Chapter 55 - Werewolf for Witch
Under the cover of dusk, Alpha Shane and his loyal beta, Leo, set out on a mission cloaked in concern and determination. The disappearance of Delta Marlon, a trusted member of their pack, had stirred unease among the ranks. As Leo maneuvered the sleek black car through the winding roads leading to Delta Marlon's last known whereabouts, Alpha Shane's mind buzzed with a blend of worry and resolve.
Leo glanced briefly at Alpha Shane, his expression reflecting the gravity of their task. "Alpha," Leo began cautiously, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension, "I have a bad hunch about Lucille and Trixie."
Alpha Shane nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery as thoughts churned in his mind. "I've been thinking the same," he admitted quietly, his voice carrying the weight of their shared suspicions. "Especially considering the circumstances."
Delta Marlon's connection to Lucille and her daughter, Trixie, ran deeper than mere pack bonds. Unbeknownst to many, Delta Marlon harbored a secret—knowledge that he wasn't Trixie's biological father. The revelation had been a tightly held secret, known only to a select few within their pack.
"Delta Marlon knew," Alpha Shane murmured, his brow furrowing in thought. "He knew about Trixie's true parentage."
Leo nodded grimly, his hands tightening on the steering wheel as they navigated a sharp curve in the road. "If someone found out," Leo speculated, "especially if it's the real father..."
"Then Delta Marlon could be in danger," Alpha Shane finished, his voice tight with concern. "They might see him as a threat, or worse, a loose end to be tied."
Silence settled between them as the implications of their theories hung heavy in the air. The road stretched endlessly before them, the only sound the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.
"We need to find him," Leo stated firmly, his gaze flicking to Alpha Shane for affirmation.
Alpha Shane nodded resolutely. "We will," he vowed, his voice steady despite the underlying tension. "For Delta Marlon's sake, and for the safety of our pack."
As they approached Delta Marlon's modest cabin nestled deep within the woods, Alpha Shane's senses heightened, attuned to any sign that could lead them closer to answers. The air was thick with anticipation as Leo brought the car to a stop, the headlights casting a soft glow on the familiar surroundings.
Stepping out into the cool night air, Alpha Shane scanned their surroundings with practiced vigilance. The cabin stood silent and still, a beacon of solitude amidst the dense foliage. Alpha Shane's thoughts drifted to Lucille and Trixie, wondering if their apparent innocence concealed deeper motives.
"I'll check inside," Leo offered quietly, moving towards the cabin with a fluid grace born of years of training and loyalty.
Alpha Shane nodded, his gaze following Leo's retreating form with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. Alone with his thoughts, Alpha Shane pondered the complexities of pack dynamics and the fragile balance of trust that bound them together.
Inside the cabin, Leo conducted a thorough search, his trained eyes scanning for any clue that could shed light on Delta Marlon's disappearance. The cabin bore no signs of struggle or haste, its interior meticulously maintained as if its occupant had simply stepped out for a moment.
Returning to Alpha Shane's side, Leo relayed his findings with a furrowed brow. "There's no trace of Delta Marlon," he reported quietly, frustration evident in his voice. "It's as if he vanished into thin air."
Alpha Shane absorbed the news with a heavy heart, his mind racing through possibilities and implications. "If Delta Marlon was taken," he mused aloud, "then whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing."
Leo nodded in agreement, his jaw set in determination. "And if they have him," Leo added grimly, "they might use him as leverage, especially if they know about Trixie."
Alpha Shane's thoughts turned to Lucille and Trixie once more, their roles in Delta Marlon's disappearance becoming increasingly suspicious. "We need to tread carefully," Alpha Shane cautioned, his voice tinged with caution. "Lucille may not be as innocent as she appears."
Leo's expression hardened, his loyalty to Alpha Shane unwavering. "I'll keep an eye on them," Leo promised, his voice a low growl of determination. "We won't let them harm Delta Marlon or jeopardize our pack."
Alpha Shane sighed deeply, his breath visible in the cool evening air as he stood beside Leo, their gazes fixed on the horizon. Leo, attuned to his alpha's every word, turned to Shane, waiting for him to continue.
"I have a bad hunch," Shane began, his voice tinged with concern. "About Delta Marlon."
Leo's eyes widened in surprise. "What is it?"
Shane hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I feel like... Marlon's already gone."
Leo's brow furrowed in disbelief. "But Marlon's strong, Alpha Shane. Even with his illness."
Shane nodded solemnly. "I know, Leo. But these rogues we've been tracking... they're different. They're cunning, ruthless. If they go after Marlon..."
