Chapter 7

One month later

Zeke Forenbach watched as his daughter Francine chatted happily with Azure, the unknown civilian who had stumbled into their lives. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that things were going smoothly between them. Francine had always been a bit of a handful, but she seemed to have taken to Azure quite well.

As Zeke took a sip of his coffee, he noticed that Azure was slowly starting to relax around them. It had taken some time, but the young man was finally getting comfortable with his surroundings. Zeke was grateful for this, as he knew how daunting it could be to suddenly find yourself in the middle of a strange town, surrounded by unfamiliar faces.

"So, Azure," Zeke said, turning his attention to the young man. "How old are you, exactly?"

Azure looked up, surprised by the sudden question. "Uh, eighteen," he replied, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Zeke nodded, taking note of the hesitation. He had a feeling that Azure wasn't used to being asked personal questions. "Where are you from again?”

"I don’t know the place. My adoptive father never told me anything. But they called their pack The Eirian," Azure said, a hint of anger in his tone.

Zeke could sympathize. The Eirian. He never heard that pack. He has no clue about them. "What brought you all the way out here again?" He never tried to ask Azure before, he just wanted him to feel at ease at their home.

Azure hesitated for a moment before replying. "All my life I was trapped in their territory. They won’t let me out. So until now, I’m curious as to how I got here. I’m telling the truth, Lycan King," he said, his gaze dropping to the table in front of him.

Zeke didn't push the issue any further, sensing that Azure is telling the truth and he really has no idea how he ended up in the Land of Moon. Instead, he changed the subject. "So, what do you think of our little village?"

Azure looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "It's nice," he said. "A lot peaceful than what I'm used to, but in a good way."

Zeke smiled in return, glad that Azure was starting to appreciate the village he had found himself in. "Well, we're glad to have you here," he said. "And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Azure's smile widened, and Zeke could see the gratitude in his eyes. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to the young man.

As they continued to chat, Zeke couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth spread through him. He had a feeling that Azure was going to fit in just fine with their little village. And who knows, maybe he would even find his mate here. Azure is eighteen, and he’s at the right age to find his mate.

Azure took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in Zeke about the Eirian, the pack of wolves he had been with for years. "They're dangerous," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "They don't care who they hurt, as long as they get what they want."

Zeke's expression darkened as he listened to Azure's words. He knew all too well the kind of danger that packs like the Eirian posed, even though he never heard about them. "You don't have to worry about them," he said firmly. "I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe."

Azure was struck by Zeke's words. For the first time since he had left The Eirian, he felt like someone was truly worried about him. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zeke's gaze softened as he looked at the young man in front of him. He could see the fear and uncertainty in Azure's eyes, and it only made him more determined to protect him. "I mean it," he said. "You're part of our pack now, and we take care of our own. You are part of our family now,”

Azure felt a sense of warmth spread through him as he listened to Zeke's words. He had never felt like he belonged anywhere before, but somehow, being a part of this pack felt like coming home.

As they continued to talk, Zeke couldn't help but be curious about Azure's abilities as a werewolf. "Can you shift your form?" he asked, his curiosity getting the best of him.

Azure's expression fell at the question. "No," he said, his tone regretful. "Despite my age, I still can't transform. It's like my body just refuses to change."

Zeke could sense the disappointment in Azure's voice, and he knew how frustrating it must be for him. "Don't worry about it," he said, trying to comfort him. "We all develop at our own pace. You'll get there eventually."

Azure looked up, his eyes filled with gratitude. He had never met someone like Zeke before, someone who cared about him and wanted to see him succeed. It was a new and unfamiliar feeling, but one that he was eager to embrace.

As they sat there, chatting and getting to know each other, Azure felt a sense of contentment settle over him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be. And with Zeke by his side, he knew that he had nothing to fear. He never trusts anyone… except Zeke and his family.

As they sat under the shade of a large oak tree, Zeke turned to Azure and spoke with a determined look on his face. "One day, I'm going to train you to be as strong as me and Royce. You'll learn how to transform, and you'll be able to protect yourself and Francine from any danger that comes your way."

Azure's eyes widened at Zeke's words. The thought of being able to transform like the other werewolves and defend himself and Francine was a dream come true. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I won't let you down."

Zeke smiled, happy to see the determination in Azure's eyes. He knew it wouldn't be an easy road, but he was willing to put in the effort to help Azure become a skilled fighter and protect his family.

