Howling at the Moons

CH 7: A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved

FLASHBACK – PACK ALPHA PANITCHAYASAWAD POV (WAYO'S DAD)

Wayo's introduction as an Omega to our allies, had gone as about as well as I could have hoped. I know there are still some small kernels of doubt among the other Alphas, but that will change in time. As they watched Wayo's wolf not grow over the next few years and they saw and felt the results of his training, they would come to accept the truth 100%.

"Alright Alpha Panitchayasawad, the boys are gone now. What else do you have to say to us?" Alpha Wattinasin of the Red Fang Pack asked.

"Can't fool you, can I old friend? Yes, I wanted to get the boys out because there are a few other things I have learned and some concerns that I want to discuss between only us. Let's take our seats at the table."

We spend the next four hours covering a variety of topics, such as Wayo's possible skill set and their strengths, his training schedule, the rarity of male Omegas and the lack of information surrounding their existence, and most importantly my safety concerns.

"No, I'm sorry Alphas but Wayo will not be leaving our lands anytime soon. Certainly not till his training is completed. I know it's traditional for Alphas and their heirs to visit the lands of packs aligned with them, but Wayo's safety is more important to me. Surely you understand my concerns? No? Then I will tell a quick story, so you will understand. Do you want to hear it?"

My friends heard the story of the pack meeting where I announced Wayo's Omega status. I disclosed how the pack started getting out of hand and how the female Omegas couldn't counteract the intensity of the emotions radiating from the pack members. I told them about Wayo's appearance, the overwhelming feelings, and the fact that it brought more than half of the pack to their knees. Then I revealed the most disconcerting fact of the whole incident, that when this happened Wayo had only had 2 days of training.

"If Wayo could bring to heel an angry pack of over 250 members with 2 days of training, imagine what he will be capable of in 2 years or 5 years with continuous training." I tell them.

The room is silent after my story, the Alphas each lost in their own thoughts. Catching their attention again, I continue, "There are people who will look at Wayo as a weapon. A weapon, that if they can control him, they can use against others. I don't want to scare you, but you need to understand my fears."

"You're telling us these things for a specific reason, what is it," Alpha Kongthanin cuts to the chase.

"Because I want your support and understanding when I break with tradition on certain matters, like the pack visits. And... I know it might be a hardship, and it's certainly hypocritical of me to ask, but I would request that you visit us or more importantly allow your sons to visit Wayo on a regular basis to build those ties we'll need the boys to have for the future."

Alpha Kongthanin grunts then heaves a sigh, "Alright, I understand. Count me in. Either myself or my Beta will bring the boys for regular visits here with Nong Wayo."

The other pack leaders quickly follow Alpha Kongthanin's lead and agree to the extra visitations also.

Looking around the table again, I declare, "Ok, there is just one last major item I haven't covered yet."

Alpha Jamornhun releases a huff of breath and asks, "More?"

"Yes, one last thing, but I think all of you will find it very interesting and it could have some major and far reaching effects on our futures." I could tell I'd peaked their interest again, as all 5 pack leaders were now leaning their elbows onto the conference room table waiting for me to continue.

"Most of the information we've discussed is of course sharable, at your discretion with your heirs, but this one small piece I'd like to request you keep to yourselves for the next few years. I don't want it to affect any of the boys' relationships with each other. If you can promise me you 5 can keep this a secret, we can move on with our meeting."

Meeting eyes with each man, I receive their acceptance of my condition before continuing.

"From what I have been able to discern from my limited research, and the small sample size of male Omegas that I can confirm the existence of, male Omegas are always mated to males who are either Alphas or become Alphas." I let them absorb that tidbit for a minute before I drop the true information bomb on them. "Also, their mates are always someone they know, someone with whom they already have a bond."

"That means..." Alpha Jamornhun starts to say but trails off seemingly in thought.

"Yes. What that means is," I continue, "Wayo could possibly be the mate of any one of your sons and will most likely be the Luna to one of our packs. The better the bonds they form now, the more likely that statement will be true later on."

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We finish our meeting about 30 minutes later and head downstairs in search of our sons. The house is unusually empty for a Saturday evening, but I know why instantly, since we can faintly hear someone playing the piano from where we're standing. Glancing at the other Alphas, we all head towards the music room.

The closer I get to the music room the stronger the ache in my chest becomes. It starts as an itch, but now standing outside the doors of the room it feels like a hot branding iron has been shoved into my chest. Eyeing the other Alphas, I see they feel the same pain. "Prepare yourselves, Wayo's emotions leak heavily during his performances and it will be worse the closer we get."

Opening the doors, we step inside the room. The overwhelming feelings are almost unbearable. People are crowded into the room watching raptly as my son plays the piano, tears streaming down most of their faces as they clutch their chests, but no one is moving.

The piece he's playing is one of his favorites. It's by Chopin and is haunting and full of pain and sadness. Wayo loves to move people with his music and now because of his Omega skills he really can. He can take everything a song makes him feel and share it with everyone listening.

As the song comes to an end, nothing but silence fills the room. Finally, there is almost an audible 'pop' as the emotions and pain from the performance dissipate as Wayo breaks himself free of the trance like state he was in while playing. His cheeks flame bright red as he looks around the room, taking in all the people who wandered inside while he was playing.

Wayo stands from the piano bench and searches for a face in the nearby crowd, then quietly says, "P'Forth, you asked me to play my favorite song and that was it. It's a Nocturne by Chopin. Did you like it?"

Nong Forth slowly steps away from the crowd, walks to Wayo, and wraps him in a tight hug. He speaks softly but we can all hear what he says, "It was lovely N'Yo, just like you."

Glancing over at Alpha Jamornhun, I see he has a thoughtful smile on his face.

09.06.2017

Edited:  02.06.2018   8:55 pm  US CST