CHAPTER 25

BCHAPTER 25



Ema entered a new stage and was willing to take on the persona of the obedient pack member to look for the answers to the riddles that could lead to the downfall of the pack disguised as a devoted daughter, with one last glance at the trees that hide Caroline’s cabin, as she proceeded forward through the thick bushes, the chilly morning wind caressed the skin on her body. Her destination was a small, ordinary cabin in the forest, which could not be seen from the Pack’s territory and were too smart to eavesdrop.

The senses of Ema were alerted as she got closer to the cabin. She scanned for any signs of people who had no business with her or any form of monitoring being done. Being sure that no one was following her, she knocked once lightly – three times and then twice – slowly on the door that needed a polish.


The door creaked up just revealing Caroline’s eyes that could see beyond everyone’s mask and the depths of their hearts. Caroline of course had silver streaks in her hair and her hair was tied back in one of those tight buns. For some months now, she was living a string of challenging and hit circumstances on her face.

Caroline looked up and smiled at Ema, “You arrived early, come in,” she said allowing Ema into the room She did not mention anything, but appeared eager to hear about what had happened. "

Emma only nodded and her usually bright eyes were rather solemn. “Well, that is something you could say. We should speak. “

Caroline then closed the door and locked several locks despite the area not seeming to be suitable for such a lockup. But Ema was intelligent enough to ignore Caroline’s precautionary measures. Suspicion was rational in their universe. And they had to execute the task being assigned in front of them without any errors.



It had a home-like comfort inside the cabin which was worn out; with furniture and broken walls filled with bizarre knick-knacks and books. Caroline was fussing with the tea things, and then she looked at Ema and gestured toward the small table nearby.



Caroline caught Ema in the act and switched to face her while stirring the dough and asked, “So, what is got you sneaking out like this early in the morning?”



Ema took a deep breath in and began to sort out her thoughts in the best way she could. ‘It’s about Bruce… and Amelia’.



Caroline who stopped her movements looked away and her eyes lifted slightly, drawing a thin eyebrow upwards. “Alpha and his woman, what of them”



Amelia is from The Oregon Clan so it is not an ‘ordinary’ hybrid.



This was the only surprise that the older woman could register through her eyes which were shocked because her hands did not move. She said all this in rather blank manner. “Ah, I see. Now, can you tell me how did you come to know of this knowledge?”



Ema then started narrating elaborately on how she realized Bruce’s betrayal, how she had confronted him, and how she subsequently discovered Amelia’s powers plus the looming war. Caroline hung on each word that Eama said, nodding coolly as she said the words.


Caroline put a mug of tea in front of Ema and sat across the table from her when the latter had ceased to blow. For a while she said nothing, and her fingers tapped idly on the rough surface of the table.



“This is… . concerning,” Caroline eventually said. “It’s new to have an Oregon hybrid in leadership over the Pack and that’ll be deadly. ”



Ema nodded emphatically. "Exactly! I knew you would get it. Caroline, something must be done. We can not just. . .



Caroline raised her hand and stopped her, interrupting her speaking. Hold on, young one, do not go that fast. ” This is a factor that has to be given a lot of analysis. Bruce and Amelia specifically said they needed you, please.

.
Ema tensed up and recalled how the conversation went. ”She said they needed me. That I were a part of something, Amelia had envisioned for the future. They want me to remain with the Pack to fight this war they claim is imminent.

Caroline's gaze grew strained. ‘I have fulfilled my part, what about her contract? What of that?’

Bruce stated that it would culminate in thirty days as per the laid down schedule. Perhaps it would be better if I supported them after that.

Looking at her loved ones Caroline managed a small, shy smile, appearing at the corners of her lips only. "Fascinating. Very fascinating. "

They both stared at each other for a moment until Ema sat up straight and said, triggering anger in her voice. “What makes it interesting?”

They are trying to govern my actions through manipulation We must unmask them to warn the Pack about Amelia’s treachery. ” Caroline seized Ema’s wrist as if thinking of the strength of her grip. Ema looks at Caroline and blinks because of her intensity.
"Ema, listen to my words carefully, what you are proposing, is dangerous not only for you but also for your future. Ema pulled her Wrist back and said, ‘I don’t think so. "Caroline said,

"Explain what you mean. ’


“If it is true that Amelia is wanted somewhere and
there is a war looming shortly and the Pack is in danger and you find what they are saying to be true, then you will be prepared.” Her lips pursed into a thin line as she frowned at the end of the words she had spoken.

