Chapter 8

“Rachel…” Alexander ssoftly said ad he clasped Iliana. Iliana got herself together trying to pull back tears. She took deep breaths after relieving herself from Alexander’s embrace.

“I’m sorry.” She apologized

“Please, don’t be. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

Iliana was overwhelmed with too many emotions she might’ve held back in the past. Iliana felt somewhat lighter in her heart. “Thank you.” She whispered to Alexander. “Alexander…”

“Hmm?”

“About joining the pack…” Iliana was reluctant about telling Alexander what she had in mind. “I have come up with a plan.”

“Okay? Go on.”

Alexander attentively listened to Iliana spill all she had planned—all the masked man planned. It was a wise choice for Iliana to take advantage of the alpha before, however, she did not think of his reactions. She could already tell from his furrowed eyebrows this her plan is very flawed.

“Are you mad?” Alexander had much to say about the plan. “Your plan will send you to your grave. It’s too dangerous.”

“What choice do I have?”

“The Silver Creek cannot allow an imposter in the town, let alone in the pack.”

“Then be my protector.” She intoned “Protect me till I am ready to become one of yours.”

“I thought you were ready. I thought you were ready to become one.”

“I am.”

“Then why don’t you just become one.”

“Because, I am a…” Iliana instantly withdrew herself from speaking any further but she had to complete her sentence. “I am…afraid.”

“Rachel, you don’t have to be afraid.”

“I can’t help it. That is why I came up with this plan.”

“It is a ridiculous plan.” Alexander said. “However, you won’t be looked for it you’re seen next to me all the time. Your chances of getting caught as a werewolf without a pack are slim, which means your chances of getting caught as an imposter werewolf in the pack are high. I’ll protect you.”

There was a soft gently breeze that swept the land. So soothing and peaceful. Iliana and Alexander kept their gazes fixed.

AWOOOOO!!!

“There’s a blue moon meeting. I came here during the blood moon meeting but you were gone. Come with me for this meeting. Let’s start from here. Follow me.”

Alexander led Iliana through corners of the town leading her to areas where she had never seen before however it seemed to be a long walk. They arrived at a narrow passage. It had vines all over walls and bore a different energy. There was an entrance in front of them covered with a curtain made of vines.

“Your life is about to change forever.” Alexander warned as the stood in front of the vines. “No matter what, don’t leave my sight. Never.” Iliana stepped closer to Alexander. They both walked into the vines.

Iliana’s eyes beheld what she had never witnessed in her entire life. The forest of the Silver Creek. The meeting ground of the Silver Creek. She couldn’t help but compare. It was massive, lit and unforgettable.

“Alexander, we’ve been waiting for you.” David approached Alexander but was stopped by the sight of a beautiful lady beside Alexander. “Who’s that?”

“She is none of your business, David.” Alexander said as he pulled Iliana closer to home. Iliana slipped her hand into his as there was no gap between them. Alexander walked past David, paying him no attention.

Iliana heard so many whispers about Alexander as they passed through the crowd. It was unsettling for Iliana and Alexander. Iliana couldn’t look anyone in the eye. She felt very safe around Alexander.

They made their way to a massive tree trunk that served as a stage. It could have ten people comfortably standing on it. The was a staircase leading to the top of the tree trunk. Alexander led Iliana to walk ahead of him while he walked behind. Too many eyes were on them. They reached the top of the trunk only to be greeted by more eyes.

“Alexande-“ Rajesh held his greeting after seeing Iliana besides him. “Who is tha-“

“Start the meeting.” Alexander cut Rajesh short.

Rajesh glared at Iliana before calling the attention of the pack.

“LET THE BLUE MOON MEETING BEGIN!” Rajesh announced. All attention went to Rajesh as he spoke, however their attentions were divided. There was silence all over.

“THERE ARE A FEW MATTERS AT HAND THAT MAY SEEM SEVERE TO A POINT...” Rajesh paused. “AS YOU MAY KNOW, THE SILVER CREEK IS QUITE WELCOMING TO ALL. HOWEVER, IT IS NEVER WELCOMING TO A PARTICULAR PACK–THE SHADOW PACK. I AM SURE YOU ARE ALL AWARE.”

The pack couldn’t understand what Rajesh was on to at first. The silence was broken by murmurs.

“WHY DO I SAY THIS TO YOU? YOU MAY WONDER…” Rajesh stopped to analyze the crowd that fell silent. “THERE IS A SPY AMONG US.

There was even greater volume of murmurs.

“TWO MONTHS AGO, WE CAPTURED ONE. LAST MONTH WE CAPTURED ANOTHER. HOWEVER, WE’VE NO RELEVANT DETAIL FROM THEM.”

Iliana’s grip on Alexander’s hand tightened. “are you okay?” Alexander whispered to Iliana who nodded in response.

“WE ARE WORKING HARD TO MAKE THEM TALK. WE CANNOT HAVE ANY OTHER PACK WANDERING IN THIS TOWN. ESPECIALLY THAT SHADOW PACK. SHOULD WE FIND OUT THAT ONE OF YOU IS THE PERPETRATOR, YOU WILL BE KILLED ON THE SPOT.” Rajesh finished, leaving everybody in a space of tension. Rajesh moved on to other topics.

With every sudden eye contact he made with Iliana, she felt more exposed. Iliana was relieved to know that Stuart and Samuel are still alive. She suddenly gave herself the mission to rescue them, however, it’s even more riskier than her act in pack; Alexander will not have her back.

“Rachel…” Alexander whispered. “We’ll all transform to do the howling, try not to be the last to transform or the first to howl; all eyes are on you.”

“NOW, WE’LL HAVE ALEXANDER GIVE US A BRIEF WORD OF CAUTION BEFORE HE COMMENCES THE HOWLING. ALEXANDER…”

Alexander gently disconnected from Iliana, leaving her to stand alone.

“GOOD, RAJESH. THANK YOU.” Alexander started, facing the crowd. “ALL I CAN SAY TO YOU IS: BE VERY CAREFUL.”

Iliana felt Alexander was talking indirectly to her.

“NOW, SILVER CREEK PACK!” Alexander yelled. Everybody began to transform, Iliana noticed early enough to transform quickly.

Iliana stood in awe of Alexander’s transformation. Pitch black fur with tiny follicles of gold and silver, and very distinct golden and silver eyes. It was beautiful.

Suddenly, there was silence.

David started a howl. A clean unwavering howl. Erik joined. Their howls formed a soft harmony. Then finally, Alexander added his howl. Alexander’s howl left everything on a balance. It was only howls but felt like a rehearsed performance. It was too beautiful to be true. After the three brothers howled, everybody including Iliana came in with howls. It was like a mass choral rendition. Heavenly. A moment Iliana will never forget.