Chapter 162: A clue
Maddie
"Mark, is that really you?" I ask, still unable to believe what I'm seeing.
My brother looks tired and thin, with dark circles under his eyes and a heavy expression, as if he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I want to run to him and hug him, but I remember the harsh words he said to me the last time we spoke, and fear stops me. I'm afraid I'm no longer the little sister he used to look at with love. And he's not alone. Behind him are men and women, heavily armed, though he seems to be their leader. He always has been.
"Maddie... oh, Maddie!" he says, coming closer to me. My mates stand still, but when he hugs me, they breathe a sigh of relief. "My little sister..." Mark sighs.
"I've missed you so much," I reply, tears streaming down my face as I remain in his arms. I've found a home among the wolves, and my mother is with me. But after what happened in the town, I know I'll never stop worrying and needing my family.
"What's a group of humans doing here?" Logan shouts. My brother continues to hold me down, but he straightens up and answers firmly.
"We are the human Resistance, we are fighting the Night Wolves."
With these words, I already understand everything we need to know. They ask us to follow them, leading us to caves I know well, because we used to play there as children. Now I understand why they chose this place - maybe even the wolves don't know what's hidden there. Inside we find humans, mostly women and children, sheltered and protected. My brother hasn't joined the madness Kevin mentioned.
"How did you get here? Did you hear about what happened in Three Streams?" I ask as we sit around a fire, my mates on either side of me and my brother across from me. I notice that several warriors have stayed outside. The humans still don't trust us, and after all that's happened, I don't blame them. Still, I want them to understand that we are not enemies, that there are two sides to every story.
"Yes, unfortunately we know," he replies. "I left town a long time ago, followed several leads and found men and women who think differently."
"You walked away from that cursed deal Kevin mentioned," Kurt interjects, and Mark nods.
"I had a fight with Kevin. You know, he and I used to agree on a lot of things, but there's a limit. We knew that the Night Wolves were taking women, even children, to raise in the packs. And although I understood their desperation, what he was proposing was madness. I kept an eye on things and tried to warn the people in the town. But by the time I went to find them, attacks had already begun in other towns. There was nothing I could do"
"Mum's with us," I say, taking his hand. He smiles.
"I know. We have spies and contacts in many places. That's how I found out that the Alphas of Moonvalley were acting differently, though I found it hard to believe. We also know about the Council, the Rite. We have spies everywhere," he explains, and my mates seem to be onto something.
"Rowan... you're in contact with him, aren't you? That's why you know so much. Te network between humans and wolves has been strengthened," Logan says, and Mark nods.
"That warrior is a desperate man, but he's willing to cooperate and he's gathered many others. What's happening is terrible, and we must stop it at all costs"
Without asking or consulting my mates, I began to tell my brother everything that had happened: my meeting with Kevin, Gerard's threats. My brother curses and looks worried.
"We need more help, Mark. We're willing to do whatever it takes to prove we want this alliance, all for her," Logan says, referring to me. My brother seems hesitant, but he's always been a smart man, and he knows this is the way. Kurt and some warriors continue to explore the caves. The men and women show us their preparations, their weapons and give us more information. Logan remains alert, a few steps away, unable to leave me alone.
"I'm sorry about what happened, Maddie. You don't know how much I regret the terrible things I said to you," Mark confesses, looking sad.
"I know it was a big change for all us, and even for me, it took time to accept it."
"I have no right to interfere in your life, and although I was concerned for your welfare, it's clear that you are more than protected. I know now that the triplets would do anything for you. It's going to be hard for me to accept and understand them. But if they're going to protect you and help the humans, I'm willing to give in," he admits, and it makes me so happy.
"I am so glad to have you by my side. We'll be the brother and sister who fight for everything, as we've always done. You have been my strength and my example, Mark," I tell him, but he shakes his head, smiling.
"I have to say, I always thought I was protecting and guiding you. But the truth is, Maddie, you were always the strongest. Not because you're fierce and determined, but because you listen,, you know when the path has gone astray. And that's true bravery. What you did in the Rite is famous, even among humans!" he exclaims proudly, making me blush.
"There is so much to change. We wanted to change the world, but we're not doing it the right way. Many were ready to give up their own friends, neighbors. The first to rise up were the women; they refused to be treated like merchandise, and they were absolutely right. Not even the wolves would give up their friends, and we were ready to do so. Isn't that terrible?" he concludes.
With my mates and the warriors, we discuss plans for the future. We have the help of the Human Resistance, and we know we're not alone. There's so much to do, and perhaps for the first time, the path seems clear.
"You said you had a lead, that's why you left town. What did you mean by that? This place? This area has always been important to the Night Wolves," I ask. My brother looks nervous.
"No, not because of that. This place is important to them because it's in the center of all the human towns. Starting a pack here, or expanding the territory of an existing one, would be very helpful. But the lead I found, though I'm not entirely sure, is much more important to me. For us actually" he answers, swallowing hard.
"What do you mean? I ask.
"Maddie... I have heard a rumor that the Night Wolves have captured several humans. And... our father might be one of them," he says, and my heart sink.
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