Fumes of Terror

That's it! I can’t stand it anymore," Kimberly stormed into the kitchen, her fists clenched. "Why are we sitting here, pretending everything’s fine? Lucy's lying in a hospital bed, Mom!

Renee turned, her face weary. "Kimberly, we’ve talked about this. These wolves, they’re beyond reason. They’re destroying everything, and you’re our only hope against them.

"Against the entire Lycan race. Do I look like some all-powerful merger?" Kimberly spat. "What if it’s just one rogue wolf? Why does everyone act like we have to annihilate them all? I’m not going to be the family's weapon!"

Bomah entered, his face grave. "It’s not about them; it’s about you, Kim. You’re a merger. That power comes with responsibility. That’s what we’re trying to protect."

She threw her hands up. "By letting Lucy get hurt? Do you have any idea what she must be going through?

Enzo joined them, crossing his arms. "You think that matters? Lucy’s injuries were a warning. We’ve ignored them for too long. If we don’t stop this now, they’ll come for all of us."

Kimberly turned to him, her voice trembling. "So I’m supposed to stop it alone? Well, fine. I’ll do it myself. But I won’t do it your way. I’m going to the clinic to see Lucy."

Before anyone could stop her, Kimberly stormed out of the house and headed to the clinic. The sterile smell hit her as she walked in, and she found Lucy lying in bed, wrapped in bandages, her face pale

"Lucy!" Kimberly rushed to her side. "What happened? What did they do to you?

Lucy’s eyes fluttered open, and she managed a weak smile. "Kim... you shouldn’t be here.

"I don’t care. How are you doing?" Kimberly said firmly, sitting beside her. 

“I'm alright," Lucy said with a sad smile. 

"Tell me everything that happened."

Lucy took a shaky breath. "It was... terrible. I was painting by the mountains when I heard growling. I thought it was just... you know, wild animals. But then they came, three of them. They looked sick, like they hadn’t eaten in days. I tried to run, but one of them caught me."

Kimberly’s fists clenched. "Did you see their faces? Do you know what they looked like?

Lucy nodded, her voice trembling. "Their eyes, Kim. They weren’t just wolves. They were twisted. Full of hate."

Kimberly gritted her teeth. "Those wolves will pay for this. I’ll make sure of it. I’ll talk to Titus. He’ll help me track them down."

Lucy grabbed her hand. "Kim, it’s too dangerous. They’re not like anything we’ve seen before.

"I don’t care," Kimberly said, determination hardening her tone. "I’ll do whatever it takes."

Kimberly left the clinic shortly after. She met Titus outside the station later that afternoon. He was leaning against his car, arms crossed as she approached.

"Kimberly," he said, frowning. "I told you, this is a police matter. You shouldn’t be involved."

"Titus, I need you to help me. Those wolves attacked my best friend. I’m not sitting around while they roam free."

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I get it. I do. I’ve seen the reports. They're unpredictable, aggressive. I don’t want you getting hurt.

"I’m a part of this town, Titus," she snapped. "I can handle myself. Are you going to help me or not?

He hesitated. "I can’t officially. But... I’ll give you all you need. Just promise me you’ll be careful."

"I will," she said, taking the bag from her. There was a handgun inside it and a pocket knife. "Thank you."

That evening, Kimberly moved through the dense forest, her heart pounding in her chest. Shadows stretched across the trees, and every rustle seemed louder, sharper. She took a deep breath, pushing herself forward. But just as she reached a clearing, a low, ominous growl stopped her dead in her tracks.

Her voice trembled as she called out, "Who's there?

Suddenly, three wolves stepped into the clearing, their eyes gleaming in the darkness. They circled her, snarling, saliva dripping from their fangs.

Kimberly’s legs shook, and she took a step back, stumbling. "Y-you’re the ones who hurt Lucy, aren’t you?"

The wolves lunged, and Kimberly cried out, barely managing to dodge the first one. She stumbled, tripping over a root, as another wolf snapped at her legs, catching her just enough to tear her jeans. She kicked out wildly, panic taking over.

"Please—" she gasped, backing up against a tree, her hands shaking as she held them out, defenseless. "Stop! I didn’t come here to fight!"

The wolves growled, closing in, and she could feel their hot breath on her skin, her heart hammering so loudly she thought it might burst. Just when she thought it was over, a chilling voice sliced through the air.

"Enough.

The wolves immediately backed off, their ears flattening as a tall figure emerged from the shadows. He was broad and muscular, with dark, piercing eyes that seemed to glow.

Kimberly’s breath caught. "W-who... who are you?

The man’s mouth curved into a cruel smile. "Ogar Blackwood. Alpha of these lands. And you, little Merger, have wandered far beyond your limits."

"I didn’t—" she stammered, pressing back against the tree as he stepped closer. "I wasn’t trying to trespass. I only wanted to make sure these wolves didn't hurt my loved ones anymore."

Ogar’s laugh was cold, and he shook his head, circling her like a predator. "Innocent? Humans like you have hunted us for generations. You think I’m going to just let you walk away?"

"I-I don’t want to fight!" Kimberly’s voice cracked, and she shrank back as he stepped even closer, towering over her.

"No, you don’t," he sneered, his eyes flicking over her with disdain. "You’re weak. Pathetic. Tell me, what did you hope to accomplish by coming here alone?"

She swallowed, her mouth dry. 

Ogar tilted his head, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Stop me? You can barely stand, and you think you’re going to stop an Alpha?"

He reached out, his hand snaking around her wrist in a bruising grip. He leaned, his breath tickling his nose.

She whimpered, trying to pull away, but he held her fast, his strength making her feel like a rag 

doll.

"Let me go," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Oh, I don’t think so," he growled, pulling her close,.

his eyes narrowing. "You’re coming with me. I'll either take you as my bride or you die.”