HYBRID: Between Love and Power

CHAPTER 1

Rose stood inside the grand hall of the Solemn Roar pack's castle.

Her gaze was set on the man seated on a throne carved from dark oak and draped with many diamond and gold pieces.

This man is Alpha Vale, one of the oldest werewolves alive.

He was revered as one of the most powerful werewolves to have ever existed.

However after living over a thousand years, which is twice the average lifespan of a werewolf, he is nothing but a shell of his former self.

Rose bowed her head respectfully. "You wanted to see me, Father?"

Vale's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I can feel it," he said, his voice heavy with years of wisdom.

Rose frowned slightly, accustomed to his cryptic remarks. "Feel what, exactly?"

He sighed deeply, his eyes distant. "My time is up, Rose. I've lived for centuries and seen more than most could ever imagine. But you, my child... you are my world."

Tears welled up in Rose's eyes, and she smiled sadly. "Father..."

Vale continued, his voice growing softer. "I only truly started living 18 years ago when you came into this world." He paused, then suddenly began to cough, his frailty more evident than ever.

Reed Justice, the young Beta who stood beside the throne, immediately stepped forward with a look of concern. "My Alpha! Please don't overdo it, allow me to assist you."

But Vale waved him off with a trembling hand. "It's fine, Reed," he rasped.

Vale rose from his throne, his frail body trembling as he stood. His cough grew worse, racking his chest until he coughed up blood. The sight of it shattered Rose's heart. She had always known her father was old, that his time in this world was short. From a young age, she had been raised to be strong, to be the future leader of the Solemn Roar Pack. She had prepared herself for this moment, or so she thought.

But as she watched him now, struggling to stay upright, she realized that no amount of preparation could prepare her for this. She wasn't ready to lose him, not yet.

"Father," Rose whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Please, sit back down. You don't have to-"

Vale shook his head slowly, his eyes meeting hers. "Rose," he said, his voice rasping, "I've lived long enough. It's time for you to take your place. You are ready."

Rose clenched her fists, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. "I've tried to be strong, like you taught me, but... I'm not ready to lose you."

Vale managed a weak smile. "You will be my child. You must be."

Rose bit her lip, nodding despite the ache in her chest. "I'll try, Father. For you, I'll try."

Rose was raised to be a strong-willed woman. She was raised as the future of the Solemn Roar pack.

She knew all this, she had braced herself since childhood.

However, she still wasn't ready to lose her father.

Vale slowly walked up to Rose. Seeing him approach, Rose couldn't hold back any longer. Tears streamed down her face as she began to bawl, her emotions overwhelming her. She knew this day would come, but the reality of it was too much to bear.

Vale gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch as steady as it could be. "Rose," he said softly, "you are ready. I made sure of it."

Rose looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen. "Father..." she choked out between sobs.

Vale's expression softened with love and pride. "Thank you for being my daughter," he whispered. He paused to cough again, his voice growing weaker. "You will lead the pack as the next Alpha. After all, you have my blood."

Rose nodded, trying to process his words through her grief. She knew what he meant. When an Alpha with a single heir dies, their Alpha Force-the power that defines an Alpha-is passed down to their heir. It was her destiny, and now, with her father's blessing, it was closer than ever.

Vale gently wiped away Rose's tears, his touch warm despite his weakness. "Don't cry, Rose," he said softly, pausing to take a deep breath. His eyes wandered around the castle, and a smile of satisfaction crossed his lips.

They embraced, a final farewell hug filled with unspoken words. "With my last breath," Vale whispered, "you will inherit all of my strength."

Suddenly, Rose felt something warm splatter across her face. She pulled back, eyes wide in horror as blood gushed from Vale's chest.

"Reed, what the hell did you do?!" she screamed, her voice filled with shock and fury.

Reed Justice, the Beta her father trusted with his life, stood behind Vale, his claws buried deep in her father's back.

Blood dripped from his fingers, staining the floor beneath them.

Reed let out a sigh of relief before his expression twisted into a maniacal grin.

He began to laugh maniacally, it was a cold and cruel sound that echoed through the grand hall.

"For centuries," Reed said, his voice filled with bitter satisfaction, "from my first ancestor down to myself, the Justice family has served Vale as Beta."

