa turned to look at her parents, seriously hoping they weren't trying to consider it .

"Vanessa, we don't have an option." Her father paused for a few seconds and answered with his hands on his waist.

"Shilah," The step mother called her.

"Listen to me, and listen very good. As you can see clearly, we're losing Pia and I will don't want that to happen. So, we need some hem leaves and need you to go get them for us".

Shilah went dumb. The hem leaves can only be found around the cave...

"But....the Alpha King has declared a total lockdown. No one's expected to leave the house..." Shilah stuttered, her heart beating so heavily.

"Well, I can't lose my daughter, Shilah. So, you need to go get it for us".

There was a stunned silence. Then, her father walked up to her.

"I understand how you're feeling, Shilah. But you have to do this for us. It's important. Don't worry...the moon goddess will be with you; you won't get caught." He stated calmly.

"But father, I can't do what you're asking. What if I get caught? Or the Alpha senses someone disobeyed his orders? I'll definitely be killed...."

"Just listen to me Shilah, and do as you're being told!" He said raucously.

"Consider this as a request from your Father and go! Leave!!"

Shilah shook a little in fear; her eyes were already glistening.

She couldn't believe this. Her own family trying to send her to her death? What has she done to deserve this?

"Go, Shilah! We're running out of time. Go!" Madame yelled.

In a confused state, Shilah ran out of the house. Maybe, this would be her last day alive.

Shilah's hands were shaking as she walked down the quiet path, her heart beating so heavily.

She's been walking for a long time yet, hasn't been able to come in contact with a single animal. Even the animals were obeying the King's orders.

She felt so scared walking alone as the entire place was so quiet. She couldn't believe that was the same path that was always so noisy and busy on normal days. This time around, it looked more like she was walking in a deserted area.

How can her family do this to her? Send her out to her own death? Why??

She didn't want to get killed. She was sure the King had a good reason ordering a lockdown and it made her more scared to know what would happen when she gets caught. How does she get out of this?

Her hands were wrapped around her shoulders as she walked timidly and anxiously, headed for the forest.

Suddenly, she heard a squeaking sound and fearfully lifted her head to see it was just a bird flying by. Oh! If only the Spirits would protect her.

She continued walking. About fifteen minutes later, Shilah finally arrived at the entrance of the forest where the hem leaves could be found. Shilah felt a little relieved that she had made it to the forest without being caught by the patrolling soldiers.

When she was about to enter the forest, a faint voice not far away suddenly penetrated her ears. She turned around and was surprised to find that there seemed to be someone talking.

Shilah's heart skipped a beat at the thought of this. Today was the No Movement Day, and not even a rabbit could be in the forest. Who would be so bold to come here? As her curiosity got the best of her, Shilah stood on tiptoe and peered over there. A figure of a tall man caught her sight.

She attempted to get a better look, but the man whipped around as if he had sensed her presence.

In a panic, Shilah sank to the ground, hiding herself in the grass.

At this point, her heart began to beat frantically. She could feel the man's sharp gaze piercing at her, which made her uneasy. But even then, she reassured herself repeatedly that he couldn't see her.

**

Not far from Shilah stood a tall man. He was King Dakota, the man who declared the order of No Movement Day.

His purpose of coming here was to meet with a very important guest.

Suddenly, he sensed that someone was spying on him from behind. He quickly turned around but saw nothing.

At the same time, Gamma Pishan walked right up to him, bearing bad news. He hated the royal guards for assigning him such a difficult task.

When their eyes met, Pishan was taken aback by the King's intense gaze.

"M-M-My King..." he stuttered while bowing his head.

"I can sense someone uninvited is over there," the King said coldly.

Pishan looked in the direction of Dakota's gaze, but all he could see were dense bushes.

For a moment, he hesitated before finally saying, "I don't see anything. No one would dare to come here against the No Movement Day Order."

The King cast Pishan a cold glance and continued walking towards the river. "Why do you look so nervous?"

With clenched teeth, Pishan decided to tell him what had happened in the Palace. "My King, I have some news from the palace."

"Tell me what my ears longs for, Pishan."

His voice was rasped, and Pishan swallowed hard.

No need beating round the bush; he was still going to find out - Pishan thought.

With beads of cold sweat on his forehead, he added, "M-My King, Queen Nosheba has finally given birth. It's a....it's a beautiful girl."

And that was it.

After hearing the news, the Alpha King's brows furrowed in a mixture of surprise and dismay.

