The Rise of Nix
Chapter 20

As a new day dawned and his village arose with the rising sun, Maverick stood outside his hut, viewing his fellow wolves as excitement coursed through the air. Light dew covered the ground as the warmth from the golden orb in the sky melted away the cold from the night, his breath making a white cloud as he breathed. Rubbing his hands together to create heat while walking past the huts, he nodded to his people, their smiles lighting his joy for the full moon. This would be their first shift in their new home, and the group could barely contain their happiness. Plans were already in motion. The human companion they trusted was preparing to take the underage wolves not yet connected to the beast to Khan’s village. Keeping the younglings safe is her highest purpose, but she was also instructed to keep an eye on the humans and ensure they do not wander from their village. Maverick could not afford a death on his hands due to their negligence and curiosity.

Stopping by the newly lit fire, Maverick eyed the females as they tended to it, some of their mates standing next to the females as their hands roamed over the bodies. On a full moon, they are forced to shift, and a more profound sexual craving comes with the heightened emotions. After the exhilarating run, couples pair off to mate, a natural act that sometimes produces small pups. For the unmated wolves, they seek release with other unmated bodies. Maverick, though, had other plans. Tonight will be his time, for he will reveal himself to Nix, knowing she will accept him. But first, he had to take care of Deimos, an irritation on his side.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and turning, he faced David. His Beta had the same excitement the rest showed. “The air is thick with anticipation. Tonight will be special,” remarked David.

Turning back to the flames, Maverick nodded. “I do believe so.”

The Beta stood next to him as they both stared out, a few of the wolves surrounding the heat as they lavished in the significant change of their bodies. Children hugged the legs of their mothers, tears streaming down their cheeks. For the pack, tonight is magical, but for the young ones, they are torn from their families and unable to participate in the event. With the unawakened wolves inside, they only experience a fraction of the heightened emotion the rest feel. Their mind screams to join, but their bodies are yet unable to shift. Thus they are in emotional pain. Maverick remembers that feeling of isolation as he had lain in an open field, staring up at the glistering silver moon, howls of fellow pack members vibrating the air around him as he silently begged the Moongoddess to allow him to shift. Of course, it had not happened until he was sixteen, but the pain that had gripped him remained.

A light-haired boy cried louder as his mother tried to soothe him. Maverick stepped up to the family, the woman looking up, shocked at the Alpha. “Every full moon, he pleads to come with us. It breaks my heart to deny him, but he is persistent.”

With a reassuring smile to the she-wolf, Maverick dropped to his knees as he rested a hand on the child’s shoulder, the boy burying his face deeper into his mother’s thigh.

“Are you a wolf?” asked Maverick.

The boy recognized his Alpha’s voice as he suddenly spun to face him, tears still rolling down his face, usual brown eyes red from crying. Sniffling, he shook his head yes.

Wiping away the boy’s tears, Maverick patted his head before returning to rest his hand on the tiny shoulder, slightly trapping him.

“But wolves don’t cry. We are brave beasts.”

“But I want to go with.” the boy pleaded.

Smiling, Maverick’s gaze quickly shot up to his mother before returning to the boy’s, the tears finally slowing down. “I know how it feels, but do you have a wolf yet to run with?”

“No,” answered the boy.

“So then, how would you be able to run with us?”

The red eyes shot wide as the boy released his mother’s leg, turning to face the Alpha fully. “I am fast. The fastest in my class.”

Chuckling, Maverick feint impressed while examining the boy. “Is that right? But what against a full-sized wolf?”

“I can.” the boy puffed out his chest, showing Maverick he is strong.

“That might be,” explained Maverick. “But you are still too young to come with. How about this? Tomorrow, we can race. You against my wolf, and if you win, you can come with us next full moon, but only if you go with Arya right now.”

Determination showed in his eyes as they doubled. Looking up at his mother, her confirming nod jolted his body into action. “It is on.” waving goodbye to them; the boy joyfully sprinted to the edge of the camp. Arya, the human, stood centre to the half a dozen or so children, lining them up to begin the trek to Khan’s village.

“Thank you,” the mother whispered.

Rising, Maverick acknowledges her gratitude before walking back to David. The Beta had witnessed the whole scene, as did the others who crowded the fire.

“You will be a great father someday,” noted David.

“Children are our future and should be protected at all costs.”

“Hear, hear.” replied the man.

As the rest of the children gathered by Arya, Maverick pulled David with him as they escorted the group to Khan’s. It might be daytime and a short walk to the human village, but Maverick did not trust anyone, and thus he ventured with them. A meeting was also scheduled with the leader as he planned to inform them of what they planned tonight. Or the lie used to cover the truth.

The other village reflected his own as people did chores while others stood by the fire. Men organized hunting trips while females prepared the daily meal. They all curiously observed them as they made their way to the giant hut. Khan sat outside, his belly hanging open while he puffed a pipe. The leader jumped up as soon as he spotted them, a smile replacing the boredom from seconds ago.

“Just in time,” Khan exclaimed as he surged forward but stopped in his tracks as he spotted the tiny heads bobbing behind Maverick. “And these are?”

