Alpha in Vampire Diaries

Elias had become an invaluable presence in the village. His strength and willingness to help had endeared him to most, but the whispers lingered behind his back. Even when he offered help freely—fixing broken tools, hauling heavy loads, and even calming livestock—the villagers' gazes were wary. In the tavern, the men watched him cautiously, speaking in hushed tones when he passed. His strength was undeniable, but it unsettled them.

Elias understood. He had stayed longer than he intended. While he appreciated the hospitality, his instincts told him it was time to move on before the villagers' unease turned into something more dangerous. Still, when Loran approached him with one final task, Elias couldn't refuse.

"My daughter, Marella, needs to reach the next village," Loran said, his voice heavy with concern. "It's a half-day's journey by wagon. Normally, I'd send someone else, but..."

Elias inclined his head. "You want me to take her."

Loran nodded. "The woods are dangerous at night. I trust you to keep her safe."

Elias agreed without hesitation. He packed lightly, knowing the journey would be more perilous after sunset. Marella, a quiet girl with sharp eyes and a determined demeanor, climbed into the wagon with a small bundle of belongings. The villagers watched as Elias took the reins, their expressions a mix of hope and unease.

The journey began smoothly. The wagon creaked as it rolled along the dirt path, the dense forest pressing close on either side. Marella sat silently, occasionally glancing at Elias as if trying to decipher him. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the path, and the chill of night crept in.

"Why did my father choose you?" Marella asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Elias kept his eyes on the road. "He trusts me."

"You're different," she said, her tone cautious but curious. "Stronger than anyone I've seen. Are you... human?"

Elias didn't answer immediately. He considered lying, but something in Marella's gaze told him she wouldn't believe it. "I'm not like the others," he admitted finally. "But I'm here to help. That's all you need to know."

Marella nodded slowly, seeming satisfied for the moment. The conversation lapsed into silence again as the last light of day faded. Darkness fell quickly, and the forest seemed to come alive with sounds—the rustling of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, and something else. Something that felt wrong.

Elias' senses sharpened. He tugged the reins, slowing the wagon. Marella stiffened, her hand clutching the edge of her seat. "What is it?" she whispered.

"Stay quiet," Elias murmured.

The faintest sound of footsteps reached his ears, too soft for Marella to notice. They were not alone. Elias scanned the trees, his instincts on high alert. Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged.

It was a man—or at least it looked like one. His pale skin gleamed under the moonlight, and his sharp eyes locked onto the wagon. He looked normal enough, but the intensity of his stare and the hunger radiating from him betrayed his true nature. A smile spread across his face, revealing sharp fangs.

"Move aside," the vampire said, his voice smooth and commanding. "I'm only interested in the girl. Give her to me, and I'll let you walk away."

Elias stepped down from the wagon, positioning himself between the vampire and Marella. "Stay in the wagon," he ordered her, his voice steady.

The vampire chuckled, taking a slow step forward. "Brave, aren't you? But you don't understand what you're dealing with. Do yourself a favor and step aside. You're strong, yes, but you're no match for me."

Elias didn't flinch. "Try me."

The vampire's smile twisted into a snarl, and he lunged with terrifying speed. Elias blocked his advance, shoving him backward with brute force. The vampire hissed, his fangs bared, and the fight began in earnest. They crashed into trees and tore up the earth, each landing blows that would have killed an ordinary man.

Elias grunted as the vampire sank his claws into his side, but the wound began to close almost instantly. The vampire froze, his crimson eyes narrowing in disbelief.

"You… heal?" he growled, his tone incredulous.

Elias didn't answer. Instead, he swung a fist into the vampire's jaw, sending him sprawling. But the creature was fast, recovering almost immediately and tackling Elias to the ground. They rolled, trading blows in a chaotic flurry of strength and speed.

Elias finally gained the upper hand, pinning the vampire against a tree. His claws extended as he plunged them into the creature's torso. The vampire screamed, thrashing wildly, but Elias held firm. Then he felt it—a strange pull, like a thread being unwound. The vampire's struggles weakened as Elias instinctively began to absorb something from him, a faint energy that left the creature visibly drained.

With a final desperate effort, the vampire clawed Elias' arm, breaking free of his hold. Gasping and weakened, the creature stumbled back into the shadows.

"This isn't over," the vampire rasped before disappearing into the forest.

Elias staggered, his breathing heavy. Marella jumped from the wagon, running to his side. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Elias turned to her, his expression sharp. "I told you to stay in the wagon," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.

Marella flinched but nodded, stepping back. Elias sighed, brushing dirt from his clothes. "Let's keep moving," he said, climbing back onto the wagon.

Marella followed silently, her gaze lingering on him as they continued their journey. She didn't ask what had happened, but the look in her eyes said enough. Elias stared ahead, his thoughts swirling. Whatever he had done to the vampire, it was new—and it raised questions he wasn't sure he wanted answered.

The night pressed on, and the forest grew darker. But Elias knew one thing for certain: the encounter was just the beginning.