Beware of the Alpha

"Verity, my dear," she said, her voice low and gentle, "do remember that. It is imperative that your mate be a Lycan," the mother spoke with a tinge of sorrow lacing her words. The woman's voice carried a hint of melancholy, yet her tone was unwavering.

With a grave expression etched upon her face, she spoke with a sense of urgency. "Do not venture down the path that I have taken, no matter the cost," she warned, her words carrying a weighty emphasis. The mother seemed frail and somewhat fragile due to her thin frame. She appeared as if she may be taken from them at any time.

Verity, a young girl of twelve, stood there in stunned silence, her mother's words leaving her utterly speechless. She offered a silent nod, her voice seemingly lost in the moment. The girl's face was awash with tears, her grip on her mother's hands unyielding.

The year prior had been a tumultuous one, marked by the devastating departure of her dear father. And now, as if by some cruel twist of fate, her mother's days were also numbered, drawing ever closer to their inevitable end. She stood there, solitary and forsaken, with nothing but the piercing gaze of judgmental eyes to keep her company.

Her mother's voice was a soothing balm, as she whispered to her beloved daughter, "Always remember, my dear. No matter the difficulties that may come your way, it is essential that you prioritize your own well-being above all else. It is advised to take a lycan as your life mate if you want an easy and comfortable existence," Her mother's voice was soft and gentle as she spoke, "My dear, I implore you not to make the same mistake I did. Learn from my experience and avoid it at all costs."

Her life was a never-ending battle, fraught with challenges at every turn. Her mother had made a fateful decision to choose a human father over a lycan, a being of superior strength and power, for their family. This choice had far-reaching consequences that would shape her destiny in ways she could never have imagined.

The child's voice quivered as she pleaded with her mother. "Mama," she implored, "I beseech you to refrain from uttering such words." The young girl's voice was filled with desperation as she pleaded with her mother. "Mama, please," she said, her eyes wide with longing.

The young girl's eyes were filled with desperation as she pleaded with her mother, her voice trembling with urgency. The grip of solitude's fear was tight around her, making it impossible for her to even fathom the idea of being alone.

The elderly woman, the head of the family, moved her head in a gradual, deliberate motion, her countenance betraying a feeling of disillusionment. Her lips parted, and a raspy cough escaped, shattering the tense silence that had settled over the room.

With a heavy heart, she spoke the name of her dearest friend. "Verity," she began, her voice soft and pained, "you are well aware that my time is limited." Her mother's voice was soft and reassuring, even as defeat loomed over them. "I have faith in your ability to handle any situation," she said, her smile kind and unwavering. The girl's eyes were awash with tears, cascading down her cheeks like a waterfall, as her mother imparted the knowledge of survival upon her.

As she stood there, her eyes fixated on her mother's frail and feeble form, she realized that not even a glimmer of happiness could be summoned within her. The hues of the world had faded away, leaving her with a desolate and uncertain tomorrow.

Verity felt the weight of solitude bearing down on her as she navigated through a world teeming with people who were all too eager to pass judgement and engage in frivolous gossip about her. She found herself in a state of utter confusion, unsure of how to bear the same struggles that her mother had once endured.

Verity's mother gently cautioned her to stay away from Alpha Astadel. It was said that meeting his gaze was a grave mistake, one that could bring about dire consequences. The mere act of locking eyes with him was enough to incur his wrath, a force to be reckoned with. It was a well-known fact that one must never dare to meet his gaze, lest they invite trouble upon themselves.

"If destiny should bring you into his path, run as fast as you can and don't look back." Verity's mother's voice trembled with fear as she warned her daughter of the dangers that lurked in the shadows especially Alpha Astadel.

"Beware of the cold-hearted murderer," she whispered, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "He is a lycan, with no empathy for humans. He preys on the innocent and shows no mercy." Verity could feel her mother's concern for her safety, and she promised to be careful as she ventured out into the night.

The mother let out another cough, her hand reflexively moving to prevent her mouth. With a delicate movement, she unfurled her fingers, revealing a telltale mark of deep red. It was a clear indication of the blood that had trickled from her mouth, leaving a stain on her palm.

