[Flashback]
The cool air of the night soothes the burning ache that seemed to crawl over my body, a dull throb between my joints. I know as the moon rose higher and higher the shift would begin, and that the pain I felt now would pale in comparison to what is to come. Still, I squeeze my eyes shut and think over the life I'd lived so far. It wasn't a bad life, but it wasn't what I had hoped.
Chin quivering, slowly I open my eyes as the tears slip down the sides of my face and into my hair. In the back of my head I feel the thrum of the pack, a subtle sense of panic was felt through the bonds. I could feel Clair trying to contact me through the link but deepening my breath I buckle down my walls; perfect timing it seemed as it felt like my back broke, arching deeply. The clothes on my body suddenly seemed to feel like sandpaper on my skin so with desperate movements I ripped them off. The grass beneath me flattening from my wild movements.
I cried out rolling onto all fours, fingers digging into the Earth, my jaw aching before a low pop sounded and I could taste blood; running my tongue over my teeth I felt canines growing. My heartbeat picked up rapidly, eyes snapping around as my elbows buckled before the bones broke and reformed, my knees following the same process making me end up on my side, chest rising and falling rapidly. Soon the burning ache over my skin shifted to a blazing fire, whipping cries leave my mouth as fur begin to sprout, the sight gruesome as the first shift always was since it was a slow painful process. I then felt my face morph, but the pain in my body building up with every aspect of the shift finally was too much for me and so with a deep breath, my eyes fell shut and my mind went blank.
//\\//\\//\\
Waking up was an odd experience, it'd clearly been a few hours, but the odd part was I still lived. Breathing deeply I blinked twice before slowly shifting and getting onto all fours. From what my paws looked like I was a lighter shade of grey with white mixing in giving off a silver gleam underneath the moonlight. After a few stretches and wobbly steps I finally felt at home within my new body. I seemed to get used to the form just in time as I heard wolves approaching, as they were looking for her. Clair was closing in, and from the smell in the wind, so was Ryker.
A quick shake later, I located the bag I dropped and easily gripped the strap between my powerful jaws, and begin to jog towards the boarder. I stood on the edge, knowing if I made this decision I couldn't turn back. Leaving the territory didn't mean leaving the pack, however in the moment it was symbolic so with slow steps I crossed the boarder, with ever step I released more bonds my heart on fire from the action until finally Clair, Ryker, and his father remained. I sent a final parting, and then I was free.
"I, Diana Sandalio, remove myself from Seghar Pack, therefore accepting the rank of Rogue."
//\\//\\//\\
I traveled for a long time, not leaving my wolf form as it was easier to travel in It. Still, I was careful to a void any pack barriers not wanting to be hunted down and taken out considering I was a Lone Wolf. Technically, I'd have a few years before my wolf side would begin to go mad, without a pack, officially making me a rogue. As a wolf needs the pack, without one they rot and turn poisonous; saliva of a rogue could be deadly for any other wolf. However, even with this information I didn't want to rush into a pack, but I also didn't want to wait till the last minute, meaning my search for a new pack had begun.
Months ticked by until I found a pack that had caught my eye. They were small however the power that emitted there was almost terrifying for a rogue. But something about it had me drawn there. So I hid amongst the humans in the nearby town, obviously in my human form, to hide my scent. Still with my outings near the territory, they were hot on my tail. I just never expected to be ambushed, which I guess was my own mistake.
//\\//\\//\\
Growls left my mouth, lips lifted to expose my canines in a threatening manner. Barks and yips filled my ears as the five wolves that had cornered me against the rock wall, slowly trickled in. However I quickly realized there was no longer five of them but four. Ears now alert and perked up, I began to try and locate the missing wolf however it didn't take long. Just as a wolf with coloring resembling a fox was about to lunge a male's voice filled the air.
