Chapter 1. An ill Omen.
Almost eighteen years ago.
A violent storm raged across the countryside. Crackling thunder boomed and echoed over the forest, and bolts of lightning lit up the forest. Heavy, torrential rain pounded the ground; the earth soaked into a soup-like terrain under the forest canopy. A strong wind ripped through the trees like a howling beast. The sound of the storm was deafening to the ears. Some might call this the perfect storm in ferocity.
A woman's scream ripped through an overcrowded tent. It could barely be heard above the pounding rain and howling wind. "That's it baby, just a little bit more," a male voice murmured as large arms wrapped around her. He sat behind her on their small cot; broad and imposing over her smaller frame. As he brushed her hair out from her face, her right hand tightened over his in a weakened, trembling grip.
She was covered in a fine layer of sweat as her body shuddered from the effort and pain. For twelve long hours they had been in this tent, pushing through every contraction, fighting through every wave of pain. All in expectation of meeting their precious child.
An elderly female with snow white hair knelt before her, her presence a small comfort during the birth. "That's it Luna! By the god's I can see him crowning!" She grabbed a clean white sheet from the shelf nearby in anticipation of the strong child about to enter their world.
The elders standing by offered prayers up to the gods as they waited with breath held. Eyes glued shut, hands clasped and mouths silently moving in their prayers. Luna threw her head back and let loose another horrifying scream, the sound piercing to the ears of everyone gathered.
An eerie howl filled the tent as she finally inhaled another breath, tears flowing freely. I can't keep this up. By the god's this child is stubborn, but the pain, it's almost too much to bear. My body won't last much longer at this rate. Luna's thoughts were running rampant, desperation to finally have this painful birth come to an end so she can hold her baby boy.
As everyone flinched at the crescendo of her scream, the man's arms tightened around her, his very body acting as the anchor she needed to continue pushing this. With Drogo here, I have to keep pushing. What kind of Alpha gives up? What kind of mother would I be?
"That's it, Luna. Your son is almost here, give another push in three, two, one. Now!" The elder female encouraged her as Luna let out another gut-wrenching scream. She gripped the man's hand tightly as her body was wracked by another contraction and pain.
"I swear to god, I will cut your balls off for doing this to me Drogo!" she shouted as another wave of pain hit her body as she pushed again. Drogo stayed silent, a hint of a smirk on his face. I knew my little Luna was fierce and strong, but I never would have expected her to literally crush my hand. Thankfully I lost all feeling in it hours ago.
Thunder crackled through the forest, the vibrations felt through their bones as the rain continued to pelt the tent and the ground outside. The open flaps of the tent brought in fresh cool air to the cramped space.
"Come on, baby. He's almost here, you are doing such an amazing job," Drogo soothed softly as he grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from her face. A pair of soft brown eyes met Drogo's gaze. The fire was evident as she took a ragged breath, her body shuddering. That's it Luna, show everyone the strength of an Alpha female. Prove to them all the dept of your conviction! Drogo sat there, holding his wife with nothing but adoration and praise in his heart.
She gave one last push. This was the last of her strength. It's now or never. I WILL birth my son! The final scream that tore from her throat was a pure, raw wolf's howl that resonated with everyone as she screamed towards the heavens.
This was the most excruciating pain she ever suffered in her life. She felt like her body was being split in two as she pushed their son out of her body. Her body burned from the pain that rushed through her veins. She couldn't keep this up; her body was about to give out.
Just as she was about to beg for the child to be cut out, to end her pain and deliver him through a knife to her belly, a loud angry wail filled the tent as everyone went silent for a moment. The rain itself let up for the briefest of moments.
Drogo held his breath as he heard his son's angry wail for the first time; a bright wide smile appeared on his face. The elderly midwife pulled his son from Luna's ravaged body and quickly cleared his lungs and cleaned him up.
Luna struggled to catch her breath, the pressure in her body was suddenly gone. She felt something akin to euphoria as she watched on through hooded eyes as her precious bundle was cleaned up and wrapped in a soft blanket. This was her beautiful, handsome, perfect son. The next heir to lead their pack. She smiled as she heard his strong angry cries at being born into such a cold and unforgiving world.