Leo's expression darkened with realization. "You think they'll defeat him?"
Shane nodded again, his jaw set with determination. "Even Marlon's strength has its limits against foes like these."
Leo took a moment to absorb Shane's words, the weight of their conversation settling heavily between them.
Leo's brow furrowed deeply, his gaze flickering with concern as he voiced his unsettling thoughts. "If Delta Marlon has already died... Lucille would feel it. They're mates."
Alpha Shane nodded slowly, his expression grave. "Maybe she has felt it already. Maybe she knows."
Leo's eyes widened in shock. "You think Lucille... killed Marlon?"
Shane sighed heavily, the weight of his suspicions hanging heavily in the air. "It's possible, Leo. Lucille has always been secretive, elusive. She'd do anything to protect her secrets."
Leo shook his head in disbelief. "But Marlon? He's been nothing but loyal to the pack."
Shane's gaze hardened with resolve. "We can't rule anything out. Not now."
Silence settled between them, the rustling of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures filling the void as they contemplated their next move.
"What if we attack the rogues' hideout?" Leo suggested, his voice tinged with urgency.
Shane shook his head, his tone adamant. "No, Leo. It's too risky. They'll be prepared. But we can use Lucille and Trixie as leverage."
Leo frowned, uncertainty etched on his features. "Using them... Shane, are you sure?"
Shane met Leo's gaze with a steely resolve. "It's our best chance, Leo. We need to think strategically."
Leo sighed heavily, conceding to Shane's logic. "Alright. We'll plan carefully."
As they turned to leave, the moonlight cast long shadows across the forest floor, a silent witness to the tension and turmoil brewing within their pack. Shane and Leo walked side by side, their bond as alphas and friends tested by the unfolding crisis.
Leo walked alongside Alpha Shane through the moonlit forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of pine needles beneath their feet. The air was crisp, carrying with it a hint of impending change as they discussed their pack's delicate situation.
"How are you feeling now?" Leo asked quietly, his concern evident in his voice.
Shane glanced at Leo, offering a faint smile. "Better, thanks to Witch Zelda. Her potions worked wonders."
Leo nodded approvingly. "I'm glad to hear it. We need you at your best, especially now."
Shane's expression turned serious. "Indeed. We can't afford any weaknesses, not with the rogues on the prowl."
Leo sighed, his thoughts drifting to their next move. "About Lucille and Trixie... We can't be sure if Witch Zorayda is truly eager to help Trixie win your favor over Giselle."
Shane furrowed his brow, considering Leo's words carefully. "I know. Zorayda is unpredictable. But if there's a chance she can sway Trixie, we have to take it."
Leo nodded thoughtfully. "For now, we'll have to play along, pretend we still trust Lucille and Trixie. It's our best strategy to keep them close and use them as leverage if the rogues attack."
Shane's jaw tightened with resolve. "Agreed. It's a risk, but one we have to take."
Leo walked alongside Alpha Shane through the dense forest, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet solitude of the night. Moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor as they patrolled their territory.
After a while, Leo cleared his throat, his voice tentative yet earnest. "Shane, can I ask you something?"
Shane glanced at Leo, his brow furrowing slightly with curiosity. "Of course, Leo. What's on your mind?"
Leo hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "Is it... okay for werewolves like us to have a witch as a mate?"
Shane slowed his pace, turning to fully face Leo. He studied his friend for a moment, sensing the weight of Leo's question. "Why do you ask?"
Leo shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering to the ground. "Well, I... I like Zelda."
Shane's eyebrows raised in surprise, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You do?"
Leo nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Yeah. She's... different. She understands us, our world."
Shane nodded thoughtfully, considering Leo's words. "You're right, Leo. Zelda is different. She's proven herself to be a trusted ally."
Leo looked up tentatively, meeting Shane's gaze. "But what if she doesn't feel the same way?"
Shane's smile softened with reassurance. "If Zelda truly understands and accepts our world, then who's to say she wouldn't feel the same for you?"
Leo sighed, a mixture of hope and uncertainty playing across his features. "I guess so. It's just... new territory, you know?"
Shane laid a comforting hand on Leo's shoulder. "I understand, Leo. It's natural to feel unsure. But if Zelda is someone you care about, then take the chance. Let her know how you feel."
Leo nodded gratefully, a weight lifting off his chest with Shane's understanding. "Thanks, Shane. I needed to hear that."
Shane squeezed Leo's shoulder gently. "You're welcome, Leo. And remember, if Zelda cares for you as much as you care for her, then that's what matters most."