Chapter 10: Affection

The team led by Bridget himself consisted of individuals he had brought back and trained from scratch, all tamed by his strength and madness. Thus, they turned a blind eye to every action of Bridget, even if their leader's affection for a pet seemed unusually intense… but that was their leader! The strongest among them! A few peculiar hobbies mattered little to them!

Therefore, those training beside could only sigh to the heavens and earth, daring not to voice their opinions in front of their leader. However, others did not share this sentiment.

From a distance, a figure watched the entire process with resentment. A face hidden in the shadows twisted like a demon, incessantly staring at Bridget and the young wolf.

…

Layla, exhausted, lay sprawled, indifferent to the rough hands of the man claiming to be her owner as he casually stroked her head. Even her resistance could change nothing! But suddenly, she felt as if something was watching her, like the intense gaze of a predator eyeing its prey.

She cautiously looked towards where she felt the presence.

Yet, looking there, it was merely an unremarkable forest. She frowned in thought, then looked up at Bridget's emotionless face, watching his subordinates train without any unusual reaction.

Compared to her current weak form as a small wolf, this man would surely be more sensitive to danger. Yet, he showed no reaction… it couldn't be a monster attack? She wasn't sure.

Thinking about it, if a monster were to attack now, compared to her, a small animal, these people would be more appealing, no creature would ignore a large piece of meat for a small bone.

Layla knew her current state well.

But that made her even more determined to recover her strength. She hated being nurtured like an animal in captivity. Her warrior's blood did not allow her to be weak and cowardly!

Layla was highly determined, her eyes filled with a warrior's spirit. However, in her current wolf form, she looked nothing more than a curious wolf pup observing the people in front of her.

Of course, Bridget deeply misunderstood, smiling and increasing the strength of his petting.

Layla:... 

Enough already! I am not your toy!!!

…

Another peaceful day passed. The next morning, Bridget led his team on a hunt.

Layla wanted to follow but was calmly left in Clara's care. Moreover, he spoke to her with a pampering voice:

"Be good, I'll bring back meat for you to eat."

That tone made Layla furious!!!

She could only watch helplessly as the man ran off towards the deep forest. Then, she was powerless as she was carried back to the den.

While she was dejectedly brought back, Clara was stopped by another.

"Clara, where's the leader?"

The short-haired woman paused, calmly replying, "Captain Joe, the leader has taken people hunting."

Layla looked at the man called Joe, his sharp face exceedingly sly. After hearing Clara's reply, he said nothing, quickly turned, and left. She quickly forgot this minor detail, as her goal was not to care about these people. She wanted to quickly follow Bridget, that was what she wanted to do the most right now.

But what should she do?

Just as she was considering her options, the area outside the fence suddenly became lively. Clara, who originally didn't want to pay attention, only wished to quickly return the leader's pet to the cave as soon as possible. After all, during the last raid, this little wolf had escaped and was even discovered by the leader. Although there was no punishment, Clara didn't dare to be negligent again.

"Hurry!!! Come to assist!!! Lord Helen's supply team has returned!!!"

Clara was slightly distracted by the call, as this was one of the tribe's important teams, responsible for bringing back life-sustaining supplies. It was this momentary lapse that allowed the young wolf to dash down and escape from Clara's sight.

The brown-eyed woman panicked and wanted to chase after it, but was immediately stopped by Joe, who was supposed to have left but came to assist, incessantly saying, "Forget it! It's just an animal! Quickly help Miss Helen with her injuries, many of them need treatment!"

As one of the tribe's medics, treating the members was naturally a priority.

Urged by Joe, Clara ran to the scene, not even considering why Joe, who had just left, could catch up to her so timely, as if he had never left.

…

Layla, having taken the chance to escape, quickly followed the familiar scent, fearing that if she delayed any longer, she would lose track. She wanted to stay close to Bridget and learn more about this Northern region, which made her unable to stay put.

Perhaps out of luck, when she caught up, she saw Bridget's team gathering ahead.

Layla slowed her steps, finding a strategic position to observe. She watched them crouch down, focusing ahead as if preparing to attack their prey.

Indeed, just minutes later, the group charged forward, and she quickly followed to see.

They were fighting two winged black tigers.

This was a dangerous species, but facing two with a group wasn't necessarily problematic.

The reason she thought so was their excellent teamwork. Some attacked the wings, others the legs… though lacking in finesse or strategy, their strength lay in their coordinated efforts.

She watched their aggressive charge and smooth dodging of attacks, completely devoid of any tactical calculations like her tribe.

But then again, that was expected. Because her Western tribe simply lacked the strength, they were weak. Without setting traps or luring the enemy, they couldn't withstand such encounters. The people before her… she saw their speed and strength, clear proofs of their capabilities.

If they could better arrange their support positions, perhaps they could bring down the tiger even faster.

She squinted observing, then looked around.

Something was off! Where was Bridget?

As if connected by a shared understanding, a hand grasped Layla by the neck, freezing her in place.

"Little wolf, what are you doing here?", Bridget's emotionless voice rang out, making her realize she was in deep trouble!