Chapter 2

• Nivaan’s POV
• I felt like someone had punched me in the gut when Marx called out to me. What in the world was I doing? My teeth clenched together and I gulped. God knows what had come over me. How could I even think about kissing….
• No! I shook my head in disgust and stormed out of that damned place. This could never happen again. I let Marx lead me wherever he wanted. I just wanted to get over this meeting as soon as possible.
• "Alpha, I am so sorry that I sent you the wrong directions," Marx said once we were seated.
• The feel of this pub was way different than the one I had just visited. The stench of alcohol and smoke hung thick in the air. The creaking of the chairs and tables sounded better than the poor music that boomed in the background. It was as if the singers and musicians were more concerned about breaking the drums than making music.
• It seemed to be one of those bars that were always crowded with people; mostly travelers and thugs. The cultured and educated people stayed away from it. But, it was great if you wanted to meet someone secretly.
• Struggling to suppress the mounting irritation, I snapped in a disgruntled voice, "What was so important that you had to call me to Auroville?"
• I hadn't visited this place in the last five years. It brought back all those memories I had been desperately running from. This place reminded me of V…
• I stopped myself from thinking about her. I knew that he would be lost if I went down that lane and for now, I had to focus on my stupid Beta's appeal.
• I tapped my foot waiting for Marx to speak. This place was making me antsy and restless. “Marx?” I prompted when he didn’t say anything for a long time.
• Then a long-suffering sigh sounded before, he said, "Alpha Gerard is not letting us use the water from river gale... he has built a huge dam and blocked it. This has turned the river into a mere trickle. Soon, it will dry and our lands will become barren...."
• I was gripped by a sudden surge of anger. I couldn't believe that Marx called me to Auroville over such a simple matter. A frustrated growl escaped my lips and I slammed the table, "What is the use of having you as my Beta if you can't deal with such a small task!? Try to negotiate with Gerard. If that doesn't work, gather our men and take possession of the river by force."
• "Alpha, please give me a chance to explain the entire story,” Marx replied in a pleading voice. This infuriated me further. The veins on my forehead popped and my jaws clenched. I barely managed to nod my head.
• "I did go to meet Alpha Gerard but...."
• "But what, Marx? If he is giving you trouble just wipe out his pack...."
• Marx cleared his throat and the chair creaked as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "He has agreed to let us use the river like before but on one condition...."
• Enough was enough, I didn’t have the patience to deal with him anymore. I jumped to my feet and roared, "FULFIL HIS DAMN CONDITION, MARX!"
• I spun around and started walking outside. I had almost reached the exit door when Marx’s panicked voice sounded, "He wants the antidote, Alpha Nivaan!"
• My heart skipped a beat and I staggered, bumping into a man in front of me. He pushed back making me lose balance. I would have fallen but Marx rushed to steady me.
• Ignoring the waiter's grumbling, I turned towards Marx and asked in a stern voice, "I hope this is not some joke...."
• "I wouldn't dare Alpha. If you want I can open up my mind to you." He sounded sincere but I had to make sure. I placed his hand on Marx's shoulders and closed my eyes, not that it mattered. It was more of a habit.
• My fingers dug into Marx's shoulders as his thoughts flooded my mind. Marx’s conversation with alpha Gerard played in my mind like a movie tape. Alpha Gerard did seem desperate for the antidote. But, the question was why?
• All the poisoned wolves were hunted down and either cured or killed. My eyes flew open as I said in an anxious voice, "Do you think we missed some of the poisoned wolves, Marx?"
• "No way. We had the Alphas of all the packs in and around Auroville compel the members into telling the truth. I don't think there is a possibility of missing anyone..."
• I scratched my chin thoughtfully and grunted. Alpha Gerard's behavior was indeed suspicious. I would have to look into this matter myself. Giving it some more thought, I commanded, "Arrange my meeting with Alpha Gerard as soon as possible…"
• There was a slight pause before Marx asked in a hesitating voice, "Will you be coming to the packhouse?"
• A sharp pang of pain shot through me and I said in a raspy voice, "I do not wish to stay here..."
• "I will inform you of the location and time as soon as a meeting is arranged..."
• I nodded his head and started walking towards the exit, feeling my way with the help of the long stick in my hand. I didn’t exactly need the stick. My other senses made up for the lack of sight. It was just for the benefit of the others and of course to escape the barrage of curious questions.
• My steps faltered near the sliding door, "Marx..."
• "Yes, Alpha."
• "Don't tell Kiara about this meeting or Alpha Gerard. I don't want her to worry...."
• "Rest assured, Alpha Nivaan. This meeting will stay between us," I relaxed hearing his words. The last thing I wanted was for Kiara to get involved in something like this. She deserved to have a happy and peaceful life.
• I trudged along the desolate street, forcing myself to take step after step. A painful sigh escaped my lips as my heart grew heavier. I had no idea why I kept dragging my miserable life. It is not I hadn’t tried to end it.
• I had attempted suicide more times than I could remember. But, each time I stopped at the last moment. It was as if some unknown force was holding me back. If only, I had died in that war. It would have been even better if…
• I shook my head, pulling myself out of the spiral of dark thoughts. Hiring a cab, I went to the only place that gave me some sense of peace; the sea.
• The hard surface scraped the sole of my feet as I walked along the rocky cliffs. The crashing of the waves and the rippling of the water calmed my burning heart to a certain extent.
• I found a relatively smooth rock and sat on it. The sound of the gushing tides was louder than usual. "It is probably a full moon," I muttered as I opened my arms, letting the briny breeze slap against my face.
• A few minutes later, I sensed a shift in the environment, as if something was pulling me towards it. An intense fragrance of pine and lemon assaulted me, making me feel strangely drunk.
• I couldn’t resist the temptation of following the scent and found myself running in the direction of the scent. My wolf was getting restless too. It kept prodding me to move faster and faster.