Alpha

by Yesi Murdaugh

  Chloe smiles at Mandy and responds "Okay my beautiful Rapunzel. I love you see you later".

  Mandy responds to Chloe that she loves her as well and continues with her gardening. As Chloe is walking towards the bus stop, a very familiar scent comes to her senses. She stops walking and looks around her surroundings.

  She communicates to Mandy telepathically to go inside and keep guard. Mandy nods her head and runs inside the house.

  "Who goes there? asked Chloe.

  Chloe was starting to get upset, and she was about to transform into wolf "I said who goes there?" asked Chloe.

  Out from the woods a flash of movement is seen, and the person appeared.

  "Hello my beautiful flower" said Von.

  Looking better than ever and dark, Von appeared. In his usual all black attire and long black hair. With sky blue eyes that almost seem white. His lips seem juicier and so pink as he smirked with his confident walk. Chloe rolled her eyes and told Von to leave because he was not welcomed at her house, and she had important things to do now. She started sweating and her frustration became visible. She swore she can feel the blood in her veins sizzle with passion and desire.

  Von stares at her from a distance and smiles "What has you worrying my love? I sense your stress" asked Von.

  "Other than your unexpected visit? That is stressful enough! But we have something watching us lately, and I can't protect my pack if I don't know what it is" said Chloe.

  "I see...very well let me take a look around as well. I will stop by tomorrow and let you know what I find" said Von.

  Chloe walks towards Von in the woods "Thank you Von, but why are you so far away?" asked Chloe.

  Von smiles and responds " Well my beautiful butterfly! I need permission to step closer to your home remember? said Von.

  Chloe smiles " Oh yes that is right! You are welcomed in my home Von. Now you can search the surrounding area".

  Von smiles and ask Chloe if he could steal a kiss from her. Chloe rolls her eyes again and walks away to leave. Before she could leave, Von uses his vampire speed and makes his way right to her face. His scent drove her wild, and she hated the power he had over her. She understood that the connection they had may be because his blood ran through her veins once, but this was becoming ridiculous. She gulps and grabs onto her purse as he stood inches away from her face.

  Chloe pushes Von away and asks him to please leave. Von smirks and do as he is told and vanishes into thin air. After such a heated moment, Chloe decides to run in the woods towards the cake shop. The bus would take much longer and wouldn't serve as a distraction. She ran full speed in the woods towards the shop. When she arrived to the cake tasting she seen that Sky was tasting multiple cups of tiny pieces of cake. Sky noticed Chloe entering the shop, she smiled and stood up "Chloe you made it!" she yelled.

  "So sorry for showing up like this, but I had some time" said Chloe.

  "Not at all! I picked these two cakes; it is more Ms. Stuarts taste" said Chloe.

  Chloe grabs a spoon and goes to taste the cake. It is delicious and she agrees it is the best choice after tasting all the other ones.

  "A cafe latte cake. I know she said the guest prefer chocolate, but she loves coffee. This is a decadent layered chocolate cake with roasted almond cake brushed with Kahlua and filled with chocolate espresso buttercream and dark chocolate ganache" said Sky proudly.

  "Very, very impressive Sky! I did not know you had a thing for baking. I see you have made an excellent choice. She is going to love this cake! and it will also impress her guest. I will be in the car. Just finish up here and tell them it has to be at the hall by 9 A.M. that morning" said Chloe.

  "I will be right out, thank you so much Chloe. For making me feel confident and for trusting me" said Sky.

  "Do not thank me Sky, you are a natural and we are a team" said Chloe.

  Sky leaves a deposit at the register and explains all the details of the wedding to the owner. Within twenty minutes she is done and out of the bakery. She does not see Chloe outside, so she walks to her car. She calls Chloe on her cellphone, but no answer. She figured Chloe had to run off, and probably headed home. Sky calls the house to see if Chloe has arrived. Mandy answers the phone

  “Hello?

  "Hey Sky! What's up?" asked Mandy.

