World Of The Wolves Ch 02

A loud knock came at the door and Alcana stirred, restlessly in her bed. This drew an annoyed glance between Rivian, Doctor Potter, and Elsie. Alcana needed rest if she was going to get better. Alcana had been seriously wounded and she needed to get well. It had taken all night and all of Doctor Potter's skills just to get Alcana marginally better. Doctor Potter and Elsie knew she was extensively injured; they were happy for now that Alcana was out of debilitating pain.

Still, at long last Alcana was resting, Elsie and Dr. Potter couldn't have curious wolves dropping by every five minutes even if they had the best of intentions. Rivian knew he'd have to take care of this and put the rumors of the woman's presence to rest.

After all, it was his job as Alpha to assuage and calm Antelope Hill's werewolf pack, even if he loathed his job as Alpha. Rivian still took it seriously. Rivian still took responsibility come Hell or high water. As much as he might despite it, Rivian was still Alpha.

"Ash, isn't back is he? I wish he'd leave this poor woman alone! He was bothering her all last night--she needs rest." Elsie bemoaned as Ash tried to enter the doctor's office again. Elsie put her hand and body against the door, briskly spoke with him, and quickly turned him out. Then she locked the door. Both men looked at each other and laughed! They wondered why they hadn't thought of that. Ash left with his proverbial tail between his legs.

Dr. Potter merrily laughed, ate more of his doughnut, and sipped his coffee. "Well, that's my Elsie, my sweetheart. Her spunk and spirit are part of the reason I love her so much! My Elsie really gave that young and annoying punk a piece of her mind that time. I've never seen anyone gotten rid of SO fast. Since I'm Antelope Hill's doctor I have to be polite and courteous--fair and balanced, all that shit. Elsie just speaks her mind and tells everyone what she thinks. I'd almost feel sorry for Ash if he hadn't been bothering Alcana all night. Now listen Rivian, Ash is very young and doesn't know what he wants. He thinks you can get a true mate with the snap of your fingers. Truth be told he's just horny and there's really nothing I can prescribe for that. Yes, that is my medical opinion. We wolves just have to have patience until our true mates show up...you know that I know that more than most. I suppose you know it too, your patience while waiting for your true mate has been saintly. All of us wolves have to wait for our true mate...Ash is just horny...so let the boy wait."

"Ash is persistent BUT don't pay any heed to him telling you that Alcana may be his true mate---if that were really true he'd let her rest or he'd be sitting silently by her bed looking after her Not pestering Alcana every five minutes. He'd also have asked her name. Rivian, trust my medical opinion. Sleep is what Alcana needs. Her broken femur is set, we've the bleeding has stopped for now--although she may need some blood transfusions later, Alcana is slightly anemic, personally I'd like to get her red blood cell count and electrolyte level up BUT she's all patched up and through the very worst. Alcana is out of pain for now. More importantly, she made it through the night. Granted Alcana's case is the most serious case I've seen since Elsie's---but that happened when we were at Cheyenne and in a real hospital.

"So Alcana's is the worst case, by far, I've had here. It'll take several months at least before she's able to leave---she'll also be in serious pain when she wakes up, although I'll do my best to keep her out of that. We need to keep her visitors to a minimum...especially younger and uhmm overly...eager visitors." stated Dr. Potter. It was clear that he wanted Ash to stay away from Alcana but only Rivian could give that order. Dr. Potter was just a pack member, not an Alpha and Ash was a guest in Antelope Hill.

Dr. Potter and Elsie exchanged a look and unspoken words. Glances that made sense to spouses but to no one else. There were other things about Alcana too. Ones they didn't dare mention yet. The couple felt guilty for keeping secrets from their Alpha but they wanted to wait. When Alcana woke up, they had questions to ask. Personal questions about her safety.

Alcana snuggled deeper into her blanket and Elsie turned up the heat in the small office. Not so very long ago, at least by werewolf standards, Elsie had been a mortal woman. So she was the only one who knew what intense pain Alcana was in.

Else thanked the gods, both old and new that Alcana was safe, for now, she was protected by the wolf pack's magic---especially since Rivian had guaranteed her security and safety. But both Dr. Potter and Elsie were worried about her past. They could tell from the yellowing marks and unprofessionally set bones on Alcana's body that it had been a traumatic one.

