A MAZE OF GREED

Miles away from Vincardine situated a town that hustled and bustled with many families, humans and supernatural creatures. Like Vincardine, the ones who ruled there were also werewolves. But the only difference was unlike Vincardine the town welcomed other supernatural creatures than werewolves too.

The alpha of that pack, Bluemoon pack, was none other than Mr Wright, father of Lester. Just like the O'Dells, and others of their kind, they also kept their secrets hidden to survive in the human world.

Lester and Mr Wright had come back to their town when they received a message of Mrs Wright's accident. Lester was hesitant to leave Edwin alone to deal with the case of five deaths, but he had no choice.

And the most painful part was the distance that had separated him from his mate, Elsie. Since his arrival, he had been immersed in a load of work and business. He also needed to take care of his mother to top it off. But he didn't complain. His days passed in a blur.

But as soon as aloneness beckoned him in the nights, his mind raced back to his beautiful mate. The day he left Vincardine had stuck in his mind, engraved in his heart for centuries to come. He couldn't shake the memories of his mate in his arms and her lips on his lips. Neither he wanted to do that.

"Lester, this medicine tastes awful!" Mrs Wright complained, with a scrunched face. Disgust was visible not only on her face but in her tone too.

"Mother stop making faces like a child. Physician has strictly told me to give you medicines on time. Come on now, open your mouth." Mr Wright watched the exchange between his wife and son with a smile.

Why he shouldn't when he had his mate as his wife and an obedient son who was ready to take the reigns of the pack and his business in his capable hands?! His son was his pride!

Lester had made sure to look after his mother personally. He had not entrusted any maids with her medicines and health. Lester was always like this. He liked to do everything by himself to not make any mistakes.

"Yes, good. Like that. See, now only few days and you will again walk without pain in your leg." Lester smiled at her after she drank the medicine the physician had given.

They were conversing with each other, enjoying their family time, when a maid knocked on the open door of the chamber.

"Milord, there is a letter for you." She informed.

"Put it in my office. I will read it later."

Lester said dismissively. After spending a day with meetings and paperwork, he had reserved this evening time for his family. He was a family-oriented man, just like his father and didn't like the disruptions at that time.

The maid lingered near the door, hesitant to open her mouth. But she said anyway, "Apology Milord, but it says that it is an urgent matter."

Lester asked in a bit of irritation. "Who has sent it?"

"I- I don't know. A messenger came from Vincardine. He only told that it is urgent and it should be delivered to only you." The maid cast a quick glance towards Mr Wright, who had his brows furrowed with a serious look.

The mention of Vincardine caught Lester's curiosity.

'Edwin?' That was the first name that came into his mind. But Edwin was not the kind of person who would send a letter. If he had some message to convey, then he would have directly sent his man.

Then… Elsie?

Lester's heart picked a race, but he knew that his parents were observing him carefully. Their werewolf power of hearing would not miss the changing rhythm of his heartbeats.

Clearing his throat and hoping that his parents had not noticed the excitement in his eyes, he got up from the bed where his mother sat.

"It must be Edwin." He said it out loud while taking the letter from the maid. "You may go now."

The maid was dismissed immediately. Lester carefully looked at the envelope, his name was not on it, nor it had any symbol. He turned the letter, but the white space had nothing black on it.

He tore the edge of the envelope and pulled out a neatly folded paper from inside. After unfolding the paper, his eyes scanned the scribbled letters on it. With every line, his jaw ticked, and his body tensed.

Mr and Mrs Wright observed his face keenly and didn't miss the change in their son's demeanour.

"Son, what is written in the letter?" Mrs Wright asked.

Lester maintained his passive face then looked at his mother. "It's nothing, mother. You should take rest now. Father and I will take your leave now. See you at dinner."

He tried to sound assuring, but Mr Wright picked on the silent hint in Lester's words. "Yes, dear. Rest well. I have to take a look at some papers."

Mrs Wright was not convinced but nodded nonetheless.

Mr Wright placed a kiss on her forehead then called a maid to see if his wife needed anything.

The two men stepped outside the chamber after that, and Lester requested his father to come to his office. From the looks and tension in his words, Mr Wright had guessed that whatever the content that letter had was not good news.

Even after stepping into Lester's office, he had not said anything. He kept pacing in the space with a tight jaw and hands fisted at his sides. Mr Wright was in a chair with the letter in his hand and a deep frown on his face.

The tension in the room was tangible.

"I can't believe it father!" Lester groaned in frustration.

"This is an insurmountable problem, Lester. I didn't expect this." Mr Wright's voice came thick with worry.

"But we have to put a lid on it one way or another. We cannot afford to lose more time. We have to take the bull by horns." The anger in Lester's voice was a contradiction to his usual cheery and calm personality.

"Yes, you are right my son. But we cannot underestimate them. They are unscrupulous creatures. They are crossing the line this time calling for a war. If Vincardine cannot stand the threat then no one can. We have to unite and plan the strategy."

Both men were not only worried but furious too. Their animal wanted to come out, to show the world who was a leader.

But they also understood the gravity of the situation. It demanded not only the use of strength but also a strategic approach.

"But why Lord Augustus has not informed me about this?" Mr Wright questioned.

Lester inhaled a deep breath. "Father, I apologise to say this about your friend but you also know that his allegations against Edwin are wrong. And Rees, Edwin's bodyguard, is a trustworthy and loyal to his master. He had not told this to Edwin then how could he inform it to Lord Augustus?"

The corner of Mr Wright's lips turned down at Lester's words. "Lester, I know that Lord Augustus is a hot-headed person and doesn't tolerate any disturbance to the peace of his town and business. But you have to understand him.

Edwin is not ready to accept his responsibilities. He is the leader of our breed, the alpha of all the alphas and still, he acts immaturely and reckless at times. Lord Augustus has been covering Edwin's mistakes for years now, and after this blunder that Edwin has created, everything has turned more difficult for him.

Then there is pressure from Council. You know what would happen if this matter reaches the royals. Our very existence is at stake, son."

His father's words didn't settle with Lester. "Father, you are also blaming Edwin? I accept that his actions were uncalled for but what do you expect from a werewolf? We are known for our morals. We act on instincts. If he was wrong then do you think that his pack members would have supported him?"

It was a rare sight when Lester would argue with his parents, especially with his father. But Mr Wright was a wise man.

"Lester, I am not blaming Edwin. If I was in his place, then I might have done the same. But he is not any other werewolf, he is our leader even though he had not accepted the throne yet. He is not only your best friend but also a guide and protector of a whole breed.

He is chosen by the Mood Goddess to maintain balance and harmony, to show us lightened path for the coming centuries. He has to set an example by his actions.

And who can rebel against the leader? Everyone fears him, some even respect him for his power. But he has to understand his responsibilities. He is not an adolescent anymore. You are his friend, and I am aware of your love for him, but I hope it would not turn you blind to not see the fine line between what is right and what should need to be done."

Mr Wright's words had a hidden warning for his son. He didn't want Lester to leave Edwin alone in the time of crisis, but he also didn't want him to let Edwin lose control.

Even though Edwin held great respect for Mr Wright, he knew that Edwin would not listen to his advice. Only Lester was able to talk some sense into his mind.