Chapter 6

• "Hello Hazel"
• I couldn’t form words. I was shocked. No, to say I was shocked would be an understatement. I was stunned beyond clarity. Everything looked like one big, unbelievable show of illusion. Who was I seeing? Were my prayers heard, and Mama Lia decided to rise from the dead and save me? Was it possible for werewolves to resurrect? Did they have some kind of supernatural ability that made them come back to life? This woman before me was every inch Mama Lia. The salt-and-pepper hair, round face, small nose, eyes, and wise, kind look in them were all Mama Lia's. She even smiles the same way Mama Lia used to smile — genuine and gentle. Was I dreaming? If I blinked, would she go away? Have I been teleported to some kind of afterlife for werewolves? I was scared to blink, mostly because seeing her sitting there, looking calm and at ease with her surroundings, as was usual for Mama Lia, comforted me a great deal. Seeing her within reach and in the same room with me relieved me tremendously. But I blinked; I have never heard of werewolves coming back to life after they were gone from it.
• I knew they lived unusually long lives—well, it was unusual for us humans but normal for them. I blinked and opened my eyes; she was still there. Now that my insides were churning riotously, I didn’t know if I should be happy she was still there or be scared that I was gradually going insane. I had prayed for her to be here to save me, and now that she was here, it was her, right? I was scared. It’s like when humans cry over the death of a loved one, wishing they could come back, and somehow they find themselves staring at that supposed dead beloved, and they scream and become hysterical. It was insane. It was bizarre. I blinked again and again and again until my vision grew hazy. She was still sitting there, and that kind smile was still aimed in my direction. That was when the tears fell. I didn’t know what to make of this sight before me, but her presence calmed my frayed, tangled nerves. Soothed my heart and lifted my spirit. Before long, a sob escaped my lips, and my cries became loud. I no longer cared that the Alpha was there, present, and staring at me like I was some scientific specimen he was trying to figure out; even the presence of his mean guard was forgotten. I was overwhelmed, and truly, I didn’t care; I was wailing like a three-year-old.