She pursed her lips. It’s not that she doesn’t trust the pack to exact revenge against those bastards, but… it’s just not personal to them. And those who experienced actual loss, some continued to mourn, some would feel as she does. Not everyone is feeling as haphazard as she is now. The Alpha would still need to go through a process, to make a plan… she can’t wait for that. And it’s no guarantee they would allow her to be part of it. They might think she would be too emotional for it. They’re not wrong. Right now, it’s as if she has nothing to lose. When she steps out of the territory, she understands the risks. She may die. She may not return. But what matters to her is that she tried. She would avenge her mother.There was another thing that convinced her to act on her own. Her father. When he died, her mom said they didn’t get the revenge she wanted. The attack back then was probably more chaotic than what they recently had. More died from both sides, so…Sab found a trail with a
“Two hours is the least amount of time we would require to hastily prepare what we would all need if we’re to ensure this mission would be a success. It may be more than two hours, actually.” His beta explained and Clyde looked helpless.“I’m going to prepare, then. Or are you briefing us already?” He asked his father.“Given the circumstances, I don’t think I should give you leadership of this mission. Wayne would lead. Would you be able to follow orders?”Wayne stepped forward and looked at Clyde. He can understand his worries, but still… it’s a bit unsettling to see it from someone they look up to. They have high expectations for Clyde, but alas… he’s not unlike many of them. He’s also prone to extreme emotions that might cloud his judgment.“That’s better, actually. I can follow orders. I’ll listen to you.” Clyde stared at Wayne and gave him a nod.Conrad let out a deep breath. Good. For a moment there, he expected him to insist on leading it. It’s something not easy to relinquish
Thankfully, they were away from the others. He would’ve snapped if anyone saw her nakedness. He tackled her down and she weakly struggled. He already surmised that she’s too tired now, so he risked it.“It’s me, Sab. Listen to me. It’s over. They’re all dead.” Sure, some are still being chased, but they will be as good as gone.Her eyes finally zeroed in on his and she began to relax. She was breathing heavily.Clyde was a witness to how she fought earlier. It was just as he expected. She did better than their monthly evaluations. Having the intent to kill your opponent is probably a moving factor. He kept an eye on her as they decimated any enemy in sight.They have proven their strength. Snow Mountain isn’t to be trifled with. The casualties of that night are simply because it was unexpected. They reacted a few minutes late. And yes, even a few seconds could mean a loss of life. It was something they have to improve upon. They might have to utilize whatever they’re working on in the
Sab grimaced. How could she spend the last few days in this place? She’s sure she inconvenienced him greatly. It’s time to go. She left his room and went back to her house. She braced herself when she opened the door. She was unable to stop the tears. Eyeing her mom’s room, she slowly made her way inside. She has no idea how much time has passed. It felt like a long time to her. She took a deep breath before taking a step towards the direction of her quarters. She needed to face it. Even though she’s already grown up, there were nights she would sleep with her mom… a few times a year. When she’s sad or sick, her mom would stay with her in the room.She would miss her a lot. Life won’t be the same without her.Sab decided she’s never going to touch anything in this room. Not literally, but you get the idea. She might decide to sleep on the bed if she misses her too much. Her scent still lingers. She sat there and cried a little more. Is there anything in the kitchen?Clyde attended a m
He was stunned by her question. What kind of question is that? He sighed before getting up and standing next to her. She briefly glanced up at him before he kneeled to face her. He could see the shock in her eyes and he managed a little smile. Still, he squinted at her. He’s not pleased that she actually threw that kind of question.“What makes you think I don’t?” He reached out and held her hand. He waited until she’s looking at him as well.“Just answer the question.” She pleaded.“I do. I want you. I still want you. And I’ll always want you. Don’t think otherwise. You might think you’re alone, but you’re not. I’m still here, Sab. You have me.” He did think she probably hasn’t absorbed any of his comforting words in the previous days. She was not herself and was just mourning.He squeezed her hand and leaned over to kiss her cheek. When he looked at her eyes again, they were filling with tears. She sniffed as he carefully wiped them away.“Are you okay staying here? Do you want to s
Even if she didn’t voice it out, Clyde could tell what went on her mind. Huh, he’s getting good at that. He’s not sure if he should praise himself.Her eyes widened when he moved to sit next to her and wrapped her in his arms. He propped his chin on her shoulder and his breath tickled her neck. She couldn’t even see his face.“Didn’t I mention it before? I only decided to date you when I became sure I want you to be my mate. Won’t you accept me?” He tilted his head so they could see each other eye to eye.Those words… were really nice to hear. Sab remained silent. Won’t she accept him? He’s not happy with her silence. He urged her with a look.He leaned closer to her and she couldn’t help leaning away.“I’m not rushing you. You still feel uncomfortable with me, aren’t you?”Rather than feeling uncomfortable, more like she feels flustered when he gets too close. It’s more appropriate to say she’s not wholly comfortable with his closeness. He looked helpless when he saw her biting her
He tried to speak with her but she turned her back and ignored him.He went out and laid on the couch. He couldn’t fall asleep, though. What went wrong? He asked her for a handkerchief. She clarified if he really wants one… it was at this time that her mood changed, right? He sat up and stared on the opposite wall.After a while, he came up with a couple of plausible guesses. Has she given him one before? Has he forgotten? He received a shirt from her on his previous birthday, right? Was there a handkerchief somewhere in there? Did he miss it?After over an hour, he went to check on Sab. When he ascertained that she’s asleep, he carefully went out and walked home. Huh, should he check his wardrobe? What are the odds?When he entered the house, he felt Ice’s presence in the kitchen and he went to see him.His brother raised an eyebrow upon seeing him, “What are you doing here?”“I came to look for something. You’re not sleeping yet?” He asked with a frown, to which Ice smirked at him.