"Leave it. Gracie wants to see it." The male was an older wolf, his hair graying meaning he was over the age of one hundred. While we weren't immortal our life spans ranged from 150-180; we aged normally until about 20, then it slows until we reach about 100, then goes back to normal until we die. However his age wasn't the big issue the issue was someone wanted to see me. Swallowing I gave a low rumble of warning as the man approached, he wore basketball shorts as most packs stash clothes around the territory for occasions such as this. "Shift." His demand was clear, and while a small part of me wanted to obey another part needed to stay her ground.
I snapped my teeth, eyes narrowing as the male gritted his teeth and approached me. With movement faster than my young eyes could see, he had me by the scruff of my neck lifting me up, my paws desperately kicking out like crazy trying to catch his flesh or the ground. I then froze as I felt his alpha energy spread over me. I howled angrily trying to fight back but I couldn't, so the next time he spoke I relinquish my hold panting heavily from the fight. Quickly gone is my fur and in its place is smooth pale skin covered in dirt and bruises. I had lost weight over the few months meaning my stomach was flatter, arms toner, and cheeks defined.
Letting out a grunt the alpha drops me on the ground, immediately allowing me to cover my breasts and cross my legs to cover other bits. I looked and felt like a wild animal but I knew from the glazed look on the alpha's face he was linking the wolves in front of him as one disappeared into the like of trees. I defiantly glared up at the older man, the alpha, daring him to look back. When he did I expected anger but instead I saw amusement.
"You're a strong wolf for a rogue." I commented, but not allowing me to respond as soon the wolf returned with a shirt in its mouth. The army green shirt was dropped a few feet in front of me but the alpha grabbed in and tossed it to me seeing as I wasn't making a move to grab it. Reluctantly I slid the large shirt on glad it fell to my mid thigh. With uneasy movements I stood and watched as the alpha motioned for me to follow, before walking off towards the tree line. A nip at my heel caused me to hiss and shoot a glare over my shoulder at the wolf herding me to follow the alpha. Gritting my teeth, my feet began the walk, which was longer than I liked. Still I said nothing even as the trees thinned out and was replaced by houses until finally one large house came into view; the pack house.
Once closer I see a figure standing on the porch, a woman, with graying hair stood with a shawl over her shoulders, wrapped around her waist, her arms keeping the shawl in place even as the wind blew. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement as she watched us until she almost seemed too excited to wait and she met us in the driveway. Stopping briefly to kiss the alpha's cheek she was then in front of me. My hands were suddenly being cradled, then my cheeks caressed, so gently that I actually found myself closing my eyes. It'd been so long since I felt self and something about this woman told me I could trust her.
"You sure have taken your time getting here." The woman spoke in a teasing tone, causing me to open my eyes and look at her confused by the words she spoke.
"W-what do you mean?" I spoke finally, eyes shifting around uncomfortably. The woman wove her hands as if to wave away my question and instead grabbed my hands once more to tug me towards the house. The alpha stayed behind to briefly speak with the now shifted wolves but I heard his footsteps following us soon after. I felt it in me that somehow my life was gonna change forever with this woman.
//\\//\\//\\
"Lycanthropes, we were gifted with the task of watching over the Supernatural species." Gracie spoke looking up from her book, eyes catching my own with excitement. For being 135 she acted like she was barely 18. "In doing this a select few of us were gifted with abilities to ensure that we succeed, for instanceâ"
"You're the Oracle," I cut in, looking at my own book, the pages filled with our species' history. Gracie tutted at my interruption but nodded nevertheless.
"Yes. I am the Oracle. And our Alpha's have a dominant presence even amongst other species allowing us to keep the peace." Gracie further explained. Together she and I have been studying the pages of her books for a few weeks now, and for a while I assumed she thought I was the next Oracle which she quickly shut down saying the next Oracle was still a child at the moment and wouldn't reach her abilities until "I kick the bucket" as she so eloquently stated. "However, every few hundred years a wolf is born, and when this significant wolf is born, it means the supernatural species are in danger." Gracie moves to sit next to me and grabbed my book flipping to one page in particular. "Read." Following her pointer finger I began to read the faded words on the page.
