Chapter 13: 12

Chapter 12

The number of students of Woodridge Academy has grown significantly over the last four years.

All of the children in Amber's batch are now budding teenagers who may or may not have now a clear-cut goal of what they want to become in the near future.

That's why, competition during this time, has become tougher and fiercer.

Most of them have matured in more ways than one, not to mention they have their wolves now.

Their first shift is a crucial process for it determines whether one will be able to completely transform, and obtain his wolf, or meet a painful and tragic death instead.

Fortunately, River Severn Pack has never had casualties arising from this event in the recent years. The path of those pups to becoming official pack warriors is in the pipeline now that they've gotten stronger, and capable of more things compared to their past selves.

Everyone wants to prove something.

Everyone wants to do better.

Everyone wants to sit atop the food chain.

That's how driven the students of Woodridge Academy are nowadays.

Moreover, the school also adapted River Severn's combat sports culture in honing each werewolf's skills to perfection. Although, they offered sports programs, too, in the past, its main purpose was to let their students breathe, and have fun.

At the end of the day, they should still be able to enjoy their youth after all.

Still, the world is ever-changing.

Tomorrow isn't promised, and every living thing continues to struggle for their own survival.

Even the wildest predators may even be prey for larger predators.

Change is absolute, and it's only a matter of 'when' before the top predator finally hits rock bottom.

The werewolf community has its own sets of problem that continue to persist even after so many years. Life doesn't get easier in the long run. It's just that, being more experienced gives one the advantage to handle challenging problems better than the rest.

And life becomes even more difficult as you age.

There are so much responsibilities which can only be settled if you face them head-on. Your age can no longer give you a free pass to commit disgraceful actions; consequences are always ready to knock on your door.

Furthermore, it's not guaranteed that werewolves are in their best forms all the time.

Being named the 'strongest' isn't a title one can hold for a lifetime.

The werewolf community, of course, is well-aware of this fact.

Hence, everything just gets harder from here on out.

The River Severn Pack wasn't able to climb up the ladder within the given timeframe. The pack has been consistently on the tenth seat, despite their struggles and hopes. Although, they were good enough to not let anyone get their hands on their current position among all the packs in Akkad, the opposite could be said as well regarding their pursuit of a higher placement.

They weren't good enough to get their hands on the ninth seat, and it wasn't because the pack members were slacking off nor the pack had grown weaker as a whole.

Competition was just that… intense.

Woodridge Academy aims not only to be the academic institution that these werewolves need, but also to bring more into the 'game' which will help many packs prosper with their talents.

On a lighter note, Alpha Severus doesn't seem to mind that the school is borrowing some of their practices to cultivate the individuals currently enrolled into the school.

Woodridge Academy has no ill intentions whatsoever. They launched an intraschool combat sports competition with one objective in mind—and that was to keep the werewolves at the top of their game.

There's a certain month in a year where the Werewolf King will call the attention of the official packs under his reign with an announcement saying that the Capital is in need of more homegrown pack warriors.

Even though the country hasn't been part of any war for several years, the Werewolf King is a wise ruler.

One word from him is enough to stimulate one's sense of pride and accomplishment—he's that influential.

The packs know that what they're enjoying right now is just temporary peace. The Werewolf King is one ambitious creature. His pursuit isn't about becoming the most powerful country nor the largest one.

It's about being the one and only.

Sooner or later, the packs will find themselves in yet another turmoil that will test their strength, resiliency, and beliefs. That's why, they're painfully conscious of their role and standing in Akkad.

Being the 'strongest' is one thing, and having to maintain your grasp on that label is another.

Hence, it goes without saying that packs under the Werewolf King, otherwise known as 'Rego', have no other way but up. To adapt to the constant changing and unfair demands of the world, working like a Trojan is necessary.

Currently, Amber is on the stage, standing next to the hosts of the awarding ceremony.

Woodridge Academy has gone on a week-long sports festival, and now, the ceremony is drawing to a close. Of course, sports festival isn't complete without announcing the 'winners', and giving them the award and recognition they deserve in front of everyone—their bragging rights.

Amber looked at the huge crowd before them.

'These are the faces that represent the school,' she thought inwardly.

And they're also the same faces that she chances on every so often in the last four years.

Time sure has flown by so fast.

