by J. K. Jones
Ryu doesn’t understand. Micah went looking for him? Even after he sat back and did nothing while the council tortured him? His thoughts whirl and as he stares at Trmon for a deeper explanation.
“We did everything we could,” Trmon responds. “I know Micah will never tell you. His pride won’t allow it. I’ve seen him suffer. The council wanted you dead. If they had it their way, they would have fed you to the other wolves that were hurt the most. They would have chewed you up and spit you back out. Without Michael, Micah didn’t have anyone to turn to for guidance…he didn’t have any experience with how to tame them…. So, when it was over Micah fought them tooth and nail for you to come back.”
Ryu’s breath hitches, shock all over his features. Micah did what?
“However, it was too late. You were already gone into the wolf pit.” Trmon says solemnly. “Micah will always be my best friend…. I know I haven’t always treated you kindly…. I haven’t stood up for you when you needed it the most. For that I am sorry.”
Ryu is stunned.
He looks at Micah, wondering how deep his defiance against the council went. If all this was true, Micah truly did love him, and the years Ryu spent thinking he had been forsaken had been wrong.
It twists like a knife in his chest.
He will have to speak to Micah to confirm, however, deep down he knows it true.
“Thank you,” Ryu says quietly. He never thought the day would come, that he would count Trmon as his friend.
They shake hands, Trmon offering a small smile before he walks off.
Ryu watches him go, wondering what else he is going to face on this journey.
Chapter 38
Silvercrest Howlers Clan
Hiratsuka 15’
Six years ago…
Berriston screams in outrage. He starts cursing the heavens and the earth, damning all the Silvercrest Howlers to hell and back for shaming his precious daughter. Michael fights back with equal fervor vowing endlessly to right this wrong. How can he? What’s done is done. The Māku is secreted. Once it’s done there is no going back—they were mates for life.
And Ryu cannot breathe.
Micah admitted it—said out loud in front of every prying ear that they were lovers and that he was in love with Ryu. His heart swells with devotion and his eyes prickle in sadness. They were going to lose the Midnight Nightstalker’s support. If they withdraw before the war is over, then the Silvercrest Howlers will lose to the Filthy Claws.
Shit. He has to stop this. But how? He could lie and tell them it wasn’t true, but his heart rebels at the very thought. It is true. He does love Micah.
“Alpha—” he interrupts frantically. “I deeply apologize. If there is anything I can do—”
“You’ve done enough,” Berriston seethes. “My daughter, an upstanding Midnight Nightstalker’s beauty losing to a damn Omega slut will be the talk of the season! Her reputation ruined!”
“I have an alternative suggestion,” Michael cut in. “We could still align the clans. My councilman, Randolph has offered his son Zy as a worthy replacement.”
“Ha!” Berriston scowls. “The son of councilmen versus the head of the Silvercrest clan? How worthy is that? I see how you work. You shake my hand only to slap me in the face!”
Michael clenches his jaw. “Do you doubt my honor?”
“Like father like son!” Berriston seethes. “I should have known better than to trust a damn Silvercrest Howler! We will leave at once, take all our enforcements and be rid of this nightmare once and for all—”
“Wait!” Micah says hastily. “Do not act irrationally. It is common knowledge, the Blackfang Hounds haunt your borders. You will need our assistance in return one of these days. I know I have insulted you. I have shamed my clan and my mate. However, the Blackfang Hounds are knocking on your doorstep. If you break ties with us, do you think a clan of your size can get help from the other larger clans? As you said, Francesca’s reputation will be ruined.”
“Father,” Shamus steps forward. “He speaks the truth. We cannot stand to withhold the Blackfang Hounds any longer. Our clan will fall to ruin. Let us keep the alliance between our clans, Francesca can marry the councilman’s son and we can finally be at peace. Our words: Perseverance conquers all must be upheld.”
