“Did you see the venue?” Flora asked Stella, her voice bright, as she entered the room.
Stella, preoccupied with wedding plans, looked up, a slight frown creasing her brow. “Venue of my wedding?” she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Flora nodded, settling onto the edge of the bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“I’m planning to visit the venue later!” Stella announced, her voice regaining its usual energy.
“Good, I’ll go with you,” Flora replied, already picturing herself helping Stella with the final preparations. She lay back against the pillows, a comfortable silence settling between them.
Then, Stella’s request broke the peaceful atmosphere. “Please call my son,” she said, a note of urgency in her voice.
Flora immediately stood, a sense of responsibility settling upon her. She found Bryce outside Stella’s room, engaged in conversation with a stranger. “Hey!” she called, her voice cheerful, yet firm.
Bryce turned, his face lighting up at the sight of his aunt.
Flora, however, noticed the stranger and addressed him directly. “If you don’t mind, who are you?” she asked politely, but with an underlying firmness.
The man, taken aback, explained, “I saw him playing alone, so I talked to him.”
Flora, sensing a potential danger, immediately took Bryce’s hand, her grip firm and reassuring. “Oh! Is that so? We need to go,” she said, her voice laced with concern, her eyes fixed on Bryce, her protective instincts fully engaged.
They began walking back towards the house, the afternoon sun casting long shadows.
As they neared the entrance, Flora paused, her gaze lingering on the spot where the man had been standing. “He’s gone,” she murmured, a note of unease in her voice, shaking her head slightly.
A sense of urgency settled upon her. Before she could voice her concern, Stella appeared, her eyes instantly drawn to her son. “Where did you go?” she asked, her voice laced with concern, her attention entirely focused on Bryce.
Flora quickly explained, “He was talking to someone outside.”
Bryce, sensing his mother’s anxiety, moved towards her, seeking comfort and reassurance.
Stella, pulling her son close, said, “Let’s talk, honey,” her voice soft yet firm.
Bryce nodded, his gaze fixed on his mother’s face.
Flora, sensing the need for privacy, began to suggest, “I will just wait in the living room-”
But Stella cut her off, her voice decisive. “Nah! Let’s go to the woods,” she said, her tone brooking no argument.
Flora, sensing the urgency in her best friend’s voice, readily agreed. “Oh! Okay,” she replied, her own unease growing.
The decision to close their land to mortals again was a serious one, born out of necessity, a secret they needed to protect.
As they walked deeper into the woods, the trees closing in around them, they finally stopped, reaching a clearing in the heart of the forest.
“What are we going to do here?” Flora asked, her voice barely a whisper, her unease amplified by the secluded setting.
Stella, her expression serious, answered, “I will tell him the truth.”
Flora’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Really?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her gaze fixed on Stella.
Stella, sensing Flora’s apprehension, nodded, a reassuring smile playing on her lips. “Don’t worry,” she said, her voice calm, yet her eyes held a hint of anxiety. “He’ll accept us.” Her gaze shifted to Bryce, her son, the object of this momentous revelation.
“Bryce!” she called, her voice carrying a note of both anticipation and trepidation.
Flora, needing a moment to compose herself, moved a short distance away, her heart pounding in her chest.
Bryce approached his mother, his expression curious, his brow slightly furrowed. “Yes, Mommy?” he asked, his voice soft, his tone suggesting a readiness to listen.
Stella, taking a deep breath, began, “I want to tell you something about me,” her voice low and serious.
Bryce’s gaze intensified, his curiosity evident. “What is it, Mom?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Stella, her eyes searching her son’s face, continued, “I’ve been hiding this since I met you, Bryce,” her voice thick with emotion. “I know this might scare you, but it’s time you knew the truth,” she added, her voice trembling slightly. She glanced at Flora, seeking reassurance, then back at Bryce.
Before Stella could utter the words, Bryce spoke, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and understanding. “That you’re a werewolf?” he asked, his tone calm, almost matter-of-fact.
The words hung in the air, a bombshell that left both Stella and Flora speechless.
“How did you know that?” Stella asked, her voice sharp with surprise.
Bryce’s response was immediate, his gaze unwavering. “Dad told me,” he said, his voice quiet, yet his words carried a weight of revelation.
Stella’s head shook in disbelief. “Your father told you that?” she asked, her voice barely audible, her mind struggling to process the unexpected turn of events.