“What if they are lying?” Ema tugged.

Caroline heaved a heavy breath and looked every bit of an old woman

“If they are lying then the situation that we are in is worse than what we thought. It is the case now If they are telling the truth then it will be suicidal to storm in without preparation. ”

Ema slumped back on the chair, no strength left to resist. "Well then, what should we do? Because I don't know what to do, and I can’t ignore it. She said confidently, Caroline gave her a sly smirk. That is what you plan to do, is it not, my dear? You are going to obey.



Ema's gaze expanded. ‘You mean that… are you not joking at all!’



Caroline retorted, “I am deadly serious” the way that left no room for a conversation. "This is our chance, Ema’ We would be stupid to let that go" she responded.


Caroline bowed on the chair and whispered as if people were listening to the wall. "Think about it… You have been given a glimpse of the hands-on activity… they seem to believe that you are important to what they are planning and executing… this puts you in a position of strength and opens up further possibilities to advance and spy more."



With anxiety on her face, Ema negated the statement shaking her head. “Caroline, I have no idea”, she said, “It seems off. Deceptive. ”



Caroline had a peculiar way of laughing and her laugh was a sound of metal on metal. "Self-deceiving? As if hiding a half-blood among them? Or signing an agreement that they are not going to honor, Ema? No, Ema. It is not about the shades of black and white anymore. It is about staying alive."


Thinking over the words said by Caroline, Ema was All over her face signs of inner conflict could be observed.

"But precisely what am I looking for? What is the target when one gets to this point?’ she askedruce looked slightly defeated and Ema realized it for the first time as he had the air of an alpha male around him. The situation was quite complex and you seem not to know or rather understand that, he said tiredly. Here is a relative complexity of the ancestry of Amelia, closer than you might think. 

 ‘It looked to me more like, “So tell me, please,” Ema barked. I later reasoned with him rudely,” Explain to me why you have placed us all in danger. ” 


 Ema rarely saw Bruce like this, his frustrated look and the fact that he raked a hand through his hair. That is not a threat, Ema, because Amelia, or rather you, are a mix of the two. It is a benefit. See how many times She has saved this Pack already with these special talents of hers. " 


 Ema squinted her eyes. “That's what I understood when you said, ‘’ Spill, and don’t hold anything back. ” 



 “The attack of last month when that rival Pack attacked us,” Bruce corrected. Have you ever thought about how we were allowed to switch things over rather swiftly? All because of Amelia, this hybrid was powerful enough to alert us of the ambush beforehand. 

 Ema knew that and she was not intimidated by Bruce rather she declined to be swayed by him. 

 A glimmer of doubt crossed Ema’s face but that also did not last long. She argued, “That one good deed means that the potential danger does not go away. ” 

 “It is not a single deed,” Bruce flared back at him. All these factors of strength, speed, and foresight which are present in Amelia have perfectly enhanced the defense of this pack. That is something you may not be aware of there is more to this than meets the eye. 

 ‘What are you talking about?’ Ema asked with anger.


Bruce thought for a while and then continued with his line of questioning. Ema, random, a storm is approaching. A battle that could very well divide the werewolf population down the middle. There’s more to Amelia’s skills than one can think, especially since we will most likely rely on them to survive. 

 Ema suddenly lost her resolve. Bruce’s enhancement was so genuine that she knew, irrespective of the fact, that he in actuality did believe what he was speaking. Nevertheless, the concern and instinctive Prejudice toward hybrids were hard to dismiss and consequently were not easy to overcome. 

 Ema spoke slowly. “It does not change the fact you hid this from the Pack even if what you are saying is true, you have deceived all of us. ” 

 In response to Bruce, he saw Ema was restrained and said, “I did what I had to do for everyone’s safety. ” “Amelia would be in trouble if people knew the truth about her, it would be a weakness. ” 
 Ema looked worried but became more and more annoyed all the same. What about my freedom, or my proper station, then? Indeed, is it my responsibility to stay here, tied down by a commitment that no longer interests me, for the benefit of mankind? 


 Bruce looked a little less menacing and his mouth slightly curled up into an almost smile. Ema, the goal in signing a contract was not to make you irrelevant in my life. This was about giving you a home, giving you a family. I harbored the hope that someday you would do so to us and let us be of greater help to you and the people. 


 Ema could not believe that the words would hurt her this much. She wanted to go but she also understood that she has some kind of connection with the Pack now. Her desire to be free was fighting off friendliness and she felt as if she wanted to be with people, as a friend or a fellow citizen. 

