CHAPTER 79 University
Drew
After almost 18 years
England
It's been almost eighteen years and my baby is now all grown up. Today, I am standing inside the campus of Oxford University where all Alphas of the known packs around the world go to finish university.
Where did the time go? I actually never realized how fast time flies. I remember the time when she was born. Charles, out of breath, couldn't even tell me Fire was in labor.
"A-alpha... the... Luna..." Charles tried to speak, panting from running across the territory to find me. I was having a school built for the pups of the pack.
"What is it, Charles? Speak up. You know I'm busy," I said coldly. The construction was behind schedule amidst the heavy rain that came every afternoon.
"The Luna... she is about to give birth!" Charles finally yelled out. My heart began to race, seeing Charles in a panic.
"Tyler, tell them to continue with the construction. I need to go," I said, still in a state of shock. "Charles, let's go!" I ran as fast as I could. I knew I should have taken my golf cart, but it was difficult to maneuver it when people were walking through the pathways of the territory.
When we arrived at the mansion, Queen Tabitha was sobbing on the chest of her husband. Her emotional state frightened me.
"Duke, is everything okay?" I could feel my heart pounding against my chest. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
"Fire is fine, Drew. She just fainted before they could get her to the OR," the Duke explained and I let out a sigh of relief. "Tabitha is just overreacting." The Queen lifted her head and gave the Duke a dirty look.
"That's my baby you're talking about! When I adopted her she was still drinking milk from a bottle. Now my baby is about to deliver her baby in the pitiful state she's in! I told you Drew! She should have eaten more!" Tabitha slammed her head against the Duke's chest, sobbing loudly. The Duke rolled her eyes and gave me a weak smile.
"Drew, I think it's best if you head to the hospital. Fire would want you to be there," the Duke said. "I'll take care of Tabitha."
I quickly left the mansion to the small hospital of the territory. I found my grandmother, who is with the Moon Goddess now, anxiously loitering inside the waiting room.
"Grandson, you are just in time. Wash your hands and wear this gown, cap, mask and gloves. Fire needs you."
When I entered, I heard the beautiful cry of my darling baby. Alexander's pack doctor beamed with pride as she cradled my crying baby in her arms.
"Alpha Drew, it's a beautiful baby girl," she said, handing me my daughter.
Once I had her in my arms, she quieted, knowing she belonged in my arms. I walked towards Fire who had her eyes slightly open and showed her our daughter.
"She has your hair," she said before passing out again. The monitor in the room began beeping loudly.
"Alpha Drew, I need you to go with the nurse," Tyler's mom said.
"Doctor Chang, I need you now! She's crashing!" Alexander's pack doctor screamed.
"Wait... what?!" However, I didn't get any answers. The nurse slammed the door closed. I just stood there looking at the door, not knowing what to do.
"Grandson, what's happening?!" My grandmother asked, taking the baby from me.
"Fire... she's..."
"Drew, pray to the Moon Goddess. I know Fire. She's stronger than she looks."
After two hours and many prayers after, Doctor Chang-Maxwell came out with a smile on her face. Fire was okay. Thank you, Moon Goddess!
I was blessed with two beautiful women with blue eyes. Each day, every day, I thank the Moon Goddess for my family.
"Dad, just you? Where's Mom?" I turned around and found my daughter with the bluest blue eyes on the planet. It was like her eyes glowed. She was in a simple gray T-shirt and jeans, blending in with the student population.
Fire had to go meet Luke and Mason to discuss some rather important things, but I knew she would come for orientation.
"I'm here," Fire yelled, running in high heels. She was in a dark blue fitted dress with a matching hat on, her black hair in a neat bun. After all these years, Fire was still thin.
"Mom! You made it!"
"Of course, Crystal! I wouldn't miss being with my baby girl one last time before school starts," Fire said after kissing our daughter on the cheek. "So everything is done at your flat and your pantry is stocked. If you need anything, ask Charles. I'll come see you next month after New York." Fire gave Crystal a tight hug. "No boys, okay?"
"Moooooom..." Crystal whined.
