He grabbed a few knives to start with. When Alice saw them, she frowned. She had very little experience fighting with them. She mostly used a knife for survival in the wild. It’s been a long time since she had to cut tree barks or some vines.She was startled when Conrad threw a couple to her, but she managed to catch them in the air.“We’ll just go over the basics this morning. I’m going to check your reflexes. Be on defense and try to avoid my attacks, do you understand?”Alice took a deep breath before assuming a defensive pose. “I understand.”He scrutinized her stance. “Good enough, but you might want to lower your body a little more. Your footing would be steadier.”She did as he said and prepared to deflect his attacks.Unlike her, he was just standing there like he normally would on any given day. Then, he took steps forward. He lifted a hand and attacked her slowly. Her lip twitched as she frowned. What kind of training is this?Conrad squinted before wiping the confusion off
He didn’t want to torture her further so he just chose to torture himself.She snuggled closer to him during the night and had a somewhat fitful sleep. Even after a good massage, she doesn’t feel like moving.The next day, he asked, “Are you good? Can you train today?”She was tempted to say no. She took a few minutes to convince herself to get up and get moving.“Good girl.” He patted her head and they had a light breakfast.Her movements were slower due to the body pain but it was manageable. She just needs to keep going. Conrad wasn’t strict for today. He went to speak with Nate about their departure tomorrow and the supplies they would be needing.They’re still a long way away from Snow Mountain. He sent word to Caleb, asking him to have some potions delivered to them.“From what I’ve read, there’s someone at Wintertown who can make them. A young woman named Dawn. Are you going to pass through there?”“We don’t know yet. But is it reliable? Are they sure she can make them as effec
Slowly, he approached her and crouched to her level. He reached out to remove the blanket but she kept ahold of it.“Alice…” His voice was very gentle.He tried again when she didn’t respond. She tightened her grip on it, not wanting to see him. Conrad gritted his teeth before forcefully tugging it off her. She turned and hid her face on the bed, refusing to let him see. She also used her hands to hide from his gaze.“I’m sorry.” He has no words. He racked his brain. What the heck did he say earlier for her to react like this?He began to caress her arm, comforting her.“I didn’t mean what I said…” Whatever it was…Alice would have snorted if she wasn’t crying. You’re just stating facts.Conrad heard that thought and was slightly bewildered. Right, they’re still linked.“I didn’t mean to upset you.” He sat on the bed and moved his hand on her back, caressing her there.In truth, she’s not upset because of him. She’s upset because of her own shortcomings. Just what kind of Luna…? Her h
She slashed the beast with her knives, but she barely scratched him. The one from the front also pounced.“Damn it. Stay still.” She already knew she must be looking into their eyes and they must be staring back at her for it to work. Thankfully, this one kept his eyes on her.She gritted her teeth as she stumbled on her front, having been struck at the back. They began to crowd around her. She decidedly shifted before they can reach her. She focused on the one who wasn’t moving, needing to render him incapacitated.Her eyes constricted as they began to attack her. But for some bizarre reason, they seem to move really slow. Alice had no time to think, she simply attacked them before they can counter. She targeted their necks, the most vulnerable part of a wolf. They easily went down one after another. But given their number, she was unable to evade all their attacks. She’s got scratches here and there and she howled when one dared to bite her hind leg. She was so mad so bit the bastar
Though she’s acting on instinct, she let him go after a couple of minutes. She’s not used to drinking blood after all. She just felt the need to do it that time. Her weak body felt revived.She’s still a bit pale, but it’s better than earlier.“Don’t sleep. You hear me?”“Hmm…” Even so, she closed her eyes, wanting to rest. He carried her inside the vehicle and set her on a seat.He called for a few of his men. They needed to quickly take her to the territory.“Should we split? Half can go with you. The rest of us will finish cleaning up.” Marco suggested.“Do you think there’s no more of them?”His beta shrugged. “Even if there are more, we can fight back.”“Alright. I’ll have to trouble you.”“Welcome back, Alpha.”“Thank you. You’ve all done well.”Conrad let someone else drive the car as he cradled his mate. The path they’re taking is becoming familiar to him. He did leave the pack plenty of times in the past to visit other territories before.As they get closer, he’d been trying
Alice woke up with a headache and she groaned while trying to turn around. She was comforted by the scent that envelopes her. Without it, she would most likely panic. The room they were in was both familiar and unfamiliar to her.She took a deep breath as she realized they’re back in the pack and they’re in his room.“Alice?”“Hmm?”Conrad sighed in relief. She slept for a long while, he’s starting to get worried.“How do you feel?”She began moving and winced. “What do I have on my leg?”“You were bitten there. Lucas used a different ointment as it wasn’t healing normally. He’s not sure if it would work, though. We’ll see later.”“How about you?”“I did better this time. I didn’t sustain any serious injury. Would you be fine here? I need to speak with Caleb today.”“Is it morning?” She asked as he assisted her to sit on the bed.“Yeah. You slept the whole night. My mother will be here to accompany you later. She’ll also bring you breakfast.”He saw the momentary panic in her eyes.“J
