Chapter 6: The Cost of Poison

Autumn POV

I followed Amber around the twisted lanes of the outlaw camp. Long shadows were being formed across the decaying buildings by the setting sun. With every stride I took, my heart pounded in my chest. How could Alpha Dax be interested in me?

We arrived at a sizable warehouse with corroded and pockmarked metal walls. A pair of robust sentinels stood vigilantly near the entryway. As we walked by, they gave Amber a nod and gave me a suspicious look.

The warehouse was bustling with activity inside. There were wolves running about with boxes and crates. The stench of sweat, metal, and leather permeated the air. Amber led me to a tiny office with a view of the main floor by way of a set of noisy metal steps.

Dax was seated behind a worn-out desk, with just one dangling light bulb illuminating his scarred face. As we walked in, he looked up, his sharp eyes falling on me.

"I'm grateful, Amber. He murmured, his voice a deep rumble, "You can go."

Amber gave me a comforting squeeze on my hand and turned to go. With a gentle click, the door closed behind her, leaving me alone myself with the rogue alpha.

Leaning back in his chair, Dax examined me closely. He inquired, "How are you settling in?" and then instantly winced. "Right. That is not something you can respond to. I apologize.

I shuffled nervously, not sure how to react.

Dax sprang to his feet, his bulk filling the little room. "Come. I'll give you a tour. You ought to be aware of how things operate here."

He showed me the way down to the warehouse floor from the office. As we passed, wolves in their work paused to give us a courteous nod. Dax described the different processes, including distribution, inventory, and storage. This was obviously the pack's lifeblood.

"We make the most of what we have, even though we may not have much," Dax remarked. Everyone has a position and makes a contribution."

I started to see the place through fresh eyes as we took a tour. The dilapidated structures were dwellings full with life, not merely abandoned houses. The sound of children laughing bounced off the walls as they played in the streets. Wolves shared a kitchen and cooked dinner together every evening.

A small pack of wolves tended a vegetable garden as we passed. The wolves took great delight in tending to the straggling plants that were struggling to survive in the unsatisfactory soil.

"Our food supply," said Dax. "What we can, we grow. Though small, it belongs to us."

I observed Dax's interactions with his pack throughout. He asked about family members, called everyone by name, and gave encouraging remarks. And he was obviously loved by the group in return. I had never felt more at home in the Crescent Night pack than I did here.

I couldn't help but wonder how my life would have turned out differently if I had grown up here while we strolled. These rogues seemed to welcome everyone, regardless of their past or impairments, whereas the Crescent pack only noticed my defects.

Our excursion came to an end at a remote structure outside the camp. A huge metal door stood in front of two grim-faced guards. They looked at me nervously, straightening as we got closer.

Dax gave them a nod. "Comfortable. She is at my side."

The guards loosened up a little and let the door open. Dax led the way inside, trailing closely behind. The space beyond was tidy but modest, with only a few pieces of furniture. A solitary bed took up the most of the area. Additionally, on that bed...

My throat tightened around my breath. A young man on the bed, maybe my age or somewhat older, lay very still. He could have been a statue, save for the weak breaths that rose and fell in his chest. His expression seemed serene, as though he were just dozing off.

With obvious uncertainty on my face, I glanced at Dax. He had brought me here, but why?

"Examine more closely," Dax replied in a voice that was remarkably quiet.

I hesitantly walked over to the bed. The young man had a good-looking face with prominent features that gave off an air of familiarity. But I was unable to locate him, try as I may. I knew without a doubt that I had never met him before.

I shook my head at Dax, trying to make it clear that I didn't recognize him.

Dax's expression dimmed a bit. He moved forward, cocking the young man's head slightly to one side. He pointed to the man's neck and said, "Look here."

Squinting in the low light, I leaned in. Then I noticed it: a system of purple veins that were gradually extending throughout the skin. My shocked eyes became larger.

"Poison," Dax affirmed with a grim grin. "A poisoned weapon was used to stab him by a Crescent wolf. His life was spared by our healers, but..." With a gentle hand on the young man's shoulder, he trailed off.

"The poison continues to affect him, causing him to remain unconscious. We are unsure of how long he will live in this state. Furthermore, we don't have the funds to provide him with the care he requires."

I could feel the young man's sorrow in every line of his face, and my heart hurt for Dax. Still, there was a tiny voice whispering in the recesses of my mind, 'This isn't your fault. You are not involved in this at all.

With stern eyes, Dax turned to face me. "I understand your thoughts. that you are not the problem here. However, you are mistaken."

He moved erratically around the tiny space. "I agreed to accept you in return for my pack member receiving justice. Don't get me wrong, though: I would exchange you for him in a heartbeat."

His comments made me wince, hurt even though I knew it. What had I expected, after all? I was nothing more than a negotiating chip.

Dax turned from pacing to face me. But there might be a way for you to establish your value to this bundle. to merit a spot here."

I cocked my head, anxiety and curiosity at odds.

"The pack from Shadow Realm," Dax remarked. "You've heard of them?"

I gave a nod. The formidable Shadow Realm pack and their mysterious Lycan King were well known.

"The father of the present king, the former Lycan King, is looking for a new partner. a youthful companion." Dax's gaze pierced my own. "I propose we offer you as a gift."

My mouth sprang open in dismay. He couldn't be serious, right?

However, Dax persisted, his voice harsh. "You're going to sneak into the Shadow Realm pack. Win their confidence. You will then assist us in taking the necessary actions to save our pack member when the time is appropriate."

I angrily shook my head. This was completely crazy. Dangerous. Impossible.

Dax narrowed his gaze. It appears that you believe you have an option in this situation. To be clear, the answer is no. I gave you permission to be here. Your safety and comfort are things I decide upon."

He moved in closer, dominating me. "Your spot here costs this much. Refuse, and I'll put you to better use. one that is far less enjoyable."

I looked up at him, confused. How could I have moved from one unfeasible circumstance to another? Nevertheless, I sensed a tinge of something when I gazed at the young man who was motionless on the bed. Responsibility? Guilt? Or maybe just a frantic need to fit in wherever.

Dax looked at me, expressionless. "What will it be, Autumn? Are you going to assist us? Or are you going to grab my hand?

I was stuck there, unable to decide between the unimaginable and the impossible. The only sound to break the stillness was the poisoned wolf's weak breathing.

And what would I do?