"When a danger is soon to threaten the species hidden in shadows the Goddess above sends her most trusted warrior, Leto. Leto was the first of lycanthrope kind, a powerful assassin, but once he died the Goddess kept his wolf spirit to be reincarnated into that of a special warrior on Earth. He will help guide the new warrior, strengthen he or she above all others, quicken he or she to the point of invisibilityâ"
"What does this have to do withâ" Gracie quickly shuts me up and physically turns my head back towards the page in front of me. Rolling my eyes I return to the passage and continue to read.
"This new warrior while born anew will share the spirit of Leto, and will come to be known by many different names as each creates his or her own legend. He or she will guide the species of shadows into a new dawn, but his or her life will never be easy.
The path of the Reborn Assassin will be filled with treachery and betrayal as each must go through the pain of the original Assassin to reach their full potential. However, Leto can only be reincarnated every thousand years."
The book continued to explain that the Moon Goddess has to plan when the Assassin is to be reborn for if it is too soon or too late the Supernatural species, back then known as the species of shadow, could be in serious danger and potentially wiped out. The words had sunk in but I guess I was in denial. I knew what Gracie was trying to say yet I didn't want it. Nothing about me was extraordinary; I wasn't incredibly fast, nor was I incredibly strong or quick witted. Looking up to Gracie it seemed as if she read my mind as with gentle hands she took the book from my hands and cupped my cheeks, her wise eyes saying wonders.
"You were born for this journey you are to take. Don't question yourself or your decisions, as the Moon Goddess has chosen you for a reason." Wiping a stray tear I hadn't realized had fallen she kisses my forehead, whispering simple words that had me promising to do whatever it took to be the person she believed me to be.
"You are worthy."
//\\//\\//\\
The next few months were to be spent studying and training, I learned that the pack was considered Peace Keepers by some and Assassins by others. Mainly the pack was meant to take care of Supernatural species, whether taking care of rogue problems, calming tensions between vampyres and lycanthropes, or even keeping witches from getting caught by the humans. It truly just depended on what needed to be done, however the pack itself was filled with very powerful wolves, and it was very closed off. The only wolves allowed to join are those recruited by the alpha, the only exception being mates of pack members. Even the children born into the pack must prove themselves, and on their eighteenth birthday the Alpha would decide if they stay or go. So, even though Gracie thought me to be special, I had to prove myself just like everyone else, which meant training. And lots of it.
//\\//\\//\\
"Time!" The deep voice of Garret fills my ears, making my body fill with sweet relief. Looking at my sparring partner, I let my head fall back on the mat, my lip split, eye already swelling shut, and bruises forming all over my body. The room was filled with six wolves my age, all paired with someone, everyone seemed tired but I was worse. Having not trained a single day in my life save for the pacer in gym, my ass was handed to me easily. It annoyed the piss out of me; I thought I was supposed to be some warrior, yet here I am looking like a bus hit me while my partner hardly broke a sweat. Fighting back frustrated tears, my partner leaned over and held out his hand helping me up and shaking it all at once.
"The name's Jace." He spoke with ease, eyes filled with kindness. It was my first time training with him, but I knew it wouldn't be my last.
"Diana." I returned his smile and together we walked to the benches.
{Five Months Later}
"Fuck!" I cried, being tossed through the air, my back connecting with the concrete wall behind me. The air left my lungs with a woosh, eyes squeezing shut only briefly before I quickly snap them back open hearing rapidly approaching feet heading my way. I barely see the male member before his fist connects with my nose, a sickening crack is heard followed by a gush of blood. Letting out a cry I lean back against the wall once more blinking away stars as I look up at the tall male. I see him clench his left hand into a fist once more and quickly saw my escape.