Reed twisted his claws further, tearing through Vale's chest. This caused the Alpha to cry out in pain as he let go of Rose and collapsed to his knees.

"Father!" Rose yelled, kneeling to his level. She raises her head to meet Reed's eyes.

"Why?!" Uttered with her voice breaking.

"Why would you betray him? My father was not like most Alphas! He was kind, gentle, and fair!"

"Fair?" Reed chuckled darkly, his eyes narrowing as he pointed at Vale. "For centuries, Vale has had many mates. But none could give him a child."

Alpha Vale had lived for over a thousand years, and in all that time, he had taken many mates, hoping to continue his bloodline. However, he was unable to conceive a child.

He had sought the help of witches and banshees and tried every method he could think of, but all had been in vain.

His dream of an heir seemed hopeless until twenty years ago when he met Rose's mother.

Reed looked down at Vale's crumpled form, then turned his gaze to Rose, his expression twisted with hatred.

"Your father was a narcissist, Rose," he spat.

"He refused to name his loyal Beta as the next Alpha. He kept that power to himself. And for that, he deserves to die."

CHAPTER 2

They say betrayal is the only truth that sticks. Rose was still reeling from this betrayal.

"Twenty years ago... I became the new Beta, succeeding my late father. Ever since then, I had one dream-to become the next Alpha. And that dream was within an inch of my reach. I would finally achieve the eternal dream of my forefathers. I was so close... "

Reed took a deep breath glancing at the dying Alpha, "Then one day, the Alpha brought an infant with him." His voice shifted to a more calmer tone laced with sadness.

"You ruined everything! You're the reason I was denied my birthright! A right that was earned through the sweat and blood of my ancestors for centuries." Reed's face darkened as his voice shifted once again, this time, it held nothing but pure hatred.

His brown irises changed into a bright, unnatural red as his glare fixed on Rose.

Rose's eyes blazed with fury as she glared at Reed. "You're a monster!" she shouted, her voice trembling with rage.

Reed shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Call me what you want, Rose. Devil, monster, I don't care. But remember, I still love you. I was your mentor, after all. But my duty to my family comes first."

Behind her, Vale's coughing grew worse. Rose's anger turned to panic as she rushed to his side, kneeling and cradling him in her arms.

"Father..." she whispered, her voice filled with sorrow.

Vale's hand trembled as he reached up to touch her face.

"My Eternal Flower, Rose," he whispered in her ear, his voice weak.

"I'm sorry... sorry I allowed myself to be bested in such a disgraceful manner. But more importantly... I'm sorry you won't inherit my power."

Rose's heart sank.

There were two ways to become an Alpha: by inheriting the power from a parent, or by taking the life of an Alpha.

"Brace yourself... It will be difficult... But, I trust you will prevail..."

Tears streamed down Rose's face as she shook her head in denial.

"No, no, no! Not like this, Father. Please, not like this!" she cried, her voice breaking.

With a final, shallow breath, Vale whispered, "Goodbye."

His body went limp in her arms. Rose felt the last bit of warmth leave him as her father, the once-great Alpha Vale, was no more.

Rose sat there for what felt like an eternity. She wanted to wake up from this bad dream. But every second that passed merely solidified the harsh truth.

"I can feel it." Reed throws his hands in triumph. He laughed like a madman all while Rose remained on the floor clutching onto her father's corpse.

"I am no longer the right hand. I am the Alpha now!"

"Now then, if you'll excuse me, it's time I inform the Omegas that they have a new King."

Not sparing her a look, Reed walked past Rose. "I'll leave you to your despair, princess." With that, he made his way to the courtyard where the other pack members were gathered.

Rose was left to face her new reality...

"Daddy... You don't deserve this way..."

---

At the courtyard, dozens had their eyes fixed on the spot where Reed stood.

The air was thick with tension, Some exchanged nervous glances, while others could only stare in silence.

Reed scanned the pack members that had gathered.

"Alpha Vale is no more," Reed spoke, his voice devoid of any emotion. "I died at my hands."

His tone was flat, as if the words held no weight for him as if the life he had taken meant nothing.

This declaration confused spread among the pack members as they muttered amongst themselves.

Reed unleashed a mighty powerful Roar. The intensity of his roar shook the very ground. Everyone went silent, rather, they all froze with fear. He forced them into silence.