“She’s a what?” Caleb was late to the news. When he arrived at the meeting room in the afternoon, the atmosphere was already solemn.Conrad has gathered the elders, his family and all the sub-leaders in the pack. Lucas was also summoned. He told them his suspicions regarding Alice’s identity. All the circumstances that point in that direction, he let them know. He did this because he needed their support. With Alice back in the territory, everyone knows what might happen.“A hybrid. Half-wolf, half vampire?” Lucas wanted confirmation, too.“Most likely. The capabilities she showed, they’re comparable to that of vampires.” He repeated.“But is it really mind control? She gives an order and they obey?” Marco finds it interesting, setting aside the possible troubles for now.“Yes.”“What are her limitations? How long does it bind the person? Can she change the command? What kind of commands are possible?”Conrad squinted at him, “We didn’t have the opportunity to test those. We’ll be doi
“Sorry. What did you want me to say?” Alice doubted she heard him correctly.Caleb grunted from the side, and challenged his brother, “That’s pushing it. Why don’t you slap your own mate?”Since they wanted to keep Alice’s situation a secret, they decided to personally practice with her. Conrad already received so many of her commands but he did none of it. Nothing. She assured him that she’s doing it seriously and he could tell from the way she issues them. They set it aside and assumed it doesn’t work on her mate. In a way, this made him feel relieved. She wouldn’t be able to order him around, or compel him to do something he doesn’t want.They’re currently testing to see if anyone would be able to resist the commands she gives. Earlier, they made Lourianne slap Caleb. Since she’s human, it didn’t hurt much. But now, Conrad wants Caleb to slap her.Even Alice felt that it’s not going to end well.They’ve already run through different scenarios, mostly simple ones. This time, they’re
Alice woke up feeling tickled. Her mate was pressing kisses behind her ear and along her neck. She moaned lightly, grasping the arm around her waist. “Good morning.” Conrad slightly got up and pressed a kiss on her lips, eventually sitting on the bed. Ever since Liana came, they were able to relax and rest properly. They were very grateful. The woman was an elite vampire. She was born a vampire, not turned. Her father was an elite, whereas her mother was turned. She was able to explain what’s going on with Ice and assured them that there’s nothing to worry about. The red eyes are apparently due to feeling extreme emotions, mostly irritation. But it can also be due to extreme happiness or sadness. The need for blood would depend on several factors. As a baby, a small amount should suffice. Consuming more blood than necessary is also not recommended. It could get addicting and could prove troublesome. Liana didn’t elaborate but simply mentioned it’s a case most vampires try to avoid. T
“Give me a moment.” She replied and went to stare at herself in the mirror. Yes, they do have reflections. She took a few deep breaths while organizing the information she has gotten. She’s quite skilled and she knew the woman told her the truth when she asked questions.A new place… but how would she be treated in a place infested with wolves? Their natural enemy? Would it be better than her current situation? She hesitated and bit her lip. She had to play this well to her advantage.She took a few more deep breaths before standing straight and exuding the confidence she normally wears.She got out and the couple were waiting for her. She stood there, sizing them up. The way the woman clings to his side, such affection… she was tempted to sigh.“Then, should we get a table and chat? What would you like to eat?” The place is half-bar, half-restaurant.Liana nodded and gestured for them to lead the way. Caleb scanned her once, not letting his guard down. She rolled her eyes at him. Do
For a few months, they observed the twin’s growth, especially Ice. He seems fine and wasn’t troublesome. Well, all they do is eat, play and sleep. Cry and poop. That was the cycle. It’s fairly ordinary. Caleb has been coordinating with their members in the city, asking them to help locate a few vampires, preferably females. He’s assuming they would be easier to talk to. Huh. If it’s a male, he could already picture the aggression and the unwillingness to engage in a conversation. Their view on hybrids is similar to wolves, or any other species for that matter. They do not treat them kindly. Some may be indifferent but that’s not the general stance. Lourianne wanted to go with him and he hesitated. “We’ll see. If the person isn’t too dangerous, I will take you. Do you want to visit your parents?” Her eyes lit up. Of course, she does. Caleb chuckled seeing her excitement. “I’ll take you. I’ll let you stay with them for a while if it’s dangerous. If not, you’re with me.” “Great. Than
