Chapter 13 Rain of the Past
Seara walked behind Austin, staring at the man's stiff, rigid back. Every step Austin took exuded an authority that was suffocating to her.
Beside her, Nolan was still trying to lighten the mood with his lighthearted chatter, even though the tension in the air was impossible to hide.
"You know, Seara, this forest is much more boring than the tulip garden at the pack house," Nolan whispered as he jumped over a tree root. "At least there I could pick flowers for you without worrying about getting itchy sap on my hands."
Seara only snorted softly in response. Her attention remained fixed on Austin, who had suddenly stopped in front of a giant tree. Austin crouched down, his long fingers touching the ground, which seemed slightly more concave than the surrounding area.
"Their tracks lead to the northwest," Austin said in a heavy voice that echoed in the eerie silence of the forest. "Towards Rain Hill Village."
Beta Alex, who was always two steps behind Austin, frowned. He checked the tactical watch on his wrist before looking up at the sky, which was beginning to fill with thick gray clouds.
"Alpha, Rain Hill is known for its extreme rainfall. If we leave now, we'll arrive just as the storm hits. Maybe we should wait until the weather stabilizes."
Austin stood up with a quick jerk. His jaw tightened, giving off an intimidating aura that was very familiar to Seara. "Postpone? They're carrying five young she-wolves, Alex. Every minute we waste is an opportunity for those Rogues to disappear further into Cinder Valley."
"But Alpha, the risk at Rain Hill during heavy rain isn't just about visibility," Alex tried to warn again, his voice lowering to a whisper full of concern.
Seara watched Austin closely. Something had changed in the man's eyes. The gaze that was usually full of arrogant confidence now seemed a little shaky, even though he was trying hard to cover it up with anger.
"I don't need a lesson in weather strategy, Beta," Austin hissed. He glanced at Nolan, who was leaning casually against a tree, playing with a leaf. "I will prove that Lycanisius' leadership cannot be shaken by a little water. The Lycan Council needs action, not doubt."
Nolan chuckled—a sound clearly intended to provoke Austin. "Sure, Austin. But be careful, don't let those 'sharp fangs' you're so proud of get dull from the rain."
Seara was curious about their argument. She looked at Austin, then Alex, and finally Nolan.
She sensed there was more to it than just mutual disrespect.
"Rainwater isn't my obstacle. Shut up or leave, Nolan. Your choice," Austin replied sharply before striding through the thicket.
The journey to Rain Hill was becoming increasingly difficult. The sloping, slippery terrain caused Seara to lose her balance several times. However, every time she staggered, two pairs of hands scrambled to support her.
"Be careful, Seara. This ground is not kind to your beautiful feet," said Nolan as he reached out his hand, ready to guide her.
Before Seara could respond, a larger, rougher hand pulled her arm with an almost painful, possessive movement. Austin pulled Seara close to him, positioning himself between her and Nolan.
"Stay behind me, Seara. Don't touch anything you don't need to," he ordered without turning his head.
"I'm not a child, Alpha," Seara protested, annoyed at being treated like baggage. "I'm a Healer. I need to be able to move freely if someone is injured."
"You are my responsibility," Austin cut her off sharply. "And you, Kid," he pointed at Nolan, "stop acting like this is a picnic. Focus on the trail, or I'll send you home by force."
Seara could see how jealous Austin was of Nolan, a jealousy that was explosive and irrational. However, behind his excessive protectiveness, she also saw the Alpha's dedication.
Austin kept stopping to check every broken twig and lingering scent, making sure they didn't walk into a trap. He was taking his role as leader seriously, even though his emotions were unstable.
Suddenly, thunder rumbled in the distance. The sky, which had been gray, turned pitch black. A cold wind began to blow strongly, carrying the strong scent of rain.
Seara felt Austin's body tense up in front of her. His steps slowed, and his breathing became short and irregular.
The first drops of rain began to fall. They were only small drops, but Austin's reaction was in stark contrast to his toughness a few moments ago. His hands, which were holding the tree branch, were shaking.
"Alpha?" Alex asked anxiously. "We're almost at the Rain Hill border. The rain will soon come down hard."
Austin didn't answer. He stood frozen in the middle of the path. Lightning flashed in the sky, illuminating his suddenly pale face. Seara reflexively touched Austin's arm.
She herself didn't know why she did it, as if there was a force pulling Seara towards the Alpha.
"Austin, if you're afraid of water, let me take the lead from here," challenged Nolan. This time his voice contained no mockery, but rather a serious offer to take over. "Seara will be safer with me than with the Alpha, who is suddenly paralyzed by the drizzle."
Nolan's words seemed to sting Austin back to reality. He closed his eyes tightly, his teeth chattering. Seara could see the tremendous inner struggle behind the man's hardened jaw.
"Shut up... you," Austin growled, his voice more like a moan than a command.
The rain suddenly fell heavily, as if the sky had poured itself onto the earth. The sound of water hitting the leaves created a deafening noise.
Austin fell to his knees on the muddy ground. He covered his ears with both hands, breathing heavily, just like someone experiencing a severe panic attack.
Nolan was about to step forward, perhaps to take charge or simply to show off his strength, but Seara beat him to it. She knelt beside Austin, ignoring the cold water seeping into her clothes.
"Alpha. Are you okay?" Seara shouted over the roar of the rain.
The man did not react. His eyes were empty, as if he were no longer in this forest, but trapped in a different world.
Seara placed her hand on Austin's cheek, channeling a little healing energy. Seara assumed that the rainwater might have affected the nerves in Austin's body, causing him to tense up.
But nothing changed, Austin remained bent over.
"They are murderers."
"Alpha, calm down. If you continue like this, how can we survive?"
"They killed my parents, Seara. The rain washed away their blood. I just stood there, unable to do anything. I..."
Austin grabbed Seara's hand, pulling her so close to the Alpha.
Seara realized that Austin wasn't physically ill. Austin was seeing shadows of his past that terrified him.
"It's not your fault, Alpha," Seara whispered right into his ear, trying to break through the wall of his trauma. "Fate determines everything."
"Really?"
"Yes. You don't have to carry this burden. Your parents wouldn't want to see their child like this. You can fight your guilt. You're an Alpha."
Austin slowly opened his eyes. His wild gaze began to focus on Seara.
He felt that Seara was always sensitive to the pain of the wolves around her.
‘Moon Goddess, where did you send this female wolf to me?’
Austin hugged Seara tightly. The warmth of Seara's body alone was like natural oxytocin for a restless and frightened Alpha wolf like him.
\[She's like chicken soup that warms our souls, Austin. Mark her quickly. I want her\] Helio—Austin's inner wolf said impatiently.
‘Wolves, step aside, this is human business. I still want to be hugged by her.’ Austin shooed them away... so they wouldn't disturb his moment with Seara.
The rain began to subside. Austin was able to calm down even though he was still hugging Seara.
For him, stealing a hug at a time like this was an added benefit to show Seara that only he could touch her.
"Alpha, the rain has subsided. You can calm down now," said Seara.
"Ahh, it's subsided. Thank the Moon Goddess."
Seara stood up, as did Austin.
The Alpha had returned to his normal mode.
"Alex," Austin called, his voice hoarse but regaining its authority. "Continue the search."
Austin stepped forward, leading them toward Rain Hill Village with the enthusiasm and support Seara had given him earlier.
Seara followed him, realizing that behind his confidence, there was an Alpha who was fighting against the demons of his past.
"Thank you, Seara. You helped me get through it."