Chapter 3 - Articus

The helicopter's descent was smooth, but the gusts of wind it kicked up were anything but. Articus braced himself as the aircraft touched down on the sprawling lawn of the Whiteborn estate.

The blades slowed to a stop as he stepped onto the manicured lawn of the compound. The crisp mountain air filled his lungs, carrying with it the scent of pine and something wilder—a reminder that he was no longer on his side of the mountain.

It had been years since he'd visited this part of their territory, and the differences were immediately apparent. As soon as the door slid open, he stepped out, making the descent to the ground in one drop.

Cassius was already waiting for him, a broad smile on his face that did little to hide the weariness in his eyes.

He looked every inch the leader of a powerful pack— tall, imposing, with that undeniable Whiteborn presence— but there was something else there, something Articus hadn't seen before. A weight that wasn't there the last time they met.

Cassius strode toward him with purposeful steps. His broad shoulders and confident gait spoke volumes about the kind of Alpha he was destined to become.

As he approached, Articus noticed the subtle differences between them despite their shared genetics, however far removed—where his hair was stark white, Cassius's was a warm platinum blonde.

"Articus!" Cassius called out, his voice carrying easily across the open space. "Welcome to Whiteborn territory."

Articus closed the distance between them, clasping his forearm in the traditional warrior's greeting. And then, to his surprise, Cassius pulled him into a firm embrace. Articus returned the hug, clapping his cousin on the back.

"Cassius," he replied, stepping back to take in the sight of him. "It's good to see you."

"And you." Cassius motioned toward the estate behind him, an impressive structure that had clearly been expanded since Articus last visited. "It's been ages since you walked these lands, eh?"

"Way too long, brother. Thank you for having me."

Cassius's grip was firm, and Articus could feel the strength in his arm. "The pleasure is mine. It's not every day we get a visit from the Alpha of the White Moon pack."

"I'm sorry about uncle."

"Don't be. He was a tough bastard who went out fighting as always. Come. Let me show you around."

As they released their grip, Articus took a moment to survey his surroundings. The compound was impressive. High walls surrounded the perimeter, and he could see guards patrolling at regular intervals.

The buildings were a mix of modern architecture and traditional log cabins, all arranged in a way that spoke of strategic planning rather than aesthetic appeal.

"Your pack has grown since I was last here," Articus remarked, taking in the bustling activity around them.

Cassius nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "We've had to adapt to the challenges of our side of the mountain. Come, let me show you around."

As they walked, Cassius pointed out various features of the compound. The training grounds caught Articus's eye immediately—they were extensive, with obstacle courses, sparring rings, and what looked like a mock urban environment for tactical exercises.

"You've certainly put a lot of emphasis on combat readiness," Articus observed.

Cassius's expression turned serious. "We have to. The Dark Side of the mountain isn't like your territory, Articus. Here, we're not just dealing with occasional rogue wolves. We have to be prepared for anything—other shifter species, human hunters, even some of the more... unnatural threats."

Articus raised an eyebrow at that last part, but Cassius didn't elaborate. Instead, he led him toward a large building that seemed to be the heart of the compound.

"This is our pack house," he explained. "It serves as both our administrative center and a fortress if we ever need to fall back and defend ourselves."

As they entered, Articus couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the utilitarian exterior and the warm, inviting interior. Rich wood paneling and plush carpets gave the space a homey feel despite the evident security measures.

Cassius led him through a series of corridors, nodding to pack members as they passed. Articus could sense their curiosity about him—no doubt his albino features stood out even more here than they did back home.

It was a familiar feeling, one he'd grown accustomed to over the years as the White Wolf of the White Moon pack.

They eventually came to a stop outside a door, and Cassius's demeanor softened slightly. "There's someone I'd like you to meet," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice that Articus had never associated with his normally confident cousin.

He opened the door, revealing a nursery. In the center of the room, a young wolf was tending to a crib. At their entrance, she looked up, bowing her head slightly in respect.

"Alpha, shall I leave you?" she asked.

Cassius shook his head. "No need, Lena. We won't be long."

He approached the crib, and Articus followed, curiosity piqued. As he peered in, he was met with the sight of a beautiful baby girl, no more than a year old. Her hair was a soft gold, and her eyes, when they opened to look at them, were a striking green.

"Articus, meet Aurora," Cassius said softly, reaching down to stroke the baby's cheek. "My daughter."

Articus couldn't hide his surprise. "Your daughter? Cassius, I had no idea you'd become a father."

Cassius chuckled, but there was a hint of something—sadness? Frustration?—in his eyes. "It's a recent development. Aurora came into my life about three months ago."

