Chapter 3

The place was clean, and its single occupant was busy doing one-hand push-ups. His shirt soaked in his sweat as he counted. "Hundred fifty-eight, hundred fifty-nine, hundred sixty." He clapped before using the other hand to do the rest of the counting.

Rooka wasn't sure why he felt restless, but his usual routine was not helping. Ever since he felt the resonance two hours ago, he felt a need to go somewhere, and his wolf had been howling inside his head ever since.

As the Alpha and leader of the Middle East and African Were Nation, he knows the meaning behind the resonance. A shift of power and death. He does not know which place, but judging from its power, he guessed it was just nearby.

Footsteps can be heard approaching his location. After a few seconds, his beta's scent neared. Not long after, he heard his voice, "Yo, Rooka! Father wants us to be in his office ASAP. And before you ask me, I don't know what it is about. Mother just texted me."

He took a deep breath before he stood up and looked at Wayne. His adopted brother and beta. The closest way to describe him was Abhay Deol, but his nose has been broken too many times, and with a scar on his left cheek, no one dared to mess with him. Except maybe his sister.

He caught the towel and briskly rubbed the sweat from his head and neck. Wayne raised his eyebrows and said, "You are not going to hit the shower? This is our father we are going to talk to."

Rooka just grinned and said, "Father knows that I hate being bothered when I'm in the gym. And HE did say ASAP..." He let the words fade as the two fist-bumped.

Side by side, the two men were a sight to behold. They were very different in the physical aspect, but the air of power gets magnified whenever they are together. Rooka could change into an African golden wolf, while Wayne could transform into a golden jackal. They are three times the average size of their non were counterparts in their changed form. Although Wayne is smaller, it makes up for the speed and cunningness of its animal.

The door to their father's office was ajar, and they could also hear their mother's voice. That made them look at each other. It was rare for the spouse to be in his office, and they could listen to their whispered convo. The two leaned close to the open doorway to eavesdrop, not wanting to disturb. But before they could put their ears on the door, it swung open.

With her hands on her hips, Serafina glared at her two sons. At five foot three, she was the smallest person in the manor. But what lack in height made up for the personality. Before the two could stand straight, she grabbed each ear and pulled it down.

Two ouches of full-grown men can be heard, and a booming laugh from the head of the family. Once they were inside, Serafina let go of her sons' ear and said, "Since when did the Alpha and Beta of this clan do such a childish thing?!" half shouting at them.

The men looked sheepish and scratched their heads, muttering, "Never," simultaneously. But she wasn't finished. "Rooka," he stood straight, "you may be the alpha and leader of this region, but did I teach you to talk to people smelling like rotten fish?"

"But, he said ASAP -"

"So you did not even bother to clean and change clothes? What kind of mother would I be if some other alpha was in the room? He would say that I did not raise you right. That you lack manners," she was to the point of crying.

Rooka tried to hug his mom and remembered his dressed state. He just sighed and held her hand. "Mother, I am sorry for the lack of manners. It is just that after the resonance was felt, my wolf has been agitated," he explained, tracing the smooth skin of his mom. Then he looked at her eyes, and what she saw made her gasp.

It was his wolf, very near the surface, and it looked like it was in pain. Instinctively, she touched his face, feeling the roughness of his beard. She pulled his head down until their forehead touched. She closed her eyes and muttered a simple prayer, then she kissed his forehead.

He immediately felt his wolf calm down. In return, he also kissed her forehead, "Thank you, mother. He, we, feel better. "

"What I did, my child is temporary. Whatever is happening, your father may know the answer," she looked at Wayne, "son of my heart, your wolf is also close, not like Rooka's, but it did sense the need to protect. And those only happen when the Alpha mate is in need."

There was absolute silence, and the only thing that could be heard was the sudden spike of Rooka's heartbeat. She looked at her husband, waiting for his confirmation. When he nodded, she looked at her sons again. "This female has been hurt, and I advise the two of you to proceed with caution. She is not like the rest of the Were; she is special, " she said. "Her mother was one of the greatest casters I have to know and to feel them die..." She took a deep breath, straining to control her emotions. "I shall take my leave. Be careful, my sons, safe journey." With that, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Both of them looked at the head of the household, Khalid. His age and giving the mantle to Rooka did nothing to diminish the wave of power and intelligence in his eyes.

He stood up and went to his sons' side, giving Rooka a sealed envelope. "This letter should be delivered to Serena Daire. Her father entrusted our family with her safety. The Council is aware of who died, and she needs to be presented to the Council. Unfortunately, they are closing ranks and trying to point fingers at who killed her parents. Clayton wants her in the castle for better protection." He returned to his seat and scrutinized his sons. "The jet is ready. Pick three of your best enforcer," he commanded. "Wayne will be joining you as well. For now, I am given a special power to be the Alpha in your absence, son."

Rooka just nodded. Still trying to understand what had just happened. It was Wayne who chose the enforcers to come to them. "The twins and Kaz. They will be a good addition to this mission. Especially Kazemde, since Rooka hasn't been himself since the resonance." He said, curiously looking at Rooka, who was looking at the letter akin with nervousness. Like he was going to his next dental appointment. He continued to talk, "I am communicating with them as we speak, and they are just getting some of their things in order. We shall meet in the airstrip at two hours."

His father nodded. "Rooka," he said. Rooka slowly faced his father, a confused look on his face. "Yes, my son, Mackenzie, and his wife were killed. It was their daughter that released that resonance." He closed his eyes, trying not to show the pain there. "Protect her. She is the only one in her clan. And with the power struggle, whoever killed her parents is determined to reveal our exitance. We cannot afford to lose her as well."

The Alpha nodded, understanding the gravity of the mission they had to undertake. He bowed and turned to leave when he was stopped by his father's following words, "your mate needs you."