Harper woke up with a start. For some weeks, it was the first time she had a dream. Quite the contrary to the peaceful night she had in the house. She sleeps before midnight now. Thankfully as the months add up, Hector’s behavior has improved. He’s not much of a hassle now. He’s behaved and only seldom cries. She had many peaceful nights and hopeful mornings. However, this morning’s different. She woke up in sweats. She woke up with her forehead drenched in a pool of sweat. Her hair damp and her neck wet. The small v-area of her chest also has the same appearance. Harper was panting when she crawled to the window at the other side of her bed and pulled the curtain open. It was too sunny outside. By the looks of it, it could be almost 9 in the morning. The city life was in full blast, radios sounding from the neighborhood, sounds from the nearby highway disrupting those who are still asleep. As if on cue, a knock was on her door. She paced towards it and saw that it was Damon who
Damon and his two minions rode the bus and chose the seats at the rear. It was a long-cushioned seat, enough for the three of them to occupy. It also left them enough room for their bags. Each only brought one backpack with their clothing. None else. Their sanity, yes, if that counts. While the bus was traveling, the only thing Damon could think about was this Marion Grey. Harper was right, the name hasn’t surfaced in the wolf world before. The letter was the first evidence of its or his existence. Even in the history books, they were devoid of any proof about the mentioned pack. If they’re knew, that would be understandable… but with the scarcity of wolf lives now, does new packs still evolve? For years, Damon was sure they were the only existent packs. The black and the white wolves of Red Blood Pack. Or maybe they were hidden all these years. That could be a reason. For fear or prosecution by humans. Or for any other reasons Damon does not know. His two colleagues were not bot
“Thank you for believing in me… or for not believing that I am made in the same mold as my father. I only have a few who feels and believe the same. “The words left a bitter taste at Damon’s tongue. If he could only take it back, he would. But he already said it. Marion has already sensed his vulnerability.“Oh no. I despise people or wolves with mindset like that. we all have distinct molds. It’s not hereditary at all.” – Marion said and lighted a cigar. He offered one to Damon who politely shook his head to refuse. “I hope every wolf I meet is like you. Every wolf at home sees me now as the second Alpha Draco. Even… even my mate. She sees me as a dangerous weapon.”What’s with the Virgo air that makes Damon speak these things?Or was it because Marion’s presence is like a warm furnace that he finds it easy to be transparent around him?“That’s sad to hear. However, it isn’t too late. You can still change her mind. May I know the name of this lucky mate?”“She’s Harper… Harper Redm
After attesting his affirmation to the Virgo’s alpha’s proposal, one of Marion’s men procured a scroll and a inked feather for Damon to sign. Because their pack is secluded and kept away from the noise of the city, modernity has been limited. The use of the traditional scroll and inked feather were only a few examples of how the Virgo preserves and encourage tradition. To Damon, this is admirable. “You will never regret this, Damon. With our forces joined together, we can definitely defeat the Great Alpha. You can bring your friends and Harper here. I can guarantee no one outside the pack knows where this place is.” – Marion said matter-of-factlyDamon nodded, not having a doubt. This game of escaping and running has started to become exhausting to Damon and he knows Harper also feels the same. Especially that it’s not good for Hector. “I think there’s something you’re not aware about me and my pack.”Marion crossed his arms on his chest.“I have a son. His name’s Hector. Harper an
Day 1 of the initiation rites was a simple one. It didn’t impose any difficulty on Damon and his two companions. What happened was that during nighttime, everyone was called to the roundhouse. It was the first time the three of them has seen everyone gathered in one place at the same time. Damon has seen all wolves of the Virgo. He couldn’t help but notice that most of them were women and kids. There are only a few men. Perhaps it was because of that fact that Marion needs an alliance. To gather more men. Men fight. Men defend the pack. Seeing all the Virgo now, he gets the need for alliance. What happened to the men of the pack anyway? Has it always been like this?But his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a drum and a harp. Damon turned, it came from outside. By the sounds of that, the wolves stood up and hummed. The humming continued for a time none of the men knew. However, their curiosity was answered when above the humming, a parade of men entered the door. Damon
Damon didn’t see what has happened with Asher and Norton. Among the three of them, he was the Virgo’s main target. When one or two wolves attack the two white wolves, he was battling at least three at the same time. Which is justified. He was their leader, the Lycan king, somehow those two words still amounts to something, even when it’s no longer applicable.“Damon, look out!”Before Damon could look behind him, one Virgo men fell on his feet. The moment he looked around, Asher was behind him with a bloody bat, panting. His face was dripping with sweat… and blood. “Thank you, Asher.”“Don’t mention it.” – Asher responded and went to the other side of the battle grounds.Panting, Damon looked at Marion. The latter was only observing the fight with a poker face. No reaction at all. Is this how they welcome their guests? Is this how the Virgo accepts new recruits? If it is, he has no problem with it. It just worries him that this is too dangerous. Marion gave him a nod and then Damon
It was the hardest night for sleeping. Hardwood floor, bamboo-made beds and a single pillow. It was this moment that Asher realized their host wasn’t the friendliest. It’s like a formula for disaster. They were given beds, yes, but the beds aren’t as accommodating and comfortable. Asher’s also creaked each time he moved. That’s why he preferred to lay down a blanket on the floor and chose it to lay down. It was more comfortable than the bed, he thought. And then, he opened the window… even now, he was still thinking of his little sister Alora. It was brother love, he knew… thinking of her welfare and whether she was treated right by the Great Alpha. There were only a few stars on the sky tonight, making the surroundings gloomy and dark. It was eerie even, Asher wasn’t a great believer of the moon goddess but he doesn’t deny her existence as well. If they were right, then she may be lonely tonight. No stars to give illumination. However, Asher couldn’t help but think that this is l
Damon and the men took the whole day come morning for physical training. Whatever the night brings, they have to be physically prepared for it. Last night was a test, to start the initiation with a blast, as what Marion said during their breakfast. However, there’s no assurance that the second one would be better than the last.There’s no sure thing about being a neophyte. To a pack no one knows about. Until now. Marion let them use the Virgo’s training grounds, which is a plus. However, unlike in the white wolves’ camp, the Virgo only have limited weapons to train with. Most of them were made with wood and rusty metals. Being this far from the city, no wonder they have no suitable things for training. “Even their arrows are too old. Look at this. If you hit someone with this, it wouldn’t be the impact that would kill him, it would be the infection. Looks like they just washed this after using it. Guess on how many people this single arrow has killed?” – Ashed mentioned, waving the