Episode 11

Zoren switched off the TV, thoughtful and worried. He urgently needed to speak with the chief of police. Turning to grab his cellphone from his jacket pocket, which he'd left on the chair's backrest, he realized Ava was standing behind him, equally pensive.

"We need to take numerous precautions; I'll talk to Arlon to see where we can begin," Zoren told her.

"We start by clearing the road of dead animals and putting down the injured ones to end their suffering and not waste the meat. Call your hunters, I'll lead—" Ava paused, remembering she was without her crossbow—"do you happen to have a crossbow?" she asked, after issuing the command.

The Alpha smiled at his mate's initiative, a testament to her power.

"Are you sure you're not being hasty? I think it's better to speak with the chief first," Zoren said, ever cautious.

"Do so," she concluded and left.

Reaching the porch, she let her wolf instinct take control, not transforming, but to howl loudly and in the right tone to summon the pack hunters. Hearing the call of the Alpha female, they ran to respond, nearly arriving all at once.

"My name is Ava, but you know me as the Shadow Hunter; I am the warden of Pine Mountain and I am summoning you for an urgent job due to the earthquake's disruption. Are you with me?" the Alpha asked.

They looked at each other, concerned for their Alpha, since he was the pack leader.

Meanwhile, inside the house, the Alpha was receiving instructions from the chief:

"That's the situation, Zoren. Given that the Hunter is there, cooperate and follow her directions. She's the most qualified and has the authority to act. I will check on the situation and update you. Stay alert for anything unusual. Be careful, and talk soon, my friend," Arlon directed.

"Understood, Arlon. You can count on me and the pack; take care as well, talk soon," he hung up and immediately left.

When he arrived on the porch, his hunters ceased talking and looked to their Alpha, awaiting orders.

"Hello, everyone, we have important tasks ahead, but first, I want to inform you that Ava is my mate, and you are cleared to obey her commands. Chief Arlon has assured me that she is the right person to coordinate this operation. Got it?" Zoren said, chest swell with pride about his mate.

"Got it, Alpha," they replied in unison.

"The first step is to clear the dead animals from the road, so those with snow plows, start now," two of them departed. "The others will join me to the forest; before we collect dead birds, we'll put down the large wounded animals like moose and rams. Those with pickup trucks, bring them to transport the carcasses, you may leave," Ava commanded.

Some women had arrived and were paying attention to the activity and questioned:

"How can we assist, Luna?" It came naturally for them to assume Ava was now the pack's Luna.

"I'm not the Luna—" Ava began to speak but was interrupted.

"Not yet, but you will be soon, for you are my mate," Zoren declared with pride and a touch of arrogance.

She gritted her teeth at him, growling softly, but he smiled back.

"For you, valiant females, and also for the men staying here, your job will be to clean and store the animals suitable for consumption that will be brought in. Understood?" They nodded. "Thank you, everyone; you may start preparing; it's going to be a long day."

"Daughter!" Shirley came running—"How can I assist?" she asked.

"Mom, I'm glad you're here," she embraced the woman—"this whole group will need to eat," she said, pulling away.

"I'll handle that, dear. I'll ask some of the young people to help me with a barbecue using the animals they bring in, plus make some hot broth. Go with God, my dear; He will bless you."

"Why do you always speak of God, isn't it the moon goddess who looks after the supernatural?" Ava asked, curious.

"Some missionaries came through a few years ago and taught us about the God who created all things, and they said if we prayed with a contrite heart, He hears and answers. All these years, I prayed for you, and here you are. That is why I believe in this God, creator even of the moon."

"That's beautiful. After this mess is over, you can tell me more about it. I need to go now," she parted ways and then turned to the Alpha.

"What should I do, boss?" the Alpha asked ironically.

"Crossbow!" she exclaimed, frustrated.

"Are you insulting me?"

"No, forgetful one, I need a crossbow, you know, the type that shoots arrows? Do you have one?" she replied with irony, mimicking him.

"Sorry, yes, I have one. I'll fetch it," he went inside.

"You're coming with me," she stated, and he smiled, unseen. He would never leave his mate alone.

After they were ready and warmly dressed, thanks to Shirley providing clothing for Ava, they set off in Zoren's truck. Along the way, he took the opportunity to comment:

"So, you're the forest ranger in charge of this area, which is why issues were resolved so swiftly and you kept the hunters in check since you're authorized to do so?" He confirmed more than he asked.

"Yes."

"But how did you secure the position? As far as I know, it requires a competitive process?"

"Yes."

"You don't want to talk to me, is that it?" Zoren asked, becoming irritated again.

"Yes!" She laughed this time, and he noticed.

"Okay, my powerful yet silent female, at least tell me where you want to start."

"We'll head towards the end of the forest and meet the guys on the way."

Zoren did as Ava instructed, driving as close to the forest's end as possible, and from there, they proceeded on foot, each armed with a crossbow and a quiver of arrows strapped to their backs.

Ava shot each wounded animal with a cold efficiency, but inside her heart was in tatters, witnessing so much senseless loss of life.

They continued until a familiar sound reached Ava's ears. It was wild wolves attacking a defenseless prey. They approached carefully and witnessed the raw ferocity of animals devoid of human reasoning. The prey, a majestic stag with its towering antlers, was fighting back, flinging wolves away with ease.

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