Andre The Warlock

Still Beta Jace's POV

I swallow hard.
Another fated relationship under stress. “Well, then you can make haste. She's stalking Enrick. We can brush off all the upcoming misery if you can get her along. And then Drina and Enrick can finally start their life together and my pack looking forward to their Luna Queen at last”, I let the warlock know.
“Alcina's hatred blinded her. I tried to make her understand that we are mates a few times. But the hatred and urge for revenge are so strong that it paralyzes the mate bond activity. The devil has her completely in his control,” the man sighs. “I've been trying to sober her up for years. But her main focus in life is on Drina and her parents. That's all she lives for. Revenge!”
“Andre, you said you saw Erina. Do you know where I can find her? We had a disagreement and she left without hearing me out properly," I ask, almost pleading. "I need to speak to her, it's urgent." To my horror, Andre shakes his head.
“You cheated on her, Beta. I know about it. It's a major offense for her kind. She will forgive you but not just like that. You'll have to get on your knees, Beta. What you've done is hard for her to digest, betrayal is a serious offense in her family," he states. His words light up my face anyway.
“Her kind? What is her kind then? That whole family has no scent, although we can sense they are werewolves. What's the matter with them? What are they hiding? Please tell me everything you know,” I request urgently, hoping at last to gain more insight into the mystery surrounding Drina and her family.
“Beta. It's not up to me to reveal the secrets surrounding Drina. When the time comes, everything will become clear. Count on the surprise of your life”, he chuckles now. “Drina is strong. I hope the Moon Goddess has mercy on Alcina. I'm sure I can hold her down if her head clears up after this case is settled."
“You're not doing a great job with that now, Andre. Alcina is wild and indomitable”, I remark ironically. “But maybe you can help me with this. How do I reach my mate? Can I send messages or meet her somewhere? I can't sit still and just wait, I need to clear things up. My wolf yearns her, we can't live without her around," I insist.
Now the warlock looks at me thoughtfully.
“Wouldn't that be great if you'd thought about that before playing around with other girls? She warned you in advance," he salts my wounds once more. "All I can do for you is this. There's a big shade tree about two miles from here. There is a large stone leaning against it,” he explains. “There is a hole in the tree. If you put your letters to her there, I'll let her know to get it," he offers. I jump up with joy, smiling from ear to ear.
"Really? No kidding, warlock”, I point to him.
“I am not a man of jokes. I have too many responsibilities for that," he reacts displeased. “But no foul play from your side. Put the letter there and leave immediately. Don't hang around or hide. Because if you do, it's over. You are not really highly regarded when it comes to honesty and reliability”, he taunts me. Hunter growls low, the warlock's comment doesn't sit well with him. 'Why is his head still there after insulting us, Jace?' he asks menacingly in the back of my mind.
I shake my head to get rid of him.
This warlock is the fated of Alcina who poses a threat to Midnight Moon. It is absurd to think that the man will sacrifice his mate, when it comes down to the decisive moment, he will surely protect and defend his mate. That's how the bond works. This 'tree meeting' could well be a trap.
“What do you want in return for your services? I assume there is a price tag to pairing Erina and I," I ask him with raised eyebrows. “Nothing goes for nothing and I prefer to remain guilt-free towards third parties, especially wizards”.
“Don't worry, this service is free of charge for you. The Moon Goddess will settle the score for you when the time comes. And then you can count on it that she will be fair”, the man now answers ambiguously. We sit in our seats for a while, each involved in his own thoughts. If what the warlock recommended works, I finally have another chance with Erina. I will explain everything to her when she has confirmed that she's indeed the one receiving my letters.
My heart beats like mad.
All the pain I suffer is not for nothing. “So, if I understand correctly, you're here to stop Alcina from fulfilling her plans. When will you intervene? Hiding out here in the woods won't do anything. And you don't have to worry about Midnight Moon. Enrick and I handle everything”.
“Bet you want to, but this is above the wars you have so gloriously won in the past. I can tell there is a lot at stake here,” he continues cryptic.
Now I've had enough of anyone talking in riddles. Whatever comes in the way of Midnight Moon, Enrick and I can handle that without this warlock.
But for now, I have another mission that needs my immediate attention.
“I guess I'll see you around, Andre”, I greet him as I stand up. This time I didn't bother to undress, I tore the clothes on my body into pieces as I shift. With Hunter I'll arrive faster at the tree Andre showed me. I think I saw it when I walked my wolf a few days ago. It is a giant one that is not easy to miss. After running at a steady pace for about ten minutes, I come across the intended tree. Indeed, a large rock is leaning against it. When I inspect the trunk, there is a hole covered with a creeper.
I smile.
The warlock has spoken the truth, luck smiles at me again. I find a large leaf and carve my message on it. 'If it is you who read my letters, tell the promise you made. I'll come to get the answer tonight. Then I am sure that it is really you, my little mate. I miss you a lot."
With a feeling of satisfaction, I wrap the leaf, put it in the hole and cover it with the creeper again.
My heart swells with happiness. I'll get her answer later. If it's really Erina, she knows the answer to my question.
And with that, I start the way back to Midnight Moon...