6 Chapter 5

Chapter 5

'What was that?'

Did that wimpy girl just glare at him?

Lukas felt it deep in his bones—the look in her eyes that came across as somewhat threatening.

Is she planning to tell on him?

Is that what it is?

Amber probably resents him for leaving her to herself in that pitfall.

Lukas peeked at his father from beneath his lashes, and he couldn't help the goosebumps that pricked up all over his skin. The boy had to look away in unease.

He knew, at the back of his mind, that his Dad would be distraught once they found out 'that' kid had gone missing.

But…

Alpha Severus looked not just simply 'distraught', it appeared as if he'd snap any moment from now.

And if looks could kill, Lukas doubted he'd survive it.

His arms and legs remained frozen, the meat on his plate untouched. If he were to admit his wrongdoing right now, he was scared that even if he was his Dad's son—it wouldn't be of much help to the mess that he created.

For some reason, Lukas is positive that his father won't let this slide.

The Alpha might even make an example out of him.

Lukas felt dreadful over the fact that his Dad would punish him severely.

After all, that seems possible, considering the fondness he feels for that little girl.

"Finish your dinner, and go to your room."

Lukas jumped in surprise as he failed to notice his Dad approaching, and suddenly talking to him. He knocked over a glass of water, but thankfully—Alpha Severus was quick, and able to catch it with one hand.

The boy felt like melting under his father's scrutinizing gaze.

The fact that he was guilty of something wasn't helping either.

Lukas lowered his head, feeling nauseous all of a sudden.

It was strange.

He didn't even eat much, yet his stomach kept churning.

Moreover, the tingling sensation in his hands and feet were becoming more and more persistent—he was starting to feel like he had no control over his own body?

'What's this feeling?'

"Lukas?" a stern, guttural voice reverberated with weight over the dining room.

His Dad's voice was no longer the same.

Just now, the graveness in his voice was something he wasn't familiar with.

His father feels like a different man.

"Y-yes?" he managed to squeak out.

What kind of expression is his father wearing right now?

Did he already figure out that he was somehow involved with Amber's situation?

'Is my reaction too obvious for anyone to look at?'

Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat, and bracing himself mentally, Lukas slowly made himself look up to see his Dad's face.

And the Alpha doesn't look angry.

Rather, he's smiling down at him—as if he's trying to comfort him.

For what?

"Have you lost your appetite? I guess that wasn't very pleasant to witness even for my son, huh?"

Wait…

Did his Dad think he was aghast at the scene?

"Eat up, and you take a rest early tonight. We'll keep your food in the fridge. You can come down later once you've regained your appetite."

"O-okay."

"Were you scared? You look pale," Alpha Severus observed his features closely. "Don't worry, son. Next time, I'll be sure to train you to stomach that kind of sight, so you'll no longer go into shock." After that, he ordered his men to head first to his study, and that they would have a meeting there to address these events.

Still in a state of stupefaction, Lukas suddenly blurted out his greatest concern. "A-are you going to punish someone?"

Alpha Severus creased his brows after hearing his son's ambiguous question. "Punish someone? Why would I, and who's this person you're pertaining to, Lukas?"

"Amber got… hurt, right? Surely, you'd punish the person…?" The eight-year-old boy was having trouble expressing himself. He was so agitated that he might slip up, that's why he couldn't construct his sentence properly.

On other occasions, Lukas would feel embarrassed if he blabbered in the same way as today.

But that unnecessary worry is the least important right now.

What he wants to hear is for his Dad to confirm that he isn't going to be so harsh to the person who's left Amber, all alone, to fend for herself—which in this case, is him.

For the first time in eight years, he doesn't feel confident in being the Alpha's son; that his current standing won't be able to save him from anything now.

Alpha Severus ruffled his hair gently. "That's unnecessary. You don't need to concern yourself with such things. You're too young to be thinking about that. Go upstairs, and relax your mind. Alright?" However, deep within his lenient gaze, his darkened orbs remained cold and unforgiving.

