Present’s

Waking up to my usual routine a nagging feeling kept bugging me. Like a fly that swarms around but you just can’t seem to catch. The sense of anxiety was great. It subsided when I woke up. Like another body was dreading the absence of my other emotions. It felt like it was being tuned more and more in my direction. Strangely it felt like I was feeling multiple emotions at once. Happiness that I had tuned back into the signal. Worry about my fear of the floor board. Sad about the quick shock of a cold shower. Anger at the threat from father. It felt like some part of me was being torn open. The walls you built to protect the sanctuary of my mind and feeling’s were being chipped at. Trying to find an indication of something anything that could be latched onto. It bugged me and continued to bug me until I made a fatal mistake.

*Clink*

I dropped a spoon….

I sighed picking it up when you heard the chair recliner go down.

“YOU MAKING A FUCKING MESS IN MY HOUSE YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE SHIT!” Your father bellowed from the living room.

My heart rate picked up. He was quick to anger. I was quick to fear.

“I-I-I’m sorry sir.” I dropped to my knees waiting for what was to come.

My voice trembled as he walked over and slapped me as hard as he could in the cheek. My face met the cabinet leaving a gash on my cheek and his hand left a bruise on the other.

He began to kick me repeatedly in the stomach. Pain flooded my senses as he kicked my ribs and chest. Over and over before he spit on me.

With that a loud thunder boomed over the house. I hadn’t remembered seeing any rain clouds. It had been surprisingly warm out since yesterday. I heard what sounded Like hail start cascading down. The thunder boomed again, shaking the house. He stopped looking out the window. He tensed up before letting out a chuckle. I heard him grab a knife from the drawer before slamming it open. He grabbed me by my neck he walked us to the front door. Slamming it open.

“WHAT! IM STILL HERE! GONNA DO SOMETHING? HUH! WHAT HAPPENED? MY **** WAS GONNA BE HORRIBLE REMEMBER?” my father drunkenly yelled outside the door. Nobody was outside. The hail became faster and faster. He placed the knife to my neck.

“DO SOMETHING TO ME AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS. YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! WANT ME TO RETURN THE FAVOR? COME AND SHOW HIM! ILL SLIT HIS FUCKING THROAT WHEN YOU DO! HES 18 NOW ARE YOU SCARED HE’LL HATE YOU? ARE YOU A COWARD FOR HIM? YOUR FUCKING WEAKNESS IS IN MY HAND RIGHT NOW! THATS IT ISN’T IT! ALWAYS AT MY THREAT!”

I was scared. This was the first time he’d ever threatened my life before. The hail began to stop. Almost like it had taken his words seriously. I heard thunder rattling now in the distance. He laughed loudly.

“YOU KNOW HE’LL HATE YOU!” He screamed and laughed.

Rain replaced the hail now. I was too scared to think about this though. He dragged me back inside and threw me on the ground.

“Clean this shit up.” He ordered. Before going back to his chair.

The pain was overwhelming. I was tiny to his 7ft frame. I curled tightly into a ball as tears slowly left my eyes. Soon I felt the tuning back in again. **** anxiety, Fear, Worry. Slowly leaning into the tune the pain subsided as if it was being taken somewhere else. Like someone was choosing to take the pain for me. Soon those feelings were replaced by one not of my own but should be. Seething anger. Murderous and unquenchable rage. It was ravenous. It flitted back and forth from worry to anger. I simply focused on being okay. Soon the receiving end understood. However that feeling from yesterday tripled. Hunted. I will be found.

Picking myself back up I cleaned the blood from my cheek and off the cabinet and the single spoon from the ground. I hobbled back upstairs and climbed into bed. I knew it was time to leave. The thought scared the other end of my mind.

You laughed again.

“Nobody can hear you. You’re crazy and delusional.” I mumbled quietly.

The nagging feeling returned,

“that’s not true” it said.

I weighed the pros and cons of leaving, I was of age to do so. Despite my minds protest I chopped them up as delusion. Pro never seeing my fucking father again. Con burrowers. Pro never feeling scared of your father again. Con where would you go? Pro never hearing my father again. Con again burrowers. That was the biggest con. It usually takes a full blown Alpha to one on one them. I was tiny compared to Alphas. I had nowhere to hide from them and at minimum I was two weeks away from making it to the capital on foot. I had no idea how to fight only hunt. Though it was early I closed my eyes. Allowing a deep sleep to take me away.

In the capital

“Well that was something.” Royal Alpha Rex stated

Three hands gripped the black orb.

