Chapter 18

"When we return and complete our quest, we may talk about it in more detail. I want you to visit my pack so you can have a feel for it before you decide to move permanently and I mark you. I'm not sure how long my wolf will let you go without being marked. He doesn't possess the same level of control as I have.

"Do your wolves reflect your different selves? They represent everything you are not.

"In a way, it's like that. Their characteristics are intended to counterbalance our own. Your wolf is intended to be more serious if you're a more jovial human. In order for there to be a perfect relationship and collaboration between man and wolf, the Moon Goddess created us.

That explains why your wolf seems a much friendlier. "Who is it that says I'm not approachable?" Alrik questioned, but

He was well aware of the response.

"You stare at people like they're the dirt beneath your shoes," I said with a sardonic expression to Alrik. You terrify them beyond belief.

That would account for the bird destroying my shirt, he thought.

Come on, let's get moving before the other birds decide to show you how shitless they are too, I grinned and quickened my speed.

We were unable to reach what we believed to be our destination for at least two hours.

"So, this is it?" We both regarded the cosy little cottage in front of us as Alrik questioned.

  Let's hope there aren't any more houses on this island, I thought as I slowly made my way down the narrow gravel path to the door.

I raised my hand to knock, when the door suddenly swung open.

And there I was, face to face with a gun barrel.

I didn't anticipate things to turn out like this.

A tall woman in her sixties who was hiding behind the rifle was throwing me a furious look. I immediately recognised her as Uncle Amos' mother because they had similar facial features. She resembled him almost exactly as an older woman.

The question "Who are you?" She yelled as she pressed the gun into my skin.

She, however, didn't sound as pleasant as he did.

The gun was taken out of her hands by Alrik, who then threw it aside like it was a stick. When she realised she was helpless, her threatening gaze faded.

The question "Who are you?" Much more calmly, she questioned.

I was able to give her a modest but competent smile as I said, "Your son Amos was my mentor. When it came time to destroying the Book of Demonic Magic, he instructed me to locate you.

You're the Beaumont girl, she said after raising her eyebrows just a little bit. In his letters, Amos made frequent mentions of you.

The question "He wrote to you?" I questioned, perplexed that Uncle Amos had actually spoken to his mother.

Not frequently, she replied, shaking her head. He stopped writing letters once he realised I wouldn't reply.

Oh, my name is Jaslynn and this is Alpha Alrik, and we have a few questions about the location of the book, if you don't mind," I stumbled through a hesitant "oh," clearing my throat. It's for everyone's safety worldwide.

Then, do come in. Her eyes flitted back and forth between Alrik and I before her face broke into a kind, innocent smile. I'll do all in my power to assist you. Likewise, address me as Grandma Ester.

Grandma?

I glanced briefly at Alrik, who did not appear at all at ease, as she moved aside to allow us into her cottage.

ALRIK

I felt uneasy about this woman.

She appeared to be innocent and unthreatening, but I had often seen my opponents' eyes have a similar sinister glimmer.

Grandma Ester may cause us grief and even harm if we weren't vigilant.

As we followed Ester to the tiny living area at the back of the cabin, Jaslynn stayed by my side. I was reminded of my own grandmother's home by the furnishings and décor, but that association didn't make me feel better.

It was beginning to seem more and more like some sort of trap.

Even though we had no motive to attack the woman, my wolf was eager to charge out and begin fighting her. His impulses were to murder, flee, and not look back, which was a plan I normally would have followed but was unable to do in this situation.

Maybe she would turn out to be a regular, spooky old lady who kids saw in parks and would tell us everything we needed to know without saying a word.

She chirped, indicating the couch, "Have a seat. I'll be right back with some tea and snacks."

When she disappeared from view, Jaslynn leant closer to me and asked, "Don't you think it's strange that she didn't even want proof that Uncle Amos knew me? You could anticipate that she would be less open to us given the information she has.

It is strange, I said as I nodded. Keep an eye out for anything fishy in her every move. Who knows what she has in mind in reality?

  A tray of tea and cookies was brought back by the woman. She laid the tray on the coffee table unevenly, which led to one of the cups wobbling and spilling some of the hot liquid on Jaslynn's jeans. I narrowed my eyes as she did so.

As soon as Jaslynn stood up, Ester dramatically exclaimed, "Oh dear, let me take you to the bathroom."

"No, it's okay. Where is it, Jaslynn asked quietly, "I can find it myself."

the third door from the entrance.

Before vanishing down the shadowy hallway, Jaslynn nodded and cast me a thoughtful glance that warned me to exercise caution.

Ester said, "Well Alpha Alrik, would you like some tea or cookies?"

My head shook, "No."

Most likely, she poisoned them both.

"I steadfast. She handed me a teacup after gently taking it up with two hands and remarking that I must not have had any home-cooked food in some time.

"No-"

I could tell she was at her breaking point because her expression become stern. She threw the teacup on the white carpet, where the broken bits of fine china left a noticeable dark stain, and pulled her wand from her pocket.