"Mama!" The young girl's heart was heavy with grief as she let out a mournful cry. She hastily caressed her mother's hand, her fingers trembling as they traced the familiar contours.

Pressing her lips against her mother's hand, she whispered a silent prayer, hoping that her mother could hear her from beyond the veil. The mother's delicate touch came to a halt as she intercepted her daughter's hand, shaking her head in a gesture of disapproval.

"Verity, there is no need to trouble yourself," she said, waving her hand in a dismissive manner. The wise words of Mama were always at the forefront of their mind. "Promise me, Verity," she implored, her gaze scanning hers for any hint of reluctance.

She looked up at him with pleading eyes and whispered, "Please, make me a promise." The mother's hands trembled as she clasped her daughter's shoulders, her eyes brimming with tears. "Please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. Verity's face was awash with tears, each droplet tracing a path down her cheeks.

With a confident tone, the girl replied, "I promise, Mama."

The woman's eyes sparkled with warmth as she gazed upon her daughter, her lips curving upward in a gentle smile as she listened intently to the young girl's response. With a tender touch, the mother delicately arranged her child's locks, smoothing each strand with utmost care.

With a gentle touch, she leaned in and pressed her lips against the child's rosy cheeks and soft forehead, leaving behind a trail of tender kisses.

The mother reclined on her bed, sinking into the softness of the mattress, and cast her eyes upward to the ceiling. The plaster above was pockmarked with a constellation of holes, each one a testament to the passage of time and the wear and tear of daily life. She shut her eyes with a calculated sluggishness.

With a long, deep breath, she drew in the crisp autumn air, savoring the scent of fallen leaves and the promise of change. A small smile graced her lips, a subtle expression of contentment that belied the weight of responsibility she had carried for so long.

The child was now capable of fending for herself, and though it was bittersweet to let go, she knew it was time.

At that precise moment, a piercing cry echoed throughout the boundless expanse of the wild, untamed land. The air was filled with mournful cries that seemed to pierce through the night. They grew in intensity, reaching a crescendo that echoed through the empty streets. The sound was haunting, as if it was coming from a place beyond this world. And then, just as suddenly as it had started, the cries began to fade away, leaving behind an eerie silence that hung in the air like a heavy fog.

Verity stood by her mother's side for three long days, her unwavering presence a testament to the depth of her love and devotion. She refused to leave her mother's bedside, even for a moment, as if her very presence could somehow heal the woman who had given her life. Verity's eyes never left her mother's face, watching for any sign of improvement or change.

She spoke softly to her mother, telling her stories of their life together, of happy memories and moments of laughter. And through it all, Verity remained steadfast, determined to see her mother through this difficult time.

Verity stood resolute as the time arrived to bid her beloved mother farewell. She approached the task with a quiet determination, refusing any aid in this solemn duty.

"Mama, Papa, I shall be reaching the age of eighteen next week. Verity delicately arranged the flower she had offered to them, and with a solemn tone, she uttered, "The day that both you and I dread shall arrive."

With a heavy heart, she took up the shovel and began to dig fixing their grave. The earth was hard and unyielding, but she persisted, driven by a sense of duty and love for her departed mother.

It was a task that no child should have to undertake, but she was determined to see it through to the end. As she worked, memories flooded her mind - of her mother's laughter, her gentle touch, her unwavering love. And yet, even as she mourned her loss, she knew that she had a solemn duty to fulfill.

For her mother had done the same for her father, years ago. It was a like a tradition that had been passed down to her before, a final act of love and respect for those who had gone before.

And so before she dug, her hands blistered and her back aching, until at last the grave was ready. With tears in her eyes, she gently laid her mother to rest, knowing that she had done all that she could to honor her memory.

At the tender age of twelve, she found herself living in solitude. She embarked on a journey of self-sufficiency, determined to acquire the skills necessary to cultivate crops, rear livestock, and tend to her own needs.

Through tireless effort and unwavering commitment, she taught herself the art of sustenance, mastering the intricacies of farming and keeping animals with a steadfast resolve.

In addition, she perused volumes within the confines of the city library. Despite being barred from the schools and other establishments owned by the Alpha in the city, she refused to succumb to ignorance.

