A GIFT FOR THE ALPHA

CHAPTER 10

Larissa's POV.

The moment I raised my weapon ready to save the poor deer from the big wolf, footsteps echoed from behind.

Holding each our breath, Zia and I tilted our heads, slowly, we turned around until our gaze fell on a hefty tall man naked except for the knickerbockers he was wearing. He looked nothing but friendly.

“Who are you?" I stammered, petrified to my roots.

The big wolf in the brook howled and it jumped out of the water. With menacing steps, it prowled around and came standing next to the man. Together, they faced us. “We mean no harm,” I said. But they were still glaring at us.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, another wolf leaped out of the bushes and knocked Zia off her feet and the man before us shifted into a wolf.

He bolted after me.

Stumbling over the fallen tree trunk, I rolled into the brook and landed next to the deer– it was dead. Letting out a deafening scream, I scrambled to my feet just in time as the last wolf leaped into the water.

I let out a deafening scream again and scurried out of the water.

I found myself running for my life without looking back. Zigzagging through the forest, I could hear the panting of the wolf chasing me. No, the panting of the werewolf chasing me– my father was right; werewolves do exist.

I cried. Regrets. Pain. Hatred for myself for being outright disobedient. Why did I come to this place? I ran. Why did I let Zia come with me?...now the girl is in trouble!

Wait. Where was I going? I can't leave Zia, not at the mercy of those monsters. I can't leave my handmaid and my best friend.

Halting in my tracks, I tilted behind and saw that the werewolf wasn't chasing me anymore. I scanned the forest and he was gone. . Tears filled my eyes and cascaded down my face. What have I done?

Not only is my friend in danger, but I realized I had stupidly left my bow and quiver behind at the place of the attack. Now how was I going to save Zia?

I collapsed to my knees and cried. My wet clothes clung to me like my failing heart. I cried. What have I done? I stared at my hands and pulled at my hair.

Crying will not save the situation, will it? I needed to get back to my feet and save Zia from those monsters. After that, I will never disobey my father again. I will never ever venture to leave the castle without his approval. Poor Mrs. Muffins, the woman would hate me for all eternity if anything happens to Zia.

Trembling, I lurched to my feet. And I dragged a breath of seriousness. I needed to save Zia and I can't do that while looking like a mess. Predators don't pity their prey, they just kill them.

These men are werewolves, so invariably they are the predators and I am the prey. I can't go to them whimpering and showing weakness. They would simply use it against me. I must show them that whatever they are, I am not afraid of them.

Nice motivational speech, Larissa. It would have been much better if you had listened to your father. I shook off the guilt; now is not the time to count my mistakes but to correct them, starting by saving Zia.

Yes, and I reached for my bows and arrows...sh*t! I had forgotten them at the scene of the attack. I remembered again and groaned.

Regardless, I wiped the tears from my face and I headed back to where it all started.

Elaborate breathing, steps as swift as a cheetah, and a heart thudding right in my throat, I ran through the thickness of the forest.

There were tears in my eyes, the tears of a heartbroken young woman, they began to flow freely down my cheeks but I angrily dabbed them away. Not now, I reminded myself, as I must save my handmaid from these monsters.

A wolf howled from a close distance, at exactly where I last saw Zia. But darting to the place, they were gone alongside our bows and arrows.

“Zia, where are you?” I yelled. My voice echoed through the forests but there was no response.

My feet wobbled, making me stagger.

And then I saw the men, dragging Zia with them down the thick forest luckily she was still alive. I ran after them.

“Hey, you!” I yelled. The men stopped, and while laughing, they turned around and faced me. I halted in my tracks, breathing heavily. “Let go of my handmaid at once,” I commanded.

I hated how there were traces of fear in my voice.

“There you are Daddy's little Princess!” one of them booed. He had one eye; seemed to have lost the other in a fight or accident. It hit me dang! -these men already knew who I was.

Nevertheless, I stared at them. “I said let go of my handmaid, this instant,” I repeated.

“What will you do if we don't?” One eye snapped.

I breathed. “You don't want to get into trouble with my father!"

Silence fell in the space and the men looked at each other. And they burst into laughter, laughing at me. Right now, there were four of them– two grabbed Zia by the hand. One-Eye made them three, and then there was a fourth one.

About the fourth one, he looked like someone I've met but younger. I tried to remember who and where. And then it snapped in my head. I gasped!..He shared a striking resemblance with the stranger who kissed me!

“Do you think we're afraid of your daddy?” that was One eye again. “He should have warned you to stay away from the forest of Lavender!”

They all laughed at me except the fourth one. He was quiet and watched, less amused by the show. And One eye made the mistake of approaching me thinking I was going to cower.

“Don't you dare touch me,” I warned. He wouldn't listen and went ahead to grab my hand. Slap!

I landed a devastating blow across his face, letting go of my arms, the man growled.

That wasn't enough, he twisted, and right before my eyes, he shifted into a large grey wolf- exactly the wolf that killed the deer.

“Run!!” Zia cried. “Run, Larissa, run!!!”

Adrenaline coursed through my veins.

My eyes widened, and turning around again I ran for my life. From the corners of my eyes, I see the two men holding Zia also shift into their wolves– and they bolted after me too. What, three werewolves after me? Will I survive this?

I sprinted. I could hear them snarling and lashing out after me.

My shoes pounded heavily on the ground, causing mud to splash up my legs. I nearly slipped but regained balance and did not slow down. I continued doubling my steps until it felt like I was floating above the soil.

Heart thudding, beating faster like never before. I glanced behind at my attackers, sh*t they were gaining closer. I ran like mad, fear washing over me at the possibility of my life getting cut short if they get hold of me.

I can't let them get hold of me. I need to get back to the castle and get help for Zia. I will run to my father now and fall at his feet and beg for his forgiveness. He will forgive me and send his knights after Zia and rescue her from the werewolves. And that would be the last time I ever venture outside the walls of the castle.

At last, the postern comes to view from atop the hill. Not slowing down, I darted forward, up the hill, I clambered without looking back. Also, not giving up, my predators growled and clambered after me.

Suddenly, a howling sounded in the forest and they stopped. I glance behind to find them retreating into the forest. I was surprised, maybe grateful that they have stopped chasing me. But I continued up the hill anyway and arrive at the postern gate. I searched for something– sh*t, I've lost the key!