He found five and he’d been feeling frustrated for a while now. In the last three hours, he hasn’t found another. Light has already seeped into a small opening near a corner. He took deep breaths to calm himself as he eyed the mess on the floor. He has scourged everything but he might have missed the insides of a few boxes. He’s tired. He’s happy to have found five, but he’s not satisfied not finding all of them. Earlier, he envisioned himself boasting to her that he got them all and that he’ll surely put them to good use. Looks like he won’t be able to show off much. Would she be disappointed that he lost a few? It would show how little he treasured them. Sighing, he stood up. He should go and see her to talk. He’ll apologize and assure her that he’ll do better in the future. He’s disappointed in himself. His heart feels heavy. When Sab woke up, she was surprised to find Ice in the living room instead of Clyde. “Good morning.” He greeted her with a smile. “Good morning. Where’s
Once they confirmed the date, the preparations for the ceremony began. It’s not much, given how it would coincide with the year-end celebration. Sab tried to familiarize herself with most of the people in the pack. It wasn’t very difficult. She’s familiar with everyone who uses the training grounds, not to mention the elders, women and children she interacts with as her main responsibility. She’s bad at remembering names, though. She hoped they won’t hold it against her. She would still try, of course. More people have graduated from their training programs. This translates to a higher fighting power and better security. Hopefully, that is. Clyde remained attentive to trainings and classes, analyzing the needs and potential of new batches of trainees. All seemed to be going well and the activities have been normalized again. A couple of weeks before the ceremony, Clyde remembered something which worried him before. He deliberated before bringing it up in a conversation and asking h
The next day, they were visited by Alpha Xavier and his men. There was a bit of a commotion when they realized Isabel has been injured. It’s a good thing Lucas has been by her side since the incident and has given her the best treatment for her wounds and injuries. Isabel helplessly tried to calm her father. “It was my fault. I wasn’t supposed to fight but I still went. I didn’t know about all their rules yet.” She tried to explain. “You’ve been here for months and you don’t know all the rules yet? There can’t be too many!” “I’ve been with Lucas most of the time. I was supposed to assist him but I was itching to fight.” She dared not say that Lucas didn’t bother telling her because he really thought she won’t be battling anyone during an attack. His role is to tend to the injured and he expected her to assist him, given how he somehow educated her about his job since she began staying with him. It was really her fault for joining the fray. Her father would probably be livid if he l
It was almost dawn when Sab sat with the others for a pack meeting, attended by the alpha’s family, the ranked members and the elders. “What was their intention?” An elder asked and everyone turned to look at the alpha. His expression isn’t good. It seemed like a serious matter. Sab noticed how his gaze was fixed at a certain point on the table and she turned to look at their Luna. She assumed they’re communicating at the moment. “Have you been informed already?” She used her link with Clyde and she saw him minutely shaking his head. “Not yet. This will be the first time I’ll hear of it. I wasn’t there when they interrogate those people. The Beta led that mission.” “I see.” Sab waited with the others. The silence was welcomed by everyone. After about ten minutes, Conrad finally spoke. “They spoke of vampires. They heard Snow Mountain is home to several. Obviously, their information is inaccurate. They believe we’re a threat.” “Do I count as a vampire?” Alice asked out of pure c
Clyde tried to be rational about it. It’s true that she has trained for years for this particular purpose. He just didn’t realize until that moment how worried he would be of the possibilities. He’s simply afraid that she would get hurt. Looking back, he did think his mate would be someone who can fight alongside him. And Sab can, but he’s still not assured that she would be relatively safe. At the end of it, he realized it all stems from the fact that he wouldn’t be able to accept it if he loses her.When his father saw him, he was immediately reminded to focus and to worry less.“Have you ever felt afraid of losing mom?” He can’t help but ask through the link and he was floored by the response.“Every day, but you live with it as normally as you can. Don’t let it distract you. You have to trust your mate. She’s not ordinary. She’s your equal. Trust that she can protect herself as well as others.”Clyde grunted and talked aloud this time, “So, what’s going on?”“Rogues, apparently. B