King Dakota was known as the superior Alpha King of the seven mountains and six covens. The mountains was a basement for seven different packs while the covens belonged to the Vampire. Each pack had its Alpha, and each coven had its VampLord, but King Dakota was the ruler of them all.

The superior leadership has long stayed with the Wolves, from Dakota's great grandfather, to his own father, and then to him - himself - King Dakota.

In all history, he appeared to be more different, powerful and brutal than his fathers. Everyone feared him and respected him.

But the Almighty King Dakota had only one problem.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get a male child, an heir to take over him when he was done. He's been married to three women already, and from all three women he'd gotten 4 children - all females.

And without an heir, his throne was bound to be unstable. It was a bigger problem to him as he felt cursed by the moon goddess.

Why was his case different - he thought regrettably. Why?

Dakota was furious and his eyes were glinting with so much anger.

Pishan stood aside in silence. His eyes stared at the heavily-built man in front of him. Blessed with the body of a true ruler, the King had some kind of dauntlessness around him - one that made him feared by all. He was the only one who knew the King so well and could correctly guess what was wrong with him at the moment.

Noticing the distraught painted on the king's face, Pishan let out a deep sigh as he attempted to console him. "Do not be troubled, my King. The witch will be here soon to help you break the curse. After that, everything will be fine."

As though agitated, Dakota snorted and muttered impatiently, "So what the hell is going on? Where is this witch? We have been here for a while and she still hasn't shown up!"

Pishan was caught off-guard by those questions because he had no clue why the witch was late. His lips were set in a sour grin as he racked his brain for an answer that would please Dakota.

Out of nowhere, a voice resounded, ultimately saving him from this moment.

"I'm here!" A lady appeared from nowhere and shouted beside river bank, trying to stabilize her own horse with the head collar rope. She was dressed in a red hood and had the hoodie covered over her head as well.

That was obviously the witch.

The witch climbed down from her horse.

With Dakota being in front, he together with his gamma and the Physician walked towards her.

"You kept me waiting, Sukie." Dakota said with a stern look, his eyes directed at the witch.

"I'm sorry. Something came up." Sukie replied.

Her eyes found the hard looking King as he got closer to her.

"Greetings, King Dakota" she said without a bow.

Normally, the witches shouldn't owe any Alpha King any form of respect, but since she was on his land, she had to pay that respect.

"Greetings to you too." Dakota answered with a scrutinizing look.

She was one pretty lady - eyes white and sparkling, but her some red lining beneath them; she had a small face which suited her cuteness, hair long, dark and relaxed; and her skin was glowing.

Well, that was one thing about the witches - they were always too extremely beautiful and perfect. But they were dangerous - most of them.

So many years ago, the werewolves - also known as the mountains lions - Vampires and Witches were not in good terms. The war lasted for a very long time until the wolves and vampires formed a treaty so they can be over one governance. The witches vowed not to be a part of it.

Since the witches had refused taking part in the treaty, they were forever banished from ever stepping foot in their lands, and the witches took an oath never to have anything to do with the mountain Lions or blood suckers.

Sukie returned her gaze to the gamma.

"You know I don't wish to do this, Pishan. You know we witches ate forbidden to have anything to do with your lots, and I'm only here because you made it seem so important and also because I owe you a favor." she said.

"I know, Sukie, and trust me; I'm really grateful for the sacrifice you're making. Don't worry, I promise not to get you in trouble. As soon as this is over, nobody's getting to know you ever stepped foot into the Wind Walker Mountain." Pishan replied.

"For your sake and the sake of your heart beating, I hope so." she said and turned to Dakota.

"Are you ready? Let's begin".

King Dakota was asked to take off his heavy clothing and go stand beside the river. That was the plan.

Few weeks ago, his Physician had come up with an idea on how to break his curse from the moon goddess. It wasn't entirely sure, but they just wanted to give it a try. And to make it work, they needed a spell from a witch.

King Dakota was to undergo a process which would make him shift and bring out his wolf. It'd make him mad, uncontrollable and destructive and one of the reasons he ordered for the lockdown was because he didn't want to kill any of his pack members with his own hands.

The process would make his wolf become too beastly and destructive; blood thirsty. And anyone he comes in contact with was bound to be a prey. Dakota didn't want anyone from his pack to witness that. He also didn't want anyone from his pack to witness when he'd probably shift back to his human form - naked.

The curse from the moon goddess had become a big concern to him as it was affecting his daily life, and he really needed to put an end to it.

