With Sword Raised

“Welcome Mr. von Rudge” the host of the restaurant welcomes us.
He leads us to a table romantically surrounded by fake diamond drops. He is probably thinking of organizing a dinner for a couple in love. I politely hold Alcina's back as I escort her to the table and pull back the chair for her.
Sitting in my chair, a waitress brings us a wine list.
For me the choice is inflexible, so I wait for Alcina to determine her drink. When we're done with that and return the cards, I look at the woman in front of me. “Alcina, do you like your holiday in Midnight Moon? You know you can stay as long as you want. Our hospitality is indefinite”, I tell her.
“Does that apply to all Midnight Moon guests or especially to me?” she flirts. “By the way, how often do you have humans visiting? I thought werewolf packs were closed to our kind, you are like a cult that is kept a scrupulous secret."
I chuckle. “That is true. We do not identify ourselves with humans. Those who dare to do so face severe penalties from the Council. You can even be sentenced to death," I explain to her. “But shifting in front of humans already endangers a werewolf's life. Humans make millions of dollars from entertainment. They might use us in the entertainment industry, fabricate an instrument or medicine that pushes us to shift when they want to.”
“Yes, my friend told me that living between humans is difficult for werewolves. You can only ground yourself in packs where you protect each other”, says Alcina. “We humans are individuals, very fond of our privacy and don't want third-party interference in our lives,” she sighs dramatically. “I wished we were more like the werewolves. Maybe humanity would have a better chance.” I nodd and see a waitress approaching with our drinks.
When I look at the expensive wine Alcina ordered and have to suppress a grin. It's nothing compared to what Drina likes to drink. I wonder if Alcina even knows what she's getting into. If there's one thing I hate the most, it's a drunken woman behaving disgustingly. We study the menu. Werewolves are primarily carnivores, so a medium steak is for me. I still choose the specialty of the house, spicy chicken with mushrooms and dry baked lamb.
My date opts for the usual pasta with extra meat.
“You won't regret that. I hear that the pasta here is exceptional”, I compliment her on the choice. “This is my first time here but the reviews are excellent. I was fortunate to be able to reserve a table”. She looks up from my words. "For the first time? Aren't the people here werewolves?” she asks innocently. “No, not as far as I could sense. But I do think a lot of werewolves visit this place. The menu is full of meat dishes and fewer vegetables and fish. That says a lot. And there are also a number of packs in the area, enough to bring many customers to this restaurant”, I answer.
“Alpha King, can I ask you some personal questions? I am very impressed with your pack, it's like being among a family that cares. But I know so little about you." If I hadn't thought she would take her chances! I deliberately didn't start talking about myself because I wanted to see her mindset.
“Shoot, my dear”, I encourage her. “I do my best to answer. I will indicate what is impossible.”
“Are you and Drina fated mates? I mean, are you guys just in love or is it something from the Moon Goddess?” she inquires. “And do you have pups? I have to say that the girl on Beta Jace's arm bears a lot of resemblance to Drina. Is she your pup?”
I can't suppress the smile that continually appears on my face when I think of Drina. Whatever the plan, it should be clear to Alcina that Drina owns my heart and should not expect anything. “We are fated, tied to each other by the Moon Goddess. Forever," I whisper. “We don't have any pups yet, but if it's up to me, it's only a matter of time. I dream of our own family as soon as Drina is ready”. And that's the truth.
“Then what's stopping her? You are clearly madly in love with her. Is she barren?” the woman in front of me asks. I freeze. Just the idea that Drina can't give birth to pups creates a painful knot in my stomach. Although I have often expressed my wish to my mate, she has never indicated that she is barren. But in recent years, we haven't used any contraception so Drina should have been pregnant in the meantime, five years is a long time.
I shake off the restless feeling. There's no need for me to panic over this witch's unfortunate choice of words. In addition, I must be careful to expose the weaknesses in our relationship.
“My mate has some domestic circumstances that she needs to sort out first. When we start a family, she has to live with me permanently, I don't want to be a distant father”, I indicate dreamily. “Drina will be a fantastic mother to our pups. She's a great mate, so our pups will be the pinnacle of our eternal love.”
And then I see a devilish look appear in the woman's eyes.
She tries diligently to hide it, but I've already seen it. No, Alcina is a woman to be reckoned with, her attitude does not represent good news.
“But what about you, Alcina? Why are you traveling alone? No boyfriend anywhere in this world?” I now change the focus. “I mean, humans usually have a boyfriend in college. You are certainly not bothered by the mate bond”, I joke. To my relief, she quickly takes control of herself. “Well, I had a crush but he fell in love with someone else. We were good until he saw her and I was past time," she says with sadness in her eyes. "But the woman didn't like him, always rejected him because she was already in a relationship with someone she was very happy with," she continues wistfully.
“I'm so sorry, Alcina. You don't seem to be really over it, I can hear it in your voice. How long ago did that happen?” I ask her. A flash of hatred appears in her eyes. “Aaahh, Alpha King, it's been too long. I am only looking for closure hence my mood”, she explains.
“Closure? Didn't you speak with him? Maybe it's time to move on. Living with pain doesn't solve anything," I tell her.
And now she drills her eyes into mine, emotionless and dark.
“The woman's man killed my beloved. Giles wouldn't let go of her and the man couldn't bear his obsession and killed him."
Her expression sends an icy shiver down my spine.
Alcina is not someone to be messed with. Her hatred makes her a dangerous opponent. If I want to protect Drina, I will have to face this evil witch myself, with the sword raised....