The Beasts of Baye Road

Under The Stars

They arrived at the quiet manor, Matteo had so much to ask Blanca. In his heart he wanted her to be the one he was searching for. His town would finally be saved and it would make his duty a whole lot easier.

Anneska opened the door for them much to Blanca's dismay. She clutched her sister tighter, not having a place to hide.

‘Bla—Blanca? What’s going on?’

‘I’ll explain.’ Blanca responded without confidence.

‘Strigoi attacked the market I need to speak to Blanca.’ Matteo said, but Anneska shook her head.

‘That’s awful but I must speak to my niece in private first.’

Karl chuckled. ‘Need to get your stories in order?’

Anneska narrowed her eyes at Karl. ‘What are you trying to say boy?’

‘Oh, your story of why you kept Blanca’s sister a secret. Of why they’re both covered in deep magic.’ Karl folded his arms.

‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’ Anneska stared Karl dead in the eye.

‘Just stop. Blanca find me in the library after you’re finished.’ Matteo had his back to her before she could respond, climbing the stairs. Karl followed him.

Anneska pushed the girls to the kitchen. She closed the curtains and shut the doors. She pinched her bridge of her nose before her deadly eyes landed on Blanca then Gianna.

‘I gave you strict orders Blanca!—’

‘It wasn’t her fault!’ Gianna cut in.

‘You shut up! Everything is ruined. All you had to do was stay hidden Gianna just until I found the snake.’ Anneska spat.

‘They don’t know Gianna's the white wolf Anneska and anyway I don’t believe anyone among the guardians is working with the wolf charmers.’ Blanca pleased.

Anneska laughed sinisterly. ‘Yes there is. That’s why we will not expose your sister to them.’

‘Can’t you see what’s going on in this town? If we don’t turn to the guardians then who will we turn to?’ Gianna yelled.

‘I’ve been working on it— There are other wolves willing to help us only because we have you.’

‘Yes, but what do they really want Anneska? Will they claim Baye Road after that just like everyone else?’ Blanca stepped in front of Gianna. ‘My sister isn’t an object you’ll trade with.’

‘Your sister is our only hope. You can’t challenge me Blanca you’re nothing but a worthless human.’

Blanca’s chest heaved and landed heavily. Anneska grabbed Gianna’s arm. ‘You’re going back to Kathleen’s and you’re not leaving again! Not until I say so whatever happens from here on out is none of your concern.’

‘Anneska but the guardians—’

‘You’re judgement is clouded by your feelings for that boy! I’m taking your sister back to the cottage you won’t tell that boy anything understood?’

Blanca and Gianna shared a long and heavy stare before Gianna was completely ushered out of the kitchen. Blanca gripped the kitchen counter and covered her mouth to muffle her sobs. How would she face Matteo?

***

Matteo opened the door to his Father's room. Karl ramblings were giving him a headache. They both agreed the white wolf was close they just disagreed on who she was.

‘I think they’re wolf charmers living right under our roof.’ Karl said.

‘You have a wild imagination Karl. You think Anneska's their ring leader too?!’ Matteo threw his arms in the air.

Jurgen shifted in his bed, he moaned and his eyes fluttered open. Matteo's ran a hand through his hair and rushed to his Father’s bedside. He gripped his hand and brought it to his lips.

‘Matteo?’

‘Dad.’

It had been weeks since the Alpha had spoken or even opened his eyes. Matteo battled to keep his tears from overflowing. Jurgen tried to pull his body up but it took strength he didn’t have. His head landed back on the pillow.

‘I’m so exhausted.’

‘You’ve been asleep all day Dad.’

‘Glad to see you’re awake Alpha.’ Karl patted the old man’s shoulder.

‘I must have been asleep a long time. Karl’s grown an inch taller.’ Jurgen's laughter turned to coughs.

‘What were you too arguing about?’ He added.

Matteo and Karl exchanged a glance, unsure if they should reveal their suspicions. Matteo thought it would give him hope that would rejuvenate him. He thought the news would give him the will to live that he lost when his wife was killed.

‘We’ve found the white wolf Dad.’

‘No! No Jurgen we have not! Matteo thinks he has because he’s in love with the house maid.’

‘Matteo’s in love with Anneska?!’

‘No Dad! Her niece I think she’s cloaked so we don’t sense her wolf. Something’s holding her back.’

‘Then what are you doing here talking to me for? Go find out!’ Jurgen ordered, a hint of the powerful man he once was presented itself.

Matteo nodded and started for the door. Karl grabbed his arm. ‘Whatever you’re going to do be careful. I won’t let them live if anything happens to you.’

For the first time Matteo considered that Blanca could be dangerous but he didn’t feel the threat when they were together. He hoped she wasn’t the danger he tried to protect his pack from.

Matteo ran into Blanca on his way to the main floor. Her eyes and nose were red and puffy.

‘I was coming to find you.’ She sniffled.

‘Why were you crying?’

‘Can we talk in the library please?’

‘No, let’s talk outside.’