EPISODE TWENTY EIGHT
THEME: The Next Alpha
MOON STONE FORTRESS
BETA JULIUS HOME
The dining room was unnecessarily quiet even as Beta Julius sighed at every passing second. His heart went out to his best friend. Carl has always had a resilient and persistent soul. Beta Julius was feeling bothered because of the fear of what is to come as soon as the alpha king dies is imminent.
Jayden had always been a strong headed child from the very beginning. He so much loved to be in control and practically took no order from anyone except for his father. If he eventually heard of the said prophecy, he would surely call it all bluff and threaten to bring the whole pack down.
“What is eating you up?” Hazel asked as she placed a bowl of chicken casserole on the table.
Julius only heaved a sigh again. Slowly Hazel placed a hand on his shoulder and massaged it gently. She already knew what was bothering him as her mind was all over the place too. The future of the pack and every one of them was at stake and it is almost like calling for war intentionally.
At the same time not handing the post to the one who deserves it will lead to a fatal destruction of them all. This was their home and solace and it is their duty to protect it just as Alpha King Carl said.
“This shouldn’t be happening.” Julius murmured as he relaxed into Hazel’s hands.
“It is beyond our control honey.” Hazel said.
“Why? I just think this is just how conniving fate is. I mean… Is all of this necessary?”
Hazel released a sigh. “It is still not for us to figure out. We can only try our best.”
Lorelei and Sebastian strolled into the dining room with both of their eyes glued to the table. Lorelei appeared to be extremely excited.
Hazel patted Julius back lightly before taking her seat next to him. “Someone seems really excited today.” She said with her eyes watching Lorelei keenly.
Lorelei shrugged and gave her mom a side smile. “Well, let’s just say I was the first to meet the prodigal son today and I must say he is a sight to behold! Better than Jayden.” She huffed at the last statement.
“What are you talking about?” Sebastian asked.
“Haven’t you heard that Jayden’s twin is back?” She snapped her fingers.
Sebastian looked to his parents for confirmation. “Really? Is that true dad?”
Julius nodded his head in confirmation. “Yes. Jaylen returned today.”
“Oh, wow! That’s amazing. It has been so long I saw him. I had no idea a whole lot went down at the pack house today.” He took a brief pause when he remembered something. “But how is Jayden by the way?” He asked with an arched brow.
“Berserk.” Hazel replied, frowning at the spoon she used to scoop some salad into her plate.
“Come on darling, you weren’t there.” Julius rebuked.
Hazel shrugged nonchalantly. “But it is the truth. If you were listening you would have heard the maids at the pack house whispering to themselves on how mad Jayden was when he sighted Jaylen.”
“Why would he be mad?” Lorelei questioned.
“Oh, that’s true. You can’t really understand the situation because you were away the year Jaylen left home.” Sebastian noted.
“What happened?” Lorelei asked curiously.
“Well, this was-”
Sebastian tried to explain but Hazel cut in. “Please no talking on the dining table. Where are your etiquettes?” She had no interest in listening to the discussion all over again.
They have had just about enough for one day. Sebastian and Lorelei shrugged at each other, an obvious sign that they would revisit the conversation later on without their parents presence. Hazel wished she could help Meagan out. She watched her two children eat and throw silent disses at each other happily. The thoughts of how awful she would feel is they were at each other’s neck made her even feel more pitiful for her best friend.
Carl and Meagan’s love story had started beautifully until the twins clocked ten and the trouble started between them. The reasons behind their brawl could never be understood and what was evident was the way Jayden stomped around the house making threats of how much he would love to make his brother disappear from the face of the earth. Those threats really got everyone worried. Jayden was the supposed alpha to be and he had every right to get rid of whomever he doesn’t want. But still not his twin brother.
Hazel snorted lightly. The irony of life. To think that Jayden would not be in charge as fate intends to have it would really make him go crazy. She hoped Meagan would have the strength to withhold every blow as it comes.
“Is everything okay dad?” Sebastian asked as he gulped down his food.
It was unlike Julius to be totally quiet while they are having dinner. He would have at least asked after their welfare and what was more surprising was their mother asking them to stop talking. Their family had no exact rule for eating, dinner time was when they actually have most family time because both parents are always busy and so was he too. Which was why none of them misses dinner and ensure to be on time whichever way they can.
“I am fine.” Julius wiped his mouth with a napkin as he stood up. “Meet me in the study when you are done, Sebastian.” Without looking back he walked out of the dinning room.
“What’s wrong with him mom?”
Both Lorelei and Sebastian asked as they watched their father’s receding back.
Hazel sighed. “He would be fine. You should go meet him.” She told Sebastian.
“Alright.” Cleaning his mouth too, Sebastian pushed the chair backwards and went after his father.
When he got to the study, Julius had with him a photo album. He flipped through keenly with his smiles waning as he opened each page.
“Sit son.” He told him, the moment he heard the door open.
Sebastian sat gently on the edge of one of the couches in the room. “What’s this all about dad?”
Julius looked up at his son. “Sebastian, I shouldn’t be telling you this now. But, I need to prepare your mind for what is to come. And also understand your duty as the future Beta of Moon Stone Fortress.”
Sebastian was still confused. “Ok dad.” He muttered.
“Jaylen would be the next alpha.” Julius announced.
Sebastian almost choked on his spittle. “What? Why? I mean… what are you saying dad? Why Jaylen?” He demanded.
Beta Julius screwed up his face. He doesn’t understand why his son was asking why Jaylen should be the next alpha when there is absolutely no answer to such question because fate had decided it.
“Jaylen would be the next alpha and you as the future Beta needs to ensure your loyalty is to your alpha and no one else. You have to put aside the fact that Jayden is your closest friend here. And do not drag the family’s name in the mud by picking sides.” He warned with a stern look on his face. A little mistake could have the title taken away from the family.
“What’s with the switch all of a sudden?” Sebastian asked with a deep frown on his face.
“You will get to know when the time is right.” Beta Julius replied.
“Dad can you stop speaking in parables please and make things clear to me.” This time his expression softened and his voice pleaded.
Julius was getting more agitated with his son’s continuous questions. “I already told you, Sebastian. You would know when it’s time. Brace yourself and try to get acquainted with Jaylen. I don’t want you making promises with Jayden or forming an alliance. Before anything, you are the Beta of Moon Stone Fortress and what matters is you ensuring the betterment of the pack. That being said, you can go.”
Standing up rigidly, Sebastian knew better than to question his father further. Just as he was about to leave Julius voice stopped him.
“And do not let this out to anyone yet. It is not in your place to tell any of them. For now, be a friend and keep your mind open.” Julius informed him, with a dismissal nod.
“This is getting more confusing.” Sebastian muttered under his breath with a perplexed look on his face.