  "Hey, I am on my way to the house now a few minutes away! did Chloe get back yet? she left abruptly" asked Sky.

  Mandy puts the phone down and yells to see if Chloe was home. "No Sky, Troy is the only one home. I will let her know that you called" said Mandy.

  Sky hangs up and continues the drive back home. Back at the house Luke arrives from his job.

  "Hey, Mandy how was your day? asked Luke.

  "Very interesting actually. Chloe is going to fill you all in later. She followed the scent to the woods and could not trace it anywhere" said Mandy.

  A few minutes later James arrive home as well, followed by Sky.

  "Hey guys!" said James.

  "Mandy what did Chloe find out today? She left me at the bakery. Why would she do that? and why would she run all the way back home instead of getting in the car with me? Tell me exactly what happened" said Sky.

  "Well after the day she had, I am sure she needs to release some stress out in the woods. We sensed something as I always do, and she went to the woods chasing the scent. She came back very worried because she could not track it anywhere" said Mandy.

  James stands up from the kitchen stool " Definitely witches! Why didn't I think of this before?" he said.

  "So, witches are still around after all" said Luke.

  "Okay, but why are they watching us?" asked Sky.

  "That is what we need to find out, and fast" said James.

  "Luke, you have a stronger connection to Chloe. Try calling her with your mind. Send her home, we need a meeting about this immediately" said Sky.

  Luke connects with his mind and begins to communicate to Chloe " Chloe it is Luke, come back home. We are becoming worried, and we need to have a meeting. The witches are back, that house we found apparently was not old, it is current and being used by witches".

  Luke looks at the pack who are all waiting his response " No response yet... all we can do is wait now" he said.

  James cooks some rabbit for the pack with vegetables. The five sit around anxiously waiting for Chloe. Hours pass and Chloe does not arrive home. They all head to their rooms and get sleep. The following morning the pack all wake up and realize Chloe still has not came back home. The doorbell rings and Luke answers it.

  "What are you doing here Von? and how are you welcomed to get this far in? asked Luke.

  "Good morning Luke may I speak with your alpha please? I spoke with her yesterday afternoon, and she gave me permission to access the area and home that is why I can approach. She asked for me to help with an issue, and I am here with information" said Von.

  James pushes Luke out the front door and invites Von in the house.

  "Where is she? I do not smell her?" asked Von.

  The pack all look at each other and Sky responds that no one knows where she is.

  Von panics and looks around " We made plans to meet up here today. It is very important to her, that is how I know something is wrong! She would have been here by now; I sensed her stress. Whatever she smelled in the woods has her very nervous and on edge" he said.

  "What exactly is it? asked Luke.

  "Well in ancient times the markings I found on the floors of the trees are connected to witchcraft and dark magic. As an ancient vampire that does not work on me, and I was able to trace it back all the way to the same witch house we found a while back. You must all be careful. I will bring back a vampire witch we have in our area that will place a protection shield around the house" said Von.

  "Thank you, that will be very helpful Von" said James.

  "Wait did you say a vampire witch?! How is that even possible?" asked Mandy.

  "We have a few hybrids running around. Does not happen often, but
it happens" said Von.

  "Chloe would not just leave without telling us...would she? She knows we would be worried. I am sure something has happened to her. Someone probably grabbed her by the bakery yesterday" said Luke.

  "Yes, something happened but she is strong, it would not be so easy. I am very confused; we have to go track her down" said James.

  "May I please help" asked Von.

  Troy walks out the door " Sure you can let’s go!" he said.

  The six run off into the woods in wolf form looking for their beautiful alpha. Von catches up with them with his vampire speed. The seconds become minutes, and they end up right near the bakery Chloe and Sky were in yesterday. Once again, the scent stops. Von is able to surpass the magic that covers the scent and continues down the road. Once they make a stop it is in the middle of the woods. In the middle of nowhere at all.