The woman slipped into the library with utmost secrecy, for she was intimately acquainted with the aging librarian who had once been a dear friend of her mother's.

In this bustling metropolis, she found solace in the company of a single, elderly woman who seemed to be the only one who truly cared for her well-being. Each of them appeared to be afflicted with an ailment that was being deliberately sidestepped due to the actions of her mother.

It was customary for young women, aged between eighteen and twenty-one, to attend the annual lycan mating ball, where they would select their life partner.

As a young woman transitions from nineteen to twenty-one, she is faced with the expectation of finding a suitable partner. However, should she surpass the prescribed age and no lycans have chosen her, she is then free to select a companion of her own choosing to fulfill the role of her future boyfriend or husband.

That was the rule. Before the humans, the lycans shall have the privilege of choosing first. At the tender age of Verity, she possessed a wealth of knowledge about lycans and the world at large. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young lady possesses a natural inclination towards intelligence.

"I'm fine if the lycans don't pick me as their leader, Mom and Dad. A good life expectancy of twenty-two is most important to me," she said, speaking between two graves.

As a consequence of their transgressions against the law, the mother and father were cast out from their respective families as a form of retribution.

She was acutely aware of her parents' prestigious lineage, a family known for their wealth and unwavering support. However, their own flesh and blood had turned a blind eye as they were subjected to ridicule and torment at the hands of both humans and lycans alike.

The Alpha's son, hailing from this very city, had his heart set on selecting her mother as his life partner. However, his request was denied, much to the chagrin of the Alpha. The unfortunate turn of events led to the son's untimely demise, leaving the Alpha in a state of deep anguish.

Even in death, they remained unnoticed by their families. She was left to fend for herself, with no one to tend to her needs.

Her parents had been cast out to the fringes of the city, where naught but untamed wilderness and the winding river awaited them. Born and raised amidst the lush greenery of the forest, she had always felt a deep connection to the natural world around her.

Verity's days were a living nightmare, a constant battle to protect herself from the predatory advances of men who sought to exploit her vulnerability.

Had it not been for her cunningly laid traps and arsenal of weapons, it was highly probable that their objectives would have been achieved.

In this world, she is regarded as a woman afflicted with a contagious ailment. She was deemed an eyesore by those around her.

As she pondered over her lack of preparation, she couldn't help but think to herself, "Despite my lack of studying, my intellect surpasses theirs." She carefully tended to the candle she had crafted.

The bequest left by her parents was a potential source of funding for both her education and livelihood. However, the mere thought of utilizing the funds for such purposes evoked a sense of avarice, particularly given the fact that her parents were well-known figures in the community.

The funds had been discreetly concealed within the subterranean chamber that she had constructed beneath her dwelling.

Whenever she desired to make a purchase, she was compelled to conceal her countenance. It is preferable for her to remain unnoticed by others. Verity dedicated herself to mastering the art of carpentry, as well as any other skills that would prove useful in her day-to-day existence.

"I shall return to my humble abode, dear Mother and Father. As the sun began to set and the shadows grew longer, she turned towards the final resting place of her beloved parents and spoke softly, "The hour grows late, and I must prepare my evening meal."

With a bittersweet smile, she gazed upon the solemn gravesite, knowing that her parents were no longer with her in the physical realm.

With a heavy heart, she resigned herself to the fact that there was no other option but to carry on with her existence. She made her way back to the place she called home. As she gazed upon the object that had been left at her wooden gate, her brow furrowed in confusion. Merely an envelope lay before them.

She whispered to herself, "I wasn't even called," as she retrieved what the postman had delivered.

As she stepped into the house, she shook her head in a gesture of disapproval. With a graceful movement, Verity carefully laid the object on her desk before securing her luscious locks with a delicate tie.

She made her way back to the gate, her steps quick and determined. Without hesitation, she reached for the lock and secured it with a resounding click.

Every night, the woman would ignite the lamp she made, which served as her sole source of illumination. She took great care to ensure that even the door of her cabin was securely shut.

The dwelling before her had been mended using timber hewn from the nearby woods. With a bundle of materials clutched tightly to her chest, she made her way to the bustling heart of the city. Her face was shrouded in secrecy, hidden from the prying eyes of passersby.

