Rise of the She-Wolf

Vanessa’s pov,

Tomasso found me hours later still laying there in the rain. I was trembling from the cold and did not even hear what he was saying to me. I saw the worry in his eyes, but nothing seemed to register. He picked me up in his arms and carried me all the way back to the mansion. Lianna was waiting in my room and both of them tried to talk to me, but I just curled up in bed and started crying again. Lianna slept with me that night cuddling and comforting me until I fell asleep.

I stayed in bed for days after that, Tomasso and Lianna checked on me every once in a while and tried to talk to me. They told Don Lorenzo that I was sick so luckily everyone else left me alone. On the 5th day, Lianna pulled the blankets off me and spoke to me strictly, “Look, Vanessa. It’s okay that you don’t want to talk about it, but you need to get on your feet again. You set something in motion, and we need you to complete the plan.”

I sighed and sat up, “I know but I just can’t think of anything else then Duke his face when he realized I wasn’t coming. He must think that I played him all that time.”

Lianna caressed my hair, “I already figured it had something to do with Duke. What happened?”

I then told her of his proposal to run away with him and start a new life together somewhere new. “So why did you stay here?” Lianna asked.

I bit my lip, “I couldn’t leave the pack after everything I have done. I care about this pack, and I don’t know what would happen to all of you if I left you with Don Lorenzo.”

Lianna smiled at me sadly, “I understand that must have been very difficult and it probably hurts like hell right now. But you know what it means that you always think about what is best for the pack?”

She continued, “It means you think like an alpha. It means you are willing to risk anything to ensure your pack is safe. It means you are ready.”

I stared at her and slowly felt a bit of fire coming back inside of me. I stood up and said, “You are right. Duke showed me what it meant to be loved and I am forever grateful for that, but this is bigger than me.”

I went into the shower and let the warm water wash away the images in my mind. I would probably keep thinking about Duke for the rest of my life and wonder what our life would have been like. But for now, I should be grateful for the happy memories he gave me, and I was hoping that he could find happiness in his new life. For me, it was now time to finish what I started months ago.

When I came out of the shower, I felt fresh and I walked out of the door with determination. I had much to do! The first thing I did was visit Elswith. She did not look surprised at all that I showed up in her little cabin.

“I was wondering when you would come,” she said.

I bowed to her and sat down at the fire. Elswith handed me a cup of tea and sat down next to me.

“So, what can I help you with? Do you want to know more about your prophecy? You want to know if you should have gone with your boyfriend?”

I had no idea how she knew about Duke, but the Moon-Goddess priestesses were a mystery, to begin with. I stared into her wise eyes and said, “Neither of those things. I was wondering if there is something that can prevent a werewolf from transforming?”

Elswith laughed, “Of course dear. What did you think I was giving Allesandro at his execution? Tomato soup?”

She slowly walked to her kitchen and started putting herbs together in a tiny bag. When she was done, she walked back and gave it to me, “Put these inside a drink and that will do the trick.”

“Don’t you want to know what I need it for?” I asked in shock.

Elswith mockingly smirked at me, “It is an insult that you think I do not already know.”

“So, you are okay with what I want to use it for?”

Her eyes became glossy, ” I have no opinion, my dear. It is simply destiny taking its course.”

I had no idea what to say back to that, so I just thanked her for the herbs and hurried out of there. I had to admit that she kind of creeped me out. When I came back inside, I ran into Don Lorenzo.

“Ah, Vanessa. Happy to see that you are feeling better. That is good news because Carlos invited us for a special dinner at his home tomorrow night.”

I smiled, “That sound lovely Don. Would you allow me to buy some clothes for tomorrow?”

I looked into his eyes longingly, “I would like to make myself look good for you.”

Don Lorenzo smirked and gave me his credit card, “Of course. You should know that I like red.”

He winked and then continued, “Btw seems like I am going to have you all to myself from now on. Just got a call that the sheriff quit and left town. Guess his embarrassment was too big after that fake deal went wrong.”

I felt like a knife went through my stomach when he mentioned Duke and I could not help my eyes watering. Don Lorenzo acted fake shocked when he saw my face, “Ow he did not tell you he left? I am sorry sweetie. I guess he did not care about you that much after all. Don’t worry I will make you forget he ever existed baby.”

He slapped my ass again and said, “Go spend that money now. Buy yourself something pretty.”

I walked out gritting my teeth trying to produce a fake smile while Spirit shushed me by saying, “Stay calm Vanessa. Not much longer now.”

In town, I made sure I went to the shops that reported to Don Lorenzo so he would see exactly where I went for my shopping. Making him excited and only focused on one thing.

The next evening, I walked out of the mansion wearing a tight red dress with low cleavage, red lipstick, and red heels. Tomasso and Don Lorenzo their mouths fell open when they saw me, and I could see the hunger in Don Lorenzo his eyes. He looked at me like I was a present he could not wait to open. But I just smiled because I knew my clothes weren’t the only thing that was going to be red tonight.