Blood moon

Chapter 66. Young Woman

—I don't know what to do— the young woman admitted in a trembling voice, tears sliding down her cheeks.

Hunter gently brought his hand to her cheek, wiping away her tears with a tender gesture.

—You don't have to make any decisions right now. What matters is that we are together, that we will face this as a team. Whatever path we choose, we will do it together.

The young woman nodded, her gaze meeting Hunter's with gratitude and affection. Despite the revelations and the difficulties they faced, she knew she was not alone on this journey. She had found in Hunter a strength and support she could rely on, and that gave her hope that they could overcome whatever obstacles lay in their path.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the underground drainage, George Garroway continued his frantic flight. His footsteps echoed through the narrow corridors, each echo a constant reminder of his defeat. He knew he had been defeated this time, but his hatred and thirst for revenge still burned within him.

George finally emerged to the surface, his silver-grey fur shimmering with a faint glow in the moonlight. He drew in a shaky breath, his lungs full of cool, fresh air after the oppressive draining. Though he had escaped for now, he knew that the story between him and Hunter had not yet come to an end.

Meanwhile, in the underground drainage, Hunter and the young woman stood in silence, their gazes locked in silent understanding. Despite the challenges they faced, they were determined to face the future together, to fight for their love and for the life within them. The struggle had been intense, but what came next would be an even greater test of their strength and connection. Together, they were ready to face whatever it took, united by the unbreakable bond of their love.

—Now let's go home—Hunter wanted to comfort her so she wouldn't feel bad.

The Halland family home stood majestically in the middle of the forest, an imposing building that reflected the history and power of their pack. The warm lights inside twinkled through the windows, creating a welcoming aura amidst the darkness of the night. Hunter Halland, an alpha werewolf with black fur and red eyes, held Andrea in his arms as he approached the main entrance.

Andrea, the wavy-haired young woman who had recently been rescued from the underground sewer, clung to Hunter tightly, her expression a mixture of emotions. Although she was grateful to be safe and reunited with Hunter, there were many unanswered questions on her mind. The news of her pregnancy and the uncertainty of the father's identity had cast a shadow over her heart.

Hunter pushed open the front door and entered the house, his expression serious but full of determination. The entrance opened into a spacious foyer, decorated with items that reflected the history of his pack. The walls were adorned with antique tapestries and portraits of past leaders. While the atmosphere was grandiose, it was also filled with the warmth of a home.

Footsteps echoed in the foyer as Hunter advanced into the heart of the house. Andrea looked around with curious eyes, taking in the details as she tried to take in all that was happening. Although she was overwhelmed by the situation, she knew it was time to face the truths and decisions that lay ahead.

Hunter led her into a spacious living room, where a fire burned in the fireplace, filling the room with warm, dancing light. In the centre of the room, an older man sat in an armchair, his gaze intense and knowing. It was Hunter's father, the leader of the pack, an alpha werewolf of great prestige and respect.

—Father— Hunter announced respectfully, his voice reverberating through the room —I've brought Andrea.

The older man nodded approvingly, his gaze fixed on Andrea. Though he hadn't spoken yet, his presence had an undeniable aura of authority. Andrea felt nervous and lowered her gaze, aware of the importance of the figure before her.

—Thank you for bringing her here, Hunter— the pack leader said in a deep, resonant voice —Welcome to the family, Andrea.

Andrea nodded sheepishly, her gaze fixed on the leader as she tried to keep her composure. The situation was overwhelming, but she knew she had to face it bravely. It wasn't the first time she had faced the three men of the Halland family.

Hunter placed a comforting hand on her back and led her to the leader.

—You know he's the leader of the pack. He can provide us with guidance and support at this time, any werewolf within fifty miles respects him, with his blessing, you can be free on our lands.

The leader nodded again, and Andrea felt his gaze scrutinise her with a sharpness that made her nervous. Though she didn't know if Harold Hallandr was aware of the complexities of her situation, she could sense a deeper level of understanding in his eyes.

—Thank you for looking after Andrea, Hunter— the leader said approvingly —It's important that she's safe, especially in this time of war with the Garroway pack, you've realised what they're capable of.

The mention of "this time" echoed in the air, and Andrea knew she couldn't avoid facing the truth any longer. The time had come to address the questions that had been plaguing her since she had been kidnapped by George Garroway. Hunter led Andrea to a nearby couch and sat down next to her, his expression full of support. It was clear that he was determined to be by her side as they faced the situation together.

—Andrea— Hunter began softly —I know there's a lot you need to know, and I want you to know that I'll always be here for you.

Andrea nodded, her eyes searching Hunter's gratefully. She knew she could trust him, even in the midst of confusion and uncertainty. The human woman nodded slowly, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. The baby's heartbeat echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of the life inside her.

—But I want you to know that no matter what happens, I'll be here for you and our child, no matter what.

Hunter's words hung in the air, carrying with them the promise of his unwavering support. Andrea looked at him with gratitude and affection, feeling that, even in the midst of the complexity of the situation, she had found a refuge in his love and determination.

At that moment, the door to the living room opened, revealing Harley Halland, Hunter's older brother. His dark fur and golden eyes gleamed in the light of the room. Andrea felt a mixture of emotions at the sight of him, remembering the shared moments and complicity they had had in the past.

—I'm sorry to interrupt— Harley said in a soft but serious voice —We need to talk, Hunter.

The tension in the room was palpable as Harley and Hunter looked at each other, a mixture of brothers and alphas sharing a complicated history. Andrea felt like an intruder in the midst of their conflict, but she also knew her presence was important at the moment.

—But first, there's something Andrea and I need to discuss.

Harley nodded sympathetically and walked over to them, taking a seat in a nearby armchair. The room was filled with a tense atmosphere as the three faced the decisions and truths they had been waiting to address.

Andrea looked at Hunter with determination, sensing that she was at a crucial point in her life. Despite the challenges they faced, she knew she was not alone on this journey. With his love and support, she was ready to face what lay ahead and make the decisions they needed to make.

—You will have to stay in this house while we can catch the Garroway pack, several of their werewolves are infiltrating the village and we need to catch them all— exclaimed the red-eyed alpha.

—The pack will back you up— Harold Halland was convinced that as the woman his son had chosen, they would protect her, even though Harley, and himself, had now become human.

—As for work, don't worry, we'll arrange things so you can work from home— Harley tried to intervene to make things less traumatic for her.

—Well now... we need to know about what happened— asked the red-eyed werewolf.

Andrea took a deep breath and began to tell the story, from the kidnapping in the underground sewer to her relationship with Hunter and Harley. She spoke honestly and bravely, facing uncomfortable truths and revealing her pregnancy.

Harold Halland listened intently, his dark eyes full of understanding as he processed the information. As Andrea spoke, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, revealing the web of connections and emotions that had been at play.

—Harley, do you have anything to say— his father finally asked, his gaze fixed on his eldest son.

Harley nodded humbly, his voice firm but heavy with regret.

—I know I made a mistake, one that has caused Hunter and Andrea pain. I want to apologize for my actions and face the consequences of my decisions.

His father nodded in response, his gaze reflecting the complexity of his feelings as a leader and as a father. He knew the pack depended on his guidance and wisdom, and that this situation affected not only his family, but everyone's future.

Hunter looked at his father with respect and gratitude, grateful for his presence and support. He knew there were difficult decisions ahead, but he was willing to face them with his family and Andrea.

The evening progressed with heartfelt conversations and difficult revelations. As secrets unravelled and truths were faced, a sense of renewal and hope began to fill the air. Though they had been driven into darkness by circumstance, they knew they could find their way back to the light, united by the bonds of love and a willingness to face the future together.