Witch in wolf's clothing - Namaari

Chapter 21: Forbidden Zone

River’s POV

I watch Ari leave the packhouse, her figure fading into the evening. I head to the dining room, where the triplets are sitting, each seemingly lost in their own thoughts. There's a palpable tension in the air. I take a seat, looking from one brother to the next.

"So, what’s going on with you guys?" I ask, breaking the silence. "All week, you haven’t been yourselves. Every time I see you, it's like you're in another world."

All three of them stare at me. Tazzym shrugs. "I don’t know what you’re talking about, bro."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Tazzym, you’ve been crashing at my place all week. Normally, you’d rather sleep in some girl's bed than on my couch."

Zyméo chimes in, grinning. "Yeah, Tazzym, what’s wrong? Running out of girls to keep you warm at night?"

Tazzym rolls his eyes. "Whatever. Maybe I caught whatever Ari has and I’m feeling off too." Kaynim snorts, not looking up from his plate.

I turn my attention to him next. "And you, Kaynim? Usually the center of attention, and this week, it’s like you've been hiding out here at the packhouse."

Kaynim almost chokes on his food, stammering out, "I’ve just been catching up on some... extra studies and training. Needed to focus, you know?"

I just laugh and shake my head. "And Zyméo, what’s with you? Seraphina’s been glued to your side even more than usual. What did you do?"

Zyméo’s smile fades, and he says, "Nothing. We’re just... in love."

I smirk, looking at all three of them. "Right. Well, I think Ari is doing something to you guys. She’s causing more of a stir here than you’re willing to admit."

They all deny it simultaneously, their voices overlapping in a chorus of denial.

I stand up, still smirking. "Deny it all you want, but I get it if she’s winning your hearts. She’s beautiful, sure, but she’s also smart, witty, and knows her way around a fight. She’s got the kind of skills that command respect. And let’s not forget, she’s capable of shaking your egos."

Kaynim cuts in, clearly irritated. "Okay, enough. Are we going to game and drink or what?"

I laugh, nodding. "Fine by me."

With that, we head to the living room, ready to unwind and hopefully ease some of the tension that’s been brewing all week. But I can’t stop thinking, Ari is exactly what the triplets need, and she’s sure to shake things up around here. Now, if only the triplets would admit they like her more than they’re willing to acknowledge.

Namaari’s POV

The sun is beginning to set as I say goodbye to Willow, Ebony, and Kieko after spending an entire day at the beach. We have laughed, shared stories, and teased each other like we haven't in ages.

Ebony had the biggest news of all: she met her mate, Marth, during Willow's birthday party, just after I had left. Marth is from the Stormfront pack, which is conveniently close because his brother attends the university here. Ebony gushed about how she’ll likely be moving to Marth's pack after graduation.

Of course, I couldn't resist chiming in throughout the day, expressing how archaic I find it that women still often have to move to their mate's pack. The girls laughed and teased me mercilessly. "Just wait until you find your mate," they’d say, nudging me playfully. I laughed along with them, but inside, my thoughts were consumed by the triplets.

As we are getting ready to head home, I tell the girls, "You all go ahead. I want to take a walk through the dunes to clear my head."

Kieko says, "Be careful out there. If you head east, you might run into some guards and warning signs. That's a restricted area of the dunes."

Willow nods in agreement. "Yeah, my brother has drilled it into my head that we’re not allowed there. If you don’t want any trouble with both Alpha Mornan and the Alpha triplets, you’d better steer clear of that place."

"Why is it restricted?" I ask, genuinely curious.

Ebony shrugs. "Nobody really knows, but it’s an order from the Alpha."

Kieko, always quick with a joke, suggests, "Maybe they’re hiding a treasure or a secret meeting place for the Alpha’s."

"Hmm, my interest is piqued," I say, unable to hide my curiosity.

Willow looks at me with concern. "Ari...? I know how you think. Seriously, just leave it be. It's probably something political, or like Kieko says, maybe a piece of land reserved only for Alphas. Please stay out of trouble."

I laugh, but it’s a bit forced. "Of course."

The girls each give me a hug, and then I start my walk. Despite my reassurances, my feet naturally lead me toward the eastern side of the dunes, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore providing a soothing background. My mind drifts back to the triplets, and I can’t help but wonder if I should talk to them about the way I’m feeling. Maybe it’s time to be honest with myself and with them.