Drogo exhaled in gratitude as she let go of his hand. He let it rest on his thigh as pins and needles stabbed him relentlessly; the blood finally flowing freely once again. He winced as he clenched and opened his hands numerous times, slowly getting feeling back into his extremities. Drogo sucked in a shaky breath, his voice breaking with the weight of emotion. "You did it Luna! You brought our boy home." He let out a hushed whisper of emotion and delight at what he'd just witnessed.
The fact that she went through twelve long hours of this pain without any nanomeds or numbing glyphs was astounding. Drogo was in awe as he looked down at Luna cradling their bundle against her chest.
She wanted to prove her dedication and resilience to all those that doubted her authority as the Alpha Female. No one can doubt her strength after this display. She was exhausted, she was weakened, but she pushed through and birthed their son, the next leader of the Lyko's Clan. He leaned down to place a soft kiss on the back of her messy hair.
She sighed in relief. She was done with the hard part. Her shoulders slumped and the tension left her body. She was sore, spent, and exhausted.
But she was filled with such love and emotion as she held her son, her flesh and her blood in her arms. "What should we call him, babe?" Her voice was barely above a whisper as she loosely held their bundle to her chest. Her mana flared faintly, a soft red glow tinged in hues of yellow and orange as she felt a radiant warmth spread through her chest and out to her limbs.
Drogo looked out through the open flap of the tent. It was no longer raining, and the air was refreshing and cool. The soft, gentle breeze delightful in the stuffy, heated tent.
He considered different options for a moment as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. There are all kinds of names, but he should have something strong, powerful. Something with meaning. Drogo was debating before he looked down at his son.
This tiny little shifter, with such a strong clear cry. At that moment only one name from the myths of old came to Drogo's mind. "Fenrir. Fenrir Cerberus Lykos." Drogo put his massive paw of a hand over the child's head softly. "We can call him Fen, for short." He gave Luna a wide toothy grin as she turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow. His son would have a powerful name, one worthy of leading their clan into the future as the next Alpha.
The elder midwife smiled warmly at the Alpha's. "My Alphas, that is a wonderful decision." She stepped forward with a face weathered and worn from years of arduous work. She finished cleaning her hands as she checked the equipment that monitored the vitals of mother and child. "Alpha Luna is weakened but still resilient, despite the twelve-hour labor. Little Fenrir," she said with a smile as she turned to face both the parents before she continued. "Is healthy and strong. A powerful progeny."
Fenrir chose that moment to let out another loud cry that made everyone in the room chuckle as the tension could be felt leaving the tent. The other elders: relieved their prayers were answered, began to file out of the tent, their boots sloshing through the muddy ground outside.
"Congratulations Alpha Drogo," the midwife called over her shoulder quietly, her voice breaking from exhaustion. She allowed the tent flap to fall into place, providing a small modicum of privacy from the rest of the clan and camp. A moment of respite alone to themselves.
"Thank you, Tellania, for everything." Luna's hushed tone belayed her own exhaustion. Her eyes remained glued to the bundle in her arms. She kept her arms wrapped gingerly around Fenrir as she bounced him against her to soothe the little one.
The tent flap opened and a tall, pale elderly male entered the space, his boots leaving muddy prints as he walked across the tent. "My Alpha's, congratulations are in order." His voice was weak and sounded exhausted. He strode over to a nearby chair and picked up a bottle of beer from the nearby case on the ground. He popped the top with his fingernail that he hardened. The sound of pressure releasing like a hiss drew Luna's attention from Fenrir and her ire.
"Do you have to drink that now?" Her tone was ice as her mana grew slightly brighter around her. All traces of exhaustion and sleep deprivation were momentarily gone. Her normally soft brown eyes glowed a faint red in response to the magic around her awakening to her will. The elder stopped mid drink as he felt the sudden tension in the tent and glanced at her.
"Apologies Luna. Tonight's communing with the gods was… taxing to say the least." He was not looking forward to the conversation he was about to have. Hell, he'd be lucky if she didn't gut him.
"Thank you, Seraph. But why are you here right now?" Drogo gently extricated himself from behind Luna. He arranged some of the bedding so Luna could be propped up in a more comfortable sitting position.
She offered Drogo a grateful smile, the edges of her lips just barely moving before she returned her attention to the soft, precious bundle in her arms. Drogo leaned down to kiss her briefly, his lips soft and tender against hers as he turned to face the old man.
