Werewolf

Ch-24

The red furred wolf stepped forth and sat, looking over the wound. It was much worse up close now that he saw the extent of the damage as well as the amount of blood the woman had already lost.

“I can close it, but anything else…” he started to say but stopped when Randolf shouted,

“Just do it!” The younger wolf licked the wound, his saliva healing the gapping holes. The bleeding stopped, but the shoulder remained mangled. Randolf sighed in relief when her heart regained strength and her breathing became more even. “Thank you.” He whispered. But she was still in danger. The amount of blood she lost was extensive and she was now shivering from the cold night. Randolf held her tightly, trying to keep her warm.

“She needs more help.” Faelan said sadly, looking up at the others.

“We can take you to the village, you’ll all be safe there.” Dolf offered. Rafe grunted slightly.

“Witches aren’t welcome in our village, Dolf.” Randolf bristled and all three wolves flinched.

“What did you call her?” he growled. Rafe didn’t reply. “Klara saved my life, you show her some respect, Rafe.”

Though he didn’t reply, Rafe knew he’d overstepped and bowed his head in apology.

Randolf stumbled to his feet, trying to find the strength to carry his beloved Klara. But he shook so hard he fell back to his knees, panting heavily.

“Here,” Faelan offered to carry Klara and Rafe aided Randolf. It was a slow journey back to the village. The wolves kept a good distance from the fairies despite the treaty and lived in a more secluded part of the forest. The village was made of simple stone cottages with shingled roofs clustered together, with large fields cleared away for the children to play and farmers to grow their crops. It was evening and everyone was walking in their wolf forms, dressed simply in loincloths, even the women.

As the group entered the village, the wolves became silent and bowed their heads in respect to Randolf but backed slightly from Klara. He wanted to scold them for their actions but was too weary. All that mattered was that Klara was looked after and kept safe until he could come up with a plan to protect her.

Rafe stopped in front of one house near the center of the village and knocked. A female wolf opened the door and without hesitation allowed them in.

“Thank you Iskra.” Randolf whispered. The female wolf nodded then directed Rafe to place Klara on one bed and Carina on the other.

“Randolf, you need to rest.” Randolf shook his head.

“I can’t leave her.” He looked over at the unconscious wiccan.

“You’re in no condition to look after her.” Iskra said gently. “Her injuries need to be tended to right away and you need to rest.” When he still wouldn’t comply she sighed. “Randolf, look at me.” When he did she met his gaze fully with her amazing emerald eyes. “I will take good care of her. You have nothing to fear.”

Finally consenting, Randolf was led to the spare room upstairs, not knowing that Iskra had intentionally proofed it with charms that blocked out any disturbances. Iskra turned back to the wiccan and instantly began surveying the damage. “Gods, how is she still alive?” she whispered. Klara was shuddering and sweating heavily, almost as pale as snow. Turning the Faelan she ordered, “Get me some cloths to bind her to the bed with.” Faelan flinched. “The fever is going to be intense and I can’t have her thrashing around while I work on her.”

The young wolf remembered the agony of the transformation, and dreaded having to watch someone go through the same torture. But he hoped that the young woman made it, she saved the Beta after all. The fever hit almost immediately and Klara screamed, her body twisting as if she was on fire. Faelan’s heart twisted as he tried to focus on Carina, who’d passed out a while ago.

“Can’t we do something to help her?” Faelan demanded as Klara kept crying out for Randolf. Iskra remained calm and looked him in the eye.

“We either have to wait it out, or end it.” The cool tone of her voice made him shudder slightly. “And even if she makes it through this fever, we might still have to kill her.”

“But..”

“Gerrick bit her.” Iskra said firmly. “We can’t take the chance she will be loyal to him.”

“How can you think so calmly about killing someone who saved Randolf and possibly the whole Forest?” Faelan asked. Iskra looked back at Klara who’d gone quiet, her body finally lax and starting to cool down.

“I’ve allowed emotion to get in the way of what’s best before.” Iskra muttered. “I won’t make the same mistake again.” Meeting his gaze she added, “I will wait as long as I can, and if I have to, I’ll make sure she doesn’t suffer.”

The young wolf knew she was right. He still hated the idea of murdering someone who might turn against them. He sat up all night, anxious to see if Klara somehow made it through. The sun had almost fully risen when they got their answer. Klara blinked open her eyes and stared weakly up at Iskra then Faelan as he came rushing over.

“W-who…?” Her mouth was dry as sand. Iskra tilted her head up and gave her cool water to sip.

“We’re Randolf’s pack,” Iskra whispered gently. “You’re safe in our village.”

Klara looked up at Faelan and asked, “What’s the matter?” Iskra turned and glared at Faelan as he wiped his eyes.

“Oh…! It’s nothing!” he tried to laugh it off but Klara wasn’t fooled. Iskra sighed and said,

“He’s happy that I didn’t kill you.” Klara’s eyes widened and all the color she’d gained back vanished. She drew back slightly but didn’t have the energy to run.