Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Craig sat down on a creek close to his rental apartment. It has been a week since he last saw Aurora and he missed her already. He just couldn't come to terms with the fact that his bosom friend is truly a monster.

At first he thought she was joking or rather she was depressed. Someone once said that a depressed person is very good at fantasizing. But maybe it's not true after all.

He never really believed google and all those talks of wanting to be a werewolf all vanished the instant he saw how the boy turned.

He's faced with the reality and it wasn't even pleasant. He kept thinking Aurora would turn one day and devour him but he's forcing himself to believe otherwise.

She couldn't actually hurt him right? She's his best friend and can't harm him or do he thinks.

What if her senses leaves when she turns and actually devours him? She wouldn't still have her human senses when she turn into an animal right? He tried convincing himself to stay away from her but he just couldn't.

She's just so important to him and he doubt if he would ever find a friend more genuine like Aurora.

Watching her break down in tears shattered his soul. He had never seen her cry and now that she did, he felt terrible.

He was the reason for her sadness yet he couldn't help it. he felt like running to her and take her into his arm but he just couldn't bring himself to do that.

He looked at the calm water. He remembered when he used to come here with Aurora. She told him once that this place gives her peace. She also said she envies the calm waters. He really missed her but he really can't bring himself to face her.

She's indeed a monster. Being kind and harmless It doesn't stop the fact that she's an animal in form of a human.

"Craig", a voice called out faintly.

Craig turned around to see Aurora standing a little distance from him. She looked disheveled and… heartbroken. He wanted to go and hold her badly but when he remember the scene of yesterday, he became horrified. He withdrew his hands.

Craig could see her disappointment but he really couldn't help the feeling. He still felt…afraid. She suddenly laughed. But it wasn't that kind of joyful laughter but a kind of laughter choked up with tears.

"It's funny, right? We are now strangers", she said sadly.

"Rora…am sorry. I didn't mean to shut you off. I am…I mean…", Craig stuttered.

"You don't need to explain yourself. I understand. It's not easy to accept some truths. If I can't accept the truth, I don't expect you to"

"Do you know I hate myself always for who I am. I even have to shut out a part of me, my wolf, I had to treat her so badly. Just because I hated to admit am a monster. I can't come to terms with being a werewolf. Tell me why I should blame you. Of course I can't blame you…it's all my fault", Aurora said in tears.

"Rora…give me sometime. I don't hate you. I just want to be ready to face the truth", Craig said.

"I promise I will be back. But I need to gather my emotions together"

"Alright Craig, I will be here waiting", Aurora said as she left in sadness.

Craig watched as she walked away. She was looking very sad…and helpless.

"I need someone to talk to", he muttered to himself as he left the creek.

LA VIGAS BAR

Two men sat opposite each other with an almost empty bottle of wine. One of them looked a little tipsy and the other was casting a lustful glance at him

"Craig, are you telling me the truth? Are there really supernatural beings in this world?"

"Yes, Jack. They are real and I am in a fix. I don't know what to do", the tipsy Craig said.

"Who is this friend of yours?", Jack asked.

"I am not telling. I won't betray my friend. I just need your advice, that's why I invited you over", Craig said.

"Okay, talk to me then"

"If you were in my shoes Jack, what would you do?", Craig asked.

"Well to be honest, I would really freak out at first just like how you reacted. But as a close friend, you have to take your friend's feelings into consideration. Now, did that friend of yours reveal his identity to you at first?", Jack asked.

"Yes, he did. He told me everything when I caught him several times talking to himself", Craig said.

He purposely changed the person in the story to a man because his only female friend is Aurora.

"It simply means that your friend trusts you so much. According to your story, you even joked with him about his wolf. Craig, you have to give him the benefit of doubt", Jack analyzed.

"Jack, I wish I could see it from your perspective. If only you saw what I saw that night. It was a sight that I can't seem to get off my mind. I began to imagine her..I mean him like that. It gives me the creeps, man. I swear, I got goosebumps", Craig said as he shivers.