I dodged his swing, hearing his hand connect with the wall behind me. I heard his curse but didn't stop as I rammed my shoulder down and up into his torso catching him beneath his ribs. Not expecting the tackle he stumbles back, feet barely catching himself. I wipe the blood gushing from my nose, staining my hand red. With swift movements I take his stumble and move with it, my foot striking out to catch his ankle, already unbalanced the strike has him falling to his back. I take the advantage without a second thought, immediately going in for the final strike but I didn't account for his foot as his leg kicks out catching me underneath my chin, snapping my head back.
The stars were back.
Shaking my head in an attempt to clear it, I land on my ass and slowly try to stand up but in the seconds I was trying to reorient myself the male had ended up behind me, arms wrapping around my throat placing me in a hold I had yet to break yet. Grunting as he constricts my air flow I finally give up and tap out. The male releases me and I fall forward landing into my hands, chest rising and falling. Looking up I catch sight of Gracie and Alpha Noah talking with Garret their gazes on me.
"Good match." The male behind me offers as he helps me stand. I sighed and gave him a halfhearted nod.
"Ignore her impoliteness." A familiar voice speaks, making me look over to Jace who grimaces looking at my face. "And if you'll excuse us, we have a nurse to visit."
{One Year Later}
Falling into a squat the gust of air the only evidence of Jace's swing. Quickly I lurched forward into his torso, my shoulder catching his stomach. He stumbles off balance, trying to catch himself as I stand. His arms wave out to aid in his balance leaving his face vulnerable. With two quick strikes, my fists connected with his face, head snapping back. His nose was broken already, and cheek looked red, my own face had a split brow and lip, but so far nothing broken.
Moving to the left as he swings I move forward wanting to keep him off balance. He stumbles in an attempt to keep distance between us, I use this to my advantage, jabbing low to his abdomen and up once more to his cheek. I lift a foot and slam it down on his toes causing him to cry out in surprise as he doubled over. Breathing heavily, I raise my knee to meet his face; hard. I felt the blood as his nose is hit once more. With quick movements I drop low and swing my leg out catching his foot and causing him to fall back. My body rolls to the side away from his legs kicking out, however I did catch his fist in my side causing a grunt but I fight off his flailing hands until finally my knee is planted on his throat, and hands ready to strike his face should he not tap out.
Feeling two taps on my thigh, I roll off of him and lay back on the mat, eyes wide and body slick with sweat. Blinking I realize three sets of eyes are watching over me as Jace catches his breath. Recognizing Alpha Noah, Gracie, and Garret I finally click as I realized what just happened.
I'd won a sparring match. An eager grin fills my face and a boost of confidence fills my body as on jello legs I stand and shakily hold out my hand to a grinning Jace.
{Five Years Later}
Standing next to Gracie, she sobs into my shoulder, the warmth of her tears a steady reminder that in front of us was a casket. A casket holding Noah; a man I'd come to see as a father figure. My own tears falling down my cheeks silently, I hold Gracie, her body seeming frail where as only days ago she was running around chasing children with a water gun. The sun had been warm, the grass bright with life but now the day was frigid, the wind harsh and colors dull. It was as if the world knew what it'd lost.
I close my eyes and picture it over and over again.
"I'm so sorry." I whisper out hoarsely, guilt filling my chest. Noah, myself, and a few others were sent to take out a group of Hunters that had been hunting down a smaller and weaker pack. We'd tracked them down to their camp and when we attacked we dispatched them quickly, but we'd missed one, and one was all it took.
We had stood in front of the pack letting them know it had been taken care of when a loud shot had been heard and Noah's body dropped. I'd acted immediately as panic spread, shifting my sensitive wolf eyes caught movement up in the trees. Since joining the pack four years ago, I was able to link with the other warriors and alert them to the Hunter's whereabouts. With swift dodging movements the remaining members converge onto the now fleeing Hunter. He was blind with anger and hadn't thought through his plan, therefore he was caught and easily dispatched.
I seemed like I could still taste his blood.
