Blake and Tyler make their way back inside his grandfather’s house. The sweet aroma of food invades their nostrils as both men followed by the rest of their small group follows behind.
His grandpa stands at the wood fire lit furnace. The pot on top bubbling and simmering. His grandfather grabs the spoon and gives it a last stir before taking it off the hot top.
Placing the pot on top of the counter he greets all the boys and waits for them to sit. One by one, he serves them a good heaping of food in a bowl each. Quietly, peacefully, they eat.
“I was sure I wouldn’t see you until tonight. I’m glad to see you boys back so early. I have been worried since the moment you left.” He lifts his head looking around towards the boys.
“Please! Help yourself to seconds if you’d like. I made plenty of stew for everyone. ”
“Thanks grandpa. I really appreciate it. We were starving.”
“So! Tyler, it’s good to have you back safe and sound.”
Tyler glances at him, a melancholic smile on his face. They all know this isn’t over. Though he is safe now, they all know that the battle is still to come. And though they dread to think so, someone is bound to loose. Someone is bound to get hurt, and worst there will not just be blood shed, but lives will be
lost.
Silence becomes a favorite among them. They sit quietly. All men looking down towards the floor, from time to time one or another steals a quick glance at the rest. Yet, no one shares to speak.
Blake stands, slowly making his way to a nearby window. Looking out onto the beauty of what surrounds them. Nothing but a tremendous and beautiful sight of mountain life!
He’s startled by the sudden appearance of a great white wolf. The wolf stares back at him. Their eyes interlock, unable to look away, to move, to speak.
He mind links the wolf. Surprised by his response.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?” Blake demands.
“Your highness. It is an honor to finally have you back. We have been waiting for your return for over a thousand years. We are indeed honored to see you.” The wolf vows down inclining one paw down, and prancing away. Leaving Blake startled and confused.
He looks towards the men, and stares at his grandfather who smiles at him, squinting an eye at him. He looks back outside and to a mountain top.
Realizing there are more great wolves next to the white wolf. His once over crossed over hands now down to his side.
Making his way outside, everyone looks at him, but like always they dare not question his doing.
He steps slowly towards the top, glancing everywhere but nothing insight.
“Alexander… you saw that wolf too right? Who was he?” He asks his wolf. Alexander, laying on his stomach, lifts his head and scuffs his nose.
“Why don’t you call out to him? He’s bound to be here somewhere! Or the rest of the wolves that were with him as well.” Xander suggests.
“Someone out here? Who are you?” Blake turns on his heel and glances every inch reachable by sight. A small stir out in the far startles him. Grasping his dagger from behind his jeans he dreads the fact to have to fight anyone.
He is tired, worried about Selene, and blood thirsty for Damian’s head. The last he wants is to be surprised by someone who dares to cross him at this moment.
Far away, perhaps two or three miles away, he sees a group of human girls. Dressed in mountain gear with backpacks on their back, completely oblivious to Blake’s presence on top of that mountain hill.
They laugh and talk among themselves. He becomes startled as Tyler comes next to him standing by his side.
“Blake! That smell? Where is it coming from?” Tyler’s eyes darken, his mind clouded and intertwined with worriedness.
Blake narrows his eyebrows and glances towards the girls. “Ty, are you? … fuck!” Both men stare at each other and Tyler’s face goes from a cheery Ty who everyone knows, to a melancholy and regretful stare.
“She’s human!?” He stares into Blake’s eyes and Blake can’t help but hang his stare.
“Ty, this is your second chance! You can’t be thinking of rejection her. You know what that will do to you?”
“She’s human Blake! She could never adjust to this kind of life. Specially with all this going on! She can die out there if she gets caught in the midst of all this.”
Tyler’s breath becomes erratic. The pull of the mating bond compels him to run after her. But he fights it, a single tear runs down his cheek and he turns away from her. Placing his hands on his hips, he hangs his head and shuts his eyes.
“Maybe it’s better this way. She won’t be hurt if I just let her go. She’s human! So her body won’t go through the same effect as I will if I just let her go through my fingers. She deserves to have a normal life! She will one day meet someone else who might make her happy. and she’ll have a chance to have
a happy family.” He whispers his words, but deep inside each word uttered through his mouth hurts him like a dagger through his heart.
He doesn’t know her, yet her own scent makes him love her already. A love he knows he must let go of now, before she can get hurt.
“She may go on with her life Ty! But what about you? This is our goddesses gift to you! She’s giving you a second chance at being happy! This is your chance for YOU to have a family of your own as well. Sure the life of a werewolf is tough, but you’re not the only one who would be mated to a human. There are many wolves who have been partnered of to humans, give her the benefit of the doubt. You deserve this Ty! You deserve to feel the love of a mate.” Blake reasons with him. Placing his hand on top of his shoulder as Ty hangs his head, biting his bottom lip and clenching his fists.