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“Listen up, everyone,” I start, clearing my throat. “I know that this is usually what Rock does, giving a speech when there is something to be shared, but in his absence, I will do it.”
“Where is he?” A voice from the crowd wonders.
“He will be back shortly,” I assure them. “In a few hours, I’m sure. So, don’t worry. He hasn’t gone anywhere.” I pause, getting back on track. “We’ve got trouble on our hands, but you already know this. The enemy bear clan has set up camp in thesevery woods, and just now, one of them attacked me, Rock and Elena. I managed to fend him off, but make no mistake, the danger is real, and it is near.”
A hushed murmur spread through the gathered villagers, as concern etched lines on their faces. I raise my hand to quiet them down, but also to reassure them.
“None of us is alone in this,” I continue. “We’ve faced challenges before, and together, we’ve always come out on top. These threats won’t break us.”
“That’s right!” Someone from the crowd shouts, lifting a fist into the air.
I smile. “We’ve built this village together, and we’ll defend it together. They may try to sow fear, but we won’t let it take root among us.”
“Yeah!” Another voice agrees, and a few more fists blossom up from the crowd. My gaze is sweeping across the tentative faces, their raised fists emphasizing the strength that lies in unity.
“So, be vigilant. Keep an eye out for anything unusual. And remember that fear only has power over us if we allow it. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and we won’t back down!”
This time, my own fist flies up into the air and an avalanche of applause follows immediately after. I smile at all those inspired faces, hoping that I managed to remind them what they are fighting for, not only themselves, but for their family, friends and everyone they care about.
“That wasn’t half bad,” Willow approaches me, patting me on the shoulder.
“Thanks,” I grin. “Rock would have done a better job. His are big shoes to fill.”
“Yup,” she nods, then continues. “Has he gone to the other clan?”
“No,” I shake my head, wondering if I should tell her the truth. Maybe having an ally in all this wouldn’t be a bad thing. “He went to speak to Elena.”
“The human?” Willow wonders.
“Mhm,” I confirm. “It’s… a long story.”
“You’re thinking of making her your mate,” she says simply. “And so is Rock.”
“Yeah,” I scratch the back of my head. “Sort of.”
“See?” she grins. “Not that complicated or long, if only you know how to focus on what matters.”
“I guess,” I reply. “It’s just… strange, and not what I expected would happen at all.”
She ponders for a moment, then she smiles. “Listen, I doubt you guys would bring her to the village if you thought her a danger to any of us.”
“Of course not,” I assure her.
“Then maybe it’s time to turn over a new leaf,” she says somehow mysteriously. “But first things first. Let’s show these guys that they can’t just waltz in here and terrorize us.”
“Deal,” I smile back, as we both head in the direction of the dining hall.
Chapter Seventeen
Elena
I fear that I would get lost a few times, not sure which way to go, but I eventually end up back at my camp. I sigh with relief, noticing that nothing has been touched or disturbed in any way. I put down my camera bag cautiously, although there is no point. The camera is already broken. I know I have a second one, but I’m furious that Rock thought it was okay to do something like that.
I sit down on my blanket, closing my eyes. I allow the sound of whispering trees and the soft rustle of leaves to completely take over, in hopes that they will calm down my racing mind. The recent revelations haven’t settled inside of me yet, and I have to admit that I don’t know how to handle all these conflicting emotions.
I open my eyes, glancing at my bag. I wonder if I should just forget everything that happened, pack up my camp and go back to the familiarity of my previous life. It is at least something I am used to, something that won’t have strange surprises aroundevery corner. It promises certainty, and sometimes, that isn’t a bad thing at all. However, deep down, I know that these woods, the shifter village, will always hold a piece of my soul.
I inhale deeply, softly, listening to the steady drumbeat of my heart. I can hear what it wants. It is insisting that I stay here, with Rock and Cal, forgetting all about my dreams of finally taking that once in a lifetime photo that would make me famous and put me in the photography annals of the greats, for all times.
