Four

Nicholson's pov

"Nichole, sit down."

"This is bluntly ridiculous. I'm not part of whatever games you are playing at. I've got this on my own. I did this before and I can do It again."

Joel chuckled mirthlessly.

"We are getting Intel directly from someone situated in Lupusia. This isn't like last time Nicholson. The security there is tight… They have curfews now, travel restrictions. They've implemented new policies over the years to ensure their protection. We don't stand a chance against them If we attempt to force our way in."

"Leave this to me… '' I snap at him, coming to bang my fist on the table, locking eyes with him. "You and the other Colonels had no rights to interfere in this. This is between me and the Alphas."

"We've already taken a vote on the matter. I'm sorry Nichole but you have no say in this matter and you will do as I say or face the consequences."

I slam the table again, my eyes brimming with rage.

"Fuxk you! When did you three have a meeting… how come I wasn't informed about this. You… " I step back, pointing accusingly at him. "You had this planned all along didn't you."

Joel got up and I stepped back when I see him leave his table and approach me.

"Get your fucking hands off me!!!" I hissed, slapping his hand away and punching him hard on the chest, but he pulled me into his embrace despite It all.

"I just want you to be safe goddammit. We don't know what else they've planned against you, and this looked like the best way possible to blend In without getting killed."

I just sighed, letting my hands fall by myself as I let him hold me close to his chest.

"You can back off now." I said and pushed him away, dusting myself off while he chuckled.

"So, what outrageous plan did you three come up with because I sure as hell can't barge into the finding ceremony and be like, Hey I'm a human hunter from City X."

"Of course not. We've already thought this through. Everything's been made ready for you. We just have one single problem."

I sighed.

City X happened to be just one of the three cities in Country J, specifically for human hunters and away from the dreaded Lupusia. Our whole country was sealed with a translucent, transparent silver globe which prohibited werewolves from getting in.

City X was ruled by Colonel Joel, City Y was ruled by Colonel Amanda and City Z was ruled by Colonel Finn.

"What?"

He returned to his seat and beckoned To mine which I settled on, rolling my eyes.

"Just so you know, I didn't give my consent to this."

"We have found a family in Howling pack," He pushed a picture to me and I lazily glanced down to see a balding middle aged man and a woman in his embrace who seemed to be a lover.

They had a blonde girl behind them who leaned down to fold them both in her embrace with a tight lipped smile, her green eyes sparkling even though the picture looked old and worn out. "That's Ambrose and his wife, Amaya."

"Who is she?" I jut out my chin towards the girl behind them.

"That's Princess, their daughter… rumors had It that she's dead. Although, many years ago, 16 years ago precisely when you rampaged the pack, she got lost and was never to be seen till date."

"Tsk." I scoff and push the picture back. I couldn't explain why, but the eyes of the girls staring right at me from the picture were haunting.

"You're to return to this family and claim the position as their daughter and compete in the bride finding ceremony."

"I look nothing like her, and It's obvious her parents aren't stupid."

"I'm sure you're capable enough to know what to do from here. I'll provide you with more Intel on them, including their location."

"This doesn't make sense. For fuck's sake. This is more dangerous than whatever I intend to do. Going in guise? Seriously?"

"Shirley's already prepared the potion to hide your scent temporarily till you're done with your mission today. You can leave now, Nichole. I have business to attend to."

I sigh, swearing as I get up, reluctantly saluting him and leaving.

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

I grimaced at the bitterness of the liquid running down my throat before handing the empty bottle to Shirley who had a worried expression on her face as she looked at me.

"The potion is supposed to wear off in a few hours… "With that, she pulled out another bottle and extended It towards me. "Here, Just Incase."

I scoff and push her extended hand back before grabbing my throat and massaging It slightly, cracking my neck.

"A few hours is more than enough for me. I don't need It."

"What was the Colonel thinking, sending you out on this mission alone." Shirley grumbled, but I just ruffled her hair with a smirk on my face.

"You act like you didn't care If I fell off that roof while smoking, but look at you, ready to take on the Colonel If he happens to walk into this room."

She pushed my hand away, but her flushed up face was evidently undeniable to hide as she averted her eyes from mine.

"I just know how careless you can be sometimes."

"Sure." I nod like I completely believe her.

"Nichole!" A shrill voice was heard before the door to Shirley's room burst open and my carbon copy walked into the room. Except, this carbon copy of mine was 5, had chubby cheeks, had huge Doe shaped innocent eyes and short stubby legs.

My little step sister. Amira. Her jet black hair bounced behind her as she ran towards me.

"Nichole… " another voice was heard right behind her and my step brother, Nathaniel walked in.

"Why are you all dressed up?" Amira asked, already settling in my arms after throwing herself at me for a hug, almost throwing me off the bed. If I wasn't stiff enough to catch her and stay still, I'd topple on the floor with me.

"She's heading out for a mission." Shirley replied and I cast her a side glare.

"What? They were going to find out eventually. They're with you 24/7 like annoying leeches. You think leaving Country J for hours wouldn't go unnoticed by them."

"A mission?" Nathaniel's piercing blue eyes probed mine with worry. "Again? You just got back from one last week."

"And they don't stop until the werewolves are eradicated for good and we can finally roam in the world without worrying about them lurking in the shadows… " I turn serious as I answer him, however, on seeing his downcast eyes on hearing my words, I sigh and playfully punch his shoulders, drawing his attention to me again. "I always come back, don't I?"

"But the others don't sometimes. Like Miss Quinn. She went on that mission last week. I saw her! But that was the last time I did because she never came home after that. I don't want the same thing to happen to you, Nichole." Nathaniel's lips trembled. Despite his age, I've always reminded him he had to man up and own up to his responsibilities as my half brother, but …

Nathaniel and Amira were related by blood, but they were actually my twin cousins and thus, why Amira and I still retained our remarkable striking resemblance like we were actual sisters.

They were orphans, having lost their mum and dad/ my aunt and uncle to the werewolves when they were just babies. So, they were pretty much the closest thing I had to a family right now and nothing could even describe how much I loved them.

"Nothing's going to happen to me… " I noticed Amira tearing up already on seeing her brother tearing up and a tired sigh escaped my lips when I realized that I really was going to have to give these two a pep talk each time I had to leave for a Mission. I took Amira into my arms and settled her to stand In Front of me, next to her brother effortlessly. "Tell you two what… "

"What?" They both said, a sob leaving their throats.

"Oh my God." Shirley whispered, shaking her head.

"I'll buy you both a large tub of ice cream each on my way back and we can all watch Power rangers while we stuff our faces… how's that?"

They both exchanged excited glances despite their tears still sparkling in their eyes before they turned to me.

"You've never let us have a tub each. For real?" Nathaniel said, looking the most excited as the thought of not having to share a tub with Amira who was messy came to mind.

"For real??" Shirley even asked.

I nodded. "For real." I get up and grab my gun before pushing It down my holster.

"Can I go now?" I ask politely, knowing I still had to take permission from my little Colonels before leaving.

"Mm." Amira nodded.

"Don't forget!!!" Nathaniel said before I chuckled and left the room, Shirley behind me.

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

On sighting us, the guard at the layout close to the border which opened the way to the outside world, began making preparations for It to open.

"Be careful, Nichole."

I sighed and turned to see Shirley standing there and looking at me, her soft brown eyes turning lighter once the barrier begins cracking open and the sunlight seeps in even more clearer now.

"Fine. I'll get you a tub of ice cream too, how's that?" I say before winking at her and making my way out.