Enchanting deception

Suspicious little creature

Tase waited patiently for Adalinda to talk. She smiled a bit sadly. She sat next to Tase and hugged her knees.

- I have lost track of time about how long I've been alone. I used to belong to a family of strong fighters and wise leaders. I cannot tell you exactly where we lived because I have no memories of my hometown. Then, a night, we were attacked by human looking monsters and I lost most of my family. A nanny saved me and brought me here. She took care of me for years, but one day, wolves, like the ones that were chasing you, caught her. I couldn't save her at that time. That's why I didn't hesitate for a single second when I saw you in trouble. - she said with a little warmer smile now. Tase extended his arm and hugged Adalinda to his side.

- I'm sorry too. Looks like we both became orphans at an early age. - Tase said with a bitter tone in his voice.

- You said you had a nanny. So, are you some sort of a noble lady? Adalinda blushed a bit and shrugged.

- Maybe... I don't remember well. But, even if I was, it doesn't matter anymore. Now we have each other to rely on and that's nice. - Tase smiled at her optimism. He wondered how long has she been alone since her nanny was killed but didn't want to tare up old wounds.

*- We cannot stay here with her! You must go to your Uncle's. - Titan reminded Tase and he growled. Adalinda pulled further and asked.

- Are you angry with me or did the doggie piss you off? - Tase's eyes widened and for the first time in days he laughed from the bottom of his heart.

- It was the doggie! - Adalinda stood up and looked serious.

- What was his name? - Tase stopped laughing and cleared his throat.

- Titan. - she nodded and changed her tone.

-Mr. Titan, stop troubling Tase for a while. Give the boy some rest for the love of the Goddess! - Tase's jaw dropped as well as Titan's.

*- Did you feel that authority? - Titan asked and Tase agreed in their mind. They were Alphas, yet a little girl's order sounded like a king's.

- Adalinda, what are you exactly? - Tase asked and she stopped frowning.

- What do you mean? - she asked and Tase scratched the back of his neck.

- Well, you are definitely not a human, but you don't smell like a witch or vampire either. - Adalinda tilted her head adorably and Tase felt his cheeks blush a bit when he witnessed this overloaded cuteness.

- Sorry, but I have no idea. I'm Adalinda, that's all I know. - Tase nodded. If she was young when she lost everyone, even if she is a shifter, she won't know.

- Adalinda...

- Can you give me a nickname please? - she asked with puppy eyes and Tase felt like a soldier at the end of a lost battle.

- Of course, so Ada, what I was trying to tell is... - Tase stopped when he saw the excited tiny dance Adalinda did when he called her by a nickname. Tase chuckled and Titan reminded him again.

- So, I wanted to ask if you are willing to come with me to my Uncle's Pack. We can protect you and you can have many new friends there. I must find him to let him know what happened to his sister and nephews. - Tase said and Ada's eyes shined with tears in them.

- But... You already have a new Pack... We just agreed that you'll stay with me. - Tase sighed.

- I know, and I want to! But Titan reminded me of my duties of the last member of the Hidalgo Pack. I must find out who attacked my family and bring them justice. But, I'm really grateful for everything and I'd really appreciate it if you join me in this journey once I'm fully healed. I don't want you to be alone anymore. - he extended his hand to her and waited for her answer. For some reason Tase's heart beat fast and he became nervous with every passing moment. I can't just leave her here alone! But what if she doesn't want to come?

- I can't... Nanny told me not to go back to humans. I... I have to stay here and hidden. - she started to cry and Tase didn't really knew what to do. He couldn't imagine how difficult it was for such a young girl all alone. He wasn't alone since his family died thanks to Titan's existence and because of Adalinda's care... He felt like and utter failure for betraying her and not staying here forever.

- Ada, I'm not a human, also when your Nanny said this, she didn't know I'll come to your life. I'm going to become strong and I'll protect you from anything. So please, think it over, we still have time together! - she stopped crying and nodded.

- I'll get changed and gather some mushrooms for lunch. Do you want to come? - Ada asked and Tase nodded but stopped for a moment.

- I don't have any clothes... - Ada blushed and lifted her hand.

- Wait a minute! - Adalinda rushed up to her room. From the chest she took the robe out previously, she picked out brown trousers, a white shirt and a long black coat that used to belong to her older brother. She took a sniff of the fabric and bit her lower lip when a memory of her brother popped up in her mind. With a few blinks her tears stopped and she walked down handing the clothes to Tase. Her heart beat fast when she looked into his eyes and although she knew, she should be wary of the boy, she felt safe around him. Those amber eyes will be my downfall... - she thought.

- These used to be one of my brother's. It might be a bit big. - Tase looked at Ada who was handing him the clothes with care. She didn't talk about her brother or family with details, so he decided not to ask. Tase bowed a bit and with a warm smile said.

- Thanks, I'll cherish it. - Ada smiled back and hurried up to get dressed. Tase dressed as well, and the clothes fit him perfectly.

*- You must figure out a way if you want her to tag along. But, I wouldn't force if I were you.

- We cannot leave her alone like this!

*- I know she is cute and helpful, but her story seems off to me. She is... Weird.- Tase growled at Titan a bit.

-She is just young and innocent!-Titan remembered of the other wolves expressions when they saw Adalinda and he wasn't so sure about that "innocent" part. Adalinda appeared at the top of the stairs in a white, thick wool dress and a snow white hooded cape.

- Are you ready? - she asked with a basket on her arm and Tase nodded putting on the long coat she previously gave him. Tase walked to the door and opened it for her

- My lady. - he bowed and Ada laughed.

- Well, thank you My Lord! - she said and walked out of the house. Tase closed the door carefully and they started their journey in the huge snow.

*- Have you noticed how she bowed when you opened the door for her? Lifting her skirt a bit and everything? - Titan asked and Tase nodded slightly.

- Yeah and?

*- Isn't it odd?

- I don't think. She probably got good education. Also she might really be from a noble family- Titan rolled his eyes. A twelve years old noble who doesn't remember of her family and past correctly, but still able to take care of herself and serious wounds?.... - Titan thought, he decided to keep an eye on the girl, but while they walked in the forest, her silly ways of walking relaxed him a bit. She reminded Titan of a fluffy bunny. On their way of gathering mushrooms and also a few edible roots, Tase noticed the complete silence in the forest.

-This is strange. - he said and Ada turned around.

- What is strange? - Tase shrugged.

- The silence, normally there is a slight movement of tiny animals around, but it looks like as if all of them just disappeared. - Ada giggled.

- Well, this part of the forest has been silent since I came here. They might be afraid of me... - she said casually and continued to walk ahead.

*-I told you she is weird! All the animals are afraid of her!

- Don't be such a scaredy cat! She is a twelve years old girl!

*- Or she looks like one! I don't like this Tase. Maybe it's better if we leave her here.

- How could you say that?! - Tase asked and when he looked ahead, Adalinda disappeared.

- Ada! - he screamed out loud and Titan growled.

*-I don't like this! - he sniffed the air and before Titan could've said anything to Tase they heard Ada's voice.

- TASE! Come here quickly! - Ada screamed and Tase hurried towards her voice.

- Ada! Are you okay? Did you get hurt? - he asked. Ada was kneeling in the snow with her cape off. Tase grabbed her hands which was covered in blood.

- I'm fine! But he needs help. - she said and Tase looked at the young man in the snow. He was bleeding heavily and fighting for his life. Tase's heart skipped a beat.

- TIMON!