What's the point of taking Amber Santiago in if she'll get hurt in his pack anyway?

"I-I believe in you, Dad."

'I believe that you'll make wise judgments…'

'And I'll keep believing that you won't lay a hand on your own son…'

'That you won't hurt me.'

The Alpha's expression softened at the pup's sudden confession. As a father, of course, he wishes nothing, but the best for his son. Lukas had never been this expressive, so Severus was kind of happy that he was starting to eradicate that tough exterior he was trying to surround himself with.

Severus was also aware of the image his son was trying to portray, and that, having an Alpha for a father had something to do with it.

Strangely, the Lukas he was seeing right now looked anxious—to be specific, he was acting like he was the one who fell into the pitfall, and got hurt.

If Severus was being honest, it was actually such a relief that his son was showing this vulnerable side of him. Most often than not, the pup wouldn't allow anyone to think he had a weak side, too. The boy always made sure to live up to the expectations of other people, being the Alpha's son.

Severus doesn't recall being strict, and an overbeating father toward him.

So, he's a bit puzzled where this superiority complex all coming from.

Xyla, his mate, spoils their child rotten, too.

As a parent, he can't remember giving their child the impression that he needs to be the best in everything to always stand above all. Setting an expectation that high is too much of a hurdle to overcome, and Severus isn't that ruthless.

Maintaining the good reputation of River Severn Pack may be important, but certainly not at the expense of his family's happiness.

"Would you prefer sharing your bed with your Mom tonight?"

Lukas shook his head furiously. "I can fall asleep just fine, Dad." Besides, he doesn't think he can look his mother in the eye without breaking down.

Worst-case scenario, he'll babble everything to her, then his Dad will find out.

He can't have that, especially when he's trying so hard to stop his father from looking Amber's way.

She's a contender for the Alpha's attention, and it irks Lukas that the girl's so clueless about it.

Why does he have to fight for his father's attention?

Amber had just gotten here recently, and his Dad did nothing, but acknowledge everything about her—down to her roots. She's getting all the attention that's supposed to be his, and the same thing is about to happen tonight.

Had he known his Dad would be this frantic over some… minor wounds, he would've encouraged his friends to help her up back there. It's kind of upsetting to imagine the discussion that will take place in the Alpha's study, knowing that the Beta, Gamma, and Delta are going to be there as well.

Are Amber's wounds that worthy of the concern of all those mighty werewolves?

"Without nightmares?" Alpha Severus raised a brow, a faint hint of tease in his tone.

Lukas kept his lips in a puckered frown. "Without nightmares," he replied seriously.

A nightmare… just for all of this?

Oh, please.

That small girl can't possibly hold that much power over him.

She's small, clueless, and… a pain.

And just like what his Dad said, he shouldn't concern himself with such inconvenience.

Lukas kept telling himself that like a mantra.

But…

How come he just keeps rolling over the bed, and is unable to sleep?

It's been almost two hours now, and still, there's no progress.

Lukas stared up at the ceiling, slightly irritated. Every time he closed his eyes, those silver eyes kept haunting him relentlessly.

Also, he normally turns off the lamp before going to bed, but the two lamps from his both sides—he can't bring himself to turn them off tonight.

That gaze of hers from earlier… it was disturbing.

Was that a threat…?

Intimidation?

Warning?

Or was it all just his imagination?

How is it possible for a werewolf to change his iris color when they aren't of an Alpha lineage…?

"She's trying to scare me," Lukas mumbled to himself before throwing a huge pillow over his face. "I'm not scared. My eyes can change colors, too. I'll grow up soon, and become the Alpha."

She's not the only person who has that kind of ability.

There's nothing to be scared of.

The pack house was unusually quiet. His stomach was grumbling now, but he was too afraid to step out of his room for he had no idea what might happen next.

Lukas wondered if the meeting went well.

