The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ZADOK

The ghoul threshed till it was a few feet away from me.

Ithra’s face was red from holding her breath for so long. I couldn’t describe how I felt the more it came close to me with its deathly cold aura.

Just when I thought it was all over, the other ghoul exclaimed. “I hear it! It certainly came from this way.” It said, sniffing the air. “It’s a bear!”

The ghoul stood away from me and said, “Who cares about a bear when you can find something more profitable.” It sneered, “I’m close to finding what it is. I can feel it right underneath my nose.”

My heart seized at its comment because we were right under his nose.

“If you are not interested in partnering with me, just say so. Enough of your stupid acts. Are you trying to get on my nerves?” The other one said, sounding offended.

I heard a tired sigh, “But I feel there is something here. Please give me a few minutes before we go after the bear?” It asked, shocking me with the sincerity in its tone.

“I will not give up another kill for another one of your better options. I’ll be hunting down the bear. You know where to find me when you are done playing around.” It said, and just like that, left the other ghoul standing right in front of us.

It was a struggle for him – lost between trying to follow its hunch and a real opportunity to get a catch. After hesitation, I watched the ghoul move slowly away from us, walking toward the direction of the other.

They were gone within a minute. And just like that, we survived.

I let myself breathe, as did Ithra – who I realised was entangled under me. We’ve been in this position the whole time, but it didn’t matter because we were trying to preserve our lives.

However, that wasn’t the case anymore, and with that knowledge came an intimacy I couldn’t explain.

“Are you alright?” I asked, helping her up.

Ithra dusted her clothes and nodded.

For some reason, she avoided my eyes as she dusted her clothes. I wondered if she was upset. “What’s wrong?” I asked again and tilted her head so she met my eyes.

She shook her head. “Nothing. Just a bit startled, that’s all.” She cleared her throat. “It’s not every day you get to stare death in the face and survive to tell the story.”

I wanted to make a joke and say – welcome to the dark forest – but I knew better. Instead, I nodded with understanding and silently led us out of the Cold Valley.

*****

“So Kir is your other half?” Ithra asked for the nth time, and I nearly pulled the hair out of my head.

“Something like that.” I grimaced, “Just call him my better half.” I said, hastening my steps to avoid more questioning.

Ithra didn’t seem to get the memo. She chased after me like no man’s business and continued her terror in the form of questions.

“How do you guys talk to each other?” She asked. “I mean, he does communicate with you, right?”

“Yes.” My answer was dragged and tired. “Maybe I should invite him out since you are curious about him. I’m sure he will be happy to take the lead.”

Ithra’s face warmed. She was embarrassed, and I felt like a dick for making her feel that way, but I couldn’t stand anymore Kir related questions.

“Jealous.” A voice I know too well breathed in my mind, and I nearly lost it.

“Oh yeah?” I answered, sounding bitter. “What’s there to be jealous about? Newsflash, you are a part of me. If she’s curious about you, that’s just because you are a part of me, so don’t go about feeling so special.” I ranted but met with silence.

Great, I was getting snubbed by my wolf!

We got to the top of a mountain, and looking down, it was all rocks. I looked over the map, affirming I was in the right spot before I broke the news to her.

“Welcome to the dark caves,” I announced, wrapping the map into my side. “According to legend, it was the most easy and complicated part of the forest.”

“How do you know all of that?” Ithra asked, genuinely curious.

“When you’ve spent the better part of your life researching and planning to visit the dark forest, there’s only so much you wouldn’t know,” I answered with a huff and led the way. “With my calculations, one day should be enough to get us out of here if there are no mishaps.”

Ithra followed behind me, “And if there are mishaps?” She asked, getting into step with me.

“Let’s just pray we don’t experience any. It’s been quite a ride, don’t you agree?”

That brought a smile to her face, and I patted myself on the back for achieving such a feat. Cheers to many more of those beautiful Ithra smiles.

Together, we began our journey into the dark caves. I lit a torch at the gates and led us through the cave.

“In this cave, there’s only one rule.” I lectured as we entered deep into the cave. “Keep your hands to yourself, and you’ll be fine.”

“What does that mean?” Ithra asked. I didn’t miss the way she folded her hands at my instruction.

An obedient little girl.

“News has it that there are a lot of treasures packed in the caves of the dark forest. Every piece with their guardian. It’s not news that dark forest caves are a trap for the greedy – Hence the saying, keep your hands to yourself, and you’ll be fine.”All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

“I wonder what treasures it holds that could make one so greedy to gamble with their life.” Ithra huffed, “You’ve got to be silly to get through all the horrors living in the Valleys, only to fall cheaply because of greed.”

“Don’t be too quick to judge,” I said, stopped in my tracks, and took in the sight before me.

“I just think that-” Ithra didn’t finish her words. She took in the sight, standing beside me, short of words.

Suddenly, it made sense. Why do people fall cheaply at the hands of the dark caves? Who wouldn’t fall at the sight of such glory?