Alpha's Nala

Michael Angelo

On the Southern part of the Redwood Region, at the Redwood Pack Mansion.

Saturday, 

5:35 PM.

I am already aware of the loud music, many chatters, and clicking of glasses down the hall.

However, after a long day of paperwork and dealing with pack issues, my mind and body needed serenity.

And where to acquire it than your very own room.

So here I am, taking my time on doing my necktie. Making sure it looks neat and presentable for tonight's mating ball when, all of a sudden, a small voice interrupted me.

I knew who it was, the minute the little wolf entered my chamber, for her scent — composing of lemon and mint — immediately filled the room. 

Not to mention, her voice.

I recognize that voice anywhere, for there are no other seven-year-olds in the region that possesses an alpha tone, except her.

“Yes, Blessy?” I respond to my sister's little cry, eyes still focused on the nearly done knot.

There was no reply from her after that, making me assume that she already left. Though, instead of hearing a door closing, I surprisingly caught the sound of her soft footsteps walking towards me. Then, like a ray of sunshine, I felt the little she-wolf's warm presence behind me. 

Almost, immediately, a smile found its way to my face.

“Oh, busy.” She quickly muttered at my back, discovering that I was a bit occupied at the moment.

My smile widened.

Regardless of her warm existence, what really lightened up my dark mood was the aura my sister brought with her; the innocence of a child and the purity of a soul, which so happens to be the same as my late mate, Nala.

My Nalaese Marie Snow…

The reminder, rather of infuriating me like the last time, made me calm. And my once frustrated face was now beaming with pure peace.

“In a minute little one, I'm almost done,” I stated, and was about to do the last loop when I caught a glimpse of her dirty reflection on the full-length mirror I was using. 

Oh dear lord.

I quickly turned to face her, hoping my eyes were deceiving me. But once my gaze landed on the little girl, fully registering her appearance, I was utterly stunned to see how terrible-looking she really was. 

Hell no, she did not…

Her supposed to be cute little princess gown — fuchsia in color and full of diamonds — was already brownish on the bottom part, while a couple of dirty handprints at the top. Her blonde hair which was supposed to be tied in a bun we're loosened, leaving her gold tiara hanging on the back of her head.

Though, what gave me the overall impression that she sneaked out of the castle and play unto the forest floor — AGAIN — was her hands and face, all covered with mud. 

“Blessica Allison Joy Cane, what on earth got into you!” I roared, the shock was evident both in my face and voice.

Receiving no response from her, just a few blinks and fingers fidgeting, I swiftly grab her little arm and, as quick as the flash of light — werewolf speed, made her sit on a chair next to the dresser my Nala, once owned. 

Catching a glimpse of that wardrobe, my anger instantly halted. Then, as obvious as it was now, I got momentarily distracted. 

I know I should have thrown that out, or any stuff that belonged to my mate, but I can't. Not because I'm being too sentimental, but because it's one of those things that keeps me from going completely mad, or worse, seek solace again to BLOODLUST.

My ultimate cure, for three whole years...

As amazing as it would have been, to let myself be an animal — carefree and wild — for one day, though the danger that it would bring was much higher compared to the comfort that I aim to fulfill.

I don't want that to happen again… I had caused

why, I still kept it — every belonging she

Blessy, in a softer tone now,

me shift my gaze

want a hug?” She innocently asked while opening her mud-covered arms

she was, she always tries to comfort me whenever she sees signs of

you get when you have a

I only frowned at her. Especially, after seeing

surely be upset with her

you wish, especially tonight. It's ball night for Goddess sake Blessica!” I finally scolded

voice sounded so bitter, so harsh, and dreadful that I almost forgot that I'm speaking to a kid who normally gets into trouble, not an adult who committed a crime

our sister. Mika (Blessy's wolf) will not

warning and began steadying my

Blessy softly whispered. Her gentle — sweet voice echoed delicately inside my ears, which was also

as her voice goes, I caught a glimpse of her face. Peculiarly, it lacks FEAR, and as much as I don't appreciate what I sound like earlier, she should be shaking from fright by

However, she's not.

a seven-year-old child being lectured at by

what really caught my attention, which bothered me instantly, was her tiger brown eyes. They look very much dead and cold — too cold, for a child

that split second, it was like she's looking THROUGH me —

there, I froze.

sadness in that gaze of her. A

still in grief… it's her

on what I was supposed to

Bear growled, taking my full attention now. ‘She should stop that, stop apologizing when she

of aggression — Bear is not fond of

the fact that Bear was right; that it was not as genuine as it should be, made me

“Your pleas… It's not even true. You should stop that or no one's gonna believe you in the end, sweetie. Especially, once you get to a point where you apologize for real for your mistakes,

at me for a second after hearing my short speech and then, realizing that

me — her dimples showing on both sides of her

Woah.

of this child is even greater compared to the warriors I have trained in the field. Others

Looking like she

lips parted out

brave for my liking.’ Bear pointed out, sounding almost

I'm just astounded that she could even smile at me like that at this point. She doesn't do that unless she wanted to cheer me up, you

of my mind, saying, ‘Or distract you from her troubles. She knows she's charming and you easily fall for that.

after hearing that and internally lifted a challenging eyebrow

whining whenever she needs someone to protect her from Mother's wrath.’ I

stilled, his ears down

slowly retrieving to

I could only smirk.

little being in front of me. She's still smiling her dimpled

must be waiting for my violent reaction… too bad, I'm too amused to be even mad at

her, in both

she-wolf,” I finally declared in

just compliment her. Though, I didn't miss the fact that the smile didn't

Now, that's strange.

always this... lifeless?

really knowing what proper questions to ask or what simple words to say to a seven-year-old, especially when the subject involves serious themes, I could only let out

the bathroom to get a wet towel to wipe her. Lastly, kneeling in front of her, I

dead silent after, leaving me to wonder what was

that Blessy always loves the great outdoors wherein she could explore, learn, and be down and dirty. But having her keep on doing it every now and then, for the majority of her life, sounds so bizarre —

here is, was it really

fun that she happened

not afraid of the uproar Mother will bestow upon you? Or just the idea of being grounded for another week in your room? Werewolves your age don't exactly like confinement Blessy, yet here you are, kept on going back to

that same dimpled smile at me. As if saying