Glancing over his shoulder, Maverick instructed, “Take them to the fire to heat up.“. Arya nodded before leading the kids to the flames. Watching as they instantly began chatting and playing with the other children, Maverick returned to face the leader.

“I need a favour?” asked Maverick as he watched Khan’s head shift left, an eyebrow arched.

“And what is that?”

“In private.”

Understanding the request, Khan placed his pipe on the seat he rose from before indicating his hut entrance. Walking in first, Khan followed behind. The hut was far darker inside, but with his excellent eyesight, Maverick’s gaze adjusted instantly. The place looked the same. A small fire pit sat centre of the space, a hole for the smoke directly above the pit. Tables lined the right side, and three beds occupied the left. Random pieces of clothes and other mindless objects scattered the ground. Maverick knew it must be Leela making the mess. The spoiled child let loose as her father lazily sat around. How they managed to stay in power confused him, but right now, he would not question it, for he depended on the generosity of the humans, an act he despised.

“What would you like to discuss?” Khan asked behind him.

“In my culture, the full moon is sacred,” began Maverick as he faced the man, taking a seat Khan offered. Pulling out the sachel of mead he always carried, Maverick dragged two cups to him, filling it to the brim. Khan licked his lips in anticipation as his eyes followed the liquid, greedily taking the offered cup. Slurping down more than half in one go, the man wiped the excess liquid with the pack of his palm before leaning back in the chair, ready to listen.

“And as such,” Maverick continued after a sip of his cup. “Tonight, we act on old rituals that began with my great-grandparents. A ritual that can be dangerous to others.”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“I ask you to ensure that your people do not enter the woods tonight, for it could lead to their death.”

With a smaller sip, Khan eyed him before asking, “What does this dangerous ritual entail?”

“Sadly, I cannot tell you. But with the connection our two villages have formed, I ask that you trust me.”

“That is a big ask,” remarked Khan, a sliver of wickedness quickly flashing in his eyes.

Maverick had dreaded this. He knew the man was greedy and would demand something in return, so he had prepared for this. The pack had disagreed when he suggested offering the rest of their mead, but with nothing else to contribute, they had agreed with their safety on the line.

“What can I offer as a sign of commitment to our union?”

As Khan smirked, Maverick prepared to trade their alcohol, but the man blindsided him.

“The trust is growing between us, but our union is still lacking. So I suggest marriage to bind us fully.”

Maverick almost laughed at the ludicrous idea, but he remained neutral, following the leader’s absurd suggestion. “And who do you propose this union shall be between?”

Deep down, he knew what Khan wanted. More power. That is why he had pushed his daughter onto him, not knowing his heart belonged to someone else.

“You and my daughter, Leela. She is beautiful and will make a fine wife.”

Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Maverick took a big sip of the mead to try and drown the image of him and Leela. Just the sound of her high-pitched voice made him want to tear his ears off. “Unfortunately, I am already promised to another. But my second in charge, David, might find that offer appealing.”

“Pft,” snorted Khan, suddenly standing up as the force knocked over his seat. “Promised to who. That outcast, Nix. I heard about your little meeting yesterday morning.”

Regret over the kiss began forming. Not that it had happened, but for it was in the open. He knew the villagers would gossip about it, eventually reaching the leader’s ears, but in the heat of the moment, he had only thought about the passion, not the effects it could have on his future decisions.

“I assure you, she was just a distraction used for a moment’s pleasure. Nothing more. My intended is a woman from my village. My parents set up the arrangement before I was born. You must understand that.”

Reaching for the sachel of mead, Khan refilled his cup before taking a gulp. The man’s red face returned to normal as he calmed down. “Are you sure? Marriage to Leela could unify our villages, making it one of the strongest.”

Maverick could not tell the man their two sides would never become one or that they were wolves. But he could lie until he found a way out of the promise. David will hate him if he is forced to marry a human.

“Sadly, in the memory of my family, I cannot go against their wishes. No matter how enticing Leela is. But I heard whispers that David finds her the prettiest amongst the women in this camp.”

“That she is,” Khan said as he smirked, his ego stroked.

Standing up, Maverick extended his hand to Khan. “So we have a deal?”

Shifting his gaze between Maverick and his hand, Khan rose, tightly grasping him. “Fine. David and Leela are now bound in a union. And in return, I shall ensure my people remain out of the woods on the full moon and that the children of your village will be kept safe in ours.”

For the disgusting pig Khan is, Maverick had to admit he is brilliant. The leader had put two and two together, beating Maverick to the punch before he could suggest the housing of their young.

“Thank you, Khan. You are truly the finest leader. Your people are lucky to have you.” Maverick fought the urge to wipe his hand on his shirt, releasing the hold. The human cooperation is needed now, but if the day comes when he is useless, Maverick will gladly tear his head from his body.

“We shall make a fine team.” Khan slapped him on the back as they exited the hut. Watched the human make his way to the females and instruct them about the addition of his pack members, Maverick nodded in David’s direction, the wolf smiling at their success, but he won’t for long as soon as he heard the plan. With a final glance and wave to the children, the two returned to camp as they prepared for the full moon.

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