Rylan.

He entered the Moonlit Grove quietly, trying not to attract the attention of his friends who were talking among themselves. He tried to appear nonchalant. He even refused to take the time to talk to his other friends, even when they asked him where he had been.

He was too preoccupied with his thoughts, lost in the memories of just a few minutes before he left her. He had completely forgotten that Karenina would be back today.

Last night, he was at Pack's house when he got up to go to the door. Pulling back the door curtain, he could see that it was still dark, but he was thinking about fetching her later when the sun came up, eager to continue the search for the sacred moonstone fragment and Him, when he suddenly saw someone's shadow. Her. Glancing back to make sure no one saw him, he ran after the girl.

When he saw her, she wore a sad expression that tore at his heart. He approached her, then hugged her protective, and she hugged him back. He was somewhat surprised that she returned the hug. Holding her tightly, she rested her head on his shoulder, letting his warmth seep into her body, warming her in more ways than one.

After a few moments of silence in each other's embrace, she tightened her grip before pleading, "Rylan, please stay with me and hold me. Just for tonight, stay with me."

He couldn't refuse her or himself, finding comfort in having her in his embrace for a few more hours.

When the sun began to rise, too early for him, he wasn't ready to leave her, but he knew he had to, lest his friends get worried or suspicious and ask questions. Knowing this, he ignored the sunrise and held her for a few more hours, his desire overcoming his reason.

Finally, he gently woke the girl from her light sleep. Then he jumped from her place on the high branch of the large oak tree and gently laid her on the ground. Not knowing what to say to her, he just looked into her eyes with sadness and longing. She looked back at him for a moment, then turned without a word and left, accompanied only by her own shadow.

Only after she was out of sight and sound did he return to Pack's house. Still lost in his thoughts, he was surprised when his friends asked, "When will Karen be here? I miss her."

Only then did he realize that it was morning. How long had he been sitting there thinking about her, the man wondered.

He stood up when one of his friends said, "I'm surprised you didn't go get her a few hours ago, Rylan."

His other friends murmured smugly, "Maybe he's trying to be nice for once and give Karen more time with her family since she hasn't seen them for almost a month."

Guilt haunted Rylan's mind, reminding him that he had kept her away from home for so long. He turned to the door and said harshly, "I'll be right back."

Everyone inside knew he was on his way to bring back their famously cheerful but tough friend, and they decided to sit and wait for her arrival. Knowing that Rylan would be the one to pick her up, they knew he wouldn't take long if he had his way.

He ran quickly to the cave that connected Karen's house to the Moonlit Grove territory. He tensed his muscles to run further before entering and letting the light of the portal transport him to the modern city area where Karenina lived. But he paused at the last second before continuing when he saw something yellow beside the well at the mouth of the cave. When he saw it, he realized that it was Karen's backpack. Then he caught Karen's scent heading away from the village and into the woods, freezing his feet and lungs in an instant before a scream in the form of the girl's name pierced the air.

"Karenina!"

He was tempted to run and follow the girl's scent, but instead he forced himself to take Karen's bag and run back to his friends. His mind was in turmoil with confusion and fear for his friend. He didn't know what made her leave her belongings and wander far from the Moonlit Grove territory, but judging by her scent, she couldn't have been gone more than an hour, maybe two. He was sure he could find Karen soon, but in what condition would they find her? He felt anxious as he entered the Pack's house.

After everyone got an explanation, they quickly went to the cave where Mike, who had expressed his opinion earlier, asked him to check if Karenina wasn't in her own house. He objected, shouting that the girl's scent had led him into the woods, but Mike was unperturbed. He said it was just a precaution. Without grace, he disappeared into the cave.

Moments later, he returned with no sign of Karenina.

"Well, Rylan? Is she in there?" his friends asked worriedly, standing next to his other friends. It was obvious from her absence, but he felt compelled to ask. He shook his head to indicate a negative answer, which brought tears to the male werewolf's eyes as hope left him. Then Selene hugged him and stroked his head, trying to comfort him.

"Can you still smell her, Rylan?" Mike asked. He can smell her too, her scent is vague in the air.

He nodded. "Yeah, let's go." Then he lifted his nose to catch Karenina's scent, along with the other werewolves, before charging into the woods.

Sighing, Mike said, "Rylan. She didn't wait for us to follow, did she?"