Articus stared at the baby girl, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. Cassius, the unshakable leader, now a father grappling with a responsibility that threatened to consume him. Articus felt a pang of something he couldn’t quite name—envy, perhaps, for this connection to something pure and innocent, or maybe just the weight of knowing his own solitude was as much a choice as a consequence. But this wasn’t the time for such thoughts. He buried them, as he always did.

As they left the nursery, leaving Aurora in Lena's capable hands, Articus couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "I don't mean to pry, Cassius, but... how did this happen? Last I heard, you weren't even seeing anyone seriously."

Cassius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a complicated situation. Aurora's mother... she was a rogue. We had a one-night stand during one of my patrols in neutral territory.

"I never expected to see her again, but then three months ago, she showed up at our gates with Aurora. Said she couldn't take care of a baby while living as a rogue, and that she knew I'd give Aurora a good life."

Articus let out a low whistle. "That's... quite a situation."

Cassius nodded, his expression a mix of emotions. "It's been challenging, to say the least. Taking on the role of Alpha is hard enough, but doing it while suddenly becoming a single father? There are days I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water."

As they walked, Articus couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for his cousin. He'd known him for years as a strong, capable wolf, always in control. Seeing him like this, vulnerable and overwhelmed, was a stark reminder of the pressures that came with their positions.

As the elders don’t fail to remind me.

"I hate to say it," Articus began, "but I guess this makes me the only one in our generation who's still single and childless."

Cassius let out a bark of laughter. "Don't sound so sad about it, Cousin. Trust me, there are days I envy your freedom."

While I envy the rest of you and your lack of it.

They made their way to what appeared to be Cassius's office, a spacious room with large windows overlooking the compound.

As they settled into comfortable leather chairs, Cassius's expression turned serious once more. "Articus, I won't lie to you. I'm struggling. Being an Alpha, a father, trying to navigate the politics of our side of the mountain... it's a lot.”

“I desperately need a mate, someone to share this burden with, to help me raise Aurora. But finding the time to even think about that seems impossible right now."

Articus leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you, Cassius. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Cassius shook his head. "You being here is help enough. Having you witness the ceremony, lending the White Moon pack's support to my ascension as Alpha... it means more than you know."

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of their responsibilities settling around them like a familiar cloak.

Finally, Cassius spoke again. "Since you're here fulfilling your White family duty, there's something else I think you should experience."

Articus raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"The Dark Side of the mountain," Cassius said, his tone serious. "The real Dark Side of the mountain. It's one thing to hear about it, another to see it for yourself. I think it's important for you to understand what we're dealing with here."

Articus nodded slowly. "I admit, I'm curious. The stories we hear on our side... sometimes it's hard to believe they're real."

Cassius's laugh was devoid of humor. "Oh, they're real alright. And probably worse than you've heard. But seeing is believing. After the ceremony, I'll take you into town. Show you what life is like beyond the safety of our compound walls."

The idea both excited and unnerved Articus. He'd heard stories of the Dark Side all his life—tales of savage rogues, of packs that operated more like crime syndicates, of dangers that went beyond the natural world.

Part of him had always dismissed them as exaggerations, cautionary tales told to keep young wolves in line. But the look in Cassius's eyes told him he might need to reassess that belief.

"I appreciate that, Cousin," Articus said. "It's important for me to understand what you're facing here. As Alpha of the White Moon pack, I need to know what's happening on both sides of the mountain."

Cassius nodded, seemingly relieved by Articus's acceptance. "Good. It'll be an eye-opening experience, I promise you that."

As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door. A young wolf entered, bowing his head respectfully. "Alpha, the other pack leaders have begun to arrive for the ceremony."

Cassius stood, straightening his clothes. "Thank you, Darius. We'll be right there." He turned to Articus. "Ready to meet some of the most powerful—and dangerous—Alphas on this side of the mountain?"

Articus stood as well, squaring his shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be."

As they made their way to the grand hall where the ceremony would take place, Cassius filled Articus in on some of the key players he was about to meet.

"First, there's Aleksander Einar of the Iron Fang pack," Cassius explained. "They control most of the mining operations in the northern territories. Tough as nails and not afraid to get his hands dirty."

Articus nodded, committing the name to memory. "Sounds like a formidable ally—or enemy."

"Then we have Selena Nightshade of the Shadow Walker pack," Cassius continued. "Don't let her beauty fool you—she's as cunning as they come. Her pack specializes in... let's call it information gathering."

"Spies," Articus translated, and Cassius didn't correct him.

"You'll also meet Ragnar Stormborn of the Thunder Claw pack. They're our first line of defense against threats from beyond the mountain range. Ragnar's a bit of a wild card but fiercely loyal once you earn his trust."

