294- The Rule He Could Not Break
POV Viktor Averwyn:
At last, the thunderous sound of the explosions stopped.
At the end of the village, down the slope behind it, the mountain was an immense mine, with a few buildings around it. Inside, endless tunnels snaked toward the underground, several meters deep and kilometers wide, running parallel beneath the earth, creating countless passageways and bridges.
An unknown world to most people, but commonplace for us in Averwyn. For centuries, ore and precious stones had been extracted there. First with pickaxes, then with an unbeatable triad: supermachines, explosives, and high technology.
“It all went well, Alpha Viktor.” Ionut smiled as he came from the huge entrance carved into the mountain. “Seventeen meters deep to the north. We’ll likely have diamonds in this load. It’s very close to the last one.”
“Good news. They’ll have plenty of work over the next few days. Dismiss the men an hour early today.” I looked at the 286-year-old alpha, manager of that mine. I knew the worst part was yet to come, when they had to remove and transport all the gravel.
“We’re getting off before the shift ends?” He laughed. “Now that’s good news for a Wednesday! There’s still time to stop by my brother’s bar.”
“Petru will be happy to get you drunk earlier. Don’t forget that tomorrow I want everyone sorting through the diamonds as soon as it’s eight o’clock.” I turned toward the forest behind me.
“You can count on it! Want to come drink with us?”
“Maybe next time.”
“You always say that.”
I followed the path that led from the mine to the village, cutting through the dense vegetation. Ionut was one of my most trusted men, and sometimes he abused that trust by trying to drag me into his revelries. He never succeeded.
I had an excellent relationship with my pack, but I only let my guard down with a very small inner circle. That kept me always in a position of respect, which, once crossed, became fear.
I looked at the oaks and firs around me, tall and full-bodied. I knew each one by heart, but I always admired them. All of that was part of my home, of me. A living, pulsing forest that gave us protection and freedom. Something I offered to those who were loyal to the Averwyn pack. And loyal they were.
Stepping into the forest brought the familiar scent of earth, plants, and flowers, along with the freshness of waterfalls running a good distance away.
I could have run swiftly and been home in seconds, but I took my time stepping on the dry leaves, appreciating every detail. It calmed me.
I headed to my castle. The stones darkened by time held two black towers and a heavy double wooden door. They opened as soon as I appeared at the entrance, surely spotted by the guards in the towers or by the security camera.
“Good afternoon, Alpha Viktor.”
“Good afternoon, Claudiu.”
The guard closed the doors behind me, and I went through the hall straight toward the side staircase leading to my chambers and office. I had a stack of export contracts to review, and my mind was already focused on them. But I did not even make it upstairs. I stopped when Adelina came down the steps, running toward me.
“Father! I was looking for you!” she said breathlessly as she stopped in front of me. One look at her expression was enough for me to know what she was going to say. “We need to talk.”
“You are not going to the Lust party, and that is final.”
My cold, relentless cut did not discourage her. When her eyes filled with tears, I knew I would have trouble.
“But I’m already twenty-one and I’ve transformed! I can’t stay locked up here in this tower forever!”
“You have complete freedom in the village, Adelina.”
“But my destined mate isn’t here! I need to find him!”
I sighed, irritated at hearing that story again. She stepped closer, pleading.
“I feel the need here in my chest, Father! I’m serious!”
“I’m busy right now.”
I missed the sweet, affectionate little girl I had raised. All it took was her transformation, and now she talked of nothing but being freer and meeting other wolves. It was her litany day and night, to me and to anyone else who would listen.
I made a move to continue upstairs, but she grabbed me in desperation, tears running down the smooth dark-brown tone of her face. The words came tumbling out:
“I heard Alpha Aldren and Alpha Edric found their destined mates and even had pups! Just because you never found yours doesn’t mean you can stop me! Or interfere with the other alphas!”
“What are you talking about?”
An alarm sounded inside me, and it was my turn to grip her arms, looking deep into her dark eyes, still far too naïve to know how to hide what she felt and thought.
Adelina froze, too late trying to hide from me.
“Nothing... it’s just...”
“Speak.”
“I can’t live here like a prisoner, taking those herbs every month so I won’t go into heat! Or be forbidden to find my...”
“How am I interfering with the other alphas?” She shuddered and sniffed, not knowing whether to meet my gaze or look down. I growled loudly, and she startled. “Adelina?”
“I found out who my destined mate is,” she murmured.
It was like being slashed across the face. I let go of her and took a step back, trying to calm the hatred rising inside me.
“Fuck...”
“Father, it was an accident...”
“Who told you?”
“Father...”
“Who told you?” I demanded more loudly, in a furious growl. She jumped back, a hand on her chest and eyes wide. “What did they tell you?”
“I just wanted you to let me go to the next Lust party. Maybe then I’d be sure. He would see me, he would know! Without anyone having to say who I am.”