Six

Ellie Jill Hendrix happily brushed her chestnut brown hair before the mirror.

There was a joyous glint in her emerald green eyes. There was also the existence of a dreamy smile plastered on her face.

She was happy.

She never knew her life could get even better than it already was. Especially because her father had finally rid them of her evil twin sister.

She had waited for years to dissociate herself from that evil twin she had as a sister and just being able to breathe different air from the one Aria breathed made her satisfied. The one who murdered her mother was finally gone.

She rolled her eyes at the thought of Aria. Thinking of that woman always brought a sour expression to her face. She wasn't going to let Aria ruin her day. She went back to brushing her hair.

Ellie had finally gotten all that she ever wanted. She was living in the paradise she always dreamed of. She had found her mate— Alpha Gerald and this had automatically made her the Luna of the Moonshadow Pack. Her mate was all that she wanted. Loving and caring.

As she thought of him, Ellie caught his scent entering the room. Her smile only widened but she didn't turn to face him. She pretended as if she hadn't noticed him. Then again, it was hard to pretend since she was a werewolf. Werewolves always smelt or heard people coming even before they got close enough.

Suddenly, warm hands found their way to her waist and remained there. Then his body got closer until Ellie could feel him behind her. His warmth scattered throughout her body and she wanted to remain in his protective hands like this forever.

"What has my baby been up to?" Alpha Gerald asked as he planted a kiss on her neck. He lingered there as he waited for her to reply to him.

Ellie giggled at the action and placed her hands over the protective hands that rested on her waist. She always enjoyed Gerald's kisses. The warmth and electric sensations that always followed each kiss were something that she would never get tired of.

"I have just been spending some quality time with my hair brush," Ellie answered and tried to stifle a giggle. Gerald easily got jealous and she teased him with her answer.

Gerald abruptly looked up at her reflection. He pouted his mouth and made a sad expression.

"Is that so? When you should be spending quality time with me? I am your mate remember, not that brush. Your hair brush can never compete with me," Gerald stated and a small smile crept up his face.

Ellie burst into laughter at his response. He always amused her every time. She turned to face him and looked up into his deep blue eyes.

"Of course you're my mate. No one can ever take your place," Ellie whispered as she closed the distance between them.

Gerald let out a low growl as he moved his lips against his mate's lips. Gerald moved away from her lips and started to trail down her neck when his phone rang, ruining the mood.

Ellie hissed in irritation and Gerald threw an apologetic eyes at her. He was also trying to seek permission to take the call.

"Answer it already," Ellie finally said and rolled her eyes.

"I'm sorry," Gerald whispered and took the call. "Gerald speaking," He began.

Ellie folded her arms. This was the part she didn't like about having Gerald as her mate. He was always busy with work. Each time they tried to have their own alone time, something always came up and it was irritating Ellie. Yet she had to get used to it for it was going to remain like this for the rest of her life.

"Donald? What's wrong?" Gerald asked as his expression morphed into worry.

Ellie noticed it and began to pay attention. She used her werewolf hearing ability to eavesdrop on the phone call. She didn't mean to eavesdrop but she had no choice. She did not like seeing Gerald so worked up and worried.

"You need to come down here and see it yourself. I can't even explain it," Donald was saying.

Ellie knew Donald as the Pack's Beta. If the Beta was also this worried then something terrible must have happened.

"Alright, I'll be there soon," Gerald said and put an end to the call. "Baby I need to go. I'm so sorry for ruining our moment again," Gerald turned to Ellie.

"I'm coming with you," Ellie stated.

Gerald shook his head in disapproval. "No Ellie, it could be dangerous. You should stay here where it's safe," Gerald protested.

"I'm safe wherever you are because I know that you will protect me," Ellie retorted. She gave Gerald a firm stare and refused to back down.

Gerald gazed into those determined eyes. She could be very stubborn when she wanted to. He couldn't deny her wish. He had to satisfy her.

"Fine, let's go," Gerald accepted defeat.

They both found their way out of the house and drove to the spot Donald had told him to come to. Gerald parked the car before the many trees that led into the woods.

Donald was already standing there waiting for them. He had light brown skin and eyes brown as honey. His hair was cut low and he stood tall clad in a pair of jeans and a white shirt. His boots made crunchy sounds on the surface as he walked to them.

Gerald helped Ellie out of the car and turned to Donald.

"My Luna," Donald gave her a short bow and turned to Gerald. "It's over there," He said and began to lead them to the place.

They followed him into the woods through the trees. Before Donald could say his next words, Gerald and Ellie spotted what the problem was.

A werewolf was hanged to a tree. His throat had been slit and dried blood was visible on his neck down to his chest. His head was bent over. There was a huge cross sign covering up most of his chest. His skin had been cut open to create the symbol.

Ellie immediately threw up as she registered the sight. Flies were hovering around the man's body and he had already begun to let out the stench of death.

Gerald gritted his teeth in anger as he registered the scene.

"Who could have done this and why?" Ellie asked.

Donald turned to her and said; "That symbol on his chest means only one thing; the wolf hunters are back."

"Wolf hunters? Inside werewolf territory? Normally, I know them to operate on the outskirts because they are too scared to infiltrate our territory," Ellie responded.

"It may seem that they have gotten more guts. They have probably become more powerful too," Donald answered.

"This action shows how clear their intentions are. They don't want peace or negotiation," Gerald finally said after being silent for a long time.

"What do they want then?" Ellie asked.

"War."