"Give it sometime, you will come to terms with it. But don't take too long or it might be too late to go back to how you were", Jack said pouring himself another glass of wine.

"Now, that's enough about your friend. I can't wait to eat you up, baby. Are you ready for me tonight?"

"Jack, I don't think I am in the mood for that", Craig said.

"Don't be a party pooper, sweetheart. You know, it relieves lots of stress", Jack said as he whispered seductively in his ears.

"Jack…"

"Shhhhh, I will give you the best tonight. Let's go to my apartment", Jack said as he beckoned on Craig with his eyes.

Craig smiled sheepishly like a lamb led to the slaughter.

BLOOD MOON PACK (TRAINING GROUND)

Several soldiers lined up in combat as they got ready for their regular training. Tonight is going to be a bit different because they will be training in their wolf form.

Alpha Jax wanted to know those that can fight aggressively in wolf form. They had to do their best to attract his rewards.

Though many people fear their Alpha, those who trained with him are amongst the lucky few who got to see his tender side. Though he was ruthless, he always cared for their welfare.

Alpha Jax was known as the god of death but to those who are close to him, he has a sweet side. What he hated the most was betrayal. He turns ruthless when betrayed.

"The Alpha is here", one of the men whispered.

Alpha Jax walked in with his Beta and gamma. They were scantily dressed just like the warriors. They had full bodied singlets and shorts on. They looked so sexy especially Alpha Jax who looked like an ancient carvings of the god of war.

He was muscular and well built with a broad chest. His biceps were strong and firm. His face looked like ancient gods. Even as men, they couldn't help drooling over their Alpha's body. Are they swaying the other way?

"Now, everyone should get ready. You would be divided into six categories each. You are to combat each other. I mean two groups would combat each other first. Remember, you will be in your wolf form. I want to know your strength", Alpha Jax said as he signaled his Beta to start dividing the groups.

The first set of fighting began with six men in each group. They removed every piece of clothing on them as they began to change to their wolf form.

The fighting began as each fight with their sparring partner. They growled as they began to hit and scratch each other.

Alpha Jax was focused on their stance as they lunged at each other. He also looked at their pounces. He corrected them where he needed to and complimented them if needed.

"Jeremy, your punches are going the wrong way. Be focused and aim at his fatal points. Don't play with your enemy until you know they are at a disadvantage. Kill them if you have the slightest chance when confronting a powerful opponent", Alpha Jax instructed.

"Roger that, Alpha", Jeremy said.

"You are dismissed. Go to the other side and practice with your partner", Alpha Jax said as he focused on the remaining fighters.

After several hours, the warriors were obviously tired.

"Let's take a fifteen minutes break", Alpha Jax said as he left the fighting ground.

Beta Rufus turned to him when he sat down to take a rest.

"Alpha, I think we already have a lead on the girl. She's a notorious pickpocket in their area. She lives some blocks away from the Cafe", he reported.

"I told you…I don't like the word "I think", I need certainty and until you are certain, don't tell me anything", Alpha Jax said.

"Noted, Alpha. And… Jasmine came", Beta Rufus said but quickly added when he saw the change on Alpha Jax's face", I sent her away with strict warning".

"Good. I hate fleas", he said as he stood up again.

"Uncle Max wants to see you. He said you must come see him tonight", his Gamma spoke up.

Alpha Jax groaned inwardly. His uncle is going to preach about finding his mate or marrying so the pack can have a Luna.

It's not like he doesn't want to have a mate. He does but his Luna is not forthcoming. He doesn't want to just marry any woman. He needs a sweet and submissive woman as a mate.

"No problem, Rufus. I will see him tonight", Alpha Jax said. Then he turned to his warriors.

"Let's continue"

The warriors were obviously tired but they dare not complain. No one wants to lose their heads. They forgot their Alpha hates people that are weak.

They dragged their tired bodies again to the training ground.

This is going to be a long day.