Actually, he doesn't care about the specific details as their discussion probably isn't something he'll be able to comprehend at any rate. Those people are usually using terms he isn't familiar with, and oftentimes, they communicate through their gazes which is too complex for Lukas' young mind.

Right now, the only thing he's interested in, is his Dad's reaction.

He wants to know how he feels about this.

Or has he learned the truth already?

Lukas is itching to see… Amber.

He saw how his Mom held that girl's arm earlier. She was so gentle as if Amber would break just from being touched. Her Mom treated her like a fragile porcelain, and it hurt his eyes.

Lukas placed a hand over his left chest to feel his heartbeat.

And just like that, today's event made him realize something.

That… no.

He doesn't feel any remorse.

He really thought that Amber deserved what she got.

Perhaps, preparing his own speech was a good idea.

In the case that Amber began pointing fingers, and dragged his name into trouble—at least, he'd be able to offer an explanation without panicking. In the first place, it wasn't his fault that she fell into that trap.

It was her fault for being clumsy and unguarded.

Second, he wasn't the one who dug such a hole into the ground. For that matter, it was only right that the pack warriors who did that should accept the blame.

His only wrong here was that—he told his playmates that he caught Amber during the game, and made up some stuff. He shouldn't have done that. Because of that, he wouldn't be able to lie to his Dad now, claiming that he didn't see her at all.

If that wimpy kid decides to pin the blame on him, it's over.

Everything is so… complicated.

It's almost dizzying.

Not to mention, she's friends with Salt and Pepper, too.

Did the twins say anything to the Gamma?

All of a sudden, Lukas kicked the bolster hotdog off his bed. He was so frustrated that he felt like crying. His parents weren't here to support his side. His Mom was supposed to visit him in his room to give him a goodnight kiss, but she hadn't appeared until now.

Is she still taking care of that girl?

"I really hate her…" he whined into his pillow.

Lukas couldn't fall asleep due to several reasons.

And the main reason being… the menace in Amber's silver eyes.

Do silver eyes even exist in their world?

Alphas have red eyes as a proof that they're Alphas.

But… silver?

Isn't that supposed to be a werewolf's weakness?

Brandon is the Gamma Chief of the River Severn Pack. He's the same age as the Alpha, and one of the strongest werewolves in their pack. He used to be very strict and merciless to his warriors, but ever since the moon goddess had gifted him a little bundle of joy—his overall attitude mellowed over time.

As a pack warrior, he knew very well the dangers of being powerless in the face of adversity, so he saw to it that his pups were able to defend themselves in difficult situations, especially if he wasn't there to protect them.

The Gamma is also firm about the concept of keeping pack duties and personal lives separate.

If there's one thing that he doesn't want his kids to be involved with, it's werewolf politics.

He's yet to meet Cain Santiago's daughter, so his opinion of her is extremely limited.

After hearing the way his daughter, Pepper, spoke of the child's name, he realized right away what he needed to do next. Brandon had seen Alpha Severus' expression back in the dining room earlier, and he couldn't possibly be mistaken.

The Alpha was enraged to the point of nearly losing his patience in front of his mate and son.

As much as possible, their Alpha tries to avoid showing his family that vicious side of his for the very reason that he values their impression of him to heart. He doesn't want them to fear him because that will agitate him and his wolf to no end.

Before Alpha Severus got a mate, he wasn't that thoughtful.

He was a crude wolf who prized strength more than anything else.

So, his transition from being a cold-blooded person into a doting father and husband had always been entertaining to look at.

It's true that having a family can change a lot of things.

However, Brandon couldn't almost recognize 'that' man after seeing his angered expression. Brandon heard the story between him and the Santiagos, but the Alpha's feral reaction was something that was totally unexpected—even for him, the Gamma.

Alphas are known to be volatile and unpredictable, and there are many factors that can trigger that terrifying nature of them.

