We are all alone

In ways

No one understands.

Perry Poetry.

ALPHA VINCENZO'S P.O.V.

Slowly opening my eyes, I woke up, I tried to stretch out my arms but realised it was caught onto something or rather someone. I blinked looking down at the figure that stirred beneath me, my eyes grew wide as I realised who it was.

Anastasia, lay there peacefully her face nestled into my bare chest. Her face reminded me of an angel as it glowed underneath the sunlit room. The smell of strawberries and vanilla taunted me awakening a deep desire which left me momentarily breathless.

I recalled, how she boldly suggested we sleep together, at first, I was caught off guard. I didn't want to rush things with her, not that I knew how things went with a mate, to begin with.

She wasn't like the other women I had spent my nights with. I shook, my head noticing the position we were in, her legs were intertwined with mine and the thin sheets were haphazardly covering some parts of her body.

I pulled the duvet over to cover her body. I glanced over her chest seeing it  rise and fall in small movements at a much calmer pace.

In comparison to last night... I was torn between the promise we solidified but seeing her hyperventilating state and her flinch away from me something snapped. I felt the need to reassure her, to comfort her. Never had I felt such feelings for any she-wolf I'd share a night with.

I stifled back a yawn, as I tried to slowly pry my hands away from her waist. Last night was the best sleep I've had in a very long time. I couldn't remember the last time I had slept so peacefully.

Running this pack and dealing with the impending war left no time for such indulgences. Yet as Anna walked past me yesterday upset, that I hadn't responded to her request I couldn't help but obliged.

She felt amazing in my arms. But I was still weary of the promise we both made in my office, and I respected her decision to follow through. Twisting my body, I leaned over the bed reaching for the nightstand I looked down at my phone which lit up indicating the time 10:00 am. Holy shit!

I slept in through most of the morning, cursing under my breath I slowly got up and out of bed and rushed towards the bathroom in a haste.

I rushed to the shower, quickly cleaning up before I walked into my closet and threw on some black pants and a crisp white shirt. I turned around and moved to the drawers, eyeing the silver watch on a stand I grabbed it clasping it onto my wrist before rushing towards the shoe closet.

Dressed and ready I made my way out, keeping in mind to gently close the door so I didn't wake up Anastasia.

Sighing I walked down the familiar staircase not bothering to even take the elevators, this morning I had enough energy. A few wolves passed by as I walked into the main foyer, each lowered their head in submission and respect. Which I reciprocated; respect is to be earned.

Turning towards my office, I neared the heavy door some days I just didn't want to be in the office. And today was just feeling like one of those days, I would have preferred to pretend to be asleep in Anastasia's arms.

I couldn't shake off the warmth she radiated and the comfort she brought me and Ezekiel. I shook my head trying to rid myself of the thoughts, I was an Alpha one who was blessed with the ability of power. I couldn't indulge in such things; I had responsibilities and a pack to uphold and control.

Feeling my resolve strengthen I pushed the door open, and immediately walked toward my desk. Reaching for the chair I sat down and scanned the bounds of paperwork that was already left on my desk.

The cost of sleep, I thought.

I began to dive in, reaching for the first stack, and sorting them of relevance and importance. I then began to read each one before signing and leaving them for Ethan.

I continued the same cycle reading over each one before finalising each page. It was endless... I looked back down at my wrist to get an inclination of the time, it was already 1:00pm. I had been at it for a few hours and still had so much to get through.

I stood up from my seat, feeling the urge to stretch my limbs and muscles. I held onto one of the reports and then began to pace around while reading deciding I'd done enough sitting. Just as I was about to sign the document a knock sounded through the door.

"Come in", I growled, not once looking up from the report.

The door opened then closed quickly, the sound of two light feet prodded through the office and reached the oak desk. I looked up, and did a double take as I realised it was Anastasia, she was staring at me intently.

"Can I help you?", I questioned. I eyed her warily, as she clapped her hands in front of her.

"Breakfast", she beamed. The one word, causing my stomach to growl and mouth to water.

"I figured you would be busy and forget so I bought something in". she turned and gestured to the plate which now sat on the desk, I walked towards the table curious to see what she bought. I narrowed my eyes, as I spotted a big breakfast-style meal with two sausages, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, hash browns and sourdough bread.

"Thank you", I muttered. Though I noticed there was only one plate, "where is your plate?", I prodded.

"I already ate".

I nodded hearing, this before walking behind my desk I sat down quickly and began to scarf down the food. Within seconds, I had finished the plate, as I looked up Anastasia's eyes grew wide and her mouth agape.

"What?", I growled.

She shook her head muttering something lowly, before standing up, "I'm going to do some training".

I nodded, "how was the first session, I heard some interesting things from Ethan about it".

I knew exactly how it went, she swore left right and centre that she'd change the conditions of training and began to deduce the rules I had founded the pack through. I had asked Ethan, to observe and assess her and report everything back to me this included the colourful language she used during training.