Alphas Kolby, Dylan, and Marky’s grip was so tight that their knuckles were white. Each was clutching their stomach none winced.

“West.” They all said in unison.

“Over the mountain.” Kolby said aloud.

“He’s being abused.” Dylan said with a snarl on his face.

“He’s okay right now but definitely asleep.” Marky said.

The three of them were connected to their Beta and through the orb it heightened the experience. It was an unusual tactic they had to resort to just to find him. However he’d failed to show up to the capital. Never sent a swab. Nothing. They had worried if he was dead. They knew the orb could answer that question. Which it had. They had sensed his fear, sensed his ****. Through the orb and the stronger than normal connection they took his pain. Sharing it among the three of them. It was strange too. Aside from the Beta they felt another being in vicinity. It wasn’t the Alpha that hurt him. They felt this being tune directly into their connection to their Beta. It was scared, frightened, pissed beyond human comprehension, sad. They felt it urge to find him. Find their Beta, Now.

A young Alpha walked into the room.

“Your highness the records show one pack sent 0 Betas. A single Beta matches the bracket and was summoned but failed to do so.”

“An unruly Beta….hmmm…maybe we should teach him a lesson for disobeying a direct order for summons.” Royal Beta Maximus said quietly.

“YOULL DO NO SUCH THING. HES OUR BETA AND HES A HOSTAGE!” Alpha Marky snapped.

“Now now. They’re correct darling. The Beta does seem to be held back by his pack. Do we have a census on them?” Rex asked

“Yes your highness.” The Alpha handed him a paper.

“I see Alpha Cody Aurel and his son Beta Dean Somber….” He flipped the page over again and again

“That’s all? Not much of a pack simply a father and son living in the woods. Though I do see a **** record for another Beta and Alpha. His father. Thomas Aurel and a Dean Aurel. What’s even stranger is he doesn’t share their last name.”

The three Alphas eyes met with each other. Their Beta was abused by his own father? Not unheard of though rare. The other one dead? They didn’t allow their emotions to be read with everyone else in the room. Though a silent understanding passed through them. We will get him and bring him to safety. He was their Beta and thought they had yet to meet him. They already sensed the love they’ll have for him. They knew it was their duty to protect him. Thought they worried about when they found him. Their Hormones would act quicker than their rational mind. They wanted to bond with their Beta in the Royal fashion. Take him to their chambers they’ll share. A big comfortable bed, large comforters for him to rest with them. Food and drink of every kind. Love him and be with him tenderly. Entertain and make him smile and laugh with them. Protect him from the world. They wanted that bond more than anything. He was the Royal Beta he deserved that. They understood that more than ever getting a sense of how he was being treated at home.

“How would they have survived this long alone together. Borrowers can make mince meat from clans of bigger size?” Maximus pondered.

A thought they shamefully admitted they hadn’t thought of. How did two people an Alpha and a Beta live in the woods like that and survive?

“Maybe the numbers are much lower out there?” Rex wondered as well.

“We have a photo from census taken this year.” The alpha said. Handing Rex the photo who then handed it to three young Alphas. They each looked at the photos. Small smiles on their faces as they studied it. A warmth they’d never experienced spread through each of their chest.

“Dean Somber.” They each said. As if they were already familiar with the name. Spoken as if he was an old friend they were speaking fondly of.

A genuine smile was etched on his face. They studied his handsome features his sharp jawline and cute button nose. His beautiful smile and deep blue eyes that put everyone else to shame the photo made each Alpha happy to the core. He was staring off in the photo looking away at something just out of frame. They wanted to know what made him happy. Wanted to be the cause of that happiness. They each felt a jealous pang at whatever or maybe whoever caused such emotion. Then they each noticed the bruises on his arms. Finger print sized. On his upper shoulder. Small scars on his arm. Despite his situation he still smiled. His resilience made them happy though sad he’d endured such a life.

“He’s beautiful.” They agreed.

“Well we’ll send a team to get him. Dispatched today. The Royal Beta must be brought back for Ascension. If you three go you’ll rut him on the spot.” Alpha Rex stated.

