Mates Conquer Everything, Right?
6 Meeting Maya

After a half-hour of explaining and answering my questions, it was time to go to the Red Woods Forest Pack. He didn’t answer all my questions, but that’s understandable. Oliver came with a pick-up truck to take me to their ‘village’.

Sitting in his truck, I thought about all the information he just told me. It was a lot. He was so excited that he even told me more than was necessary. About their goddess, Selene, the Moon goddess they adore and worship. She gives them the power to shift and creates mates so the werewolf line can continue.

Mates are soulmates the goddess created for each wolf. If they meet, they are inseparable and in love forever. Oliver told me about them because there are two couples the goddess created in the pack. If I make too much eye contact with one of the males, their mate will want to hurt me badly. Oliver didn’t go into details about the mating, but one thing is clear. Don’t talk to someone without Oliver’s consent.

Driving to the pack was strange. I have the same weird feeling I’ve had ever since I moved here. Something is going to change, and maybe the answer is on the pack grounds.

“Remember, be respectful to the Alpha and everyone else. Bow your head to the Alpha and don’t speak to him. You know what, don’t speak at all, unless I introduce you to someone.”

I just nod, and Oliver stops by a little house near the road.

“Hi Zack, I have Violet with me, we are here for my picnic party.” He says with a smile on his face.

Zack is a big guy with a surprisingly cute baby face. His big, brown eyes are friendly as he looks at me.

“Hi, I am Violet.” I say with a smile, and Oliver snarls behind the steering wheel.

“We aren’t even there yet and you already broke the promise. No talking to someone without an introduction.” He bumps his head on the window, and Zack just laughs.

“Sorry, I am just warming up. Let’s celebrate your birthday!” I say with a cheer, and Zack tells Oliver he likes me already and let us through.

I can’t ignore the trenches and fences on both sides of the road. Oliver sees me frowning.

“It’s for protection.” He simply says.

“Protection from what?” I ask.

“Well, you saw the rogue, right? Let’s leave it at that, shall we?”

“Are there more threats?”

“Yes, but I can’t say more than that.”

“How many times has the pack needed protection?” I ask, becoming concerned about my safety.

“Relax, we’ve only needed the protection twice in my lifetime.” He says while he pats my knee. “Do you see the bell tower over there?” He pointed to a thin, long building.

“If the bell rings once, then we are going to practice for an attack…”

“Like a trial run?” I ask, and he confirms it.

“Exactly. If the bell rings more than once, then you need to worry and hide with the children in a barn.”

He sees the concern on my face and smiles. “It’s not going to happen. Just relax and enjoy my party.”

Meanwhile, we drive through the village. It is beautiful. The houses are small and white with little windows. The bell tower stands in the middle of a small square connected to a big grey building. The building is two stories high and is as big as four houses together.

He parks the truck and walks to my side to open it, a bit too quick for my liking. He sees my face and laughs at me, opening the door.

“I don’t have to hide my skills here. We do have rules when to use our werewolf strength and speed, but since I am ‘management’, I can use it freely.”

Oh yes. Werewolves are faster and stronger than humans. Their senses are doubled, if not more.

“Let’s introduce you to my mother, shall we?” He takes my hand and helps me out of the big truck.

We walk to a small white house with ivy on the walls. It looks homey and is close to the bell tower.

Oliver is still holding my hand as we walk onto the porch. Before he can open the door, a woman with a big smile opens the door for us and pulls me in for a hug.

A bit shocked, I look up to Oliver, who just shakes his head and laughs.

“Mom, I don’t think she recognizes you.” The woman with black silky hair pulled up in a bun releases me and looks into my eyes. She has a small frame but strong hands. She wears a big white coat and bright red glasses.

“Oh, you are right, my son. She was completely out of it. How is your leg, dear?”

I look at Oliver for an explanation.

“My mom is a doctor and she was the one who stitched your leg.” He points to my bandaged leg, as if I could forget.

I roll my eyes and then look at the woman. “Thank you. I didn’t know I had stitches. I haven’t had the courage to check the wound yet.” I say, with my eyes on the covered bite mark.

“Oh honey, why don’t you both come inside. The picnic starts later. I made your favorite, brownies with extra chocolate.”

Cheering, Oliver forgets about me and is heading to the kitchen.

“My name is Maya. I am so happy you decided to come. A birthday is very special for us.” She walks me to the living room and sets me down on the sofa. The decoration in the house is warm, with lots of brown tones. I like it.

“Violet, I would like to see the wound if you’ll let me.” She asks sweetly with her angel voice. I just nod, and Oliver appears with a brownie in his hand.

“Where are you manners, boy? Ask your guest if she wants something. I didn’t raise a brute!”

“Yes, Ma’am, Violet, would you like something to drink and a brownie?”

I say water, and he disappears again. I bet he is going to eat another brownie before coming out of the kitchen.

Maya takes my foot and places it on her lap. With professional precision, she removes the bandages, and for the first time, I actually see the damage myself.

A gasp leaves my mouth, and tears sting my eyes. I can’t believe it doesn’t hurt that much. The dreadful sight frightens me all over again.

My breathing becomes shallow, and all I see and smell is the rogue right in front of me. I know what I am having; it is a panic attack…

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