Amber isn't a recipient of any award this year.

Having been called up on the stage is for another reason.

The name that the hosts are about to call up there will receive a gold medal for kickboxing competition, and Amber is to put that medal around the winner's neck as a sign of great honor. Amber has become the very face of the said sports in their region—thanks to the consistency of her performance all throughout the years.

A three-time champion for the provincials and regionals, the girl has already established quite a name for herself.

And she's one of the reasons why River Severn Pack is gaining more allies and enemies all at the same time.

Amber is a young figure who keeps bringing glory to the pack's name.

With her own Alpha's backing, it didn't take long before she became someone others looked up to.

Many are intimidated by whatever she does, but those who brave the tide are luckier—for they're able to realize that Amber isn't as snobbish as what rumors make her out to be.

Negative information about a certain person isn't forgotten so easily.

More often than not, people would rather add fuel to the fire. They like voicing out their own interpretation of something, not minding how fallacious their arguments are.

For them, it's okay to witness other people succeed, but not too much. They hate it when someone does better than them. It hurts their pride, and bruises their ego.

Amber may be known for collecting medals and trophies from whichever kickboxing competitions she joins, but for some—she would forever remain the 'bad guy' in their eyes. Those who aren't very fond of her keep bringing up her previous actions, for example: the time when Amber punched a classmate in the face.

Some were still claiming that she was only using sports for violence, a way to stand above a person because she knew she could pull it off better.

It's a pity for them though, Amber remains unfazed by their accusations wherever they go.

It's as if she can instinctively block out all negative remarks they throw her way.

They don't know if she's trying to appear mature by acting like she's the bigger person, but most people don't like it. They don't appreciate her 'I don't give a what' attitude.

After hitting puberty, she grew taller, stronger, and prettier.

Amber is now at an age where getting attracted to boys can happen on a daily basis, but the thing is, what's happening in her case is the vice versa. Boys her age are attracted to her, specifically—her abilities.

She's even got fanboys to cheer her on whenever she has an official match.

That's how distinguished she has become in the last four years.

"May we call on Charm Davis to join us here on the stage for bagging the GOLD medal for the kickboxing category for this year's festival! Congratulations! Let's give her a big round of applause!"

Amber stared at the host intently.

He looked familiar.

Then, when she saw 'that' Charm Davis come up the stage, it popped in her mind.

In an instant.

'She's the host's daughter.'

"Now, we have Ms Amber here to hand the award to our school champion!" The man went to give her a microphone. "Any words that you wish to say?" He was grinning from ear to ear.

Perhaps, he was just that happy for his daughter's achievement that it didn't matter to him that, right now, he was showing how biased he was.

Amber put the gold medal over the girl's head, and took the microphone from the host. "Charm, was it?"

She nodded at her—eagerly. "Yes," she replied, breathless. "I'm a huge fan. You're my inspiration actually."

'I think I'm a year older than her?'

Amber smiled back. "Keep up the good work. Is this your first win in kickboxing?"

"Yes!" Charm let out a perfectly-controlled squeal. "That's why it's a big deal to me."

"I'm happy for you, Charm. First wins are big wins. And if it ever comes to the point you feel like giving up, try to remember everything you've overcome. Bear in mind that winners never quit." Amber gave the microphone back to the host, and bowed politely. "That's all."

Meanwhile, the man was too starstruck that he couldn't react at all.

To be honest, his objective for today's awarding ceremony was quite simple.

It was to shove his own daughter's victory in that Amber Santiago's face.

He's one of the people who thinks that Amber doesn't deserve where she stands right now.

That it's all thanks to her Alpha's supervision that she's good at many things.

Unlike the others, it's not pure hard work for her.

She's a privileged orphan, that's why, her starting point is already set differently from the rest.

However…

He saw the sincerity in Amber's face when she shared some words of encouragement to his daughter—who had just started learning kickboxing a little over a year ago. He heard the sincerity in her tone, that Amber wasn't jealous of Charm for getting the gold medal in the sports festival.

How is she so composed?

Is what she's showing… her real side?

When Charm Davis was finally offstage, Amber looked at the host weirdly. He stilled seemed out of it, so thankfully, he had a stage partner. The other person started to welcome the winners of another sports, prompting Amber to leave the stage.

She just got off a mission, and was actually tired.

