When Severus left the Woodridge Academy, he was by himself.
But now, he was accompanied by an unwanted presence.
Just when he thought Ludwig finally gave up on the idea, the stubborn Alpha made a last-minute decision, and followed him on his way back to his territory.
Ludwig wasn't even being discreet about it. Severus could tell from the man's decisive movements.
His sister's husband was a man on a mission, and he couldn't blame him.
This one wasn't on Ludwig.
His wife is currently pregnant with another pup, and experiencing gestational cravings. However, she won't touch her food unless she sees Severus is the delivery boy. It's that wicked kind of joy.
Obviously, his sister was trying to get back at him for being strict with her until she was of age. That woman used to want to date bastards who weren't her mate.
As the eldest, it was his job to set her straight.
And her crooked ways didn't stop until she and Ludwig finally met. The man in question is from the region of Midlands. That's why, their relationship is considered as a rare encounter.
The night was excessively humid, and it was vexing. The winds that blew past his wolf's fur were insanely discomforting.
Severus is getting the feeling that a downpour will occur days from now.
It's just a rough estimate because by the looks of it, there's a chance it could happen tonight, too.
As soon as he lands a step back on his pack land, he will make sure to mindlink Xyla about Ludwig's plan. There's no benefit in frequently leaving the territory to his trusted men. He could make an exception if it was pack business, but he had no time to play that stupid game with his sister.
She should try to act her age sometimes.
She's abusing her mate's kindness, but lecturing a pregnant woman isn't exactly the best available idea for Severus.
His wolf was diving into a sea of troublesome thoughts, too. It was questioning him for letting the Alpha, who had insulted them earlier, go unscathed. An insolent man like Reggie should learn his place, and his wolf was more than willing to teach him a lesson he'd remember for the rest of his life.
Similar to what the other Alphas were thinking, the beast in him strongly opposed the existence of Werewolf King representatives.
But, Severus was good at keeping his wolf at bay.
After all, the reputation of the River Severn Pack would be at stake.
His actions as an Alpha were being watched from the sidelines.
As the current holder of the tenth seat in Akkad, he's aware that everything he does outside his territorial land will be reported to the Capital. Council committees are always on the lookout for anomalies that the strongest packs may commit, especially after they have acquired a strong backing—the Werewolf King.
The Werewolf King favors the strong.
And it goes without saying that he detests the weak.
But, preying on the weak for entertainment is a whole different thing.
It disgusts him.
…For people often mistake arrogance for strength.
That's why, the King required the council committees to dig on whatever dirt they could find from the packs that belonged in the Top 10. And so far, Severus' pack has been faring well. He hasn't received a direct summons from the Capital, yet—a sign which more or less means River Severn is in deep trouble.
Ludwig's comment regarding the starting age of trainees that could go on missions was unsolicited. The government was okay with it—why would there be a need for him to criticize his rules?
At the age of fifteen, a werewolf can already achieve so many things, and it's the perfect time to put their skills to the test by being on an actual battlefield.
The border patrols made an announcement that the Alpha was back as soon as they sighted his majestic wolf.
But, their impassive posture was soon replaced by confusion when they realized that the Alpha wasn't alone.
There was another wolf that was running by his side, and he was simply letting it.
They formed a conclusion in their heads that it must be a visitor, and an esteemed one at that. The other wolf wasn't following their Alpha behind. It positioned itself next to him.
Now, that was certainly a sight you wouldn't get to see every day.
'Alpha—'
The pack warrior wasn't able to finish his query when the Alpha's wolf zoomed past into the territory without making a stop, without looking back.
The border patrols had no other choice but to let the other wolf pass through as well, especially when they caught a whiff of its scent, and felt the spiritual pressure it possessed.
It wasn't just a normal wolf.
It was an Alpha, too…!
The men shared a puzzled look before they shrugged it off.
Alpha Severus ignored them because he was pissed. The entire body of his wolf was tense.
Did something happen during the meeting?
As far as they know, it's uncommon for their Alpha to get along with those who share the same standing as him. He doesn't associate himself with those who don't share the same frequency as him.
'Who could it be?'
'I've never seen him before… He's got a sharp scent!'
