Bygone Love For The Alpha

Daisy

Daisy. I knew Daisy. She was my friend. Among the few werewolves who saw beyond the Pack hierarchy, she treated me as an equal. She wasn't my best friend, but she was a steadfast companion. She knew of my affection for Ezra and even encouraged me to confess. She believed he felt the same. As teenagers, we often spent time together, Ezra, Daisy, and I. Sometimes Caleb joined us, but Ezra never tolerated his taunts. He'd shut him down, sending him away.

Where Caleb was cruel, Daisy was kind. She stood up for me, just like Ezra. A truly good soul. My heart ached when I learned that Ezra had found his mate in Daisy. I couldn't blame her for something beyond her control. Fate, not Daisy, chose them. I remember how she couldn't meet my eyes after she learned Ezra was her mate.

"I'm so sorry, Jade. I never wanted this, but fate binds us. I can't reject him. It would harm us both. Please try to understand. I'm so sorry. Please, don't do this to us. Have mercy," she implored after my ill-fated confession. I couldn't comprehend her fear. Ezra had already chosen her over me.

Our friendship fractured then. She and Ezra began their romance, and I left. I only saw her again at their wedding. It was a painful sight. I felt anger seeing her beside him, reciting vows. I had no right to be angry. They didn't choose this. Fate wove their love story. It was I who stood amid their beautiful bond, so I departed. I can vividly recall the day Ezra and Daisy exchanged vows right before my eyes. The ache in my heart remains etched, witnessing their boundless joy of discovering one another. It takes me back to that day...

"Ezra, do you take this beautiful girl to be your lawfully wedded wife and the future Luna of the Red Moon Pack?" Alpha Leo officiated his son's wedding.

Ezra gazed at Daisy with such love and depth. I longed for that look from him, but it never came. He held her hand, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Daisy blushed, her eyes locked with his. Alpha and Luna beamed with pride. Everyone celebrated, while my heart shattered. Even now, I haven't accepted the truth. I could never replace Daisy. Ezra could never look at me the way he looked at her. Today, I still hoped he'd turn to me, and tell Daisy he couldn't marry her because he loved me. But who was I kidding? Only myself...

"I do," he declared, and the crowd erupted again. Some laughed, some clapped. Some wiped the tears of joy from their eyes, while I stood at the back, tears streaming, heart in tatters.

They married before my eyes. Ezra was bound to Daisy. He'd forgotten me and never attempted to reach out. Yet, here I stood at his wedding, watching him find true love. When they kissed, the crowd was in awe, but I shut my eyes. I couldn't bear to see them.

I didn't stay for the reception. I knew Ezra would be introducing his new wife to everyone. I couldn't bear to watch, so I hugged my parents as they hugged me back, sympathy in their eyes. "It'll be alright. You'll find someone even better, my darling," Mama whispered before I left. While the Pack celebrated Ezra and Daisy, I drove back to the city, my heart in ruins.

Now, I sat before a crude fireplace, flames dancing within. Mama sat beside me, both of us cradling cups of hot herbal tea as the rain poured outside. It had been minutes, but there was no room in my mind for the thought of Daisy's passing. She was gone. It was unbelievable. Her voice, her laughter, and her lovely face played in my thoughts. My heart broke for a different reason. She had found love, but not by design. She was fated to be with Ezra. She deserved happiness with her family.

I watched Mama, brow furrowed, heart heavy, as she stared into the fire, recounting the story. The tragic tale of Ezra and Daisy...

"I know it pains you. That's why we never told you, Jade. They were happy. Daisy was a fine young woman. Even after you left, they continued to visit. They often asked about you. Ezra said Daisy worried about you and was sorry for how it all turned out." A smile tugged at her lips before she glanced at me.

I lowered my gaze. She wanted me to know they still considered me a friend, even when I believed we were no longer in a good place. "Anyway, everyone loved her. After their wedding," she hesitated, nervous, and I waited for her to continue. She sighed and finally went on, "After their wedding, she became pregnant."

