Chapter 5. Challenging the Lycan

“I wasn't cursed like this!” A menacing growl erupted from the Alpha's chest, causing the hair on my arms to stand on end as I took a step back. His contempt for humans was evident, making it difficult to understand why he had gotten involved with a human or why he had saved me.

I took a few more steps towards the surrounding forest; the cabin was in the middle of nowhere, and there was no one to come to our rescue. Before I could decide to run, a brown and gray wolf leaped menacingly towards me from among the trees, its fangs bared, making it clear that it was ready to attack. Still in his human form, the Lycan king showed no rivalry, leading me to conclude that the menacing wolf that threatened me was his minion.

A she-wolf emerged from behind him, passing by me; her tones were beautiful in a blend of cream and white, and her stride was majestic and elegant. She walked up to the Alpha in her lupine form, stopping by his side and politely saying,

“Brother, forgive this foolish human; humans are irrational when they feel cornered; fear speaks for them.”

“Don't interfere in this, Victoria!” A thunderous growl erupted from his chest, causing her to shrink her shoulders and lower her ears. She sighed, sitting on her hind legs and looking at me.

“Let us go, please.” I pleaded again with tears in my eyes, aware of the disadvantage I was at.

“Go where? You can't protect him from my enemies; don't be foolish!” He bellowed in fury, his eyes ablaze.

“If you let me go with him, I'll ensure our safety... I can...”

Before I could protest, the massive head of the wolf that had threatened me earlier was alarmingly inches away from my body, threatening to devour me in just one bite.

“Did you even notice Oliver's approach?” he taunted.

I took a deep breath, determined to escape. “Test me,” I proposed. “If I can escape your little wolf here, will you leave us alone forever?” I raised my chin proudly in his direction, swelling my chest with courage, aware that I would have to be cunning to defeat the wolf growling at my back.

In a sinister laugh, the Alpha ran his tongue over his lips, as if savoring the proposal.

“Let's do this, human,” his eyes sparkled, and there I was sure his counterproposal would be cruel. “You will run until nightfall, which will happen soon, and if you're not caught by me,” he paused, smiling menacingly, and I could see his predatory countenance relishing the situation. “You can leave with the child.”

“What? You can't...” His sister tried to object but was immediately silenced by his threat to bite her, forcing her to lose her majestic posture.

“So, human, what do you say?” Lycan kept his chin up in a declared challenge.

“I...” Conan started to fidget in my lap, grumbling from the tension emanating in that forest. “Shh, my brave one, I'll be fine, okay?”

I smiled gently at the small being in my arms, who seemed to understand every word I uttered to calm him. The alpha was assessing my interaction and reaction with his cub.

“Victoria, I allow you to transform and take my cub, leading him safely inside.” He smiled. “It's time for Daddy to hunt his prey.”

The she-wolf nodded, even though her transformation took longer than her brother's, it was still beautiful to behold. The fur gradually disappeared, meeting with the skin; her once massive claws gave way to delicate, graceful nails; her long snout yielded to fine and delicate features; and the gray eyes were replaced by a mottled blue, neither gray nor very blue. She was even more beautiful as a human than as a wolf, if that was possible!

“Excuse me, human, let me take him out of this... I know you want to protect him; he'll be safe here with me when you return.” Her smile was warm and her eyes kind; I felt the truth in the beginning of her conversation, but I noticed the wavering tone when she hinted at my return.

“Just don't hurt him, alright?” I ran my hand over the tip of my brave little one's nose. “I'll take care of another big bad wolf, I'll be back for you soon. Listen to Auntie Wolf!”

The word “auntie” seemed to have surprised the woman in front of me, who nodded with a faint smile, taking my world into her hands. Smelling the baby, she cradled him carefully and sang softly as she moved towards the cabin.

“Give me your word that he'll be safe!” I demanded, afraid I might not return.

“Alpha's word, human... Shall we start the hunt?” He skillfully shifted from his human form to that of a lupine. “I'll give you the advantage of running ahead; I'll count to 100, so you can get away.”

“How fair...” I teased. “If I manage to hide until nightfall, we'll be free.” I asked, looking at him for confirmation.

He nodded, his serious gaze indicating that this was our only chance.

“And if you catch me?” My voice trembled with fear as I asked that question.

The wolf howled in response, his voice echoing through the dark forest.

“I'll kill her mercilessly!” she declared ferociously.

I swallowed hard, realizing that I was facing a dangerous predator who saw me as a little mouse that would play until nightfall. I took a deep breath, preparing to run. Luckily, I used to be an athlete back in school, and I still had the habit of running. I turned my back, facing the forest, but before taking the first steps, I glanced over my shoulder and saw the wolf impatiently staring at me, ready to hunt me down.

“One, two, three, time is ticking, human... Four,” he taunted.

I started running as fast as I could, passing through bushes and dry trees, venturing deeper into that unfamiliar forest. I knew absolutely nothing about the environment. Furthermore, I jumped over a fallen log in my path, scratching my arms on a lower tree branch. Likewise, I was desperate, looking back and calculating in my head the time I had before the wolf caught up with me.

My heart raced with every step, and every sound in the forest made me jump to the side, startled. Suddenly, I stumbled upon a mud puddle covered in moss, reminding me of the necklace my sister used to force me to wear. I smeared the slime all over my body, hoping to become “invisible” to the beast's sense of smell. I continued running even deeper into the forest, spotting a massive tree in the center with some hollows. Furthermore, I approached it, taking the risk of climbing. If my hunter couldn't smell me or see me, I might just overcome this challenge.