Bryce’s nod confirmed the truth.
“Oh! Theo did the job for you!” Flora exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and amusement as she watched Stella.
Stella nodded, a grateful smile spreading across her face. The tension of the earlier conversation seemed to melt away. Turning to Bryce, she offered, “Do you want to run with me?”
The words were barely out before
Bryce erupted in excited squeals. “Yehey!” he shouted, jumping up and down, his enthusiasm infectious.
Stella, with a playful grin, shifted into her wolf form, her muscles rippling as her human form transformed into a magnificent creature.
Bryce clapped his hands, his eyes wide with wonder and delight.
“You have a cool kid,” Flora commented, her voice filled with admiration as she watched the scene unfold.
“Of course!” Stella replied, her voice a low chuckle, her wolf form radiating power and grace.
Flora gently lifted Bryce and settled him securely on Stella’s broad back.
Bryce, giggling with excitement, grasped onto Stella’s thick fur.
“Go!” Flora said, giving a final check to ensure Bryce was comfortable and secure.
Stella nodded, a powerful surge of energy propelling her forward as she ran into the woods.
Bryce’s laughter echoed through the trees, his shouts of delight a testament to his joy. “This is so cool!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with unrestrained happiness.
After a few exhilarating minutes of running, Stella slowed to a stop, her breath coming in short, happy pants.
As soon as Bryce slid off her back, he exclaimed, “Thank you, Mom!”
Stella, shifting back into her human form, knelt to meet his gaze. “I’m so happy you liked it and accepted me,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Bryce’s immediate hug was a powerful testament to his love and acceptance. “Of course, Mommy! You’re my Mom!” he replied, his voice filled with unwavering affection.
Their hearts overflowing with joy, they began their walk home, the woods now seeming less mysterious, more welcoming.
As they neared the edge of the woods, they spotted Theo talking to Sky, their conversation seemingly serious.
Sky’s teasing words hung in the air, a playful jab aimed at Stella. “Your future wife is here!” he announced, his voice laced with amusement.
Flora immediately addressed her brother. “What are you doing here, Sky?” she asked, her tone sharp, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Sky, unfazed by his sister’s directness, countered with a question of his own. “Why are you asking me that kind of question?” he asked, his voice playful, yet a hint of defensiveness underlay his words.
Flora, choosing to ignore his question, simply replied, “Nothing!” her gaze shifting to Stella, a subtle acknowledgment of the unspoken tension. “I need to go,” she added, a hint of urgency in her voice. She smiled warmly at Bryce, patting his head affectionately. “Bye, handsome boy!” she said, her voice softening.
A car pulled up, Tyros’ vehicle, a sleek and stylish car.
“Bye!” Flora called out, her voice cheerful, before slipping into the car.
Theo, turning to Stella, explained their earlier conversation. “We were just talking about our wedding,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
“We’re going to check the venue later,” Stella added, her gaze meeting Theo’s.
Theo offered, “I can drive you there.”
Stella, however, shook her head, her independence shining through. “Nah! I can handle it,” she assured him, bidding them both goodbye.
Stella and Bryce entered the house, Stella retrieving her car keys. “Let’s go!” she said to her son, her voice filled with a quiet determination.
As they drove away, Theo watched them, a tender smile on his face.
Sky, observing the scene, commented, “You really have an independent woman.”
Theo, his eyes sparkling with affection, responded, “I know you liked her.”
Sky, momentarily flustered, coughed, a playful attempt to deflect Theo’s observation. “Hey! That was a long time ago!” he exclaimed, his laughter echoing in the air.
Theo, his smirk widening, teased, “I can’t blame you if you liked her! She’s adorable!”
Sky, good-naturedly, conceded, “And you have her now! Good for you!”
Theo, his happiness evident, nodded. “I’m lucky to have her,” he said, his voice filled with contentment, bringing their playful banter to a close.
Stella arrived at the wedding venue, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of the breathtaking location. It was even more beautiful than she had imagined. The picturesque scenery unfolded before her, a stunning backdrop for the most important day of her life.
Bryce, equally captivated, murmured, “Wow!” his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the surroundings.
“Do you like the place?” Stella asked, her voice soft, her gaze lingering on her son’s face.
Bryce nodded enthusiastically. “I love it, Mom!” he exclaimed, his excitement infectious as he began to explore the grounds.
