Intuition

Word of the coming execution swept through StarLight. Graham had been explaining his father’s point of view to them, all the while condemning his actions. As the date of his father’s death got closer, he had been seen in public less and less.

When the day came, Flint was ready. He had been spending his nights following the illusive tugging of his child’s hold on his heart. During the days, he was coordinating the search while still avoiding most of the pack members. Flint was tired but he felt like he had no other paths to take.

He couldn’t ignore the struggles of his people any longer. No more than he could stop searching for his mate. The day of the execution came with a kind of relief for him. The half moon was nearly upon him, soon he would have answers on how to help Eve.

The search for her was still lacking in answers but he wanted to be able to help her when he did manage to find her. Flint dressed in a black suit with a matching dress shirt. This would be the first time, since the Calling last year, that he stood in front of the bulk of the pack without Eve by his side.

He knew how they were feeling. Their opinions and emotions swirled through his mindlink all of the time. Most were doubting his ability to lead. Before he had his Luna, he had been violent. Unable to control his power and aggression.

Eve had helped to rehabilitate his reputation during her stay with StarLight. But as soon as she was taken, he attacked his warriors. They were still recovering. In speaking to their doctors, much to his relief, Flint learned they were all healing well. Two of them had already been released.

There were other reasons the pack was skeptical of him. While he had been spending his time searching for Eve and following the pull in his chest, to them it appeared that he was avoiding his responsibilities as Alpha. He hadn’t addressed them. He hadn’t explained anything. In the eyes of most, he simply vanished during the crisis.

Flint drove toward the arena early that morning. He had a tense feeling in his stomach. Not because today he would be executing an ex-elder, but because he kept thinking about the execution he had planned for Bastian last year. No matter how careful he had been about the information released, or the security measures in place, he’d still escaped.

This time, Flint would insure there was no chance of that. He met the prisoner transport van an hour before anyone was allowed to gather. Clark was hauled out of his seat and the Alpha examined him. He had been given a tailored suit and his wounds were healed. At least the visible ones.

His gray hair was combed back, as he always kept it. His beard had been freshly trimmed and he wore his thin, rectangular glasses. Flint used his power to dare the man to meet his gaze but he was unable. He carried the somber, but self assured, expression of a martyr.

Elijah was waiting in the holding area with Joshua. Flint entered behind the warriors toting Clark’s restraints. Once they insured the prisoner was chained in his seat, they left the room. This left the four men alone.

“You stupid mongrel.” Joshua hissed at him. “You aided the rogue who paralyzed me?”

The old men met gazes. Clark showed pure indignation, but only for a moment. It crumpled quickly to a look of disappointment.

“You told Bastian how to get in. That’s how he got the drop on me...” Joshua glared at him. “I’ve known you for seventy years. We went to school together. I know we haven’t been friends for some time, but I could hardly believe it was you that made this possible.”

Clark took a breath, as if gathering his integrity before responding.

“I was fooled, Joshua.” He stated firmly. “I would have never allowed harm to come to you or any pack members. Even if we fell out years ago, I need you to believe that this was not my intention. Never.”

Joshua stared into his eyes. His wolf was in his mind, cursing the man. Flint could feel his rage. But Joshua’s expression betrayed nothing. It was hard and cold, like stone. He lifted his chin and pushed his wheelchair to the door. Flint opened it for him, but he paused in the threshold.

“I hope the mistakes you’ve made haunt you, just as they’ll haunt the rest of us. Some more than others.” Joshua never turned back to face him. “Goodbye, Clark.”

He disappeared down the hallway and Flint was about to close the door, but a warrior approached.

“Graham Monroe is here. He requests a last visitation.” She stated.

Flint felt his father’s approval of this through the mindlink, but the Alpha was hesitant. He glanced at the prisoner who was watching him with wide, obviously hopeful eyes.

“Bring him.” He eventually stated reluctantly.

A few moments later, Graham entered the room. He and Flint examined one another. Both were stiff and obviously at odds. Graham was as put together as ever; wearing his navy blue suit with a matching tie.

He sat across from his father with no discernable expression. His link was closed, so his feelings were a mystery to everyone. Clark looked him over eagerly before noting his audience. He turned to Elijah, casting Flint an annoyed glance.

“I’m saying goodbye to my son. Is killing me not enough?” He grunted.

Elijah narrowed his gaze at him.

Step outside. Stay in earshot. The familiar, gruff voice of Elijah’s wolf entered Flint’s mind.

He looked at his father skeptically but was met with certainty. He stepped outside and closed the door behind him. Flint didn’t want to leave his father alone with the traitor. He refused to take a step away from the door, incase he heard, or felt, any kind of disturbance.

“Dad...” Graham’s voice was tight, as if there were a lump in his throat.

“I never meant to make you ashamed. I never wanted to tarnish the honor of our family name. Regardless, this is the legacy I left you.” Clark’s voice shook as he finished speaking.

Elijah stepped back and leaned on the wall. Unless they were talking about escape, or espionage, he refused to involve himself.

“I-I-” The suspended Beta was at a loss for words.

“I have never been a man known much for showing my emotions to others... Just remember how I was and be even better. Remember that I love your mother. So much so that knowing I won’t see her again causes my chest to physically ache. Remember that I love you as well, my boy. You were a gift from the goddess herself, sent to your mother and I. Don’t allow yourself to forget. Don’t ever deny my words.”

Clark’s eyes filled with tears as he spoke. This fiercely strong creature was crumbling under the weight of his coming death. There was still so much to say, and his time was running out for him to speak at all. However, he was still prideful. Clark inhaled through his nose sharply and dried his tears.

“Understand me?” He asked gruffly.

Graham wiped his cheeks hastily and crossed his legs. He sat up and met his father’s gaze just as he had been taught to... Proud, firm, and sure of himself.

“I understand.” He agreed in a strained but deep tone. “Your feelings are shared. I will tell mom what you said, when I see her.”

“Do that.” Clark took another stabilizing breath.

The door opened abruptly and Flint entered, followed by a couple of warriors.

“Time’s up. The pack is arriving.” The Alpha informed them.

Graham reluctantly stood and met his father’s eyes again. He wanted to memorize them and take their strength with him for what was to follow.

“Goodbye, my boy. Remember what I said. Be strong.” Clark spoke in his usual tone, obviously hiding his inner turmoil.

“I will, Dad. I’ll be praying for your soul to be at peace.” Graham replied stiffly.