James left the study in a good mood.
He never had a chance to relax and enjoy his youth, and this might be his first and last chance to do so. James was not exaggerating to think that.
From a young age, James was training to improve his strength and stamina. When he was not training, he would study the history of werewolves, military tactics, economics, and anything his father deemed important for an Alpha.
At first, James tried his best to please his father, but soon he realized that no matter how much he tried, and no matter how good he scored, it was never good enough. His father would parade him as some kind of a trophy in front of other Alphas, but when it was just them, James was almost ignored. However, he still pushed himself with the hope he will get the praise that never came.
James was confident that when he gets older, his achievements will also soar, and he will get his father's approval. Little did he know how those were the good days and that the troubles were yet to come.
James was about twelve years old when his wolf stirred, and to James' horror, there was no Alpha aura present.
His trainer at that time said how that was odd. Alpha's aura is not related to age, but it's in one's DNA, and when the wolf just starts appearing, the aura would come out uncontrollably, which didn't happen with James.
James was quick to set up his trainer for stealing and to discredit him. That's how James got as a new trainer the latest rising star in his father's army, George.
George assessed James and he said how there are cases of late bloomers, and James must be it, and Alpha Edward bought it.
James didn't ask if that was the truth or if George lied for him, but it worked for both of them. Since then, James was training hard and trying not to stand out in any way.
However, James was aware that even if the late bloomer story was true, he was running out of time. If by eighteenth birthday James doesn't show he has the Alpha aura, his reputation as the promising Alpha of the next generation will be tarnished.
Does he have that aura? With every passing day, James' hopes were fading, and when he took into consideration his parents' debauchery, James started suspecting that he is not Alpha Edward's biological son. Luna Layla has in her ancestry people with Alpha and Beta genes, but she herself didn't have them until Alpha Edward marked her.
James could dispel his doubts with a DNA test, but his father has people everywhere, and if it turns out that James and Alpha Edward are not related, and Alpha Edward finds out about it… James had no idea what the consequences would be. Would his father kick him out, kill him, or maybe pretend that everything was fine? After all, his father pretends about many things.
Whatever the case will be, James had just over two years before he ran out of time, and he was determined to make it count.
When his father was watching, James was an obedient son, talking only when asked and otherwise pretending not to notice things, but now that he got some leverage, he will have fun, like any other teenager.
Yes, his sister might be in trouble, but James was aware that Marcy wouldn't move a finger for him so, why would he do anything for her?
And did she really think that James didn't notice how Marcy and George spent the night together in the motel? And when George returned, he smelled of Marcy! Gross.
James didn't want to think about Marcy, George, his non-existent Alpha aura, or anything unpleasant, because in the next few days he will have pure fun!
He fist-pumped in the air and entered his room. He wanted to sleep early because tomorrow will be an exciting day!
In the study…
After James left, Damon, Talia, Maya, and Caden looked at each other helplessly.
Of course, Damon agreed to collaborate with James, but no one knew if James was an ally or a blackmailer. Probably both, for now.
Damon rubbed his forehead forcibly. He felt like an invisible leash was tightening around his neck, and he didn't like it.
"We need to find out who from our pack is working with Alpha Edward.", Damon said. "When things escalate, I don't want anyone backstabbing me. Now it's about Marcy, tomorrow will be something else, but the constant is that those people are willing to act against me. I want them found."
Damon spoke to Caden. "Talk to Elder Samson and Elder Charlie. See if they know others who are supporting Alpha Edward's agenda. Find out who is their contact in the Red Moon pack, and then see if anyone from our pack was in touch with that person."
"We asked them that and they refused to answer.", Caden said.
"Tell them that this involves the safety of their Luna. If anything happens to her, I will hold them accountable. Exaggerate more if needed."
Caden nodded in agreement, and Damon turned to Maya.
"What did Shaman say about fixing people whose bond was broken?"
"Shaman said that everyone is different, but overall, it's about them finding their will to live. Just as Doctor Travis said, there are ways to calm the mind in order to ease the suicidal tendencies, and they need a strong will and support to snap out of it. Unfortunately for Marcy, her brother doesn't want to know about her state, and her best friend seemed happy that Marcy is not around."
"We shouldn't tell Nora about Marcy's state.", Talia said. "She will only use it to her advantage."
They all agreed with this.
"As for Commander George…", Maya continued. "He is an orphan, no family on file, fanatic about training. He is in a better state compared to Marcy, but there is no guarantee it will improve."
"You brought some herbs.", Talia reminded Maya.
"Yes.", Maya responded and reached into her pocket to get a piece of paper. "Shaman gave me instructions on how to use them…"
Talia took the paper and skimmed through it.
Talia leaned to give Damon a quick kiss. "I will go and handle this. Zina and Dawn are waiting for me in the kitchen."
Damon didn't approve. He knew that Talia wanted to go and visit Marcy and George, and it was dark outside! "Wait until I finish here, and we will go together."
"You deal with things here, and I will do what I can.", Talia said. "It will be faster."
Damon wanted to go with Talia, but he had a lot of things to handle and he knew that Talia had a point. "Be careful. Don't be alone. Keep your phone handy."
"I will. I won't. I will.", Talia said and giggled at his frown. "Don't worry." She winked and left the study.
Damon let out a long breath and shook his head at the silly girl who was adorable even while getting him worried.