Michael stands, the rest of the room stiffens immediately. “Berriston,” he says, his face softens. “Let us not destroy what has already been built. The passions of youth-run fast but fade just as quickly. He is my son. I will deal with him. We will both mutually benefit from the alliance. We have for many years and years to come. Let us not let it spoil our relationship. Come, brother. Let us shake hands, fulfill our duties. Silvercrest howlers are Steadfast and loyal we will uphold our words.”
Berriston sighs deeply before he reaches his hand out to Michael. “Agreed. I will let this slight go. It is only for our friendship that I will allow this to be overlooked. Mark my words, if this ever happens again, I will not be so lenient.”
“Brother,” Michael smiles, “I would not have it so.” They shake hands, clasping each other’s forearms tightly. Berriston gives him one lasting before, before he leaves the room, with his son trailing behind him.
The second they leave Michael shakes his head. Then he turns around and he stares down at Micah with deep disappointment etched into his features. “Release him.”
The guards holding Ryu let him go, they uncuff him and Ryu stands to his feet.
“Both of you come here.”
Micah and Ryu approach the throne warily, each of them looking scared and forlorn for their punishment. Michael sits on his chair, his eyes dart between the two of them before he chuckles.
“You are Amaya’s child through and through.” He smiles. “I still remember the day I met you. She talked non-stop about the little Omega with eyes like storm clouds.” He goes quiet then, smile slowly fading. “Since the day we met, I knew Micah was stricken. He never looked at anyone else. He never spoke of anyone else. His thoughts were only of you. After Sensei Musashi told me he begged to train you, I admit I was skeptical, but I’ve never seen Micah happier.” He looks down then. “Why didn’t you wait?”
“I’m sorry.” Micah prostrates again. “I was selfish! I—I wanted him so badly—”
“It’s my fault.” Ryu steps in, stammering helplessly. “I was in heat and I didn’t think—”
Michael waves them off quickly. “Omegas are not responsible for their heats. It is always the responsibility and duty of the Alpha to make sure they are well taken care of.”
“Father,” Micah begs, “forgive me. I have wronged you. I have committed the worst sin—I have broken all my vows. Punish me, please! I will accept any punishment you offer.”
“Son,” Michael touches his head, threading his fingers through the dark curls, “I am happy for you. I’ve known your heart for a long time. Anyone can see it. However, the council will not stand for it. We are at war with the Filthy Claws. The only way around this is a proper engagement, that way when he transitions as your Second there isn’t any opposition from the council.”
“Yes, Father.”
“You must court him properly. Treat him with respect. I will set up a tent for you both, that way you can scent each other daily so that people know that he is yours. Ryu,” Michael turns to him, “Your behavior and attitude must be beyond reproach. Once the announcement is made public, your actions will be a reflection of all the Silvercrest Howlers. You must represent your clan.”
“Of course.” Ryu bows deeply.
Michael looks at them both fondly. “I know you both will serve each other well.”
Chapter 39
Michael makes sure they are moved into the same tent. All of Ryu’s belongings are brought to Micah’s tent and within hours they are staring at each other awkwardly across the room. Earlier, Michael made the announcement; with pride, he stands by his son who has mated with Ryu. The crowd welcomes it in spattered cheers, most of the wolves look onwar
ds in disgust and anger.
Micah mated with a Filthy Claw?
What does this mean? Are they finally taking over?
Fat chance!
Over my dead body!
What about our brothers that died on the field for peace? How is our Alpha so insensitive to that?
A Midnight Nightstalker maiden for a Filthy Claw runt? What a joke!
They wouldn’t stand by it. This means when it comes to Micah’s accession, he will have a hard time gaining their trust and devotion. However, right now he doesn’t seem at all concerned about that. Micah kneels before Ryu, grabbing his hand tightly.
“I am worthless,” he says strongly. “To forsake you like that. I should have never listened to—I should have called off the engagement immediately. I was scared Midnight Nightstalkers would back out and what the others would think—”
“It’s okay,” Ryu says hastily. He knows what they think of him. He isn’t worthy to be anywhere near Micah. “It’s okay. I’m scared too.”
