Episode 6

Derek

The day broke with birds singing and sunlight beaming down on us. I quickly got up and, after my morning routine, went to check if all my requests had been fulfilled.

Leaving my house, I saw Dylan organizing several boxes of supplies, including vegetables and other food. Further ahead, a little wolf-girl ran towards me, holding something in her small hands.

"Here you go, Alpha. I hope the other little girl likes it. I helped my mom make it. I put a lot of enthusiasm into it,” she said, smiling as she handed me a fabric wolf doll.

I bent down, smiling, and patted her head.

"I'm sure she will love it. Thank you, little one."

She nodded and ran off, a radiant smile on her face. I looked at the doll in my hand and gave a small smile. Just then, Dylan approached, saying:

"Everything is ready, Derek. But I must confess that some wolves were not happy about carrying the things. They say they're hunters, not pack animals."

I sighed deeply, replying:

"They don’t have to like it. All that matters is that they do as I command."

Dylan watched me as we walked through the tribe, preparing to take the supplies to Siena.

"You know there’s no turning back from falling for this human, right? When a wolf’s heart chooses his mate, you are loyal to her until the end."

I looked at him and gave a slight smile, bumping my shoulder against his.

"Relax, I know how it works. I just want to help them," I said, trying to disguise a nervousness that seemed to grow inside me.

He looked at me deeply, as if weighing my words, and nodded, quickly changing the subject:

"By the way, do you think the pack took your speech well last night about the girls?"

My mind went back to the scene where I gathered the whole pack and announced that two humans would be under my protection within our territory in the Black Forest.

I looked at him seriously again and replied:

"I believe so. There was some astonishment and apprehension, but they know they can't do anything against my orders. And it seems that some have accepted the situation well,” I said, observing the doll in my hand.

Dylan sighed deeply and said:

"Right. I hope you really know what you’re doing and what you're putting at risk.”

I nodded to him and said:

"I do. Now, let’s stop chatting and take these things."

We prepared ourselves quickly. Carrying some boxes, I transformed back into a wolf, feeling the familiar and powerful change. The boxes were securely fastened to my body, and we began our journey through the cave until we reached the other side. The cave was damp and dark, but I knew every inch of it. We crossed the curtain of water and emerged into the Black Forest.

And so, I ran swiftly towards the cabin, feeling the familiarity of the path. I built this cabin myself, a temporary refuge whenever I needed to be on this side of the forest. When we arrived, it was still early, and the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon. They were probably still asleep.

Dylan transformed first, coming up to me to remove the box. Then, I assumed my human form, taking the box and walking to the door. I knocked hard on the wood, the sound echoing through the clearing. I heard a groan from the other side.

The door opened slowly, revealing Siena with her long, disheveled hair and a sleepy expression. She blinked a few times, trying to compose herself quickly, running her fingers through her hair in an attempt to control the unruly strands.

For a moment, we just looked at each other. Breaking the silence, I said:

"I brought some things."

She swallowed hard, surprised, and replied quickly:

"You didn't have to worry. But thank you, I..."

I entered the cabin, interrupting her:

"You don't need to thank me, girl..."

I stopped when I realized that the interior of the cabin was clean and tidy. The rustic furniture was carefully positioned, and the dust that had previously covered everything had been completely removed. Noticing my reaction, Siena said a little awkwardly:

"I took the liberty of cleaning. It was a little dusty."

Sighing, I placed the box on the floor and said:

"It’s alright. It looks very good.”

She nodded, a light blush coloring her cheeks. Before we could continue the conversation, the little girl got up from the rug where she was sleeping, rubbing her eyes.

I took the doll from the top of the box and knelt down in front of her, handing it to her with a smile:

"This was a gift from another little girl for you. It was made with a lot of love. I hope you like it.”

Her eyes sparkled as she saw the doll and she asked, with obvious joy in her voice:

"Is it really for me?”

I smiled and nodded:

"Yes, it’s yours.”

She took the doll, clutching it to her chest. Her eyes went to Siena.

“Look, Sie… She’s so cute, so soft and beautiful… I love it!” she said excitedly.

Siena and I laughed at the same time, a moment of lightness shared between us. We looked at each other, a little awkwardly. Siena hurriedly said:

"It really is beautiful, little one. I’m happy for you.”

As the little one busied herself with her new toy, Siena looked at me, her eyes reflecting gratitude and a hint of curiosity. Before she could say anything, Dylan, who had been silent until now, approached with another box.

"Here are the supplies. We will make sure you have what you need for now.”

Siena looked at the boxes, clearly emotional. She opened one, revealing fresh fruit, vegetables, and bread. Her eyes welled up, but she quickly blinked them away.

"I don't know how to thank you…" she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.

“You don't need to thank us, Siena. We’re going to take care of you.” My voice was firm, but there was a hint of softness I couldn't hide.

Dylan and I helped organize the supplies, and as we worked, I couldn't help but notice how Siena moved around the cabin with determined grace, trying to maintain her composure despite everything she'd been through.

“Derek…” She began, hesitating slightly. “Why are you doing this? Why are you helping us like this?”

I stopped for a moment, looking at her. The words failed me for a second, but then I answered sincerely:

"Because you need help. And because I feel it’s the right thing to do.”

She looked at me deeply, as if trying to read something beyond the words. And, for a brief moment, I felt a connection stronger than any words could express.

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