The fact that Seraph was here, and not in his tent in prayer during such a dangerous storm did not bode well. Drogo stood there in front of Seraph and noticed his friends' disheveled appearance. He took a deep breath, his jaw clenched as he awaited the bad news. As the resident speaker of the gods, Seraph was most often found in his tent in prayer. Rarely, however, did any of the gods commune back with him.
Seraph's face appeared to grow even paler as he looked at his Alpha as he stood there, weary and broad shouldered. Seraph ran a trembling hand over his face before he started. "My lord, please forgive me for disturbing you. I received a prophecy from one of the gods this evening." Seraph paused for a moment, taking in the fierce strength in Drogo's eyes, a stark contrast to the exhaustion in Luna's.
Drogo's eyes narrowed dangerously, and his mana flared out around him as he focused his attention on the old man. Dark, crimson red swirls of mana radiated off Drogo as his mood darkened and his blood ran cold at hearing Seraph's ominous tone. Another crack of thunder filled their ears as Luna tried to soothe their crying child.
"You better explain what is going on, and be quick about it," Drogo snarled softly, his voice dropping an octave in response. His nerves were already shot, and he dreaded any bad news.
"Forgive me, my Alpha." Seraph bowed his head respectfully. "The god, Koray has sent a prophecy about your son. It goes like this. The child born under the pouring sky will one day bring either ruin or salvation to the alpha shifter clans. He will be the one to find the Ancient Valley and decide the ultimate fate of the Alpha Shifter Species." When Seraph was finished, silence was his answer.
Heavy and forboding.
His tone was grim and severe as he looked at the alphas without flinching. He couldn't afford to show any weakness, not even before the Alphas.
Drogo narrowed his gaze and his body shifted to stand between Seraph and Luna. The mana flared brighter as his anger intensified. "He gave this prophecy?" he asked incredulously. The steel in his voice sent a shiver of apprehension down Seraph's spine.
Seraph folded his hands in front of him as he leaned forward, head bowed low in respect. "He did indeed my Alpha. He said we need to train him for the war to come," Seraph responded, his face was stern and voice passive.
"War, what war?" Luna's mana exploded out from her as she whipped her head to face Seraph, the force of her mana was like a harsh wind that ran through the tent. She had no plans on her son leading a force to war. She would protect him, guide him and nurture him always. There would be no damn war.
"According to Koray, within the next thirty years, there will be a war for survival. Between what remains of the Alpha shifter clans, and the extremists that wish to eradicate us for good," Seraph said calmly. Well, honestly this is a better reaction than I feared. Both of them are taking this much calmer.
Luna shook her head vehemently, her mana swirling around her and Fenrir as a protective shield. Even Drogo turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow and took half a step forward.
"No! My child will not lead an army. There will be no war!" Luna glared at them both, the fire in her gaze daring them to contradict her as she clutched her son to her bosom to try getting him to latch on and feed.
Drogo, who had stayed silent in thought, and looked between Seraph's calm cool expression, and Luna's face, contorted with anger and fear. "It's alright, Luna. What he said may not even come to pass. A lot can happen in thirty years. Let us just take this time to bask in the joy of our son." Drogo walked over slowly, deliberately as he leaned down to cup her cheek tenderly, his callused palm gentle against her soft skin.
Luna closed her eyes and for a moment a look of peace washed over her face. She nodded and let out a soft gasp as Fenrir finally latched on.
Luna smiled apprehensively as her son latched onto her nipple for the first time. It was a strange sensation, having a child feed from her body. The feeding filled her with warmth, love and adoration for the tiny being in her arms. Like a connection between souls was forged by the act. She knew, even already, that her son had her wrapped around his tiny little pinky. She was lost in those beautiful blue eyes like his father. He was so perfect. She would rip the throats out of anyone that dared to hurt her son or force him to lead in a war.
"I won't let it happen. I won't," she promised out loud as she felt her son continue to feed from her milk. She glanced at Seraph and flashed a fang at him. "Leave. Now." Her voice contained a deep rumble that allowed for no arguing. She didn't want any part of prophecies, gods, or wars to come.