Stella watched him, a wave of emotion washing over her. She allowed him the freedom to wander, her own gaze sweeping across the landscape, her heart swelling with a mixture of anticipation and nerves. “Gosh!” she murmured, her voice barely audible, “I can’t believe I’m getting married here!”
Meanwhile, inside the house, Brandon emerged from his room, encountering his father, Alpha Raven, standing outside. “What now, Dad?” he asked, his tone weary, his patience wearing thin.
Alpha Raven’s response was blunt, devoid of any sentimentality. “I’m sending you away,” he stated, his voice firm, his gaze unwavering.
Brandon’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Where?” he asked, his voice laced with apprehension.
Alpha Raven produced a picture of a rare, exotic flower. “What is that?”
Brandon asked, his curiosity piqued. “You’re going to find this flower,”
Alpha Raven replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Brandon’s resistance was immediate. “Why would I do that?” he asked, his voice laced with resentment.
Alpha Raven’s explanation was succinct, yet laden with significance. “Stella wants that flower in her bouquet,” he said, the weight of the request hanging heavy in the air.
A long silence followed, the gravity of the situation settling upon them.
Finally, Brandon conceded, his reluctance evident. “Fine! Where can I get it?” he asked, his voice resigned.
“Outside our land,” Alpha Raven replied, his tone unwavering.
Brandon, accepting his fate, took the picture. He returned to his room, his movements heavy with a sense of foreboding. He packed a small bag, his mind racing with a mixture of apprehension and resentment.
Upon returning to the living room, he found his father waiting. “Take care and good luck,” Alpha Raven said, his voice devoid of emotion, yet a flicker of concern shone in his eyes.
Brandon nodded, his expression unreadable, and departed on his mission. He decided against bringing his car or motorcycle, opting instead for the solitude of the woods. He would walk, his determination fueled by his desire to secure the flower for Stella. “I will do this for her!” he muttered, his voice firm, his resolve unwavering as he stepped into the dense forest.
Darkness descended quickly, the forest growing darker and more mysterious as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Exhaustion finally caught up with him, and he sought refuge in the branches of a large tree. He secured his hammock, finding a comfortable spot high above the forest floor. “I’m hungry,” he grumbled, rummaging through his bag for food.
The next day dawned, the chirping of birds a surprisingly pleasant wake-up call. “What a nice alarm clock,” he commented, stretching and opening his eyes to a startling sight-a massive tiger, its gaze fixed on him.
Undeterred, he stood his ground. “You can’t scare me,” he said, his voice steady, his eyes meeting the tiger’s. The tiger growled, a low rumble that vibrated through the air.
Brandon, however, remained unfazed. He took a deep breath, the air filling his lungs, and shifted into his wolf form, his muscles rippling as his human form transformed into a powerful creature.
The tiger, clearly startled by Brandon’s sudden increase in size and imposing presence, recoiled in fear, its growl turning into a whimper as it fled.
Brandon, shifting back to his human form, chuckled. “What a cat,” he commented, securing his hammock before continuing his journey. He followed the path his father had described, his focus unwavering. He was close, he knew, to the rare flower Stella desired for her bouquet.
His progress, however, was halted by a patch of deep mud that threatened to swallow his feet. “Don’t tell me!” he exclaimed, his frustration mounting as he surveyed the treacherous terrain.
Just as despair began to set in, an old man appeared, his presence as unexpected as it was welcome. “Don’t move, I’ll help you,” the old man said, his voice calm and reassuring. He offered Brandon a sturdy branch, a simple tool that proved invaluable.
Brandon grasped the branch, and with the old man’s assistance, he was lifted free from the mud. “Thank you,” He said, his gratitude sincere.
“You should look at the ground you’re going to walk through,” the old man advised, his words a valuable lesson for the determined young man.
Brandon, his curiosity piqued, followed the old man, his steps matching the older man’s measured pace. “Where are you going?” he asked, his voice polite, his tone respectful.
The old man, his eyes twinkling with amusement, responded, “Going home. You?”
Brandon, sensing a connection with this enigmatic figure, pressed on. “Can I ask you something?” he asked, his voice a little hesitant.
The old man, sensing the young man’s sincerity, stopped, his gaze unwavering. “What is it?” he asked, his voice patient, his demeanor welcoming.
Brandon, emboldened by the old man’s kindness, revealed his mission. “Do you know where I can find this flower?” he asked, producing the picture.
