The Last Female Alphas

UNEXPECTE DREUNION 5

Blaze POV:

“Blaze, No are you insane? How are we crossing the bloody swamp? They have snakes and weird animals in them. I am not going in.” Oliver exclaims with horror. I simply shook my head. Only Oliver can think I am going to make him cross a swamp by swimming through it.

“It looks like it’s part of a horror movie or something.” He adds with desperation. I just shrugged and started looking around in case we were followed. Blake and Roy go left, and Davis and the other wolves go right to check on our surroundings. The swamp looks like it’s some dark witch’s den. The air around the swamp is sticky and moist. The smell of dead leaves, algae, and rotten dead animals has saturated the air.

“It smells like death and rotten eggs.”

“See there, something is moving in the water”, Oliver keeps muttering to himself while pointing at the swamp. He looks traumatized by this place. Most would be if they didn’t know this was an illusion created by our beautiful witch Stacey. It is real in some sense, but it’s actually not as foreboding and horrific as it looks. It’s a simple swamp land with rich wildlife. I didn’t make a move to ease his fear or explain anything, waiting for others to join us. Soon, everyone is back after checking the area thoroughly.

“We are not being followed. It’s suspicious that there is nothing here, but the space looks dead.” Davis says without showing a hint of actual fear. Even though you can see the swamp is bothering him too.

With that, I nod towards Roy, who goes forward to move the stone. Only someone with no malicious feelings or an intent to harm can cross through the portal. It’s a way of testing anyone we bring in through this way. An extra layer of caution to keep everyone safe. But once inside, if their loyalty changes, we can’t do anything about it. The portal opens, showing the green meadow across the swamp. It’s like a liquid mirror. Once you step in, you directly enter another space. It’s an experience, to say the least. The first time we tried it, I remember Luke fell headfirst as he was trying to walk in the swamp water. I gave Ray to Blake so he could take her across. I stayed at the back, letting everyone cross to scout the area, once more, before walking through the portal. As soon as I cross, I close the portal from inside, sealing it with the twin stones at this end of the portal. Everyone is dazed and shocked by the beauty and tranquility of this peaceful meadow.

“Holy s**t, how did you do this? I will never leave again; this is my personal Narnia. I am not going, and nobody can make me.” Oliver exclaims loudly enough to make us deaf. He keeps jumping around like a kid on Christmas morning.

The sweet smell of wildflowers is inviting and calming, it reduces my stress and anxiety about the journey. We are finally home and safe. We were standing at the edge of the meadow covered in lush green grass and small yellow flowers. Wild strawberries are at the far end and their sweet smell is enticing. It adds a sweetness to the freshness of the flowers. Ritz planted them last time we were here. Dragonflies and butterflies are freely roaming around.

We made our way to the pack. Everyone we have saved in the last few years lives here. We train them and make them into strong warriors they were meant to be. Some of the inhabitants here were just young kids when we got them here.

The vegetable garden at the far end is in bloom with spring vegetables. Snow has melted, giving way to new greenery and life. I hadn’t even noticed till now that spring is in full bloom. I can finally relax as Ray is safe with me. I notice the beauty of early spring all around me. Ray is resting peacefully in my arms. We walked towards the cottages located across the meadow near the vegetable garden.

All the cottages look similar with tiny wooden front gates, colorful shutters, and terracotta roof tiles. They have a small garden with flowers and herbs, wooden chairs, picnic tables, bird feeders, and a small wrap-around porch in the front. Some cottages have wind chimes, potted plants, and hanging wooden bird feeders. We built most of the old ones ourselves. Current residents of the pack helped build the newer ones. We painted them with vibrant colors to bring some cheerfulness and joy to the people living within.

I finally reached the corner of the small colony towards my cottage. This felt more home than my own house or the dormitory I have lived in for the past few years. I slowly unlocked the door and carried Ray inside. Hoping one day it will be more than this with more feelings than taking her in when she is fast asleep or unconscious. I gently laid her down on the bed and put the blue comforter on her. The spring breeze brings a calming wildflower scent inside. Only her lilac and gardenia scent can calm me down, but the smell of fresh air still feels nice. Thor is purring at seeing her on our bed.

Blake and Ritz followed me inside while Connor led the others away to show them their cottages or resting place for now. I will talk to him later. I asked Ritz and Blake to be with Ray while I took a shower. I don’t want her to feel alone when she wakes up. When I come back, they are sitting in the love seat completely lost in each other’s embrace.

“Thank you, guys. Why don’t you go settle down? We will go for dinner at the community hall later if Ray wakes up.” They make their way towards Blake’s cottage, nodding at me. Ritz has her own cottage here, but I don’t think she will be using it any longer. I simply sat on the rocking chair near Ray and held her hand, praying to Artemis, to keep her safe and wake her up as early as possible. I must have dozed off somewhere in the evening because when I woke up, I saw Ray standing by the fire staring at me with those piercing blue eyes.