Willow's Presence

I heard Cage move from where he stood to my front. Then he squatted to my kneeling height. "You were the only one we saw there, are you sure you saw nothing?"

Once again, I shook my head. "I really didn't."

"That's okay, you can raise your head now." I heard Maverick say and obliged by looking up slowly.

I evaded everyone's eyes and stared towards the air.

I saw Cage nod his head at Jerry who walked forward with a necklace. He held it thinly and dangled the pendant. "Isn't this yours?"

I looked down on my chest to notice the crescent pendant which often hung on my neck was nowhere to be found.

"I must've lost it when I was running." I replied.

Jerry breathed out and turned to Cage. "I found this right beside the body of Omega George."

That was when it hit me! It must've fallen off when I went unconscious.

"You better not be lying because—"

Jerry was interrupted with the abrupt presence of Marcellus. He entered the room like he owned the place. How could I forget, he really did!

He looked towards the Alpha and Luna, moved both hands to his back and questioned, "The fact I wasn't called for such crucial talk surprises me."

Alpha Helter wasn't one who wanted the public to know much about the brewing problem in his family, so he ushered everyone out.

"What is to be done to Ashley, Alpha?" Cage asked.

"Lock her up in a room first. This discussion is not yet over. Also, send some warriors to go meet the vampire. They need to convince him to inform us of who did it. A name would be enough." Alpha Helter retorted.

Jerry, who was closest to me, grabbed me by the hand again and yanked me towards the direction of the door.

At this moment, I heard a lazy voice which reeked of evil, say, "Next time, rip out his right hand."

It drifted away as soon as it came. And for another reason, I found its words really nice and... heartwarming.

...

Crescent Moon Pack

In a Dahlia filled garden, a brown head is seen picking the flowers with utmost care. A pack servant ran into the garden and with her head lowered, reported. "Something happened in Burning Heart Pack."

The six-liner was enough to make Willow drop the pruning scissors in her hand. She turned to look at the pack servant.

"What happened?"

"An Omega by the name George, was found dead in the forest this morning, devoid of any blood. The people are speculating of it being the handiwork of the vampire who lives down the stream." The pack servant replied.

"The vampire who lives down the stream hasn't really cared about us werewolves. If you ask me, I'll say another werewolf has made its way to the pack." Willow muttered to herself.

At this point, the servant knew better than to say a word in reply. Just like she anticipated, Willow dismissed her and got ready to head to Burning Heart Pack.

Alpha Kyle walked into the garden and smiled at the evenly trimmed flowers. He looked towards Willow and praised, "You really are taking good care of your mother's Dahlias. She'd be so pleased right now!"

Willow smiled wryly and lowered her head onto the ground. As they stood there, she brought up the talk about her departure. "I was informed of Burning Heart's problem. I need to be there for my mate. I'm I free to go father?"

"Yes, sure." He replied almost immediately and picked up the pruning scissors.

With a small bow, she hurried out of his sight whilst he trimmed the flowers.

She left with some of the pack's warriors. When she got to Burning Heart Pack, she was informed of the ongoing family meeting.

One of the pack warriors guarding the door to the meeting room, excused himself to announce her presence.

He returned afterwards to tell her she could go in.

"What is she doing here, Alpha Helter?" Marcellus asked as soon as he saw her walk in.

"She is your mate. That makes her one of us now. Besides, a marriage alliance between the Crescent Moon Pack and ours will only make us more powerful and feared." Maverick answered instead.

Marcellus stared towards his father and laughed. "You still haven't told me why a meeting was being hosted and I was ousted. You better have an important excuse."

"I did send your brother to fetch but he returned saying you requested not to be disturbed." Alpha Helter replied.

Marcellus looked towards Maverick and scoffed. "Whatever you do, remember the Alpha hasn't been decided yet. We still have a duel tomorrow."

Then he turned and walked out of the room, not sparing the surprised Willow a glance.

Alpha Helter breathed out, looking towards Willow, he said, "You're welcome, Willow. Marcellus is not in his best mood today so I'll have Maverick escort you to your room if you wish to stay for a long time."

Willow replied with a smile, "Thank you very much, Alpha Helter. I heard of the situation here and decided to come have a look to see if there's anything I can be of help to. After all, this is now my pack too."

The corners of Maverick's mouth spasmed at the sound of that. Nevertheless, he walked forward and acted like a gentleman.

"You must be tired, come on, I'll lead you to your room."

Willow nodded and bowed slightly to the Alpha and Luna before walking out with Maverick.

On their way, she caught sight of someone familiar. Just to be sure, she asked Maverick, "Is there someone in the Alpha's house other than the workers, pack warriors and your family?"

"Ashley Nicholas is here. She was found in the forest this morning and since she was the only one there, we suspect she has a hand in what happened there."

"I heard what happened was related to a vampire, how could she be involved?" Willow asked, different thoughts running in her head.

"It's complicated." Maverick replied, coming to a stop outside a door. "I'll leave you to have your rest."