*Unedited*



Blood splattered on the ground in front of the young teenage boy.

He was hunched over breathing heavily. His body ached for rest, but he knew he could not have it.

"Come on, Xerous, is this the best you can do?"

Xerous shut his eyes tight for a moment before opening them again. He stood to his feet and turned to see his little brother in a stance position. The small traces of blood can be seen on his fist as he held them up in defense.

Xerous looked at his brother's face to see a cocky grin placed on it as if he knew his brother was not a challenge at all.

"No," Xerous replied, whipping his mouth of the blood. Demos laughed at him only causing Xerous blood to boil. "SHUT-UP!" He roared at his younger brother.

Demos grin dropped from his face as his brother now charging at him full of rage. "Come on, Xerous! Relax!" Demos said as he easily dodges Xerous attack. "It's only training." He replied almost in a mocking voice.

"Shut-up! You always rub it in my face when you win." Xerous growled at him then stopped his attacks knowing it was useless. He let out a defeated sigh plopping down on the ground.

"What a pathetic display."

Both boys turned to see their Alpha Prime, their father walk into the training area. The young teens immediately scrambled to their feet to come to their father's attention heads bowed on respect.

"Father." Xerous and Demos said at the same time then lifted their heads to him.

"As always, Demos, you impress me." His father said patting him on the shoulder. "Unlike your brother, who has done little to impress me." He said directing his eyes to his eldest son. The alpha's eyes were full of disappointment and shame.

"I-I'm sorry, father, my wolf just refuse to reveal itself to me," Xerous said, reasoning with his father with the same line. The same line he uses every time his father complains about him.

The alpha ignored him moving pass both boys. "Walk with me both of you." He ordered over his shoulder. Xerous and Demos exchanged glances.

The three of them moved out of the training area alone and began walking down the big and wide palace hall. Blue sunlight from the big blue star in the sky provided them light as they walked.

"You both are almost of the age of full adults..." The Alpha began to say. "...with this, my time as ruler will come to an end and one of you will take my place."

Both boys' eyes widen a bit at this. They knew this talk and moment will come, yet they still weren't ready to hear it.

Although, Xerous could not help the grin the grew on his face. He knew his father will most likely choose him to be the Alpha Prime of all DarkMoon since he was the eldest. In the next, few years he would sit on the throne.

Xerous walked in front of his father with a joyous smile on his face. "Father, I am honored to be the next Alpha." He said then bowing in front of his father. "I will not fail you. I will bring honor to your name and all of-"

"What are you speaking of, boy?!" His father growled, causing Xerous to flinch in fear and confusion.

Xerous looked up at his father and to his brother. Both with confused expressions on their face. His father's more annoyed.

"F-Father?"

"Xerous you are not fit to be the next ruler of DarkMoon."

Xerous eyes widen in shock as he slowly stood to his feet. "Father, I-"

"You are a very late bloomer, Xerous. I tried and been very patient for your wolf to appear but it has not."

"But, father, I have no control over-"

"Xerous! Can you even call yourself an Alpha Prime if you have no wolf? Or even a lycan?" His father asked almost disgusted. "The title will go over to you and be bestowed on your brother, Demos." He said placing a hand proudly on Demos' shoulder.

Demos stood there in awe at the news and the honor placed on him. He looked toward his father and immediately bowed. "Father, I will not fail you. I will bring honor to you and DarkMoon."

The Alpha gave a small smile. "I know."

"Father, please..." Xerous said, feeling his burn as he fought back the tears. "Give my wolf more time. The moon goddess will present my wolf at the right moment. We just need patience."

"Xerous! I have spoken!" The alpha yelled. Xerous flinched and bowed his head in submission. "My son believe me or not. I am sorry, but I have consulted with the council, the priest of the temple, and my conscience the title alpha is not meant for you. It must go to someone strong with a wolf already in them and that person is your brother."

Xerous glanced between his father and brother in shock his mouth hung slightly open. It soon felt as if the air was knocked out of his lungs. The rejection was almost too great to bare.

Xerous swallowed hard then bowed his head. "As you wish, father."

His father nodded as he placed his hand on Demos' shoulder. "Come, son. We must discuss your future."

Demos nodded and followed along with his father leaving Xerous behind to watch them walk off. He then turned his head to his brother giving him a smile. A smile of satisfaction then turned his head.

Xerous clenched his jaw and tightened his fist.





"Lord Xerous."

Xerous lifted his head and turned to see an elite warrior kneeling to him by the doorway.

"Yes." He replied putting away the old picture of his father, he had been staring at for a while now in thought.

"The Alpha of BloodClaw pack is ready for you." The warrior informed him.

"Good," Xerous said as a small smirk appeared on his face. He stood from his seat and followed the lycan out of his room and made his way to the meeting room.

As soon as Xerous entered the room, a full-body hologram of a man standing in the center of the room came to view. Once the 'holographic man' noticed the prince's presents he bowed his head. "Lord Xerous."

Honestly, Xerous had no idea why his brother wanted him to met with this man. He could have done this himself or send a message by his servants. 'Just like my brother to be what the humans say, "extra".' Xerous thought.

"Alpha Mekhi, my old friend." Xerous acknowledge him. Mekhi and Xerous had been friends since they were children. They were closer than Demos and himself everwhere. He was a good friend to him. Mekhi was always there for him. He helped him get through the tough time of his father rejecting his position of being Alpha Prime.

Alpha Mekhi smirked at him. "Good to see you again."

"Yes, it is good to see you. Anyway, you heard the order my brother placed on your territory and the reason behind it?"

Alpha Mekhi nodded. "Yes, he wants all borders closed."

Xerous nodded. "Also, don't inform my brother if your warriors find Luna Prime," Xerous said nonchalantly picking his nails.

Mekhi looked taken back a bit by his friends request. "But, why?"

Xerous looked up from his nails and smirked. "Because the Luna Prime just so happens to be my mate as well."

Mekhi eyes widen in shock. "How can this be? This not possible. Are you sure?"

Xerous looked at his friend, smirk now gone and replaced with a serious expression on his face. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life."

Mekhi shook his head. "Your wolf is a strange one, Xerous."

Xerous growled. "I know....I must go, Mekhi. I'm entrusting you with this. My plans for not just the luna, but also DarkMoon cannot fail. "

Mekhi bowed his head. "I am loyal to you, Xerous. Do not worry. The luna will be in your arms and Demos will fall."

Xerous nodded before clicking off the screen.



"Soon." He whispered to himself letting out a breath. "Soon."