Chapter 7
CARINA
Attacks have become more frequent these days.
62%
Falco stiffened, and his tempting smirk quickly vanished. 1, too, momentarily forgot about Falco’s teases because of the mention of the attacks.
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. As the doctors‘ apprentice, I felt a duty to help, but Falco and Tim were already moving, heading toward the source of the commotion.
Without thinking, I followed after them.
“Wait!” I called, stumbling over my feet as I hurried to catch up.
Tim turned to glance at me, his brow raised, but before I could reach them, my foot caught on an uneven patch on the ground, and I pitched forward.
My hands flew out to break my fall, but instead of hitting the dirt, I collided with Tim.
“Whoa,” he said, catching me before I could fully fall. He steadied me, his hands firm but gentle. When I looked up, his lips curved into an amused smile. “You alright, Carina? You’re still clumsy, huh?”
“I’m fine.” I muttered, pulling away quickly as my face heated with embarrassment. “And I’m not as bad as before,” I added.
Falco, who had stopped to watch the scene, let out an exasperated sigh. “If you’re coming, hurry up,” he grumbled. His eyes settled on how Tim held onto my waist.
I nodded and gently pushed Tim away. It seemed like he was reluctant, but he did so eventually. The three of us continued our venture to the pack borders, which were quite far from the pack house.
With that, the two of them shifted into their wolf forms. Falco’s sleek black wolf was a sight to behold, exuding power, while Timothy’s gray wolf stood slightly smaller but no less impressive.
I pursed my lips. Well, I couldn’t really shift. Fortunately, Tim turned back to me, his wolf eyes bright. With a quick motion, he crouched slightly, offering me a ride.
“Thanks,” I whispered, climbing onto his back.
Their pace was fast, the wind whipping past as we made our way to the edge of the territory. When we arrived, they shifted back, pulling on the shorts they had stashed nearby.
I tried to keep my eyes elsewhere, but it was difficult to ignore with two hunky men changing in front of you. I didn’t look down, though! I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.
The scene ahead quickly snapped me out of such thoughts. I gasped and covered my mouth, stepping back as I took in the picture.
The pack guards were a mess. Some were leaning against the trees for support, others lying on the ground clutching wounds that bled freely. I bit my lip and swallowed my saliva.
There was so much blood.
Falco didn’t hesitate. He crouched beside one of the wounded guards, tearing off his shirt to use as a makeshift bandage. His movements were quick and efficient, and his voice was steady as he spoke.
“Casualties?” he asked, his brows furrowed.
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11:39 Mon, 3 Mar 20
Chapter 7
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The guard shook her head. “No casualties, Alpha. But…” She grimaced as she adjusted her weight, her hand pressing against
her side. “We were outnumbered.”
“Did they take anything?” Falco pressed.
“No,” the guard said, sounding frustrated. “It was just a warning.”
A scream of pain tore through the air, drawing everyone’s attention.
Another guard was writhing on the ground, his leg bent at an unnatural angle.
Falco’s gaze snapped to me, raising one eyebrow. “Well, are you just going to stand there? Or are you going to help?” he spat, his frustration breaking through.
The words jolted me into motion. I rushed over to the injured guard, fumbling with the bandages I had grabbed from the nearby supplies. My hands trembled as I tried to wrap the wound, but the guard wasn’t making it easy.
“Hurry up,” he growled, harsh and impatient.
I touched the injury but quickly backed away when he screamed so loud it felt like the entire forest shook. The other guards, especially those who weren’t too injured, watched the scene with judging eyes.
“What is she doing?” they whispered.
I cleared my throat and tried to stand my ground. “It’s hurting because you’re moving,” I said, though my voice came out shakier than I had expected.
“We need to splint it to immobilize it,” I continued.
“Well, I ain’t doing any of that!” he exclaimed. “Just take away the pain.”
I pursed my lips and tried to look for a stiff board so we could splint his leg. However, he was impatient as ever.
“I can’t believe I ended up with you. Incompetent, really.”
His words stung, each one hitting harder than the last. My hands faltered, but before I could respond, someone else stepped
- in.
“Move,” a firm voice commanded.
I turned to see my parents. My father strongly pushed me aside while my mother knelt beside the injured guard, her experienced hands moving with ease.
“You’re not helping,” my father said, shaking his head in disappointment.
I stepped back, my hands trembling as I watched them work. Around me, more members, apprentices like me, had arrived to assist. However, they moved like they had done this for years.
Feeling useless, I turned my attention back to Falco and the female guard. However, I didn’t miss the disappointed look in Falco’s eyes.
I let out a deep breath and went to where they were, avoiding his gaze.
The female guard was sitting now, her back against a tree, as she watched the scene with weary eyes. I hesitated for a moment before approaching her.
“You said it was a warning,” I prompted, trying to focus on something other than the chaotic scene around us.
She nodded, her expression grim. “Same as last time.”
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11:39 Mon, 3 Mar
Chapter 7
Falco’s eves narrowed. “Still the same, huh?” he muttered.
“Our pack is big and bountiful,” the guard explained. “Our land in the forest is vast. And you…” She hesitated, glancing at Falco before continuing. “You don’t have a lama.”
“I beheve they want to absorb our pack,” she said finally, “All the neighboring packs want that. So, these anonymous attacks have become more frequent. They want to notify the council”
Falco’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond right away.
The guard’s gaze settled on Falco.
“I really think you need a Luna, Alpha.”
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