The woman began to prepare a meal. The evening meal consisted of a modest yet satisfying spread of sweet potatoes, fried fish, and a medley of vegetables. In addition, she had had access to milk sourced from her very own cow and goat.

With a hopeful glint in her eye, she implored the mother's acquaintance to procure for her a set of tools and a few domesticated creatures to tend to.

In the midst of the dense forest, where her family had been forcibly displaced, she erected a humble farmstead.

A bitter smile played on her lips as she contemplated the inevitable retribution that awaited those who had forsaken her beloved parents. Her parents were content to simply bask in their love for one another, taking no action beyond that.

As she served herself, she muttered under her breath, "May they rot in the fiery depths of hell." As the darkness descended upon her, she found herself dining in solitude.

As she took a bite of her food, a hollow feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. She longed to fill the emptiness, but no matter how much she ate, the void remained. She was powerless to change the situation, resigned to endure the ache of hunger and longing.

With a deep breath, she carefully tore open the envelope, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. Though she already knew what lay inside, she couldn't resist the urge to read its contents once more.

Verity Catina Eirian, her full name was written in bold letters. This is an invitation to next week's mating ball.

Despite not receiving an invitation, she was aware that he was obligated to attend.

She grumbled to herself as she ate her food, feeling as though those people were determined to make her appear foolish. Her voice was barely audible as she mumbled, and her head shook slightly in a gesture of disagreement.

Her love for reading was evident as she settled onto her plush, makeup-stained sofa after finishing her meal. Verity drew the lamp nearer to her, its warm glow casting a soft light upon the pages of her book. This was her slumbering abode.

In addition to the inheritance from her mother, a close family friend had bestowed upon her a shotgun. For years, that thing had been her protector. Next to her lay the gun.

As she delves into the pages of her book, the young girl becomes acutely aware of the world around her. She feels the gentle breeze that rustles the leaves outside her window and the softness of her blankets as she prepares to drift off to sleep. Her abode was situated in the depths of the basement, a place where malevolent gazes could not penetrate.

She whispered to herself, "I can finally wear the gown that Mama bestowed upon me."

Before her untimely demise, her mother had taken great care to prepare her for the upcoming ball. Her mother had imparted those lessons to her before the grand ball, as was customary.

A smile graced her lips as she entertained the notion of her mother swelling with pride at her accomplishments. She blossomed into the enchanting woman she is today. Her strength and self-sufficiency were evident to all who knew her.

She was often the subject of male attention, particularly from lycanthropes who would kneel before her in reverence.

As it has been remarked by others, she is the offspring of a corrupted lineage and yet, she possesses a striking beauty that surpasses that of her contemporaries.

Her beauty was truly one-of-a-kind, with lips painted a bold shade of red, a small nose with a pointed tip, and eyes that were shaped like delicate almonds, with deep brown orbs that seemed to hold a world of secrets within them.

Her luscious locks cascaded down her back, reaching all the way to her waist. The lustrous locks emanated a delightful fragrance, owing to the use of natural shampoos like coconut milk. Her skin resembled that of fine porcelain, smooth and flawless to the touch.

The young woman pondered over the characteristics that her mother's friend had bestowed upon herself, for they were words that spoke to her beauty.

She gazed longingly into the horizon, her heart heavy with the weight of unrequited love. With a wistful sigh, she whispered to the wind, "I just hope that someone will choose me as his mate."

The girl was fraught with worry, for even as she perused the pages of her book, she found herself unable to focus her thoughts.

Her demeanor exuded an unwavering confidence that fate would bring forth a formidable lycanthrope to choose her as their mate, thus ensuring that no one would dare to belittle her.

Verity let out several deep sighs. With fervent devotion, she prayed that her plea would reach the divine ears of God. Throughout her solitary existence, Verity desire had been the sole longing of her heart. A lycan-mate possessed the power to elevate her from the depths of despair and isolation.

"The missive requesting your presence at the upcoming mating ball was delivered to you some time ago, esteemed Alpha. Do you have any plans to attend?" The Beta told Alpha Nero Aimillios Astadel.

The Alpha towered at six feet and two inches, his commanding presence accentuated by the piercing cool orbs that were his eyes, as black as the night sky. The gaze of a prominent Greek deity.