"I mean it," Fire gave her a stern warning, but I knew she was joking. "If not, I will jump on the plane and fly straight here. Then I will be your constant shadow until you graduate." Fire's eyes began to well up with tears as she lovingly caressed Crystal's cheek. "My baby is all grown up and about to take her first steps into the world on her own." I gave her my handkerchief to blot her tears away. "Now let's go and find seats for orientation."
"You guys go ahead and save me a seat," I said. "I want to walk around and reminisce."
"Sure, Drew," Fire said. "No girls, okay?"
"I only have eyes for the both of you," I answered, giving Fire a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you in a bit."
I began my stroll down memory lane. I went to the venue of the party where I had met Isabella as well as the venue of the party where Alexander had found Leia cheating on him with Derrick. I went to the dorms where I would visit my classmates, the library and the campus buildings where I went for my classes.
It was such a wonder that after almost twenty three years, I never saw Alexander again. Unfortunately, when the High Elder Arthur Levanthal died, I was not able to pay my respects. Crystal was sick during that time and I couldn't make myself leave her side.
My phone suddenly pinged. It was a message from Fire telling me that orientation was about to begin. I quickly turned the corner, but stopped with my nose in the air. I inhaled deeply. It was a familiar scent, the scent of my bestfriend, Alexander Ulrich.
I eagerly followed the scent, forgetting about Crystal's orientation. It has been over twenty-three years since the last time I saw my friend. I didn't want to lose the opportunity of seeing him since Fire and I had to leave for New York to meet up with her aunt. The High Elder Amelie Heinrich sent a distress call and it was pertinent that we go see her.
I found myself standing in front of the library where the scent was strongest. However, there was something different about it...something I couldn't figure out.
The door of the library suddenly opened and out came a young man with the smell of a wolf that comprised greatly of Alexander's distinctive scent except there was a sweetness in the aroma... sort of like chocolate.
"Excuse me," I called out to the young man. He was as tall as Alexander with the same coloring and the same dark hair. He also had a muscular physique which could be clearly seen through the outline of his gray Oxford University T-shirt... which reminded me I had to go to the gift shop before I left. I looked into his eyes and saw one eye the color of dark blue just like Alexander's eyes while the other was honey-colored, like gold.
He inhaled deeply, taking in my scent. After recognizing my Alpha aura, he bowed. "Alpha, how can I be of service?" He asked politely. Of course, he probably already knew I was an alumnus.
"I'm sorry to bother you, I am Alpha Drew Long-Drago and I was wondering if you knew an Alpha Alexander Ulrich of Dark Moon Wolf Pack located in Washington State. We went to school together, here in Oxford."
"Yes, Alpha. He is my father. My name is Asher Ulrich," he answered. I grinned. Alexander has a son.
"Alexander must be very proud of you!" I exclaimed. "Please send my regards to your father, Asher. I'll be flying to New York today and hopefully, I get to see your father. Anyway, it has been really nice to meet you."
"I will tell him when he calls, Alpha. Have a safe trip." Asher bowed, then walked away. Not as friendly as Alexander, but maybe it was because he didn't know me.
Fire is going to love hearing that I had just met Alexander's son and how he looks just like him.
I ran towards the venue of the orientation, hoping to get there in time, however the parents were already leaving. Shit! Fire is not going to be happy.
I found her and Crystal giving each other a hug. Crystal needed to join the tour around campus. After the tour, Charles will drive her back to her flat.
"Drew, honey, say goodbye to Crystal," Fire said coldly. I guess I deserved that.
I kissed Crystal on the forehead. "If you ever need anything, just call. We can fly here or you can fly home."
"Dad, I can do this. I've been trained to do this. Call me when you guys get to New York. I love you," Crystal said.
"We love you too. Do make friends with the other wolves here. They are your allies," I reminded her.
Crystal waved at us as she followed the group of students for their tour. I noticed the T-shirt she was wearing. It was the same gray Oxford University shirt Asher had on.
"Before we leave, I need to get one of those shirts," I told Fire. "By the way, you won't believe who I just met."
She inhaled deeply, her eyes widening in shock. "Was it... did he... where?"
I laughed at her reaction. She thought the same.
"No, it wasn't Alexander, but honestly, I thought it was Alexander too."