So, when Brandon saw the telltales, something snapped in his system automatically.

He needs to take his children away as they're too young to be witnessing how violent an Alpha can get.

"So, you're saying that you played hide-and-seek with her?"

Amber Santiago.

That's the name of Cain's child.

And Cain Santiago, the Gamma Chief of the West Crescent Pack.

Small world, right?

Pepper nodded, pouting a little. "She's my classmate at Woodridge, too. She's kind, and smells nice."

Salt chortled at his sister's absurdity. "Ew."

"It's true," she insisted with a small frown on her face. "You should try catching a whiff of her scent, too."

"Not interested."

Brandon couldn't help but watch the twins fondly. He's thankful that they don't seem to know the gravity of the situation, and he's not planning to steal their childhood by giving them a background of the issue.

Still, they were getting distracted by themselves again; hence, he couldn't get the answers to some of his questions. He needs to wrap this up as soon as possible as he's positive that the Alpha has been waiting inside.

To stop Salt and Papper from running amok around, Brandon grabbed them by the back of their collar.

"Behave."

"Dad…" whined Pepper.

Salt, on the other hand, stayed put.

"Amber is a good friend, correct?"

"Are you a broken record, Daddy?"

"Huh?"

"It's because you keep asking the same questions…"

Brandon was unable to refute that.

It was true that he kept asking the same questions, but that was only because it was the only way to get his kids' attention, especially Pepper's.

His daughter is active, gets easily distracted, and always has a lot of comments to say.

Besides, he already knows Salt isn't very sociable, so his priority to question is Pepper.

Perhaps, he can ask his son for additional input later once he's done with his little girl.

The Gamma picked up his daughter, and sat down on a slat back chair, placing her upon his lap firmly.

He, then, studied her features carefully.

His pup was innocent. He knew that right from the very start.

Still, that doesn't mean he won't create any unintentional bias here.

"And you met Amber where today?"

"Near the playground? She was eyeing Pauline's rowan plants."

"Was she by herself?"

Pepper hummed softly. "At first…"

The Gamma froze after hearing that, confused. "What about her friends?"

Brandon didn't expect that it was Salt who was going to answer.

"She's relatively new here. She can't have that many friends already, Dad."

"Oh…" he said while looking at his son curiously. "That makes sense."

"Yep, so when I saw her, I quickly invited her into joining us," Pepper stated proudly.

The Gamma Chief pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "You make me proud."

"And Salt, too? We're twins after all."

Brandon let out an amused chuckle. "Of course." He turned to see his son's reaction, but—he got none. Salt was only paying him half of his attention as his son was rather busy admiring their surroundings.

Brandon couldn't help but shake his head.

At least, he was lucky enough to get a reply from his son earlier without being asked.

That's more than enough for him.

"I heard that you played with your other friends, too. Did they get along well with Amber?"

"Yup, they like her as much as I do."

His lifted a brow in amazement. "Really?"

"Alright…" he trailed off, his gaze becoming calculative. "So, what happened after that?"

Pepper pulled his cheek, giggling. "We went home right away after having finished the game, Dad. That's your rule."

"I know." That statement made him feel warmth deep into his heart. "Did Amber go home after that, too?"

His daughter scrunched her nose at his question. "No…" she muttered in an almost whiny voice. "Amber went home early."

The small smile on Brandon's lips slowly faded.

What…?

"Alone?"

"Yes, Dad. I was really sad that we couldn't walk together with her."

"Did she, by any chance, mention any reason why she suddenly wanted to go home?"

A sudden look of gloom washed over her face. "She said it was getting boring."

Brandon was taken aback. "She said that?"

"No, Lukas did," a voice from the background suddenly spoke.

Once again, that was from Salt.

Pepper turned to her brother upon getting corrected, then looked back at him, nodding in agreement. "Lukas claimed it was what Amber said…"

Dang.

'I feel like this conversation is heading to somewhere… not so great.'

