HIS OBSESSION :Tales and lies

Forest encounter

Luna, almost ashamed of the statement, comports herself on her seat, “Well I..... I have no interest in men from Moonstone Pack, no interest, they're all about valor, victory and they try so hard to impress a woman that it becomes too cliché and insufferable without a romantic gesture.”

“Oh Really!” Ryder exclaims sarcastically.

Does that include me? Damien inquires, “After all I'm from Moonstone Pack even if I'm your alpha.”

“Yes brother, it's already eating you up .” Luna projects.

“Well good luck with finding the one, my lady.” Ryder states while trying to pick a food item from the table but holds himself back.

“Pardon me, your Highness, may I?” Ryder gestured his hand to food on the table.

“Sure you can, feel free to indulge.” Damien permits.

“I feel you give him too much room to do what he wants brother.” Luna cites

“Well from where I'm seated, there's a lot of room on the table to occupy, and I can see a space to occupy” Ryder jokes as he takes a jug to pour himself some wine.

“Luna, there's nothing wrong in sharing besides there's a lot on the table we can hardly finish,”he tells her and faces Ryder, “what is it you wanted to discuss about the Eastern border last night, here's your chance, what have you discovered?”

“Oh yes Alpha,” Ryder recalls, while using a table napkin to wipe his hands and mouth, “reports show that there are rival pack members coming through there to Our pack as spies disguising as one of us and infiltrating our pack.”

“Really, that's insidious, we have to do something, we never can tell what harm they are scheming.” Damien says.

“What would you have me do, sire?” Ryder asks.

“I want you to station some men there and search and interrogate everyone both men, women and children alike going and coming in, we shall also create and circulate small handbill with identities of every member of moonstone pack. Without it no one can come in or go out without someone coming to identify with that person.”Damien states

Brilliant alpha, brilliant! I'll see to it that it's done but right after I finish my meal. Ryder commends.

“You have my authority and support.” Damien consents.

“You want to imprison your own subjects in their own pack, brother?” Luna states.

It's for everyone's safety, we can't have things like this going on in the pack while something can be done. If we treat such matters as trivial then it could cause lasting harm like it did in the past. We can't let it happen again.” Damiens relates in a stern voice.

“Argh! Politics! Luna exclaims and adds “Let's switch to a more interesting topic, like about that Nadia girl.”

“Exactly! Who is she? I've not seen you excited about anyone like he did with her in a long time and that dance was so amazing.” Ryder cites.

“I was about to say the same thing.” Luna concurs.

“You dance as well as you fight, sire.” Ryder commends.

“Well I think I just may have found the girl of my dreams, after a long search and chasing after Shadows and awful relationships that went nowhere.” Damien remarks.

“Not to mention Elara's betrayal, with your ex-Beta years ago.” Luna states

“Seriously Luna, don't ruin the moment with reminders of my past hurt.” Damien expressed his annoyance.

“Sorry bro, I was just adding up to your statement.” Luna apologizes and asks, how many times have you met her?

“Twice, first when she bumped on me and second on was last night.”Damien recounts

“Only twice! And you are so mad about her then she must have charmed you or even cast a spell on you.” Luna thinks.

“Well if she cast spell on me as you say, enmity will grow between me and whoever breaks it. I don't want to be released from her enchantment.” Damien proposes.

“I won't want to get on your bad side sire but I hope she hasn't bewitched you.”Ryder remarks.

“Bewitched or whatever you call it I'm not going to break it off, I think I'm in love. Moments with her feel so magical, I can't resist not being with her.” Damien squeaks.

“Awwwn.....!” Both Ryder and Luna adore.

“Be at the watch people, you just might be seeing your new Queen.” Damien states.

Whatever! Luna exclaims.

“Do you know any background on her and about her family?” Ryder asks.

“Not yet but I'm going to find out, once I see her again.” Damien assures as he rises from the table, "I have other matters to attend to, “Ryder see to it about what we've discussed about the Eastern border, see you later sis.” He says giving her a pat on her shoulder and leaves the hall.

“He is really into that girl, I wonder what makes her so special in such short notice of meeting with her?” Nadia wonders

“Well, as long as he's happy and she's right for him, I can't see why he shouldn't go further with her if he really desires her.” Ryder supports and adds,“ you know your brother mentioned to me having a crush on you, do you by chance have one for me?” Ryder asks with a sheepish smile.

“You wish Ryder,” she says sternly “in your dreams, “don't ever disrespect me like this again or you'll be sorry.”

“Yes milady, it won't happen again.” Ryder promised.

They continue having their meal quietly.

Damien patrolled the forest borders, his senses heightened. The moon cast eerie shadows, and the wind carried the scent of damp earth. His thoughts drifted to Nadia, their brief encounter leaving an indelible mark.

As he turned a corner, Nadia's scent wafted through the air, drawing him in. He found her by a stream, her green eyes reflecting the moonlight.

"What brings you here?" Damien asked, his voice low.

Nadia's eyes sparkled. "Just enjoying the peacefulness."

Their gazes locked, and Damien sensed an inexplicable connection. The forest, once a sanctuary, now felt charged with tension.

"I'm Damien," he said, extending his hand.

"Everyone knows who you are already, no need for an introduction." she replied with sarcasm, her touch sending shivers down his spine.

Ryder appeared, his expression wary. "Alpha, we have a situation. Rival pack scouts spotted nearby."

Damien's instincts kicked in. "Take Nadia to safety. I'll handle this."

Nadia's eyes flashed with concern and determination. "I can take care of myself."

Damien's gaze intensified. "Not tonight.Ryder, escort her to the pack house."

Ryder nodded, his face set in a firm line. "Yes, Alpha."

As Ryder led Nadia away, Damien's thoughts swirled. Why did he feel protective of this stranger? And what secrets lay hidden behind her captivating eyes?

Just as Damien turned to confront the rival pack, a faint whisper echoed through the trees.

"Damien... beware the darkness within."

The voice vanished into the night, leaving Damien with more questions than answers.

Just then, a faint howl echoed through the forest, followed by the sound of shattering glass. Damien's instincts kicked in.

"Ryder, investigate that noise!" Damien ordered.

Ryder sprinted toward the sound, returning moments later.

"Alpha, it's the Silver Oak shop. Someone's vandalized the place."

Damien's eyes narrowed. "Who's responsible?"

Ryder's expression turned grim. "Looks like Victor, Nadia's brother. He's been spotted lurking around the area."

"Bring him to me," Damien commanded. "Let's have a talk."

Victor is held on the shoulder by Ryder with hands tied behind his back. While they approach Damien, Victor tries to struggle with Ryder.

“Stay put lad or you'll be thrown in the dungeon.” Ryder warns.

“Lad, Nadia's your sister, she's polite and gentle unlike you who likes to rebel.”Damien states and asks.“Why did you rade the Silver Oak Shop?”

“Because I wanted to get your attention.” Victor says without remorse.

Laughter from both Damien and Ryder fill the air that very instant at the hearing of his reason.

“Well you have it now,don't you lad?” Ryder asks mockingly.

“Who are your parents, boy?” Damien asks.

Victor hesitates to answer as he faces downwards.

“Speak up boy, who are your parents,I won't ask you again?” Damien demands in an aggressive tone.

“I come from the estate of the Stein family,” he says in a whimpering voice, “I'm Victor Stein and my sister Nadia Stein, our parents are,”he pauses for a moment but utter, “Cormac and Elara Stein.”

May the Goddess have mercy! Ryder utters in a low but shocking voice.

Damien can't believe his ears, a trembling fear grips hold of him running down his spine.

His blue eyes sparkle brightly with rage.