Chapter Seven
John's pov
I sit in my study, drinking from a glass of whiskey, my eyes fixed on the flames dancing in the fireplace. Vivian, my wife, enters the room, her elegant stride commanding attention.
"John, you've been withdrawn lately. Is something wrong?" she said, settling beside me on the plush couch.
"What's troubling you?" She asks, her voice filled with concern.
I take a sip, letting the liquor burn my throat.
"I've just been stressed out, that's all. The pack's demands, the council's pressure...and Rue." My voice falters.
Vivian's hand finds mine, her touch warm and reassuring.
"You shouldn't feel bad about that, honey. You did the right thing. It wouldn't have made sense for you to act any other way. She was going to be Luna, you must know that a Luna can't be a slut, it's unheard of."
My gaze snaps to hers, a growl building in my chest.
"Don't call her that," I warn, referencing the spoken slur.
Vivian's expression remains serene.
"I apologize, John. I know how much Rue means to you, I didn't mean it that way, perhaps I should have chosen my words better, I thought of her as a daughter too, you must know that the decision wasn't easy on me also."
I relax, grateful for her understanding.
"It's just hard to accept what happened. I feel like I failed her, maybe I could have done more, maybe I gave into the elders' demands too easily, I should have stood my ground."
Vivian's grip on my hand tightens. "You didn't fail her, John. You protected the pack. That's what matters most."
“What matters the most?, Rue is my daughter and she matters to me, I disowned her Vivian, and sent her away, God knows where she might be as we speak, what kind of father does that?”
I say scratching my beard as I take another sip of the whiskey.
Vivian's expression turns sympathetic.
“I understand how you feel John, I really do, but you did what had to be done, I want you to remember that, you're not a bad father and I’m sure Rue knows that, she's not a child she'll be able to take care of herself, she's a smart girl, it's a pity she entangled herself in such a mess. She’ll be fine. Remember, you're alpha, you can't let this issue keep bothering you, what's done, done.”
I nod, but Vivian's words offer no consolation.
"You're right. I need to focus on the pack's well-being."
Vivian smiles, her eyes sparkling.
"That's my strong alpha. It won't be easy right now, but you'll feel better as the days go by, I promise, we'll get through this together."
I nod, hoping Vivian is right.
As we sit together, I feel grateful for Vivian's unwavering support. She had always been my rock, my partner in leading the pack.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Vivian," I say, my voice filled with emotion.
Vivian laughs softly.
“Don't flatter me John, you were doing just fine before you met me."
I correct her “Barely, things became better the moment I had you by my side, my intent was not to flatter you, I don't flatter, I only speak truth, I repeat, I really don't know what I'll do without you, Vivian."
Vivian's expression softens.
"You'll never have to find out, John. I'm here for you, always."
We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound the crackling fireplace.
As the evening wears on, Vivian and I discuss pack business, our conversation flowing easily. But my mind still lingers on Rue, wondering what she was doing, if she was safe.
After a while, Vivian excuses herself to retire for the night. I remain in my study, lost in thought.
The fireplace dies out, plunging the room into darkness. But my thoughts remain illuminated, Rue's face etched in my mind.
I stand up and walk to the window, gazing out into the night. The moon casts an eerie glow over the pack's territory. I feel a pang of longing, wishing Rue was still here, still mine to protect.
My thoughts drift back to the day I disowned her. The memory of her tears and pleas for understanding still haunts me.
I push the thoughts aside, focusing on the present. I need to ensure the pack's stability, no matter the cost.
As I turn back to the room, I notice the shadows cast by the moonlight, reminding me of the unknown paths Rue may now be walking alone.
I decide to retire for the night, my thoughts still lingering on Rue, but exhaustion finally taking over. I leave the study, the darkness of the hallway enveloping me. The silence of the pack's den is a welcome respite from the turmoil in my mind.
As I enter our bedroom, I'm met with the soft glow of the moon casting a silver light through the windows. Vivian's gentle breathing is the only sound, her peaceful slumber a stark contrast to my troubled thoughts.