'So, this is the Might of the Alpha's roar? The power to exert absolute dominance.'

"I have finally grasped my birthright." He threw his fist into the air. "I am the Alpha now."

"That's outrageous!" A man from the crowd yelled in resistance. This man was Pope, one of the oldest members of the pack.

"The beta is the Alpha's sword and shield. Yet you committed such a treasonous act by murdering him!"

Before the words had even settled, Reed vanished from view, reappearing directly in front of the speaker.

"That's right," he said, not bothering to deny the accusation. "Do you have an issue with that?"

Pope shook his head, "I refuse to follow a man like you who didn't hesitate in killing a wise and humble leader like our Alpha. You stole Lady Rose's birthright!"

Reed chuckled softly, then held out his hand to show a heart dripping with blood.

The crowd watched in confusion as he held it out.

Pope's eyes widened in horror as he felt a sudden pain. He looked down and saw a hole in his chest.

Reed sneered. "I do not need you." He crushed the heart in his hand.

Pope plopped to the ground completely motionless.

The courtyard became quiet, It was as if nature itself mourned the loss.

Reed coldly wiped the blood from his hands using the lifeless body of his victim.

A sinister smirk emerged on his face as he turned to the others.

"Any objections?"

One by one, the pack members knelt before their new Alpha.

"Hail Alpha Reed!"

"Hail Alpha Reed!"

They submitted to their new leader. Their voices rose in a chilling chant that reverberated through castle walls.

Hearing those chants, Rose, who had fallen into despair, felt a spark lit up in her.

Anger...

Sadness...

Grief...

She felt several emotions all at once. She then begins to transform. Her nails and teeth extended growing into sharp claws and fangs.

She stood up before taking a final glance at her father's lifeless form; she steeled herself, wiping away the last tear that dared to fall.

"Reed!" She cried out from the bottom of her chest. With a brief yet powerful howl, Rose bolted outside.

Her eyes met Reed from the other side of the courtyard.

"Lookie here, the princess finally decided to join the party."

"You traitor... I will kill you!!!"

CHAPTER

Rose jumped high into the sky; it was as if she could fly as she leaped over the pack members.

She landed with a loud boom a few feet away from the new Alpha. Without a second's thought, she charged straight at him.

She moved at an incredible speed that appeared like a blur. Only a few of the omegas could keep up with her.

"Traitor!" She yelled, swinging her claws as she reached her target.

However, Reed barely blinked. "Too slow," he muttered, sidestepping her attack with ease.

Rose landed on her hands and feet.

"See?" Reed laughed mockingly, "I knew you'd kneel to me eventually." His eyes sparkled with triumph.

Rose's face flushed with anger. She gritted her teeth and slammed her fists on the floor.

She sprang back up from her position on the ground, her movements sharp and determined.

"I'll never kneel to a usurper!" she declared with fierce conviction. She charged at Reed once more, her voice full of wrath. "I'll shred you into a million pieces!"

Reed stood his while wearing a cruel smile across his face.

This time, he didn't move. As Rose lunged at him, he reached out with one swift motion and grabbed her by the neck.

His grip was like iron, unyielding and firm.

"So, this is the speed of an Alpha?" He muttered with a tone dripping in sarcasm, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

A low, mocking giggle escaped his lips as he tightened his hold.

"I am invincible!" His laughter filled the room, a chilling sound that underscored his dominance.

Rose struggled, her hands clawing at his, but his grip only tightened. Reed's eyes darkened as he began to choke her.

"You should know your place," he said coldly before slamming her into the ground with a force that left her unconscious.

Without a second glance at her, Reed turned to his new subordinates.

"Take her to her room and lock her up."

---

THREE WEEKS LATER...

Rose was chained up in her chambers; she was kept there without so much as a muzzle of food or drop of water.

The door to Rose's room creaked open, and an elderly man stepped inside.

"Princess..." he said softly.

This man was Trusk, one of the elders of the pack. Unlike Pope, who had been quick to confront Reed, Trusk was more level-headed and careful with his actions.

Rose sat chained in the corner, but there was no sign of surrender in her eyes.

Instead, there was a fierce determination that surprised Trusk.

