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Chapter 119: _ RIP Alistair
Rhett was surprised by Aceco’s words and furrowed his brow. "Me? Lead the pack?" A wry laugh escaped his lips. "They wouldn’t follow a Gamma, especially after years of blindly trusting the Alpha and Beta. I also believe in the traditional hierarchy for a reason, Aceco. The power of the pack belongs to the Alpha. Good or not, he’s the Alpha."
Aceco chuckled dryly and then looked at him. "There are ways, Gamma Rhett. Ways to challenge the current leadership and earn the respect of the pack. But that can wait for now. Our priority is the immediate threat. Tell me, Gamma Rhett, do you have any knowledge of the vampires’ whereabouts? Their nest, perhaps?"
Rhett shook his head. "No, but we can gather information from our scouts. Tonight’s attack was a brutal reminder of how unprepared we are." Shame burned his cheeks.
"We were chasing shadows while the real threat loomed," he muttered, the deaths of the pack members heavy on his conscience. "Those killings – do you think they were a distraction, a way to divert our attention?"
Aceco pursed her lips thoughtfully. "It’s a possibility. The vampires seem to be adopting a more strategic approach, unlike their usual bloodlust. Perhaps the rumors you mentioned hold some truth. A powerful leader, a coordinated attack..." She trailed off, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"We need more information," Rhett stated. "We need to know what we’re facing."
A flicker of a smile touched Aceco’s lips. "Indeed. And while we gather information, I can teach you a few things, Gamma Rhett. Things that might come in handy in the battles to come. Leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about strength, strategy, and the unwavering trust of your pack, which it’s obvious you possess all. I also sense your Goddess’s touch on you." She sniffed the air around him, pouring it into her nose like it was liquid.
Once again, Rhett was shocked by the mention of the Moon Goddess from a third party. Yet, she never asked him to talk about her, and he’d honor that.
He would only do what she asked of him, and not otherwise. Hence, "Then teach me, Aceco. Teach me everything you know. For the sake of the pack, for the sake of survival, I’m willing to learn." He said instead, avoiding the mention of Moon Goddess.
A smile began to bloom on Aceco’s face as though she knew what he was doing. "Alright then." She nodded. "The Alpha and Beta, I sense darkness in their hearts back when all three of you came to me. I asked to meet just you because only your heart had light. You carry so much light in you, Gamma Rhett. I respect you for that."
Light?
Was fantasizing about thrusting into his son’s girlfriend in the craziest way possible a form of light? To Rhett, he wasn’t much of one that carried light in his heart.
But if it made Aceco sleep well at night, then okay.
"Thank you, Aceco. So what do we do to up our ace?" He referenced back to the main topic.
She replied quite swiftly. "Instead of bringing those items to me, take me to them since I’m already here. We can start from there."
Right. That was such a great idea. Now, all he needed was for Farkas to bring Cora over. Also, having Aceco standing with him in the middle of the pack wasn’t safe. Perhaps, if they went to the headquarters, being in the station would be an easier job.
"Great, Aceco. The military advisor would personally go get the one who would take us to those items. Before then, let’s go settle down in the station and discuss further." Said Rhett, already ushering her forward.
Just as they were about to head out, a young soldier materialized before them with his face etched with panic. "Gamma Rhett!" he gasped, his voice trembling. "General Farkas sent me. He– he said you need to be informed..."
The soldier faltered, obviously reluctant to break whatever rule it was to Rhett. Rhett’s heart did a quick skip and a sense of foreboding washed over him.
This news, whatever it was sounded like a bad one.
"What is it, soldier? Speak clearly!"
Taking a shuddering breath, the soldier blurted out, "Lieutenant Alistair... he’s– he’s dead."
The world spun right at the moment the bomb was dropped.
Alistair?
Dead?
NO!
The name echoed in Rhett’s mind. Alistair wasn’t just his best soldier, his most trusted lieutenant; he was like a son to Rhett. They had fought countless battles together, their bond forged in blood and loyalty.
After Farkas, Alistair was the only one Rhett trusted in that station, and now, he was dead. Dead and gone. Just like that. Alistair was a warrior.
A son Rhett never had.
A raw wave of grief threatened to engulf him, clawing its way up his throat. He swallowed it down, forcing a semblance of control. His hands clenched into fists, the knuckles turning white with restrained anger and sorrow. 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Rhett was a Gamma, a leader. He forced his grief down, shoving it deep into some dark recess of his soul. There would be time for mourning later. Now, he had a pack to lead, a threat to confront.
Aceco, sensing his turmoil, placed a gentle hand on his arm. "My condolences, Gamma Rhett," she said softly with empathy. "May he find peace in the next life. He sounds like he was a good man."
Rhett nodded curtly, his throat too choked to speak. He understood the need for mourning, but right now, the pack needed him. He straightened his back, pushing down the crushing weight of grief.
"Thank you, Aceco," he rasped. "We’ll... we’ll deal with this later. Right now, we need to get to the headquarters. There’s much to discuss. We have to keep more people from dying."
He wasn’t going to sit around anymore, chasing a ghost killer while more and more of those he loved died.
With a heavy heart and, Rhett turned and began to walk towards the headquarters, Aceco falling into step beside him. The reality of loss settled on his shoulders as a reminder of the sacrifices demanded in this war. But he would not break. For Alistair, for the pack, he would push forward, channeling his grief into a burning determination to protect those who remained.
He would protect them all.
