Everything Changed When She Touched Me

Zaiden continued running on instinct. He tried to mindlink Lyall, but to no avail. Lyall deactivated his mindlink. But somehow, he knew exactly where to go. He seemed to be drawn to it.

Meanwhile, Lyall had killed four Rogues. Four more remained, including the silver Rogue. He was so strong. Lyall's wounds were almost healed. He would return to normal. The silver Rogue began to growl softly. Lyall growled twice, but the Rogue didn't even flinch. The silver Rogue and Lyall charged at the same time. Lyall swung his claws, but the silver Rogue was so agile that he dodged them. They landed on the ground simultaneously. They attacked each other again, trying to tear each other apart. The silver Rogue bit Lyall's neck while Lyall dug his sharp claws into the silver Rogue's stomach, tearing through his skin. The silver Rogue groaned in pain. At that moment, the three remaining Rogues attacked Lyall. Lyall managed to knock one Rogue away, but another bit his back, and another fell under his feet. Lyall groaned, flipped over, and swung his claws at the biting Rogue, biting into its neck, tearing through its skin and flesh. An alpha's bite is the deadliest poison for any werewolf below him. Rogue was no exception. He lay weak on the ground. Two other Rogues attacked him simultaneously, biting the back of Lyall's neck and back, while the silver Rogue swung his claws at Lyall's face.

Soon the silver Rogue was thrown violently, hitting a tree and falling to the ground. Another Rogue suffered the same fate, while the other was scratched. Zaiden had already arrived. He immediately joined the fight. He fought both Rogues at once, while Lyall fought the silver Rogue.

Suddenly, the silver Rogue swung his left claw and struck Lyall's arm. Lyall growled. It hurt, more than a normal scratch. But then, the silver Rogue slowly backed away and ran away. Lyall was confused, but suddenly his chest felt sore and burning, his heartbeat was racing, his breathing was labored, and his body ached.

‘Zai....’ Lyall mindlinked

Zaiden threw one of Rogue's bodies.

‘Lyall? Are you okay?’

‘I... No. This will happen again.’

‘What do you mean—”

Zaiden groaned in pain. A Rogue bit him while his focus was diverted to Lyall. Zaiden ripped the Rogue's body apart and then threw it away.

‘Lyall! Are you okay?’

‘I can't control it, Zai. The monster is coming out! I don't know why!’

‘Lyall's wolf sat on the ground, groaning in pain.

‘Ly, you can control it.’

‘No...I can't.’

‘You have to try!’

‘Damn it, Zai! I really can't!’

Lyall growled even more angrily. His growls grew harsher. Several members of the RaClaws pack arrived. Zaiden led them away from Lyall and explained the situation. Zaiden also asked to summon Alpha Carl. Zaiden had turned into a normal human. He ran toward Lyall but stopped in his tracks. He saw that a girl was standing right in front of Lyall.

“Whoah, I’ve never seen an animal as big as you,” the girl said.

“She’s… Eira.” Lyall was shocked.

***

“She… Isn’t afraid of me?”

Eira examined Lyall’s wolf body closely.

“Oh! You’re hurt! Can I see?”

Grr!

Lyall growled softly.

“Okay, okay, I won’t touch you. But I just want to help.”

Lyaall growled even more harshly. He bared his sharp teeth. He wanted to scare Eira away. But Eira didn’t even look afraid.

“It must hurt, huh?”

Lyall tried to shoo Eira away, but she wouldn't leave, making it difficult for him. He didn't want to hurt her when he turned into a monster. He couldn't take it anymore. His body temperature grew hotter, his heartbeat quickened. Lyall tried to stand up to get away from Eira, but his legs gave out. He was starting to lose control of his body.

'Oh god... She's going to be hurt.'

Lyall closed his eyes; he was truly turned now.

Lyall felt a touch on his cheek. His body froze. It was like an electric shock was coursing through him. Lyall opened his eyes. In front of him was Eira, so close to him. She smiled at him.

“Does it hurt that much? (stroking Lyall’s wolf cheek) You’ll be fine.”

Lyall was stunned. He didn’t even move. He just stared at Eira.

“Your eyes are red. Are you an alpha? Like in those novels?” Eira chuckled. “That’s impossible. Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.”

Lyall realized something. His heartbeat returned to normal, his breathing normal, and his body no longer felt hot. He was sure he was going to turn into a monster. He had even given up. But when Eira touched him, everything changed. Even Zaiden, who had been watching, was shocked. Who was she?

Zaiden was still standing a good distance away from Lyall and Eira. He watched them silently. Lyall should have transformed into a monster, and Zaiden was wary of that. But nothing happened. He heard Lyall’s heartbeat, which was still beating faster than normal. But not as fast as before.