Without answering her friends, Selene called, "Felix," and waited as a black-furred wolf transformed into a larger form before climbing onto his back. Mike climbed behind her, holding his staff in front of Selene's waist and placing his hands on either side. Meanwhile, Samuel had transformed into a huge golden-brown furred wolf.

Without any prompting from Selene, Felix leapt into the air to chase after Rylan and Samuel, flying above them.

"Wait for me, Karen. Wait for me!" Rylan thought aloud.

As if fate was with them, the group was immediately attacked by many she-wolves. Where one fell, another came to take its place. They couldn't understand why there were so many she-wolves in the area, but they realized that the female werewolves were on the same path as their missing friend. To say they were worried was an understatement.

As evening approached, Rylan ran into a barrier that sent him flying back several feet.

"Rylan!" Selene shouted, running quickly towards him as the man snorted.

"What now?!" Samuel asked, returning to his human form in anger.

Sitting down, Rylan rubbed his nose and pointed ahead of them. "This is a barrier. Karen is on the other side now, trapped by this damn barrier, I know it!"

"Do you think we can break it?" Mike asked.

"Well, of course we can," he replied confidently, proud of his own abilities, before pulling out his ashy dagger, carved with a wolf embracing a cross on the hilt and sheath.

The dagger instantly transformed into a blood-red sword as he swung it at the barrier. Unfortunately, it didn't even shake. "What?" he whispered in confusion. Snorting in frustration, he raised his sword again to strike the barrier, but it refused to break.

"Try harder, Rylan. We have to get to Karen!" one of his friends said as he also tried to break the barrier with his strength.

A growl was the answer before Mike stepped forward and swung the staff he was holding, turning it into a crescent moon spear that emitted silver light and aimed it at the barrier. It still didn't work. They all stood and stared at the barrier with anxious eyes, hoping that their friend Karen, whom they considered a little sister, was safe.

"Karen..." Rylan whispered, looking sad and desperate.

Karenina.

In the dark and dense forest she waited for the other she-wolf to appear. I'm sure it's just like the others, she thought. Her hands began to ache from the tension she was applying. Impatient and in pain, she called out to her hidden target. "Come out, wolf. I know you're out there!" A few seconds later she could hear someone approaching.

She-Wolf spoke as she came to see her. "Please don't attack. I don't mean you any harm."

She was suspicious about the sincerity of this stranger. Anyone would be suspicious after being forced to fight a she-wolf all day. But she sensed no malicious intent from the werewolf.

When the she-wolf saw that the girl was neither threatening nor relaxing, she spoke once more. "My name is Maya. I don't want to fight you. I can smell your blood and feel your strength. I wonder why a young hybrid like you is here. I didn't know that an Alpha like Xavier would allow a hybrid like you to enter his territory barrier." After her explanation, she waited for an answer from Karen.

When there was no response, she tried to speak again. Pointing again to Karen's injured and bleeding arm, she said, "You are hurt. Let me help you, little girl."

For a moment, Karen came out of her shock. She was surprised by this she-wolf's kindness after such a hostile encounter with the others.

Smiling, she raised her hand. "Finally, someone who doesn't want to kill me. My name is Karenina." The girl sat down again, put her hands in her lap and leaned back against the tree. "I would like your help. I seem to have sprained my arm a little." The girl looked down at her bleeding arm.

She approached Karen when she was sure she would not be attacked. She lowered herself to the girl's level and asked, "May I see your injured arm more clearly?"

"Yes, of course, and call me Karen."

She nodded and began to examine the wound on Karen's arm. After seeing the wound, she tore some cloth from her clothes and carefully wrapped Karen's wound. She watched Maya's appearance curiously, curious about what she had meant earlier when she had talked about the she-wolves.

"Hey, Maya? What did you mean earlier about Xavier? I saw them a while ago and they also said something about Xavier's territorial barrier. What territory barrier are you talking about?"

She was surprised by Karen's courage in confronting Alpha Xavier and her ignorance of the situation around them. Finding her voice, she asked, "Do you really not know?"

When the girl shook her head, she continued. "Alpha Xavier has been calling for adult female werewolves to find a suitable mate among them and accept his challenge for the right to be his mate. But I don't know why or how you were able to get past the barriers he put up around the battlefield, which only allowed pureblood she-wolves who were of a mature age to enter."