She came to school to submit her letter of explanation, and show the Alpha's seal as proof that she went on an official pack business. At the age of fifteen, she's become eligible for pickings on who will be sent for low-level missions. And to satisfy the preferred schedule of River Severn, she had to write a leave of absence letter for school.

The squad's mission and the sportsfest's schedule were overlapping—she had to let go of one.

In that case, it was common sense that Amber would choose to take on her first mission as a pack member than participate in school games. She's sad that she didn't get to join her sports, but that's all there is to it.

Amber doesn't feel regretful about the medal.

If it's not today, then maybe next time.

Medals and trophies just come next to the main thing.

Her passion to defeat a contender through self-expression.

There's nothing more satisfying than that.

"I'll take my leave now, Sir. Have a good day."

"Wait…" The host caught her elbow.

Amber couldn't help but glance at the man's stage partner.

'He can abandon the other host just like that?'

Amber tilted her head to the side. "Is there anything else I can help you with, Sir?"

Suddenly, he looked startled when he finally realized how he had been acting toward her. "I'm sorry about that, Amber. I… I guess it's just the lack of sleep? We had to pull all-nighters in a row to make the sportsfest a success." Then, he let go of her elbow—reluctantly.

Amber offered him a warm smile. "Sleep is essential. It's our body and mind's form of recharge. Please try not to neglect your health, Sir." She motioned her hand to the crowd to emphasize their loud cheering. "By the way, it seems to me that your efforts didn't go to waste. Thank you for your hard work, Sir."

Before the man could even control himself, his mouth had already blurted out the question. "Aren't you the least bit disappointed?"

"Huh?"

"That you're going home empty-handed today…"

"I'm supposed to be at home though?"

"What?"

"I was absent the entire week, that's why, I was unable to participate in anything, Sir. I'm actually here to submit the excuse letter to my class adviser."

"Yes, it's true that I haven't seen you around…" His brows furrowed together, curious. "Did you fall ill?"

"No, Sir. I just needed to be away for… several days."

"What? Why?" It doesn't make sense. Why would an adolescent like her speak like an adult?

Needed to be away for several days?

She sounds like a teenager in her rebellious phase.

Amber hesitated. The man wasn't even her class adviser, and she had never taken any of his classes, so she felt conflicted because she knew she didn't have to explain anything to him.

But… he looked utterly confused, and Amber felt bad for being the reason behind it.

"I… I was sent on a mission, Sir."

"I'm sorry, what?"

She smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid that's all I'm allowed to say."

He narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. "You're like… fifteen? You can't make up a sloppy lie like that, Amber! Even your class adviser won't buy your excuse!"

Her eyes widened, horrified. "I'd never do that, Sir. Besides, Alpha Severus has signed the letter as well."

"A-alpha…?" He couldn't finish the word.

Amber hummed, nodding. "I'm going home after I visit the faculty room. I'm saddened that I won't be able to finish the program, but I'm worn out to the bones, Sir. The Alpha is also expecting me to be home within an hour. I'm sorry for leaving like this."

"You could submit your excuse letter on the day you'd return to school though?"

"The schedule has been extended. I included it in the letter." She glanced at her wristwatch briefly. "I have to go, Sir. Please send my regards to your daughter."

"Huh? Sure! Thanks… wait—how?"

All he could do was stare at the girl's retreating back.

She knew!?

The host doesn't recall having introduced himself to her. He had never announced to the whole school that Charm was his daughter either.

'How did she know about that?'

And that was his first encounter with the famous Amber Santiago.

As a teacher in Woodridge Academy, they need to be more professional. They must not commit themselves in prejudice and favoritism—because that would ruin the balance, and greatly affect the students in many ways.

Amber Santiago is a name he often hears inside the faculty room. So, even the teachers were intrigued by her.

And she already had most of them wrapped around her little finger.

He would have understood if she was a cute four-year-old pup, but no…

"Hey, you there!? What are you spacing out for? The Director has been giving me the eye! He's probably wondering what you were doing. What was that about!?"

"I just gave the student my thanks."

"It wasn't on the script. I was surprised when you suddenly call her up here."

"It was effective, wasn't it? Many of the students were delighted to see her."

"Stop your jabber now, and do your part as a host, will you?"