She narrowed her eyes, and lifted a pointed finger at me, "I can't believe you fucken train them like that! Do you realise how much pressure you're putting on them. I'm surprised they haven't dropped dead yet", she shouted.

I scoffed, "were on the verge of a war, they need to be ready", I voiced coolly not rising up to her level.

"You're going to burn them out before they even get to the front line", she growled.

Sighing, I left the report on the table, and glared at her, "so what do you suggest, I simply leave them to waltz around the pack with no training?", I snapped back.

She shook her head, then raised her arms up in the air, "cut the sessions down or split them up...don't just enforce a four-hour training session in one hit", she reasoned.

I looked at her for several minutes, thinking over what she suggested I had to admit her reasoning wasn't too bad.

She's Luna material Ezekiel purred.

I internally rolled my eyes at the remark, though I couldn't argue she was truly showing some Luna elements now. She raised her point, backed her claim up, and tried to make me heed into see a different outlook on the situation. I had to give her credit for that.

"Fine", I growled.

Her eyes immediately lit up, and she fist pump the air, seeing this made a small smile play on my lips though I quickly concealed it.

"They can have two different two-hour sessions one in the morning and one in the evening, Beta Ethan needs to work on the schedules...", I explained.

Her eyebrows perked up, "why do I sense a 'but' coming", she drawled out.

"Of course, the sessions will be split, however, the intensity will increase including more HIT and strength workouts", I added.

Hearing this her face immediately fell, her smile no longer visible instead replaced with a grimace.

"Take it or leave it", I deadpanned.

"Fine", she whined. Stomping on her feet she turned towards the door and walked out, leaving me alone once again.

I scoffed at her response...well that settles our first negotiation and I hope they remain as minimal as this one.

*******

I was currently, sliding over the pile which was finally complete when the door busted open. I whipped my head up, to bite the head of the wolf who barged into my office.

"What the hell d-". My remarks cut off, as I caught sight of Drake. His light blonde hair stuck out in odd angles which were strange considering how he was always so put together. That's not the only detail that struck me, his eyes were wide like he'd seen a ghost and fists bawled up at his sides.

He was now taking in deep audible breaths which filled the silence in the office, leaving me completely confused at his presence.

"Is everything okay?". I tried to gauge what was wrong, but Drake refused to speak till he finally gathered himself.

"Now we all know how I'm the calmer and most levelled-headed one of you lot", he explained.

I perked my brows up at his statement, but before I could contest it, he spoke up again, "but I'm really being pushed to my limits today".

"...What happened?", I prodded. I slowly stood up from my chair, now at eye level with Drake, I looked into his eyes waiting for his news.

Drake sighed while running a hand down his face, he began to unbutton the first few buttons on his shirt before he sank into a nearby chair.

"The Rogue group attacked my pack early this morning", he growled.

"Shit!".

I walked around the table and slid into the seat across Drake, "What were the damages?", I growled.

Drake's jaw ticked, as he voiced the next few words, "we lost three of our best warriors".

Drake's voice was strained as he felt the pain so deeply. As Alpha, we were responsible and accountable for all the wolves within our pack. Losing a wolf was always a hard reality we faced, and one that tormented us greatly.

He looked up, his eyes filled with pain, and lips drawn in a tight grimace.

"We have no choice now Kawan, I didn't want it-", he shook his head as he thought over his next words. "...But the war is unavoidable now, they're not going to stop until...".

"...Until they've killed off our packs or us", I finished off Drake's sentence.

He nodded grimly, confirming what I'd hoped was not a potential future.

Growling I jumped out of my seat and rushed towards the cabinet which stored various amber liquids. With shaky hands, I tried to grab a hold of the glass jug and tip the contents into a crystal cup. Though some of the liquid spilled onto the cabinet instead of reaching the glass.

"Ah fuckk!", I growled. Clutching the jug tightly I retracted my right hand back and slung the jug against the wall. Seconds later a piercing sound shot through the air, as thousands of glass shards flew across the office covering every inch of the floor with shiny specks.

Drake immediately shot out of his seat, rushing towards my side, "Calm down Kawan! That's not the way we're going to solve this shit", he snapped.

Taking in a deep breath I turned towards Drake facing him completely, "I'm fine". I waved my hands in front and pushed past him, but not before noticing Drake's raised brow. How he managed to stay calm irked me beyond.

"I've got a plan already in the motions, I'm just waiting to hear back from-". My explanation was cut off as Beta Ethan rushed into the office.

He seemed to be flustered, as sweat encased his forehead. His fingers had turned white at the death grip he had around a large wooden casket. Both Drake and I were regarding him curiously, though both of us had immediately tensed at the intrusion.

"Beta Ethan just the person I wanted to speak to", I mused.

I looked at Drake before nodding in Beta Ethan's direction, "I guess will both get updates on the plan".

