CHAPTER 32
” ‘It was,’ said Caroline, ‘the house, the husband, the job, the wolves – everything was beautiful for a while,’ ” The hybrid benefited the Pack by applying her strength and skills. She contributed to their growth and even to saving people’s lives. Similarly to the way Bruce believes in Amelia, the Alpha never doubted her.
Ema had a cold feeling that went down her spine. "And after that?"
Caroline pulled her gaze, her brown intense, sharp eyes back to Ema. “And then she turned her back on the Pack when it could have used her most. Many werewolves died,” ‘A whole night, a whole bloodline gone. ’
Ema felt that her face had lost that familiar redness that denotes life. ”That’s —that is awful. ” However, Amelia. . . "
He did not argue and Caroline continued, “Perhaps not the same?” ‘Perhaps. ’ Can you though be sure? Can you put all the life of your pack at risk based on this view that you hold so dear?
Ema slouched into her chair and looked at the board as if the whole responsibility of the world was now on her. Well Caroline, how am I supposed to continue now? How am I supposed to trust them, make eye contact with them, and then intentionally try and push the buttons and prodding them? "
She then leaned forward and placed her hands on top of Ema’s, they rested across the table like that for a moment. ‘You have no option but to do it,’ the lady replied in a forceful tone. "Because anything less would be risky given the high stakes. Consider this: As much as we do not know Bruce and Amelia that well, if they are as nice and reliable as they seem we will not need to be as cautious as such The worst that could happen was they did not. . .
Softly Ema said, “If they are not then I may be the only thing standing between the Pack and annihilation. “
Caroline forced a smile to her face and simply nodded her agreement at what he said. ”Indeed, yes, I know it is a huge load that you are carrying now But, you are strong enough for it Ema, as a person, I have witnessed growth, You have it in you Ema, you are capable of it.
Ema caught her breath and tried to focus her mind as she adjusted to her surroundings in the presence of Caroline. Despite the unclearities some had left in Caroline’s remarks, the drive that powered her for long was refluxed. “The next step is ‘’she asked interrupting her.
’Well, we have their trust now,’ Caroline resumed, laying a business-like tone., we have to go deeper. But we need proof of their intentions and character Of course, we can not exclude the fact that they arranged the attack themselves, so it would be useful to you.
Ema's gaze expanded. Do you think they would take it this far?
Caroline shrugged. While she cannot rule out any possibility, It is now your turn to get closer to them and become useful for a while. Just make sure that your ears and eyes are open at all times For any information as useless as it may sound it is very important.
Caroline said where they were going, and Ema could feel the old fight slowly coming back. Although they were still there and followed her and emerged at the edges of her mind. she had a substantial amount of doubt, but the size of the job to be done erased all the negative feelings she contained.
Catching the last moment of their meeting, Caroline exclaimed, “There is one more thing. “ “I have a safety measure that will enable you to make a call to me almost instantly in the event something unpleasant happens. ”
She held out a very small, seemingly innocuous stone in her hand and offered it to Ema. “It is magical”, Caroline interpreted. Again if you have anything that needs attention, it’s something that can be sorted out before our next meeting, just squeeze it and think of me, wherever you are I’ll listen to what you have to say.
Ema was rather surprised at how non-descript the stone looked despite having such hidden potential as she rolled it between her fingers. “Thank you I am grateful,” she murmured.
Ema turned around and began to leave but Caroline caught her arm. “Remember, Ema. I am trusting your guts now. More to them had you relied on them all this time. Bruce & Amelia are not your friends anymore no matter how they look like they are. They can’t be. The well-being of the Pack and all the werewolves comes first”.
Ema took the enchanted stone and put it in her pocket with a slight bow of the head. She was so careful as she left the cabin and got back to the forest; one wrong move and all could be over.
Every time Ema moved forward and tried to separate the lies and half-truths that came to define her life the journey back to the Packhouse took what seemed like ages. She walked, repeating Caroline's words in her mind over and over they gave her the strength she needed.
However, no matter how Ema tried, there was a voice in the back of her head that was questioning her, and repeating the moments she yelled at Amelia and Bruce’s trust in her. She turned a blind eye to it more focusing on the task on the table.
Ema squared her shoulders and drew her face stiff as a sentinel into a passive mask that only concealed her determination when the Packhouse arrived into view. She had her mind set with confusion and contradicting emotions, however, she had work to do. She knew she could not withdraw now, the situation had become critical and very sensitive.
Ema stopped at the edge of the clearing and took in a deep breath before coming into visibility. He came out of the door of the Packhouse as she came nearer to him: Bruce seeing her, brightened up visibly.
"Ema!" he exclaimed. You know, I was just about to send someone to search for you just now. We will be sharing how the attack would have been handled during our Pack meeting. That is why your opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Nevertheless, Ema had butterflies in her stomach and she managed to put a smile on her face. "Obviously," she answered. Thus, even if there is any way that I can in any way assist, I am more than willing to do so.
Ema’s fingers felt the pocket to make sure the stone Caroline got from the magical forest earlier was still within her grasp as she followed Bruce into the house. She was walking a tightrope now as she switched from betrayal to trusting him. Caroline had shown this to her though, stating that only her insistence on seeing this through would be able to change the fate of packs, and perhaps all werewolves.
Ema walked into the Pack home ready to play the dangerous game that was set awaiting her for a couple of hours, although a hint of conflicting loyalty was tearing her inside out. Someone rolled the die. The only thing remaining for her to do as I was writing this paper was to pray that at long last, she would be able to find acceptable ways to live with the choices she has made.