Of course, they tried for a child. They were married. There was nothing wrong with it, and I shouldn't feel bad. I nodded slowly, urging her to continue. "Ah, well, everyone was thrilled. A few months later, they learned they were having a boy. The Pack celebrated. Before long, Daisy went into labor. Everyone waited for the news. People gathered outside the hospital, waiting for the good word. And it came. Daisy gave birth to a healthy baby boy," she told me.

My eyes widened, "Ezra has a son?" I barely whispered.

Mama nodded gently, "Yes, Theodore," she answered.

Theodore. This name transported me back to another chunk of the blissful memory I shared with Ezra. It was from the days when we were mere high schoolers.

"When Harry was born, I wasn't happy," Ezra laughed as he recounted the tale. We sat by the riverbank, sharing lunch. It was our secret spot, known only to us in school. "For four years, I reveled in all the attention. But when Harry was born, suddenly everything was about him. I was so angry with my parents for bringing Harry home." We laughed together as he continued, "I wouldn't even go near him. So my parents came up with a solution. They told me to name Harry, so I'd feel closer to him—and they were right. I did feel closer when I knew I could name my little brother," he smiled. His infectious smile. It always got to me.

I smiled, taking a bite of my sandwich, "Oh," I chewed and swallowed, "You named Harry?"

He shook his head, "No. I wanted my parents to name him Theo. Theodore. But the elders didn't agree. They claimed an elder dreamt of Alpha and Luna's second child being named Harry." He rolled his eyes, "You know how much everyone respects the elders here, so that was it. Harry was named Harry — not Theo. I was sad for a few days, but I got over it." He grinned.

"Aww, I like Theo. It's a nice name," I told him.

He nodded, "I know. I'm going to name my son Theo," he winked at me, "To hell with the elders. My son will be Theodore Ezra Lincoln," he declared.

My heart swelled, back when the naive me believed that's what we'd call our child.

My mother's voice dragged me back into the present. "But," Mama paused before setting her cup down and continuing, "But, there must have been complications after the birth. A week later, she was admitted to the hospital, and a couple of days later, she passed away."

There was silence before Mama sighed, "Ezra was devastated after Daisy's death. We didn't see him for months, then one day, we did. He looked so frail and hollow. He was like stone. No reactions, no smiles. Frozen in time. Thank goodness he had his son. As Theo grew, we began to see glimpses of the old Ezra. Even now, he's not entirely himself, but he's doing much better." Mama smiled, "You should see him with Theo, Jade. They're so endearing together," she softly chuckled.

I forced a smile and nodded. The idea of Ezra as a father didn't have a place in my mind, or my heart. I'd need time to digest Mama's revelation.

I felt for Ezra and Daisy. They didn't deserve this. They were good people. Ezra had always been there for me. I wondered if it would be appropriate for me to be there for him. No, that wouldn't be wise, especially when everyone around me knew my feelings for him, and most importantly, when I still felt something for him.

…

My thoughts never strayed far from Ezra and Daisy, even as we discussed unrelated topics. After my father returned from work, the three of us gathered for dinner, conversing about Momo, my city life (my father's disapproval of my distance from the Pack wasn't concealed), and various other matters. However, beneath the quiet and the clinking of silverware, thoughts of Ezra and Daisy persisted.

The rain had ceased by evening. Following our meal, my father announced that we were to attend the Alpha's gathering. My heart raced upon hearing this. I attempted to conjure an excuse, but my father was not in a listening mood. "Jade, it would be quite impolite of you. Everyone will be there. I understand it will be difficult for you. Seeing Ezra again and dealing with Daisy's loss... I know it won't be easy. But please, come with us."

I couldn't contest my father's wishes. I was already residing in the city against his desires, and he had persistently urged me to return, to aid him in managing his clinic within the Pack. The least I could do was stand by him on this occasion. Perhaps, if I lingered behind and left right after the prayers, I might go unnoticed. And so, I acquiesced.