"Yes, yes. I didn't mean to trouble you. I'll make my formal apology to the Director later."

"You better…"

Still, his mind was on something else.

Is that how they do things in River Severn?

What kind of a pack sends a young wolf on an official pack mission?

Based on his background knowledge, one can only become a full-fledged pack warrior after they turn eighteen—and that's not only in River Severn, but most packs in Akkad. They need to be at least of legal age, so that it's up to their discernment whether or not a mission is something they can handle.

And one can't just randomly send out his pack members to solve life-threatening situations.

That's too… cruel.

The man was starting to feel guilty. After all, he meant to humiliate Amber Santiago on the stage. But instead, what he and his daughter got to hear in return was a heartfelt message. There was no envy in Amber's eyes when she let Charm wear the medal. She looked calm and collected, despite the fact that she was called up on the stage, unprepared.

Now that he thinks about it, Amber smells like the coniferous forest to the west.

Is that where she has been?

Her eyes looked a little languid, too. It was like she was doing her best to stay awake. She kept pinching the skin of the back of her hand, and that must be her way to gain more focus. He really owed the girl an apology—and a sincere one at that.

His daughter, Charm, likes her very much.

And he was displeased by it because Amber was from River Severn Pack.

So far, having them as his students wasn't exactly a pleasant experience…

They're too conceited!

They know that they're good, and they brag about it!

Especially the boys.

They're too much to handle—a headache if you may.

Perhaps, he had been too unfair toward Amber. His impression of students from River Severn wasn't so great that he decided to take his frustration out on the poor, innocent girl. If Charm liked her to the point of pursuing the same combat sports as her, then that Amber must be really amazing.

He also realized that maybe he was discrediting her efforts too much by attaching Alpha Severus to her name.

So, what if she lives under the Alpha's protection? At the end of the day, she still has inner struggles that nobody else knows of—struggles that she battles every day.

Amber knew the way to the faculty room like the back of her hand, that's why, it didn't take long for her to get there. The room is empty and quiet—which is understandable because members of the faculty deserve a break from their strict image from time to time, too.

Amber sat on one of the chairs while waiting for her class adviser to arrive. She met her on the way here, and her teacher was having a small discussion with a member of the student council. Amber figured it wouldn't last long because they were both standing in the hallway, and it looked like the real conversation was over.

The teacher just gave the student a few reminders, and they were all sportsfest-related.

Amber was told to head straight to the faculty room first, and so, she did.

Lukas was the only one who got to participate in the sports festival among them four. She, along with Salt and Pepper, belongs to the same squad. Hence, the twins weren't able to compete in any games this year, too.

Amber hasn't seen Lukas in the pack house earlier which means that he's still here at school.

When she got home, the first thing that came to mind was to write her class adviser a letter. Even though the mission was technically completed, formalities should follow afterward. The Alpha isn't just entitled to hear their oral reports, documentations must be made to support their claim as well.

Everything should be properly documented.

And it's not just because the pack needs to hold them responsible if things go haywire.

Their statements are also to protect them.

"Amber?" called out by a familiar voice.

Amber looked behind her, and found her class adviser by the door. She stood up to greet her. "Good afternoon, Ms Maxfield."

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting," the teacher chirped as she marched over toward her side. Then, the woman went to study her features carefully. "You look like you could use some nap, Amber. I hope you've been doing well." Ms Maxfield reached out to the table, and retrieved her letter. "So, how was the mission? I believe that was your first, right?"

Amber smiled at her kindly. "It was terrifyingly… satisfying."

Ms Maxfield's friendly grin froze. "Satisfying?"

Amber's eyes glazed over momentarily. "The level of satisfaction after getting it done…" Then, she looked at her class adviser. "It's titillating. It makes you want to do it again."

'Am I really hearing this from a fifteen-year-old student?' Ms Maxfield was completely caught off-guard.

"I take it that your mission was a success?" She opened to read the letter. "It even has the seal of the Alpha on it. Haven't I told you, Amber? You didn't have to go this far. I accept verbal explanations, and I also know that you aren't one to fake your absences."

"I appreciate the trust, Ms Maxfield. It's a huge deal for me."

"Oh, wait. It says here that you're filing an extension?" Her class adviser looked at her in confusion. "What for?"

