Bygone Love For The Alpha

Ride Along

"Debra, please, let it go," my father implored my mother, who was still mourning last night's loss of the bushes and flowers.

"No, you don't understand, Dave. Momo planted them with her own hands. She loved them. Now she's gone, and the bushes have died too. I don't understand how it happened. I was taking such good care of them. It rained yesterday, and the last I saw, they were healthy and blooming," my mother sobbed. Her voice trembled with a mixture of grief and confusion.

"Maybe excessive rain could've caused this. We've been having an unusual amount of rain this season," my father reasoned.

"In just a few hours? I find that hard to believe," my mother retorted.

I wanted to tell her it was a matter of seconds, not hours. I witnessed it right before my eyes. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to correct her in the midst of her sorrow. What I witnessed last night weighed heavily on me.

I stood there, draped in somber black. We were expected at Momo's funeral in just half an hour. I blinked slowly, my gaze fixed on the withered bushes and brittle flowers. The memory of last night flooded back. I watched in helpless horror as the black smoke drained the life from these once beautiful plants in a matter of seconds. It unfolded right before my eyes, and I was powerless to stop it. Glancing at my grieving mother, her head resting on my father's shoulder, I felt a lump form in my throat. He comforted her with gentle pats on her back. My eyes stung, threatening to release the tears I'd been holding back.

I spent the entire night awake, unable to find rest. My eyes were glued to the window, anticipating the return of that eerie green light in the forest or the creeping black smoke on the empty streets. Yet, neither reappeared. I replayed the events of last night in my mind, questioning their reality until my head throbbed with the effort. I tried to rationalize it. Perhaps it was a dream, or maybe just smoke from a distant fire—anything to dismiss the notion of black magic. But no explanation seemed to fit. I haven't shared this with my parents.

Fear courses through me. If I so much as utter a whisper about black magic, it could spell trouble for me and the rest of the omegas. The Alpha would undoubtedly launch a full-scale inquiry, making our already challenging lives here even more difficult. I mustn't speak up unless I'm absolutely certain. The moment I'm sure it's black magic, I'll confide in my parents and then, without hesitation, report it to the Alpha.

My heart leaped into my throat as the rumble of approaching Jeeps reached my ears. The three of us swiveled to catch a glimpse of the unexpected visitors. Jeeps were typically the mode of transportation reserved for the werewolves, and they rarely ventured into our part of the territory. Two massive black Jeeps came into view. I strained my eyes to discern the drivers, but before I could, my mother's voice cut through the tension. "Oh dear, Dave, isn't that Alpha Ezra's Jeep?"

Dread seeped through my veins at the mention of Ezra's name. Why was he here? The authorities never paid us a visit without reason. Did they somehow catch wind of the potential black magic? My palms grew slick with sweat, and my mouth felt parched. Scanning the surroundings, I saw other omegas emerging from their cottages, their expressions ranging from fear to confusion. My heart pounded in my chest as the Jeeps came to a stop right in front of our house. I watched, eyes wide with apprehension. Oh God, did they suspect us? Why else would they be here? I held my breath, fists clenched, as my parents looked on, equally perplexed. Ezra leaped out of the lead Jeep, followed by Caleb from the second. This was it. They were here to pin something on us, something we had no hand in.

The moment Ezra stepped out of his Jeep, our eyes locked. He was clad in blue jeans and a sleek black shirt. His hair, slightly damp, was meticulously styled. There hung a necklace around his neck, though I couldn't discern its details. He never used to wear one when we were close friends. His choice of sturdy combat boots was in line with most werewolves. It was only then that I spotted the flower bouquet in his hand – a blend of white roses and delicate tulips.

The memories of last night rushed back, replaying Ezra's distant demeanor. I quickly averted my gaze, wary of fueling misconceptions. He was now the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, no longer just a friend. My eyes strayed, meeting Caleb's. His countenance was... less than endearing. It was clear he was here to keep tabs on me. His face displayed stoic resolve, brows knitted in a furrowed forehead. Unlike Ezra, he sported a plain white tee and carried nothing in hand. Staying close behind Ezra, he moved with an air of vigilance, scanning the surroundings, perhaps searching for perceived threats to his cherished Alpha. It was evident he saw us as a potential danger to Ezra.