Noah died later that day in the smaller pack's hospital; fortunately we were able to get Gracie there in time so she could say her goodbyes. We then brought his body back and prepared the funeral; it'd been almost a week now, a week since we lost our Alpha.
"Don't you dare apologize. You and no one else could've done anything different." Gracie spoke while her voice was rough from tears her words were firm. Together we stood in silence, the rest of the pack having left the gravesite to give Gracie some peace, I tried to leave but she held me to her. After what felt like hours she spoke once more. "You need to go into the Challenges tomorrow."
Eyes snapping wide I looked over to her, she roof around my height so our eyes connected easily. In most pack's the Alpha's child would take over, or potentially the Beta should the Alpha's family not conceive an heir. However in this pack, even if the Alpha family has an heir to determine the next alpha a Challenge is held. Every wolf offered a chance to step forward and be alpha. Then an all out brawl ensues; it used to be to the death but in modern more merciful times you aim to knock out the opponent not kill.
"Gracie, Iâ" She cuts me off swiftly.
"You've been ready since the day you finally took down Jace." Gracie was so sure of herself and her words. Squeezing my hand she tugs so that we face each other, our eyes red with pain and tears. "Noah wanted you to be Alpha after him, why do you think he took over training you once you took out Jace?" Her words were true; once I proved myself in the arena I was taken on as his apprentice of sorts, learning the pack ways, as well as sparring with him. I'd beaten him a few times and was getting better and better but I thought I had more time. "Just tell me you'll enter into them tomorrow." She continues, eyes studying my face.
"Iâ" I stop looking over her face before looking to our side where the casket was now lowered into the grave. More tears sprinting to my eyes I look back to Gracie and nod once. "I will."
{End Flashback}
{2 Years Later/Present Day}
"Alpha, the group of rogue's west of St. Eatensburg have been taken out." The voice over the phone belonging to Garret, one of my most trusted warriors, especially considering he trained me. I wrote down a few notes in my journal taking the report he gave me before thanking him and wishing him safe travel back home. He would be retiring soon, and wanted to take as many enemies out as he could before then. Stubborn old man.
I place the phone on the desk, eyes finding the photo of Noah and Gracie, next to them is a picture of my parents and next of Clair, Noel, and I. Two years ago I'd entered into the Alpha Challenges and won; Jace having been second place earned title of Beta and third place belonged to an older wolf, Gabriel, but he respected Jace and I as if we were his age. He wasn't mad about being beaten by Jace or I, just proud he'd lasted longer than other wolves and put up a decent fight against us as well.
Becoming Alpha while it wasn't a slap in the face as the work was familiar, it was a big transition. Having the status of Alpha unlocked a power within me that seemed to be held back; this new power scared me so I trained harder and longer to learn to tame it to my will. Gracie helped with that, helped me learn control, but as soon as I had it it was like her body knew she was no longer needed, and within a few days the toll of living without her mate hit her hard and she slipped away in her sleep. I placed her next to Noah and grieved for the loss of Gracie while remembering the murder of Noah.
Pushing those thoughts out of my head I stand, my silver hair pulled up into a tight ponytail, a sports bra held my chest tight, with a tank top loose on my frame. I slid on leggings before walking out of my office/room, and down the hall towards the stairs. Once there I easily jogged down them towards the kitchen. As I walked I thought over the travel plans for myself and Jace; we'd be going to a neighboring pack. It's Alpha had been killed by a group of rogues that'd also taken out a huge chunk of their warriors leaving them vulnerable to another attack.
I know the Late Alpha and his Luna had no children so I was curious as to who took over the pack, however the main goal besides assessing the new hierarchy, I was to determine the level of threat the rogues still were. For all we knew they could be gone already, still out of respect to the Luna, a woman I considered a friend, I promised I'd come check it out personally.
Moments later I walk into the kitchen with a rueful smile as I see Jace bounce his three month old son on his hip trying to shush the crying baby.
