“Alpha! Your attention is urgently needed. Rogues have intruded into the pack house already.” James alarms him. He sets off immediately, unaware that I’m following closely behind.
“From which corner?” He mind links his Beta, James. Though James actually initiated the mind link, I’m unsure how I became aware of it as I watch him leave my presence.
“Come straight to your room and let’s prepare.” He hears it now, and so do I. He strides quickly to his room, and as he’s about to shut the door, I lean my back against the wall beside it to remain hidden. He sniffs around but doesn’t come out. Instead, he locks the door due to the pressure from within.
“Some wolves have been spotted around the back of the pack house, and their intention is to ruin it.” James informs him. “Three of our warriors have noticed their stealthy movement and are with me.”
“Should we attack them now or spy?” Thompson asks, settling onto his throne with care. I observe them from a slit in the wall on the opposite side of the room.
“I suggest we prepare to attack.” James says. “If necessary, we’ll engage. If not, we’ll retreat.”
“Gather your armies together.” Thompson orders as James salutes him and hurries out of the door. However, I’m positioned on the other side of the room, so he exits through the first door. I witness his swift departure, while the Alpha and the other warriors breathe heavily, grappling with the gravity of the situation.
Shortly after, James knocks on the door. A warrior swiftly responds, clicking it open.
“Alpha!” James cries out, tears streaming down his cheek. “Fire!”
Thompson rises to his feet immediately, his heart pounding. He follows James to observe the scene. As he emerges, the scent of smoke fills his nostrils.
“What’s burning?” Thompson asks James.
“Our pack house.” James replies. “With only two hundred plus of us, we could be annihilated within minutes or even seconds.”
As I start to piece together their conversation, I wonder if the pack house is truly on fire. Alexander never mentioned anything like this. Although it could be his secret preference, I doubt he’s behind it. If he is, though, I’ll commend him. I emerge from my hiding spot, near where the smoke billows the highest.
“Damn. Come up here. Quickly.” Thompson says, sounding concerned for my well-being. I approach him, and he whispers into my ear, “Please help us persuade Alex. He might be responsible. I’ll find a way to bring him back to our world.” His voice trembles with emotion, but I remain stoic and reply, “It can’t be him.”
“Just try, okay?” Thompson encourages me. His warriors rush to the scene with fire extinguishers to quell the flames. I chuckle at their action, but Thompson asks me why.
“Why would werewolves need to use fire extinguishers? You’re just getting started.” I mock intentionally.
“It may not seem fitting, but I’ll refrain from commenting.” He says, his voice tinged with sadness. He walks away from me toward them, observing as the fire diminishes.
“Have you found the source?” He asks them.
“Patience, Alpha. It’s a minor issue.” James reassures him as they march into the room emitting flames. They track it to the back of the pack house and encounter the intruders.
“If you take a step to run, we’ll kill you immediately!” James screams at them as they land at the back of the pack house, having jumped from a high tower nearby. The back of the pack house is always dark, making it a prime entry point for intruders. Despite the need for increased security in that area, few are willing to patrol it due to the slim chance of survival.
“We ain’t moving.” They boldly reply to James. “Better find your own way out before we waste you.”
“You can’t enter this territory without taking us down first!” James retorts, embodying the true soldier that he is.
“Count them!” One of the intruders orders the others, and they quickly do.
“They’re 37.” One of them reports. James is shocked at the speed of their count. How did they manage to count so quickly? They truly are skilled soldiers.
“Why did you come for our pack house? What’s the offense? Let’s negotiate a peace alliance.” James questions them, maintaining his fierce demeanor.
“We were just inspecting the house up there until we stumbled upon you. We didn’t realize you were so hostile, so we decided to test your mettle.” The leader retorts, showing no hint of remorse.
“We didn’t come here to attack anyone who isn’t attacking us. Are you planning to go up there?” James asks, his fangs bared, ready to strike at any moment.
The leader gazes off for a moment, indicating that there may be hope for a response. After a few minutes, he turns back to them.
“Who is your Alpha?” He asks.
“That’s a question we can’t answer. Attack or retreat. Choose one.” James replies, his tone dripping with rudeness.
“Retreat.” They declare, showing a sign of respect as they make their way toward the darker area. “But mark my words, someday we will attack. It will be unexpected and wreak havoc on your pack house. If you survive that day, you will still suffer great losses.”
James orders his squad to follow him back to the pack house. They navigate the thorny fence, defending themselves to avoid injury. Upon reentering, they notice that the fire has ceased, attributing it to the intruders’ retreat.
“Did you hear their warning?” James asks as his team disperses to their various duties within the pack house. It’s a moderate-sized structure-not small, not large. Thompson approaches James as soon as he spots him.
“Did everything go smoothly? How many casualties, how many victories?” Thompson inquires before James can respond.
“We didn’t suffer any losses, nor did we inflict any casualties. They agreed to retreat but made it clear they would return.” James summarizes.