They nodded in agreement. Though they had to fight the urge to go themselves. They returned to their chamber. The chamber was adorned with black and white marble to signify the two castles of the Alphas and Beta though the Beta castle had long been cast aside. Several generations ago and favored by both parties a new chamber was created where the Royal Alphas and Beta lived. A 15ft by 15ft bed lay at the center back of the room. With two marble slabs at each side with an empty picture frame. Stockpiles of food and drink were in the corner of the large chamber. Swords and spears of every kind decorated the rooms walls. A large balcony with white curtains allowed the sunlight into the room. Overlooking the ocean and beach nearby. A large flatscreen TV with any game console. A shelf with nearly every game to have ever existed. To the Alphas that meant nothing though. Not without him here. They had only really met last week when they fought to the **** against 497 others seeking the position they were in. An uncomfortable truce was what you could call their living situation. For that they couldn’t be blamed. They had yet to bond with each other. The bond was formed through their Beta. Once the bond was created it was unbreakable. Until then they were strangers sharing a bed. Marky picked up the picture frame and inserted the photo of Dean into it. Though the photo was smaller than the frame. They admired the picture of their beautiful Beta.

“This bed is too soft.” Kolby muttered aloud.

“It’s supposed to be.” Dylan stated.

He leaned over and pointed at the photo of Dean.

“For him. He’ll be getting fucked in it by us on a nightly basis and birthing our young in it. All of us will sleep here. man imagine him naked in our bed.” He said laughing letting out a little wolf whistle.

“Too bad I gotta share him with you two.” Marky grumbled.

He laid down on the bed. The three of them got undressed to bare exposing themselves to the room.

“What jealous hell never wanna leave my big cock alone when he sees it.” Kolby said laughing slapping his non erect cock against his hairy blonde abs.

The other two rolled their eyes.

“We’ve been over this since day one we’re all the same size dumbass.” Marky said chuckling.

“Eh 12 and a half inches. I have a half inch difference on you two.” Kolby stated laughing.

“Too bad it cost 2 inches in height.” Dylan said laughing.

The three of them laughed. This was the first time they had a semi pleasant conversation with each other. They all laid in the bed. 2 to 3 feet separating them.

“We’ll save him.” Kolby said to the room.

“Absolutely.” The other two agreed.

They each driftet off to sleep. A calm understanding was there. A promise made. They’d get their Beta.

DEAN POV

That night I dreamt a curious dream. I sat atop a wave. The moon was huge as If setting though it never moved. It was then I felt someone sitting next to me. I attempted to look over but couldn’t. He placed a strong arm around me. I rested my head on his shoulder. I watched as a deep shaded blue dark moon moved slowly from behind the white one.

“I love you.” He said. His voice was deep and smooth. Though I didn’t know him it sounded familiar.

“That’s yours, my precious boy.” He said placing a kiss atop my head. His nose and lips rested in my hair. His arm moved up and down my shoulder in a comforting manner.

Though my voice spoke I don’t know where it came from.

“Thank you. I love you too.”

Waking up I found myself extremely comfortable. The blanket was wrapped so tight around me as if I’d been tucked in. Looking into the mirror my face and body was healed. No scars nothing. Even the old ones seemed to have faded away. I smiled.

Going through my normal routine wake up, cold shower, breakfast for father. Today I knew if I ate he’d hurt me. That was typical after I’d gotten in trouble. My stomach twisted in knots as it grumbled. Deciding I’d hunt. Walking out to the beat up shed I grabbed a crescent shaped bow and my arrow quiver. My father didn’t give this to me. I remember finding it in the woods shortly after turning 16. Ever since i took up hunting in times of high stress and needing to eat. The bow was blue and black adorned with white stones that resembled stars. The arrow quiver was enchanted. The arrow’s always seemed to return to it broken or not. Each arrow was white with a black tip that faded up to white. It was beautiful. I’d always wondered who it belonged too but I always pushed the thought away. Feeling guilty as if I’d stolen it.

I thought about yesterday, how crazy father was. What the actual fuck was that about? He was screaming the storm….he threatened my life. I knew now I’d have to be more vigilant. I thought about taking a knife and keeping it under my bed. I’d have to take one from the kitchen or maybe even the shed.

Making my way into the woods the leaves crunched under my feet. My breath stung in the cool winter air. I thrived in the cold. I wandered around the grove before I found them. Tracks in the dirt. Quietly I followed until I found what I was looking for. A small rabbit I took out an arrow and lined my shot. In an instant it found its mark. I approached the now dead rabbit I always felt guilty when I killed but I needed to eat. I took it gently into my arms and headed back to the shed. Inside was old blades that I used to skin it and prepare it. Leaving I made my way to the one place I felt safe. The log on the shore.

