10

KNIGHT

Shit. 

Things went out of hand quickly.

She had just seen Gage shift, and she was terrified. Who wouldn’t be? She was human and only aware of our existence in fantasy, fiction books, and movies, and our representation was a terrifying beast that ripped human parts apart.

And I pissed her off. It was better that way. 

She was away from our dark and dangerous world. She was better off out of my life. The longer she stayed at the vineyards, the harder it was to stay away from her. The pull was so strong it drove me crazy in just a little time I sat with her. 

She better hate me than drag her into my world.

I dialed Alpha Califf, one of my allies. He had one of the biggest packs in the world, a witch coven, and the Lycan Alpha King at his disposal. 

“Knight, how’s life?” Califf found his mate, a lycan princess, Shadow Hawks, and they were stronger and fought enemies together. 

If I was being honest, I envied him that he had a stronger mate. Shadow was also a half-witch gifted with healing, but Moon Goddess somehow liked to play Russian roulette, and that one cartridge emptied at me.

“Great. How’s Shadow?”

“She’s in Italy with her father, doing Goddess knows what,” he said with a chuckle.

“Well, her father has a private jet. She can come to you anytime.”

“Well, this is not a courtesy call, isn’t it? Do you have trouble with other packs?” I instantly heard the worry in his voice. I knew if I got into trouble, Califf would have my back.

“So far so good. My only problem here is these bikers. They like to bully the twins, but nothing a crate of wine can’t shut them up.”

“I understand how difficult it is to hide our kind and abilities from humans. So, what can I help you with?”

“Can I have Zarah’s number? I have a consultation to make.”

“Huh.” He chuckled. “You don’t have erectile dysfunction, do you?”

I laughed even if my life suddenly got complicated. “My dick is fine. Thanks for worrying.”

“Well, contacting Zarah doesn’t work the way a human does. I will give you her number, but it depends on her if she calls you back, or she will send a message through a burning arrow or burn down half of the vineyards.”

“Wow. That’s awesome.” I wished I had a witch in my pack, but given that Califf and I were allies and friends, Zarah was also a part of that deal.

“I will send the number.”

“Thanks, Cal.”

“No problem. I’m just a call away if you need anything, whether pack business or heartaches.”

“Appreciate it, man.”

When the call ended, I received Zarah’s number. I dialed it quickly, but she didn’t pick it up. 

I went to my bed, hoping to get some sleep. My wolf was getting agitated. It had been days since my last run. 

All of a sudden, a gust of wind entered the room, and a light appeared on the wall. Zarah emerged, and it looked like something like a sci-fi movie. It’s a holographic display of some sort.

“Zarah?” She straightened her voluminous hair. She looked different but fantastic anyway.

“You’re lucky I’m already awake.” She always puzzled me. Werewolves lived long, but witches lived longer. I wondered how old she was because she didn’t look older than her mid-thirties.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you. I was hoping a normal call would do.” I stood up and slipped my hands into my sweatpants pockets. 

“What do you want, wolf?”

I smirked. “Really? Wolf?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m a busy witch. Just spill it out.”

“So you can’t read minds?”

“I can if I can touch you. I can teleport and come over, but I have things to do. Now tell me what your problem is, Knight.”

“Do you know any spell or incantation that—”

“Hold on.” She raised her hand. “Whatever you are planning to do, I’m not gonna help you.”

“Why? Because I’m not Shadow?”

“Yes, but I can see it in your eyes and the atmosphere that I won’t like what you’re planning. So no.”

“Just hear me out first.” I threaded carefully because I badly needed her help. I was desperate.

“No, Knight.” She pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest, eyeing me intensely.

“I will pay you handsomely. Just name the price.”

“You, rich people, think money can buy everything in this world.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean it like that. It’s just a matter of—” I scratched my scruff.

“You found your mate, didn’t you?”

My mouth gaped. I wanted to say something, but my brain went blank. 

I had to shut my mouth close because I didn’t know where to start now that she somehow knew the reason for this call.

“You want to unbind the bond.”