The old man examined the picture carefully, his eyes scanning the details. “Oh! You’re here for this flower? Who’s the lucky woman?” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
Brandon, slightly embarrassed, shook his head. “You’re thinking wrong! I’m just here to help someone I know,” he explained, his voice a little sheepish.
The old man chuckled, his amusement evident. “Come with me, and I know someone who can answer your question,” he said, his voice warm and reassuring.
They resumed their walk, the forest floor a tapestry of sunlight and shadow.
After what seemed like hours, Brandon’s apprehension began to grow. “Are you sure we’re taking the right path?” he asked, his voice a little anxious.
The old man, his laughter echoing through the trees, reassured him. “Of course! I’ve always taken this path since I was young,” he said, his confidence unwavering.
Relief washed over Brandon as he spotted a wisp of smoke in the distance.
“We’re getting closer now!” the old man announced, his voice filled with excitement.
As they emerged from the forest, Brandon gasped. Before him lay a small city, vibrant and bustling, a hidden gem nestled outside their secluded land. “I didn’t know there was a place like this outside our land,” he said, his voice filled with awe.
The old man smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride. “You should look outside your zone,” he said, his voice filled with wisdom, “and you’ll find such beauty.”
Brandon, his heart filled with wonder, nodded in agreement.
“Father, why did you sleep there again? It’s dangerous-”
The old man, however, brushed off her concerns with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Stop nagging me, Fusiah! I’m fine!” he said, his tone sharp, his patience wearing thin.
Just then, a woman in her mid-fifties appeared, her eyes landing on Brandon.
Fusiah, momentarily distracted, fell silent, her gaze fixed on the young man. “Oh! I have a guest today,” the old man said, noticing his daughter’s reaction. “What is your name, young boy?” he asked Brandon kindly.
“I’m Brandon,” Brandon replied, extending his hand in greeting.
Fusiah, however, remained motionless, her gaze intense, her behavior puzzling.
The old man, sensing his daughter’s unusual behavior, gently chided her. “What are you doing, Fusiah? Be kind to my guests,” he instructed, his voice firm yet gentle.
Fusiah, as if snapping out of a trance, finally acknowledged Brandon’s presence. “Come inside!” she said, opening the door with a slightly forced smile.
“Thank you,” Brandon replied, his gratitude sincere.
Inside, Fusiah served them hot chocolate, her gaze still lingering on Brandon, her fascination unsettling.
The old man, observing his daughter’s behavior, spoke again. “What do you want from him, Fusiah?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Fusiah’s immediate denial was unconvincing. “Nothing!” she insisted.
“Then why are you looking at him like that?” the old man pressed, his observation causing Brandon to feel increasingly uncomfortable under Fusiah’s intense gaze.
Fusiah’s explanation was cryptic, her words adding to the mystery. “He just reminds me of someone,” she said, her voice low, her eyes distant.
A heavy silence descended, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension.
The old man, his gaze shifting to Brandon, nodded slowly. “I can see it now,” he said, his voice filled with a mixture of recognition and understanding.
Brandon, his curiosity piqued, asked, “Who is it?”
Fusiah’s answer was both unexpected and revealing. “My old mate,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Brandon froze, the weight of her words settling upon him. The resemblance to his father, a fact that had often been remarked upon, now took on a new and unsettling significance.
Brandon spent the night, grateful for their hospitality, yet his mind raced with the unanswered questions and the mystery surrounding Fusiah’s fascination.
The next morning dawned, bright and cheerful.
Brandon, after a restful night’s sleep, emerged from his room, ready to continue his journey. He found himself in the living room, where a young child was engrossed in play, her laughter echoing through the space.
The child, however, froze as she became aware of Brandon’s presence. Her eyes widened, her playful demeanor replaced by fear. She let out a startled cry, “Mama!” her voice was sharp with alarm as she looked around for her mother.
Fusiah, alerted by the girl’s cry, appeared swiftly, scooping up the frightened child.
Brandon, sensing the child’s fear and the potential for a misunderstanding, immediately sought to clarify the situation. “I didn’t do anything!” he said, his voice calm, his tone defensive yet reassuring. He held up his hands in a gesture of peace, hoping to convey his innocence and reassure the worried mother.
He felt a pang of guilt, knowing his unexpected presence had startled the child. He wanted to make amends, to ensure the child didn’t develop a fear of strangers. He wished he had a way to show the child that he meant no harm.