The Journey 3

Ethan gave Damien a curious look, waiting for his answer. He was sure he’d accept her but Damien was quite unpredictable and made his decision as he wanted to.

“I can’t say yet, I may give her a chance but not sooner. I can’t risk the pack in the hands of a fragile Luna. One that will stay and not run like my mum did.

“You mean someone that will be able to fight alongside you?”

“Yeah, a bit of Keila’s affectionate and concerned behavior.”

“Amelia looks comfortable here though, have you asked her yet?

“Ask her what?”

“What she was doing behind that tree that night we were on patrol.”

“I have, she refused to say.”

Ethan gave a faint smile causing Damien to turn to him strongly.

“Do you know why she’s not talking?”

“Not so, but you’ve not given her the chance to speak on that and you’ve claimed her.”

“If I lose a captive, I lose ten percent of my respect. No one dares to trespass into our pack. That is a rule everyone knows.”

Damien said with a firm utterance, like even if the world comes down he won’t allow anyone come into the pack without a recognition.

“Then you allowed her to come in?”

“She looked helpless when I found her.”

“You just followed Keila’s scent, that was how you found her, right?”

“Not completely… Maybe.” He finally said after pausing.

The night was fading, everyone began to set back into their ride. Their horses may have lost the path, but the riders were ready to put them back in place.

After every easy thudding of the horses' movements, the morning sun began to erupt. Amelia smiled, seeing the beauty of the sun once more and the feeling of freedom in the atmosphere.

She lifted her hands into the air, on the horse with frank. Damien kept looking at her and wondered if she could ride a horse on her own. The way she suddenly became so free with others around her.

“What if she’s capable of being Luna, will you accept her?” Ethan's voice went through Damien’s head unannounced.

“I might consider her staying forever, but first I need to know where she came from.”

“You should make her talk, you are the alpha. And if I’m right, you’ve called her yours already and given that everyone that stays in the pack follows your rules.”

“I’m very much aware of that.”

“I just hope you do not get lost again in her eyes and fall into a night with her.”

Damien was reminded of the night he had with Amelia and the scenes flashed through his head, he gave a clear expression that he already spent a night with her. Ethan got the sense and it was clear to him they had spent a night together.

“Oh! I see. That’s why you can’t seem to get her out of your head.”

Everyone rode according to the Alpha’s order. They traveled nonstop and deeper into the woods till they arrived at a stream that flowed mercilessly, promoting the beauty of nature. It was a blissful sight to Amelia who ran straight at it, pouring the water all over her face. She made it clear the journey was going on well.

Damien had been thinking of putting Amelia to a few tests and see if she’s worth Luna's position.

“We’re closer.” Ethan mumbled.

“This stream makes me feel alive again.” Damien said, as his eyes caught the shape of the beautiful lady who played with the pure stream water staining her dress with its beauty.

“I wasn’t expecting her to be so comfortable with everyone.”

“Yeah, everyone except us.”

Damien looked at Ethan who gave a ‘it’s the truth ‘ looking face. He gathered everyone and reminded them to be on their best behavior immediately they crossed the stream, not like anyone dares to go against him, still he let them know he’s not interested in their death.

They gathered their horses once more and led them gently through the stream, and on foot they crossed. Ethan made sure Amelia had a peaceful crossing. They got into the silent but fierce town, Paridolis, Alpha Terry’s pack, Damien’s mother had chosen to be there since the pack has been a great friend and a trusting ally right from the start.

After walking a few hours into the small town, the sight of the beautiful flowers, the amazing smell of pure human, and the graceful atmosphere caught Amelia.

“Wow!” she muttered. Damien, who was standing right beside her, looked at her magnificent beauty in the morning sun, it felt anew, her wondrous breath as she breathed in and out humming melodious songs like a carefree child with no worries, he consistently stared at her.

The pack house had accepted them with full welcoming arms, especially the young Alpha Terry, Nick, the young boy was the first to notice some movements towards the house, he ran straight to the window and peeped right behind it to see clearly. Terry heard a bit of murmurs and stepped out.

“Nick, who’s there?”

“Some folks, daddy. And they’ve got horses too.”

“Come on in.” Terry ordered Nick to go back inside. He took a further step out of the house and recognized the fellows walking towards them. His eyes broadened, who on earth is this!? He ran out of the house to welcome his nephew who had grown so big. Damien had seen the big man right in front of him.

“My goodness, Terry look at you” Damien hugged his uncle that he had last seen for a long time.

The rest just watched and murmured among themselves. They could never believe their Alpha would be so welcoming.

Amelia stood, watching the scenes like an entertaining reunion. Nick ran out again, his eyes went straight to the beautiful lady that was precisely the other gender among them. He ran straight to Amelia, paused and just stared at her.

“Father, who is this?” Nick interrupted the greeting between Damien and Terry. Terry carried his young five year old son on his shoulder. He smiled and tickled his tummy,

“Say hi to your uncle Nick.”

“Hi, uncle.”

“It’s Damien, a little guy.” Damien shook Nick too but he struggled out of Damien’s arms and went back to Amelia.

Everyone ignored the little boy’s action, the one that created a bit of silence. Terry broke the silence, he showed them the way in.

“Your mother is in, she’ll be so happy to see you.”

Damien smiled, “I doubt she’ll be.”

Nick kept hanging onto Amelia, he took it as a duty to stare at him. Terry noticed this and sent him to his room. Nick gave a frown and went in.

Terry gave Damien a stare, “There’ll be a better introduction later.”

“And the boys?”

“I plan on serving them the pack’s duty and making them understand.”

“Mother!” Damien smiled, across the others and hugged his mother so dearly.

It was a moment of affection, the old lady had grown so much gray hair that he couldn’t recognize his own mother.

The other boys were given a room to share for the time they’ll be spending in the pack house.

“Who is she?”