"How is our patient feeling this morning?" Ric asked and I yawned, rubbing at my eyes before I leaned back against the pillows he'd brought me. "That good huh?"
"Still a little groggy but at least my hip doesn't hurt. I can sort of see out of my eye too." I replied, looking on with some interest when Ric placed the tray he'd been holding onto the nearby bed. "What's that?"
"Breakfast for you, Alex. Thought you could use a meal." Ric explained, handing me a bowl filled with chocolate cereal. Once I noticed that my eyes widened and Ric chuckled, leaning over before he gave my shoulder a light squeeze.
"I remembered how much you liked that one. Sorry about having to give you that shot yesterday." Ric told me and I sighed, giving him a weak smile before I started to eat my breakfast. While I was occupied Ric stared at my hands and once I swallowed the mouthful of cereal I had I caught his eye. Once he saw me staring at him Ric chuckled softly, shifting closer before he rested a hand on mine.
"Just noticed that you haven't taken that ring I gave you off." A few seconds passed before Ric blinked, releasing my hand before he scratched at his chin. "You don't think that….no, it couldn't be." I heard him muttering so I waited as patiently as I could but when Ric didn't look up I chewed my lower lip.
"Ric, is it about my ring?" I asked him, clearing my throat to get his attention when he didn't respond. "Ric, what stone do you put in the ring?" He lifted his head, swallowing and when he ran a hand through his hair I lifted my head trying to figure out what the stone was. It wasn't easy with only one good working eye but seeing the shine on it I coughed. "Tell me you didn't use a piece of the moonstone."
"Okay I won't." Ric tried to joke until I managed a weak growl, staring at the werewolf and then my ring resisting the urge to take the ring off my finger. "Let me explain." He began, lifting his hands and after a long and awkward pause I finally gave him a slow nod. "So I wanted to make you something special and when I still had the moonstone that you made me give up…."
"I didn't make you do anything, Ric. I ended up getting kicked out of Howlington because of that remember?" I grumbled and he nodded, looking toward the door before he turned his attention back to me.
"I kind of chipped off a piece. Just to test it." Ric finished and I raised an eyebrow, looking at my ring then at him without speaking. "Besides I doubt the wilderwolves tracked you down because of it."
"Actually I second that, Ric." I replied and when he blinked at me I weakly chuckled. "They've had a grudge against me and you since you stopped being their alpha. Getting back at us was their plan all along and they did that before you gave me this ring."
"That's a weight off my shoulders, Alex. I've been worried that the ring I made for you brought that wilderwolf straight to Howlington and you." Ric told me and I just nodded, returning my attention back to my breakfast. As I ate I didn't see Ric staring at me with a slight smile.
"Now that we've fed the beast," Ric teased, setting down the empty bowl and spoon on the tray, "how about I start tutoring you?" When I weakly groaned he snorted at me, holding a book between his hands now. "Don't be too enthusiastic."
"Sorry, Ric. Just thought about the midterms and how much I still don't know about werewolves. It's got me really worried." I apologised and Ric shook his head a faint smile curling his lips before he sat back in his chair. "I'm not sure I can learn enough in two weeks to get a passing grade."
"I know it's a lot to take in but don't worry, Alex I won't let you fail." Ric assured me, noting that I was chewing my lip with my hands resting in my lap. "You can trust me." He added, lightly patting my hands and with a sigh I lifted my head giving him a weak smile.
Day two of Ric's tutoring and I wasn't feeling any better, both injury and work-wise. I leaned back, pinching the bridge of my nose before Ric lightly patted my shoulder. "It's okay, Alex. It's only been two days since I started giving you private tutoring lessons. It's a lot to take in."
"I want to learn this but it's not easy. Everyone else knows everything but for me it's been so difficult." I complained, resting my head on a pillow. "I know I shouldn't complain so much."
"Hey don't worry about it, Alex. Trust me when I went to Howlington my grades weren't the best." Ric assured me and I grinned at him, pushing myself up before I saw a faint smile on his lips. "Besides I know how hard you've worked since we first met and I know you can do this. Plus all werewolves don't know everything."
