3 A Strange Event

When the shadows of the night had almost kidnapped the sun, Elena started to head back. A small smile was plastered on her face, with her mind relaxed after some meditation in nature. It had always helped her to reconnect with her core and see things in perspective, valuing her life and how happy she should be for everything she had: health, a loving family, amazing friends and innate qualities, including her animal side. It was so easy to take those things for granted and forget to appreciate them.

Herculi was trotting beside her. The massive dark grey wolf was reached her shoulder and she was tall for a she-wolf.

When the overwhelming smell of something burning and Herculi's loud growl, assaulted her senses, Elena shifted into her light-silver wolf without hesitation. Racing down the forest's path with her heart in her throat, she beelined for the pack house. Something was wrong, Elena could feel it.

Soon screams and smoke rose from above the treetops. Once the girl finally reached the clearing in front of the pack house, chaos reigned.

Full Moon members were brutally fighting invaders. There were humans against humans, with bare hands smashing into each other. Then there were wolves against wolves, with sharp fangs and claws slicing fur and meat. The few humans fighting against wolves stood little chance, and for them the fight had ended quick. Several women of different ages were shouting, crying, trying to hold back infants or scared children while some brutes tore them from their arms. Full Moon warriors rescued as many as they could, although some aggressors dashed away with crying children in their shoulders, or worse, on their mouths.

When an enormous wolf ran away with a squealing young girl hanging from his teeth, Elena didn't think twice and chased after him, hearing her dying bubbling. With a big leap, she landed on top of the wolf's back, rolling on the ground for a few meters. She noticed that the wolf lost his grip on the wounded girl. The poor soul was now lying in the grass, sobbing and trying to keep the insides of her belly in place.

As the wolf attempted to bite Elena with an unforgiving attack, a gigantic wolf surprised them by smashing his massive figure against the aggressor. The latter flew for some meters and landed with a whimper. A furious Herculi growled threateningly.

Then something shocking happened: the enemy stared at Herculi for a moment and bowed his head with a whine.

Elena glanced at her enraged friend. Not wasting another heartbeat, he lounged at the wolf, who weirdly didn't defend himself or retaliate.

The scene seemed unreal, escaping out of her worst nightmares. After the invader was long dead, Herculi didn't appear satisfied and continued to tear its remains into pieces and spread them around.

"Hey Herc-" Elena approached him, but the so-called pet wolf turned unexpectantly and snarled at her, with a feral look and blood covering his muzzle.

Elena was petrified with sheer terror. What was happening?

"El!!" A tall guy came rushing towards here, wearing only boxers and several cuts decorating his broad chest.

"Are you ok?" He checked her over carefully and inspected the cut on her head with worried eyes.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine Rex." She assured and hugged her best friend. Rex was the Full Moon Gamma's son and had always looked after her since they were children. A personal bodyguard slash special friend gifted with a golden soul.

"What just happened here? Looks likes a butcher lost his meat provision." Rex mumbled, staring at the horrified sight. Membranes, organs and bones were scattered around in a puddle of blood.

"Let's just go back, Rex." Elena murmured, leaning on his arm.

Full Moon members were numerous and well trained. Not long after the initial attack, the majority of the aggressors laid on the floor.

Dead.

The refugees with their remaining children received proper care. Some had lost a hand or whole arm protecting their offspring. The scene was wrenching.

A large silver wolf appeared with two little children hanging from the large furry neck. Elena's father had saved at least those two lucky souls.

Their mothers came rushing to collect them. "Thank you so much Alpha!" They They bowed, sobbing.

"Alpha. Three women died, several warriors were wounded and five children had been taken away. All boys." The Beta reported to Alpha Giacomo with an exhausted expression.

That same afternoon the refugees had begun to arrive, and some infiltrates had been among them, pretending to seek asylum. Their only chance at success against Full Moon was a surprise attack.

It wasn't clear if they were just rogues trying to kidnap babies or if they had belonged to Lord Skull pack. Though Ciro, the Lord Skull's Alpha, had stated he didn't care who decided to leave his pack. But who could trust a crazed Alpha that had lost his soulmate?

Conspiracy theories against Black Devil and their possible involvement circled the pack. According to them, the ′Devils′ could have taken advantage of the refugees' situation to create disorder at Full Moon and weaken the pack.

"Elena!" Her father hugged her, crushing her bones. "Why are you covered in blood?" He questioned as his eyes darkened.

"It's not mine." she grinned at him, Herculi's episode temporarily forgotten.

"I already told you not to take part in these fights." He started to lecture her.

"How many times do I have to-" And the preaching continued for a while. Once he seemed satisfied and believed he had achieved his fatherly duties, Alpha Giacomo began to shout orders.

"Meet me in my office Beta, we have some phone calls to make and planning to do." And with that, he marched away, not before eyeing his daughter.

"Go to sleep early. Tomorrow there will be a long ride."