Chapter 1: The Royal Visit
Natalie~
I held my father's hand tight as I half ran, half jogged after him trying to keep up with his long strides. My legs were killing me but I didn't slow down.
The village was alive around us; the air was buzzing and every heart was racing. Everyone was getting ready for the royal family's arrival. Our pack, Silverfang, was hosting them this year. The royal family visiting any pack was such an honor that my father had said it could change a pack's fate forever.
The whole pack was buzzing. Wolves were moving back and forth carrying decorations, food and making sure the grounds were perfect. The pine scent of the trees mixed with the sweat of nervousness as I overheard snatches of excited chatter about the honor the pack was about to receive. I barely noticed the beauty of the forest around us, the trees towering above us in golden morning light.
Father walked with determination, his jaw clenched and his shoulders squared. Even though I was only thirteen I could sense something was going to go down soon. "Dad," I asked hesitantly, my voice shaking, "with everything that's going on do you think it will be okay for us to go see Alpha Darius?"
He looked down at me for a moment, his usual warm gray eyes clouded with worry. "I'll explain everything to him, I'm sure he'll understand, Natalie. Just stay close, okay?"
The Alpha's residence was ahead, a massive structure made of dark stone and columns. It was fitting for Alpha Darius Blackthorn, a man who commanded respect and fear. Our house was big, but his was enormous. My father, Evan Cross, was the Beta, the Alpha's right-hand man and closest friend. He was always given the tasks that kept him close to the Alpha. But today my father's usual calm and authoritative self was replaced with pure anxiety.
We entered the Alpha's residence and I followed my father inside, my legs aching from the distance we had walked. The foyer was as impressive as ever, dark wood beams and a fireplace that did nothing to warm the cold feeling in my bones. My father didn't stop to look around. He went straight to Alpha Darius's office, his boots clicking on the polished floor.
When we reached the office my father knocked once and Alpha Darius's deep, commanding voice answered, "Enter."
Father opened the door and I followed him in. The Alpha sat behind his massive oak desk, his broad shoulders squared and his black as coal eyes looking up at us. His dark hair was flecked with silver and the scar across his left cheek only added to his menace. But when his eyes landed on me his usual stern face relaxed into a small smile—one I had grown to cherish.
"Evan," the Alpha said, his voice low and steady. "What are you doing here? And why is your daughter looking so spooked?"