What if it caught up with her? Neither Elsie nor Doctor Potter knew what kind of evil pursued her! Anything seemed to be possible now that there was trouble with the magical barriers of Antelope Hill. The couple wasn't sure if the pack's magic could prevent whatever malevolent spirits had harmed Alcana from terrorizing her again.

Across the room, Rivian took one last glance at the sleeping Alcana. He brushed away some hair that had fallen into her face. Frustratingly, there was nothing to do but wait. He knew that Dr. Potter and Elsie would provide Alcana with their best care. Rivian had no doubt they'd get her better and back on her feet. Rivian would do anything for Alcana, she was also free to stay here- no matter how long it took to get her well.

Rivian sighed as he rose to his feet."I best be going too..work to do. I've gotta check up on those magical barriers and speak with the scouts who were there. Remember if she needs anything, anything at all, even if we have to go into Cheyenne to get it...let me know." said Rivian.

Internally, Rivian groaned. He didn't want to be Alpha, he didn't want to meet up with the scouts, he certainly hoped they didn't have to go into the mortal world...into Cheyenne...for every time werewolves visited the mortal world risked the safety of Antelope Hill. That only meant more trouble for him.

Doctor Potter was the only pack member apart from the Alpha who'd been allowed to go to the mortal world in decades. He'd gotten a special dispensation from the Council of Elders for that too. The werewolves needed a doctor for when they were in their human form. Dr. Potter treated werewolves from all packs: near and far.

Rivian rubbed his temples looked at the ceiling and loudly swore. It startled both Dr. Potter and Elsie. They weren't used to hearing their Alpha swear such fierce obscenities. Rivian wasn't given to such intense outbursts of emotion. He kept things bottled up like a volcano, Rivian never showed his true feelings. He was an island onto himself. Rivian swore again and wished he could yell and curse the Heavens..better yet smash something. Still, Rivian knew he was an Alpha and had to keep his comportment. Still, it was barely dawn and his day was just beginning.

He hated being Alpha, he cursed Fenir, Antelope Hill's old Alpha who had died, for giving him this job. After all, it wasn't like Rivian was special in any way! The job of Alpha was supposed to go to the Alpha's son, and in very rare cases daughter, but Fenir, had died childless. Fenir assigned the job to Rivian and Rivian had no choice but to accept the yoke of duty for he loved his pack.

Still every day, Rivian wished it could go to someone who actually wanted the job, someone like Gideon. Well, there was no use wishing what could have been, or what he wanted, Rivian always put pack first, even ahead of himself. He had to. They were his pack after all! He loved and cared for them?

Right now, in this small moment, Rivian didn't want to stray from Alcana's side. Couldn't the universe at least give him that? But, Rivian did actually have to get to work. He had to calm his pack. Another day, another dollar. Well, no dollars but Rivian supposed there was something for him in being an Alpha. He just couldn't think what it was.

He glanced at the restless Alcana again. Her frail and emaciated body was hooked up to tubes and medical equipment. It looked painful. Rivian didn't like seeing her like this. He was an Alpha. He was a proctor over all Antelope Hill! So why couldn't he do more for Alcana? Rivian wanted nothing more than to cherish and defend all those who needed him.

Now, hopefully for the better, that included this woman. He wanted to know Alcana's story. He wanted...no needed her to get better. She called to him in some cosmic way he couldn't explain. Rivian pulled a blanket tighter over Alcana which sent the medical machines into a beeping frenzy. Rivian was alarmed that he might have woken Alcana. She needed her rest.

"Sorry...she just looked cold...again if you need anything...anything at all. Or even before she needs anything. Come and get me up at the house or in my office. This woman is our guest and under my...I mean our protection. We have to look after her." stated Rivian. He let himself out of Doctor Potter's office.

It had been a nice distraction to have coffee and doughnuts with Doctor Potter and Elsie. As an Alpha, he wasn't supposed to have favorites BUT they were his favorites and his steadfast companions through both good times and bad---they'd been through heaven and hell together. In frustration, Rivian ran his hands through his hair, gods above he was upset. If only if only he could have a day to himself instead of working for his pack.

A day too...a day too...well Rivian didn't know what he'd do with a day to himself. He knew what he'd like to do. He'd like to spend the day with Alcana. He'd like to hold her in his arms. Just watching TV or playing cards or something. Just being together. Rivian knew that was a silly wish. Alcana was a mortal and she was sick. Still, a day to himself with Alcana would be nice for Rivian, even if it was only a whisper of a wish.