He’s only sixteen and with Micah turning eighteen and preparing to take over the clan things turned complicated too quickly. “I don’t care about them. I only want you.”
Micah sighs and stands, cupping his face and bringing him into a gentle kiss. “I love you. I won’t fail you again.”
“I love you too.”
Micah kisses him hungrily.
That night they lie together again, Ryu feels like his heart might burst with affection. Micah told everyone that he loved him, regardless of the backlash he would face against the clan. Ryu vows then to make Micah proud, to be worthy of his status as the Alpha’s Omega.
-
Ryu stands under the chilly mist that spreads across the battlefield.
Over the next few days, the Filthy Claws have grown in numbers. What used to be a few hundred, grew to a thousand, then two thousand—now they are three thousand strong. What they lack in weaponry they make up in resilience.
Ryu finds it increasingly bizarre how they attack in the same way. A few of them, in wolf or human form, will charge headfirst into battle, only to be shot down by the Silvercrest regiments firing line. After many of them are slaughtered, they retreat only to come back weeks later with their numbers doubling in size.
It’s almost as if they are sacrificing themselves.
Through all the commotion yesterday he forgot to tell Micah about his meeting with Kenyon and everything he’s seen in the Filthy Claws camp.
Ryu finds Micah the next day, the council has gathered to speak about what to do next. They are at a stalemate, either side not making any advancement towards the goal. The main tent is spacious, the second he steps in all heads turn at the interruption.
Ryu bows courteously before taking his place beside Micah. The room is full of the Silvercrest Howler’s oldest and wisest advisors. They are all dressed in similar combat gear, however, instead of the usual black the soldiers wear, their camo is a deep royal blue to mark their rank and status.
Michael paces the tent, face heavily lined with worry.
“As I was saying,” one of the councilmen says, giving Ryu an accusatory glance. “it’s clear they are deep in the forest. Why not charge in and ambush them head-on?”
“And have us risk our men?” Randolph says. “What a great idea!”
“We outnumber them ten to one,” the first councilmen answers. “I refuse to believe you can’t see how we have the advantage.”
They bicker back and forth. The whole conversation is giving him a headache. Ryu gently nudges Micah, trying to convey with his eyes he needs to speak to him.
“What is it?” Micah turns to look at him, giving Ryu his full attention. It seems that is the wrong move, the conversations stop immediately, all heads turn to Ryu.
He swallows thickly. “Micah—I think I know what they’re doing.”
Michael perks up. “Speak.”
Ryu bows. “Alpha—when I was a child—I heard stories of the old world. The Filthy Claws history isn’t so much taught but passed down orally through stories. The greatest warriors do not charge in—they test the line, usually by sacrificing their men. The purpose is to find the weakest point so that when they do attack it will be there.”
The room goes dead silent.
The councilmen stare at him wildly.
“A method to the madness.” Michael nods. “Good work, Ryu. Now we understand why they are doing it. We cannot charge blindly into their territory. We must find another way.”
“It seems having a Filthy Claw in our midst is advantageous for us,” Randolph says. He has sharp eyes and aging features, the hair around his temple salt and pepper. “What countermeasures would you take? There must be something in your histories about this.”
“There is.” Ryu goes towards the map. “The goal is to find the weakest part of the line. That is how they will stage their attacks. The easiest thing would be to make sure the line holds; however, most people know it won’t hold forever. If enough force is applied, then the line will break. What the councilmen said earlier isn’t wrong, however….” Ryu swallows and turns to Micah. “However, we might have a bigger problem on our hands.”
“Bigger than what?” Randolph asks, inching forward.
Ryu looks around, suddenly feeling nervous. Will they think he’s a traitor? Will they hate him? He only meant to tell Micah and nobody else.
“I….” Ryu trembles, distress written all over his face.