The entire Pack had assembled. The Alpha's family, along with the Beta and their respective families, occupied the forefront. Naturally, the Omegas were situated at the rear. For once, I paid little mind to the hierarchical division. I wore a black hoodie with jeans and a plain white T-shirt underneath. My hair was secured in a low bun, and I wore jogging shoes. The earlier rain had rendered the forest path muddy, damaging the soles of my shoes. I clicked my tongue in mild frustration and stationed myself at the rear. I glanced about, searching for familiar faces. The Omegas greeted me with warm smiles, while the werewolves largely overlooked me. I did catch a few curious glances—no doubt they were attempting to recall where they'd seen me before. I kept my head lowered, thus avoiding recognition. Since Omegas were generally regarded as less noteworthy, their inquisitiveness quickly waned, and they redirected their attention elsewhere.

Candles were distributed to each of us. Predictably, it was the Omegas overseeing the distribution. We lit our candles and awaited the commencement of the prayers. I swallowed the lump in my throat, reminded that this gathering was to honor Daisy and offer prayers for her soul. My eyes stung at the thought of her. My heart remained heavy; I still couldn't fathom that she was gone—so young, so lovely, and so cherished...

I sniffled, gazing down at my flickering candle, its flame swaying in rhythm with the chill breeze. I attempted to shield it with my hand, but it was too late. The flame succumbed, leaving behind a thin plume of smoke. I clicked my tongue in mild vexation and surveyed the area to identify any other victims of the brisk wind. To my dismay, I was the sole casualty. A surge of bitterness welled within me. Was this a consequence of my ill fortune?

I approached my mother, inquiring about matches or perhaps a lighter. She gestured toward a table laden with candles, matchboxes, and lighters. I nodded, surveying the surroundings. Everyone was engrossed in their conversation. I heaved a sigh and picked up a lighter from the table. Glancing around once more, I confirmed that attention remained elsewhere. With a flicker of determination, I ignited the candle, only for the wind to extinguish it anew. I frowned and rekindled the flame, met with the same outcome.

I clicked my tongue in frustration, giving the candle one more attempt. The recurring extinguishments had grown embarrassing. As the wind thwarted my efforts yet again, irritation coursed through me. I was inclined to discard the stubborn candle, but just as I moved to do so, a small hand tugged at the hem of my hoodie.

I shifted my gaze downward, and there before me stood a child, no older than three, perhaps four. His eyes sparkled like sapphires, a playful smile adorning his pale countenance. Those captivating doe eyes peered up at me. Generally, I wasn't one to take much interest in children, but I couldn't deny the undeniable charm of this particular child. The sense of familiarity lingered, though its source remained elusive.

"Thank you," I expressed. He giggled and positioned himself beside me.

Furrowing my brow, I inquired, "Hey, where are your parents?"

He looked up at me once more, grinning, then took my hand with his free one. Suddenly, I felt a tinge of awkwardness. I scanned the surroundings, seeking the child's parents, only to discover that all eyes were on me. Apprehension set in. I swallowed hard, attempting to free my hand, but the boy clung to my fingers, unwilling to let go. A wave of hushed murmurs and whispers rippled through the crowd. I knew I was the subject of their conversation. Anxiety took hold as I considered potential accusations from these werewolves.

Just as my unease reached its peak, a familiar voice rang out. "Theo! What are you doing?"

My eyes widened as I beheld Ezra marching toward us. I gasped, diverting my gaze to the child. Suddenly, it all clicked – this was Theo, the son of Ezra and Daisy.

"Look, Dada! I made a new friend!" he chortled, still gripping my hand.

I lifted my head to meet Ezra's approach. As soon as our eyes locked, he froze. His eyes widened, and though I couldn't hear him, I could clearly see his lips forming my name.