"Thank you, Alpha," Ryan said, stepping away from Mula to join Dean, leaving Mula in disbelief.
He couldn't fathom that his most trusted wolf, beta, friend, and family had betrayed him. It felt surreal, like a nightmare.
"Don't act too surprised. You took one of my most trusted wolf to work with you, and I did the same," Dean remarked casually, shrugging as Ryan and Max exchanged glances.
"You've been a traitor all along!" Mula yelled, his eyes flashing blue as he felt the urge to shift into his wolf form and lunge at Ryan. However, he managed to control himself, realizing he was outnumbered.
Breathing heavily, he let out a sigh of relief and glanced down, while Max proceeded to unlock a cell for him.
Without needing to be told, Mula entered the cell willingly, and they locked it behind him, his gaze fixed on Dean the entire time.
"You may think you've won, but you've actually sparked an endless war. My scavengers will scour this place, turning it into a desolate pack. And when they're finished, Ryan will be the first whose head I'll claim," Mula exclaimed angrily as Dean nodded in agreement.
"I'll address your scavengers in due time, but first, allow me to reunite with my Luna," Dean calmly stated, flashing a smile.
"Is that right? Believe me, you won't lay eyes on her. She despises you now and wants nothing to do with you. She fears you more than anyone else she's ever encountered," Mula retorted to Dean, who simply shrugged his shoulders.
"So, should I say that's what you think, or should I say that's what you did? Nevertheless, I will deal with you later. After I've secured her release, I will decide what to do with you, Alpha," Dean concluded before leaving the cell, with the others following behind.
And just like that, they had the mighty Alpha Mula as a prisoner. If only Mula had listened to Elena. She had warned him several times about this, but he chose to ignore her advice.
•
•
•
Alpha Mula's Pack.
A car, unfamiliar to the pack, pulled into the compound, attracting the attention of the scavengers Mula mentioned. These wolves, newly employed by Mula to safeguard the pack in his absence, surrounded the car, eager to identify its occupants.
Mula had ensured that these vigilant wolves would prevent anyone from infiltrating the pack and taking Elena without notice.
As the scavengers encircled the car, its door swung open, revealing Ryan as he emerged. Instantly, they recognized him and accorded him respect as the pack's beta. Silently, they stepped back, their curiosity satisfied, except for their leader, who approached Ryan with a bold stare.
"I noticed you and the Alpha leaving the pack earlier. I assumed you were off on a forest hunt. It surprises me to see you return alone in a car," the leader addressed Ryan, anticipating his response.
Ryan, prepared for the question, replied, "We did leave together, but not for a hunt. We visited his friend, and I've been sent back to bring his Luna with me." He attempted to leave but was halted by the leader's persistent gaze.
"You're taking Elena with you? She's the reason we protect this place. I doubt he would request her to leave, as this is her safest refuge," the leader remarked. Ryan's expression darkened as he took a deep breath, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Aware that he was on the brink of discovery, Ryan understood that any suspicion from these formidable wolves could endanger his life.
So, he looked up boldly once more. "It's about her health. As you saw, we were heading straight to the Alpha physician's territory. Elena has been sick for a long time now and she needs to be cured. If you don't want me to take her, I will just go and inform the Alpha that you allowed his Luna to die because you're unsure whether he requested her to be taken to the physician!" Ryan exclaimed.
Without hesitation, the captain stepped back, allowing him to proceed. "I'm sorry, Beta, but I was just doing my job. You know this is the only reason we are here," he said. Ryan smiled at him, nodding in understanding.
"You have nothing to apologize for. You were only doing your job, and I appreciate that. Well done!" Ryan said, patting him on the shoulder before heading inside.
As he entered, he thought he had made some progress, only to realize the captain wolf was still following him.
"What's the matter, Captain?" Ryan asked, surprised, as he did not expect the captain to tail him.
"I'm sorry, but I have to follow you to ensure everything you told me is true before I can allow you to take her away," the captain replied, causing Ryan to yell at him in frustration.
"You're overstepping, Captain! Your duty is to protect the territory from intruders! I'm the Beta of this pack, and you must obey my commands!" Ryan shouted, while the captain silently observed him.
Choosing not to engage in a lengthy debate, the captain opted to let Ryan finish speaking, showing respect for his position as the Beta wolf.
"I simply conveyed the Alpha's message that his Luna is unwell and needs to be cured. That's all the information I have for you," Ryan stated, his gaze fixed on the captain with frustration evident in his expression.
Observing Ryan's obvious anger, the captain refrained from raising his voice in response, a gesture of respect towards the beta.
"I apologize, Beta Ryan, if I upset you. However, the Alpha informed me that only he can decide whether Elena should leave the pack's territory or not. Without his explicit approval, such a move should not proceed," the captain explained, keeping his hands clasped behind his back as he maintained eye contact with Ryan, who appeared perplexed.
"I wasn't authorized to allow her departure with you in the absence of the Alpha. But given the health concerns you mentioned, I am willing to permit her to accompany you, provided you confirm the veracity of your statements," he continued, prompting Ryan to take a deep breath.
Realizing that he had no choice but to comply, Ryan subtly signaled to the captain, hinting at a covert plan that could potentially earn them both rewards from Dean.
"Very well, as you insist," Ryan replied, stepping closer to the captain. However, before they could proceed further, Melissa burst into the room, interrupting their conversation.
"Thank goodness you're here, Beta Ryan!" Melissa exclaimed, her smile belying the evident worry in her eyes.
"What's the matter?" Ryan inquired, exchanging a glance with the captain before focusing their attention on Melissa.
"It's Luna; she has given birth and needs urgent medical attention. She's bleeding continuously," Melissa announced. Ryan glanced at the captain.
"You see! she needs medical attention!!" He yelled before swiftly heading to Elena's room.
Upon entering the room, he pushed the door open to find Elena holding a newborn baby, sitting in a pool of her own blood, the bed drenched and stained.
Ryan was shocked at the sight. He knew Elena was pregnant, but it wasn't time for her to deliver, and her pregnancy was still less than a month along. How could she have given birth so soon?
"Where is Mula, Ryan?" Elena asked urgently, while Ryan, still in disbelief, helped her onto the bed.
"I've come to take you to him, but what happened? How did this happen?" Ryan inquired, gently examining the baby, who still needed to be cleaned.
"I took the potion to end the pregnancy, only to feel something growing inside me instead," Elena explained, looking at the two portions of medicine on the floor. Ryan noticed the untouched green portion and the empty blue one.
He looked at Elena, took a deep breath, and said, "It's a miracle. Let's go see Mula." Ryan softly caressed the baby's head as they prepared to leave.