chapter seven

At mid night, as the full moon lit up the night, Evan, in his wolf form, led his pack of wolves through the thick forest.

This is what he had been preparing for the past few months. It was the first time he was leading the pack on a run. This was always done by an Alpha, but after he celebrated his 18th birthday, his father told him that he would be leading the pack from now on.

He didn't know if he would make a good Alpha like his father, but he knew his father had high hopes for him, and he needed to prove that he didn't make a mistake trusting him with this pack run.

As he took the lead in front, guiding the others further into the heart of the forest, they ran as one, feeling the soft night breeze in their furs, their howls a sweet melody that vibrated throughout the forest.

But the mood suddenly changed, sending shivers down Evan's spine. Something wasn't right, he said to himself, stopping the run immediately as he looked around to see what was wrong.

"Is everything okay?" one of them asked Evan.

"No," he said, sniffing the air, "something is up, I can feel it." Just as he was about to say another word, Marcus and his pack emerged from the shadows and attacked them.

Evan, not one to back down from a fight, commanded his pack to fight back. They and Marcus's pack engaged in a brutal fight for superiority. However, Marcus had carefully planned the assault with his wolves, and they executed their plan very well. No matter what moves Evan took, they had a counter-attack for it.

Marcus successfully bit Evan's leg, causing him to limp. Evan knew right away he had lost the fight, and he and his pack had to run away as fast as they could.

Marcus, immediately transforming into his human form, was clearly excited and commended his pack for a job well done.

"You mother fuckers are absolutely amazing," he said, a beaming smile forming on his face. "We've really shown them who's in charge. Look at them, running away like scared little cats."

He laughed, and the others joined in, their laughter echoing throughout the woods.

"Alright, everyone," Marcus continued, his excitement still visible. "Let's keep this victory a secret. We wouldn't want the elders finding out about what we did. Go home now and take a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow, we'll gather and celebrate properly." 

The others cheered and rushed towards Marcus, lifting him up and chanting his name in celebration.

Upon reaching home, Marcus bumped into his dad, who looked surprised. "Marcus, where have you been?" his father questioned. "I thought you were at home."

"I went to see Joe," Marcus quickly replied. "We were given a school project to work on."

His father hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I hope you're telling the truth, son. I just don't want any trouble."

Taken aback, Marcus asked, "What do you mean by that? Are you calling me a troublemaker?"

"No, Marcus," his father reassured. "I didn't mean it like that. I just don't want any unwanted complications.

By the way, tomorrow there are some people I would like to introduce you to before you go to school." He placed his hand on Marcus's shoulder briefly before releasing it. "You can go to your room now." With that, he turned and headed towards the sitting room.

That morning, as the sun gently poured its golden rays over his room, Marcus slowly emerged from his bed, yawning and rubbing his eyes.

He woke up late for school. Since he slept late due to the ambush on Evan and his pack.

Despite the aching pain that filled his body, he felt a sense of pride, knowing that his plan had been successful.

He rush to the bathroom to take his bath, and prepare for school. After he was through bathing and dressing up In his school uniform, as he stepped into the grand hallway, his father, Alpha Hector, intercepted him with an air of urgency.

"Thank goodness you're here, Marcus," his father said as he saw Marcus coming down the stairs, having prepared for school. "I need you to come with me," he said, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention.

"There are people in the living room I would like you to meet." Marcus looked at his watch and sighed. "I'm already late, Dad. Can't this wait for some other time?"

"No!" said his father, Sternly. "You can afford to be a few minutes late. After all, I own the school," he said, looking at Marcus with a frown. "Your education can wait for a moment. Some important guests are here to see you. Come along now, you don't want to keep them waiting."

As Marcus followed his dad to the living room he was surprised to see Kendra and her parents seated there. She was dressed in her school uniform, and her parents, impeccably dressed, exuded an air of sophistication.

Hector goes towards the gathering, his voice laced with a mix of pride and formality. "Marcus, these are the guests who have come to see you," he said.

"Alpha," Kendra's parents greeted as they bowed their heads. Marcus replied to their greetings with a curt nod.

"Alpha Marcus you know, my daughter can't stop talking about you at home," Kendra's mom said, smiling as she turned to look at her daughter to confirm the truth of her words.

Kendra smiled shyly and covered her face with both her hands.

"What are they talking about? Are they mistaking me for Evan?" Marcus thought, chuckling inwardly.

Hector, still looking at his son and smiling, continued from where he left off.

"Well, Marcus, you know Kendra's parents and I are doing a joint partnership in our business. We have decided that we would like this partnership to extend beyond business and into our personal lives. So, we, as parents, have decided that both of you should get engaged to be married. Of course, not right away, as we want both of you to finish high school first. Kendra has already agreed."

"In fact, she is excited," her father said with a chuckle.

Kendra flipped her blond hair, giving Marcus a seductive smile.

"We just wanted to inform you," his father said, smiling. "I know you will understand, because you know this will be good for our business. So, what do you say?"

Marcus sat frozen, his face held downward, facing the floor. His heart felt heavy, and a storm raged inside him.

He had always wanted to choose his own path, to follow his own heart. He couldn't be manipulated into doing something that didn't align with his true desires.

With firm resolve, Marcus found his voice. "Father, I appreciate their intentions, but I cannot accept this. I will decide on my own whom to marry, and as for the business, I believe it will continue to thrive with or without this partnership."

He stood up, gazing from one person to another. "I'm already late for school," he said as he walked out of the living room and headed to school.

When Kendra arrived at school, she noticed Marcus was outside with two of his friends heading towards their favorite spot.

She wanted to join Marcus so they can speak about what happened earlier in his house, as she had a lot to say, but Evan had spotted her and called out to her first. She noticed that he was limping and rushed over to him to find out what happened.

"Evan, what happened?" she asked, looking down at his leg. "You're limping. Did the run not go well?"

He hissed and frowned. "My pack and I were attacked yesterday during the run."

"What! Are you serious?" she exclaimed, shocked. "Are you telling me you were attacked by rogue wolves?"

"Who mentioned anything about them being rogue? It was Marcus and his pack," Evan replied, scoffing. "He won this time, but the battle line is drawn."

"I don't think that's a good idea," she said, touching his face seductively. "Why not let it slide? You know how Marcus can be."

He removed her hand, "Just which side are you on?" He asked her.

"Your side, of course," she quickly replied. "I'm sorry for saying anything. Please forgive me," she said, kissing him.

He reluctantly resiprocate her kiss, " why where you late to school, I tried calling you, but you did not pick up. Did anything happen at home?"

"No, nothing," she said. "I just overslept and woke up late, am sorry I missed your call."

"It's Okay, let's go inside. You've already missed two classes, Kendra," he said, holding her hand and leading her to their class.

She turned back one last time; both she and Marcus locked eyes. He blew her a kiss in a mocking way. Kendra's face reddened with anger. She would have Marcus no matter what it took. She turned back and continued following Evan inside the school.