“There are some other Alphas who are unable to make the gathering due to pressing concerns in their territories.” As they approached the grand hall, Articus could already hear the murmur of voices within. Cassius paused before the doors, turning to him with a serious expression.

"Remember, Articus—things work differently here than on your side of the mountain. Alliances shift like the wind, and everyone is always looking for an angle. Watch your words, and don't make any promises you can't keep."

Articus nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just a family obligation anymore—it was a delicate political dance, one that could have far-reaching consequences for both their packs.

As they entered the grand hall, the buzz of conversation died down, and all eyes turned to them. Articus could feel the weight of their gazes, assessing, judging. It was a familiar feeling, but here, in this unfamiliar territory, it felt more intense.

Cassius led Articus to the center of the room, where a group of imposing figures stood. He recognized them immediately from Cassius's descriptions.

Aleksander Einar was the first to step forward. He was a mountain of a man with steel-gray hair and eyes that seemed to bore right through you. His handshake was firm enough to crush bones, but Articus returned it with equal strength.

"So, this is the famous White Wolf," he rumbled, his accent thick. "We've heard much about you, even on this side of the mountain."

Articus inclined his head slightly. "All good things, I hope?"

Aleksander's laugh was like gravel. "That depends on who you ask, I suppose. But any wolf who can keep the peace on your side of the mountain for as long as you have... well, that earns respect in my book."

Before Articus could respond, a silky voice cut through the air. "Now, now, Aleksander. Don't hog our esteemed guest all to yourself."

Selena Nightshade glided forward, every movement graceful and calculated. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was a sharpness to her eyes that put Articus on guard.

"Alpha Articus," she purred, extending her hand. "What a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I must say, the rumors don't do you justice."

Articus took her hand, but instead of kissing it as she clearly expected, he shook it firmly. "The pleasure is mine, Alpha Nightshade. I look forward to learning more about your... information-gathering techniques."

A flash of surprise crossed her face, quickly replaced by an amused smirk. "Careful what you wish for, White Wolf. Knowledge can be a dangerous thing in our world."

"Bah!" A booming voice interrupted. "Enough with the cryptic talk. Let's speak plainly!"

Ragnar Stormborn pushed his way forward, his wild red hair and beard making him look more like a Viking than a werewolf. He clapped Articus on the shoulder with enough force to stagger a lesser wolf.

"Welcome to the Dark Side, Articus!" he grinned. "Don't let these sneaky bastards scare you off. We're not all doom and gloom here."

Articus couldn't help but grin back. Ragnar's enthusiasm was infectious. "I'm glad to hear it. I was beginning to worry I'd need eyes in the back of my head."

"Oh, you do," Ragnar laughed. "But that's half the fun, isn't it?"

As the conversation flowed, Articus found himself drawn into the complex web of alliances and rivalries that defined the politics of the Dark Side. It was a far cry from the relatively straightforward dealings he was used to back home, but he found himself rising to the challenge.

Aleksander quizzed him on his pack's security measures, his questions pointed and specific. Articus answered carefully, giving enough information to satisfy without revealing any vulnerabilities.

Selena, meanwhile, seemed more interested in the personal aspects of his life. "No mate yet, Alpha Articus?" she asked, her tone deceptively casual. "A strong wolf like yourself must have no shortage of suitors."

Articus laughed, deflecting the question. "I'm afraid my pack keeps me too busy for much of a personal life. But I'm sure the right wolf will come along when the time is right."

Ragnar interjected with a hearty guffaw. "Or maybe you just haven't looked on the right side of the mountain, eh? Our she-wolves have a bit more bite to them—might be just what you need!"

The conversation continued in this vein for some time, a delicate dance of probing questions and carefully measured responses. Articus found himself enjoying the challenge, even as he remained acutely aware of the potential consequences of a misstep.

As the night wore on and the ceremony approached, Cassius managed to pull Articus aside for a moment. "You're holding your own well," he murmured, approval evident in his voice. "But don't let your guard down. The real tests are yet to come."

Articus nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I'll be ready," he assured him.

Just then, a hush fell over the room as an elderly wolf entered. His presence commanded respect, and even the most boisterous conversations died down.

"That's Elder Greymane," Cassius whispered. "He'll be officiating the ceremony."

As the Elder began to speak, calling for the gathering to commence, Cassius turned to Articus with a small smile.

"One last thing before we get swept up in all this," he said quietly.

"What's that?" Articus asked, curious about his sudden change in demeanor.

"How about we grab a beer after all this is over? I think we could both use one."

He couldn’t help but laugh, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. "Cassius, I think that's the best idea you've had all day. You're on."

“I surprise myself sometimes,” he said with a lazy grin before turning to head back to the middle of the room.