'The way he carries his wolf is refined, too.'
'A special guest of the Alpha's?'
'This late, though…?'
The pack warriors dawdled for another minute before they gingerly returned to their posts. If it has to be handled this late, then the issue must be something very critical.
The men began to mindlink the others to notify them of the Alpha's arrival, along with a new face that was with him.
Also, they left an important message that made everyone rigid.
'Make sure to steer clear of the wolf he's with. Just like our Alpha, he's one, too.'
The news was a buzz among the pack members until the message finally reached the Beta, Gamma, and Delta's knowledge.
Alpha Severus doesn't easily welcome non-members into the territory unless it's being demanded by the situation—like the celebration party for securing the tenth seat before.
It's widely known to all that two Alphas can't be left alone together in the same room.
That it could get much more dangerous than an assembly of all the Alphas around the world!
'I heard you were back, Alpha. Is there a problem?' asked the Gamma.
Such wrong timing…
Brandon couldn't take his eyes off the ring. He was afraid that once he did—even for a mere second, a pandemonium will break out.
Brandon was dead-set against it from happening ever since the proposition was raised to them earlier.
Not only would it disrupt the training progress of each trainee and pack warrior here at the training grounds, the very event was disastrous in itself.
Moreover, as the Commander, he needs to be fair, and monitor every person within sight.
That's why, he had no idea when it happened.
What exactly triggered the need for this untoward event…?
Still, Trent's decision outweighs his in many aspects. He's the Beta after all.
Which means that… if the Alpha isn't around, he assumes command.
And it was the first time that Brandon felt unhappy with that kind of organizational pattern.
Trent gave the sparring match a go.
He practically pitted Amber and Cataleya against each other, and now, the pack members stopped their training to watch the match.
The Beta is officiating it; therefore, its validity is established. The result of this bout will be honored within River Severn, and the win will be added to the total wins accumulated by the victor from her sparring matches since its inception.
Brandon had further lost his power to get a say in this when he learned that it was Amber who challenged Cataleya in the first place!
Of course, that would take a toll on any squad leader's pride. They train hard, cry sweat and blood, just to get where they are now—and you're telling them that it's okay to be jerked around?
What's even worse is… by a trainee!?
Brandon massaged his temples.
The Alpha is now back with another Alpha hot on his heels, and whose origins are unknown to them.
What is this situation?
'A problem?' Severus replied, he sounded peeved. 'I wonder what you meant by that?'
'I heard… we have a guest. Is that true?'
'A guest? More like a trespasser…' the Alpha grumbled.
His eyes widened. The border patrols got it wrong?
'Let's not dwell on that. He'll be leaving soon. So, I believe the session is still underway?'
'The Alpha is still going?'
'Trent is probably on to Amber for thinking she's got an ulterior motive. Have you been keeping an eye, Brandon?'
Well, shit.
Alpha Severus was definitely right on that one.
Trent was trying to prove something here, thus his quick approval for the sparring match to take place. He still probably thinks that Amber is a deceptive individual, and so he plans to educate her indirectly using Cataleya's feeling towards the kid's incitement as a front.
Brandon clenched his teeth. 'Forgive me for my negligence, Alpha. There's something I should tell you.'
'That tone… I don't like it.'
He could already picture how adamant Alpha Severus was to hear what seemed to be bad news from him.
'A sparring match is in progress, and… Amber is participating.'
Silence.
'I don't see a problem in your statement. I mean, she's active in sports.'
'The problem is… she initiated it.'
The Alpha couldn't respond right away.
'Initiated, you say?' Now, he sounded cautious.
'Yes…'
'So, you're saying Amber deliberately challenged someone from the pack?'
'That's right, Alpha.'
'And the person she challenged was…?'
'A squad leader. It's Cataleya.'
'Bullshit! Who officiated this!? Did you?'
'It was the Beta, Sir.'
'Fucking knew it.'
Alpha Severus shut him out afterwards.
The man was probably rushing to get here as soon as possible.
But…
Is that even a good idea right now?
With Amber's bloodied knuckles, and almost unrecognizable aura…
'I wonder if the Alpha would ever want to see that.'