He stood, facing the river as his Physician and the witch did their work from behind.

A white line had been drawn around him with his Physician injecting some unknown substance into his skin.

It caused a twitching pain, but King Dakota didn't even act like he felt anything.

The Physician stepped away when he was done and turned to the witch, "It's your time."

Sukie gave a nod as she positioned herself properly to stand directly behind him. Then, taking a deep breath and with her hands stretched out to him, she commenced the spell:

"Adiadiamos, Raxshella, phinentropisilosis."

"Mother Earth...! May my ground be fertile, may my words be blessed! Sukie calls on you today.....!! Make him....tramp....!!!"

There was a loud crack in the sky. Sukie gave out a high pitched scream and instantly, Dakota could feel his bones cracking.

"Urgh...!!!" He yelped and reached for the floor immediately.

He could feel the wrenching and cracking - those were pains he was used to since he shifted more often, but at that moment, he couldn't tell why it was hurting more.

He gave out a loud growl, ripping the remains of his clothes apart. His claws begin to come out, his furs spurred all out, all across his skin and face. His veins were more exposed and right in front of their very eyes, they watched as the King shifted completely, giving room to his beastly wolf, and with that, he ran off , going into the woods.

"How long will it take?" Pishan asked, looking worried as he stretched his neck towards the direction the King had taken.

"Less than an hour" Sukie replied.

********************

Shilah crouched on the ground until she heard the man leave. Without waiting another second, she rushed into the forest like a gust of wind.

Shilah was fumbling in the forest to find the cave. Finally, her eyes eyes glistened with tears when she spotted the cave in front of her.

Oh..! She was there already!! She made it!!

She let out a tear of relief and began running towards it. But Just then, she stopped abruptly when she heard a different sound - one that wasn't a bird, crickets or any flying animal.

No...She was sure... it was a howl; a howl that could only come from a wolf...!

Sweats dripped from her forehead as she decided to forget all about it and just continue heading for the cave. She was so so scared and really needed to get there.

"You'll make it, Shilah; you'll make it. You'll get home with the leaves safely, and this would never happen again" she consoled herself

She finally got to the cave and right beside it, she found the hem leaves - all flourishing with a touch of water on it. Yes...!

She uprooted three of It with a hard breath and quickly, turned around to continue running away - running back home. But as she turned around, her eyes met a nightmare; something that made her heart seize beating and her lungs stop breathing.

Wide sparkles blinked in her dilated eyes as she stared at it - the mountain Lion in front of her - It was a Wolf...!! A wolf...!!

Right there and staring at her!

Shilah's throat had ran dry, sweats dripped from her forehead as her heart resumed beating again. But this time around, extremely slow.

The Wolf in front of her let out a whimper, eyes glowing red, it imbued Shilah with so much fear.

She took a step back, her lips shaking. And immediately, she turned around and started running away - running like an antelope.

She could hear the growl behind her and the fast movement of the paws which indicated the wolf was chasing after her.

No...!

She panted heavily, her lips being agape. The sound of it's barking and paws running through was getting louder and closer, and soon enough, scared Shilah felt something rip her off her feet.

"Arghhhh..........!" Her scream echoed in the forest as she landed roughly on the grassy ground, the hem leaves falling away from her hands.

She turned on the floor and her eyes contact with the scariest, yet most beautiful Mountain Lion she'd ever seen.

It was scary because she felt it was going to kill her - consume her.

Unimaginable fear coursed through her system as she stared at it, her entire body vibrating. It was standing so close to her, his eyes glowing red and depicting danger.

She crawled back on her butts, her eyes not leaving it's face.

"Please...." She whimpered, her voice cracking and a tear rolling down her cheek.

The Wolf let out a deep roar, his sharp fangs opened. Instinctively, Shilah extended her arm to block the wolf's attack. As its sharp fangs scratched her skin, the sudden pain caused her to scream.

The wolf let go of Shilah after getting a whiff of her blood. It then leaned closer to her for a good sniff.

His hot breath sprayed on Shilah's neck as if it was thinking where to bite next. At the same time, Shilah remained motionless, fearing that she would provoke the wolf.

It was clear that she couldn't win against this beast. She was terrified since she knew it would only take one bite for them to sever her delicate neck.

At the thought of this, Shilah stopped her attempts to escape and instead stared blankly at the wolf that was now very close to her.

It was going to kill her...! She was staring at death - right in the face.