"The wrap up process apparently…"

"I suppose I can allow this. It's just two days anyway."

Amber was beyond grateful. "That's so considerate of you, Ms Maxfield."

"I'm sure the Director will understand once I explain this to him," her teacher reassured. "Are you going home after this?"

"As much as I want to stay… I really can't today."

"I know that look. Your Alpha's orders, I presume?"

Amber regrettably nodded her head.

Things have changed now. As an aspiring pack warrior, she could no longer insist on getting her way.

Pack forces are an organization.

And within an organization, rules and regulations exist.

Adhering to them is the first step to keeping it all organized.

And if everything is organized, there will be no miscommunication.

The Gamma Chief is the Commander of the pack forces. His structural way of teaching is what made Amber realize the importance of being level-headed, and able to follow objective instructions.

Being subjective can only take you so far, that's why, keeping your emotions in check is important.

Emotions can betray anything—everything.

They can tear all of your hard work apart.

Amber would love to stay until the school program was finished, but choosing that 'feeling' over a responsibility that could affect her future mindset—she would be on the losing end, wouldn't she? It's critical that she knows how to weigh, and make decisions in accordance with the situation.

"I'll stamp this later. If that's all, you may go."

"Thanks, Ms Maxfield." A timid smile graced her lips before she left the faculty room. She's lucky that her class adviser is more receptive compared to others.

Amber met Salt and Pepper's teacher before, and he was… hot-headed. There will be a long sermon first before he tries to hear you out.

Amber had already reached the carpark when, suddenly, somebody placed his arm over her shoulder. She didn't even have to look at the person to know who it was. She noticed this person sneaking his way from behind her since earlier, but she paid no mind to him because they were on the school grounds.

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It was either she'd get pranked, or they wished to approach her for a reason.

"I thought my eyes were deceiving me. I had to run after you."

Amber looked up at him. "No, you weren't running. You 'stalked' me."

Lukas made a face. "Don't make it sound weird."

"Then, stop sneaking on me from behind."

He let out a light chuckle. "I can't. It's fun."

"And your arm, please…"

"Is it that repulsive?"

"You're being overfamiliar with me."

"You said you didn't feel bothered by it though?"

"That was before," Amber pointed out, and came to a stop. She turned to face him with a serious expression. "You're seventeen now."

Lukas wagged his eyebrows. "I'm glad you remember."

"What if your mate is of age, and studies at the same school as us, too? How would she feel if she caught you placing your arm over another girl's shoulder, Lukas?"

He stared down at her, mouth agape.

He couldn't rebut what she just said.

Amber tilted her head to the side. "Let's be more mindful of our actions, can we?"

As if he was put under hypnosis, he replied, "Okay."

Amber caught his friends waiting from a corner, then grinned at him. "Your friends are waiting for you. Please go back, Lukas."

"Will you be okay alone?"

"Your father has sent a driver with me."

Lukas gave her a stiff nod. "That's a relief."

She fist-bumped him on his chest. "See you later."

"Yes." Lukas gently pinched her cheek. "You're so strict, ma'am."

Amber slapped his hand away. "I'm not strict. You're just careless."

He playfully raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, you win this argument."

She shook her head.

He still won't take her seriously.

Amber turned her back to him, and began walking in the direction where their car was parked.

Lukas had always been like that ever since they hit it off. And as far as she could remember, Lukas hated her guts. Nowadays, he liked teasing her more though, and every time she would bring up the fact that he left her in that pitfall years ago as a retort, he'd stare at her, speechless.

"I envy you, man. You can talk to her anytime you want."

"Most of us don't have the gall to befriend her, you know?"

Lukas raised his brow at one of his friends. "You're planning to make friends with Amber?"

"We all are…" The other boys agreed in unison. "Right?"

"That's the dream!"

"She's like the legit IT girl in the whole school!"

"I got to talk to Pepper recently, but it was cut short because of her brother's staring."

"Yeah? I'm good friends with Salt, but sometimes, his silence unnerves me. I feel like if I ask him to scratch my back, I'll get stabbed instead—literally."

"He was enigmatic since we were young though, so I'm sure that's just how he is as a person."

"Going back to the topic, is there any way you could introduce us to Amber?"

Lukas smirked. "Nope."

His friends groaned in protest. "Oh, shut up!"