"I...I appreciate that, Ric. Between getting attacked and trying to study it hasn't been easy." I replied in a small voice, unable to keep a quiver out of my voice. "But I promise I'll do my best."
"That's all I want. Now how about we try the runes again?" Ric suggested and I nodded, making myself comfortable before Ric opened the textbook again. "You can do this."
As I focused on Ric's voice a small part of me couldn't help wondering what had been happening to the wilderwolf alpha.
"For the last time, wilderwolf, what is your name? What are the names of your pack?" Hotspur growled, looking directly at the alpha currently strapped to a chair with silver keeping him pinned. Despite how serious the situation was the alpha just chuckled, lifting his head before his green eyes fixed on the major of Milford.
"Why would I tell you anything?" He grinned at Hotspur, pulling at the silver straps before he snorted through his nose. "I'm not gaining anything by giving up my pack members."
"You are facing some serious charges, wilderwolf." Pincus pointed out and the wilderwolf just shrugged as much as he could. "What do you hope to gain by staying silent?"
"My pack will come for me, you'll see." The alpha growled, laughing before Flasheart raised an eyebrow at him. "Then we'll see who's stronger. My wilderwolf pack or your Night Patrol."
"This is getting us nowhere. We should just defang him and get it over with." Hotspur argued but Lord and Lady Hightail glanced at each other, shaking their heads.
"If we do that we'll never find out just who we're dealing with, Hotspur. Right now we should keep him locked up until he decides to be a little more cooperative." Flasheart pointed out and Hotspur growled though he eventually stood back with his arms crossed against his chest.
"Fine, brother I won't go against the council's wishes." Hotspur finally answered though he did lean close enough to the alpha to grin at him. "You had better give up your pack, wilderwolf. If you know what's good for you."
Once they started to file out the door everyone missed the wilderwolf grinning at the wall directly in front of him, his eyes glowing red.
"Right I think that's enough studying for now." Ric said and I raised my head, blinking up at him. Once I noticed him grinning at me I could feel my face heating up.
"I'm sorry, Ric." I muttered but Ric just shook his head, closing the book before he leaned over giving my hands a pat. "Can't seem to focus."
"Hey you don't need to keep apologising to me about being exhausted. You've been through a lot over the last few days. Look if you're still feeling sore I brought something back that should help." He told me, taking a bowl from behind his back and when I took it I grimaced looking at the brown sludge in it. "Don't worry it doesn't taste as bad as it looks. Besides it'll help you feel stronger I promise."
Taking a deep breath, sorely tempted to hold my nose, I swallowed the contents immediately coughing once I finished it. "Ugh that was awful." I complained and Ric snorted, holding back laughter as I narrowed my eyes at him.
"If I told you the truth you would never have drunk it." Ric chuckled and I snorted, pushing the empty bowl into his hands before I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. A full minute went by and when Ric noticed me rubbing at my eye he focused his attention on me, slightly pleased when I yawned. "Something the matter, Alex?"
"Suddenly I feel...kind of sleepy. Is it supposed to make you feel like that? Thought it was supposed to make me stronger 'cause this is the opposite." I asked, rubbing at my eye before I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Ric, what's going on?" I muttered, pushing back my blankets before I tried to push one hand onto my bed. Seeing me trying to stand Ric moved to my side, one hand on my shoulder. "What did you do?
"Just something to help you sleep. Alex, I have to go outside for a bit but I promise I'll come back." Ric soothed but I pushed him away. "Just sleep okay?" He added as I finally pushed myself up, ignoring the pain in my side where I swayed. "Come on, you'll be fine after a long rest." He whispered, one arm steadying me as my legs buckled underneath me. Once he got me settled back on the bed Ric brushed his lips over my forehead, feeling the slightest guilt at leaving.
"I'll be back before you even notice." Ric told Alex who had already fallen into a deep sleep so he gathered up the empty bowls and tray and after making a quick stop in the mess hall to offload everything he carried on to the classroom. As soon as he walked into the room he smiled, noting that everyone had already taken their seats.
"Well it's good to see everyone already here." Ric said only to hold up a hand when everyone starting talking to him at once. "Whoa easy one at a time."
