Part 3. Dante and Ares
In every pack, there’s a hierarchy, no matter how different the system of values and rules might be. At the top of the pyramid sat the Pack leader, who’s supposed to be the wisest man amongst all other men. The leader’s decisions must be respected by all members of the pack, regardless of whether or not they agree with them.
In Bruno Pack, Jacob Bruno’s ancestors have held the position of Pack leader for generations upon generations, not because they consider themselves above everybody else or any of those prejudices that are all too common in the neighbouring packs, but because they were trained to be leaders from birth.
The three Alphas were taught to be the best, fairest, and most vital wolves possible from childhood itself. Despite the responsibility that weighed upon them, Dante was the one who had genuinely enjoyed his lessons, taking in every single piece of information with enthusiasm in order to make sure that, when the time came, he wouldn’t fail his pack.
In a world where omegas were treated like garbage, his pack regarded them as equal to Alphas.
Due to the growing violence towards Omegas and their decreasing numbers, they are usually regarded as knotwhores or, worse, used only for household chores. Packs that respect omegas as equals are rare, and ones that give them the power of decision and the right to an opinion are, sadly, even more infrequent.
Not in Bruno pack.
Their father was the person to bring this change. Jacob wanted omegas to be treasured, given a severe position in the decision-making process by having their kind as the sub-pack leader.
The responsibility mainly was given to the pack leader’s mate, whose obligation is to inquire about opinions and complaints from the rest of the omegas. Even in packs, the omegas are often abused and ignored, held back from making their voices reach the Pack Alpha. To curb this problem, Luna, wife of the Pack Leader, has to take responsibility.
Omegas, even in such a modern and liberal pack, were still scared of being honest with their Pack Alpha, so having an omega as second-in-command made the whole process more easier and more sincere for all the parties involved.
At the moment, Dante and his brothers were mateless. They had no mate. It seemed like every single unmated omega from their pack was under the impression that suppressing their personality and acting as a walking, talking stereotype is the way into their heart. They couldn’t be more wrong.
The three of them already knew that they were destined to one omega. Jacob already called the witch and had their readings done.
Their stepmother, father’s third wife, was the sub-leader at the moment. Veronica. Just the thought of her name sent shivers down his spine. She was almost too nice, always trying to be involved with everything so that people are reminded she’s the Luna. As if that’s going to last forever.
Veronica married their father, a Pack Alpha, when she’s very young. It was a marriage of convenience. Her pack had been attacked, and she had no one left. Jacob, already single with three Alpha children, didn’t hesitate to propose to her. They have been together with each other for over twenty years now.
They both have two daughters, beta and omega. Rayly and Janet. The three Alphas adored their little sisters, dotted on them and took care of them while their mother ignored them most of the times. She always had an excuse for that.
The Pack leaders traditionally retire when their eldest alpha son reaches the age of twenty-four so that the power can be shifted to a younger, more intimidating generation. Before he could officially do that, his health started worsening. The Pack Alpha had taken to bed, and he had no choice but to call his elder son back from the military.
Jacob handed the reins over to all three of his sons, unable to pick among them. He loved them all equally.
The three Alpha brothers readily agreed, having no problem sharing the power of the throne amongst them. Besides, it was a huge pack. Zach, Ares and Dante divided the pack responsibilities with one another.
Dante wanted some time away from the pack, so he decided to go on a hunt. Shift into his wolf and have a hearty meal. Bring some back for his brothers. With that thought in his head, the Alpha ran deep into the woods. The brown wolf's fur stood on end, his lips curled back in the most furious of facial expressions, and through the silence, a snarl rumbled out of his throat and into the air. His coat almost glinted in the bright light as he ran past the enormous trees within the blink of an eye, covering a large distance. Dante might not be the giant wolf out there, but he had an impressive stature and speed to match it.
Further along, he spotted the river and decided to rest for a while. The Alpha rested his furry head on his paws; eyes narrowed at the opening of trees in front of him. He was waiting for the prey, big or small, to make the tiniest bit of noise. Dante could leap out and catch it. Instead, he heard the distress signals followed by the pungent smell of rogue.
He shifted back, knowing that the rogue could smell an Alpha easily and might run away. Dante didn’t want to give that rogue any chance. When he followed the scent, that’s when he saw the prettiest creature ever.
The Alphas eyes widened, lips parted as her body fell lax in his arms. She remained unresponsive for a second or two before Dante realised that the woman was not conscious. His chest tightened around, throat going dry as he slowly cradled her head, trying to wake her up. Nothing happened.
Dante’s eyes roamed around, trying to find her belongings. The young woman was not a rogue; he could easily sense that. But her scent was also different, almost artificial and non-existent. How is that possible?
Having no other choice, he quickly picked the stranger in a bridal style before running to his pack. He had no idea what might have caused her to lose consciousness. Rayly was studying to be a doctor, and he believed that she might know a thing or two.
When he stepped into the pack territory, the Alpha quickly summoned his sister. The nineteen-year-old came rushing and immediately got the hold of the young woman.
“You need to wait outside now, brother.”
Dante wanted to argue but stepped back, letting his sister take control. As he began pacing the clinic hallway, the Alpha spotted his brother approaching through the door. Ares looked out of sorts, dishevelled, his hair sticking out in different directions.
“What happened?!” Ares was quick to yell, only to wince upon realising that they were standing in a clinic. He pulled Dante aside. “Are you hurt? I could not help but feel anxious from the last fifteen minutes.”
Dante sheepishly smiled. His signals were pretty intense back then. In his defence, he was saddled with unconscious person having no clue about her whatsoever. It was natural for his Alpha to seek his brother‘s help immediately.
“Dante!” Ares nudged his shoulder. “I’m talking to you. What happened? Why are you standing in a clinic? Is Rayly here?—”
The Alpha was quick to cut him off. His brother could talk a mile when he’s nervous, having no control over his speech. “I am fine. See!” He almost twirled around to reassure him. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
Ares exhaled loudly, a hand raking through his hair, tugging on them messy strands again. “Then what are you doing here?”
“I found a beta?” Dante cringed. “I think she’s a beta. Anyways this beta was being attacked by a rogue, so I helped her out. Then she fell unconscious. I didn’t know what to do, so I bought her here.”
Ares hummed. “A beta, huh? Is she a rogue? You know how Zach feels about having someone else in our pack. Especially rogues”
Then it clicked Dante. If Ares got the distress signal from him, then Zach might also be able to perceive it. He cursed himself. His brother would not react kindly to this unknown person.
“Shit!” Dante slapped his forehead. “We have to get her out of here. Now!”
Ares groaned. They both stared at the closed door as their sister stepped out with one of the pack doctor. He nodded towards them before walking out of there.
“Is she okay?”
The beta frowned at their erratic behaviour. “Yes. Felix gave him a sedative. So she’s sleeping now. You can see her later.”
“But it’s urgent—”
Rayly shook her head. “I said later! Go now!”
Dante visibly gulped. He just hoped that she would wake up and they would send her away before Zach finds out.