"Why didn't she tell you that instead?" It was strange. Pepper wouldn't lie about being friends with someone. So, if Amber happened to feel the same way—it would make more sense to personally tell Pepper she wished to go home, than to have Lukas passing the message along to the whole group.

Unfortunately, his daughter looks like she doesn't have the slightest idea of Amber's reasons either.

Pepper shrugged her shoulders. "Lukas was the 'it' in the last round. He found us all. Right, Salt?"

Salt didn't look thrilled hearing his name being called out. Nevertheless, the stubborn boy still cooperated. "Lukas plays that game well. He did track all of us down, but… I don't know, Dad." He continued pulling some grass. "He didn't bring her back with him, so I'm guessing she didn't want to bother saying goodbye to us."

"Hey," his sister protested. "You're making Amber look bad…"

"Huh? I don't care about your friends. Why would I bother to do that?" Salt rolled his eyes. "You can't accept my observation? Don't call for my name then."

Pepper's lips quivered as she looked up at their father tearfully. "Please make Salt kneel on rice grains, Dad…"

"Dream on. Dad won't make me do such a thing."

"He's talking back, Dad…"

"Dad won't take your side either."

Pepper looked like she really was about to cry now. "Salt is a bully…"

The Gamma Chief let out a huge sigh.

His kids are back at it again.

"That's enough." His strict voice boomed stringently. "So, Lukas was the last person Amber had seen before she went home."

"Yes, Dad…" the twins answered in unison.

Brandon stood up from his seat, and marched over toward Salt. He put Pepper down beside him before giving them a head pat. "Go find your mother. Your reward is with her."

His daughter squealed, jumping up and down while holding hands with her brother. "Pudding!? It must be pudding!"

He smiled, and motioned them to the door. "Go back inside now."

"I thought you'd ask for my input," Salt said all of a sudden.

Brandon tapped his shoulder lightly. "You've helped enough, son."

"Really? Okay."

His gaze followed their retreating backs until his kids disappeared from his sight completely.

Ha.

That took longer than expected.

'You done?' The Beta mindlinked him. 'Heard your pups entering the pack house.'

Brandon sighed warily. 'How's the situation up there? You're all at the study, yes?'

He heard the Beta laugh. 'Severus is like a ticking bomb. He's silent the whole time, it's scary. I hope what you're bringing to us isn't bad news. Otherwise, you'll become the trigger.'

Damn it.

The situation sounds… dire.

'The Alpha hasn't cooled his head, yet?'

'It's better to come, and see for yourself,' the Beta remarked smartly. 'You're hesitating. Why?'

'I'm thinking that the lad might've been… involved.'

'Lad?' the Beta asked, the teasing gone. 'Which lad are we talking about here?'

'Lukas.'

'Fuck…'

Brandon was considering not telling Severus everything. After all, the aftermath didn't look promising. The way the Alpha talked about her, he could already tell that Amber had grown on him—effortlessly.

Brandon was sure that Severus wouldn't resort to things that would make his own son resent him, but… he knew the Alpha wasn't the kind who would sit still either.

Lukas would get disciplined one way or another, and it was up to the Alpha on how he was planning to do that.

Still…

It could get avoided if he'd keep his mouth shut.

'Upstairs,' a deep, commanding voice snapped suddenly, 'now.'

That was Alpha Severus.

Brandon clicked his tongue.

So much for keeping his mindlink open…

'I'll be there in two, Alpha.'

'Make it one,' the voice gritted out.

Ha.

Even if Brandon wanted to do that, he wasn't some creature that was capable of teleportation.

He's just a plain werewolf.

Before going back into the pack house, Brandon gave the area a quick inspection first. He noticed a little bloodstain left in the grass from where the two pack warriors had trailed. From there, the smell of blood was a little too strong for something that was no longer fresh.

Brandon would never forget how limp her fingers looked when he surveyed her condition with a quick glance.