As Ezra came to a halt before my parents, they lowered their heads in a show of respect befitting an Alpha. My emotions churned. It felt strange to bow before a friend from the past. Yet, I had to remind myself, he was no longer a friend. So, I mimicked my parents, offering only a slight inclination of my head. "Alpha Ezra. Beta Caleb," they intoned in unison, while I remained silent. There was no gesture or glance spared for Caleb from me. He hadn't earned it.

Ezra briefly glanced at me before turning his attention to my parents. He extended the bouquet to my mother, his voice gentle. "I am here to offer my condolences, Mrs. Hunter." Her surprise was evident, and I shared it. In all the years, through various losses in our community, none of the Alphas had shown such consideration. They rarely even acknowledged the deaths. Seeing Ezra do this was unexpected.

My mother blinked rapidly, clearly taken aback. It was understandable. Both she and Dad looked just as surprised as I felt. This was unprecedented. Alphas and Betas had always stood against the discrimination towards us, but they'd never taken this step. Mom hesitated for a moment before accepting the flowers, her voice grateful. "Oh, thank you, Alpha." She lowered her head in a sign of deep respect. "Your condolences mean a great deal to us." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and it pained me to witness. It was a stark reminder of how starved our community was for any ounce of kindness, that a simple visit from the Alpha could move my parents to tears of gratitude.

"I... wow, I didn't anticipate this visit, Alpha Ezra," my father's voice quivered with surprise. He glanced around, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other, clearly unsure of what to do. "Um, I would be honored to invite you inside, Alpha, but, well, it might not be up to your standards," his words grated on me, and I suppressed an internal groan, rolling my eyes. I despised the way we seemed to undervalue ourselves. It took all my restraint not to urge my parents to stop acting like they were hosting a deity.

Although my parents were oblivious to my internal struggle, Ezra and Caleb caught the flicker of disapproval on my face. "Um," Ezra hesitated, glancing at me before turning to his Beta, "Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, would it be acceptable if Beta Caleb and I attended Momo's funeral? We'd like to pay our respects to her in person."

Ezra's request nearly swept my mother off her feet. She resembled a star-struck fan, her eyes gleaming with a mix of surprise and excitement. And who could blame her? It would mark the very first instance of an Alpha attending a witch's funeral.

"Of course, Alpha Ezra. You're always welcome here, no need for permission," my father assured him. “We are going to walk to the cemetery, you can always follow us, or…” he began to explain our plan to walk to the cemetery, even when I had offered the use of my car, but he declined, expressing his preference not to use a city vehicle. I didn't press the matter. Ezra spoke up before he could finish.

“You don’t have to, we can drive you there.” Ezra offered.

The air was filled with stunned silence as we processed Ezra's unexpected offer. My gaze remained fixed on him, eyes widened in surprise. In that fleeting moment when our eyes locked, a rush of memories from the past came flooding back...

As we stepped out of school, Caleb voiced the question in my mind. Exams were finally over, and Ezra had suggested a night out to celebrate our newfound freedom. "Where are we headed, Ezra?" I asked. The four of us—Ezra, Caleb, Daisy, and myself—were venturing out together. But whenever Caleb was around, I naturally took a step back. He made it clear that he walked beside Ezra, hand draped around his shoulder, while Daisy stuck to Ezra's other side. I preferred avoiding confrontations, so I fell into the pattern, always a step behind.

It's near the western edge of the Pack, a popular spot for students after school. They serve the absolute best chili cheese fries, along with ice-cold beer. I was there once with some other friends for a dart competition," Ezra explained.

I listened intently as he shared, my gaze fixed on the back of his head. Daisy turned to him with wide-eyed admiration, "Oh wow, did you win?" she inquired.

