Kevin’s POV
“Alpha Kevin, I can divine information about your mate for you. But as you know, our witches never engage in losing deals. What can you offer me?”
The redhead witch stood before a huge crystal ball, adjusted her glasses, and kindly smiled.
“What do you desire?”
“Your lifespan, ten years of your life.”
“Deal,” I said without hesitation.
“Wait, Alpha, perhaps we have other ways to find Ella. But trading ten years of your life is too heavy a price,” Beta Liam urgently interrupted.
“Werewolves live for 200 years, a mere ten years, I don’t mind.”
“But, Alpha, you are our leader, your status is noble. How can we ascertain if the information this witch provides is accurate? What if she deceives us, and your ten years of life are wasted?”
“Wolf, what are you saying? Our red witches’ divination is renowned in the supernatural realm. If you doubt me, leave now.” The witch’s expression turned severe as she closed her magic book. “Jennie, escort our guest out!”
“Understood.” A blue little elf flew in and, with a flap of its wings, enveloped us in a golden light.
“Wait, esteemed Mrs. Elizabeth, my Beta was impertinent. I apologize to you. I am willing to sign a contract with you. Please proceed.”
I bowed deeply, a stark contrast to my usual arrogance.
The witch was pleased with my attitude. With a wave of her wand, a golden ribbon appeared in the air, reflecting the silhouette of a woman. The figure became clearer until her face was revealed.
My pupils dilated, tears welled up in my eyes.
Ella!
Mate!
My wolf also softly emerged.
“This is a time ribbon, showing real events,” the witch asked. “Is this the mate you seek?”
“Yes, where is she?” I stared fixedly at the image of the she-wolf, almost identical to Ella, but why had her hair and eyes changed color?
“Don’t rush, give me a moment.” The witch started manipulating the colorful ribbon.
The scene shifted-a naked male wolf threw Ella into a river. She struggled, but the shameless male wolf jumped in, pressing tightly against her.
“Damn it! Who’s that male wolf?” Anger surged through me; I clenched my teeth, almost tearing the image apart.
“Calm down, Alpha Kevin, I’m about to find the answer.”
As they continued their intimate interaction in the picture, my jealousy almost consumed me. The witch’s exclamation interrupted me.
“Blue River Pack, she’s with the Blue River Pack.”
“Well.”
I hastily signed the contract exchanging years of life, and with Beta Liam, left the witch’s castle. My heart roared within me, desperately hoping to find Ella before she was taken by another male wolf.
Anna’s POV
“Anna, come out!”
Luke barged into the small clinic, and I was sorting through the herbs in a wooden box. I looked up, puzzled, using sign language.
Is there something you need from me?
“Look at this bottle, you should know something about it.”
Luke’s tall figure stood at the doorway, blocking the sunlight. I lowered my gaze to the transparent bottle he threw over, its blue liquid used up. My eyes innocently met his, knowing he must have forgotten yesterday’s events.
Sorry, Luke, I don’t understand what you’re talking about.
“Hmph, I slept in the forest yesterday and was found with this bottle. I smelled it, and it’s a herbal liquid. Anna, aside from your nighttime herb picking in the forest, which wolf from the Blue River Pack does it?” Luke’s tone turned hostile. “No one dares play games with me, Anna.”
Please do not slander me, I didn’t see you yesterday. Besides, why would I medicate you? I’m just a powerless physician, I dare not provoke you, the future Alpha.
I’m not frightened, pretending to cry.
Luke pinched my chin, his golden eyes scrutinizing my expression with malice. Through gritted teeth, he said, “You mute girl, stop pretending to be pitiful.”
My heart raced; I clenched my right hand on my thigh, tears welling up from the pain.
“Luke, are you bullying my granddaughter?”
Grandma Camila swung her cane at Luke’s back. He let go of me, but she had no intention of sparing him. “Go away, leave my clinic, don’t come here to bully my granddaughter.”
“Wait, Camila, stop.” She’s an old woman, Luke could only raise his arms to shield himself and step back.
The further he stepped back, the more frequent Camila’s attacks became. Helplessly, Luke had to retreat from the small clinic. It was comical to see Luke, sturdy and strong, being chased by the grandma, I couldn’t help but hide behind her and cover my mouth to suppress my laughter. At this moment, I started to admire Camila’s prowess. Normally, werewolves wouldn’t dare to drive away Luke, the Alpha’s son, but she did.
Nighttime, beside the campfire.
I earnestly studied the map showing the territories of the Blood Moon Pack, Blue River Pack, and Black Moon Pack. By this time, Camila had fallen asleep. I circled and marked on the paper, my gaze stopping at “Blood Moon Pack,” involuntarily tearing up.
The Blood Moon Pack, my homeland, but I can’t go back.
Are you feeling sad again, Ella?
My wolf rarely speaks. I wiped away my tears and nodded. My wolf’s name is Lucy, gentle and obedient. We hardly ever argue; she always understands me and supports my choices.
Thinking about Kevin? He nearly caught you that day. Is he searching for you?
Me: Lucy, could you please not mention him anymore? We have no connection anymore.
Do you still resent him? Actually, that day, I sensed his wolves; they seemed to miss us.
Me: I don’t know if I should hate him, but my mother did die because of him, and he rejected us five years ago. Lucy, don’t dwell on the past; we’ve grown up.
Okay. I have a hypothesis. If… if Kevin found you, would you acknowledge him?
I hesitated for a moment, shook my head. If possible, I hope to never meet him in this lifetime. Kevin once said he would have many women but couldn’t have me. It’s been five years; he should have forgotten about me by now.