He remembered the kind-hearted daughter of his Alpha, and it pained him to see such venom in her gaze now.

Trusk sighed, saddened by the change. He moved closer, carefully freeing her from the chains.

"I've waited for the right time to act," he explained quietly as he worked.

Once the chains were off, he reached into his cloak and pulled out a small piece of meat, handing it to her.

"It's not much, but it should be enough for you to regain your energy," he said gently.

Rose snatched the piece of meat from Trusk's hand, tearing into it like a savage.

She hadn't eaten in weeks, and hunger consumed her. She didn't care how she looked, even in front of a respected elder.

Survival was all that mattered now.

Trusk watched her eat, then spoke firmly, "Hurry now, follow me."

But Rose pulled back, her eyes narrowing.

"I'm going after Reed," she declared, her voice sharp with determination.

Trusk shook his head.

"You're in no condition to fight, Rose. Even if you were, you're no match for the power of an Alpha who's grown stronger for thousands of years."

Rose glared at him, her frustration boiling over.

"So, what then? Do you expect me to just sit and do nothing?"

Trusk's gaze softened.

"No, I don't. I'm offering you a chance at revenge, but you must be patient. If you let rage control you, it will only lead to your ruin."

Rose stared at him, her resolve wavering. After a tense moment, she sighed, the fire in her eyes dimming just slightly.

"Fine," she muttered, giving in to Trusk's reasoning.

Trusk handed Rose a cloak, his expression serious. "Cover your head," he instructed.

Rose did as she was told, pulling the cloak over herself. They quietly exited the room carefully so as not to make a sound.

They moved stealthily through the castle, avoiding the guards who patrolled the hallways.

They managed to exit the castle making it to the courtyard.

"We're almost there," said Trusk as he reached into his cloak and pulled out a sealed letter.

"Here my princess," He handed it to Rose. She looked at it, then back at him with confusion in her eyes.

Trusk explained, "Your father entrusted this letter to me with strict instructions."

He paused, seeing the question in her gaze.

"Alpha Vale predicted that he might meet his end at the hands of an enemy or even an ally seeking to take his power.

After all, such things are common in the world of supernaturals.

He wrote this letter and entrusted it to both Pope and me in case something like this happened."

Trusk continued, "Pope and I swore not to open it. Whatever is inside is a secret between your late father and you."

Rose hesitated for a moment, staring at the sealed letter in her hands. She took a deep breath before she carefully opened it...

[My dear Eternal Flower,

If you're reading this letter, the worst has come to pass.

Tears welled up in Rose's eyes as she continued reading. Her father's words felt heavy with finality.

Trust me, I hoped you'd never have to read this letter. But I wrote it just in case. The world is cruel. But I will have my eternal slumber knowing that whatever condition you may find yourself in, you will endure.

Rose, you are the single greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I want you to be strong during these hard times.

Now, onto the important part of the letter...]

Trusk, noticing the tears streaming down her face, spoke gently. "My princess, you don't have to read it out loud. It's personal."

But Rose shook her head. "No, I trust you, Trusk. My father did too."

She continued reading, her voice trembling slightly.

[I know you have always asked about your mother...

Your mother wasn't just a one-off encounter I had during my travels. It was more than that, but I kept it a secret for your own safety.

However, given that your life is already in danger, I am forced to have you fight poison with poison.

Rose, you are special, and I don't mean that figuratively. You are the product of the union between an Alpha Werewolf and a Vampire. You are a Hybrid.]

Rose and Trusk gasped simultaneously as they read those words. The revelation struck them both with the force of a tidal wave, leaving them speechless.

Rose turned to Trusk, her voice trembling with shock. "Vampire?"

Trusk's eyes widened in disbelief. "It's... unthinkable."

The idea of a werewolf and a vampire, two of the most powerful and ancient races in the supernatural world, falling in love was unheard of.

The two species had been at war for centuries, their hatred for each other almost primal. Yet, somehow, her parents had defied that ancient enmity. And it resulted in the birth of a rare breed - The Hybrid.

Rose felt her mind spinning, but she forced herself to continue reading the letter aloud, needing to know the rest.

[You should head to Nostville. I have attached further details to your destination. You will find her there.

Please, be safe.

I love you, my eternal flower.

Alpha Vale.]