I approach the bed, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. Vivian's face is serene, her features relaxed in sleep. I feel a surge of love and gratitude for this woman.
I bend down, my lips brushing against her forehead in a gentle kiss. Her skin is warm, and I breathe in the scent of her perfume, a calming presence that soothes my frazzled nerves.
Vivian stirs, her eyes fluttering open for a moment before closing again. She smiles, her voice barely above a whisper. "Goodnight, John."
"Goodnight, my love," I reply, my voice equally soft.
I undress, my movements quiet to avoid disturbing Vivian. Slipping into bed beside her, I feel the warmth of her body, the comfort of her presence.
As I lie beside Vivian, I wrap my arm around her, pulling her close. Her body molds into mine, our hearts beating in sync. In this moment, everything else fades away, and all that matters is us.
The weight of my responsibilities as alpha, the ache of losing Rue, it all recedes into the background. With Vivian by my side, I feel a sense of peace, a reminder that I'm not alone.
My thoughts begin to drift, my mind still replaying the events of the past few days. But Vivian's gentle snores, the rise and fall of her chest, it's a lullaby that slowly lulls me into sleep.
The last thing I remember is the feel of Vivian's hand in mine, the softness of her skin, and the steady beat of her heart.
The darkness claims me, and I succumb to the exhaustion, my dreams a jumbled mix of Rue, Vivian, and the pack.
Hours pass, the night wearing on. The moon reaches its zenith, casting a silver glow over the pack's territory. In our bedroom, Vivian and I sleep, entwined in each other's arms, our love a beacon of hope in the darkness.
The night air is filled with the distant howls of wolves, their haunting melodies echoing through the forest. But in our den, all is quiet, the only sound the gentle rhythm of our breathing.
As the first light of dawn begins to creep over the horizon, I stir, my eyes fluttering open. Vivian's still asleep, her face peaceful. I watch her for a moment, my heart filled with love and gratitude.
The weight of my responsibilities as alpha begins to creep back in, but for this moment, I push it aside. I'll savor this quiet moment with Vivian, this fleeting peace before the days challenge begin
I wake up to the warmth of the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. Vivian's side of the bed is empty, but I hear the sound of gentle chatter from the kitchen.
As I enter the dining hall, Vivian greets me with a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, John. Sleep well?"
"Better than I expected," I reply, taking a seat at the table.
A maid, serves us a hearty breakfast, expertly prepared by our pack's chef. Vivian and I enjoy our meal together, discussing our plans for the day.
After breakfast, Vivian gathers her things.
"I'm visiting Sarah today,"
she says, referencing her close friend.
"I'll be back by lunchtime."
I nod, walking her to the door.
"Be safe, and give Sarah my regards."
Vivian smiles, kissing me goodbye.
As the morning wears on, I attend to my alpha duties. I meet with Marcus, our pack's beta, to discuss the recent border patrols.
"Everything quiet on the eastern border, Alpha," Marcus reports.
"But we've had some suspicious activity on the western side."
I nod, my mind already racing with strategies.
"Increase patrols on the west. I want to know what's going on."
Marcus nods, jotting down notes.
"Will do, Alpha."
Next, I meet with Emily, our pack's healer. She updates me on the latest injuries and illnesses within the pack.
As our conversation concludes, I return to my study to tackle some paperwork. The morning light streaming through the window illuminates the dust motes dancing in the air.
Just as I'm settling into my work, our pack's messenger, a young wolf named Alex, knocks on the door.
"Alpha, a letter arrived for you," Alex says, handing me a sealed envelope.
I recognize the handwriting instantly it's Rue's
My heart skips a beat as I take the letter, my fingers tracing the curves of her script.
"Thank you, Alex," I manage to say, my voice even.
Alex nods and departs, leaving me alone with the letter.
I stare at the envelope, my emotions swirling. What could Rue possibly say? I hesitate, unsure if I'm ready to face the contents.
The letter lies heavy in my hand, its presence stirring up a mix of emotions ,hope, guilt, and longing.