Episode 2

Derek

Humans. Their scent infested my forest. The legends I spread among the villagers kept them away for decades, yet here they are again, causing the usual chaos.

I look at the pathetic human before me, holding another of her kind, perhaps her offspring. I ponder for a moment, circling them. Saving them was pure instinct, a reaction faster than reason.

I transformed into my human form, feeling my bones readjust, my skin warming. My hair, falling to my nape, swayed gently in the wind as I face them.

"Hey, you, human. What are you doing in my forest?" I ask, my voice deep.

She opens her eyes wide with surprise and stares at me, her mouth agape.

"What!? But...you?...you're that wolf? How?"

I roll my eyes, frustrated with her slow understanding.

"I don't have time to explain. Get out of my forest. I don't trust your kind," I say curtly, turning my back momentarily, hearing her cautious footsteps as she gets up with the little girl in her arms.

"Then we have something in common. I don't trust them either," she replies, her voice laced with distrust and determination.

I tilt my head, intrigued, and observe her more carefully.

"What are you saying? You are one of them. And why do you seem to be no longer afraid of me?" I ask, confused by her audacity.

"Afraid? No, I'm not afraid of you. I'm afraid of my own kind. You, on the other hand, even though you are what you are, you saved me."

There was a raw sincerity in her words that made me hesitate. This human is different. Still, the threat she represents cannot be ignored.

"Your kind has brought nothing but destruction and pain to this world. Why should I believe you?" I ask, keeping my posture defensive.

She took a step forward, her steady eyes meeting mine.

"Because we are running from the same monsters. I am not a threat to you. I just want to protect Jasmine," she said, clutching the little one tighter to her chest.

I pondered her words, sensing the truth in them. Still, their presence here could indeed bring more danger to my pack.

"If you stay here, you will have to follow my rules. Any betrayal and there will be no second chances," I warn, my voice firm and uncompromising.

She seemed to assess the situation for a moment, then said, "Thank you so much. I can do anything, even sweep your den or cave, wherever you live."

At this point, a small, wry smile forms on my lips.

"You're not comparing me to the wolf from the stories of your world, are you? You think just because I turn into a wolf, I live in a den? You really are a fool," I say, looking at her deeply.

She blushed, averting her gaze for a moment before facing me again, determined.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I just want to help. I want to show you I'm not a threat," she said, her voice sincere but still carrying a hint of fear.

Looking at her, I noticed the determination in her eyes. She was willing to do anything to protect the little one in her arms. There was something about her, a flame of courage rarely seen in humans.

"Very well. Let's see what you're capable of. But remember, my patience has limits," I say, turning and starting to walk into the forest.

She follows me in silence, the little girl safe in her arms. The day is just beginning, and many secrets are yet to be revealed. As we walk, I can't help but wonder if I had underestimated this human and what her presence would mean for my world.

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