After helping the Alpha of Black Moon Pack, I waited until I got news about Victoria before rejoining Zack. She was broken up pretty badly but at least she was alive. I felt a bit out of place, so I waited to help get my aunt settled before leaving with George back to Zack’s place.
It was strange seeing Alaia again after so long. I didn’t get to see much of her which was good for me but what I did see will forever be plastered in my mind. The black veins sprouting over her face tells me whatever happened in that forest wasn’t good. I knew I didn’t want to be around that when she woke up.
I didn’t want to think about it so I busied myself with Zack and helped him get his pack under control. It took hours to finally get control of the pack members, assess all the damage, tame the fires, and get rid of the rogues' bodies.
I took a break to make sure my mom was okay and luckily her house was untouched. She and other pack members helped relocate the ones who were homeless now. While Zack was away with George and Harry to help with Mirja, I decided to get some rest. That's when it came to me. Another dream.
I was roaming in the forest when I caught her scent. It smells of juniper berries and fir trees. I could feel my heart accelerate with each breath I took. It’s been a while since I saw her. Could it really be my Maria?
I moved in the direction it was coming from. I started with a light walk turning into a jog, a jog to a full-on sprint. I cut through the trees and brushes, as her scent pulled me like a string. After reaching the creek, I looked around for her, but couldn’t find her.
“Maria! Maria!” I frantically looked for her. Her scent was so strong. It followed it further down the creek. I was slowly losing hope I would actually see her when a light appeared out of nowhere. It was blinding.
“James.” I heard a voice. It was soft and sweet. I couldn't tell if it was Maria but there was a feminine outline in the light. It had to be Maria. Or at least I thought it was her. I tried to get closer to be sure but the wind started to pick up, pushing me away.
The figure reached out a hand and without hesitation I grabbed it. It suddenly pulled me into the creek. Everything around me changed. The light was gone with darkness in its place, the winds felt like little hurricanes and the hand was pulling me further into the water.
I stood my ground, not letting go. I fought the winds and the water, and pulled with all my might. I was afraid if I pulled any harder I was going to break her arm. Finally with one last pull I was able to get her out of the water and into my arms. I laid back with my eyes closed and tried to catch my breath. When I opened them, she was looking back at me. My Maira.
She was perfect. Her bright blue eyes that I used to stare into when we woke up together, her curly red hair I used to run my hands through, creamy white skin that complimented mine so well, and her pink plush lips I used to kiss all day. I don’t know how long we laid there holding each other but I knew I didn't want to let go.
Her breathing started to quicken. “Maria, Maria, what’s wrong?”
She looked back up at me and she was different. Her eyes were yellow, her skin darken, and her hair was dark and kinky. Something was wrong and I couldn't figure out what. She opened her mouth and water came out like an overflowing faucet. The force of it was enough to make me move away. Now she was surrounded by a pool of water. She looked up and with tears in her eyes.
“Help us,” she said as I reached for her and everything disappeared.
I sat up, trying to control my breath. Who was she? Why did she smell like Maria? I got up and went outside. I needed to go for a run. I was still wired from last night. I went to the woods and took some deep breaths. I love the cold air. It was refreshing.
Suddenly a gust of wind blew my way. It danced across the snow covered ground, creating little snowy whirlwinds passing around the trees. I watched as it swirled towards the certain direction.
Did it want me to follow? I wondered as I stood still contemplating.
I decided against it and turned to go back to the pack when another gust of wind pushed me the other way. I watched as another round of whirlwinds directed me in the same direction as before. I felt like something was pulling me in that direction.
I didn’t move until a stronger gust of wind slowly moved me in the direction again. I’m guessing I should go that way. I started walking in the direction of the dancing snow. About a mile or two in, I caught the lightest scent of juniper berries and fir. No, it couldn’t be I thought as I started moving faster towards the scent.
A fast walk turned into a jog then a sprint as the scent started to get stronger. I moved through the trees with Deacon begging to come out to get us there faster. I quickly took off my clothes and shifted. Deacon wasted no time to get us there. He slowed down to a trot sniffing out the area. We had to be miles away from Zack’s Pack. Deacon sniffed around and started running again. The sound of water caught my attention and I told Deacon to go towards the water.
We made it to the creek as the feeling of deja vu ran over me. The dream was still lingering in my mind as I looked around the creek for her. I tried to remember how she looked as Deacon ran up and down the riverbed. Then we spotted her struggling near the shallow part of the river some distance away.
Deacon!
On it, he said dashing to her location.
I shifted back so as not to alarm her. Deacon can be a sight to see with his blue fur.
Says the fully naked man he scoffed.
I reached out and grabbed her arm just as she let go, and pulled her out of the water. Her eyes were closed, her breathing was erratic and she automatically wrapped her hands around her swollen belly. S.HIT! Her entire body was cold so I wrapped my arms around her to share some heat. Werewolves are naturally warm so the fact that her skin was this cold was bad.
She was shaking terribly and whispering something I couldn’t quite catch. I pulled back to look over her body for any injuries. There were cuts and bruises all over, and a faint smell of blood.
“Please.” I heard her say.
Her eyes were open this time and staring at me. They were a nice golden yellow. Must be her wolf. “Please, help us. He can’t-”
She closed her eyes again and I didn’t hesitate. I was sure she was talking about her baby. I picked up and raced through the forest. I was far from Zack’s Pack but I only needed to get close enough to link George. Every few miles I kept trying him until he finally reached out.
James, I’m here. What’s wrong, George asked.
I told him where I was and within a few seconds he materialized in front of me. He quickly noticed the situation and grabbed onto both of us. One second we were in the forest, the next we were back at Ancient Walkers Pack.
“You brought us home,” I questioned him.
“Yeah, we have better facilities here and she looks like she needs it badly.”
I looked down at the she-wolf, who did look a bit paler than before and her breathing was shallow. George left and went back to Zack’s while I made a beeline for our infirmary. Our pack had creatures from all over, so our healers were the best. At least that was what I was hoping for.
I burst through the doors and everyone just stared at me for a second. Then they all jumped into action. Two nurses ushered me into a room to lay the she-wolf down and they began to work. One of them ushered me out of the room which I didn't mind. My wolf, Alexi, wanted to be close to her-i wanted to be close to her but I sat that feeling aside for now. I knew when nurses needed room to work, especially if they were going to save my
second-chance mate.