There was no way that wasn't painful at all.

The physical attributes of werewolves can't become fully mature until their first shift.

That child…

Amber ripped her claws off, and she wasn't even bawling her eyes out after coming back.

That, alone, was a feat right there.

Brandon didn't know what he'd do if the same thing were to happen to his pups. He might not allow them to leave the house anymore—not until, of course, they were completely healed.

As werewolves, they sure can regenerate health at a staggering rate.

But that doesn't mean they aren't susceptible to pain.

If anything, their kind is very familiar with the feeling—from the moment they turn into their beast form.

The Gamma Chief can't bring himself to imagine the kind of painful experience Amber has to go through.

No…

More like, he refuses to think about it.

He couldn't help but wonder how Cain actually trained his daughter?

Didn't he cease… his cruel ways?

For Selene's sake, Amber was his own flesh and blood.

He could've gone easy on her, seeing how small and precious she was.

Brandon was originally from the West Crescent, and he moved to River Severn after meeting his mate.

He doesn't share the Santiago blood, that's why the West Crescent honored his decision to leave the pack to be with his mate.

And he used to train under Cain's supervision… even if he was literally years older than the man.

Little Amber did her best to behave in the presence of the Luna of the River Severn Pack. The Luna was the first female adult here who didn't give her the stinky eye.

She also liked the she-wolf's calming aura.

That's why, when the Luna grabbed her dainty arm to take her to the bathroom, her system showed no resistance. Besides, her attention was also divided. Her fingers had already lost its sensation, and it was distressing her.

As long as she doesn't flail her arms recklessly, the stinging pain won't intensify.

Therefore, Little Amber was unconsciously straining both of her arms to stop any kinds of movements.

It may be the reason why her muscles in the forearms feel sore.

The Luna helped her bathe, and scrub away the muddy odor, deep seated in her skin. Her cheeks felt hot the entire time. Nobody had ever joined her in the bath before, except for her Mama.

A familiar feeling has awakened inside her, and it's making her feel embarrassed.

When the Luna began to wash her hands as well, Little Amber couldn't help the loud scream that escaped her throat. "No water. It hurts," she pleaded softly to the Luna. The female looked sincere and apologetic, yet still, her desperate pleas were ignored until the end.

"Just bear with the pain for the time being, okay?" The Luna cooed, her expression gentle and almost reassuring. "It will be over soon."

Little Amber shook her head furiously, tears streaming down her face. "No… no… please no more." She kept struggling to be freed from the Luna's grasp, but resisting was futile—no matter how hard she tried.

The Luna wouldn't let go of her.

"Shh, please don't cry."

"It hurts… stop it," she begged, her voice hoarse this time from all the screaming and crying. "I won't wander off anymore… Please, Luna…" Little Amber thought she would no longer feel the same pain as earlier since she told herself that abusing her claws in such a way shouldn't happen anymore in the future.

After crawling her way up to leave that hole, it still took minutes for the agonizing pain to register—she thought she wouldn't be able to use her hands again.

It was the kind of hurt that wouldn't let her scream nor cry.

And it made her thirsty enough to want to rehydrate herself from the nearby riverbank.

"We'll use this soap for its disinfectant properties, okay? Our pack warriors use it frequently, too…"

"Luna…" she croaked out, hot tears brimming in her eyes once more. "It stings," she whined softly.

"We haven't massage your hands with it yet, Amber…" the Luna replied calmly. "We'll make it quick, okay?"

"Please don't… Amber is in pain…" she whimpered before bursting into tears, and sobbing uncontrollably. "W-we've washed it enough, Luna…"

Xyla was going through a roller coaster ride of emotions as she continuously watched the small girl thrash and wail in vain. Using her wolf's strength on a pup was against her will, but she just comforted her conscience with the fact that she was doing it for the child's sake.

Of course, she was torn and confused, too.

However, she must not let her indecision to get in the way since letting Amber soak in the water could be bad for her health and current condition as well.