Sab was surprised one time when she saw Isabel on the training grounds.“What is she doing here?” She asked Hana before they started their training.“Do you know her? She introduced herself as Lucas’ mate. She’d been here since the alphas’ conference. Apparently, she stayed at his place and remained at his side every day. Lucas went out to visit the city so she came out.”She was understandably surprised to know about it. “Really? She’d been here all along?”“Yeah. She seems like a chatty one. Look at your mate’s face.” Hana chuckled and Sab quickly found Clyde. He seemed to have just arrived in the grounds and he’s already frowning at Isabel’s direction. He felt his mate’s eyes on him and turned to look at her.“Did you know she’d been here for months?” She asked through the link.“Dad might have mentioned it. I’ve forgotten about it.”“What are you going to do?”Clyde grunted. “Would you mind taking her in? Let her join your team.”“No. My team would feel intimidated. She’s an alpha
They haven’t really made an announcement. News of their mating slowly spread by word of mouth. Clyde and Sab would randomly be congratulated by others in the span of almost two months. One time, as they’re having dinner with the pack’s Alpha and Luna, his father asked him if he’s ready to take over. He has now fulfilled all the requirements. Sab quietly glanced at him and he carefully contemplated. These last few months with Sab, he hasn’t really given that matter much thought. Alice spoke up before the conversation turns serious. “Sab would need some time to prepare, too. You can let her join the meetings from now on, so she’s aware of what’s going on within the pack and other important matters outside our territory. How about we give you six months? Afterwards, we will hold the ceremony of conferring the titles to the two of you, as the new Alpha and Luna of Snow Mountain. I think it would be a lovely celebration.” The elder couple gave them time to think about it. “What do you t
“So… you know now that I was telling the truth? You… you’re feeling the bond now?” Sab would be surprised if that’s what he’s saying. He nodded, “Yes.” There was a moment of silence as her eyes widened and she thought of the situation. “Then… why are you… why do you keep your distance from me?” That is what’s puzzling her. Clyde sighed and held her hand. “I’m just feeling guilty. This seems different than before because I knew with absolute certainty that I truly wronged you. I know you’ve forgiven me and you’ve given me a chance… What I’m struggling with is forgiving myself and overcoming that feeling of guilt. I know what I should do, but I still feel bothered.” It was then that Sab realized what was different. The banter. He doesn’t tease her to annoy her, which he did before. As she looked at him, she knew she would be unable to understand what he’s going through. “But… you still want me, right?” That’s all she wanted to confirm. “Yes, of course I do. Always, Sab.” He cuppe
Although Clyde kept her company, she could feel a certain distance from him. He didn’t leave her to attend the conference. Too bad they didn’t witness the other amusing event which happened on the third day.During the morning break, Lucas showed up and Isabel gasped when he turned to look at her. This the girl Clyde previously considered to be his mate.“Mate! Mate, mate, mate!” With wide eyes, she leaped over and quickly pounced on him. She was excited, especially upon seeing how attractive he is. He looked very mature and dependable.Those around them were surprised, especially her father. Xavier squinted at the man. Who is he? How come he showed up only today? Why wasn’t her daughter alerted of his presence sooner? He heard someone sigh near him and looked over.“Do you know him?” He asked Conrad who wore a somewhat worried expression.“Lucas. He’s our pack doctor, the only one in Snow Mountain. Although he has a few apprentices and he teaches classes on first aid and medication.”
Sab braced herself but what she expected to happen didn’t come. After recovering from the intense pleasure, she felt dejected. Clyde immediately noticed the way she turned her head away, the absence of her smile, and the sadness in her eyes.It was a reaction he least expected after their mating. He became worried.“What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Was I too rough? Was it bad?” He couldn’t be sure which one it was.Sab shook her head and glanced at him. She tried to smile, “It was nothing.”She wanted to curse herself. Just as she replied, tears came to her eyes for whatever reason. Even she doesn’t know why. Why is she freaking crying?“This isn’t nothing. Sab, tell me.” He carefully wiped her tears away and she forced herself to admit her fear.“You… you didn’t mark me.” Her voice was so low and she couldn’t look at him straight.Clyde audibly exhaled. Oh. So, it’s just this. For a second there, he really thought he did badly. When his brain processed her words, he felt elated and chuckl