Chapter Five

As the weeks passed, they had made it a tradition to go out and around town every weekend. Liam framed it to his pack as just trying to get her memories to come back.

He didn’t know if he even believed his own excuse at this point. He’s not sure what has gotten to him over this human woman. The last time his Beta had complained about his growing closeness with her, he had beat him up severely, it was only by a thread he was able to keep his inner wolf from ripping out the little ingrate’s throat.

But Liam knew this wasn’t a normal response, so here he was in the home of the person he trusted most in this world: old man Ilia.

He watches as the doddering old man carefully pours out a cup of tea from his intricately detailed teapot for him. He gave his thanks to him and took a small sip.

“Excellent tea as always old man”

*snort*“I’ve forgotten more about tea making than a young squirt like you has learnt about pleasing a woman”

*Splutter* Liam nearly choked on his tea.

“Wha…?” he managed to get out between coughs.

“… You’re way too young to think you can hide female troubles from me young man” old man Ilia calmly sipped from his cup “So spill what you’re here to ask about”

“… I came to ask about the Blood moon curse…”

“Mmhmm… and I’m going to run the New York marathon tomorrow” He replied sarcastically “don’t waste the limited time I have left”

*Sigh* Liam gave up and told him everything, including his fears about how strong his reaction to her was.

“Once I smell her scent, it’s like I’m no more in control of myself” he said soberly, staring at his fist.

“And as someone who has spent his whole life trying to gain the self-control that once failed you, you are afraid” the old man observed.

Liam merely nodded, not even looking up.

“Well I can only give you a single piece of advice” The old man said seriously “And it’s the same both for your relationship and this Blood moon curse, you talk about: Be patient.

Prophesy is a complex thing and one often meets their destiny on the road one takes to avoid it. On the other hand, should you wait long enough, you will truly see if she is the one worthy of your heart and soul, no one can hide their true nature forever”

He got up and placed a comforting hand on the younger man’s shoulder.  

“You have taken on the burden of leadership from an age much too young, and guided your pack through times of turmoil and strife. You are an Alpha your father would be proud to have borne”

Liam remained silent, afraid that if he tried to speak, his voice would betray his emotions.

Under the moonlit night, two figures lay in rest atop the roof of a small bungalow. Staring at the stars, they were both lost in thought.  

Ariana turned her head and stared at the man beside her. No longer could she call him an animal even within the confines of her own mind. No, all she could see as she looked at him was a man, whose wide shoulders bore enormous burdens. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” she asked with a small smile

“My thoughts are gonna cost you way more than a penny”

She blew her tongue at him “Then I don’t want them”

They both shared a small laugh.

“But really, what has been on your mind? You have been distant the last couple of days” she asked with concern in her voice.

*sigh* “Sometimes I just wonder if I am a good enough leader”

“Why would you even think that?”

“Have you heard of the Blood Moon curse?” he suddenly asked

“… No”

“Well almost two decades ago, a reliable seer made a prophecy. It said the entire race of werewolves would soon be wiped from the face of the earth. Unfortunately, before we could find out why or how, the seer was found dead of old age.

Since then we have been trying to figure out why it would happen and any way to stop it. We sent messages to other packs, but most of them just laughed at us and dismissed our claims as nothing but the ramblings of a dying old woman.

The prophesied time draws near and I fear the seer might have been right. The only issue is I don’t know how to prepare my people. I don’t know how to protect them”

Ariana felt a tug in her heart as she witnessed the vulnerability in his eyes and tone when he spoke of his deepest fears. She could not help but let her heart bleed for the uncertainty she could hear from him at this moment.

She sat up and brought his head to her chest. She stroked his soft hair as she tried to comfort him with her warm embrace.

“I know it may seem impossible, but you will find a way. I believe in you, your people believe in you. I will be besides you every step of the way”

Underneath the waxing moon, their faces drew closer, as if drawn inexorably together by mystical magnets. 

Their lips touched, and all else faded away. Nothing in the world mattered more than the person in their arms.

Unknown to the lovers on the rooftop, they were being watched. Far enough away that they couldn’t hear what was being said, but the shadowy figure starred in rage as the two kissed.

The large figure stuck the wall next to it in fury. It resolved to do what needed to be done.

‘Soon all will be done. Those at the top of the food chain will get what they deserve.’