Chapter 4: A Dilemma

"Ashton, in only a couple of days the full moon would finally arrive, we know that the pack can already feel the pull in their bones, because we feel it in ours as well." Ashdon nodded in confirmation so, he proceeded.

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‎"This morning I almost snapped. That already informs us that tempers are currently shortened especially among the newbies therefore, I need you to spearhead a mobilization to reinforce the dungeons and it's walls for the new wolves as soon as possible.

‎Additionally, appetites are consequently going off the charts so the hunters need to increase their quotas and bring in enough meat to ensure that everyone has all the calories they need to survive the full moon.

‎"Do you understand?"

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‎Ashdon as well as every other official, understood and was highly trained to recognize when it was just their pal who was addressing them and when hierarchy was speaking. This was one of such times, it wasn't just Otis speaking, it was the Beta of the Fortress Cave pack. So, instructions needed to be executed as hurriedly and meticulously as they were being commanded. No questions asked.

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‎"Whose on watch on this hallway?" Ashdon yelled out into the hallway from the training room where he had just received instructions from Otis.

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‎"I am, sir." A voice responded...

‎"Identify yourself and approach" Ashdon demanded.

‎"Elisha" The guard responded, halting at the door.

‎"Good, get someone to cover for you Elisha and go fetch me the Deltas, especially Michelle.

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‎"Right away, Gammer Ashdon" He hurried away.

‎Everyone soon arrived and he carefully passed down the instructions the Beta had earlier given, imploring all hands to get on deck ASAP.

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‎On another part of the pack-house was the Alpha and his Luna after having summoned Doris who is the Delta in charge of caregiving.

‎"The eligible first time shifters are already nervous and scared of what to expect during their first transformation, Doris. What's the progress from your angle?" The Luna asked, while the Alpha only sat staring in approval of whatever the Luna had going on.

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‎Doris took a deep breath, then she proceeded. "The newbies are all required to drink a special wolfsbane tea prepared by myself and my fellow moon-walkers, my lady."

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‎"And every single one of them has to?"

‎"Yes, my lady. But only those who are somewhat in touch with their wolves based on our assessment would be able to tolerate it, and only those who can terate it are eligible and therefore required to be prepped for their transformation."

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‎While all of these transpired, only one thing ran through the Alpha's mind; Eliana.

‎So, his thoughts began to race.

‎"I can sense that Caroline can sense that I am probably hiding something from her. Well, if she isn't bringing it up then neither should I." The moment he turns his face in her direction and felt a prick in his heart, so he quickly looked away.

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‎"I don't mean to hurt her, I know I love her. But it's been about a decade of trying for a pub, I am sure she must also badly yearn to hold her own pub as much as I do."

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‎"I also know that she has probably also sensed that Eliana is yet to find her wolf. She must be wondering why I would bend protocols to appoint Ana a moon-walker even though Ana has a lot of potential. But again, I have learned to let sleeping dogs lie."

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‎He slightly adjusted on his chair, completely zoned out away from the conversation that was transpiring between the Luna and Doris or anyone else. Then just as if a light bulb went up in his head he suddenly blurted out:

‎"I know what to do!"

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‎The entire room froze for a second. The Luna turned to him inquiring asking "okay..." awaiting a response.

‎He immediately realized what he had done but quickly attempted to fix it as best as he could.

‎"Oh no not about this, Honey. Only you can do the things you do around here" He gave her a kiss on the forehead.

‎"I'll leave you to it while I handle other matters, okay?"

‎"Alright." She echoed.

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‎On his way he saw out he called out to one of the guards: "Hey you, find Otis. Tell him I said to meet me at the great hall immediately. Do not relent until you find him"

‎"Yes Alpha, He bowed and dashed off"

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‎Otis wasn't just the Beta of the Fortress Cave pack or the war general who enforced rules, handled discipline, or took over from the Alpha in his absence. Otis was secretly the most trusted friend of the Alpha, the one he could rely on if he really wanted something done discretely so it had to be Otis right now.

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‎"I need to mark Eliana right before she shifts. It's the only way to trigger the bloodline" Alpha Denparlio subtly whispered to himself...

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‎"You sent for me, Alpha" Said a voice interrupting his thoughts.

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‎"Yes Otis. I did."

Then he turn round.

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‎"I have a discreet assignment for you..."

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