His lips were a deep shade of red, full and inviting, as if begging to be kissed. His nose, long and pointed, had a captivating quality that drew you in, leaving you unable to look away.

At first glance, he presents himself as an angelic figure, but upon closer look, his true nature is revealed as that of a devilish being.

The Alpha let out a derisive snort, dismissing the words of his Beta. Without a second thought, he extended his razor-sharp claws and lunged forward, striking the criminal who dared to threaten the safety of his city.

His reputation preceded him, for he was known to be a man of unyielding cruelty and an icy demeanor that sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to cross his path.

The city he resided in was renowned for its impeccable safety and orderliness, surpassing all other cities in the country.

In the realm of law and order, transgressors were met with a stern hand of justice. The magnitude of their wrongdoing was the key factor in determining the gravity of their punishment.

In the land of Alpha Astadel, justice is meted out with a strict adherence to the ancient law of retribution - an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Retribution shall befall the criminal in kind for his transgressions. The law of retribution was clear: any creature that dared to steal would face the sharp edge of the blade, and any that dared to take a life would meet the same fate.

As the Alpha of the largest city, Nero knew that he had to lead with an iron fist in order to protect his people.

The principle of the strong prevailing over the weak is deeply ingrained in his psyche. It is for this reason that the Alpha finds himself seething with anger whenever he receives an invitation to attend the annual mating ball for humans and lycans.

For him, sifting through the ranks of feeble lycans and mere humans to find a suitable mate was a fruitless endeavor. Preferring to inflict agony upon the malefactors within his jurisdiction, he found himself disinclined to attend the frivolous ball.

"The council awaits your arrival, Alpha," spoke his Beta.

Alpha Nero ceased the whipping of the mortal and fixed his gaze upon his Beta.

"Rett, tell them to f*ck-off," Alpha Nero replied seriously to his Beta.

Beta Rett Redwoods let out a deep sigh and cast a solemn gaze towards his Alpha. "As much as I want to say those words to them, Alpha, you know I can't." Beta let out a deep sigh, the weight of the world seeming to press down on their shoulders.

Nero's fury consumed him, and without a second thought, he lashed out with a swift kick at the criminal's prone form. Tension rippled through his body as his jaw clenched tightly. Once more, the incessant meddling of the Lycans and Humans Council had managed to ruffle his feathers.

The weight of expectation bore down heavily upon him, urging him to embark upon the quest for a suitable mate. Yet, he found himself at a loss, for none among the humans and lycans he was destined to encounter caught his eye.

In his assessment of the situation they were all lacking in strength and fortitude.

At the ripe old age of one hundred and twenty-five, he had lost track of the countless occasions he had attended that tedious gathering. A lycan in Nero's day would be around the age of thirty or so in today's society.

He was keenly aware of the rumors that were circulating from various sources. Certain claims held veracity, while others lacked it. His city was all that mattered to him, and he didn't mind.

"D*mn," he muttered once more, his frustration palpable.

Without so much as a word to Rett, he turned his attention back to the criminal and resumed the torture with a fierce determination. "Where will it be held?" Alpha Nero grumbled.

The Beta pondered for a moment, scratching its head before finally responding.

In Rett's experience, Alpha only makes a brief appearance before disappearing again. It will put the city before choosing a mate.

"In South East City, Alpha. The council has drawn lots, so there is nothing for us to worry about," replied the Beta.

"That is perfectly acceptable," he uttered. The metropolis under his jurisdiction lies in the region of the North West.

Alpha Nero had a strong aversion towards visitors who dared to disturb the tranquility and harmony of his domain. He cast a disdainful glance, contemplating the possibility of inflicting severe physical harm upon them should the situation escalate any further.

He had toiled relentlessly to build his reputation, and the mere thought of someone else tarnishing it was unbearable. He remained indifferent to the opinions of others, for his heart was consumed with a deep reverence for the city that had been entrusted to his forefathers and had remained under their watchful eye for generations.

"Convey to the council that my presence shall be there," spoke Alpha Nero to his Beta. Beta Rett gave a nod of relief. At the very least, the council would refrain from incessantly calling upon him to inquire about his Alpha.