“What’s wrong? Has he turned?” asked Theon, who had just arrived.

“Uhmm... I don't know. I don't understand. He should have turned by now, given his condition. But this is strange…” Zaiden paused for a moment. “Wait, what are you doing here?”

“I thought you needed help.”

“No, Theon. You could get hurt or die.”

“And you don't? Two is better than one. And Beta is on his way here. Alpha is out of town, but Beta has already informed him.”

Zaiden nodded. “Let's just keep an eye on him for now.”

“Wait, that's... Eira,” Theon said, pointing at Eira.

“Eira? Who is she?”

“The third child of the Lurvine couple.”

“Lurvine? The name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it?” Zaiden looked thoughtful.

“Lurvine, the guardian of the supernatural.”

Zaiden stared at Theon with a shocked expression.

“Her? That child?”

“More precisely, her parents. But her parents are dead, and now no one knows who holds the book. They need to get it and extend the agreement, so they're protected.”

Zaiden fell silent again, watching Lyall and Eira.

While Lyall remained silent, he waited for his wound to heal completely before leaving. Eira, meanwhile, was busy searching for something in her bag. She pulled it out and showed it to Lyall. It was a long, rolled bandage. Eira smiled.

“Normally, I would bandage the wounds of any animals I find injured. But since you're so big, this will take a whole roll! Is that okay?”

Lyall growled harshly. Of course, he didn't want anyone touching him, especially the weird girl in front of him. What if she did something to him? Stupid thinking for a wolf twice the size of an adult.

“I just wanted to help.” Eira looked disappointed, her head lowered as she stared at the roll of bandages in her hands.

'No, I shouldn't feel sorry for her. Especially a strange girl like her. No, no.'

Lyall growled and stood on all fours.

“Whoah, you really are huge!” Eira looked excited. “What kind of wolf are you? Dire? Ferir?”

'You weird girl! She should be afraid of me. Look at her, she looks happy. I have to stay away from her.'

Lyall growled harshly at Eira and glared at her, as if he wanted to pounce. Lyall opened his mouth, baring his teeth as he continued to growl. His growl grew louder and louder.

“W-what’s wrong?” Eira looked nervous. “Y-you’re not going to hurt me, are you?”

“Huh! What a stupid question. I’m going to tease her.”

Lyall growled even louder, ready to bite her. Eira was startled and sat on the ground, a look of fear clear on her face. Eira stared into Lyall’s red eyes. Yes, she knew the wolf in front of her could attack her at any moment. For a moment, she blamed it on her curiosity. She had gone into the forest because she was fed up with her brothers’ bickering. Moreover, she also had to feed the wolves she kept in the forest. She and her father had raised the wild wolves since they were young. Now that his father was gone, she was left to feed them.

But the wolves suddenly left, seemingly frightened by something, so Eira went to find out why and found the large wolves fighting. Foolishly, she felt sorry for the black wolf, who looked in pain. If her best friend, Karina, were here, she was sure she would have scolded her for being so stupid. And look at her now. The wolf in front of her was about to eat her at any moment.

‘Oho... She’s starting to get scared...’ Lyall, with his mischievousness.

‘Seriously? You’re going to mess with her?’

Lyall looked to Zaiden, who was already shaking his head. Lyall snorted in annoyance, then looked at Eira and prepared to jump. Eira slowly backed away, sitting on the ground, staring warily at Lyall’s wolf. Lyall jumped high, right above Eira. Eira closed her eyes and tried to protect her head with her hands. Lyall landed smoothly on the ground far from Eira and quickly got as far away as possible. Zaiden immediately ran after Lyall. Eira remained frozen in the same position for a while until she realized nothing had happened to her. Eira opened her eyes and looked around, then let out a sigh of relief. She briefly thought she was about to become a meal.

"Eira?"

A voice startled her. Eira turned and saw Theon approaching her.

"What are you doing here?" Theon asked.

"Ah, uhm..." She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants and shirt. "Going for a walk." Eira tried to smile at him.

"Alone?"

Eira nodded. "Yes."

"Did you... see anything?"

"Well... Them?" Eira pointed to several dead Rogues.

"Don't worry, they're being taken care of. My father is taking care of the animals," Theon explained. His father was the town sheriff, so he could use him as an excuse.

"So... They killed the villagers?"

Theon nodded. "Possibly. We're investigating."

Eira nodded.

“So, please, for the time being, don’t go into the forest alone. Bring your brother or Karina, or if possible, stay out of the forest for a while. Until we’re absolutely sure the animals have been driven away or killed. We don’t want any more residents to become victims.”

It’s already been a hot topic in town about the wild animal attacks. Several residents have already been killed. Of course, the werewolves know it’s because of the Rogues.

