CHAPTER 7: Scents of War

Back at the Wolfsong Dominion Pack

Cassius’s POV

It’s been exactly five days since Dahlia died. I couldn't bring myself to believe that she was brutally murdered in the Pack cell, but since she is just an omega under a cloud, her death didn’t bother any of us that much, although it all seemed like a mystery to me.

I stepped out of the pack house, savoring the freshness of the atmosphere that came from the woods. The pack members are all seated around their fireplaces, not very far from each of their cabins, under the canopies of ancient towering trees, which were incorporated into framing and windows, revealing a connection to the wood where we took abode.

Our environment is very serene; its serenity only lasts when there is peace. The serenity is likely fleeting because, as werewolves, we are always drawn to conflict and danger.

For the past few years, I think we have been at peace with our neighboring packs. As powerful as the Wolfsong Dominion Pack might be, the least we could wish for is to be at war with any other packs, not even now that I will soon be in position as the next Alpha.

Mind you, it’s not like I am not powerful as a beta, but it takes a greater responsibility to be an Alpha, plus I couldn't wish for war.

‘Bud, you look troubled; what’s the problem?” Garret Owen, a warrior of our pack, asked, snapping me out of the trance that I was in. We have both been ambling around the packhouse for a few minutes.

Garret will be the next beta after I assume the position of Alpha. Although it is not his position to claim, since Gamma Maximus had committed an atrocity, he would assume his position as the next beta.

I took a deep breath before I found something to mutter. “I’m just a bit nervous about what the position of the Alpha will be like,” I responded with a smirk at one corner of my lip.

Garret chuckled slightly. “I think it's the same with me, you know, being the next beta and you as the next alpha; that means a great responsibility lies on our shoulders." Garret commented, butting in his view.

I flew my hand across Garret's back, patting him slightly. “Everything will be fine, man."

"Sure,” he responded, shaking his head slightly.

“Selene, are you in?” I mind-linked my mate as soon as we almost got to her cabin, which she shared with her little sister, Sophia.

“Yeah, you are outside, right?” She responded through the mind-link.

"Sure,” I mind-liked back.

In a jiffy, she came outside, springing her full weight on me as she wrapped both hands around my neck.

I snaked my hands around her waist, parted her lips, and planted a kiss on her soft pink lips. She disengaged after a few seconds and moved to my side, holding my hands in hers.

“I can’t wait to be the next Luna,” she said, squaring her shoulders proudly as we continued strolling forward.

Garret cleared his throat, and I wondered what he was trying to spill.

“Look who doesn’t see me walking side-by-side with the next alpha,” Garret said with his face glued to Selene's direction.

“Ohh! My bad, I never knew you were here,” Selene muttered apologetically, barely above a whisper.

“It’s fine if you say so." Garret responded with a tone of finality.

“You both have also forgotten the alpha is standing in between,'' I added jokingly, as we all burst into peals of laughter.

The future of the Wolfsong Dominion Pack lies on our shoulders, so it’s good we have fun a little before assuming that position.

The moment of happiness was altered when Selene asked a question.

“Don’t you think the warriors should be held accountable for Dahlia’s death?” Selene quizzed, her face etched with gloom.

“C’mon, why are you getting bothered? She is just an inconsequential omega,” I responded, trying to lighten up her mood. She has been very worried since the day Dahlia died. I don’t know why she cared for her so much.

“I don’t know why you took so much liking to that girl,” Garret added.

“I’m just worried about her,” Selene replied, grinning.

“You don’t need to be, okay?” I said.

“So, when is our mating ceremony? I can’t wait,” she asked gleefully, trying to change the already tense atmosphere.

“Wait!” I raised one of my hands in the air and paused for a bit, trying to grasp the situation. “Di… did you hear that?” I quizzed, squinting my eyes nervously, my heart panting heavily.

We all stood as soon as we heard the sound of what was coming in our pack’s direction.

“Aren't those rival wolves marching towards our territory?” Garret stared at me questioningly.

Yes! It is now clear and audible. The sound of low growls and menacing paws reverberated from the woods. The air crackled with fear and tension.

“Everyone, gather at the assembly ground now!” Alpha Damian roared through the mind-link to all the pack members. Within a few seconds, everyone was running in the direction of the assembly ground.

“Let’s join them immediately!” I ordered jolting both Garret and Selene out of their thoughts.

In a twinkling of an eye, everyone had gathered.

"Dear brothers and sisters of the Wolfsong Dominion Pack,” Alpha Damian began, his voice low and guttural. “For the past few years, we have been at peace with our neighboring pack,” he paused as the pack members nodded their heads in agreement. "But this peace is coming to a stop at this very moment because our rival pack is lurking behind the forest, ready to launch their attack at the most favorable time.” Growls erupted from the assembled wolves.

“We will fight!” Alpha Damian roared with determination in his voice. “With our families, we will show them that we are not a weak pack! We will show them what it means to be a loyal pack! We will fight with our strength!" The wolves erupted in a frenzy of excitement. “Now! Take the children to the hiding place before they get nearer.” Alpha Damian declared, his head held high and his eyes burning with rage.

The pack members howled and growled, turning into their wolf form, signifying they were ready to answer the call to war.

Even though Alpha Damian is old, he is ready to fight for his pack, even if it’s for the last time. I could see fury, anger, and determination in my father’s eyes.

In a matter of seconds, all the pack members are ready for war. Their furs bristled with anger and rage.

“Cassius, are you ready for war?” My father turned his gaze at me as I stood menacingly beside him in my wolf form.

"Yes, Father,” I mind-linked confidently. Even though I never wished for war, there was nothing I could do. The pack’s safety is our responsibility.

Soon we could see the enemies from afar, even though they were some distance away from us. They looked terrifying and vast in numbers as they marched towards our territories, giving out loud growls, and the ground trembled beneath their paws.

Their Alpha, a hulking figure with a mane of silver fur, led them as their warriors followed behind, tearing the earth with their sharp claws. The scent of war hung heavy in the atmosphere.