Alpha Zion is our leader, and we must respect his decision," the second she-wolf countered. I sighed in relief, realizing that the worst thing that could happen would be for Alpha Zach to discover that I was still alive in my current condition.
"He wouldn't be in this position if he hadn't cheated," the first she-wolf revealed. My interest was piqued as to what she was talking about, and she soon clarified.
"I was among the she-wolves he sent to Alpha Zach's room the night before the battle while he was sleeping. Merely touching him while he slept made him weak and nauseous. He could barely stand on his feet after vomiting four times even after we left. I feel terrible because his allergies had severe effects."
So that was his reason for always wearing gloves. Now that I knew one of his weaknesses, it would be in his best interest not to come after me.
"It's not appropriate to discuss this. If no one else has noticed, then our Alpha is clever. We should focus on winning his favor. We should be thinking about how to win his heart. You know how he sneaks in those lone whores," the second she-wolf revealed.
The contrast between the twin Alphas was intriguing. One was allergic to she-wolves, and the second could not seem to stay away from them. Despite this, Alpha Zion was still disciplined enough to not mess with his pup she-wolves.
"That's because he respects his pack she-wolves. I hated him before, but over the years, he has been a great Alpha…" the first she-wolf was saying when a familiar voice interrupted her.
"You know the rules. No bickering in my hut. Patients need the quiet to rest," Dina arrived and chastised them.
"Sorry, Dina, I was just leaving. When will my sister be discharged?" The first she-wolf said. Dina spoke in haste,
"Just wait outside. After giving her the herbs, you two can leave together."
For some reason, I was saddened they were leaving, as their presence gave me insights into the happenings in this tribe.
After a couple of days, Dina gave me the good news. "It's time to remove the bandages, but if there are scars, you will have to live with them for the rest of your life."
Having no idea about the extent of my burns, the fact that I was still alive and strong was more important to me. "I will take my chances." Dina took her time removing the bandages, and my only excitement was the prospect of finally being able to eat. Throughout my stay, she fed me broth.
Threads of bandages kept falling to the floor one after another until I felt the coldness of being completely naked before her.
"Are you ready?" she asked again. Even though she might be the same age as my mom, it was still uncomfortable for me.
"Yes, Dina," I forced a smile and replied. She opened the closet door, revealing a huge mirror, but my excitement stemmed from the flawlessness of my skin. It was like that of a newborn.
"How is this possible?" I asked in shock and excitement. She smiled at me. "The Alpha instructed me to do my best, so I used the best herbs, and the result speaks for itself. But tell me, why have you been dyeing your hair? Whatever you used is causing breakage."
She revealed strands of my hair in the bandage she removed, but somehow, it didn't matter to me as much as being able to escape from Alpha Zach. "It doesn't matter. Let's leave it as it is," I replied but she insisted,
"I can help you if you come clean," she suggested. "No she-wolf dyes their hair. I mean, it's not impossible but rare, so what could you possibly be hiding?"
She seemed well-intentioned, but revealing my red hair might bring me problems I would never be able to overcome.
"I just don't like my black hair," I lied. "And I want it blonde."
"Then get a wig, but don't go bald trying to change it," she cautioned. I couldn't blame her for being concerned.
Indeed, I should, but can I afford it? "My situation doesn't permit me to buy a wig."
"Then I will help dye it for you, but that can only last a year, and if you try it again, you'll go bald," she warned seriously.
With one year, I might find the Alpha my mother talked about and wouldn't have to hide my hair again. "Thanks, it's all I need."
"Then I'll do it before you see the Alpha," she said, my heart stopped. Why did I feel like Alpha Zion was up to something?
Dina not only dyed my hair blonde but also treated it to prevent future breakages. Her expertise with herbs was impressive, and by the time she was done, I could finally admit to myself that I was very beautiful.
Just as Jack said, even prettier than Kari. I used to respect and like him a lot, but now, like the others, I loathed him.
Dina gave me a pretty dress and matching sandals. It was uncertain where my fate would lead me here and if I would be allowed to join training, but looking at her, this dress seemed to belong to her, though it fit me quite well.
"Be honest with the Alpha, and he will protect you," she said before handing me over to a tall, good-looking blonde man. "Beta Madai, here she is."
No wonder the she-wolf was crushing on him. He was the first blonde beta I had ever met, and his green eyes were magical.
"What is her condition?" He asked seriously, glancing briefly at me. "Healed, but I haven't tested her physical capabilities. That should be your job," Dina replied in a slightly annoyed tone. Beta Madai sighed, "It's quite a long walk."
Whether that was meant to scare me, I had no idea, but the fact remained that my body had regained its strength, and I felt capable of handling anything.
"Walking is the least of the things I can do," I said with determination. He stared at me but did not respond, only hastening ahead as I followed him.
His pace seemed too slow to me, and if I had known my way around, I would have overtaken him.
However, I used the opportunity to admire the tribe. There was harvesting of grapes going on, and looking at the quantity, I asked with curiosity, "Are those for sale?" He stared at me as if I had asked a strange question but forced a smile. "They are for wine production."
"Oh, I see," I pondered. So the Luna Echoes tribe was involved in wine production. That's interesting. Gazes were fixed on me, some admiring and others confused.
"Is that Beta Madai's mate? She's beautiful," someone remarked. Embarrassment washed over me, but surprisingly, Beta Madai did not rebuke or correct them, walking as if they weren't gossiping about him.
"Aren't you concerned about the rumors? Aren't you going to correct them?"
He shook his head. "It's a waste of time. Hurry up." As we passed by several nice houses, the most glamorous one came into view, and I could tell it was the pack house.
"Alpha Zion is in the office, but he said to wait for him in the hall," he informed me. I nodded in understanding as he opened the door, revealing an elegant she-wolf with a wine glass in hand.
As soon as our eyes met, I recognized her, but before I could stop her, her gaze filled with anger. "It's you. Alpha Zach said you were dead." My heart stopped instantly.