Anteros: A Tale of Requited Love

The Island Prince

Chapter 3

Niles saw as many warriors were brought in. He wanted to help but he knew he may not be able to stand on his feet. He watched as Kristof and Nikolas helped. He saw the three Alphas walking in. They were talking to the warriors. Niles liked that. They are responsible for their people. Niles has heard many scary things about them. His father though has always told him that he shouldn't believe hearsay. They smelled of blood but Niles knew that Alphas had a tough job, especially when they are in charge of a pack. Though he knew all this, he was also a bit scared- well, not just a bit.

It took some time for all the warriors and hunters to be settled on their own. Nikolas walked over to him, giving him a tired smile.

"Thank you. We have less casualty because of you," said Nikolas.

Niles didn't know how to respond to that. He just blinked at them.

"Anyone would have," he said. Because who would not say anything if they can smell rogues.

Nikolas just chuckled and so did the hunter- Vasileios. He can recall all their names now.

"You did great, pup," said Vasileios.

Niles looked at the Pack Alpha who was not even looking at him.

"So, what is your name?" asked Zacchaeus.

At that, all were looking at him.

"Niles," he said.

"So you are an Ozo?" asked Zacchaeus.

"Avzo," said Niles. Because he doesn't see a point in hiding what he is.

Avzo's are rare wolves. They have some properties, or blessings as they are called. A sense of smell is one. One with only a sense of smell is called Ozo. However, there are other blessings like vision, sound sensing and flight. Niles can climb the trees faster than other wolves because he is safe in the air.

"Explains how you climbed up that damn tree. Are your senses clear?" asked Stefano.

"No. They are clouded. I can't smell everything. The rogues have a rank overpowering smell though," said Niles, mumbling as he looked at the Alpha's feet. The Alpha King scares him a bit.

"You helped the pack. When you leave, you can take whatever supplies you need," said Stefanos. Niles shrunk into himself hearing the alpha command.

"If you want to leave. You are welcome to stay," said Nikolas.

"This is the royal pack. No wolf in need of a home or a pack is turned away," said Kristof.

Stefanos had the decency to look up apologetically at Kristof. Obviously Stefanos did not consider Kristof when he speaks about lone wolves. For one Kristof was never a lone wolf and more importantly, he is family.

"I can stay?" asked Niles, not daring to hope. Because he doesn't want to run anymore. He is too tired and these people seem kind. And this is the royal pack, he must be safe here. They treat their pack members well from what he can see.

At that, the Alpha King seemed to be surprised.

"You want to stay?" asked Stefanos.

"If you would let me, Alpha," said Niles, lowering his head, his instincts asking him to show his agreement to the Alpha.

Stefanos looked at his brothers and then back at Niles.

"If you still feel the same on Sunday, you can be part of this pack. However, you cannot hide any information about yourself if you want to be a part of this pack. Your pack and your past will all need to be laid bare," said Stefanos.