"How's Alex?" Batty asked and Ric grinned, leaning back against his desk. "Sorry but we haven't been able to see Alex for ages. Pincus said she needs to stay calm and not get excited."
"Principal Pincus just wants Alex to stay off her feet as much as she can. But that doesn't mean she can't have visitors." Ric told them and everyone grinned. "But right now Alex is sleeping and you all need to work hard for your upcoming midterms." He added, chuckling when most of the students groaned.
"Thanks for reminding us, Ric. Still at least Alex doesn't have to worry about that wilderwolf anymore." Freddy complained, watching on with an amused smile.
"Do we know his name yet?" Aggie asked and Ric frowned slightly, looking at everyone as he thought hard about what to say. "Or where his pack is right now?"
"Unfortunately the Council of elders haven't been able to find out his name but they're working on it. In the meantime there haven't been any sightings of his pack so that's a plus right there." Ric finally told me, feeling relieved as everyone in the room seemed assured by that answer.
Right until Ivan cleared his throat and once their attention was fixed on him he shrugged.
"You know that could just mean that they're out there waiting for us to let our guard down and….poof!" Ivan exclaimed and Omar made a squeaking noise, startling himself as Ric blinked at Ivan. "Hey it's possible."
"Okay well with that happy thought maybe we should start class." Ric sighed, grateful that Alex couldn't hear anything. As class started the wilderwolf locked up grinned, looking through the window at the setting sun. "Not long now."
"Okay class dismissed. Just remember your midterms next week. No slacking off." Ric called, setting his textbook down before he grinned looking forward to stretching his legs by joining the Night Patrol that night.
"I know Alex won't be happy about me running with the Night Patrol but Pincus said she'd keep an eye on her until I get back." Ric muttered, grabbing his vest before he looked out the window at the moon. "Right on time." He whispered, turning his moon-band before he walked over. With his hands over his head he felt the moon's beams and as he grunted the moonlight changed him.
Letting out a howl he rushed toward the front entrance only to see Pincus step out of her office and he slowed, standing on his hind legs. "Mr Rawls, are you on your way to Wolf Rock?"
"Yes, Principal Pincus I just finished class. Is everything okay?" Ric asked and Pincus sighed, walking beside him as Ric headed for the front entrance to the school.
"So far we haven't been able to crack that wilderwolf and his pack hasn't made an appearance. I was hoping for some good news but nothing so far." Pincus explained, reaching the entrance before she turned to see Ric staring up at the building. "Don't worry. I have Baxter and Maurice watching over the security cameras and from what I know the Night Patrol will be keeping an eye on Milford. No one will get past us."
"Sorry I'm just on edge. After what happened to Alex I can't help being uncomfortable about leaving her behind." Ric admitted and Pincus nodded, patting his shoulder before the werewolf could gather his thoughts.
"I promise no harm will come to her. Now you'd better go or you'll be late." Pincus told him and with a grateful smile Ric dashed toward the front gate, the gate opening automatically. As he dashed off into the forest Pincus nodded, heading back inside the school. For a moment as she passed the cell where they were keeping the alpha she felt a chill run down her spine and she paused, looking up at the moon.
Shaking her head Pincus continued to walk back to her office, only making a short stop on the way to check on Alex. Once she found Alex still sleeping soundly she smiled, closing the door gently behind her before Pincus continued her walk back.
Running back to Wolf's rock Ric grinned, shaking off his fears as he saw the Night Patrol already there. "Ric, good to see you again." Flasheart said, noting the way Ric's eyes travelled to the screens. "We've got eyes on Milford."
"Just thinking about Alex. I kind of broke my promise not to leave her back at Howlington." Ric explained, standing beside Flasheart and when the High Howler chuckled softly Ric raised both eyebrows. "What's so funny?"
"Ric, nothing will happen to Alex in Howlington. The wilderwolf we captured is locked up safe and sound." Flasheart assured him and Ric nodded, though he couldn't help glancing at the screen showing the school. "But if you're that worried I could also send a patrol…"
Before Flasheart even had time to finish an alarm sounded in the vicinity and he frowned, quickly heading over to the screens before he pressed a button. "Night Patrol, what's the alarm?"