 ”I…”. Ema stammered, her will breaking. ”With what I know, I cannot let her stay here. When I am fully aware there is a hybrid among us, I cannot pretend nothing wrong is happening. ” 



Then, from the doorway, a fresh voice interjected the words, “Then do not pretend. ” 
 

 Turning around Ema found Amelia staring at her and there was something different but familiar in her eyes – she was a hybrid. Probably because of the intensity of the emotions Ema took an involuntary step backward and her hand went to the pocket of the jacket where the book was. 

 
 Amelia spread out her hands open indicating that she meant no harm. ‘Hear me Ema, I have not come here to hurt you, I am here to show you the whole truth. ’ 


 Next to him, Bruce’s partner joined him, he took her hand in his to show the unity. ‘Amelia,’ he said more to himself than to her but asked her with surprise. 

 She just nodded her head and continued to stare at Ema. By now she should know everything, we need trust if we are to face what is ahead of us, we need to be united. 


 Ema looked from one to the other, uncertainty warring with her interest. “What are you speaking about What is approaching?” 


 Before uttering the next words Amelia took a deep breath as if to compose herself. “A conflict Ema,” war that might wipe out all human population, and I, I have witnessed it. 

 
 ‘Did you see it?’ Ema asked with a tinge of incredibility in her tone. 


 Amelia elaborated, “I want you to understand that being a hybrid has its perks. ” One of them is the ability to see the future. I have been shown battles that shall be carried out based on the werewolf fighting the werewolf and the pack fighting the pack. And you are with us in every vision in which we make it out alive. " 

 When glancing at the ground, Ema felt as if the ground was shifting beneath her feet. The realizations also came in one after the other, and if this was not dangerous enough, they came in a deluge. She murmured, “This is. . . this is insane. ” 


 Bruce breathed heavily saying softly, “I understand it is a lot to process. ” “But Ema, we are being truthful with you, you are essential to us. Those in the Pack, need you too. ” 

Ema seriously could not contain herself as she tried her best to try and get a good grasp of all that she learned. What she had been afraid of, the hybrid, and what she had learned were all part of a much bigger plan that she had not thought existed. She was now being told that she had something to do with all this, or at least that part of her did. 

 All this time, Ema stood speechless and finally uttered in almost a whisper, “I need time, but I am sure I don’t think you guys are right. “ “This is getting out of hand. “ 


 Amelia nodded understanding. This should take as long as is needed, if need be and you insist. I may not be able to go with them but do think of me as staying, please. You choose to, not because you are bound by some contract that makes you stick to a particular brand. Together with this, I would like us to remain friends as we have been before all this. 


 Bruce continued, “As you know, Amelia’s contract will expire in a month, and as I have informed you before this is entirely up to you what you do next We have no prescribed future set in stone for you’ll always have a place in my heart if you want it. ” 

 Ema could tell they were both genuinely concerned as they stood in front of her and she looked at both of them. The penetration of fear and anger that made her decide to confront Bruce began to subside and be replaced by a whirlpool of curiosity, confusion, and a certain kind of determination.  

 Having reached a stalemate she begrudgingly responded: “I will consider it. ” Nonetheless, I promise nothing to say anything about the Hybrid. 

 It was very quiet and Amelia murmured, “Ema?” as she followed Ema who walked away. We hope we get the opportunity to explain what we did and why we did it. Yes, I understand that it is very important not to readily trust a ‘’half breed. ’’ " 

 At the door, Ema then stepped back for a second and took a look at the woman she thought was a monster but unfortunately misjudged her. She said, “I do not know if I can believe you still. ” “But I am willing to allow you to explain. ” 

 That left Ema to leave that study after, given that her head was spinning with all that she had learned. There was confusion, risk, and no clear direction.


But even as Ema drifted back to her room filled with laughter and the warm embrace of her new friends or as she slept alone she could not shake the feeling that this was historic, she was in a position to make history. 

 When thinking of the problems that were awaiting the Pack in the future of the series, the contract that also seemed to become a burden and a chain earlier looked petty. Ema thought that the decision she would be making did not have any sort of connection with her being the Luna of the Pack as she closed her bedroom door behind her. 

 But it was getting clear that to defend the ground of that future, which was at once frightening and full of promise, was right here, was the right thing to do at this juncture. 

 There must be a way to earn a victory and Ema had other strategies up her sleeves. After she was gone, she at once went to Caroline’s room.