268- The Stench Beneath the Pines
POV Elowen Grimwald:
“Poor thing. Who could have carried out that massacre?”
“He was very shaken when we spoke, but the omega’s mother told us it was a nighttime attack by hybrids different from us—the ones that feed on blood.”
I sat upright on the mattress, leaning my back against the headboard, stunned.
“Oh my God… and you’re going there…” I stammered, holding back tears.
“I can kill a group of ten undead in a minute if I take my wolf form. Don’t worry, aleasa mea.”
My mind was restless. Aldren was an alpha loyal to his word, but I sensed Orion might not be as loyal.
“Aldren… can anyone hear us right now?”
“No, I’m separated from the others. What is it?”
“Is Orion really trustworthy?”
A brief silence unfolded.
“Yes. He is.”
“All right…” I inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to calm my anxious heart. “Bring me foreign gifts when you come back, if you have time?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Of course. I’ll have many empty backpacks. I’ll fill them with everything beautiful I find. Are they taking good care of you?”
“Too well. Can you tell your guards I don’t want to run away anymore? I just wanted to get some fresh air without one of them on my heels.”
Aldren cleared his throat on the other end of the line.
“Forgive me. I may have ordered them to reinforce your security.”
“Good grief. Undo that order, my handsome male…” I pleaded sweetly, trying to convince him.
“I can’t let you walk alone for now. I fear there may still be traitors. What if I ask them to keep a safe distance?”
“Like a kilometer?” That would be enough.
“No, that’s too much. Maybe sixty meters?”
“More?”
“No deal.”
“Fine! I accept the sixty meters.”
“Thank you for understanding.” He gave a soft laugh. “I want you to distract yourself. Go out, spend all my money. I’ll ask Nerin again if you’re still moping around. I hope to receive a different answer.”
Before I realized it, I was smiling.
“I’ll do that.”
“Be well. I’ll return to our home soon.”
Hearing “our home” made my chest burst with joy.
“Call me when you arrive.”
“I will.”
When that call ended, I understood that staying in that bed would only make my worry worse.
That night, my Lunara would return from a short trip she had taken with her husband, and at last I would have her company. The truth was, I was being difficult, unbearable. Aldren’s sudden absence had soured me.
It was like taking candy from a child—on top of all my worry about him. No one deserved to endure my stress at its peak. No one.
I took a long shower and got myself ready, trying to appear in a better mood for Nerin.
I went downstairs and found her in the hallway that led to the kitchen. Her gaze softened with concern as she approached and touched my arm.
“I don’t want to see you sad anymore.”
I forced a smile, trying to convince her that my worry about Aldren had passed.
“I just spoke with Aldren, and I’m better. Lunara is coming to stay with me today.”
“That’s wonderful!”
A strong urge hit me to ask Nerin about Aldren’s friend. She knew him better than anyone and would be able to tell me, precisely, whether my concerns were unfounded.
“Nerin, have you known Orion for a long time?” She nodded. “Do you think… he’s trustworthy?”
Her brow furrowed.
“As far as I know, he’s been Aldren’s friend for over a century, my dear. Why?”
I shook my head.
“Forget it. Let’s drop it. It’s probably just in my head.”
I kissed her cheek and, this time, she didn’t wipe it away. Stepping out the front door, I met Bratvo, and he had already received the alpha’s new orders. Finally, I would be able to walk through the village without being followed so blatantly.
I descended the stone staircase, planning to stop by Mrs. Korlina’s house. I needed to make amends.
She had tried to visit me during the days I was alone, but I had been so sad and anxious that I didn’t want to see anyone. Besides missing her almost maternal presence, it would be good to talk to her. Another person to ask about Orion.
With part of the generous amount of money Aldren had left me, I planned to stop by the grocery store to buy some treats for Korlina and me.
As I walked among the trees, a chill ran through my body and a fetid, pungent odor filled my nostrils, as if there were a dead animal nearby.
I tried to scent it with my limited ability, still unshifted, but I couldn’t identify where it was coming from.
Let the guards handle whatever it was. I already had too much on my mind. Even though a baseless anxiety struck me—like a warning to turn back home—I kept going.
There was no way to end one’s own demons except by facing them.
After a short walk, I reached the center of the village and received looks of repulsion from pack members passing by me.
What the hell?!
That was strange. Very strange.
Were they blaming me for Aldren’s sudden trip? But it wasn’t my fault…
I had thought that, after being publicly acknowledged by his side, I would be welcomed and respected. Apparently, I was wrong.
Near what I called the rustic shopping area, around the extinguished bonfire, several pups were playing. Maybe watching them would calm my heart.
I decided to spend a few minutes there before heading to the store.
Perhaps they just needed time to get used to my presence.
I sat on one of the wooden benches, admiring the pups with fascination—but also melancholy.
The few memories I had of my childhood were not good or happy. I thanked my brain for making me forget a little more with each passing day.
I was surprised by a pup who looked about ten years old, tugging at the fabric of my short-sleeved shirt.
His dark, round, friendly eyes smiled along with his small mouth, stained at the corner with what looked like chocolate.
“Come on?”
He extended his little hand, as if inviting me to stand.
Well, what harm could it do? I needed the distraction. If I refused to follow him, people might notice and comment. That certainly wouldn’t help build my reputation.
“Where are we going? What’s your name?”
“Timoté. To the bonfire, come!” He used his small body to pull me, eager.
I followed him and joined the other pups. The little ones stared at me with curiosity—and a hint of strangeness.
“Well… what are we going to play, Timoté?” I asked the one who had brought me, trying to ease the tension.