Chapter 50 Chapter 50
A heaviness grew in Suki’s chest. “Wipe out… the werewolf race?” She looked to Reynard, who was already looking at her, equally concerned.
Reynard discreetly took hold of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“How did you come to this theory?” she breathed.
“It’s difficult not to when a vast number of humans infiltrated my pack – one of the most secluded packs of all. They broke into it and did all that they did to leave us with the traumatic scars that we’ll never forget.” Alpha Conri looked out of the window, admiring the people of his pack far in the distance. He sighed, “Look, I could be wrong – hell – I hope I am wrong, but what you may not realise is, right after the attack on Nighttide, word of the seer’s vision began to spread.” He looked at Suki with a calmer expression, laced with hurt and concern for his people. “You can’t help but assume it’s connected, don’t you think so?”
Suki nodded. “I would assume that too.”
“We managed to eliminate the majority of them, but some escaped, with some of my people. We werewolves know to never shift in front of humans to reveal our kind, so I hope that, since we’ve never had an attack ever again, the humans stopped believing in our existence.” Alpha Conri shook his head. “But I know better than to hope for such a foolish thing.”
“Alpha Conri, do you have any idea what those humans wanted with your people?”
His head tilted as he held a sympathetic smile, “You’ve consumed human media, yes? Television shows, movies, books?”
“Yes, sir, of course.”
Clapping his hands together, he rests his arms on the table and leans forward. “One thing we can be certain about the human race is that if they see anything that might appear more powerful than their kind, they’ll see it as a threat and will be willing to destroy it without even trying to understand it. They have to be the most powerful at all times.”
Suki swallowed thickly, “So what werewolves say about humans is true? Have they lost their connection with Mother Nature?”
“It’s what I believe, yes.” Alpha Conri’s tone shifts as he sees Suki’s concern grow. “Worry not, child. This is all speculation, but it’s important to be cautious, correct?”
She smiled, “Yes, sir. Thank you for your insight; it’s been most helpful.”
Reynard stands, holding his hand out for Suki.
Taking his hand, she comes to a stand also and holds herself tall before bowing to the Alpha. “Thank you so much for allowing us into your home.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet the daughter of the Beta and the son of the Gamma of the Moonstone pack. It’s reassuring to know outside packs are raising future generations correctly.”
Suki and Rey exchanged a prideful smile. “We both want to make our families proud,” said Reynard.
Alpha Conri came to his feet and shook Reynard’s hand. “I believe you both are doing exactly that. Perhaps one day, if this great threat vanishes, I’ll reconsider shielding my pack from the rest of the werewolf race.”
Perking her eyebrows up, Suki inhaled a short gasp, “Do you really mean that?”
“I offer no promises,” the Alpha’s serious expression reappeared. “I still don’t have full trust in anyone outside of my pack, but I would like to open my pack one day. I’m setting restraints on my people, restricting many from potential bonds and adventures of their own – all to keep them safe – but ultimately, I know it’ll do more harm than good in the future. I want my people happy, and once this threat is gone, I intend to allow them all that freedom to fight for their happiness.”
“All of your people?”
“Of course.”
“Even the outsiders?”
Alpha Conri’s brows furrowed, “What do you mean by that?”
Reynard placed his hand on her back. ‘Ki, I don’t think you should push your luck there,’ he pushed his concerns through the bond. ‘If he catches on that we know Brendan, he might retract everything he just said… or worse, he might threaten us or our home.’
She chewed her lip, knowing he was right. She shook her head and smiled at the Alpha. “I don’t know, I think I’m a little more sleep deprived than I realised. Anyway, we don’t want to overstay our welcome. Once again, thank you for meeting with us. The information you’ve supplied has been very useful.” She bowed once again.
Reynard followed her, bowing also.
Alpha Conri shook his head, “Now, what kind of host would I be if I only welcomed you into my pack for one short meeting. You should stay for dinner tonight, and we’ll set you up with a beautiful cabin to stay the night and to recuperate here before you travel back tomorrow morning. You must have dinner at the Howling Pub, it’s got the most divine food, and you’re here at the best time – every Friday evening it turns into a whole party that takes over the whole town centre.”
Suki waved her hands, “Oh, that sounds lovely, but we don’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense, I insist. It’s a kindness I’d like to offer you for being so compliant with our strict requests and rules we’ve had in place in the lead up to your visit.”
A soft smile grew on her face as she accepted his gracious offer.
✧ ✧ ✧
Alpha Conri was correct about the delicious food served at the pub as well as the liveliness of the partying that followed as the night grew older.
It seemed that the people of Nighttide were all too excited to have two new werewolves visit their home. They welcomed Suki and Rey with open arms, encouraging them both to join the festivities of indulging in drinking and dancing.
After one man spun her around a few too many times, she moved over to Reynard and rested her hands on his chest. ‘These people are not what I expected.’
‘I was thinking the same.’ He tucked her hair behind her ear.
She looked up at him and smiled. “I’m feeling a little dizzy after all those spins. I’m just going to go out for some fresh air.”
“Let me come with you.”
Shaking her head, she patted her hand on his chest. “No, stay, have fun.”
He furrowed his brows. “I promised your father I wouldn’t leave your side.”
“I’ll just be in that little garden bit in the corner, you can watch me through the window.”
“I’ll watch you from the door.”
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile.
Making her way outside to a secluded, small garden that she assumed was an area people would come to for a quick smoke. Suki perched herself on the brick wall and inhaled the night breeze, closing her eyes and lifting her face to the sky, embracing the radiance of the subtle moonlight.
“Fancy seeing you here,” a deep and familiar voice startled Suki to open her eyes and look in his direction. Hadeon smiled with the same mysterious grin he continuously pulled. “Hello again, pretty wolf.”