Her attempt to help the child obviously involved hurting her in the process, that's why Xyla was just as sorry.

Amber's body was covered with minor abrasions and purple bruises.

It was probably due to the impact of the fall, and scratches from the sharp materials her body collided with.

Xyla can't believe she's holding the daughter of the man who has once saved her life… yet, she's hurting her.

So, just like her promise, Xyla made it quick because the child looked stressed out and feeble. The small girl trusted her enough to go with her earlier, and now, the child looked as if the Luna betrayed her trust.

After a quick rinse, Xyla helped her throw in a pair of jammies, and brought her to the clinic.

The pack doctor was already there, waiting for their arrival.

The Luna explained the situation to the physician, and then, they made her lie down on the bed for physical examination. The imaging was unremarkable, but Amber was diagnosed with soft tissue injuries.

"Since this child is without a wolf yet, recovery can take up to a month, Luna."

Xyla bit her lower lip in dread. "How about… her claws?"

The pack doctor adjusted his glasses, and cleared his throat. "As werewolves, our bodies can heal wounds very quickly, but… I'm really sorry to say this—we don't grow back body parts that we've lost, Luna."

"So, you're saying…?"

"Those broken claws can regrow, but we have to do a consistent monitoring for possible abnormalities that can occur. I'm glad to say that she hasn't completely declawed herself with what she did, but please bear in mind that the pup's nail beds are a little too sensitive during this time. So, no more outdoor games and rigorous activities for now please."

Xyla nodded her head gravely. "I'll be sure to remember that. Thank you."

"You're most welcome, Luna. Kindly wait while I draw a written prescription for her."

"Sure," she muttered, pursing her lips.

Even if the circumstances are leaning more toward sounding like a good news, she doubts her husband will be relieved.

Xyla had only seen the child cry twice—and that was on her mother's death, and when she didn't listen to her appeals in the bath.

Even the border patrols said that Amber wasn't crying when they found her in a pitiful state.

And she knew that what they said held an ounce of truth in it since the girl's eyes weren't red and puffy when they brought her home.

Cain's daughter just looked exhausted and famished. She never even complained about her injuries.

'I think I remember her saying something about hide-and-seek though…'

Once the consultation had ended, Xyla helped her eat dinner, and tucked her to bed after a short rest.

Little Amber was silent the whole time, but she still hadn't forgotten her manners, murmuring her thank you to the Luna every time she fed her.

Strangely, her body was aching now, especially the parts that weren't even hurting in the first place.

The Luna also tried giving her a small pill—and she knew what it was for.

Little Amber heard the conversation between the Luna and pack doctor, and there were things that she understood, there were things that did not.

And she had been easier to handle after dinner because she was sleepy, and her system craved rest.

"How was the meeting?"

Alpha Severus felt his nerves calm down after seeing his mate's face. He marched over toward her, and buried his face into her neck to inhale her alleviating scent.

He and his wolf had been restless tonight, and only their mate could get rid of the stress within their system. "It was… dreary," he whispered against Xyla's skin.

Every time he was reminded of Amber's state, Cain's smirking face kept boggling his mind.

The situation was eating away at his conscience since it was his decision to take Amber Santiago under his wing.

She's his responsibility from now on.

And yet…

He failed to protect her.

"Were you able to pick up something helpful from Brandon's statement? His pups played with her, right?" Xyla soothed, patting his back gently. "Have you decided on something?"

"Ah, Brandon…" Severus groaned in irritation. "There was nothing special in the story after all. The pups just played hide-and-seek, and Amber stayed behind when everybody else went home."

The Luna furrowed her brows. "Is that so…?"

"That's what his twins said to him. I just took his word for it." He looked up at his mate. "There's no reason for my Gamma to lie about it, love."

"I know, love…" Xyla still felt bothered for some reason, "I know."

"So…" he trailed off, "how was her condition? Is it something I would rather not hear?"