"You doing alright there, Jace?" My voice catches both of their attention, Luke with wide blue excited eyes and Jace with tired ones.
"Oh thank God. Luke, Auntie Di is gonna take you now." Jace practically throws his son at me despite my shocked look as I hold the squirming child at arms length. My words weren't exactly an invitation to take the baby from him, but I could see how tired he was so I don't complain.
Jace walks away and slumps into a chair at the dining table with a tired sigh. "He's not gonna bite yet. He doesn't even have teeth." His words were teasing but there wasn't much gusto behind said words, still I can't help but laugh.
"Yet? Thanks that makes me feel much better Jace." My eyes roll playfully, shifting my weight as I gaze down at the now quiet child. His small hand lifting up to touch my chin. I gently coo at the small baby before looking back up to Jace.
"Oh shush. Oh so powerful Diana is afraid of babies." Sighing at his snarky remark, I lightly pat Luke's diapered butt soothingly. His mouth stretched into a yawn as he tried to fight sleep.
"One, I'm not afraid. You just shoved him at me, I was caught off guard. Two, where is Mira? And three, how much sleep did you get?" Keeping my voice down, I sit down across from him, shifting Luke so that he now lays his head on my shoulder, back to his father as I rub and pat absentmindedly rocking him to sleep.
"Mira is sleeping. She's been getting up all week for him and I felt bad so I decided to take him here. She's hopefully still asleep at home. I woke up at three am." His words make sense, trying to be a good mate, diligent father, and capable Beta was taking a toll on him.
"You're a good man, Jace." I look up to see Jace smiling at me from my compliment. Before he could say anything else a small snore is heard making me grin victoriously. Jace narrows his eyes on his son realizing I had put him to sleep in less than ten minutes when it'd clearly been hours.
"You'd make a wonderful mother." He spoke begrudgingly making my laugh quietly careful to keep Luke from waking. Seeing Jace yawn once more I speak up ignoring his compliment and decide to focus on work.
"I'll excuse you from the meeting today. I'll get Gabriel to come instead." Standing I gently walk over to Jace and he stands to meet me. With steady arms I transfer Luke into his arms. Jace leaves the kitchen to a guest room I assume, while I find a mug and fill it with hot water from the kettle and make myself some tea. Stirring in some sugar I leave the kitchen while simultaneously pulling my phone out and shooting Gabe a text explaining I was giving Jace a day off and he was to come with me to the neighboring pack instead. Sending him the departure time, I reach my office/room to begin to get ready.
After showering, and doing my morning routine I get dressed into black dress pants, white blouse tucked in with a matching blazer with the sleeves rolled up half way. I slip into black heeled pumps, black pearl earrings with matching black pearls bracelets and necklace. Pinning my silver hair up into a bun, I swipe on some mascara, chapstick, and my large purse filled with reports on the pack and it's recent attacks.
Walking out and down the stairs my heels ring out in the halls and down the stairs. Reaching the ground floor I round the corner into the entrance living room and Gabe stands swinging his truck keys around. Eyes land on me, his hazel gaze filled with respect.
"Ready, hun?" His southern accent heavy, he wore a red and black flannel, bootcut blue jeans and boots I would bet my life on were steal toed.
"Yessir. Let's go." Together we walk out to his truck, he opens the passenger door for me and I hop in. Seconds later he's in the drivers seat and turning the truck on, the engine revs before we tear out of the driveway and down the road until reaching the freeway.
We listen to music in mostly silence, a few friendly words passed back and forth here n there but I mostly look over the report reading him key points of information. Sitting in that truck I hardly ever look back at who I was years ago, because this is who I am now and no one can change that; mate or not.
//\\//\\//\\
A/N: alrighty... it's been a few years lmao but I'm slowly editing/rewriting. I want to make it flow better and tie up plot holes, etc etc. I was like 14 when writing this so I cringe heavily thinking about it but bare with me folks I'm trying to fix it ð
Gabe/Gabriel
Jace