12. Alpha Nicklaus

Gabriella's POV

Awakening once again, I felt significantly better and noticed the same woman serving me a rice ball with a cup of fresh juice, "You must be hungry."

"You think I'm that stupid? Do you expect me to eat this? What if it's poisoned?" I questioned, as I don't trust anyone and won't let my guard down, having learned life's harsh lessons.

"I see you have trust issues. I'll take a bite so you can see the food isn't poisoned," she reassured, taking a bite. But I still doubted her, saying, "What if you took an antidote to the poison already?"

"Hey, if I wanted to kill you, I would have done that while you were sleeping or snapped your neck with my spells. How about that? Now eat, to replenish your strength."

"The name is Gabriella, and thank you."

"You're welcome. I will take care of you to ensure your daughter comes into this world at ease."

My eyes widened, "I have a daughter? How did you know?"

"I am an elder witch, and I saw a vision of your baby. Enough talk, let me allow you to eat. If you need me for anything, let me know. I am outside chasing some evil fox spirits. The bathroom is that way, and I got these dresses for you to change into," she stood up and left.

The meal was so delicious that I devoured it as if an angry lion were chasing me. I drank the entire juice and felt more like myself. I removed my clothes and bathed with the water she had prepared, then put on the dress she had provided.

I stepped out to see what the lady was doing. I found her sitting amidst some circles and square drawings she had created, with candles placed around. She was enchanting spells and stopped when she noticed me, "What are you doing?"

"Chasing evil fox spirits. They come out every night like this and terrorize farmers and others who are in the woods at night."

"I see. What is your name?"

"Call me Margaret," she said, standing up and approaching me, "Judging by your looks, do you want to learn magic?"

"Yes, I will." Finally, I was going to learn something to defend myself and my child in the future, and also master martial arts.

FOUR YEARS LATER

"Strike harder," Margaret instructed at the training ground. I put all my strength into punching the box she had set up.

"Gabby, you aren't using all your strength. What if the battle lasts a long time? You'll exhaust yourself quickly."

"Let's start again. I can get it right this time," I said, determined to improve.

"Let's try something else," she suggested, and I wondered what she had in mind.

"Gu ala nutizz evi Mal Le me le," she chanted, closing her eyes. The sand moved in a circle, and the wind took on an eerie quality.

Strange-looking beings materialized, and she instructed, "Now fight them off. Remember the spells I've taught you and the fighting skills. Use both."

"Wow, you should have introduced these options from day one." I stepped back, regaining my balance. After taking a deep breath and assessing the enemies with my eyes, I applied the tactics she had taught me. First, determine the number of enemies, then identify their weaknesses and exploit them.

In under five minutes, I defeated the majority of them. When a spell in the form of an arrow was aimed at me, I dodged it, grabbing some sand and uttering, "En delto." They were all instantly obliterated.

Margaret applauded, "I'm impressed."

"Thank you. I'll head to my daughter now. I assume you're off to your tribe's meeting."

"Yes, we have a gathering. Don't worry, when the time is right, I'll include you and your daughter. Take care and stay vigilant." She activated a spell and disappeared instantly – the only spell she hadn't taught me yet.

*

"Estella! Estella! Estella!" I called my daughter's name. Where is she? Did she sneak out again to get flowers?"

"Mother, I am here," she smiled, hiding something behind her.

"What are you hiding behind you? Let me see," I ordered, and she looked a bit frightened.

"Mom, it's not important," she said.

"Hmm, you went there again? Getting bitten by a bee still did not give you more sense to avoid them, right? Do you wish to be flogged for disobeying me?"

"I am sorry, Mom, just that the day I got stung by a bee, I got distracted and I promised it would not happen again," she said. Looking at her, I smiled. I can't scold her like my father; I love her so much because she is the reason I can breathe again.

"Okay, fine. But next time, tell me before you go there, okay, so I can send others with you. Anyway, let's go and eat," I said to her, and she jumped in excitement, saying, "Yes."

Looking at Estella, I see Alpha Nicklaus in her. She looks exactly like him, and the more she grows, the more she gets stronger like him. I feel jealous because she doesn't look like me, even though I sacrificed a lot for her. Instead, she chose to look like someone who doesn't care about us. Anyway, I will protect her with all my life, and I hope that when she gets to the age to meet her wolf, she will not be an Omega like me, her mother.

"Mother, why are you still standing? Are you not coming so we can eat?"

"Let's go then."

The next day, when the sun was out, Lady Margret visited her tribe and I went to the forest to get some herbs needed for Lady Margret. I did some spells and grew some flowers. I thought about Jane and Sylvester. It's been four years already, and I guess they must be married now, right? With a kid, I missed them so much.

I also thought about my sweet twin sister. She might have a daughter like me as well, and she will also be beautiful and strong like her. I missed her so much. As for father, I guess he is happy without me being around.

I moved faster, realizing I spent so much time thinking about the people I care about so much. But thinking about Nicklaus and the night we'll spend together made me so angry that I slipped on my way. Getting on my feet, I saw someone surrounded by the Black Moon Pack, and the smell was so familiar to me. Could it be? No way, it can't be. I looked again to see the person in the middle. It turned out to be Alpha Nicklaus, and he was in danger. What should I do? Should I mind my own business or save him?

I took another look and saw his red-pupiled eyes glowing, ready for a fight. I always thought his pupils were blue. This was the first time I'd seen this side of him—colder, even. I will just watch and leave. No need to help him. He can help himself.