The Fenrir Saga - Part I

Chapter 4

--- Beonnie ---

The impact never came. Someone caught me, and when I came to my senses, I realised I was curled up in someone's arms. Unsure of how to handle my current predicament, I did the most cowardly thing I could think of and kept my eyes closed. If I couldn't see them, perhaps they couldn't see me. Heh. It was a stupid plan for all apparent reasons, but I wanted a few seconds for damage control before facing my fate. However, the damage control report returned bad as every part of my body ached.

"Is she dead?"

I heard Tristan's voice from a distance, so obviously, he was not the warm body I was cuddled up against.

"No. She is breathing, and her heart rate feels normal. So I think she is just.. sort of.. chilling?"

I could feel Zac's voice from inside his chest and was surprised that he described my heart rate as normal. It should be fluttering.

"Uhm.. hullo?"

Warm breath on my face told me that he was now looking down at me, and a slight shake indicated that he was aware that I wasn't passed out.

The unexpected care in his voice was overwhelming. The pain - overwhelming. My current situation - overwhelming. Being killed by a bear, even if it was only almost - overwhelming. My life - overwhelming. Blood taste in my mouth - overwhelming. My father dead - overwhelming. 

Pain. 

I shifted towards the warmth and cosiness of his embrace, grabbed his T-shirt, and tried to get even closer. Then the tears came.

--- Zac ---

Well, this certainly was.. something, and I hadn't even had breakfast yet. What had started as a ridiculously early meeting request from Tristan had now escalated into this bloody mess.

When I stepped into the small clearing where Tristan and Dhalia waited for me, I sensed a presence already. My wolf Frej had been completely aloof, though. Since there was no breach of borders just yet, I focused on what my brother and friend wanted.

Tristan was my brother in all ways but birth, and I wanted all good things for him, so internally, I was thrilled that he had found his mate. However, I was the Beta of this pack and the extended arm of my alpha, and I had to keep some composure. 

I was reminded of the presence of a fourth person when I thought I heard a gasp from above. I also smelled an approaching bear, which put me on edge. Had they not noticed the presence of both wildlife and other werewolves? 

The way Tristan answered confirmed my suspicions. They were oblivious to anything except the wonder of their mate. Again, the bear alone and whatever it was did not alarm Frej, but still, I wanted to make sure. I looked up.

I heard a second gasp from over the waterfall, and things escalated. A young girl came flying from out of nowhere, trying with her entire being to get a grip of the rocky cliffside on her way down, but to no avail. I heard a thud and a crack when her body bounced against a small cliff, and suddenly, I had her in my arms. Frej had reacted long before me.

"Protect."

Tristan asked if she was dead. She wasn't dead. I didn't believe that she was unconscious either. I was pretty sure she was just gauging the situation. I gently shook her.

"Uhm.. hullo?"

She grabbed my T-shirt and started to cry.

Having only a brother, I wasn't prepared for this situation. I didn't exactly know what to do with crying girls. I mean, sure, she was heavily injured and was bleeding from several body parts. Her head looked like a blunt head trauma was happening, and I was pretty sure that her arm was broken. But shouldn't she then sort of scream in pain rather than sob?