Chapter 6 Mate

Alvar

That scratching sensation was back again. The closer I drew to Greenvale, the stronger my nameless desire became.

I couldn't quite place it. It had only started a week ago-my wolf, Blade, had been urging me to head north, insisting there was something crucial waiting for us. But what could it be?

Greenvale Pack had been settled in the north for ages. Once an ancient tribe with great renown, its glory days were long gone. Alpha Steve, the current leader, was a mere survivor whose pack's brief prosperity was largely due to his ex-wife.

There was nothing there worth coveting. So what was Blade trying to tell me?

Recently, Alpha Steve had been trying to strike a deal with Carl, my Beta. He wanted to borrow money or sell us slaves. I sniffed. He's not qualified to talk business with my pack.

Carl reminded me that Alpha Steve's ex-wife was a descendant of the Madonna and that they had a daughter who likely inherited healing powers. Our army was in desperate need of a medic, so I told Carl to offer Steve a fortune for his daughter.

It seemed a waste for such talent to remain in a pack like Greenvale.

Steve had replied that he would send a "gift" in return for my generosity. A gift? I sneered at the idea. I couldn't imagine anything worthwhile coming from such a backwater.

Though the business was settled, Blade was insistent, causing a constant, irritating buzz in my head. I decided to head north myself to find out what was causing this nagging feeling.

Blade was ecstatic, especially today. As we neared the Greenvale Pack, Carl reported that our warriors had captured a young female werewolf near the border. She was covered in blood and wrapped in a package. Meanwhile, Greenvale had doubled its guards, like they were searching for someone important.

A female fugitive?

"The prisoner's eyes have been covered, as is customary," Carl said. "She won't be able to see anything about us. What should we do with her?"

"Send her back," I instructed. "Tell Steve we'll knock 20% off the deal as we helped him catch her."

As Carl turned to leave, Blade went wild, whining and agitated.

"No! No!" he shouted in my mind, but he couldn't explain why.

"Hold on a minute," I said, stopping Carl. There was something about this situation that felt too significant to ignore. "Let me see her first."

I approached the vehicle where my men were holding the prisoner. The closer I got, the stronger the scent of blood and dirt became. Carl had mentioned she was covered in bruises and whip marks. Who was this girl, and what had she done to deserve such treatment from Steve?

Then, amidst the overpowering stench of blood, I caught a scent that couldn't be overlooked. It was the delicate fragrance of snowdrops blooming in the snow-pure, fresh, and soft. It wasn't strong, but it was irresistible.

Blade was in a frenzy, darting around my consciousness, his excitement palpable. My own heart pounded faster than it ever had, even in the midst of battle.

What was happening?

I struggled to control my racing heart and signaled to my warriors to clear the way. They stepped aside, revealing the prisoner in the back of the vehicle. Through the window, I saw a slender, bony girl sitting there. Her short silver hair was matted with blood and dirt. Her clothes were all tattered. Despite her disheveled state, she sat upright, calm and composed. She was blindfolded, but there was no sign of panic.

My heart pounded harder. The moment I laid eyes on her, my vision sharpened, my blood surged. Blade lade jumps three feet high. He leaped with a triumphant howl:

'MATE!!!!!'