Chapter 7

VALERIA ROMERO’S POINT OF VIEW
“What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”--- Helen Keller.
The royal pack stood in front of dad’s grave, all clad in black and paying respect to their deceased king. My heart felt torn and deep down I was bleeding a river. I was sandwiched between Logan and Zayne as I gazed at the loveliest man I knew.
He laid like a log with his eyes shut. How I wished I could hear his heart beat and hear his breathing. I wished he would get up from the coffin and ask what sort of sick joke this was. I hoped father would walk over to me and embrace me in a hug, while promising he would never leave my side.
The depressing part was that it would never happen. I lived in a world of magic and wonder, but no magician could bring back my father. He was gone and would never return to my brother and me.
I looked away from the body in the gold-colored casket and to the tombstone with his name on it. A mild breeze made me feel as if Mother Nature was awaiting his body. The atmosphere was one I never wished to find myself in again.
“Princess Maya, Princess Valeria, Prince Zayne,” Father’s gamma, uncle Andrew called, stepping away from the casket.
Zayne grabbed a hold of my hand and Maya’s as we walked over to where the casket was. I pulled my lower lip between my teeth when I looked into the casket. Mavros did this to my father. Truth be told, I didn’t blame Layton for father’s death, but I had to kill him. After all, he was the vessel.
I didn’t know what to do or say, so I just stared at his body. Zayne dropped a flower into the casket and led us away from it. As Alphas paid respect to father, I looked around for any sign of Layton or Mavros. Who was he, really? Was it to call him Layton or was it Mavros?
“Alpha,” I heard Uncle Andrew call someone, “Alpha Valeria.”
My head snapped in his direction, and I raised a brow. It took me a few seconds to realize I was now the Alpha. I had no other choice but to take over from father. I wanted to make him proud.
I stepped forward and grabbed a shovel, watching as some men lowered his body into the earth. That was enough to let the tears fall. After he was put in the ground, I poured sand on the casket, and soon, Zayne joined. Even Maya.
When it got too painful, I dropped the shovel and stepped back. Zayne dropped his and pulled me into a hug.
“I miss him too,” he said, running his hand up and down my back, “But you know what, we’ll pull through. Father never wanted to see us sad or cry, so let’s keep it that way. Even though you’re older than me by two minutes, I’m going to protect you with my life. It’s a promise, V.”
What did I do in my past life to deserve such a brother? I was lucky.
“We’ll pull through.” I repeated, letting him hug me.
<<<>>>
“Your highness.”
I turned around to be met with brown eyes. This man had straight, medium-length hair that was worn in a simple, handsome style. He was quite short and had an athletic build. I recognized him almost immediately.
“Yes, Alpha Harry?” I said, and he smiled at the acknowledgement. I could have just called him Harry, but he deserved my respect. He was a very loyal Alpha to the royal family.
“There are rumors going around that your father’s death was because of a certain Lycan.” He started, “Do you think it might be our destroyer?” He questioned.
Telling him it was Layton that murdered my father would put my people in danger. Knowing werewolves, they would want to go after Layton and end up getting killed. As much as I wanted him dead, the lives of my people were much more important.
“There is no information as to whether he was the one. I’ll let all Alphas know when I get information.”
“Very well, your highness. I’ll take my leave now.” He bowed.
I nodded and watched him walk away. If only I could get my hands on Layton, if only. But I had no time for ifs. He could come at any time and end all our lives. I stood under a tree as I thought of the possible ways to kill Layton. He took my father from me and he would have to pay for it.
People said gods couldn’t be killed, but I would make history.
Never in my life did I imagine my soul mate causing me this much pain. I thought my life would be a bed of roses, filled with nothing but joy and happiness, but it was the opposite.
Minutes later, pack members started to leave the graveyard and back to their houses. I turned to Logan when he came to stand beside me. He embraced me and I pulled away.
“You need a hug, V. Let me hold you.”
I shook my head, “No. I don’t need a hug.” I avoided his gaze.
Logan held my shoulders and spun me around to face him. “You don’t have to act tough. It’s okay to cry.”
“A princess doesn’t cry.” I responded, crossing my arms over my chest.
“You’re a tough woman, V.” He patted my head like I was a three-year-old.
“I know.”
<<<>>>
My head spun from the stress and shock, but I had much more pressing matters to get to. I was headed for the clearing where pack members trained. Father often made announcements there, too.
“All pack members, including members of the royal family, should come to the training ground. Exception of the people under sixteen years of age and the elderly.”
There was no time for crying. We had to train ourselves. I had come to terms with the fact that Layton was a monster and nothing could ever change that.
I readied myself as people rushed to the clearing. Melody and Logan took their positions beside me.
“What’s going on?” Melody asked, but I ignored her. I had no time for conversations.