Karen, who had just begun to speak again, was held back by Maya, who could sense that it was the young girl's thoughts that were being spoken rather than addressed to her. "So he's the one who called me. But why didn't he mention anything before? Unless he was just messing with me!" she became angry, standing up and raising her fist in front of her. "When I find him, I'm going to tell him that I don't want to be his entertainment anymore. I'm not his chew toy!"

Without paying any attention to the woman in front of her, she started to walk away in search of the cold and arrogant Alpha. Maya ran after her, then hurriedly asked, "Can I come with you, Karen? I can help with the other women if you want."

Smiling at Maya, who was much taller than she was, without thinking why she would want to help her when her mind was only on one thing, she replied, "All right, let's go find that cold and arrogant Alpha!"

Maya's eyes widened at the courage of the girl younger than her to dare insult her Alpha, she wondered if it was courage or stupidity.

Karen and Maya continued their journey in high spirits to meet Alpha Xavier. They traversed the dark and dangerous forest, hoping to question the Alpha's true purpose and motivations.

As they approached Alpha Xavier's territory, they saw alarming signs of fighting and destruction. It was an indication that the battle between the she-wolves had been a fierce one.

The power was palpable in the air, sending a disturbing vibration through the forest. A moment later, the sound of breaking leaves and twigs decorated the forest floor.

Maya and Karen, these two unlikely friends, looked at each other with concern. Maya followed Karen's footsteps with an admiring glance as Karen continued to stumble and grumble about the roots that seemed to be blocking her.

Maya watched Karen's steps with a slightly amused expression. The young hybrid girl kept tripping over the roots and grumbling about how they kept jumping out and trying to bend her legs. Another burst of holy spiritual power kept her from bursting into laughter.

At this rate, we will be surrounded by the rest of the she-wolves, she thought.

However, their situation changed drastically when Karen suddenly stopped, her back stiff. She turned her head slightly, one eye staring at Maya while the other looked into the forest. She looked back at Maya and said, "They have surrounded us." Through the mind-link.

By 'them' she meant four powerful female werewolves. Maya also sensed their presence and prepared for a defensive stance, while Karen was ready to aim her arrows, imbued with her divine power, with determination.

The sound of a woman's laughter broke the silence of the forest, causing her to adjust the handle of her crossbow as she whimpered at the lingering wound on her shoulder. The girl's eyes were focused on the three female werewolves in front of her, while she also sensed the presence of a fourth female werewolf hidden in the trees. From her perspective, the three female werewolves seemed to have just engaged in a fierce battle.

The first she-wolf in the middle was about the same height as Karen. Her auburn hair flowed down her back and her eyes were gray. Her clothes, like those of the other two female werewolves, looked torn with fresh blood stains, though she could not be sure if it was her own blood or the blood of the enemy. The second one on the right had purple eyes and almost white hair, flowing down to the waist. Her tall posture and long legs reflected elegance. Meanwhile, the third she-wolf on the left had fiery red hair, sparkling green eyes, and an almost hidden claw.

The laughter that could be heard once again caused the female werewolf in the middle to speak to the female werewolf to the right of her, who was named Ariana. "How interesting, Ariana. A wounded little hybrid girl and a weak female wolf. We can settle this quickly. There's no need for our leader to get her hands dirty with this kind of garbage."

But as the words echoed through the air, something happened to Karen. She felt a strong urge and energy flow through her body. And with that, the female werewolves attacked the two of them. Karen didn't stay silent, so the girl shot her arrows full of holy moonstone power into the middle of the enemy, then she had to quickly dodge the claws that were coming at her. Her first arrow missed, but she was far from discouraged, she could feel her adrenaline peaking and hear her heartbeat echoing like a drum in her ears.

Then she glanced at Maya, it was just a quick glance, but it was enough to show that Maya was fighting two other she-wolves. Karen immediately focused on the red-haired she-wolf in front of her, who had ducked down with bared fangs and outstretched claws.

"You've reached your end, little one." The she-wolf jumped at her again, ready to pounce with her long, sharp claws, but she was ready with her crossbow, so she charged back at the she-wolf as she ran toward her, striking her in the side of the head. She drove the she-wolf away with her spiritual strength, which came from the power of her sacred moonstone.

The she-wolf staggered and fell backward, losing her balance.

She whimpered in pain and fear. Karen stepped forward, her crossbow at the ready, her eyes fixed on her. "Do you wish to continue your attack?" she asked, her voice full of courage.

The she-wolf stared back at her with a look of hatred and rejection in her eyes. But her strength began to fade and she realized that she was at a disadvantage.

