In Alexander's quarters, I sense a familiar scent, raising suspicions.
"Do you have a Luna anyways?" I inquire, met with silence. Despite the late hour, lights blaze until abruptly switched off. Unfazed, I head towards the switch, but an unseen force guides me to the bed.
Expressing frustration, I confront the situation. "This is what all men do? Take you home all in the name of help and..." I protest. The lights flicker back on, revealing Alexander beside me. "Cooperate with me. Don't make things harder." He warns, his lips dangerously close. I peck his chin, and he chuckles, revealing a surprising revelation.
"The high school you attend was founded by my father. I own a pack of fifty loyal wolves. You'd like to join us." He suggests.
"I appreciate the warm welcome, but I'd like a quick sleep before the hunt." I reply.
"Just lay." Alexander instructs, repeating the command. Uncomfortably close, I complain, prompting him to scoff and leave the bed. He orders a werewolf to guide me to a female lodge instead.
In the room, warm hands suddenly wrap around me, but as I turn, sharp pain strikes beneath. It's Alexander.
"How did you manage to get in?" I question.
"Save the story for our kids." He replies, continuing until I groan for release.
Afterwards, he commands, "It's time for hunting. Get up and let's go." Weak and enervated, he helps me to the field where warriors gather. A young werewolf walks up to Alexander, informing him that I can't join the hunt due to my human vulnerability.
"Why?" I protest. "Isn't he the Alpha?"
"Hold on." Alexander tells me, moving closer to the werewolf. Their conversation is hushed but audible.
"She's human, and any situation might arise where everyone has to defend themselves. She won't be able to, and you'll make your wolves suffer if you do it for her." The werewolf advises.
"I'll protect both of you, I promise." Alexander pleads in response.
"I know you're the Alpha, and your command leads to the actions we take, but I request that she be taken to the wolf doctor for a check-up. There should be a regular check-up for her; I can notice a few changes in her face." The Beta suggests.
"Lead her to the pack. She needs a lot of rest." Alexander instructs, silencing my potential complaint.
"You'll be just fine, love. You'll be safer in the pack. I promise." He reassures, then joins his wolves as he orders them to shift and disappear into the woods for the hunt.
"I understand where you're coming from. Brave will lead her back to the pack, and she'll be with the wolf healer. Thanks for the notice." Alexander acknowledges.
"Sure." The Beta responds, patting his back before rejoining the other wolves. Alexander rushes back to me, summoning a short wolf, presumably Brave.
Despite my reluctance, the short wolf insists on seeing the wolf healer. Arguments ensue, with the wolf threatening to attack if I defy orders.
"Attack? You think I'm dumb?" I retort as we walk back to the pack.
"According to werewolves, humans are dumb, no matter how powerful you might be." He responds. Reluctantly, I follow him to the wolf healer's quarters, realizing he's aware of my human status, likely overheard from the Alpha's Beta.
When we arrive, the wolf healer recognizes me as Nora Taylor. He inquires, "What bothers you to come here?" Cautious of the wolf's presence, potentially conveying our conversation to the Alpha.
I roll my eyes gently at both the wolf and Ethan, conveying my annoyance until Ethan catches on. He politely requests to walk the wolf outside.
"I can walk myself. I'll be close to the quarters. Ensure she isn't hurt in any way." The wolf, Brave, instructs before leaving. Once the door is shut, I rush to Ethan, and he pulls me into a hug.
Whispering urgently, he asks, "What are you doing in this pack, Nora?"
"I should be asking you, huh?" I reply, meeting his gaze.
"Who is the current wolf healer for your pack? How would you dare leave the pack?" I question.
"You haven't confirmed if I left, though."
"What else could it be?"
"I could be sent away." He explains, making me sigh shakily.
"I was accused of being the path through which you were able to escape from the pack. Alpha Dominic accused me of giving you some potions strong enough to narrowly escape from an Alpha like him. And I had no one to defend me. My assistant has taken over; you don't have to worry about that. How're you?"
Scanning the room, I sigh before replying, "I-I somehow got here. I really can't remember how it happened, but I did."
"Fine. Did you come here for a test?"
"I was forced to." I admit.
"I already understand why you're forced to." Ethan says. "I have over forty years of experience with this work. I can detect that you're pregnant with a pretty wolf."
My eyes bulge suddenly as I grab his shirt, dropping it after realizing what I did.
"Stop this. You can run the tests now." I say, trying to compose myself.
"Sure. As proof to the pack." Ethan responds.
| 11:00 PM |
I awaken abruptly, finding Ethan engrossed in the tests.
"Not finished yet?" I inquire gently. His body shudders at my voice, and I nervously gulp.
"Oh, I've already completed them. But don't worry, I'll present the evidence to you and the pack." He reassures.
"I'm glad I have your support." I express, offering a high-five.
Exiting the lodge, I head towards the Alpha's quarters. If indeed I'm carrying a wolf, perhaps for Dominic or Alexander, I should gain access. However, a vigilant wolf bars my way at the doorstep.
"You can't get in, madam." The stern wolf declares.
"I..." I begin, but he interrupts, "No matter your status, no one is above the law." Undeterred, I sprint away, forcefully breaking glass windows near the rear door. Scabs of glass cut my arms and legs as I crawl inside, evading the security wolf.
Inside, I discover numerous pictures and wallpapers of Alexander, but to my surprise, he has a twin brother. Though not identical in appearance, their scents must be familiar. I shrug and sit, engrossed in Alexander's autobiography.
As I delve into the pages, the door nudges, and a pack of wolves arrives to apprehend me. I stand defiantly, prepared for the consequences. Making a swift escape through the same broken window, I rush to find Ethan for healing.
Opening Ethan's door, I'm met with an empty lodge. Panic sets in as I search for any record of a wolf healer, but there's no evidence that one has ever been here.
Seized by my throat, they confront me about the man in the travel bag, accusing me of attempting harm to the real Pack Healer. Panic rises as they threaten to inform the Alpha.
Questions flood my mind. Did Ethan lie to me? Has he reported the pregnancy to Dominic? I struggle for freedom as they refuse to release me, attending to the man in distress.
As they rush to help him, I manage to escape the lodge but stay within the pack territory. Returning to Alexander's room, I try to unravel the connection between Ethan, Dominic, and Alexander. Why is Ethan spying on me, and what's Alexander's role?
I pull out my phone and check Facebook. An unknown number requests a voice call and then a video call, but I hesitate, scrutinizing the identity of the caller.
Dominic's message sends a shiver down my spine: "Learned about my kids. I'm coming for you and them." Fear tightens its grip on my heart, leaving me feeling vulnerable and insecure.