"That's unfair!"

"Keeping her all to yourself, huh!?"

"Not really. For all we know, your mates are somewhere out there, watching you…"

"We could say the same thing to you!"

"Or… are you that certain that Amber is going to be your mate?"

Lukas shrugged nonchalantly. "That's not a terrible idea."

"Lies! You know you like it!"

Amber was right.

Perhaps, he hadn't been too perceptive about the concept of mates. Lukas admits that meeting his mate has never crossed his mind even once in the last few years. As long as he gets to see Amber's face, he feels content.

It didn't matter whether she was smiling or frowning—Lukas found all of her expressions fascinating.

The fondness that he feels for her…

What if it turns out that Amber is some other guy's mate?

Will this fondness soon fade away?

Lukas blew out an irritated sigh. "I don't want to think about it…" It's Amber's fault for suddenly springing the topic up on him.

"Did you say something?" his friend asked.

"No."

"I must be hearing things then."

Lukas pursed his lips. "Maybe."

Amber fell asleep in the car, and by the time the driver tapped her shoulder to wake her up, she could already see the pack house from the parking lot. She unfastened the seatbelt, and murmured her thanks to him afterward.

She must be that exhausted for letting her guard down while on a ride.

Ever since 'that' day, Amber tries to avoid taking a nap in cars.

She can be more aware of her surroundings if she's awake, and observant of what she sees outside.

"Come on. Give your Luna a hug."

Amber laughed nervously.

If there was one thing that had never changed about the Luna…

That's Luna Xyla's being all over her like a worried parent over an only child.

"Oh, Amber! I didn't get to see you before you left for school. Your Alpha here didn't bother to call for me."

Alpha Severus let his mate blame him for everything. "My bad."

Luna Xyla scowled at him. "You don't even look the slightest apologetic."

He cleared his throat. "Once again, my bad."

"Just look at you…" She shook her head in dismay, then pulled Amber along to the couch. "Show me your injuries. You should have headed straight to the clinic in the first instance when you got home earlier! I'm sure that letter could wait."'

Amber calmed her down by patting her back—awkwardly. "I'm not injured, Luna."

She blinked at her, surprised. "You're lying."

Alpha Severus' laughter boomed over the living room. "No, she's not."

His mate challenged him. "How can you be so sure? You haven't inspected her body for injuries!"

"Her posture, alone, says everything. I can tell that Amber is perfectly fine." The Alpha raised a glass of whiskey to his lips. "I want to hear the whole story from yourself, but you look sleepy." His gaze on her narrowed scantily. "You stayed up all week, didn't you?"

The Luna gasped in horror. "Amber…" She turned to her husband, questioning. "How are you able to tell that from one look?"

Amber lowered her gaze.

Yes.

She was guilty.

"Mind telling me your reason, Amber?" Knowing that it was her first mission, Severus somehow predicted that Amber was going to go all out. However, he didn't expect that she would treat herself with absolutely no mercy.

He didn't send them to war for God's sake!

The mission only entails conducting a careful observation. What he needs to know is a detailed report of the activities of 'that' faction in the past week.

And in order to do that, rotational assignment is imperative.

So, why does he feel like Amber didn't stick to that procedure?

"I… I didn't want to miss out on anything, Alpha."

"Don't you trust your teammates?"

"I do!" she exclaimed, "but I wanted to see things for myself, too. The mission wouldn't go on forever, so I thought sacrificing my sleep for a week was no big deal…"

Alpha Severus shook his head in disappointment. "No! Do you know what I'm thinking right now?" Amber didn't raise her head, so he continued, "That you don't trust the squad you're in enough. Sure, you trust Salt and Pepper, but not to the point of letting them execute their part while you sleep."

"Severus…" His mate called out, concern written all over her gentle features. "Amber just got off the mission. Can't this wait?"

"Do you have anything else to say for yourself, Amber? I'm waiting."

"I couldn't let my guard down, Alpha. I didn't want to sleep."

"Why?"

"If there was some kind of a development… I wanted myself to become a witness."

"Didn't you think that your teammates would update you once you woke up?"

Amber looked up at him, her expression stony.

How many times does she have to say it?

"I didn't want to miss out on anything, Alpha. I have no other reasons."

"At the expense of your own health?" he asked ridiculously.

