Chapter 11
AUTHOR’S POV
Tessa stood frozen, her knife still pointed at him, her breath caught in her throat as she stared into the eyes of Fenrir. His gaze was anything but friendly and it made her nervous. The tension in the air was palpable, each moment stretched taut like a bowstring ready to snap. Tessa knew she was treading on dangerous ground.
Her grip tightened on the hilt of her knife, her knuckles white while Fenrir mirrored her stance clearly aware that he was dealing with an amateur – they were caught in a deadly dance neither willing to lower their weapons.
For what seemed like an eternity, they stood there with their drawn weapons and the silent breeze whooshing past, it was past dark now and Tessa knew that Gabe would be worried.
Finally, Tessa lowered her knife slowly, tension rushing out of her body, Fenrir watched her closely in wariness before following suit, his gaze never leaving her face.
“Who are you? How do you know me?” He asked gruffly, his eyes boring holes into hers.
Tessa took a deep breath and pulled the shawl away from her face revealing herself.
“I never thought I’d see those hazel eyes of yours again,” Tessa said to him.
He staggered back and his eyes widened.
“Tessa?” He said, his voice barely above a whisper.
She nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Memories flooded her mind, transporting her back eight years to Silvermoon pack where she had first met Fenrir.
FLASHBACK TO EIGHT YEARS AGO
The air was thick with tension as young Tessa watched in horror as the pack sentinels flogged Fenrir with whips, their laughter echoing in the clearing. They had discovered his half–blood heritage and he was to be ostracized and branded an abomination.
Tessa was only 17 at this time but she couldn’t watch them kill the innocent boy while staring idly at the scene but what could she do? She wasn’t someone of power in the pack.
She followed them quietly through the clearing when they stopped and left him by the road to go and prepare where they would sleep for the night.
Tessa’s heart ached in pity knowing that they would sell him off.
She crept quietly to where Fenrir lay on the ground, bloody and bound.
“Quick, we must make haste” She whispered, her fragile hands trying to untie the knots
His eyes fluttered open and he caught a glimpse of his savior- the beta’s adopted daughter? Why should she save him?
He felt the knots free and he willed himself up and quietly escaped with her.
They ran for a while deeper through the forest when she stopped and let go of his warm bloodied hands.
“I’m afraid my journey ends here,” She said quietly peering into his hazel eyes.
He struggled to catch his breath.
“Wait! Why, why did you help me?” He asked through painful breaths.
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She pushed her hair back.
“Because it’s humane and no one deserves that type of treatment,” She said
“I’m Fenrir…” He said watching her with curiosity.
She took a step back and smiled
“Fenrir” she repeated
“You’re the beta’s daughter,” He said to which she nodded and smiled
“Then why aren’t you against me? I’m not a true wolf” He said
Tessa smiled again
“You say you’re not but you are. A special breed at that, don’t let people tell you otherwise” she said
“What’s….what’s your name?” He asked through wheezing breaths.
“I’m Tessa. Good luck and I hope we one day meet again” She said smiling brightly.
Fenrir forced a smile.
“I’ll pray to the goddess for our paths to cross again so I can repay you for your kindness” He said before running away.
BACK TO THE PRESENT.
As the memories faded, Tessa looked at Fenrir and smiled through the pain.
“I guess the goddess really wanted us to meet again” She joked.
Fenrir’s shock was evident as he processed her words, his features softening with understanding and remorse.
“I…I didn’t recognize you,” he stammered, his voice filled with regret. “I’m sorry, Tessa. I didn’t mean to….to threaten you”
Tessa smiled a bittersweet pang in her heart at the memories of their first and last meeting. They barely knew each other.
“I also didn’t mean to point my knife at you, I was just startled” She laughed.
His knife clattered to the ground as he pushed his long hair back.
“So….”
Fenrir looked questioning at her.
“What are you….” He began to say.
“Ha, long story for another time. What are you doing here if I may ask” She cut him off.
He raised the sleeve of his shirt to reveal a deep gash turning purple – poison!.
Tessa’s eyes widened in concern and she held his arm and looked at it
“You need to get help,” she said.
But before she could do anything, Fenrir’s eyes began to flutter and he slumped forward unconscious, resting on her body. Tessa struggled to keep his body upright, her heart clenched with fear. Oh Goddess, please keep him safe till she can reach
Gabe.
“Daphne, I need your help” Tessa communicated telepathically to her wolf who responded with a soft howl. Tessa knew she
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needed to transform into her wolf form if she was going to get to Gabe on time to save Fenrir.
Closing her eyes, Tessa focused on the raw energy coursing through her veins. She felt the familiar tingling sensation as her body began to shift and contort, bones elongating and muscles bulging as she transformed into her wolf form.
In a matter of seconds, Tessa’s human form melted away, replaced by the sleek and powerful body of a large gray wolf. Her senses heightened, she could smell the earthy scent of the forest, feel the cool breeze ruffling her fur, and hear the faint. rustling of leaves in the wind.
With Fenrir securely cradled on her powerful back, Tessa took off into the night, her paws pounding against the forest floor with the rhythmic cadence of a hunter on the prowl. She moved swiftly and gracefully, weaving through the dense underbrush with ease as she navigated her way back to her home.
