Chapter 16 Take Them With You

Once we made it back to the werewolf village, both Boldof and the lord of Brightport caught each other up on what happened.

"As soon as I made it to the Nether, I was grabbed by some Shadow Knights and knocked out", Burt revealed. "When I came to, I was trapped in that cage you found me in."

"Lord Burt, thank you so much for jumping into the Nether to rescue Kiva", Boldof said. "My tribe owes you a great deal."

"I'm just glad that she is alright", Burt said. "Also, Alpha Boldof, I am so sorry that the hunters from my village kidnapped two of your tribe's children! I assure you that they shall be harshly dealt with once I return to Brightport!"

"Thank you, Lord Burt", Boldof said.

"Phew", Melissa said in relief. "I'm glad that's all over with."

"Aaron, what are we going to do now", Aphmau asked him.

"Well, I need to get you back to Phoenix Drop", Aaron said.

"Phoenix Drop", Melissa asked.

"It's a village that's not too far from here", Aaron revealed. "Garroth's the head guard there, and I've been helping him fix the village up."

"Gargar's there", Melissa asked happily. "I've been wondering what he's been up to?"

"Wait. You know Garroth, Melissa", Aphmau asked her in shock.

"Sure do", Melissa replied. "Our dads were close friends!"

I wanted to ask Melissa more about how she and Aaron knew Garroth, but Boldof wanted to talk about something else.

"Ultima, you have already done so much for my village", Boldof said. "However, I have yet another favour to ask of you."

"What is it", Aaron asked.

"Ultima, could you take some of the wolf pups back with you to Phoenix Drop?"

"Huh", Aaron said in shock when Boldof asked him this. "You want me to take some of the pups back to Phoenix Drop? Why?"

"Tensions between our village and the people of Brightport have been high for some time now", Boldof revealed. "The hunters from Brightport used their lord going missing as an excuse to do something against our village. Although he will reprimand them for what they did, that may anger them into retaliating against us even more."

"Alpha Boldof is right", Burt agreed. "While I have always believed that the werewolves are not a threat to the people of Brightport, many of my villagers don't share that sentiment. Until I am able to convince them otherwise, perhaps it would be better for the wolf pups if they were not in the village?"

"I…", Aaron started, unsure what to say next. "How many of the pups would be going back with us to Phoenix Drop?"

"Just Lowell and Kiva", Boldof replied. "As my son, Lowell is the future alpha of this pack, and Kiva is the best candidate to be his future mate. They are the future of our pack. Therefore, we must protect that future as much as we can. So, what do you say, Ultima?"

At first, Aaron seemed unsure about what his answer should be. But after thinking about it for a moment, he decided on his answer.

"Very well, Alpha", he replied. "I'll take Lowell and Kiva back with me to Phoenix Drop."

"Thank you very much, Ultima", Boldof said. "I am very much in your dept."

"Wait a minute", Melissa started. "Aaron, if you're taking two other wold pups back with you, then you're definitely taking Jake as well!"

"I…", Aaron started, but he was cut off by his mother.

"And we're coming with you as well", she stated sternly.

"But…", Aaron started, but was cut off again.

"No 'buts'", his mother said. Then, she placed her hand in his cheek. "We are family, Aaron. Family faces hardships together."

After his mother talked to him, Aaron's hardened expression softened into a smile.

"Okay, Mom, and Melissa. You guys win", Aaron said. Then, he pulled his mother and sister into a hug.

Before, Aaron didn't show much emotion on his face. And when he did, he always looked sad or angry.

But when Aaron is with his family, he gets such a gentle smile on his face. Whenever I see it, I get this warm fuzzy feeling in my chest, and it makes me want to smile too.