"I... I surrender," the she-wolf said in a low, almost inaudible voice.

Karenina.

A scream came from the pile of bodies on the ground as a shadowy figure approached from the side. A quickly erected barrier stopped the blonde she-wolf from getting close. As her two opponents rose to their feet, Karen ducked low into the middle of the barrier. She pressed her hand flat against the ground and sent a shockwave of force in a fifteen-foot radius around the shield. The red-haired wolf woman was quicker than her friend and managed to dodge her attack.

Another scream broke the silence of the air as the blonde beauty was struck by the sacred moonstone light emanating from Karen. She fell to the ground, motionless and lifeless. Then the girl lowered her barrier because it was draining energy and she didn't want to use any more than necessary. However, she was attacked from behind. She tried to land on her uninjured shoulder as a small moan escaped her lips.

Her back was aching. She could barely turn her head to see the red-haired she-wolf licking the blood from her paws. The she-wolf smiled cruelly at Karen with her sharp canines before leaping up again to deliver the killing blow.

Grabbing one of the arrows that had fallen from her crossbow, Karen rolled onto her injured back just as the wolf fell on top of her.

The she-wolf collapsed to her death, pierced by Karen's glowing arrow. The added weight did nothing to ease the pain in her own back. She pushed with everything she had until Karen was finally able to roll the body over and let go. She found kneeling very difficult at the moment, as any movement sent a jolt of pain through her injured shoulder. However, after several attempts, she was finally able to stand upright when she realized that Maya was nowhere to be seen.

Karen was shocked to realize that she wasn't there anymore. Then she called out her name but was met with silence. "Maya! Maya, where are you?" A voice came from behind her, so she spun around quickly, ready for another fight, but instead she saw Maya walking calmly towards her.

The girl smiled in relief, and the pain began to show on Karen's tiny face as she stopped trying to stand, realizing that she wasn't going to be attacked.

Kneeling with one foot in front of Karen, the woman then placed a clawed hand on Karen's uninjured shoulder. "You are hurt. Allow me to help you."

Karen winced and allowed Maya to take another look at her shoulder as blood began to ooze from the wound and from her back where she had recently been injured. After a careful examination, Maya assured her that the wound on her back was not too bad, but the wound on her shoulder was getting worse and needed serious attention. Slowly, Karen stood up and removed her outer clothing, exposing her bare arms and back. She felt a little embarrassed to be seen like this in the middle of the forest, especially at a time like this, and she didn't know when the next attack would come. "Karen, I have to suggest that we use the rest of your clothes as bandages. Then you can wear this," Maya said, pointing to her own clothes.

Karen blushed as she looked around the surrounding forest, not wanting to be naked in such an open area, especially at a time like this, not knowing when the next attack would come.

Seeing Karen's concern, Maya quickly reassured the girl. "Don't worry, Karen. I'll get it done soon." Seriously, Maya began again, "We really need to stop this bleeding. The smell of your blood might attract the enemy."

Karen sighed, realizing the truth in Maya's words. The wounds were not deep, but the blood was still flowing. She didn't think she was losing too much blood, but she was also a living being that needed blood flowing in her body instead of losing blood like this, and her body was getting tired. On days like this, Karen envied the stamina and ability of the she-wolf who had matured with great training.

Suddenly, Karen froze as she remembered the aura of the fourth, the mysterious leader of the would-be assassins. But the werewolf woman's aura was gone. Had she escaped when her accomplice was killed? Karen didn't think so. Then she remembered Maya returning from the direction where she last remembered the mysterious werewolf hiding. The tension drained from her body as she saw Maya lay down her clothes and reach for them.

"Let me help you take off your clothes. You need to put your weapons away, Karen," Maya said, putting her hand on Karen's crossbow string.

She nodded and allowed Maya to help her remove her arrows, then asked, "Hey, Maya? Have you taken care of the hidden leader of this group? I can't sense her anymore."

Maya paused for a moment as she put down Karen's weapon before smiling. "You don't have to worry, Karen. She's no longer a threat to you."

Karen began to relax as the adrenaline from their previous fight began to leave her battered body. Maya quickly stripped Karen of her tattered clothes, including her short green skirt stained with her own blood, leaving the young girl in only her blood-stained white bra and panties, her cheeks bright red.

Maya smiled at the young girl's obvious embarrassment at being undressed, even though her own clothes were a little bit exposed.