Rivian quickly made his way up the hill into his house. He put the kettle on and quickly made another cup of instant coffee. Rivian drank it down---scalding hot and black. It had been a long night full of disturbing surprises. The coffee was for the caffeine and perhaps the strength to face his pack.

Alcana's appearance was the worst news he'd have to reveal to them since the death of their old Alpha Fenir and Fenir's death had been expected. He brushed the tangles out of his hair with his amber hands and quickly buttoned a shirt that had been lying about. Rivian would have to get around to do laundry. Someday... eventually.

Piles of dirty laundry were the least of his problems. Rivian finished with the shirt and a tie. Then, as quick as the wind, Rivian headed to Antelope Hill's town hall where his pack members had already started to assemble although Rivian suspected many were there just to exchange gossip about Alcana and the magical barriers even though they had scant information.

Fifteen minutes later, Rivian found himself at town hall speaking to his pack. They all asked their questions at once and a cacophony of noise hit him as tried to speak in an orderly and calming manner. Rivian had only one question for the universe, by the old gods and new, why had he been given this responsibility as Alpha?

"If you want answers, instead of gossip and speculation, I'm here to give them. Now SIT DOWN, QUIET DOWN AND LISTEN UP!!! I want everyone to remain calm. The strange woman's name is Alcana. She's resting and Dr. Potter will help her get better. You all know what a wonder he is at curing people. But, despite his best efforts, it appears Alcana is going to be with us for quite some time.

Dr. Potter and Elsie don't want people in there every five minutes bothering her. I don't either. We're better than that. I'm sure we all want Alcana to get better. So if you feel that you absolutely must speak to her then you can make an appointment through me."

" I'll have a sign-up sheet up in my office. BUT, I want all of you to remain calm. The night patrols seem to think that there's nothing wrong with the magic that protects Antelope Hill BUT I want extra volunteers for patrols along our border. We want to make sure we're all safe. We need to find out what's happening." "

We'll be doing that until we can find out more information from Alcana when she wakes and of course, Lucian, the Caithemah Faolan Club and the Council of Elders will be informed. That's all for now...also I want to implement a curfew of 9 pm. We'd rather be safe than sorry. Dr. Potter's office is very small." stated Rivian. He meant it in a factual rather than menacing way but knew many pack members would see it as an evil omen.

His pack erupted in a cacophony of deafening protests and unimportant questions. They were worried but Rivian had no answers to give them. He didn't like it but everyone in Antelope Hill, including himself, had no choice but to wait. Rivian did notice that no one had questions about Alcana or if there was anything they could do for her. Not even Ash, the young pup who believed Alcana to be his true mate. Ash seemed to be conferring with Gideon, along with several other younger members of his pack. But, Rivian had enough worries. He didn't need to know what they were talking about now. He trusted Gideon. Gideon adhered to the traditional ways. He was an excellent first lieutenant and also deeply cared for all of Antelope Hill.

Still thinking like an Alpha wolf, even though he longed to be at Alcana's bedside, Rivian told himself Alcana was in good hands, Dr. Potter and Elsie were looking after her so he didn't need to be there. Ever the Alpha, Rivian promptly sent three of his strongest and swiftest ravens with a message to Lucian, the Caithemah Faolan Club, and the Council of Elders.

The Caithemah Faolan Club was a place where all magical creatures could gather. It existed out of space and out of time. Lucian, a fugitive demon, had founded the club with Rivian's help. From a supernatural creatures' point of view, it was a relatively new place. But, the Caithemah Faolan Club was a place where all supernatural creatures could seek safe haven. It was a place where they could all be themselves and away from mortals.

The ravens that Rivan had sent were important to Lucian, Caithemah Faolan, and the Council of Elders. They were a security measure. Sure, Antelope Hill had some basic modern technology like email and phones BUT they could be hacked, so they were seldom used.

One of the greatest worries of the older and wiser pack members was that mortals could find out about the pack and all supernatural creatures. Tradition held that the mortal world wanted to enslave supernatural creatures for their own wicked purposes so supernatural creatures stayed away from mortals. The few mortals who occasionally wandered into the supernatural realm were looked upon with distrust and suspension.

