Claire P. O. V
The woman took care of the cut on my elbow and a few other bruises I had. I still didn’t know her name, but I could feel her kindness; it made me forget I was in a challenging situation.
“It’s not the typical hospital stuff, but I promise you, the remedies we use here will help you heal way faster than what you’d get there,” she said, her expression steady and reassuring.
Once everyone was patched up, we sat by a cosy bonfire, enjoying drinks. The warmth wrapped around us as we chatted quietly, trying not to disturb those who had drifted off to sleep.
“This is surprising, isn’t it?”
“Yea-sorry?”
“You watched us attack Alpha Ethan’s packhouse, causing chaos and taking out some Warriors. But we just chilled by the campfire, looking all good, even after what went down.”
I nodded slightly, feeling what was being said.
“Yeah, I get it. You probably think we’re all just a bunch of weirdos with dreams about things we shouldn’t be fighting over since we’re Rogue Wolves with no land, home, or family.”
“I’m in the same boat,” I cut in, not even knowing the woman’s name until now. “I grew up in an orphanage, had no family, and ended up here.”
The woman glanced at me again, her expression still heavy with sadness, yet her lips maintained a smile.
“We’ve had our chats, but I’m the only one who knows you. I’m Andara, and I’ve been with them for twenty years now; they feel more like family to me than anything else.”
“I’m Claire,” I replied.
“Claire, what a lovely name,” he complimented me.
That’s a nice thing to say. It seems that way, but there’s something deeper in what he said. And how she looked at me felt oddly familiar, yet I couldn’t help but think of how Sister Alberta used to look at me. It stings to keep recalling someone I loved who’s no longer here.
While I was chatting with Andara, out of nowhere, the Rogue Wolves who had taken me showed up around us. They were giving me some seriously intimidating glares. I felt a bit scared, but when Andara held my hand and smiled, it brought me a little peace despite all the harassment I was facing.
“W-what the-”
Chill out, Claire, Andara said, trying to soothe me. “They didn’t mean any harm,” she insisted, but I wasn’t buying it. I was still terrified because when they grabbed me, it felt like I was being tossed around endlessly.
“It’s totally normal to be scared. They brought you here in such a brutal way,” Andara reassured me, but the Rogue Wolves seemed to have a different take on it.
“Ethan Randall’s approach is way less humane, Lady Spectra. He treats us like we’re just targets to be eliminated, like we’re nothing more than pests getting in his way. Just like annoying little stones that need to be cleared out.”
“Oscar, seriously.” Andara attempted to get Oscar to quiet down, but he sighed heavily and walked away, shooting me a piercing look as he went.
“Don’t take it personally; Oscar’s not a bad guy. He’s just been dealing with a lot since some of his friends were killed by Alpha Ethan a few years back,” Andara explained.
“Is he like this all the time?” I inquired, but Andara paused before staring at me until I pressed on. “A hunt?”
Andara even cracked a smile when I mentioned that. “Alpha Ethan was just a kid when he had to take charge of a huge Pack. A mix of incitement and poor diplomacy made him unstable, unable to make real choices, and a bit arrogant, driven by ambition. There’s nothing wrong with how he protects his territory. Still, we don’t realize that he’s been influenced negatively for so long that it’s made him a reckless Alpha. For him, killing seems like the easiest way to handle problems.”
She got up, gave my shoulder a few friendly pats, and repeated, “Everyone’s pretty worn out, and I bet you are too. We’ve got some empty cabins; you can crash there and get some rest.”
I nodded and followed her as she guided me to a small cabin made of caravans. It looked like it could fit two or three people, but Andara assured me it was empty.
“Don’t worry, it’s clean. Some folks come in every few days to tidy up, change the blankets, and fluff the pillows. You’ll sleep like a baby tonight,” she said, leaving.
But I quickly stopped her. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“I’m sorry, my lady, but I didn’t understand what you said.”
Why didn’t you just take me out when you had the opportunity? You claimed I was Ethan Randall’s Luna and that you and your crew should’ve been able to get your revenge for your fallen friends because of Alpha Ethan. So, what made you decide to spare me?
Just as I figured, Andara stayed silent. He smiled and walked away, leaving me alone in the caravan cabin.
Before I stepped inside, I caught a glimpse of Andara walking away. He seemed way more challenging than I had pictured, but I doubted he was as strong as I imagined.
The entire area is enveloped by thick forests. The trees tower high, their branches heavy with lush leaves. The air feels cooler here, which explains why the campfire is still burning strong.
I’m in awe of my surroundings but can’t say if I’ll make it through tomorrow. Being a Luna to an Alpha jerk like Ethan Randall feels like a real curse ever since I discovered the truth.
I whispered, “I hope I didn’t die in vain.”
With no other options and no way to fight back, I stepped into the caravan to take a break. It’s surprisingly roomy inside, even though it’s just a tiny space with a single bed. It feels pretty cosy, though. Fingers crossed, I can hang out here like everyone else without getting tied down by their Pack and all those rules.