"Flasheart, we were patrolling the alleyways and we caught sight of a wilderwolf. Permission to pursue?" Lucas asked and Ric growled, nearly darting for the entrance before a paw on his shoulder stopped him.
"Affirmative but stay out of sight. There might be others out there so stay in radio contact." Flasheart agreed, turning his attention back to Ric. "Ric, it's not the same wilderwolf so keep calm."
"Maybe not but it's still out there roaming the streets." Ric argued and Flasheart shook his head, keeping his former second in command at his side as he checked in on the other patrols. When another call came in soon afterwards Ric tensed, hearing about another wilderwolf in the area some distance away from the last sighting. "The docks? It couldn't have gotten that far so fast."
After speaking to Cherry and Garth, who were on patrol nearby, Flasheart frowned noting that this wilderwolf didn't fit the description of the previous one. "That's strange. They usually run as a pack." Flasheart commented, thinking as Ric began to pace torn between rushing out there and listening to the High Howler. "Ric, this is getting serious."
"I know, Flasheart. Maybe I should be out there leading a patrol." Ric suggested and Flasheart thought for a moment only to hear another call coming in on his headset. "Night Patrol, what's the situation?"
"There's been a third wilderwolf sighting. They're coming in all over Milford and we're barely keeping up." Another member of the Night Patrol, Bridget told them as she and two other members chased a wilderwolf through the forest. "I thought after their leader was captured they would have disbanded." She panted, dodging a fallen tree before the wilderwolf jumped a rock.
"That's exactly what I've been thinking. Maybe there's something else going on that we're not seeing." Flasheart agreed, looking up at the many screens that showed all of Milford with a frown. "Ric, maybe you should…."
Before Flasheart had a chance to finish another alarm went off and to Flasheart's surprise and Ric's horror they saw a trio of wilderwolves heading for the gate that led into Howlington Academy. "That's their plan. Keep us busy while they break their leader out." Flasheart growled looking back as Ric darted for the entrance. "Ric, wait for backup!" He called out and Ric barely glanced back, breathing hard.
"If they break their leader out he's going straight for Alex, I just know it!" Ric called out, rushing away before the High Howler could do anything to stop him. "I have to stop them!"
Turning to two Night Patrol members, Flasheart shook his head. "Roxanne, David I need you two to follow Ric back to Howlington Academy and make sure that he says out of trouble. Keep in constant radio contact."
"Of course, Flasheart." Roxanne agreed, running on all fours as her fellow Night Patrol member followed heading out of Wolf Rock. As they followed Ric's tracks the former alpha panted having sprinted as fast as his four paws could carry him back to the school. Once he reached the front gate he darted inside the building the silence that followed as he made his way slowly and carefully into the front entrance made the fur on his neck stand up.
"Something's not right. It's way too quiet." Ric whispered, crossing the courtyard before he made his way to the area where the Council of Elders had kept the wilderwolf alpha imprisoned. Once he reached the area he stepped close to the door, pushing the door open before he breathed out finding that the alpha was still shackled.
"Looking for me, Alpha One?" The wilderwolf mocked as Ric walked directly into his path staring at the alpha who grinned at him. "Thought I'd escaped didn't you? As you can see I'm a little tied up at the moment."
"Just what are you and your pack planning?" Ric asked, getting a laugh from the alpha and Ric growled. As his eyes blazed red he grasped the alpha's fur pulling him upright as much as the shackles would allow. "What have you done with Alex?"
"Alex? Oh that pathetic excuse for a werewolf? She's probably being torn apart as we speak." He taunted and Ric's eyes widened, releasing the alpha who smirked at him. "If you hurry you might have a chance to save her."
"With that medicine she'll won't be able to fight back. I told her I'd keep her safe." Ric muttered, hurrying toward the open doorway but just as he stepped out into the moonlight two dark shapes appeared and he turned his head in time for a paw to lash out. The blow slammed him into the wall and he crumbled, his last thoughts that he wouldn't be in time to save Alex.
Alex, I'm so sorry.