As they continued to talk, Zeke couldn't help but ask Azure about his past. "Did you go to school?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Azure shook his head. "No," he said, his voice filled with sadness. "I never had the chance to go to school. I've been on the run for as long as I can remember."

Zeke felt a pang of sadness as he heard about Azure's difficult childhood. He knew what it was like to grow up without a proper education, and he didn't want the same thing to happen to Azure. "That's not fair," he said, his voice firm. "Every child deserves a chance to learn and grow."

Azure looked up at Zeke, surprised by the passion in his voice. "What do you mean?" he asked, his tone curious.

Zeke took a deep breath before continuing. "I promise you, Azure," he said, his gaze unwavering. "I'll make sure you get the education you deserve. You'll go to the same university as Francine, and you'll learn everything you need to know to succeed in life."

Azure couldn't believe what he was hearing. For years, he had felt like an outcast, like he didn't belong anywhere. But with Zeke by his side, he finally felt like he had a chance at a real future. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what to say."

Zeke smiled, happy to see the joy in Azure's eyes. He knew that it wouldn't be an easy journey, but he was willing to do whatever it takes to help Azure succeed. 

Zeke turned to Azure and asked, "Is there anything that you're interested in, or something that you're particularly good at?"

Azure looked at him curiously. "Why do you ask?"

Zeke smiled. "Well, I'm planning on enrolling you in university, and I want to make sure that you're studying something that you're passionate about."

Azure's eyes widened in surprise. "University? But I've never been to school before."

Zeke chuckled. "Don't worry, you won't have to start from the beginning. We'll have you take a special exam to see where you're at, and then we'll accelerate you based on the results."

Azure breathed a sigh of relief. The thought of going back to school and starting from scratch had filled him with dread, but the idea of taking a test and being able to jump ahead was much more appealing. "Okay," he said, nodding. "I'll do my best."

Zeke smiled, happy to see Azure's determination. "That's all I can ask for," he said. "Now, back to my question. Is there anything that you're interested in, or something that you're good at?"

Azure thought for a moment before answering. "I like to draw," he said, his voice soft.

Zeke's eyes lit up with interest. "Really? What kind of things do you like to draw?"

Azure shrugged. "Just whatever comes to mind. I don't really have a specific style."

Zeke nodded thoughtfully. "Well, that's a good start. Maybe you could study art in university?"

Azure's eyes widened in surprise. "Do you think I could do that?"

Zeke smiled encouragingly. "Of course you can. You're talented, and you have a lot of potential. You just need the right guidance."

Azure felt a warm feeling spread through his chest. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had someone who believed in him and saw his potential. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I won't let you down."

Zeke smiled, happy to see the joy in Azure's eyes. He knew that it wouldn't be an easy road, but he was determined to do everything in his power to help Azure succeed. 

"Remember, you'll need to master the art of multitasking. After you finish school, we'll need to train you for protection against the Eirian. They may come looking for you."

Azure's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Eirian. He knew they were dangerous and he didn't want to be caught off guard. "When will the training start?" he asked, his voice filled with trepidation.

Zeke put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll start soon. But for now, I want you to focus on your studies. That's your top priority."

Azure nodded, grateful for the guidance. He knew that Zeke had his best interests at heart, and he was determined to make him proud.

"When do I start school?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement and nervousness.

"Next week," Zeke said, smiling. "You'll be starting with Francine at the same university. You'll have a lot of catching up to do, but I know you can do it."

Azure's heart swelled with gratitude. He never imagined that he would be given this opportunity. He had always felt like an outcast, a stranger in his own world. But now, with Zeke's help, he had a chance to create a new life for himself.

"Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zeke smiled, his eyes full of warmth. "You don't have to thank me. Just promise me that you'll do your best and make the most of this opportunity."

Azure nodded, his determination renewed. He would work hard, he would study, and he would become the best version of himself. And with Zeke by his side, he knew that anything was possible.

“I wonder what would be Francine’s reaction once she knew I am going to attend the same University as her. How about your wife and Royce?” 

“My wife is very supportive of my decisions. Beatriz also wanted the best for you. As of Royce, don’t mind him. I’m sure you two will get along in the future,” Zeke assured.

Well, it’s not like he’s afraid of Royce. Just thinking that he will always see Francine in the University makes him excited… at the same time, nervous.