Episode 18

Derek

Here we are, going to get the clothes and little Jasmine, after our intense moment together. It seems that the more we love and unite, the more we want. My love and desire for Siena only grow.

We are hugging, walking amidst laughter and caresses through the village, when suddenly Dylan comes walking quickly towards us.

"Sorry to interrupt, alpha, but we have a commotion in the mountains. That creature…"

My heart races, my eyes widen, and, preventing him from saying more in front of Siena, I quickly respond:

"Take care of it, Dylan."

But then he sighs deeply and, running a hand through his hair, says:

"But, Derek, the pack wants a decision from you. The situation is complicated, you know."

And then a tremor hits the village. Siena looks at me with fear, and I hold her firmly in my arms.

"Now you understand the gravity of the situation, don't you?" Dylan says, staring at me.

Siena looks from me to Dylan and asks:

"What was that? What is happening, Derek?"

I swallow hard and, holding her hands, I say:

"Don't worry, okay? It's just a tremor, commonplace. However, Siena, I need to go take care of this, it's my duty as the alpha of this pack. Do you mind if…"

She interrupts me and says gently:

"You can go, Derek. Don't worry. I'll get Jasmine and the clothes. You need to fulfill your alpha duties; I understand."

I smile with relief and hug her, kissing her as I say between the kiss:

"I'll be back as soon as possible, alright?"

Siena nods, smiling between the kiss.

"I'll be waiting for you," she says, caressing my face.

With one last look of gratitude and love, I turn away, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. Dylan and I run towards the mountains, my heart pounding with the anticipation of the imminent confrontation.

As Dylan and I run in our wolf forms, the afternoon breeze ruffles our fur, creating a soft sound that blends with the echo of our paws hitting the ground.

"What happened, Dylan? He's never been this agitated. What disturbed him?" I ask, trying to keep my focus on the fast, fluid run.

Dylan, beside me, keeps his focus on the trail ahead, but his eyes reflect concern when he responds:

"I don't think you're going to like the answer, Derek."

His tone of voice is grave, which leads me to ask the question that has been hammering in my mind as we run quickly.

"Don't tell me this has to do with my mate's presence?" I say, casting a serious look at Dylan beside me.

He hesitates for a moment, his eyes searching mine before responding with sharp sincerity:

"I'm very sorry, buddy." His voice is laden with worry and a hint of sorrow.

The news hits me like a punch in the gut, but I can't allow myself to stop and process it. The image of Siena propels me even further. I run even faster, leaving Dylan behind, the wind howling in my ears as the urgency to protect her takes over.

"Wait, Derek!" I hear Dylan yell behind me, but I ignore it, focused only on the path ahead.

I don't want to hear anything else. Not now. We're talking about the protection of the village, and most importantly, Siena and Jasmine. I can't allow myself to fear this creature, not this time. If it wants to get to Siena, it'll have to go through me first.

The sun begins to set over the distant mountains, painting the sky in shades of orange and red as I continue my run toward the impending danger. My muscles burn with exertion, but I can't stop. Each step brings me closer to the looming confrontation, where courage and determination will be my only weapons against an old acquaintance.

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