Chapter 24

Layla’s parents showed up at their pack border two weeks later. Together they met the elders and the other pack leaders to explain everything.

It wasn’t easy with the years of prejudice and losses on both sides. Kiara didn’t think it was something they could decide over one meeting. So, they would need more time to convince everyone.

The Millers were able to convince the Lune Hunter’s council leader to investigate the matter. However, the council had several leaders. They were spread out across the world. Though they worked under the council, they were independent mostly. It was a good thing they knew where the others lived and how to approach them.

Layla being a part of the Lune Hunters worked in their favor. It was unexpected, but Lune Hunters initiated at the age of fifteen, and Layla became a part of their world at a young age. No one knew she was a werewolf. She even owned a blessed locket that helped the Lune Hunters to identify evil werewolves, though it was something she forgot to wear often.

Everything that transpired until now only proved that not all werewolves were evil.

In the days that followed, several rounds of meetings were held, and it was decided that the Millers would travel to meet the other Lune Hunters. It included Layla. Kiara, however, couldn’t let them go alone. She felt like it was her responsibility too. Just like Layla, she was also a part of both worlds.

“You sure you want to do this,” Kian asked her for the umpteenth time. Worry etched his features.

They were in one of the elder’s hut, where the meetings took place. She had volunteered today and announced her decision to accompany the Miller family.

She took his hands in hers. “Yes. I want to travel with Mr. and Mrs. Miller. I want to help people to understand werewolves more. I’m a human who grew up among the werewolves. Besides, I think it’d help a lot to go with Layla because we are sisters. We are the living proof of the human and werewolf relationship. Please allow me to go.”

“I don’t want you to go.” He averted his eyes. “What if something happened to you?”

“I can protect myself,” she assured. “You taught me how to fight, Kian. Besides, I have Layla.”

He scowled. “She’s the clumsiest wolf I’ve ever seen. If her status as a werewolf doesn’t get you into trouble, her mouth will.”

“Hey!” Layla hissed. “If you want to tag along, you just have to say so. You don’t have to throw me under the bus every time. And I’ll have you know that I’m very capable of protecting myself and my sister. Don’t forget I’ve been training really hard these days. I can—”

Kian ignored her. His gaze never left Kiara’s beautiful brown eyes. “I’m going with you.”

Her eyes widened. “What? No. You’re the second-in-command. You have to help Rommik with the pack affairs.”

“Ha! I knew it.” Layla rolled her eyes. “The big, bad Wolfie can never be away from his mate.”

Ronald and Lana chuckled. “Shush, sweetheart. That’s called love. He really loves our Kiara, and his concern is valid.” He turned to Rommik. “I understand this is a huge responsibility, and our travel wouldn’t be an easy one. But I think it will really help if Kian and Kiara can accompany us.”

“We don’t really need them,” Layla snorted. “We know humans better, and we can manage.”

“They’re better fighters, Layla,” Lana replied, putting a hand on her thigh. “Kian is a representative of Moonlight Howl pack. If we ran into any werewolf packs, his position as the second-in-command would help. Also, they know about the werewolves more than anyone else.”

“Got it!” Layla put a hand up. “You can come with us, Wolfie. But you should stop growling at me every second. I’ve known Kiara since the moment we were just a teeny-tiny cell in our Mama’s body. Not to mention now I’m your sister-in-law. Kiara, tell him.”

Kiara rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Rommik, who watched them with an amused grin.

Kian growled at Layla’s direction but turned to face Rommik and the elders as well. “What do you think, brother? Aren’t there a few packs that live close to the city? I can visit them while we are on it.”

Rommik nodded. “I agree with Mr. Miller. They know the human world better, and you know our world. Together you can be each other’s strength.”

“Yay!” Layla bounced in her seat. “I’m gonna teach everything I know to Kiara. You know what? I’ll even give you a gun.”

“You’re not giving her a gun,” Kian growled.

“The last time was an accident. Besides, you kept distracting her.”

“Can you both stop bickering for a moment?” Kiara intervened. “We have other things to discuss.”

Layla stuck her tongue out at Kian, and he mirrored her action, causing Kiara to laugh. She was used to their antics by now. Though they had warmed up to each other, they were always bickering and bantering at every chance they got. She didn’t think it was going to change anytime soon.

So, on an auspicious day foreseen by the elders, Kiara, Kian, Layla, and the Millers set out on their journey. The pack members gathered to bid them goodbye, bringing some gifts for Millers.

A family of wolves had moved to the nearest town, renting a house there. It had electricity and a phone connection. This way, they could pass the messages to the pack easily and keep them updated.

In a positive turn of events, Rommik also reached out to the local government authorities, who were more than interested in helping the tribe of people, especially after they returned a group of wandering students who lost their way in the forest safely to the authorities.

Soon, their small village would have free electricity lines and running water as promised by the authorities. If that wasn’t enough, in a show of goodwill, they had hired a few werewolves as their forest guides. They would work closely with the authorities to keep the forest safe for both werewolves and humans. Of course, the humans didn’t know who they were. They thought they were a secluded tribe who liked to keep away from their civilization.

It was time for a change. A change that might take decades, but Kiara was determined to be that change. She now had a purpose and someone who she loved wholeheartedly.

She slipped her hand into Kian’s palm, intertwining their fingers with a smile. “Thank you,” she whispered as the pack lands disappeared from their view. They trekked through the forest, hand in hand.

Layla and her parents walked ahead of them. Her sister, as usual, chattered excitedly, showing everything to her—their—parents. The Millers had told her that she wasn’t different from Layla, and she could call them Mom and Dad, just like her.

Kian squeezed her hands in assurance with a permanent grin—he just saved for her—on his lips.

New hopes and new beginnings awaited them.