Caleb burst into laughter, "Of course he did! No one had a shot against our future Alpha!" He gave Ezra an assertive pat on the shoulder. Daisy giggled, and Ezra responded with a soft chuckle, playfully pushing Caleb's arm away. Ezra never liked boasting about his achievements or receiving praise. I noticed how he got a little flustered when he did. It brought a fond smile to my lips.

The trio led the way, and Ezra turned to me with a gentle smile, "Why, Miss, what sin have we committed to deserve this distance?" he playfully inquired, coming to a stop. He then turned around and bowed his head in my direction. Daisy's laughter bubbled up, though Caleb's expression remained unimpressed.

I chuckled and shook my head, "Oh, nothing like that. I was simply taking my time," I replied with a shrug, glancing over at Caleb, whose glare was fixed on me.

Ezra caught the fleeting exchange of looks between Caleb and me. He needed no further explanation to understand that it was Caleb's harsh treatment and demeanor that had me trailing behind, like a loyal omega. I saw his expression harden as he shot Caleb a sharp glare. Then, he came over to me and slung his arm around my shoulder.

"Come on, you Chipmunk. Let me treat you to the best chili cheese fries and nachos for all your help with the studying," he said, ruffling my hair playfully before nudging me forward to walk alongside him. I could sense the waves of disapproval emanating from Caleb, but Ezra paid it no mind. Meanwhile, Daisy observed us with admiration, sporting a big smile.

We walked closer to Ezra’s jeep when Caleb halted. All three of us stopped and turned to look at him, “What happened?” Daisy voiced the question.

Caleb rolled his jaws and with a frown on his face he looked at me and Ezra, “Are we all going to take your jeep?” He asked.

Ezra shrugged, “Yes, why?” Caleb's face contorted, and I could feel the tension in the air. It was clear that Caleb didn't like the idea.

Caleb's words hung heavily in the air, a painful reminder of the prejudices I faced. The coldness that washed over me seemed to seep into my very bones. Swallowing hard against the lump in my throat, I questioned whether I should even go. The idea of being paraded alongside a future Alpha, like some token gesture, made my stomach churn. Perhaps it was wiser to stay behind, spare myself the sting of unwelcome gazes.

As I started to step away from Ezra, his grip on me tightened, a silent reassurance that he wasn't letting go. When I dared to meet his eyes, they blazed with an intensity that sent a jolt through me. He understood, and he wasn't about to let Caleb's ignorance dictate our choices.

Ezra's protective stance sent a surge of warmth through me, countering the icy sting of Caleb's words. I knew the truth of the matter, that this wasn't about a simple ride, but about the prejudice that clung to me, even in the eyes of the future Beta.

“You are a jerk, Caleb. I don’t want to hang out with him. If he is going, I am not,” Daisy announced.

Ezra stood like a statue, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a fierce determination. I couldn't tear my eyes away as his nostrils flared and his jaw tightened. When he finally spoke, his voice carried a weight of authority that sent a shiver down my spine. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before.

"Go home, Caleb," he ordered. Each word carries the weight of his Alpha blood. The panic that flickered across Caleb's face mirrored my own astonishment. We had never heard Ezra command with such force, and it left us both stunned.

"Ezra," I began, my hand resting on his arm. I felt a slight tremor under my touch, but it gradually subsided. He lowered his gaze to meet mine, and his eyes softened. "I think it's best if I stay behind. I'm not feeling quite up to it," I admitted, my voice steady.

That day, our celebration plans were shattered. Caleb stormed off in anger, leaving Daisy to retreat home. As for Ezra, he insisted on dropping me off despite Caleb's objections. The atmosphere in the Jeep was thick with tension, each passing moment feeling like an eternity. I tried to lighten the mood, but Ezra remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead, jaw clenched.

When we reached my house, he didn't say a word before driving away. I wondered how long his foul mood would last. It took a couple of days before I heard from him again, and by then, he was back to his usual self. But that ride home marked a turning point. It was the last time I accepted a ride in his Jeep. From then on, whenever he offered, I had a ready excuse. I knew he understood, but he never confronted me about it. And he stopped offering, until now.