“I’ll advise tightening security behind the pack house, or even reinforcing the walls to make them taller and stronger. That should be our next project. They threatened to return, but didn’t specify when.” He adds.
“I’ll see to it. Well done.” Thompson commends James. I observe them silently, knowing all too well that the pack house will face invasion and potential destruction someday. If no one else does it, my mate will. As they approach, I remain where I am, waiting for them.
“Clarissa, one more thing. Do you even know how to shift into your wolf? Can you shift now? You’re 18.” He asks me. I roll my eyes at his question, finding it unnecessary. I shrug my shoulders, signaling my disinterest. It seems he understands my lack of enthusiasm as he heads straight into his room without further inquiry. I return to my own room, suddenly remembering the witch who helped me get here. I need to see her off if she’s leaving. As I open my door, I find her missing. I sigh heavily, feeling guilty for leaving her alone for so long. Suddenly, I sense something ethereal pass by me, realizing it’s her, until a male voice speaks to me.
“Clarissa, I’m here again. It’s Alex.” He says, materializing in front of me. “Welcome back to your room. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Sorry for the delay. Did you send those intruders to the back of the pack house?” I inquire, but he ignores my question and continues with his purpose.
“The Moon goddess informed me that you have a mission to fulfill somewhere far from here. It’s part of the process. Please don’t complain if you want this to succeed.” He states. I sigh in resignation.
“At least, answer my initial question. Do you recall what I asked?” I press.
“I do remember. I didn’t send any intruders. That’s a crude way of handling things. If I could handle Thompson that way, I would have done it the moment I shared the plan with you.” He responds.
“I understand you completely. So, what does the Moon goddess want me to do to bring you back to life?” I ask, feeling a knot form in my stomach. I hope it’s something within my capabilities. I sigh several times as he hesitates to reveal the Moon goddess’s plans for me.
“Please, speak up. Say something.” I urge him.
He rubs his jaw slowly and then asks me, “Can you do it?”
“I’ll decide once I hear it.” I respond.
“Well, I lied about it being somewhere far away from here. It’s actually here.” He reveals. “But don’t react yet. Let me continue.”
I nod, signaling for him to proceed.
“You’ll have to kill your father using wolfsbane.” He states bluntly. “And it won’t be easy. She specifies that you have to hit him on his belly. He won’t let you near his belly easily, so it might require some seduction to get close enough to use it.”
“Dad isn’t easily swayed.” I inform him. “He doesn’t even have more than a Luna. He claimed he had one, but he killed her and deceived his warriors. If they knew, they’d have revolted and ousted him.”
“You have to do it. You know how to charm. Your allure is undeniable even without trying.” Alexander insists. “Perhaps he’s wary of bringing in another Luna for fear of being exposed. He won’t be able to deceive his warriors twice.”
I ponder his words, feeling the weight of depression settling upon me. I must find a mate, and he’s the one I’m drawn to-the one with whom I can achieve my aspirations. The others seem like mere playboys in comparison. But how can I kill my father when I don’t even know my mother?
I’m torn between two significant choices. Either I have a father and forfeit my destined mate, or I kill my father and fulfill my dreams with him. I feel cursed, as if I’m a pawn in some cosmic game. Why must the Moon goddess set me on this path? Can’t I have both a father and a mate?
“Gosh. I’ll give you feedback on this.” I tell Alexander, feeling too overwhelmed to respond further. As he fades away, leaving me alone with my thoughts, I stare at the door, which seems to be locked. Remaining in bed, I contemplate what clothes to wear if seducing my father becomes necessary.
The idea of donning a disguise crosses my mind. Perhaps I could gather my squad and pose as individuals from a distant place. It seems like a plausible plan, but doubts begin to creep in. How would I assemble my squad?
“You can do this. Come on.” I encourage myself, rising from bed. Hastening towards the gate of the pack house, I’m relieved to find no security in sight. I quietly open the gate, and I slip out into the night. The pool catches my eye, but I choose to go left instead.
Along the way, I encounter a man carrying a heavy bag on his back. He appears tired and dehydrated, and I approach him cautiously.
“Hi, father.” I greet him with a smile. He returns the gesture, and a spark of hope ignites within me.
“Besides this pack house, are there any other pack houses nearby?” I inquire.
“Erm… I think so, but you’ll have to trek through the woods. You can’t walk there.” He replies.
“Will I be in danger?” I inquire.
“You might be, but that’s not what I meant. It’s just far.” He explains, his voice weary.
“Okay. Do you own a pack house or belong to one?” I press further.
“I belong to the pack house that’s actually far from here-the first one you’ll come across before reaching any others.” He replies, tapping my shoulders wearily under the weight of his burden. I gesture for him to start moving and express my gratitude before heading into the bush.
My plan is to charm some wolves into forming a squad to assist me. Perhaps, if the attempt is successful, I’ll keep them in the dark about the setup. As I prepare to shift, I notice someone staring at me near my father’s pack house. It appears as if he’s pointing in my direction. I squint my eyes and recognize the old man I encountered earlier.