The Wolf Who Saved Me

Conri was left sitting alone in the eerie silence of his dining hall. Outside the house, the rain was pouring loudly while the wind angrily smashed into the trees. The simple rain turned into a storm that grew stronger by the minute. It added to why Conri’s hands trembled as he poured his favorite bourbon into his glass.

The momentary relief of Acwulf’s departure was quickly replaced by a gnawing anxiety that dug deep into his bones. The tension in his chest hadn’t eased, and Conri could still feel the weight of Acwulf’s cold gaze on him like a noose tightening around his neck.

He downed the expensive bourbon in one gulp, and the whiskey burned, but it only soothed his nerves a little. It didn’t remove all his worry because Conri’s mind raced. It replayed every word of their conversation, every subtle shift in Acwulf’s demeanor. Had he made the right decision? Would the information hold up? Or had he just signed his death warrant?

The wind rattled the window, and the loud sound of the thunder startled him. It was as if the whole world was conspiring to heighten Conri’s dread. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as his thoughts spiraled.

Wren is with the Gray Pack.

He had been so sure when he said it. The information had come from a reliable source-at least, reliable enough to gamble on. But Conri knew how quickly things could go wrong, how information could twist and change like smoke in the wind. And if it was wrong… Acwulf’s threat still echoed in his ears. Conri did not doubt that the man didn’t make idle threats. Acwulf was a man who did what he said he would.

Conri stood abruptly, his nerves getting the better of him. He couldn’t sit and do nothing. He began pacing the small room, his mind working through every possible scenario. If Acwulf found out that Wren wasn’t with the Gray Pack, or worse, if she was with them but couldn’t have her, it’s a disaster about to happen.

Acwulf was dangerous-far more dangerous than Conri had initially realized when he first made the deal. He had thought he could handle it, thought that Acwulf’s desperation made him vulnerable. But after tonight, Conri knew he had underestimated the man. Acwulf was driven by something more primal than just power or territory. It was as if his life depended on it. He needed Wren to survive, and Acwulf would not stop unless he had her, making him the worst threat Conri could ever imagine.

A low growl rumbled from the corner of the room, and Conri’s eyes flicked toward the source of the sound. Casper stood, watching him with hesitation, concern, and impatience.

“You’re restless,” Casper observed. He was also anxious as his Alpha, not because of fear of Acwulf or any member of the Black Pack. But his position was on the line. He feared that the information he had provided to Conri was wrong.

Conri stopped pacing and turned to face Casper. He was angry at his beta, but there was no point lashing at him now. Besides, Casper might be right that Wren was at the Grey Pack. But his failure to get Wren back made Conri’s anger boil.

“Acwulf isn’t the type to take failure lightly,” he said with a quiet but contemplative voice.

“If that information was wrong… if Wren isn’t with the Gray Pack…”

Casper nodded, his expression grim. “Then he’ll come for us.”

Conri didn’t respond immediately, his gaze drifting toward the window watching the angry rain and wind. The storm outside mirrored the turmoil inside him. He thought he had a strong ability to navigate the politics of pack life, to make deals that kept his people safe and secured his position. But this deal… this deal had gone beyond politics. It was personal for Acwulf, and that made it volatile.

“I need to be sure,” Conri muttered, more to himself than to Casper. He walked to the window, staring out into the dark forest that surrounded his territory. The trees swayed in the wind, their branches clawing at the sky like desperate hands.

“I need to know if Wren is really with the Grey Pack.”

Casper stepped forward, his presence a steadying force amidst Conri’s growing paranoia.

“Do you want me to send scouts?” Casper asked. “It’ll be risky and could take time, but it’s better than sitting here, waiting for the worst.”

Conri considered the offer, his mind racing through the logistics. Sending scouts into Gray Pack territory was indeed risky, but not impossible. He had already tasked Casper for the search of Wren but none of his pack members had taken a detailed surveillance of the Grey Pack. They have even ignored the thought. But if they could confirm that Wren was there, it would buy him time-time to plan, time to maneuver. But if she wasn’t… then he needed to be ready for Acwulf’s wrath.

“Yes,” Conri finally said with a firm voice. “Send scouts. I want eyes on Wren. I wanted to know how close Reule is guarding and why. I wanted to know if Acwuld could stand a chance of taking Wren from him.”

Casper nodded and responded, “I’ll see to it.”

As Casper reached the door, Conri ordered, “And, Casper… double the patrols on our gates. I don’t trust Acwulf. He’s too unpredictable. He might just attack us in the middle of the night when we are unguarded.”

Casper nodded before disappearing into the hallway. He somehow started to feel fear of Acwulf and what he would do to him. Like his Alpha, he was not ready to die early.

Conri exhaled slowly, trying to steady his nerves. He needed to think clearly. The stakes were higher, and he couldn’t afford to make a mistake now. Otherwise, his pack might be destroyed and worst he could die.

Conri poured himself another drink, but this time, he didn’t drink it in one gulp. Instead, he sipped slowly, letting the burn settle in his chest as he stared into the bottle and listened to the rain.

The Gray Pack, Conri thought. Reule, the strongest Alpha. Although his pack was the smallest in number, they were strong, well-organized, and fiercely protective of their own. If Wren was with them, getting her out would not be easy. And if Acwulf tried to take her by force, it could ignite a war that none of them were prepared for.

The idea of war sent a shiver down Conri’s spine. He wasn’t a coward. He liked to believe that he possessed the same courage and strength as his father. War meant casualties, chaos, and the possibility of losing everything his father had worked hard for and he recently inherited. His pack wasn’t large, and while they were loyal, they weren’t as strong as they once were. He couldn’t afford to fight on two of the strongest pack.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling that war was coming, whether he wanted it or not. Acwulf wasn’t a man to be reasoned with, and if things went wrong, Conri knew he would have to defend his territory with everything he had. And the thought of him dying and reigning for not even a year made his stomach churn. He didn’t want to die, not enjoying the benefits of being an Alpha to the fullest.

Conri decided that he needed to be prepared. He might not be the strongest but if he prepares then it might prevent his pack from being wiped out in the face of the Earth. With renewed determination, Conri stood up and walked to the door. He stepped outside, the cold rain immediately soaking through his clothes as he made his way to the center of the village.

Some guards and warriors were huddled under makeshift shelters to escape the downpour. They looked up as he approached, their eyes reflecting the same unease gnawing at him all night.

Conri raised his voice, cutting through the noise of the storm. “Everyone, listen up! I want all to prepare for an attack. Double the patrols, fortify the borders, and be ready to move at a moment’s notice. We don’t know what’s coming, but we need to be ready for anything.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, though Conri could see the fear in their eyes. They trusted him to lead them, but even they could sense that something was off-that something far more dangerous than the storm was brewing.

Casper appeared at Conri’s side, his expression grim but a little annoyed as he felt that Conri was somehow exaggerating. But, to be fair to Conri, if the Black Pack would join Acwulf, they have all the reasons to be prepared.

“The scouts left and headed to the Grey Pack territory,” he reported. “Hopefully, in a day or two we will get a confirmation.”

Conri nodded, with a tight jaw and said, “Good. But until then, we prepare for the worst.”

As the pack members dispersed to carry out his orders, Conri remained standing in the rain, his thoughts churning. He had made his deal with Acwulf, and now he had to live with the consequences. But he vowed that he would not go down without a fight.