Fifty One
Fifty One
THORAN'S POV
It took me a split second to realize what he had just said. “Did you say you were the Delta of your pack?” I asked curiously.
“Yes, Alpha Thoran.” He affirmed with a nod. Though he was still smiling, there was now a hint of sorrow in his countenance.
“What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.” I asked, my curiousity getting the better of me. For a brief moment, the smile froze on his face as he wrung his hands, then he clenched his jaw tightly, his gaze guarded.
“Rogue attack. We used to be a small pack around here, then the rogues came and…” He was unable to complete that sentence. I could smell the sadness and guilt which he felt. I placed a hand on his shoulder.
‘I am really sorry to hear that.” I said genuinely. “I know from experience, how difficult it is to watch those around you die helplessly.” My thoughts drifted towards the time I lost my parents, and so many members of the pack.
Jaden watched me intently. “You don't seem like someone that has gone through someone like that.” He pointed out.
I shot him a glare. “What is that supposed to mean?”
He raises his hand in surrender. “I did not mean anything bad by it.” He brought down his hands. “I just meant that you seem easy going, and jovial, for someone that has gone through a lot.” He inclined his head to the side. “It's a good thing. Loss has a way of making you jaded, distrusting, and filled with so much fury at the world.”
“Ah…” I spoke softly, nodding in understanding. “I see what you mean. To be honest, I was that way for a long time.” I admitted with a smile.
Jaden arched a questioning brow. “Oh? What changed?”
My smile grew brighter as I thought about Kaida. “The moon goddess blessed me with a mate.”
Jaden gave me a knowing smirk. “That makes sense, actually.”
I had to agree. “Yeah, she helped put things in perspective, and made me become a better person.” I said, gazing upwards and lost in thoughts. “Of course, we aren't perfect. But, I know that we'll always have each other's backs.” We say in comfortable silence for a few moments.
I was the one that broke the silence. “Do you have a mate?”
“I had one.” He answered, his voice tinged with sadness.
Ah… She must have been one of those who passed away in the rogue attack. “I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what that must be like.” And I meant every word. I tried to imagine losing Kaida and my wolf growled in the direction of my thoughts. Yeah, it was unfathomable. Jaden shot me a look, one that I could not place. I blinked, and before I could decipher what the look meant, it was gone.
“I hope you never find out what it's like.” Jaden stated, still wearing a sad smile. He pointed at my biggest injury. “You are almost fully healed.” I looked down at my wounds and sure enough, he was right.
“Looks like it.” I responded with a smile of my own. With that, I rose to my feet. “It's time for me to head back. My pack is still a few days away.”
His eyes widened in surprise, and he shifted his gaze to my bruises, his brow furrowed in concern. “You shouldn't be moving just yet, you need more rest. I only said that to encourage you.”
“Nah, I miss my mate. I need to get back.” He pursed his lips. “Don't worry too much. I will heal on the way.” I assured him. I clasped his hand gratefully, “I owe you my life, brother.”
Just as I had begun to walk away, I paused, and turned to him. “Where do you live now?” I asked. I wanted to know how to reach him.
He shrugged nonchalantly. “Everywhere and nowhere. I'm a nomad at this point.”
His words made me chuckle. An idea popped into my mind. “You know, I was just thinking a while ago of how we need more pack leaders in the Stormhowl pack.”
Jaden arched his brow. “What are you saying?”
“I'm saying that it would be great if you could join my pack and serve as the Gamma. Unless you think you are too old.” I joked, and he laughed.
He bowed slightly. “I would be honoured, Alpha.”
I laughed happily. “Let's go!”
We spent the next few days traveling together towards the Stormhowl pack. I could sense Jaden’s excitement, though he tried to mask it behind his calm demeanor. Along the way, we exchanged stories, shared laughter, and discussed the responsibilities he would have as my new Gamma.
“Gamma is no small role,” I reminded him as we walked. “You’ll oversee training, help maintain discipline, and most importantly, ensure the safety of the pack. Are you ready for that?”
“I was Delta once,” Jaden replied confidently. “I know the stakes.”
I nodded in approval. His experience showed in the way he carried himself and the clarity with which he spoke about pack dynamics. Despite his tragic past, Jaden was someone I could trust, a rarity these days.
When we finally reached Stormhowl’s borders, the familiar scent of my pack filled the air. Relief washed over me as I spotted the guards stationed at the edge of the territory. They bowed respectfully as I approached.
“Alpha,” one of them greeted, his voice tinged with concern. “We were beginning to worry. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” I assured him. “Thanks to Jaden here.”
The guards glanced at Jaden with curiosity and nodded in respect. Word would spread quickly about my return and the new addition to our pack.
As we entered the pack grounds, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Stormhowl was thriving. Children played in the distance, the warriors sparred in the training grounds, and the pack house stood tall and imposing.
Jaden took it all in with a look of quiet admiration. “This is impressive,” he admitted.
“It’s home,” I said simply.
The moment I stepped inside the pack house, Kaida appeared. Her wolf must have sensed my return. She rushed toward me, her eyes scanning for injuries.
“You’re hurt,” she said, her voice filled with worry as her hands hovered over my bruises.
“It’s nothing,” I assured her. “I’m healing.”
Her gaze shifted to Jaden, curiosity replacing her concern. “And who is this?”
“This is Jaden,” I said in introduction. “He saved my life. He’s also our new Gamma.”
Kaida's eyes widened in surprise. Her surprise turned to suspicion.
Hm, this wasn't going to be as easy as I thought.