What a strange and contradictory girl, Maya thought.

Surely someone who lets so much of her skin show is nothing more than a slut, and yet this young girl smells so pure and acts so out of character in her clothes. She was also curious about Karen's underwear, which she found unique.

The sensation of a tongue moving down her back suddenly made Karen gasp in surprise and look back in amazement as Maya licked her bloodied lips.

"What are you doing?" squealed Karen, her cheeks growing even hotter.

"Karen, there is no water to clean your wound. I'll clean it with my saliva if you want," Maya replied in a calm voice, her face expressionless except for a glint in her eyes that Karen couldn't understand.

Nodding her head in understanding, Karen turned her head and fixed her eyes on a tree not too far away, trying to ignore the awkward situation she found herself in.

Then she felt Maya place a hand on her uninjured shoulder before she again felt a warm, slippery tongue lick her back, cleaning the blood from her flesh and wounds.

She felt Maya's breath on her skin, sending shivers down her spine. The ordeal lasted only ten minutes, but it felt like hours to the embarrassed young girl. She couldn't believe that a woman, yes, a she-wolf, could touch her so intimately. She knew it wasn't sexual, but she couldn't help but remember that in her time, people were much more open about same-sex partners. No, she was not aroused by what Maya was doing, but if anyone saw or found out, she would die of embarrassment!

Then Maya was in front of her, kneeling so close that she could feel her breath on her cheek and smell her own blood, the metallic smell on her breath. She had to hold back her disgust so as not to appear ungrateful for the other's help.

"This may be painful. Be patient," Maya whispered as she looked into Karen's eyes before retaking her uninjured shoulder. She leaned down, her copper hair brushing Karen's chin. Maya's tongue came out to lick Karen's injured shoulder.

Karen hissed as Maya continued to smear her shoulder with her tongue. Karen barely noticed Maya's other hand on her bare left thigh as she tried to ignore the stinging pain caused by Maya's licks.

Finally, Maya lifted her head from Karen's shoulder and licked her bloodied lips with her equally red tongue. Karen looked away from the sight and stared at her shoulder. The bleeding had slowed to a trickle and she could see four cuts about an inch deep and a quarter of an inch wide.

She grimaced at the sight of the cuts, knowing she would have more scars to add to the few others she had received since coming to Moonlit Grove. She didn't think her back would be scarred because of what Maya had said, but it hurt every time she moved.

A ripping sound brought Karen's attention back to Maya, and she watched as she tore off her damaged clothes, using the cleanest part as a bandage. It didn't take long for Maya to wrap the pieces of cloth around Karen's body, sometimes accidentally grazing her chest with her knuckles before moving on to her shoulders.

"Here, Karen," Maya said after tying the last knot on the bandage.

Maya held up her own clothes, but when Karen moved to take them and started to thank her, Maya tugged at her arm and took hers.

"I think it will be easier if I help you," Maya explained as she moved behind Karen.

Karen nodded her thanks and let Maya help her put on the green outfit with the tree branch motif, ignoring the way Maya's hands seemed to linger. Karen was sure she was imagining things. Then Maya moved in front of Karen again and took the outer garment off her own body to put it on Karen's body to cover both sides. The garment was long, almost as long as her skirt.

Karen breathed a sigh of relief when she was finally fully clothed again.

"Maybe we should rest and let you get your strength back," Maya suggested.

Shaking her head, Karen replied as she picked up her bow and shook it. "I have to find Xavier and solve this problem. Obviously I shouldn't be here."

Deciding not to argue with the girl, Maya compromised. "Then let me carry you."

Seeing Karen open her mouth, probably to argue, Maya raised her hand to silence her. "If you insist on searching for Alpha Xavier, then I will carry you. You need to rest your frail body or you will pass out from exhaustion."

Sighing, Karen agreed, but when Maya moved to carry her, Karen stepped back. "Wait, I think it would be best if I stay behind you in case we are attacked."

Just saying that made Karen's heart ache as she remembered the hundreds of times she had ridden on Rylan's back.

Not understanding the young girl's mood swings, Maya shrugged her shoulders and offered her back. She bent down slightly to ease her consent.

Climbing on Maya's back, trying not to hurt the she-wolf, Karen accidentally pulled a gash in her own back but didn't complain, and soon Maya was running through the forest, although neither of them knew where to find the Alpha of the Westwood.