Seraph knew better than to ignore the command. Female wolves were highly aggressive as a rule, and even more so right after delivery. "As you command, my Alpha," he says as he bowed low backing out of the tent. As the tent flap was lifted Drogo was able to look out and see the rain was over. He walked over and peered out into the night.
With the rain over, members of the clan had left their tents and brought out bundles of dry firewood. They used handheld torches or magical means and ignited the firepits. The warm glow of multiple campfires illuminated the pitch-black night.
What once felt like an ominous storm, quiet and foreboding became a source of life and rejuvenation. Conversations were struck up between small groups here and there as they turned and waved at Drogo when he stepped out of his tent. They wouldn't bring it up first, but they were all anxiously awaiting news of the new heir.
He took out a pack of full-flavored cigarettes from his pocket and pulled one out. He placed it against his lips as he pulled his lighter out, cupped his hand around the cigarette and struck his lighter, igniting the end of the cigarette. So much has happened in one single night. But there is no use in worrying about the future that might not come pass. Drogo allowed the nicotine buzz to fill his head and quiet his racing thoughts for a moment.
Seraph was waiting for him a few feet away as Drogo took a long, appreciative drag of the cigarette and felt the smoke fill his lungs.
"Thank you, for bringing the prophecy and words of the god to us, regardless of what Luna may say," Drogo said, his rich deep voice sounding loud in the quiet after the storm.
Seraph nodded as he listened to Drogo. "I am truly sorry for the fate he has in store for your son. It does not appear to be an easy life he is fated for," Seraph said as he kept his hands folded in front of him.
"All we can do is raise and train him as a Lykos pack member, and as a were-wolf," Drogo said. He would ensure his son was strong enough to survive whatever life threw at him. No matter what. He would stand by his son in the future however he was needed.
Seraph stepped closer and offered him his hand, "Regardless of what the gods decree, I am so happy for you Drogo," Seraph said, joy filling his heart over the birth of the new heir to the leadership.
Drogo gripped Seraph's hand. "Thank you, my brother. My Luna is a strong, tiny little thing. To go through so much pain bringing our son. It's a wonder she hasn't reached out to rip my balls off already," Drogo said in laughter as he remembered the threat she screamed out in pain.
Seraph laughed as Drogo took another drag, the red cherry bright against the white paper. "Yeah, I don't think you're getting laid anytime soon my friend," he jokingly said to his Alpha.
"Probably not ever again, unless she wants another child," Drogo agreed as he exhaled, the cloud of smoke floating in the air, illuminated by the camp lights nearby and the dim fire in the pit a few yards away. Other members of the pack were outside listening in. They had all known today was the day for Luna's birthing. They were hopeful and thrilled about the birth of their child.
Drogo looked around at all the anxious faces that awaited an update on the birth of the next heir and leader of the clan. All the conversations suddenly died off. The entire pack could feel the apprehension; heads turned, bowed low as they watched their leader and friend.
Drogo paused for a moment as he took in his family, his pack and kin. This would be his legacy to Fenrir; his greatest gift he could give his son in the future. He threw his head back and shouted out to the heavens for everyone to hear. "Fenrir is a happy, perfect, handsome baby boy!" Drogo shouted to the camp, throwing his fist in the air. His cry turned into a full howl as he let loose his joy and personal frustrations at the blackened sky covered by clouds.
Jubilant cries filled the night sky as the first rays of dawn began tearing over the horizon. Wolf howls filled the forest as the clan members let loose all their worries and anxiety. The boy was born safe and healthy!
Mugs filled with potent ale were brought out as the celebration had begun in earnest. Drogo had a wide grin on his face as he watched his clan, his family celebrating in earnest his child's birth.
His Beta, or second in command, Julian, walked over with two mugs of potent ale, his short blond hair spiked up on his head. "Congrats boss," he said as he handed over a mug. He smacked his glass enthusiastically with Drogo's before they each took a long, deep drought of it. Drogo exhaled in satisfaction as he took the final hit from the cigarette and tossed the butt into the fire nearby to burn up taking with it his worries for another time.
"Thanks' Jules," Drogo said as he nudged his Beta. "I think he has his mother wrapped around his finger already," he said with a grin on his face as he remembered the fearsome look on her face as she snapped at Seraph.
"That sounds like our Luna," Julian said, his voice filled with mirth. "Is she recovering alright?" Julian's voice was soft as he cast a worried glance towards the tent.
