Alex frowned at hearing that voice. He looked around.
“Did anyone else hear that voice?” He just knew it was in his head and not something he heard with his ears.
The men looked at one another before shaking their heads.
“I didn’t hear anything.” Someone affirmed.
“Did you?” Another asked.
Alex focused on the wolf, “Did you just speak to me?”
“I did.” The sound he heard has an underlying tone of laughter.
“Who are you? Show yourself.”
“I’m not there. I’m simply speaking to you through my wolf. This is Akira.”
“You’re not here? Where are you, then? You didn’t answer the first question. Who are you?”
He was sure he heard a giggle but the wolf’s face didn’t show any change.
“My dearest Alex, I’m your mate.”
His eyes slightly widened in surprise. “How did you know my name?”
“Because you’re my mate. I have known your existence for years.”
Alex was confused. What kind of sorcery is this? He has never heard of communicating through a wolf. He frowned.
“You’re lying. This wolf is you. You should shift now and show yourself.”
There was a moment of silence before he heard her response. She’s clearly not impressed.
“Even if I’m really there, would you actually tell me to shift in front of all those people? Are you mad?” She huffed in mild anger.
Alex’s ears reddened in embarrassment. Ah, yes. He forgot about that.
“You might want to check, but this wolf is a male. I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate showing you his balls. He’s loyal to me and he’s also my messenger.”
The wolf stood and reluctantly rolled onto his back. He did it quickly, only giving Alex enough time to confirm what his master said.
His lip twitched and he couldn’t wrap his mind with what he witnessed. His frown deepened. He’s clearly speaking to a woman, but this wolf is a male. She knows his name. Is the rest of what she said also true?
“How many wolves did you send?”
“Seven of them.”
“Are they all under your command?”
“Yes, they are. They obey me.”
Alex turned silent as he contemplated. Would he trust this voice he was speaking to?
“They wouldn’t harm anyone?”
“They wouldn’t, unless I order them to.”
Not the answer he was hoping to hear.
“You sent them here. Are they going to hurt anyone from Snow Mountain?”
“Of course not. I sent them there to fetch you. I need you to come and rescue me. I can’t leave this place unless you come and kiss me.”
Alex grimaced. What did he just hear? Is she kidding him? What kiss?
“Are you Rapunzel? Snow White? Why would you need rescuing? Can’t you just come here?”
“If I could, I would have done so much earlier. I’ve been waiting here for you to come, but you never showed up. What’s taking you so long? Don’t you want your mate?”
He’s finding it weird that they’re having a banter like this. He shook his head.
“What’s your name?” This is already the third time he asked. He told himself that there won’t be a fourth.
“Come find me and I’ll tell you my name.”
Alex grunted, “Or I can just call you annoying. You’re quite stubborn, aren’t you?”
“Back at you, mate. I can’t go there unless you set foot in here. If you want to meet me, you’ll have to come.”
“Where are you, then?”
Silence. When more than a minute passed, he thought the connection was broken and he felt slightly worried. By now, everyone else is witnessing his side of the conversation without hearing the other side. It’s weird.
Clyde has been informed of what’s going on and learning that there’s no immediate threat, he decided to wait for Alex to return home. They can discuss these things later. Sab felt relieved and began to relax as well.
“I can’t tell you. My wolves can show you the way, though.”
Alex sighed before staring at the silver wolves again. They don’t look aggressive. Still, they can’t easily lower their guards. He faced the men and told them to remain vigilant.
“I can’t make that decision right now. Will the wolves be staying or can they simply return after a few days?”
He heard a clucking sound before she replied, “It would be better if you let them stay. They can take care of themselves and hunt on their own, but still… I would appreciate it if you can take care of them. They’re my wolves after all and I am your mate.”
“These are all your wolves?”
“Yes.”
“They’re not werewolves? They can’t shift.”
“That’s right. They’re ordinary wolves.”
In that moment, his father directly communicated with him through the link and they discussed their options.
“Can we let them in?” Alex asked.
“There were seven of them?”
“Yes.”
“There’s no one staying at the cottages near the lake, is there?”
“I believe there’s no one there at the moment.” Those are normally given to guests and they don’t have one at the moment. Would these wolves count?
“Let them stay there then. I’ll assign a team to look after them.”
“Alright. Would you like to try speaking with them?”
“You’ve been speaking to one?”
“Yes.”
A moment of silence as Clyde discussed it with his mate.
“Your mom and I will meet you at the lake.”
“Got it.”
The wolves seemed to understand as they all stood up.
“Follow me. Your wolves are allowed to stay at the cottages.”
With that, the people gathered there begun to disperse. Aside from Alex, about a dozen others escorted the wolves. Or so they thought. Alex was the first to notice it. The wolves began to prowl ahead of them and they seem to know the direction of the lake. When they reached the area, him and his men tensed as the wolves began to scatter. They walked the perimeter of the lake and laid on different spots. They seem to be evenly spaced. Only one remained at his side. He sighed. Although they can surely take on these wolves in a fight, they might still be disadvantaged as these wolves can have the element of surprise. Would they eventually attack or not? That is the question.
“Can’t you tell them to stay together? We have cottages here.” He gestured towards the structures.
“They’re wolves. They don’t have a human nature. They prefer to stay outside on a good weather. You don’t need to be wary of them.”
“Easy for you to say. My parents, the Alpha and Luna of our pack, will be here shortly. Can you speak with them?”
“Of course not.”
He wasn’t expecting that kind of reply. “Why not?”
“Didn’t I say it already? I can speak to you because you’re my mate. The others aren’t.”
He sighed again. “Then, I suppose I should mediate?”
“You can.”
There was silence again as they waited for his parents to arrive. Mate, huh? Can he believe this? He’s talking to her through a silver wolf.