“What is it, love?” Micah grabs his hands. “Speak.”
“I ran into an old friend the other day,” Ryu says finally. “His name is Kenyon…I believe he is their leader.”
“And we’re just finding out about this now!”
“Why did you withhold such information!?”
“We could have been done with this war ages ago!”
“Silence!” Micah’s voice booms above the rest. “Go on.”
“With everything going on in the last few days—” Ryu tries to explain.
“It’s fine,” Micah says. “It’s my fault. Please, tell us.”
Ryu nods. “Kenyon is an old friend. Before I was taken by the Silvercrest Howlers we were very close. He…. considers me his…. ugh….” Ryu stammers awkwardly. “He still to this day…. he favors me….” Ryu settles on. “I think that’s why he didn’t kill me…however…when I fought him and shifted into my wolf form, I noticed that he changed into something else. It wasn’t a wolf—it was darker—a Lycan. Kenyon always prayed to Oslene, the Goddess of Torture. I believe they are…dabbling in dark magic.”
“A Lycan?” Randolph gasps. “They’ve been gone for hundreds of years. Impossible.”
“I swear it,” Ryu says strongly.
“Dark magic?” Micah repeats, eyes widening. “That explains it.”
“Explains what?” Michael demands.
“Why their numbers are increasing. It’s a sacrifice to Oslene, the Goddess of Torture.”
Chapter 40
Ryu’s breath catches in his throat. Of course. It all made sense. The Gods or Goddesses often demand contracts be sealed in blood. If Kenyon is to amass an army, he would need the Goddess on his side. However, that makes things increasingly difficult for them.
Shit.
The councilmen start talking at once, all of them spouting ways to pray to the good Gods and counteract evil ones. They theorize now they must fight evil with good. Ryu feels his heart pounding in his chest, if they have a Goddess on their side that would make winning the war damn near impossible.
Micah starts pacing the room, just like Michael earlier. Both of them deep in thought as chaos erupts all around them.
“The blood contracts—what’s it called?” Micah demands.
“Alpha,” one of the councilmen steps forward, “there is no name for contracts between Gods and wolves, they simply become a Bloodhound—a vessel in which the God or Goddess can do their bidding. For him to acquire such power, he must have caught the attention of the Dark Gods. They will use
him as their vessel, meaning their powers will be transferred through him. There is only one known Bloodhound, they call him the Bloodhound Prince. He’s been gone for centuries. Once the vessel is destroyed and the contract is fulfilled then things will be set back to normal.”
“You mean once the debt owed is fulfilled?” Micah clarifies. “Speak freely Bruce.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Bruce responds. “Usually, it is a life in exchange. The Gods or Goddesses will demand their life in exchange for eternal power. Once they achieve their goal, their life will be forfeited. That is the way of dark magic.”
Micah is quiet for a long time before he turns to Ryu. “You said he favors you?”
Ryu blinks owlishly. “Y-yes.”
“Does he care for you?”
Ryu fidgets anxiously. “He considers us mates….”
“Even now with the Māku?” Randolph asks, perplexed.
“I—he said he thought so still…. he didn’t seem concerned about it,” Ryu finishes lamely.
“I have an idea,” Micah says, walking over to the map on the table. “The more we kill, the more we give in to the Bloodhound’s agenda. Instead of killing them, let’s stun them. If our goal, as the Silvercrest, is to make sure the Filthy Claws gain stability without our occupation, then we must not kill the people. We will stun them and when they awaken, we will give them a choice. They can find employment and steady wages in servitude or die with their brothers. I’ve seen these men, most of them are young boys from the slums. If we offer them a way out, they may be more inclined to fight with us than against us.”
“What about the other wolves?” Ryu asks.
“I was just getting to that,” Micah answers. “Instead of letting them charge, we do things a different way. The minute they start charging towards us—we will start charging towards them. It would bring the element of surprise and since our armies are bigger and larger, they might get scared and runoff.”