She chuckled, though not as lively as she usually would. "You're the Alpha. Good news or bad, you'll have to hear it."

His jaw ticked. "If you put it that way, it makes me think the worst." After that, he conceded. "Fine. Let's hear it then."

The Luna relayed everything that the pack doctor said to her mate.

She continued playing with his hair as a method to pacify the brewing anger and regret inside him.

Severus listened to her words attentively, and whenever his shoulders would tense up, Xyla would kiss him lovingly.

Xyla also revealed the child's overall status without sugarcoating anything. She'd rather have him worry since that would be the normal reaction—than tell a lie, which was something that her wolf wouldn't allow at any costs.

"No outdoor games? I don't want the pup thinking I'm restraining her freedom. She'll come to hate me eventually if I do that."

"No, she won't. You're being paranoid, Alpha."

Severus growled at her playfully. "I'm your mate. You don't have to call me that."

"You're so intense. Letting up every once in a while won't hurt." A few moments later, she got lost in deep thought. "And it's not freedom restraint if your goal in mind isn't revolting. You're doing this for her sake, remember? Amber isn't in best shape to be mingling with others. You know… children can get rough sometimes. What if she accidentally hurts herself? I bet you'd lose your mind…"

"Point taken, ma'am."

Xyla cupped his face. She looked hesitant. "Would you like…"

"Hmm?"

"To check on her?"

"Amber?"

"Who else…?"

"Somehow, I thought you'd say Lukas. I know how much you adore our pup."

"Now that I think about it, I haven't kissed him goodnight yet."

Severus shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "He'll understand."

"He's still a kid, love. Don't force that kind of thinking on him, okay? Lukas is entitled to his feelings, and they're valid."

"And why are you suddenly nagging? I don't recall an instance where I had ever invalidated my son's feelings."

"Yet, you're expecting him to be mature."

"Hey?" He caressed her mate's cheek tenderly, his brows creased in confusion. "You're getting mad now over a goodnight kiss?"

"You said our little boy will understand? No… he's going to mope."

"Then, shall we visit him in his room?" Severus offered his hand.

His Luna playfully glared at him before entwining their hands together.

The couple left the study shortly afterward. Not a noise could be heard in the pack house. The other families informed Alpha Severus that they wouldn't be staying the night, and he knew that it was because of the unexpected trouble that sprang up on them.

They must've felt uncomfortable of the situation, and are worrying for what their pups will learn out of this.

'I'll try to contact the squad later if they're down for a good run.'

Pent-up stress isn't good for a wolf's health, and going for a run will help them de-stress.

Severus and Xyla were almost there when they suddenly heard a petrified scream.

And it was coming from their son's bedroom.

The couple was terror-stricken that they didn't waste time to bolt down the hall—with the Alpha kicking the door open like a rascal, making the door's hinges come loose.

And there, they saw… Lukas, bellowing in his pillow with tears of frustration.

Xyla immediately took her boy into her arms. "What happened, baby? Did you have a nightmare?"

Lukas, however, wasn't in the right mind at all.

He kept thrashing around, kicking against his bolster pillows and blanket. "S-she's after me…! Why can't she l-leave me alone…!"

His mother looked confused. "Who's after you? Who is 'she', baby?"

Lukas was screaming… crying hysterically. "That… Amber! S-she's after me, Mom!"

What?

"Lukas, what are you talking about?" Xyla asked in a low voice.

Was it because she'd been too busy with taking care of Amber that she forgot to give him a goodnight kiss? Was he sulking because of that… or was it because of something else? "You know, Amber isn't feeling well—"

"Mom! I don't care about that! I told you… s-she's after me…! Amber is after me! Just because I left her to suffer in that pitfall…! She f-followed me in my dreams… and that silver…! We need to chase her out of our pack! Mom…? Dad…! L-listen to me… believe me…! S-she's bad news… A-amber is bad news!"