Episode 15

Luna glared at the witch with anger, irritated at being scolded. She enjoyed giving orders and humiliating others, not the reverse.

"What must I do?"

"It will take effort, and until you've obtained everything on this list, steer clear of the Alpha, or he'll scent the other through the pup."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"You didn't ask."

"Old fool!"

"Yet it's this old fool who's going to save your greedy head."

"Fine, fine, my apologies. Hand me the list already."

The witch complied, crafting a list and passing it to Luna.

"Seek these items out as quickly as you can."

"Of course. Is there anything you can tell me about the Abrasive Alpha?"

"That he's the rightful heir to Alpha Ramon? No, that’s all I know, now go, I don't need them spotting you here. For years I've been hidden; I won't let your presence give me away."

"Alright, old hag, I'm leaving."

The witch tolerated Luna's haughtiness because their fates had intertwined in a past incident through a blood spell, meant to ensure both their victories. For Luna, to rise as leader of the Lotus Flower pack, and for the witch, out of revenge.

Maura departed, draped in her hooded cloak, moving through the shadows toward the forest. There, she transformed into a wolf without shedding her attire and dashed through the forest toward home.

She couldn't accept that she had seen the Doctor's daughter with Rude, especially not grasping how she escaped from the dungeon at her home, which was fortified with blood magic. It was urgent to discover the identity of the little devil's mother and her lineage. There had to be a witch in that family line.

Home at last, Luna chose several herbs from the forest and brewed a potent tea, strained it, and poured it into a bathtub brimming with water. She bathed in the strangely scented water, aware it wasn't the perfect concoction. It might not completely mask her scent, but it would substantially disguise it provided she didn't get too close to the Alpha.

*

At the doctor's house, everyone had bathed and was eating. Rose was overjoyed to see her home filled with youth and children. She had called a friend from the association for the protection of the neglected and secured clothes for everyone.

Rude brought a bowl of soup to June and assisted her in eating.

"I can eat on my own, I'm not injured."

"C'mon! Don't be stubborn, I'm your male and I'm looking after you," Rude insisted, living up to his name.

"You're insufferable!"

"And you, obstinate. How did you cause that fire at the house?"

"If you continue shoveling food into my mouth, I can't answer!" she retorted, dodging the spoon.

"Fine, just this last spoonful and then you can answer."

They were in her designated room, seated on the room's solitary chair at the table. She was perched on his lap, albeit reluctantly.

"Could you give me a little space? I'm not used to having someone this close."

"Oh, just go with it… You’re my mate, your father said he taught you all about wolves; if I let you go, my wolf will go crazy because it's insisting on all this fuss."

"So, you're just doing this because your wolf told you to?"

"You're impossible, you know? Give me a break."

"Alright. Since being hit by my father’s car and his nursing me back to health, I've been learning. First, I transformed into a Wolf and later realized he was my father. He guided me in everything I know now. I also trained in combat and spent time with the sorceress, who taught me about herbs and potions, and with her help, I discovered that magic takes to me; I was chosen for fire and earth. Satisfied?"

"That's a lot to take in."

"Yes. Now it's your turn. How did you find me?"

He spooned another mouthful of soup into her mouth and recounted how he found her at the doctor's house.

"I was in that place, imprisoned in the alphas' basement. But earth and fire assisted me, and I managed to break out. I also freed a woman who was languishing there."

"What? You released her and took her where?"

"To the sorceress; she's attending to her, as she was surrounded by blood magic."

"Finish up, I need to see this sorceress." He urged her to swallow the soup quickly.

"Ugh, you're annoying! What's keeping you here, just go!"

"Don’t tempt me, without me, you’ll be left alone! I can’t leave without you; there's a risk I might never see you again."

"Do you think I'll join you? Why would I?" she challenged, infuriated.

"Because you’re my mate, and that’s that."

Malek noticed their quarrel and entered after knocking.

"What's the matter with you two?"

"This headstrong girl thinks I'd leave her here."

"He can't take me; I still have to round up the other men and take care of my family."

"First, you won't go anywhere without me, especially to seek another man!"

"But…"

"No buts, daughter. Remember you were locked up in the dungeon by the Alphas, left to die? You're in danger, and being with Rude ensures your safety; neither Alpha Ramon nor Luna Maura can reach his pack."

"Exactly, and I want to see the woman who was saved; she might be my mother."

"Geez, this is more tangled than my life. OK, but who will watch over the children?"

"I will protect them. Don't worry."

June ate her fill, dismounted from Rude's lap, and they both donned cloaks to head for the forest. Malek, however, interjected, loaning them his cherished old jeep.

"Take good care of it, or I'll tan your hide," said Malek teasingly.

Rude laughed heartily, as Malek stood no chance of tanning his hide. And so, they departed by road, sidestepping the forest, taking longer but ensuring greater safety.

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