"I'm fine though…" she reasoned out quietly.

But the Alpha still heard that.

And he didn't appreciate it.

"Amber!"

She quickly muttered her apologies. "I didn't mean to talk back, Alpha."

"I don't care about that. Look at yourself. Even the rats could tell you're all drained. I didn't notice it earlier. Had I known about it, I wouldn't have let you come to your school in such a state!"

Amber's cheeks grew flushed as she frowned, and fidgeted with her fingers nervously. "I'll be sure to look more presentable before—"

"That's not the point!" The Alpha yelled in frustration. "Go to your room. Get some rest. I'm not talking to you until the dark circles under your eyes have completely disappeared."

"Yes, Alpha." Amber offered the Luna an apologetic smile before she stood up to leave the living room. She couldn't bring herself to meet the Alpha's gaze this time.

His intensity was almost palpable, especially in the last part of their conversation.

Besides…

It seems like no matter what she says, the Alpha will antagonize them.

He was so fixated on the thought that she wasn't able to sleep a wink during that mission.

So, Amber thought that saying sorry was futile. It's not like she's actually sorry for her actions at all, too. She was telling the truth when she said that staying awake was the only option she had to fulfill the desire to see everything with her own eyes.

There's a certain village from the western part of their region that has been raising pups illegally, and actively asking for donations from the other packs under the pretext of being a charitable organization.

When in fact, they're anything but that.

The pups under their care are, in no way, 'orphans'.

All these children have been taken away from their original packs, and are now presumed legally dead. The village is making huge money out of them by spreading lies, and accepting donations from the benevolent leaders of average-sized packs this whole time.

As of late, the village seems to have become greedier, making contact with huge packs for a larger sum of money—River Severn being one of their prospective cash cows. Of course, Alpha Severus is quite the cynic when it comes to this, and having received a formal letter explaining the village's predicament wasn't enough to move his heart.

If he's going to donate, it's only natural to want to see for himself first where the amount will go, right?

That's why, he wrote back to them, expressing his wish to personally visit their village to conduct his personal assessment of the entire situation there.

To his wonder, he had never received any correspondence from the village since then.

Had they not caught Alpha Severus' interest, he wouldn't have them investigated.

And it turned out that everything in the letter was a lie.

His men confirmed that the address they provided was made up, too. What they found there was nothing but a barren land. Therefore, it urged them further to locate this sham 'charitable organization', and they eventually succeeded.

They had been monitoring the village's activities steadily, and noticed that they temporarily stopped their operations—perhaps, keeping it on the down-low for the time being? By the looks of it, it appears that they're not the only pack who's trying to confirm their organization's existence and legitimacy.

Ha.

Did they think they could easily make a fool out of larger packs like what they did to others?

That was their biggest mistake.

Due to their insatiable greed, they've met their match now.

Since the village wasn't on the move yet, Alpha Severus took the opportunity to turn the investigation into a mission. The participants were randomly chosen by the squad leaders, and it just happened that the squad where Amber was in got picked, too.

And since it was going to be their first time, the management could only offer them a Level 1 mission.

Their objective was quite simple: monitor the village's movement, and alert the higher-ups right away should there be telltales that the village had resumed its operation again.

That's all for one week.

A squad is composed of three members.

And to make the monitoring 24/7 possible, they had to work smarter.

Meaning, they didn't have to keep watch all at the same time. Each one of them could work for eight hours, and once their shift had ended, they could proceed to writing down their observations, and getting some rest.

It was important because they were out in the wild. Tents weren't provided because those would only stand out. They had to keep in mind that what they were doing was considered as a 'covert' mission.

Once they get busted, it's over.

Their cover is blown.

Therefore, they needed to survive out there like how a rogue would.

Food hunting was too easy for them.

Considering that Salt and Pepper are the Gamma Chief's flesh and blood, both of them naturally excel at the field.

As werewolves, their body heat is exceptional—that means they don't necessarily need to put a roof over their heads to survive the cold, and live comfortably.

The main problem they are to face, aside from the fact that they must not get caught, is the wildlife.

Werewolves are predators themselves, but that doesn't mean they don't get preyed on.

And it's a whole different thing if they come across a rogue.

A fight is inevitable.

Thankfully, they didn't encounter one during their mission.

Hence, they were able to focus more on their duty.