“Ah, shit…” Conrad softly cursed. “What is it?” Alice quickly asked him. It was as if he came to know something. “Could he be a full-pledged vampire? They’re normally pale and cold to the touch, right?” To him, it’s better than having a dead son. It doesn’t matter to him, he would accept the child. It’s still his own blood and flesh. The problem would be how other people perceive him. Not to mention, other packs may also have their own opinions. Alice heard him and carefully eyed both babies. They’re easy to distinguish because of it, even though their appearance looks the same at the moment. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She also understands the possible implications of this birth. “We’ll figure it out later. What’s important is that they’re both here, alive and well. Healthy and safe. And you as well. Aren’t you tired? Rest for a while.” Conrad kissed her cheek before taking the second baby off her and hugging it. He figured the first baby would be better off on
“So, what happens now?” Alice asked as they watched those men leaving their territory.Conrad glanced at her. He’d been extremely relieved that she stayed and did not have any desire to leave. He’d been worried and every night he would somehow tell her how much he needs her. The first few days, he could tell she still entertained the idea, albeit not seriously. When she began to be productive around the pack, he began to relax and focus on his own responsibilities.“We rebuild the pack. We keep on training. We’ll improve security even more. We’ll be ready for any trouble.” He firmly replied to her, gently squeezing her hand.She audibly sighed as they eyed the forests. It’s not the end. It’s only the beginning. But she hoped to have a few years of peace before any kind of trouble arrives.Caleb and Lourianne wanted a separate home, but not too far from the pack house. It was fine. Not everyone lives in the pack house. It’s more like a headquarters for the Alpha and the other officers.
They rested but they couldn’t sleep properly. Early in the morning, both of them decided to go out and help with the clean-up and restoration of the territory. Mostly, it’s only the men they saw.Conrad told her to stay close. Along with everyone else, their expressions were solemn as they did their tasks.The men already managed to bury the dead last night. Their Alpha told them to rest as those who rested last night began to rise and show up on the grounds. Caleb also showed up, but his expression was grim. Lourianne was still in hysterics, blaming herself. It was difficult to keep her calm.“Can you accompany her?” He asked Alice but Conrad wanted to beat him up when he heard his request.“The hell are you asking her? You want my mate to break down as well?” He berated through the link.His younger brother grimaced. He hasn’t considered that. All he knew was that since Alice felt the same way before, she might be able to help Lourianne overcome her emotions.Alice noticed their exp
Conrad wanted to be quick. He doesn’t want to leave Alice for too long. This time, he wanted to be there for her, to be with her as they go through this loss and grieve. But alas, he couldn’t just not do any of his responsibilities as Alpha of the pack. Everyone who needed rest, he told them to take a break. Those who can still move around began the clean-up. They first dealt with their comrades, giving aid to those who are badly injured and in need of medical attention. Priorities. Marco brought Walter’s body deeper into the woods and began digging. They would set him on fire and witness his ruin before burying him. It has to be done. Otherwise, they can’t be sure if he planned some hocus-pocus or if his minions would. After their own were tended to, the rest went to gather the dead bodies. Their fallen members go in one side and the enemies go in another. Sure, they were cruder in handling the bastards’ bodies. There were cries and wailing as family members find their loved ones am
Conrad wouldn’t waste the opportunity. He knew such an action from Walter wasn’t natural. He could guess Alice has something to do with it.He clamped hard against his neck and ravaged him, tearing his flesh. There was a howl of pain and Alice struck him across the face. He told her to never position herself below an enemy, exposing her neck to vulnerability. He’s proud of how she’s applying the things she learned in real life.But it’s not that easy. Walter resisted and struggled, managing to swipe Alice away with such force that she was pushed back a few feet away. Conrad also persisted and wouldn’t let go of him. He was almost hugging the other wolf, keeping him in place. Alice returned within a minute and attacked his body. She wouldn’t dare hit him on the head, lest Conrad’s bite on him loosens. It became a matter of perseverance. Who would last longer? Who would tire out first? She could tell Conrad is already exhausted. He must have fought others earlier even before this bastar
Everything suddenly became a blur to her, which is bad. She’s moving on instinct and not truly aware of her surroundings and who she’s attacking. She fiercely growled before stalking behind a tree and calming herself. Both Caleb and Conrad told her how important it is for her to be fully conscious of her every action.Someone dared to sneak up on her and she mercilessly fought back. At this time, her nervousness died down, no longer rushing her and making her impatient. That’s good enough for her. She crouched down, laying low as she surveyed her surroundings again. The wolf within her began to feel agitated the longer they stay still.She began moving, pouncing on an enemy and sinking her fangs on their necks. She clawed at their bodies, striking them repeatedly until they no longer move. Whimpers and growls filled the air. Almost no one in sight is in their human form. This time she moved with purpose, methodically attacking one after another. Only by looking at her red eyes were wo