Andreas was shocked when Laura threw her arms around the man. And that made him smile. The girl he loved had reciprocated his feelings. Was that really true? Andreas would find out later.
"A–alpha, I was really afraid of losing you. You really scared me. How could you come back in such a state?" Laura asked. She then wiped her tears. Several elders stepped back and disappeared from the couple's conversation. Only Laura and Andreas remained, leaning against the edge of the bed.
"I'm going to the Holy Mountain to break the curse of our destiny."
Laura stared at Andreas in disbelief. Was that true? Then what about their relationship in front of all of Andreas' people? Surely they would not accept his presence.
"Calm down, Laura. I will declare you my mate as soon as possible. No one can stand in the way of my decision," Andreas said softly.
"Is it true that we can be together, Alpha? I am a witch, and you are an Alpha. What if the curse really works even though you've killed all the immortal guards? Please don't go too far, Alpha. Don't declare me as their Luna. I don't want you to be in trouble." Laura lowered her head. She felt unworthy, even though she truly had feelings for Andreas. But that couldn't happen.
Andreas remained silent. Instead, he touched Laura's pointed nose and said, "So, do you admit that you like me, Laura? Haven't we always been lovers?"
Laura couldn't hide the blush of embarrassment on her cheeks. "Yes, I admit it. But please stop teasing me, Alpha!" said Laura, slightly annoyed. She had never forgotten Andreas in her life. When they found out that werewolves and witches couldn't be together, they were still together. But with Alpha's inauguration and Miss Ailee's departure from the West, they decided to cut off communication. Then when they parted ways, Laura still sent letters to Andreas, but it didn't last long.
Remembering their moments together made Laura realize that no matter how far she wanted to stay away from Andreas, there was always a bridge that could bring them together. However, no matter how hard Laura wanted their relationship to work, there was always a stone that tripped her up and prevented her from being with Andreas.
"What are you thinking, Laura?" asked Alpha Andreas as he stared at a symbol like a small lightning bolt tattoo on Laura's neck. The symbol was a sign that she was bound to someone. Seeing the tattoo made Andreas satisfied.
Laura shook her head without answering, feeling embarrassed.
Andreas then lay down and told Laura to lie down beside him. But Laura refused, looking away and intending to get up to get Andreas some food. Before Laura could move away, Andreas quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her, causing Laura's body to fall on top of Andreas, who was shirtless.
"Alpha, what are you doing!" Laura squealed, trying to break free.
Andreas restrained Laura's movements by hugging her tightly and pulling her close to him. They gazed into each other's eyes. Their gaze was filled with love and longing.
"Laura, may I..."
Laura immediately leaned forward and kissed Andreas on the cheek.
"I think it's okay!" said Andreas in a soft voice that sounded sexy to Laura's ears. Then, without saying much, Andreas immediately took a blanket and covered both of them. They made love until late afternoon.
***
It had been a week since Laura arrived at Andreas' pack. Little by little, her presence began to be accepted by Andreas's people. Although some elders still harbored suspicions about her, Laura tried to ignore them. Right now, Alpha Andreas was hunting in the forbidden forest. There were several ferocious creatures there, such as trolls, ogres, and rogues. Andreas really enjoyed hunting. And after finishing her hunt, Laura wanted to give Andreas something.
Laura decided to hold a cooking competition. She and several trusted palace kitchen staff would prepare a menu for Alpha Andreas' hunting provisions. This was to increase familiarity between them and dispel suspicion.
They then agreed to do it. Laura and Beta Xander would be the judges. Beta Xander had to be a judge because Laura insisted.
The competition began, and the participants tried their best. The winner of the competition would receive five hundred gold coins. Ten gold coins were equivalent to the price of a high-quality lightning sword.
The participants were divided into five teams. Each team consisted of three people. Each team had to present their best dish. Laura seemed proud of her idea.
After about an hour, the participants finished the cooking contest on time. Laura sat with Xander, surrounded by several soldiers and servants. They then brought the dishes to Laura and Xander. Laura tasted them. Her eyes sparkled when her taste buds sensed the soup's broth. The combination of umami and olive oil was appetizing.
And the winner of the contest was decided. The winners were entitled to 500 gold coins each. The others also received coins, but in smaller amounts.
Laura smiled happily. Beta Xander even bet that Alpha Andreas would be pleased to see his idea come to fruition. Until one of the participants suddenly fell, struck by an arrow. Everyone was shocked and panicked. Laura was extremely surprised. Especially when she saw a group of people wearing all-black clothing and face masks.
"Luna, don't move. We have business with Beta Xander!"
Who are those people? Laura wondered silently. "No, what do you want to do with him?! What do you want? And why are you causing damage here?!"
Without saying a word, Beta Xander immediately transformed into a black wolf. He then attacked the ninja troops alongside the other werewolves. Although the servants could transform into werewolves, their abilities were no match for the soldiers.
Laura didn't stand idly by. She immediately unleashed her moves and attacked the masked troops.
"Luna, back off. Let me deal with them," Beta Xander shouted in the midst of the battle.
There were 40 masked soldiers, and Laura would not be able to defeat them all. In addition, the competition was held far from Alpha Andreas' territory. This was to make it easier for Andreas to meet them in an open field after his hunt. But Laura did not expect this to happen.
Beta Xander was seen shouting at his soldiers not to retreat. He then asked for help from the pack through Mindlink.
In the middle of the battle, an arrow flew towards Beta Xander. Laura built a shield around him and managed to deflect the arrow. Suddenly, a voice that was familiar to Laura echoed.
Laura timidly turned around, and at that moment she saw King Phillipe with the other wizards.
"So you've sided with them, Laura?" King Phillipe's voice echoed. Laura felt trapped and cursed her carelessness.
"It seems she has been under the influence of Alpha Andreas, Your Majesty. We cannot let her go just like that. What about the ritual she performed before? She may have forgotten it." A woman wearing flower jewelry on her head said. She smiled condescendingly at Laura. The woman was Miss Ailee. The woman who had taken in Laura and her older brother when they were children.