Amber couldn't quite explain the excitement she was feeling for her first mission, that's why, she was on edge the entire time. The thought of closing her eyes even for a minute got her wolf all worked up.

The Alpha had definitely gotten the wrong idea when he said that the reason she couldn't bring herself to sleep was her lack of trust in her friends. What he was trying to say earlier was that—she didn't feel confident that her teammates would look after her in her moment of vulnerability.

Amber was hurt by the Alpha's words, but she couldn't refute them.

She could already see the disapproval on his face each time she tried to open her mouth.

Alpha Severus is unhappy with her.

And the reason why he dismissed her like that was because he couldn't stand her presence in the room.

Actually…

Amber felt it, too.

She felt like it wasn't the right time for them to talk. It was hard for them to see each other eye to eye, and she didn't want to upset the Alpha even more than he already was.

Having instructed to return to her room was a blessing that time.

Amber needs to reorganize her thoughts to be more fluid the next time she clarifies her side to the Alpha, and she can't do so when every fiber of her being is screaming for 'sleep'.

She could certainly use a good rest right now.

After all, her lack of sleep shouldn't be the main concern here.

That would pale in comparison to all the other things that she did during the mission.

Things that were supposed to be 'out of scope' of their main objective.

And that includes getting bitten on the arm by the ringleader of that fake organization.

She was able to hide it if from the Alpha's gaze earlier… but until when?

Until when before he finds out?

"Going somewhere?"

Amber stopped in her tracks when she heard Salt's stern voice.

It was Pepper's turn to keep track of the happenings in the village now that she had ended her shift. And as per usual, Amber doesn't intend to get some rest. She has so much energy to spare, and the only way to loosen up at this point is to wear herself out by doing something productive.

And by productive, she's thinking of helping out on their mission through ways that she won't get called out. Their squad leader strictly prohibited them from going the extra mile—like doing things that were no longer covered by their mission grade.

In short, all they have to do is what is asked of them.

This isn't a test for them to prove their worth—that whoever has the most contribution will get rewarded.

Ask a veteran pack warrior about his comment on Level 1 missions, and he shall educate you that in terms of sports, they're just 'practice games'.

The purpose of low-grade missions is to get the young'uns exposed to the 'real' world—a world that's a whole lot different from their sheltered life, a life beyond the pack's borders.

It's similar to the 'getting to know each other' process when you meet a new friend; except, in this case, you are to familiarize yourself with how things work once your sense of accountability is involved.

Getting exposed to many situations can help one refine his decision-making skills.

Having an idea on what to do when life gives you lemons makes you one step ahead of fates after all.

For this mission, their observational notes will be assessed by the higher-ups, and it will remain that way until one of them passes the evaluation for the Level 2 missions, and so on… and so forth.

In this era, everything has become systematic, and werewolf communities are more than willing to embrace the advancement.

"I'll go for a run." Technically, that wasn't a lie.

Amber needs to go for a run if she wishes to accomplish her little survey.

"And?"

"I heard from Pepper that you had already caught us two hares."

Salt tilted his head to the side curiously. "So?"

"I'll see if I could catch us a deer for dinner."

"Show off," he scoffed, then turned his back to return to his post. "Don't stray too far."

Amber shrugged. "Okay."

Three days ago, on her shift, she noticed that a certain man from the village would leave the site at exactly two o'clock in the afternoon, and return around dinner time—he was by himself.

The thing is, Amber would have ignored that detail if it didn't persist in the next days.

But the same thing happened two days ago…

Yesterday…

And today.

She had already informed the twins of this, but they said that the man she was talking about was a good caretaker. He plays with the pups. He eats with the pups. And yes—Salt and Pepper's accounts were the same, it was almost too… scary.

The twins didn't seem to mind though.

Their speculation is…

Maybe the man goes for a run within the timeframe she has noted.

That's why, Amber decided to follow the man's trail to see it for herself—what he's up to at this very hour, and why he has to do it for four hours.

Her wolf feels restless, too.

Maybe a good run will help it relax a bit.

Amber is confident in her sense of smell. She knows that she will be able to locate 'that' man.

And now…

She's here.

Watching with wide eyes as the man feasts on what seems like a body of a young… wolf?

"Cannibalism?" she whispered in shock.

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