  “Von what is this?” asked Luke

  “I am just as confused as you are Luke” said Von

  “Is this some type of game you are playing? You said you were tracking Chloe’s scent, and you take us here? In the middle of nowhere? There isn’t even a house in sight or any sign of her here” yelled Luke

  “I can guarantee you; this is where the trace ends” said Von

  “He is right Luke; can’t you smell her faintly?” said James

  “Yes, a little but this still isn’t the location” said Luke

  Chapter 10

  The Hooded People

  Troy looks around and tries to calm the pack down.

  “Everyone calm down, Let’s look nearby” said Troy

  The pack gather and begin to look around carefully to make sure they aren’t missing anything. Von remained confident that Chloe was nearby somehow. In a blink of an eye the pack and Von are surrounded. A person in a hooded black outfit approached them and others join them. Sky gets defensive immediately.

  “I’d stay back if I were you! We are only looking for a friend” yelled Sky

  The hooded people gather around and hold hands; they begin to form a circle around the pack. Troy grows irritated.

  “I have had enough of these games” yelled Troy

  The pack all transform, and Troy attacks the hooded people. The instant he attacks he is blown away by some shield, and is unable to reach them. Von uses his vampire speed to try and get out of the circle, but it is of no use. The hooded people begin to chant, and the pack all begin to feel weakened.

  The pain is unbearable in their heads. Luke makes use of his ability to convince anyone of anything under any situation.

  “Please leave us alone. Who are you, and what do you want?” asked Luke

  “We have lost our dear friend and want her back. Do any of you know her? Her name is Chloe, and she is our Alpha” said Luke

  Luke tries to talk clear as he in under their spell and in a lot of pain. The rest of the pack all growl and complain of the pain inside their heads. One of the hooded people step closer towards Luke breaking the circle. She begins to speak low, and clear.

  “Your Alpha is with us now, leave or face our coven”

  Luke regains his strength and speaks again.

  “We will not leave without her” said Luke

  Another hooded person steps up and speaks loudly and with power.

  “This is not a negotiation. We are powerful ancient witches, and we can destroy you with a flick of the hand. Leave now, or you will all die”

  Sky gains confidence and is determined to win the fight and find Chloe. The pain is unbearable, but she managed to speak loudly.

  “You are no match for our pack! Together we are powerful, everyone stand up now!” yelled Sky

  The pack struggles against the pain in their heads to stand up. They stand firm and get ready to attack.

  The first strike is a powerful bite from Von. The witch dissolves instantly into ash. The next attack is a group effort against all four witches. The battle is head on for a quick five minutes. Troy gets hit with a powerful fire ball from one of the witches and becomes unresponsive. Mandy weeps and turns into human form over Troy. The witches disappear with a trick of magic and fog. Von begins to jog away.

  “I must hurry on out and alert the headmasters of what is going on. The witches have been in hiding for a very long time. Take Troy home, I will check in with you all in a few days’ time” said Von

  The pack carry Troy all the way back to the cabin.

  “The cabin was closer to the location we were in. Chloe’s house is further away. Lay him down on the sofa, I have some potions here still. I will be right back” said James

  Mandy began to cry on top of Troy.

  “Please Troy hang on! You can’t leave me. Look at him guys! He is burned all over and he is not even healing.” Cried Mandy

  Luke walks over to Mandy and tries to pull her away from Troy.

  “He will be fine Mandy don’t worry.” said Luke

  Mandy starts breaking down sobbing on top of Troy. Luke tries to calm her down and console her, but she is hysterical. Sky gently touches Mandy’s arm, and uses her ability to calm people down.

  “Mandy look at me! Everything will be just fine okay. Give him the time he needs to heal” said Sky

  Sky embraces Mandy and rubs her hair gently as Mandy relaxes.

  “I have such a connection with him and all of you! But Troy and I went through that tough transition together and the healing of being a feral with me. I can’t lose him, we already lost Chloe, and this is all too much”. Cried Mandy

  James appeared back in the living room.