"Noali," I begin, opening up the mental link with my wolf, "I’ve decided I’m going to talk to the triplets about everything. I’ll tell them I suspect they are my mates and that I’m Nikolaj’s sister. After that, I’ll undo the spell and we’ll know for sure if they’re our mates or not."

Noali's presence in my mind brightens. "Finally! I’m sure they are our mates. Plus, we’ll be able to shift whenever we want again. I really need to run."

I laugh, though it’s tinged with sadness. "I’m most worried about Kaynim. He values honesty, and let’s just say there have been a few things kept from him. He’s not going to like it."

Noali chuckles in my mind, her tone light and teasing. "Oh, Namaari, Kaynim may be tough on the outside, but deep down, he's got a soft spot for you. Besides, once he realizes you’re his mate, he’ll forgive you in no time. And if not, well, I'll just have to charm him myself."

I can't help but smile at her playful confidence. "You’re incorrigible, Noali."

"That’s why I’m your wolf," she responds with a mental wink.

After walking for about forty minutes, I finally come across a sign that reads "Forbidden zone." I hesitate, turning around and taking a few steps back. "Aargh, why am I so curious?" I mutter, then turn back towards the sign.

Noali chimes in, her tone cautionary. "We're planning to tell the triplets we think they're our mates, and you’re about to do something they probably won’t be happy about. Not a great plan."

I smirk, replying, "Didn’t you just say that if they are our mates, they’ll forgive us quickly? Besides, it’ll give them a chance to prove they’re not dickheads."

Noali sighs, her exasperation evident. "Is there any point in arguing with you? Just be careful, please."

I glance around, trying to spot the guards Kieko mentioned. Where would the guards be? If only Zephyr had come along, he could’ve gone invisible and scouted ahead. Because making myself invisible wouldn't work; my footprints in the sand are still visible and would stand out too quickly. But no, Zephyr had to complain about his freshly washed, pristine white fur not getting sandy. I think he just wanted a lazy snack day.

With Zephyr out of the picture, I need to find another way to scout the area. My eyes fall on a small crab scuttling by. An idea forms, and I crouch down to approach it.

"Hey there, little guy," I whisper, focusing my magic to communicate with the crab. "I need your help. Can you scout the area ahead and let me know if there are any guards around?"

The crab pauses, its tiny eyes peering up at me. After a moment, it clicks its claws in what I interpret as agreement and scuttles off towards the forbidden zone. I wait anxiously, watching the crab's progress. It disappears into the brush, leaving me alone with my thoughts and Noali's lingering concerns.

After what feels like an eternity, it reemerges and clicks its claws excitedly. It gestures with its claws, pointing towards a cluster of rocks where the guards are stationed. I nod gratefully and whisper my thanks to the crab.

"We're going for it," I whisper to Noali, determination settling in. With the crab's guidance, I navigate through the dunes ninja-style, carefully avoiding the guards' line of sight. Eventually, I find myself crouched behind a large boulder in the sand, peering through the tall dune grass at a beautiful wooden hut. One guard stands outside, his back turned to me.

Taking a deep breath, I survey the area around me before silently approaching the guard. With each step, I invoke a spell of sleep, barely audibly murmuring the incantation. The guard startles at the sound and turns towards me, but before he can react, I blow a light breeze towards his face, and his eyelids droop heavily until he falls into a deep slumber.

Catching him before he hits the ground, I gently lay him down amidst the tall grass, ensuring he won't be easily discovered. With cautious steps, I move towards the wooden hut's door, adrenaline coursing through me as I prepare to uncover the secrets hidden within.

Slowly pushing the door open, I step inside and cautiously survey the small kitchen and living room. Everything appears deserted, the silence amplifying the sound of my own footsteps on the creaky floorboards. A staircase on the side catches my attention, leading upward. With each careful step, I ascend the stairs, heart pounding with anticipation.

I reach the top of the stairs and find myself in a narrow corridor with two doors. Initially, I notice what I think is peculiar wallpaper, only to realize they are claw marks scattered across the walls. Noali whispers apprehensively, "Shouldn't we shift now?"

Glancing at the marks, I shake my head. "No shifting yet, Noali. We don't know who or what's here, and I'm not ready for them to know I'm the Alpha King's daughter. We need to tell the triplets first. Promise me you won't shift without my say."

"Alright," Noali agrees reluctantly. "But promise me you'll be careful."

I nod and move towards the first door, gripping the handle gently. As I crack it open, I hear a frail, crackling female voice say, "Hello, who's there?"