"I'm fine Julian, damn worrywart." Luna's voice came from the tent. It was laced with exhaustion and pride as she laid on their cot with Fenrir.
Drogo chuckled as he took another drink and let the cool ale slide into his belly and fill his blood with warmth. "She is exhausted and in pain. But determined to stay awake with him for now," Drogo said. She was always so stubborn when she set her mind to something. No one, and nothing short of death could change her path once it was started.
"Of course. Did you really expect anything less from your wife?" Julian asked, he had one hip cocked as he stood on his left leg. His right one still bore pain from an injury years ago that never set right.
Drogo shook his head, pride in his eyes, "Hell to the no. I may wish she would take it easy and get the rest her body needs, but I know better than to try forcing her. I like my body parts attached to their current locations." His laughter was deep and infectious as Julian joined him. He was aware of how dangerous a she-wolf she could be when she was wound up.
"What I am worried about, is the prophecy delivered by Seraph, during a storm as severe as what just came through. It's a bad omen and sets me on edge." Drogo surveyed the area. Most of the ground was a mud pit. Thankfully, there were plenty of rugs, carpets, and mats placed under and around all the tents for this very reason. They were all water resistant so the flooding of the ground under them didn't soak through. Sure, they had the fresh rainfall flooding to walk through, but at least it wasn't mud on top of that.
"Yeah, being born under a storm like that is an ill omen they say. Apparently, they were right," Julian said as he shook his head. He looked around the camp and noticed a few females were heading over to check on Luna. One was a very familiar brunette that stole Julians breath. "Excuse me for a minute boss," he said as he sat his mug down and went to go over and talk to the breathtaking brunette. She had a odd stride to her walk as she followed the other females.
"Allison, baby, you should be resting," Julian said as he joined his wife, and Luna's beta, the second female in command. He checked her over to make sure she was alright as he placed a hand over her belly.
Allison turned to her husband and glared at him; her swollen belly evident of the impending birth. "Do not think you can boss me around, now that I can't chase your slow ass around the camp," she said to him, her voice was high and sweet to his ears.
"Nope, I would never dream of bossing you around. It was merely a recommendation, which you are fully right to ignore if you want," he said, immediately throwing his hands up in a surrendering gesture. He learned from watching Luna plant the mighty Drogo on his ass while pregnant how irritable and quick to anger a female nearing her due time was.
Allison's brown eyes lit up in humor as she reached out to take his hand. "I just want to check on Luna and the future boss, then I will go lay down as you ask," she said as she leaned in and placed a tender, chaste kiss on Julian's cheek.
Julian smiled as her lips touched his skin. "Alright baby, I'll be waiting for you to tuck you in," he said teasingly. She gave him a derisive scoff as she pulled back the tent flap and entered while her own midwife waited outside the tent respectfully to avoid crowding the space inside.
Luna looked over and smiled as her Beta walked in, her own distended belly leading the way. "Allison, baby girl you should be resting," Luna chastised her softly with affection as she reached out a hand towards her.
Allison smiled and said, "We both know how horrible I am at following orders; yours, Julian's, even the doctors," she said with a laugh. Both, however, knew that truth. When it came to following orders without fail, there wasn't a wolf among this clan better at it than Allison. Her loyalty and dedication were without reproach.
"Yeah right. You only ignore the orders when Julian gives it," Luna joined her laughter.
Allison looked on at the newborn child and fresh mother in the bed. "You look like shit, but you have a glow around you." Allison sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to gently stroke the little one's head.
Luna glared at her best friend. "Oh, shut it. Let's wait until you go through hours of painful labor without any medication or assistance and see how perfectly put together you look," she said in challenge.
Allison's eyes narrowed as she picked up on the hint. "Is that a challenge, my Alpha?" she asked quietly. If someone was going to call her out, she would show them up every single time.
Luna laughed and shook her head. "No, even I am not that heartless to force you to do that," she said, smiling warmly at her. As she spoke, Fenrir let out a soft quiet burp and let go from Luna's tit.
Allison leaned over and gently stroked the back of his barely covered head. His soft hair tickled her fingers. "Grow big and strong little Fenrir, you have all our hopes and dreams resting on your shoulders," she said.