Encounter(8)

Eliana's POV

My mother planned to introduce me to Wyatt Parker tonight, so I woke up early, got dressed, and picked out my best outfit in anticipation of meeting him. However, my encounter with Wyatt turned out to be short and unmemorable. He showed no interest in me, but I was convinced that if I spent more time with him like Jayson did, he would fall in love with me.

Feeling disappointed, I waited sadly until the party ended and went to my room. As I fell into a deep sleep, a loud bang startled me awake. I opened my eyes and saw a wolf with a distinct scar on its face standing in my room.

Fear overwhelmed me, and I couldn't control my scream as the wolf lunged at me, causing me to instinctively fall to the ground. The wolf asked, "Where is Samantha Bennett? Where is Eliana Bennett?" It held me up, and I was shocked to realize that this wild-looking wolf was after both me and my mother. Trembling, I shook my head in terror, unable to provide any answers.

"Speak, or I’ll kill you!" the wolf threatened in a menacing voice.

"I really don't know, I have no knowledge..." I pleaded, dropping to my knees. Just then, my sister Odette appeared at the doorway. I turned to her and said, "She! She is the one you’re looking for!"

The wolf quickly shifted its attention to Odette and chased after her as she skillfully evaded its pursuit. Relieved, I hurriedly made my way to my mother's room.

With caution, I entered my mother's room and found her and my father sound asleep. I gently woke her up and eagerly told her what had happened. "You mean you saw a wolf with a scar on its face?" my mother asked softly. "Did it have a scar above its right eyebrow?"

I nodded in confirmation.

Taking my hand, my mother urgently said, "Eliana, you must tell others that the wolf is after your sister, or we’re both in danger, you know?"

She quickly woke everyone up, and we all fled further into the forest. Despite my usual aversion to physical activity and training, I pushed myself to keep up. I had often avoided training by pretending to have a heart condition because I was the Alpha's daughter in the Rouge Moon Pack, where I never needed to train for self-defense.

When we reached our destination, I discovered that the gray wolf had disappeared.

"Odette! Are you okay?" I hugged Odette tightly, expressing my fear. "I was so scared when the wolf mentioned your name. It terrified me!"

"What does it mean? Did Rogue and you know each other? Before you stole Wolfsbane, did you not only have a relationship with Rogue but also bring Rogue into our Pack?" Mom asked.

Odette's face turned pale, and whispers started circulating among the people around us.

"Oh my God! Not only was she cruel to her own sister, but she also tried to destroy our pack!"

"She's working with the rogue. How horrifying!"

"Oh my God! What was she thinking?"

Odette broke free from my embrace and confronted me, her voice filled with anger. "Why did you lie?!"

Now was the time.

Feigning surprise, I took a step back, clutching my chest as tears welled up in my eyes. I looked up, trying to steady my voice. "Mom, Dad, I know it sounds unbelievable, but I'm not lying. The wolf came for Odette, and I witnessed the attack. I don't understand why he was after her, but I assure you, I have no connection with the rogue."

"Eliana!"

"Odette!"

Odette's outburst was interrupted by our father's commanding voice.

Approaching us, he spoke with stern seriousness. "We need the truth. I will get to the bottom of this. Now, everyone, let's gather in the hall."

He turned to Wyatt and said, "Thank you for being here tonight. I apologize for interrupting your evening, but I suggest you go home and rest. I'll express my gratitude to you tomorrow."

Wyatt replied, "It's alright, Mr. Bennett. I'll come with you to the hall. After all, I was just a witness, and I can help you with a lot of things." He glanced at me, and I immediately felt nervous.

Oh no! I forgot about Wyatt Parker. What did he witness? What did he hear? What would he say?

I looked at my mother for help and noticed that she was a bit flustered too.

Biting my lip, I felt a wave of uneasiness wash over me.

We followed my father to the hall, where members of our pack were gathered. A few members from the Blue Crescent Pack were also there, their concerned and confused expressions mirrored by everyone in the room. Suspicious gazes were directedat Odette and me, making me unsure if they believed my story or Odette's.

"Now, Odette, just tell us what happened," my father requested.

Though still angry, Odette stood up and began, "I heard Eliana scream in her sleep and rushed to her room. I found a wolf inside, and Eliana said it was after me. It chased me, trying to kill me. I was going to the weapons room for silver weapons and wolfsbane, but I stumbled, and that's when Mr. Parker arrived."

My father nodded and turned to me, asking, "And what is your side of the story, Eliana?"

My throat felt dry, and I coughed a few times before speaking. "I was sleeping when I heard a loud noise. I opened my eyes and saw a strange wolf in my room. It forced me to point out Odette's location, and just as Odette appeared, I got confused and mistakenly blamed her. I'm sorry, Odette. I shouldn't have done that. I should have taken responsibility myself. I apologize..."

My voice cracked as tears streamed down my face, and those who heard my cries felt sympathetic.