Pack members chattered amongst themselves, probably wondering what I wanted to tell them. I raised my hand, gesturing for them to be silent. My father always did that, and it worked for me.
“We have lost a very precious member today. I cannot promise all of you that I will be there to protect you all hence, the need for this gathering. Starting from now,” I paused and looked at my wristwatch. It was 5:09 a.m. “You all shall train from 5am to 8am every day. I do not want excuses from anyone unless it is very important. This training must be done five times a week. The royal Gamma will be in charge of the training. Am I understood?”
“Yes Alpha.” They chorused.
Alpha… I would have to get used to it.
“Each of you should pick a partner and fast!” I ordered and turned to Melody, “Make sure they do exactly as I have instructed.”
She bowed her head in respect, “Yes Alpha.”
My family members were already at the clearing, all looking at me with worry. They should be worried about their lives and not mine. I walked to my room and packed up a few things. I planned on going to see Doris, an oracle of the moon goddess. If anything, she should be able to help me with something to defeat Mavros.
I moved from the closet and to where my backpack was when an arrow was shot. It was aimed for where I was standing a few second ago. Somebody wanted to kill me. With shaky hands, I picked up the arrow to see a note on it.
Your father’s death was just to let you know that my reign has begun. One by one, I’ll kill everyone you love. You’ll watch me destroy your world and everything in it.
Love, Layton.
I crumpled the piece of paper and threw it in the trash can before picking up a lighter to burn it.
‘Love Layton?’ I thought, watching the paper burn. I wanted to watch him burn.
I turned to the door when someone knocked. It was Logan.
“Come in.”
Stepping away from the burning piece of paper, I averted my gaze to Logan, who looked as if he was trying to figure me out. Most times I wished he didn’t know me too well.
“What is going on in your head, V?” He asked, slightly touching my arm. His eyes were pleading with me to tell him, but I wouldn’t.
“Nothing. I just want to make sure that my people are safe.” I simply stated.
Whatever I intended to do was solely for the safety of the people I held dear. Staying here in the pack and getting coroneted wasn’t my plan. At least for now it wasn’t.
“Don’t give me that shit,” He looked away from me and to where the trash was. He put out the fire before picking up what was left of the paper.
I swallowed as he read whatever was left on the paper.
“You got a message from Layton and you didn’t think it was important to tell us?” He questioned angrily, throwing the paper back into the trash can.
“I just got it,” I defended myself, “I was going to tell you.”
“Then why did you burn it?” He looked over my shoulder and to the bed, “What’s with the bag, Valeria?”

“Valeria?” My mouth hung open at the name, “I thought it was V.”
Since Logan could talk, he had never called me Valeria. It was always V. It probably meant he was upset. I grabbed the bag, “I don’t want to answer your questions. Step aside.”
When I saw he would not budge, I heaved a sigh, “Don’t make me use force, Logan.”
With disappointment dancing in his eyes, he stepped away from the entrance of my room, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
The survival of thousands of werewolves rested upon my shoulders. I shouldn’t be questioned by anyone because I knew exactly what I was doing. Right now, I might be seen as crazy and unreasonable, but they would thank me later.
The blood of Layton Hunter shall be spilled and soak the soil, or thousands shall be laid to rest in the soil.