Chapter 15

LOGAN I hustled through the thick forests in search of Amy with a brown bag pack in hand. I could trace her scent easily and with every step I took, I knew she was closer. At the same time, I was a bit nervous wondering how she felt. She probably hates me for what I did but I had no regrets either. My steps halted abruptly as I saw her, curled up before a large tree. Her white fur still never ceased to amaze me, I could have smiled but she started growling at me. Her golden yellow eyes gleamed of how much hatred she had towards me and I knew better that I shouldn’t dare take any more steps towards her. “I brought you clothes,” I tossed the bag towards her and she pushed it away with her paw. “We need to talk.” Only then did she carry the bag with her teeth and threaded behind the tree to change. I could hear her grunts as her bones cracked but soon enough she would get used to it. “Don’t come here!” she said from behind the tree, and I nodded. It wasn’t like one day I wouldn’t get to see what wonders her body carried. She came out after a while, dressed in a yellow top, blue jeans and a pair of white sneakers. Her hair was packed in a messy bun and I almost lost myself to gawk at her beauty. I cleared my throat. “Congratulations, I knew you had it in you.” “You know you didn’t have to rub my pain so coldly on my face,” she retorted with so much rage blaring in her tone. “Whatever I said, you have to understand that I did it because of you.” “No. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m cursed.” “No you’re not." I tried to come closer but she gestured for me not to take a step. “I figured that anger was the best emotion I could trigger in you to cause your transformation. I didn’t mean those things, Amy.” Her eyes twitched as if she were fighting against her tears. I needed no one to tell me I’d hurt her badly. “I don’t believe you, Logan.” “I swear!” “Maybe you’re right,” she sighed as her tears became obvious. “Or not. You have no idea how much I want this pain and guilt to stop haunting me. I still can’t forgive myself but there you are, using my pain and sorrow to taunt me.” “Amy—“ “Say it to my face that no part of what you said was real!” My lips twitched and she gasped. “I thought as much.” She wiped the tears lingering in her eyes. Did I? I wasn’t even sure of myself if I just said those things for a purpose or they were simply words dwelling in the deepest part of my heart. But I certainly knew if this continued, she would drift away from me and that wasn’t the best option for me. I have to get rid of my curse no matter what it takes. “I’m sorry,” I said but I only let those words out so I could curtail the damage I’d done. “I expected you to say that,” she remarked dryly. I came closer to her but this time she didn’t stop me. I hugged her and I could feel her heart thumping hard against my chest. Her breaths were shaky and I held her tighter in a gentle manner. “I’m sorry, Amy,” I whispered on impulse. “I didn’t mean any of those words. I really didn’t.” Her breaths started to even out as she slowly wrapped her arms behind my back too. I smiled, happy that she took the bait. But why was I enjoying our embrace? That desire of not leaving her side started to kick in again and I hated it. It always haunted me that I was cheating on the feelings I had for Charlotte. I pulled away sharply, startling her a bit. “So how does it feel to shift?” I asked and she smiled. “It was very painful but then it all went away and…” Her voice trailed off. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had in a long time. I could feel everything. I feel like I’ve connected deeper with my wolf.” I smiled. “I’ve certainly missed that feeling.” Her smile slowly faded. “We should return home, you need to get some rest.” “I’m perfectly fine, Logan.” “Trust me, the aftermath of your transformation is going to dawn on you. It’s your first and you’re not going to like it. So, shall we?” I extended my hand. “You know we don’t have to hold hands, no one is watching us.” “Let’s just say I kind of like the feeling that comes with you being by my side,” I replied and she blushed before intertwining her left fingers with my right. It won’t be long before she falls for my charms. When we got to the mansion, I sported a quizzical look seeing the living room filled with tons of gifts and flowers with my mother and some maids right at the center of them. “What are all these gifts for?” I queried and only then did they notice us. My mother hummed mischievously, staring at our palms intertwined. I slowly pulled away from Amy, unable to tolerate the gawking eyes I received from them. “Some of the Pack members have been sending gifts to commemorate the arrival of their Luna,” she answered. “Amy, come check them,” my mother gestured excitedly and I smiled. Ever since the arrival of Amy, she has been nothing but glows. In fact, it felt like the Pack had just been reborn. I couldn’t help but admire the ladies, fizzling and gawking at the gifts. It had been a long time since I'd seen them this happy. “Well, I’ll leave you guys to do your thing. I have matters to deal with,” I said and none of them even bothered about me. I headed to my room for a change of clothes and as I was about to enter the bathroom, I noticed something off. It wasn’t the bags of clothes and footwears laying on the bed, it was the wall. Charlotte’s painting was missing. I didn’t care that I only had a towel wrapped around my waist, I dashed out of the room. “Akira! Akira!!” my voice thundered. “Alpha Logan.” She bowed her head as I arrived downstairs while the rest of them wore confused expressions. “What's wrong, Logan?” my mother queried. “Where is the painting in my room?!” I barked and the room went dead silent. “Answer me!!” “I asked her to take it away,” my mother answered as she dropped one of the bouquets of flowers back to the couch. “What?” “You heard me, Logan.” “If this is a joke it is not funny, Mom!” “That painting shouldn’t be there anymore.” “It is my painting and I will do as I see fit with it! It wasn’t your decision to make!!” “Logan—“ “Where is it?!” I thundered but she remained calm while Amy kept peering at me curiously. I couldn't care less. I was losing my sanity by the moment. “Where is it?!!” “You’re not getting it.” “I will not have you disrespect the woman I love! Give me my painting!” “What did you say?” Amy mumbled and only then was I conscious of the trap I had put myself into.