Everest Altain was the most powerful alpha that ever existed. That was, of course, until Damien was born. Everest punished Damien for being too strong and hurt Harlan for being too weak. He knew alphas aren't made, they are born, but he still pushed his son to become one.
Harlan hated the fact that, even though he almost killed them in the process, he made both of them what they are today, completely unstoppable. But he relished the thought that he created his own destruction.
Damien's good nature prevented him from being corrupted by his father. Instead, he put on a show and pretended to be someone he was not. He helped people in secret, searched for alternatives, and gave them the tools to defend themselves. He was a sheep dressed in a wolf's clothing.
But Harlan was the opposite. He enjoyed watching people suffer, enjoyed seeing their pain. He would do everything he was told, hoping that someday it would be enough for his father to finally love him, hoping someday he would be enough. He was a monster, and even though he had changed, he was still like him. He was still a monster.
And every time he closed his eyes, he could see it: the things he'd done to others and the things that were done to him. But what was eating him alive was that he had no idea which was worse.
***
Selene left the room. I could hear her fight with Harlan but didn't really pay attention. I was too busy staring at the phone she had left on the bed.
"Use it for whatever you need to," she'd said. But I didn't want to do what I needed to do.
What did I want to do, other than jump off a cliff to ensure this isn't a dream?
Anywho, I knew this was real, if only just because I knew I wouldn't have been capable of coming up with this. Too many details and too many perfectly explained characteristics. My mind has always been more rational than creative. I have always overanalyzed and was prone to overthinking. My head hurts.
My whole body hurts. God, I wish this was a dream.
I stared at the phone for an eternity, finally deciding to postpone dealing with this. I placed the device on the bedside table and turned off the lamp. The curtains in this room were so dark I had no idea what time it was.
I needed to think. Now that I was alone, I could do anything. I was a werewolf now, whatever that meant. I'd lose control and howl at the moon like a lunatic. Fantastic. This was precisely what I wanted for my life.
What did I want for my life? Of course, I knew the obvious answer. I wanted to help people dealing with complicated mental disorders. I wanted to help make a difference in their lives, as my psychiatrist did for me. I tried to kill myself three times before I found her. I still have the scars.
I got better eventually and decided to help people, but I ended up isolating myself from everyone just so I could achieve my goal. I started working at St. Aurelia General Hospital just as I graduated and became so lost in my work that I still barely made any friends.
Thinking about it then, people did try to reach out. I just didn't care. I'd worked at the hospital for barely three months, right after my ex finally gave up on me, and I didn't really make any friends. I don't think they'd care if I left.
I'd have to leave. Selene explained that to me. I could be a danger to myself and others. She offered I stay here where they can help me understand what was going on with me, and I had to say I was tempted.
Maybe I could survive this. Maybe I would find my... mate? I couldn't believe this was happening. It all just sounded so ridiculous.
I closed my eyes, hoping that tomorrow I would wake up in my bed with my plants and my smutty books all surrounding me.