- Promise of Protection -
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Time passed, and the sun began to rise. Samuel opened his eyes slowly, rubbing his face with his hands as he prepared to get up. The Alpha noticed and said:
— Good morning. Judging by your face, you must've slept well last night.
— Enjoy it, because today is a day of celebration. At nightfall, we will all gather on Moon Mountain to witness the great moon rise in the night sky.
The Alpha paused before continuing:
— As I told you before, you'll be able to see the pup. I'll summon him along with Sam. I hope that won't be a problem.
— Sam? — Samuel asked.
— He's the leader of the Warrior Hybrids. He's organizing a presentation for tonight, so he'll have to be there — the Alpha explained.
— You just woke up. Go eat something and then change. I left some new clothes for you. I hope you like them.
Samuel nodded and followed the instructions. After eating, he tried on the new clothes. They were lighter and more comfortable, bearing a symbol on the chest — the same as his necklace. The Alpha looked at him and commented:
— Seems like it suits you well. It's about time now. The pup's probably awake. Let's go. I already sent a warrior ahead to inform them of our visit.
Samuel and the Alpha made their way to the den where Alex was staying. It was a bit more secluded within the pack, but they didn't take long to arrive. As they approached, they were greeted by Anne, the mentor:
— Alpha, I heard you were coming. What brings you here? — she asked, concerned. — Is it because of yesterday's fight?
— No, not at all — the Alpha replied. — We're here because of a pup named Alex.
— Alex? Did something happen to him? — Anne asked, confused.
— It's not about the fight, don't worry — said the Alpha, trying to reassure her.
— Alright then — she said before stepping into the den and returning with Alex, who walked out hesitantly.
— Will he come back to me, sir? — Anne asked with a worried tone.
— Just for a while, okay? — said the Alpha.
— Alright — Anne agreed.
— And Sam, is he around? — asked the Alpha.
— Yes, I'll call him — Anne replied.
She returned inside the den as Samuel approached Alex, noticing the pup's nervousness.
— No need to be afraid, little wolf — Samuel said softly. — I don't think I properly introduced myself. My name is Samuel. I'm sorry you had to see what happened yesterday.
He extended his hand, offering a gentle touch, but Alex backed away, wary. Samuel understood his hesitation.
He's very young, Samuel thought. After everything that happened during the attack, it's only natural he feels this insecure.
Sam exited the den shortly after, ignoring Samuel completely and going straight to speak with the Alpha. Samuel noticed the coldness, but didn't let it bother him.
— Let's get out of here, away from him. How about we go for a walk? — Samuel suggested, trying to soothe Alex.
The pup was still hesitant, ears lowered, but Samuel gently insisted:
— I know it must be hard to trust someone you barely know. Especially after what happened. But I made a promise to your mother. I swore I'd protect you, even if it costs me my life. I'll never let you go through something like that again. Just trust me — just this once.
He extended his hand again, and Alex, still wary, slowly approached, resting his head gently against Samuel's hand. The soft touch was enough to calm the pup. Samuel smiled, relieved.
— Shall we go for that walk, then? There's a place I want to show you — Samuel said, carefully picking Alex up. — Hope you don't mind.
Alex perked up his ears in approval, and the two set off. As they walked, Samuel looked down at the pup in his arms. He reminds me of someone…
— Well, we're here — Samuel said as he set Alex down. They stood before a small lake.
— I think this is where the wolves come to drink — he observed, sitting by the water's edge. — Come here, little one.
Alex walked slowly over and sat beside him. Samuel stared at the water and spoke with a sincerity that caught even him by surprise:
— I know it must be strange for you to trust a human. Especially one you've never met before. But when I looked into your eyes… I saw the same eyes of someone I lost a long time ago.
He paused, a tightness in his chest.
— I failed him… but I won't fail you. Never again. Never.
The pup looked up at Samuel's face, noticing the sadness in his expression. Slowly, Alex curled up in Samuel's lap, resting his head against his legs. The simple gesture touched Samuel deeply, and he smiled softly. The warmth of the small wolf on his legs brought him a sense of peace. In that moment, he knew he would do whatever it took to protect Alex.
No matter the cost.
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