Drake arched his brow up in response but said nothing, as he continued to stare down a now wide-eyed Beta Ethan.

"Alpha! They found out", he shouted. Beta Ethan seemed completely flustered as he looked down at the casket.

I narrowed my eyes towards Ethan's brown orbs, "...What do you mean they found out", I snapped.

Beta Ethan hesitated before he placed the large wooden casket onto the office table. He sucked in a deep breath before looking up towards the side of my head, "you might want to look at this".

On cue both Drake and I neared the casket, and all three of us hovered over the box eyeing it warily as though something were to pounce out. I nodded towards Beta Ethan before he lifted the lid of the box revealing its content.

"Fuck!". I immediately cussed, after seeing what was laying in the box.

Drake's face quickly contorted sporting a hideous grimace as he stepped away from the casket with a look of disgust and confusion.

"Someone want to tell me why there is a bloody decapitated head here", he growled. Still vividly cringing at the box.

"When did this happen!", I snapped at Beta Ethan, ignoring Drake's question.

Beta Ethan gulped sensing the growing tension and which filled currently filled the air and encased my body.

"This was delivered to our borders an hour ago Alpha".

"Son of a bitch!", I growled. I slammed my fists against the table, my body shook with pure rage as I felt Ezekiel stir at the forefront with his shackles raised. This was not good.

"Alpha the informant we sent was killed", Beta Ethan confirmed.

"Yes, I can see that Beta, thanks for stating the obvious!", I yelled.

Beta Ethan cringed at my tone of voice. Everyone was silent for a moment, as we tried to process what on earth had just happened and the implications this was going to have for us all.

Beta Ethan cleared his throat, directing the attention back onto him, "we were able to receive one bit of information before this happened...", beta Ethan gestured towards the opened casket indicating what he meant.

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm the fire which was building up within me, "What?".

"The Rogue leader has been working with a mystic witch, on something that could bring down all blessed Alpha's", Beta Ethan reiterated the message like he'd memorised it for this very moment.

Both Drake and I looked at each other, Drake seemed to now piece together what must have happened or what I had hinted at as a 'plan'. Eyeing me warily, he spoke up, "If this is true..." Drake deliberated.

"...They are targeting all the blessed Alpha's". I finished Drake's looming sentence.

He nodded, his face morphing into one of rage as he pondered the possibility of our abilities being at stake.

"We need to meet with a pure one and further investigate the possible threat", Drake stated coolly. I could already see the corks turning within his eyes, he was already in action thinking of the best route to rectify the situation.

I shook my head at the idea, "first we need to inform the others. All packs must lock down immediately no one goes in or goes out".

Drake nodded, before he pulled out a mobile phone and began to dial up some numbers before, he pressed the phone against his ear and began to deliver the news.

Beta Ethan stood there silently waiting for his next orders, though I couldn't muster anything else, as I stared down at the bloody head of the informant. I gulped, as a cold flush settled over me, the sound of a woman's screams filled the silent air sucking me into the very moment which haunted me.

My eyes now glazed over as I watch the woman wither away, her body shaking against the wolf who held onto her with a death grip. Before his claw had sliced her, she had looked my way her eyes full of love and lips whiter than ever she mouthed go...before he had her.

"Alpha!", Beta Ethan's panic-stricken voice snapped me momentarily out of my haze.

I hummed in response, not looking up at him. From the corner of my eye, I saw Drake turn towards Ethan trying to gauge what he was panicking about now. Drake followed Ethan's gaze which led right to me.

"Shit! Kawan!", Drake yelled.

He dropped his phone in haste before he tore his shirt off and rushed to my side.

I was now breathing heavily, my chest caved in and out at an alarming rate. My eyes grew wide as I felt my airways slowly constrict. My vision quickly became a blurry mess, as black spots danced around the outer line.

I heard the distant shouts of Drake, shouting off commands to Beta Ethan who looked visibly distraught.

"Go and find his mate now!", he snapped.

Beta Ethan's eyes never left Drake's hand, as he slowly began to walk backwards and rush out towards the corridor.

"Hang in there Kawan!", Drake rushed out. As he fumbled with the shirt in his hands, his brows scrunched up in complete focus, as he tried his best to do damage control.

My chest continued to cave in, giving way to very little oxygen that was trapped in my lungs. I felt my arm going numb as Drake continued to apply immense pressure.

"God Dammit! Breathe Kawan! Breathe", he barked out. He shook my shoulders desperately trying to keep my head above the waters that consumed me.

I hummed again, as a small grim smile spread across my lips, my head fell back against the chair and my eyes slowly closed.

It was too late... I lost the battle this time.

✩｡:*•.───── ❁ ❁ ─────.•*:｡✩

A/N

OKAY SO THIS WAS INTENSE! GOT TO CALM MY OWN HEART NOW. 😩

I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER!

PLEASE DONT FORGET TO VOTE OR COMMENT 💜

UNTIL NEXT TIME.

~COCO ❤