Cursed By Fate

Damian’s howl could be heard throughout the entire Bayou. It was the howl of grief. Even the Moon stone pack were not left out. By the time Louis got word of Alpha Rudolph’s death , he could not contain his excitement so he retired to his chambers pretending to be moved .

“And the first domino has fallen Alfred.” He said boasting of his Cunning and smartness to his spy. But Alfred no longer saw the great Alpha he once respected and adored. Rather, Louis took the form of a fox in his eyes.

But as usual he nodded and smiled in approval. While they discussed their success, Elijah returned to his house to find the most unexpected guests. Not only was he surprised , he had the mixture of fear and happiness. Fear because he now believed Louis was unhinged and would do anything to protect his leadership.

Happiness because the true heir to the leadership had returned. “Your arrival could not have been more ill timed my lord.” Elijah said as he poured Carl a glass of whiskey. Laura had been working in the kitchen to help Anne prepare their dinner.

“You say this because of my brother?” Carl said as he poured the liquor down his throat.”I am not here to usurp his throne at least not yet, but to seek shelter and get stronger.”he said with a piercing look into Elijah’s eye.

“I take it at some point you will challenge him for your birth right then.” Elijah asked as he sipped from his glass. “Not to challenge but seize” Carl replied stretching his glass forward for another pour. He knew he was nowhere near ready to face his brother. Elijah understood the danger of losing a suitable heir and agreed with him.

They were just about done with the bottle when they heard a knock on the door. Elijah looked at Carl as though telling him to hide. But the look on Carl’s face mixed with the confidence from intoxication told him he wasn’t going to do that.

Elijah peeped through the glass in the door and hesitated for a bit before opening the door to Alfred. At first he didn’t recognize the half drunk wolf that sat across the sitting room from him , until Elijah whispered “That’s Alpha Ramirez’s Son.”

Alfred’s eyes widened as his pupils became dilated and he dropped on one knee. “Forgive me my lord I had no idea.” Alfred said courteously. “Elijah please tell your good man here I have no need for such gestures.” Carl said sounding very tipsy

“Nevertheless it’s part of our custom to kneel before our Alpha’s. And in your case , you’re a True Alpha.” Elijah replied. “Very well , please get up.” Carl said as he referred to Alfred. Elijah alerted his wife to the presence of another guest and the change in number of servings needed.

Elijah filled Alfred on the situation of things. The three men shared a their meal together while Laura and Anne ate in the kitchen. Anne explained this was customary as they would be discussing intricate details which they might not be privy to. As they ate, Alfred could not keep his eyes off Carl. To think that their pack would be so lucky to have someone who could replace Louis .

“So what are your plans my lord ” he finally asked , putting his spoon down and placing his hands underneath the table. Carl stopped eating and became silent. He pondered for a while before replying honestly” I don’t have a plan, up until now I’ve never needed one. I just wing it.”

Alfred and Elijah looked at each other for a brief moment before Alfred continued. “You can’t just wing it with Louis. He’s meticulous and very conniving. Not to mention he’s strong and ruthless when it comes to combat . I’m sorry my lord but winging it will surely be a poor decision.” Alfred concluded looking at the plate in front of him in order to avoid eye contact.

“Well then Alfred what do you suggest I do? You seem to know so much about my brother. I could almost sense the hunt for admiration for him as you spoke.” Carl said looking straight at him. “I have been your brother’s spy for as long as I can remember. I have served him diligently and with loyalty. But I’m afraid the Alpha I pledge my allegiance to is gone. ”

As Alfred spoke Carl could see the regret in his eyes. He knew the man before him had once loved his brother and probably still did. But the man he had become , seemed to bother Alfred more .”You cannot fight him alone, you would lose. And this is not the time you can convince his warriors to join your cause either.”

Carl was silent as he looked at him . “War is coming and if he has his way, your brother will single handedly become the strongest Alpha with the largest pack in the entire Bayou.” Alfred continued. And Carl realized that if he were to allow that to happen, his chances of ever reclaiming his birth right would be second to none.

“Alpha Rudolph is dead. Now this is good news for Louis but it may also be an opportunity for you. Align yourself with his son Damian and warn him of the impending attack from the hunters. If you can get him to trust you and successfully form an alliance I believe you have a better chance at taking Louis head on.”Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Alfred concluded and stood up to leave. He explained that his absence for too long wouldn’t go unnoticed especially now that he had a tail watching his every move.”Thank you so much Alfred. Your efforts would not be in vain, I promise you that.”carl said as he stood up to shake his hand and prevent him from kneeling.

“I require no thanks my lord, just that you save us from a tyrant and preserve the Pack your father built and nurtured” Alfred said as he turned to take his leave.