“I understand.” Eira smiled slightly.

“Eira!” Karina ran to Eira. “Are you okay?” Karina examined every inch of Eira’s body.

“I’m fine. I just—aakhh!! Why did you hit me?” Eira was startled by Karina’s sudden blow to her arm.

“I told you not to go into the forest alone. It’s dangerous, you know! Stubborn.”

“Yeah, yeah, sorry. I’m just worried if they’re not fed.”

“Oh my God, Eira! They’re wild wolves! They can find their own food. Besides, they’re not cubs anymore!”

“They’re still cubs to me.”

Karina snorted in annoyance.

“Let’s just say this.” Theon began. “I’ll feed them until this whole attack thing is over. How about it?”

“But they don’t like newcomers. I’m afraid they’ll attack you.”

“Oh no, they won’t attack me.”

Eira frowned. “Why are you so sure?”

“Because I also take care of naughty wolves, much naughtier than yours.” Theon pointed to the young wolves standing not far from them. The young wolves waved their hands. “Trust me. Your wolves are easier to take care of.”

Karina smiled, amused, especially seeing the young wolves pouting.

“My brother is right. Let him take care of them. Just until the situation is completely safe.” Karina supported the idea. Karina was Theon’s only sister. She was also a werewolf, of course. But Eira didn’t know that.

Eira nodded in agreement. “Okay.”

“Good.” Theon smiled.

“Besides, can’t you have a normal pet? A dog? A cat? A guinea pig? A rabbit? Why a wolf? I’m sure if there were lions here, you’d have one too.”

Eira pouted.

“Okay, enough. Now you guys go. Take Eira home. Maybe you can share the pie you made with her,” Theon suggested.

“Ah! Right! I made a pie. Do you want some?” Karina pulled Eira away from the area.

“It’s not poisonous, is it?”

“Hah! How cruel!”

Karina and Eira walked away. Theon ordered his two Omegas to guard them until they got home.

“Theon!”

“Beta!”

“What’s going on?” Beta Ron looked around.

“Rogues. They’re attacking again. Well, more precisely, they’re attacking Lyall.”

“But why?”

“I don’t know, Beta. It’s probably because Lyall was at the same time and place as the Rogues.”

“Alphas are on their way here. But why are there humans?” Beta Ron caught a glimpse of Eira.

“Yes, it was a coincidence. Eira just happened to be here. And she’s Lurvine.”

“Has she been confirmed as the successor?”

Theon shook his head. “Not yet. But they’re part of the same family.”

“That’s true. But one of Lurvine’s three children must have the book first.”

“I… didn’t know that.”

“Your sister is a close friend of hers. Have her find out.”

“Okay, Beta.”

"Okay, now let's get rid of the corpses of these Rogues before any more humans see. And the alpha will hold a meeting tonight."

"Okay beta."

***

“Okay, now you have to explain it to me.” Zaiden tried to get Lyall to talk about what happened. Lyall just kept walking home without saying anything. “You can’t keep quiet, Lyall.”

“That’s the problem. I don’t know. I’m quiet because I don’t know. Okay? I don’t know what happened or why it happened!” Lyall stopped in his tracks and looked at Zaiden. He was trying not to scream and make a spectacle of himself.

“You said you’d turn.”

“That’s right. I can’t control my body anymore, and I’ve already noticed some changes in my body!”

“Then why haven’t you turned?”

“Oh God, Zaiden. If I knew, I would have told you. But I don’t know! And shouldn’t you be glad I haven’t changed? What kind of reaction is this?” Lyall resumed walking

“A confused reaction, I guess.”

“Welp, it’s not just you. Everything changed when that weird girl touched me.”

“Weird girl? Do you know her?” Zaiden tried to keep pace with Lyall’s brisk walk.

“Of course I know her. I mean... I've met her a few times.” Lyall's words made Zaiden frown. “It's not what you think. She's my classmate,” Lyall said quickly after seeing the look on Zaiden's face.

“So... After her touch... You haven't turned.” Zaiden tried to emphasize Lyall's words. Lyall rolled his eyes.

“Yes!!”

“Is she your mate?”

Zaiden's question made Lyall stop in his tracks and stare at him in disbelief.

“Are you crazy?”

“It's possible, right? You didn't turn after her touch.”

Lyall took a deep breath and continued walking.

“Hey, Lyall. Think about it.” He walked after Lyall. “There's no way you haven't turned into that monster. You said you would. But after her touch, you haven't turned.”

“But I don't feel anything!” He stopped in his tracks again. “I don't feel anything my father ever told me.”

“Not even a little bit?”

Lyall shook his head. “No. She’s not my mate and… Eww… Never.”

Lyall continued walking. Zaiden froze in place. This was really weird.

***

Tadariez