Chapter 8 "The Lone Rogue"

Mikhail’s POV

I am a lone wolf, banished from the Ever-Green Pack. I roam the forest, a solitary figure in the moonlight. My curse is a burden I bear alone, bestowed upon me by the Goddess of the Moon at my birth.

All the werewolves in the pack knew what my curse was. The curse to kill every she-wolves in the Pack. The Elder, Gregor, told me the story of how the female werewolves began to die one by one after my birth.

Even my own mother, who had held me so lovingly in her arms, eventually succumbed to the curse.

My father, unable to bear the loss of my mother, grew to despise me. His grief consumed him, and he eventually took his own life. It was then that the Alpha and the Elder made the decision to banish me from the Pack. Once I was gone, the female werewolves barely survived. However, as time passed, they, too, perished until only one remained.

The survival of this last she-wolf was crucial, as her death would mean the end of the lineage for everyone in the pack. I had no intention of harming her and kept my distance from Ever Green. However, fate had other plans, and the woman passed away without breeding a new generation.

For years, the female werewolves remained extinct in the Hidden Greenery.

And that’s why I couldn’t blame why everyone now regarded me with animosity upon my arrival.

["Is that Mikhail? The wretched rogue who killed all the she-wolves in our pack?" ]

["Aye, the likeness is uncanny."]

["How dare he set foot on the sacred grounds of the Ever Green!"]

["But observe the bipedal creature beside him. Is that... a female?"]

["A female human, no less!"]

["By the fangs of our ancestors, I have not laid eyes on a female since my birth!"]

I looked at the male werewolves who were conversing in our language and then back at Yuri, who seemed to realize the gravity of her presence in the den of the beasts.

["Wow! I couldn't believe my eyes. Her body was unlike anything I've ever seen before!" ]

["That’s because she's a human!”]

["No, no, no! You don't understand. Her curves were out of this world!"]

[“Humans are known for their unpleasant odor, but this female was different. Her scent was absolutely divine!"]

I stared at Yuri and agreed with the men’s thoughts about her. That was the first mystery I wanted to solve regarding Yuri.

I was attracted to her body and smell, which was bizarre between werewolves and humans. The second thing is…

‘She didn’t die.’

Even after living with me for days, Yuri did not die because of my curse. I suspected that my curse did not work for humans. And that’s why I brought her here with me so that I can send her home.

‘Although you really don’t want her to go, Mikhail?’  My wolf, Gabriel, guilt-tripped me.

I could not reason with Gabriel since he could read my heart well.

‘Yes, I don’t want to let her go. But this human does not belong in the Hidden Greenery. So, I have to send her back into human society.’

 While I was delving into my thoughts, Yuri suddenly shrieked.

“Ahh!”

My head snapped towards the male wolf, attempting to lay a hand on Yuri.

Fury ignited within me, and I emitted a thunderous growl at the audacious he-wolf.

"Grrrrrr!"

The he-wolf cowered and retreated, followed by his companions.

I snarled at them, issuing a clear warning to never lay a finger on the female human. However, when I caught sight of Yuri's frightened expression as she witnessed my primal display, I was taken aback.

Her fear of my wolf nature pained me deeply, and I couldn't bear to see such a reaction from her.

["What in the name of the moon are you up to, Mikhail!"] growled one wolf in complaint.

With a fierce snarl, I turned my gaze towards the members of the Pack.

["Are you attempting to take the life of yet another female and a human at that?!"] they demanded.

["Stay clear of her! Do not harm another woman!"] they warned.

["Leave her to us and be gone!"] they commanded.

["It's the first time I've laid eyes on a woman; I simply must have a taste!"]

["Count me in!"] another chimed in.

["Hand her over to me!"]

They came towards us, their eyes ablaze with heat, and I couldn't fault them for it. I, too, felt a strange sensation within me when I laid eyes on Yuri.

I yearned to touch her.

To kiss her.

To lick her.

And to claim her as my own.

But as I recalled the moment she wept and shared her sorrowful tale with me, I recognized the selfishness of my desires. And so, I pledged to safeguard her.

[“DRAW ONE MORE STEP AND I WILL KILL YOU!”] I growled, which made everyone stop. [“NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO TOUCH THIS WOMAN BESIDE ME. IF YOU EVER TOUCH A SINGLE HAIR OF HER, YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH ME.”]

They all glared in hostility but remained still on their grounds.

I lived outside the pack, fighting dangerous beasts lurking around. Of course, they knew they should not mess with me. And then there was the curse that ran through my veins, a constant reminder of my otherness.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the tension. ["What's going on here?"] It was Elder Gregor, the very man who had banished me from Ever-Green.

The pack members parted, revealing the imposing figure of the Elder.

[“What is this commo…”] Elder Gregor stopped talking when he saw me.

It’s been a long time since we last saw each other. And that’s when I was still young. But for sure, he could recognize me.

[“Mikhail,”] he called my name with hostility. Not long after, Gregor’s eyes went to Yuri. His eyes widened as he peered at her. [“A f-female h-human.”]

Quickly, I put Yuri behind my back.

“Ahhh,” Yuri gasped as I hid her behind.

Staring at Gregor, I stated what I needed, [“This is a female human. She needs to go back home. Allow her to exit the Hidden Greenery.”]

In the silence, Gregor narrowed his eyes at me and tossed a question, [“Was it you who brought her?”]

[“Yes.”]

[“And she did not die?”]

I nodded my head, replying, [“I think my curse did not work on humans. So, please show her the way out of this forest. There are people waiting for her outside. And then, I will peacefully leave the Ever Green.”]

Gregor clicked his tongue and answered, [“Are you expecting me to let go of that woman after she discovered the werewolves living in our sanctuary?”]

I really hope that Gregor will let Yuri go. She’s a human, after all. However…

[“SUMMON FORTH THE WOMAN TO OUR ALPHA! HE SHALL DETERMINE THE FATE OF OUR ESTEEMED VISITOR AS HE SEES FIT!”]