Still, Rivian had to send the message. The fierce black ravens would guard the message for Rivian. After all, black ravens had served the gods of old, faithfully. If black ravens were to leave the tower of London, then Western civilization would fall into despair. So the strong black ravens were trusted by all.

Ravens had delivered messages for wolves and all supernatural creatures since before the moon had arrived at Earth---since before the Pleiades' star constellation had fled away from Orion. Rivian sent the message to the swiftest of ravens.

Come hell or high water, they'd get through. He knew it was safe with them. Rivian wanted to know what Lucian thought about the situation in Antelope Hill. As a fugitive demon, Lucian knew far more about supernatural creatures than Rivian did. Lucian always gave Rivian a straightforward opinion. He didn't pander, cater, or bullshit.

The usual people volunteered for the scouting mission. Rivian sent them out to patrol the borders of Antelope Hill and look for breaks in the magic. They didn't need guns or weapons. They were in wolf form and would deal with any potential problems as wolves. Wolves roamed free in the vast and mostly uninhabited wilds of Wyoming SO the town could keep its secret and hopefully, no mortals would find out Antelope Hill existed.

Rivian knew strange things were happening---strange days were arriving in Antelope Hill. Days that would test his strength and devotion as an Alpha. He had to find out why these peculiar and trying days had arrived. It was his responsibility as Alpha. Alcana was the first mortal to stray into Antelope Hill uninvited. Rivian had a million questions for Alcana. He needed her awake so he could have answers but for now, Alcana needed to get well. That was the most important thing.

Elsie nursed Alcana. Elsie was a mortal once but she'd been brought to Antelope Hill by Doctor Potter under peculiar circumstances. Many of the traditional werewolves, such as Gideon, still disapproved of Elsie even after all these years. Elsie was barely trusted even though she was now a werewolf. Elsie was an integral and beloved part of Antelope Hill, still, traditional wolves considered her suspicious because of her mortal origins. Vicious rumors were already circulating about Antelope Hill that this was all Elsie's fault.

Rivian hated being an Alpha but he still cared about everyone in Antelope Hill. Rivian was concerned about his pack in this time of uncertainty and precariousness. Rivian could sympathize though. He honestly understood they were perplexed and bothered. They needed to be assuaged of their fears and they all needed to be comforted from the youngest pup to the oldest wolf. Rivian didn't have time for any of that now though. He had to figure out what was going on for the safety of his pack.

Looking out his office window, he took a swig of his hot coffee, wishing it was something stronger...a LOT stronger. He watched as Ash wandered away from the town hall and all the gossip that was still going on down the hill towards Dr. Potter's office.

Rivian put his coffee down and quickly caught up seizing Ash by the arm.

"Listen, Ash, I know you're a young pup...eager for your own mate BUT you're going with them, to help patrol the borders. I want fresh eyes on this, not wolves who are used to it.." Rivian harshly told Ash. It was all that Rivian could do to keep his anger in check and ban Ash from Antelope Hill. Alcana needed to get better and Ash wouldn't help her with his constant pestering.

Rivian wasn't about to tell Ash that patrolling the borders was only part of the reason Rivian wanted Ash out of sight. He also wanted Alcana to have her rest. The old gods and knew she needed it. That way she'd get better and he could talk to her about the magic and how she'd broken through the barriers.

The fate of the pack might depend on what Alcana knew. Still, even though he didn't admit it to himself, Rivian was worried that Alcana might prefer Ash to him. After all, Ash was younger, charming, footloose, and fancy-free. Rivian had responsibility and sternness. Rivian didn't think he was attractive at all.

"I don't want to go on patrol, this isn't MY town or MY pack. I want to stay here and be with MY true mate! She's sick and might need me." Ash protested.

Rivian noticed that he hadn't asked what he could do for Alcana. Ash also hadn't listened to Elsie and Doctor Potter's medical advice Ash wasn't curious as to how or why Alcana had come to them. Ash was only thinking of his "physical needs" which Alcana was too sick to provide. Even if Alcana had been well enough to provide "physical needs". Ash was unlikely to get Rivian's approval and as a guest in Antelope Hill, Ash would need the Alpha's approval before receiving "physical needs".

Rivian rolled his eyes in exasperation. Bitch, bitch, bitch! That's all this foolish young pup did! Rivian could see why he hadn't found his true mate yet. Ash thought only of himself. If a wolf had found his true mate, he'd think of her concerns first his next, even if he was feeling extremely...needy.