POV: JACKSON
"Alpha, there's a rogue attack at the borders," my Delta, Sam, communicated through our mind link.
"Gather some warriors and head out; I'm on my way," I replied, stepping out of my office.
These relentless rogues never seem to learn. Each one that has dared to attack my pack has met a grim end—death. I refuse to let another rogue attack threaten my pack, not this time.
Transforming into my wolf form, I raced towards the borders. My wolf, JJ, is a massive grey beast. I sprinted swiftly until I reached the frontline. My warriors were already engaged, snapping necks and dispatching rogues as instructed. There would be no mercy shown today.
The scent of rogue blood permeated the air, and I wrinkled my nose in revulsion. Without a moment's hesitation, I sank my teeth into the gut of one who lunged at me, ending its life instantly. There was no room for games. I seized another rogue by the neck and tore it from its body. With fierce determination, I pinned down yet another, viciously biting into its face. The blood splattered onto my fur, igniting a primal rage within me. I would annihilate them all!
Moments later, the battlefield was silent—every last rogue lay dead. Once the chaos subsided, I was provided with clothes and shifted back into my human form. Grabbing a bottle from my Delta, I rinsed away the blood that stained my lips and body.
"Strengthen our security patrols. Increase the number of warriors stationed at the border; this marks the fourth rogue attack we've faced this month. I want this to end," I declare, frustration evident in my voice. Following that last incident, we had a brief reprieve from rogue attacks, but they resumed last month. We cannot afford for history to repeat itself.
"Understood, alpha," the lead warrior responded before departing with his team. They are crucial to our pack's safety, and any lapse in their vigilance could jeopardize us all. That's why I've decided to extend their training sessions and acquire additional weapons.
"I've contacted the neighboring packs to see if they've been facing similar rogue threats, but they all reported nothing. It appears that our pack is the only one currently under attack," Sam informed me. I turned to him, noting that at 29, he is three years my senior. Yet, he shows me unwavering respect and follows my lead. After all, I am his alpha and physically stronger, but I ensure my authority doesn't overshadow the respect I hold for every member of the pack.
Sam stands at 5'9", sporting tanned skin and black hair. He is mated to Evelyn, our nursery teacher, an Omega. Together, they have a son named Blake, who is eight years old and also an Omega.
After three challenging years of trying for a baby, marked by multiple heartbreaking miscarriages, including a tragic loss that left Evelyn unable to conceive, they chose to adopt Blake two years later.
Their joy was evident, and I couldn't be happier for them. Sam is not just a pack member; he's one of my closest friends, and we've shared countless memories growing up together.
"I can't quite grasp why these attacks keep happening. Are they gearing up for something significant? If that's the case, why send them out in small groups when they're bound to face certain death?" I remarked to Sam.
"Instead of wiping them all out, why not capture one and extract information? We could use interrogation methods until they reveal what's really happening," Sam suggested.
Honestly, I hadn't considered that approach. The mere presence of rogues ignited a desire in me to banish them back to the moon goddess.
"That's a solid plan. Just remind me when the next attack occurs," I replied as I continued on my way.
"Of course, Alpha," Sam acknowledged.
As I walked toward my home, pack members greeted me warmly. This house, built by my ancestors, has been the residence of all past Alphas. It carries the weight of tradition. My parents passed away eight years ago in a tragic plane crash while returning from an international conference in Mexico. My older sister had accompanied them but stayed behind to manage other meetings. The loss was heartbreaking, and she struggled to return for a year due to her fear of flying.
I had to navigate this journey alone. Just two months after their passing, I was sworn in as the Alpha of the New Moon pack at the age of 18. It was an entirely new experience for me. I had been involved in the pack's affairs during my father's lifetime, but I never anticipated having to shoulder the responsibilities alone so soon after taking the oath.
I managed everything pretty well with my mate, Anto, by my side. I first met her when I was just 19, and that day remains one of the highlights of my life. We welcomed our son, Tom, into the world that same year, and now he's 7 years old.
Tragically, I lost Anto when Tom was just 3, during a sudden attack by rogues. It occurred at night, and she sacrificed herself to protect our son. That event transformed me. For months, I couldn't muster a smile; I became distant and cold, finding joy only in my son's presence. My hatred for rogues grew deep, and I took them down on sight.
Despite my grief, I was determined to be there for Tom. I refused to be an absent father and raised him in ways that would make Anto proud.
"Daddy!" Tom shouted as he rushed over for a hug. I had just bathed at home to wash away all the remnants of that awful blood before picking him up from school. His hair was a patchwork of colors—blonde on one side and black on the other. The blonde came from me, while the black was inherited from Anto.
"How's my boy?" I asked, wrapping him in a tight embrace.
"I'm good, Daddy! I made a new friend," he replied, subtly signaling he wanted to be set down. I obliged, and he dashed off to introduce me to a boy he had been dragging along. I recognized him immediately; he was Blake, Sam's son.
"Daddy, meet Blakey! He's my new friend!" Tom exclaimed, bouncing with excitement.
"Hey Blake, how are you?" I asked, crouching down to his level.
"I'm good, sir," he replied shyly, looking adorable. I playfully tousled his hair before standing back up.
"Daddy, can Blakey come over for a sleepover on Saturday?" Tom asked, giving me his most irresistible puppy dog eyes. I couldn't help but chuckle.
"We'll need to check with his parents first, Tom," I replied.
"Good afternoon, Alpha," came Evelyn's voice from behind me.
"Good afternoon, Evelyn. Are you finished for the day?" I inquired.
"Not quite. I'm just here to pick him up," she explained, and Blake rushed over, wrapping his arms around her.
"Would it be alright if Blake joins us for a sleepover with Tom on Saturday?" I asked.
"Oh, that sounds perfectly fine," she said with a smile.
"Yayyy!" Tom and Blake cheered, their hands clasped together as they bounced with excitement. Evelyn and I shared a laugh.
"Alright then, see you later. Goodbye, Blake," I waved to them as they left.
Once I got home, as usual, I felt a pang of sadness at Anto's absence. The house felt too empty without her. I tried to shake off that feeling; I didn't want to let it show in front of my son.
I helped Tom take his shower and then gave him some snacks while I started dinner. Although we had a whole team of chefs, I enjoyed cooking for my son. I had picked up a few recipes from Anto and hoped to pass them on to Tom one day.
After dinner, I changed into matching pajamas with Tom, a little tradition we had that I cherished.
Tom took out his homework, while I still had some tasks ahead of me. I suggested he complete his assignments in my study. I dove into my work. After two hours, I wrapped up my tasks and noticed Tom had dozed off on the sofa.
Gently, I lifted him and tucked him into bed, then settled down beside him. Occasionally, we share the same room at night. I was determined to prevent any repeats of the past. My commitment to protect my son was unwavering.
I kissed his cheek and pulled the covers over us both. In that moment, it was just the two of us, and I felt a deep sense of contentment being with him.