  “Here pour this potion down his throat Mandy. I understand your distress, but I can guarantee you Chloe can take care of herself, and Troy is a fighter they will both be fine” said James

  Mandy nods her head in agreeance and pours the potion down Troy’s mouth. Troy has no reaction to the potion. Everyone goes to their rooms to sleep. Mandy sleeps right next to Troy on the sofa. He begins to heal slowly. The pack all wake up the next day and come up with a plan to find Chloe again.

  “Should we inform Chloe’s parents about her disappearance?” asked Sky

  “No, we can’t alert them about this. They will be very worried. I’d rather keep this from them until we find her”. Said Luke

  “Well following her tracks and scent is no good to us. Those witches are good at erasing it from us. Von was the only one able to help with that, and he isn’t around. I say maybe we try going back to the exact location in the woods where the witches attacked us and go from there” said Mandy

  “I agree” said James

  “I have to work on this wedding thing for Chloe’s client. I must stay here and work, but I will meet you all soon. The emails are just piling up on this computer” said Sky

  “Is it really that important Sky? We need you with us. We are already down by two. Chloe is missing and Troy is down. Leave it for tomorrow. Monday you can finish everything off” said Luke

  “You are so right! I am so sorry. Give me a couple of minutes to just respond to the emails then” said Sky

  Sky responds to all the emails and sets reminders for the morning. James makes breakfast for the pack. They all eat and wait on Sky. Luke begins to hear a voice in his head.” Luke help me”

  “Oh my God everyone gather around, Chloe is contacting me” yelled Luke

  “What is she saying? asked James

  “Chloe, where are you?” Luke asked

  Chloe doesn’t respond telepathically so Luke begins to grow worried. Suddenly he hears her voice faintly again in his head.

  “I am underground, near the woods you guys were at yesterday. Please be careful, I love you all. They have me chained up with some type of magic. I have tried getting out of them it is impossible. Bring Von he can help” said Chloe

  “Who kidnapped you?” asked Luke

  “I have to go they are coming” said Chloe

  “Wait Chloe please don’t go yet!” said Luke

  “What happened?” asked James

 
“She had to go” said Luke

  Sky cries “I can’t believe this is happening! What did she say?” asked Sky

  “She is underground, and we were at the right location all along. How can we get in contact with Von?” said Luke

  “I have to travel back to the vampire mansion, but I don’t think we are welcomed a second time Luke. I don’t want to take any chances” said James

  “Well we are going no matter what! She said to bring Von for help. Let’s go!” yelled Luke

  The pack prepare to leave to the vampire mansion and find Von. Mandy leaves Troy comfortably on the sofa with some potions in case he woke up on his own. She replaces his old bandages with new ones.

  “His burns are healing, but very slowly” said Mandy

  “Those are some powerful witches he got attacked by, at least he is healing, let’s go” said James

  The pack all get up and make their way out the cabin doors. Once they are outside, they are greeted by an unfamiliar scent.

  “Everyone get ready!” yelled James

  “Who goes there? Present yourself” yelled Luke

  “It is I, Von. I came with a few friends; please welcome them they are here to help” said Von

  James calmed down and welcomed the vampires.

  “As long as we are all on the same mission you are all welcomed!” said James

  “Nice to see you all again” said Vil

  “Too bad the feeling isn’t mutual” said Sky

  The last time Vil was around them she threatened Chloe’s life, and she came back and attempted to take it away. Sky defended Chloe and got attacked by Vil. Vil licked her fingers and penetrated Sky’s skin with her nails. Since a bite from a vampire kills a wolf, the saliva from her mouth was enough to nearly kill. The only thing Sky could think about was biting Vil and killing her as revenge. Von senses Sky’s energy and begins to introduce his vampire friends.

  “These are my friends Larry, Amy and you all know Vil. Amy here is the hybrid I told you all about. She is half witch and half vampire. She is here to place that protection barrier around the cabin then we will go and do it to Chloe’s house as well. The spell will protect you all from the witches.” said Von