Episode 10

Demetrius felt a tinge of sadness as Ava's silence lingered, but he gave her space, deciding to discuss what he had witnessed instead.

"Yes, when I dashed from here, I entered the Pine Forest and ascended the snowy mountain, and looking up, I saw flocks of unusual birds flying in from the Coast. I also spotted elk, which rarely venture to this region, and mountain sheep with curled horns—those that favor the rocky highlands off the coast—traversing through the woods. Among the birds were eagles and owls, all fleeing from the Coast through the Pine Forest," Demetrius shared.

The group fell silent, contemplating the significance of the animal movements they had just heard about. As residents of Alaska's coldest region, they understood well what such a migration implied. An environmental calamity must have struck the coast.

Now the alpha needed to assess the severity of this incident in order to take action and safeguard their Pack. Uchoa, meanwhile, was weighed down by concern for his bear friends and his mate, who had just given birth to triplets.

An urgent meeting was necessary to devise a protection strategy for the shifter sanctuary.

Finally, Zoren stepped forward, asserting his position as the alpha:

"Let's all head to the Pack now to learn what's transpiring. Subsequently, I will place a call to the sheriff and arrange protective measures for the sanctuary. Uchoa, I ask that you contact the other bears, urging them to stay in human form and scout nearby safe locations," Zoren instructed.

"I'm already on top of it, Zoren. Some are in hibernation and will remain so till winter's end. For those awake and tending to their families, I'll surely reach out—they too are likely anxious, and together we'll find the best course of action," replied Uchoa.

"Ava must come with us; leaving you alone in the cabin is far too dangerous, with the threat of wild creatures, or otherwise," Zoren stoutly insisted to the female.

"I could stay and help Blanca with the infants," Ava countered.

"You'd be better off joining us, Ava. I'm soon to converse with my brothers and we will be relocating. I won't be able to protect you, Blanca, and the younglings. Please, love, it's time to return home," Uchoa encouraged.

Ava lowered her head in agreement. She understood the risks of these lands better than anyone else—she couldn't risk another animal attack, defenseless as she was. This was not how she envisioned her return to the Pack and her family's abode. Yet, escape from the escalating threat seemed the only viable option. She also needed to gather information and strategize.

The family, along with the Alpha, piled into the pickup truck, Ava riding shotgun beside Zoren, who drove. As they descended the mountain, they observed a chaotic motion of animals running and scattered birds, some lifelessly strewn along the road. Upon reaching the Pack, Zoren restrained Ava's arm, preventing her from exiting the vehicle as she struggled and protested.

"You're staying at my place—my mate belongs there. There's more room for you to be comfortable, and I assure you, I won't exact any intimacy," the Alpha clarified.

Ava eyed him skeptically, contemplating the alternative of sharing a home with her estranged father and brother. Zoren's residence would offer her greater privacy from the two, affording her the chance to avoid his company as much as possible.

"Go on, dear. It's close by and I will visit you. Allow time to heal, and things will settle. I will ask Sophia to sort out some clothing for you, but as for undergarments, I have those," he murmured close to her ear, "I always bought them hoping one day you'd return." He caressed her cheek, stretching to kiss her through the truck window.

"Thank you, mother. I'll cherish being with you. I love you," Ava replied, offering her mother solace after years of suffering.

They parted, and Zoren drove on, stopping at a bakery to purchase bread, deli meats, cake, and chocolate.

"Expecting company, Alpha?" queried Miguel, the shop owner.

"I've found my mate and wish to please her," the Alpha responded, beaming.

"Wonderful news, congratulations! It's on the house," Miguel declared, grinning from ear to ear.

The Alpha thanked him, took the bag, and departed, eager to be near his female.

Back home, Zoren stowed the groceries, inviting Ava to make herself at home.

"The first door on the right upstairs is my room; the others are at your disposal—I recommend the first on the left, which includes an en suite bathroom. Bed linen is stored in the last door down the hall, which is a linen closet," Zoren explained before turning on the television.

Ava stood still, taking in the info, surprised by Zoren's distant demeanor. He mentioned no forced intimacy but didn't need to act so mechanically. She arched an eyebrow, shrugged off his attitude, and turned to ascend the stairs when the word 'disaster' on the television caught her ear.

She positioned herself behind Zoren's chair, fixated on the news.

"A moderate earthquake, magnitude 6.4, struck near the coast of the Alaskan Peninsula, claiming the lives of numerous animals and causing others to flee. Several non-migratory birds have been observed flocking inland, with many found dead along roadways. The full extent of the incident is still unfolding.

The tremor caused an illicit vessel to crash into the icy shoreline where it became lodged with a breached hull, releasing fuel. While not predicted to cause a major environmental disaster, it will impact local fishing. In a stroke of fortune, all the poachers on board have been arrested—they were on the wanted list by Sheriff Arlon from the Zagaias Reserve, whose inhabitants engage in hunting and fishing with the very tool the reserve is named after.

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