Passing through the trees towards the log I came to a halt. Sitting atop a log was a blue and black box. I approached it slowly setting my things down. I carfully opened it and was shocked by its contents. Inside was a black cloak. Made of the softest material I’d ever seen. Setting it aside I found a flip lighter. All white, I slipped it open and blue and black flames darted out. Curiously I placed it under my palm to get a sense of the heat and shockingly it didn’t burn me. I pressed it to my skin and nothing. Surprised I closed it and set it down. Inside the box was a smaller box. I opened it and found a beautiful chain necklace. The chain was black with a pendant of a crescent moon wrapped around a white stone with blue stones coming out like rays. Opal? Quartz? The blue was definitely sapphire . I’d seen them before on TV. Below the necklace was a black ring with another big sapphire in the center. That was it. I wondered who it was for and who left it here when I found a small card inside.

Dean Somber.

Happy 18th. Stay safe. A storm is coming.

When in doubt reach the peak.

Wear the necklace at all times. It’ll protect you.

Making you faster than you’d ever thought possible,

Quieter than anyone capable.

The ring gives you access to a gift I also made for you.

The flame will never die in the lighter.

The cloak will keep you warm in the coldest lands,

And hide you in the brightest dark,

And from those with the darkest intent.

I love you more than words can describe.

I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.

I flipped the card over and nothing. No saying who it’s from just that it’s for me. I smiled. Happily. I put the cloak on It reached my knees and was open in front yet I found that I was the perfect temperature. I put the necklace on and then the ring. As soon as the ring was on my finger I thought about what the card said.

“Another gift?”

As soon as the words left my lips a sword appeared in my hands, appearing from thin air. I jumped and dropped it but as I did the sword followed placing itself back into my palm. I studied the blade. It was black with the white stone on each side of the hilt. The hilt was blue and black fading into each other. White lines engraved it traveling over like lighting bolts of marble. I looked back at my bow and arrow walking over and picking it up. Realization hit me. It was part of the set. With the bow arrows and the sword wondering where to put them but as I did the sword and bow simply vanished. The ring started glowing before stopping. I wondered looking at the lighter and watched as the ring glowed again before the lighter vanished. Than the cloak. I laughed shocked by this. This was so cool.

I thought about each item and soon they appeared in my hand thought about them gone and poof gone. I laughed loudly. Suddenly without thinking about it the sword appeared. I looked at it confused before noticing a burrower was on the other end of the lake. It sprinted as fast as it could I watched it uncaring, the barrier was still there. Without thinking I noticed my arm with the ring shot up and pointed at it. Soon the sword jumped into the air and shot like a bolt of lightning at the creature making contact before it had a chance to make 20 steps. It screeched before falling dead and in a moment it appeared back into my hand. I stared shocked. Looking back at the sword before it faded. A thought appeared in my mind.

“I love you too.” I said quietly.

Summoning the lighter after pulling some dead branches and leaves together though the wood was wet the lighter lit the trees in a matter or moments. I began to cook the rabbit meat and ate, though it wasn’t extremely filling it did the trick. Kicking the now unnecessary burning wood into the lake I made my way back “home”. On my way back the cloak suddenly appeared on my shoulders. That’s when I noticed them again. Burrowers. 6 maybe 7 of them pacing around the barrier on the eastern side. They pressed their claws against it each time they did a sickening sizzle could be heard before they made a low grumble noise, similar to clicking and grunts. Had they always done that? Normally they run and hit it before sprinting away. The cloak seemed to be working though I was 20 feet away they didn’t seem to notice me. I watched as the sickly pale creatures kept placing a hand on it as it sizzled their skin. Suddenly something approached that shocked me. It was clearly a burrower as well yet it was different, all black and twice the size. Its mouth had larger teeth the others cowered away from it.

“Vodak da malo.” Its jaws moved as if it spoke.

I sat it horrified silence.

The others let out what could be whimpers.

“Hada mo Dean Somber.” A chill ran up my spine. Tears began to leak out my eyes. THAT FUCKING THING SAID MY NAME!

“Cova da mort….KILL.” It grumbled out. It sprinted away into the trees the others followed suit. I sat stunned and crying for several minutes. Absorbing this information. Nobody had ever said they could speak. Though only the big one did. After a bit I picked myself up and headed to the house. I quietly cooked dinner.

A storm is coming.

The thought kept repeating in my mind. Over and over again. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I laid in bed. The moon settled outside. I knew during the night they slept. That big one was a mystery to me. It said my name. It knew who I was. How? I closed my eyes attempting to sleep. It didn’t come easy but eventually it did.