"Now, go out, Rett. I am not done here. Go back to your duties," he snarled, dismissing his Beta. Rett bowed in submission.

"Noted, Alpha," he said, shaking his head, his voice heavy with disappointment.

Alpha Nero found himself confined within the walls of a dimly lit room, situated deep within the confines of the city jail. It was here that he was tasked with carrying out the punishment of those who had been found guilty of their transgressions.

The lycan, with its supernatural abilities, boasts a lifespan that far surpasses that of mere mortals. At times, they are known to live up to six hundred years. Hence, the yearning for an extended existence is a universal human aspiration.

In the case of lycans, the desire is even more pronounced, for when a lycan imprints upon its chosen mate, it gains the ability to age at a decelerated pace, in sync with its beloved.

Nero was resolute in his determination to select a mate who possessed strength, adherence to law, and unwavering certainty. He was determined to select a mate who was dependable and trustworthy, unwilling to settle for anything less than a partner who could be counted on through thick and thin.

He yearned for a mate who embodied both trustworthiness and strength, one who possessed the ability to defend herself when necessary. He yearns for a partner who possesses the fortitude to stand by his side in times of conflict and defend themselves when necessary, eschewing any inclination towards fragility or helplessness.

"F*ck!" Alpha Nero seethed with annoyance.

He longed to avert his gaze from the frenzied spectacle of the mating ball, yet the watchful eyes of the council's elders held him captive.

The Alpha, with a cruel demeanor, unleashed his wrath upon the hapless criminal. The criminal killed his wife and had even fled from the clutches of law enforcement, a fact that served only to further incense Nero.

Every person who worked in every metropolis was under the direct employ of their respective Alpha. The Alpha, with a firm grip on the reins of power, oversees every aspect of their people's affairs, from the very foundations to the ripest fruits of their needs and concerns.

The Alpha's voice was low and menacing as he whispered into the criminal's ear, "Your life will come to an end if you dare to commit another murder."

A shiver ran down the criminal's spine. With his tongue severed, the unfortunate person found himself unable to let out even a single scream.

The culprit stood frozen, his body drenched in perspiration brought on by an overwhelming sense of dread. His body trembled uncontrollably, and each breath was a struggle.

Alpha Nero had shed his fear of getting blood on his hands, recognizing the harsh reality that not every lycan was destined for sainthood.

With a menacing growl, the Alpha traced his razor-sharp claws down the criminal's shoulder and along his back. The agonizing sensation relentlessly gnaws at the criminal's flesh.

Only a handful of criminals are incarcerated. Among the incarcerated were those with minor charges, forced to bear witness to the daily executions of their fellow inmates, all of whom had been convicted of heinous crimes.

"You are well aware of my fairness," he stated. "Criminals, be they human or lycan, must face the consequences of their actions," His voice reverberated through the prison walls as he let out a deafening yell.

The criminals within sought refuge from the watchful eye of the Alpha. The haunting scenes they have beheld will undoubtedly plague their dreams.

The Alpha's sharp claws repeatedly raked across the criminal's flesh. The man exerted more pressure with his sharp claws, intensifying the pain. Alpha had even taken its eyes.

The crimson liquid trickled from the creature's eyes, tracing a path down its cheeks and pooling at the base of its neck. Silent it remained, yet its mournful cries and desperate pleas echoed through the air.

Alpha Nero let out a derisive snort before swiftly severing the criminal's neck with his bare hands. The Alpha strode away with purpose, not once glancing back at the confines of the jail.

He stepped out into the open air, feeling the cool breeze brush against his skin as he made his way to the washroom. After cleansing his hands, he made his way back to his office, where he knew his trusted Beta awaited his return.

The piercing gaze emanating from his eyes was so frigid that his subordinates dared not meet his stare.

Inside the grandeur of his mansion, his office was meticulously arranged. As he stepped into the room, he made his way towards the chair and sank into it, his gaze averted from his Beta.

His annoyance with Rett was noticeable, and he found himself struggling to divert his attention away from the Beta. Despite his efforts, he couldn't help but notice how skilled this individual was at getting under his skin and provoking him.

"Are you sure you're not going to pick a mate in this ball, Alpha?"