The Solitary Alpha

Ha-neul's Wish

It's been about 6 years since Ha-neul turned over the mountain home to his oldest son.  He stopped visiting the house in the village but would occasionally make his way up to the cabin in the woods.    These last few weeks had been devastating for him as his longtime and beloved Mate, Miko had passed.  

Next to his parents, she had been the love of his life, but now she was gone.  It wasn't illness that took her, it was just old age.  Being a Prime, Ha-neul had extended their lives together for as long as he could.  He too was reaching the end, but with the death of his Mate, he was done.  He saw no point in continuing.  

This was just a natural part of being a wolf.  Especially ones that had bonded with their Mate.  If one died, the other would follow them in death within in weeks if not days.

Knowing that he no longer wanted to continue with this life, he wanted to make one final trip to his childhood  home in the mountains.  Before he left, he visited each of his Pups to tell them how much he loved them and to spend some time with them before he joined his Mate.  His kids were all sadden but understood.  After the tearful but loving good-byes, he had his youngest Pup drive him up to the mountain village one last time.   

He was dropped off right outside the gate.  As his Pup drove off he stood there quietly as he looked about the village.  It had changed so much since he was just a Pup himself.  The grocery store had increased in size and a few more newer stores had popped up.  Years ago there was a move to tear down some of the more traditional homes but he quickly put a stop to that with a passionate speech to preserve the soul of the vilage.  He was joined by the other Elders and some of the young families that had moved there for the quietness that the little town offered. 

"Dad!?"  

"Ah! Toru my boy.  How are you?" 

"Um, I'm fine.  What are you doing here?  Why didn't you call?" 

Ha-Neul approached his son with a soft smile on his face.  Reaching him he placed a hand tenderly on his arm.  "Let's go inside son.  We need to talk for a minute."

As his son led him into the house, Ha-neul  slowly walked through it, taking everything in one final time.  How he loved the  house and his time spent in it growing up.  Walking past what was his parent's room he stopped and closed his eyes.   Inhaling deeply he could almost smell their scents, mingled together. 

"Dad?" 

"Mn.  Come sit with me for a bit, this won't take long." 

Ha-neul took his seat on the edge of the decking that wrapped around the house.  He was glad that his son had kept the courtyard up.   His son sat next to him as his Mate offered her father in law some tea. 

"I'm fine dear, thank you."  

She smiled and returned to the kitchen.  

"Toru.  Today is my last day on earth.  I've come to say goodbye, and to see the home I grew up in one last time."

Toru fought back tears.  He and his dad were close, but he totally understood. 

"I get it dad, I wondered how long you would stay after mom passed away."

"Yes, with her gone and all of you with good Mates and happy lives, there's nothing more for me to do." 

"What about Auntie Odori?"

"She was the first one I told.  We've already said our goodbyes."

"I see."  Ha-neul and his son sat and enjoyed some quiet time together.  Just as he had done with his dad.  The father could hear his son fighting back tears but after a deep breath, he had composed himself.  "Do you want me to take you up to the cabin?"