Duke walked in as Julia opened the door.
It was obvious from his movement that something was wrong.
He was not walking straight instead, he staggered.
Something must have happened!
"What's the problem Duke?"
asked Julia.
"Are you alright?"
She placed one of her hands on his shoulders and try to support him as he walked towards the sofa.
She noticed his partly torn clothes and got even more curious.
She can not force him to speak until Duke decides to do so.
"I was attacked by the dark pack."
Duke opened up at last.
Now Julia seem to understand why Duke was not in a good state when he walked in.
He must have been very lucky because he was not killed. However, the attack must have been a vicious one as can be supported by the mark left on his body.
"Oh, my God!"
She moved closer to him both sat on the closer.
"How many were they?"
Duke turned around to face.
"They were six of them!
It must have been a miracle that I survived," he said.
Julia was curious to know what miracle had happened.
"How did you survive?"
"Someone intervened on my behalf. I think it was a rival pack!" said Duke.
He took a short look at his injuries and cried gently in pain.
"Ouch...!"
"Ummh...! let me get a few things to attend to your wound."
Julia stood to her feet and began walking in the direction of the kitchen.
She knew her brother's wolf can not handle the injuries that have been inflicted on him.
She knew who attacked Duke and the reason behind the attack.
She remembered when Ivan threatened her to attack Duke if she rejects him as his mate.
Perhaps, it could be that Ivan lived up to his threats.
Julia was troubled because she has no idea how to confront the new threat.
She prayed silently to the Moon goddess wishing the deity could provide another mate to Ivan and the other two Alphas.
She returned from the kitchen and began nursing Duke's wounds.
"You know why they attacked me, didn't you?" asked Duke, as he raised his face to continuously look at her sister.
"Yes, I know why they attacked you!"
she answered and tried to continue with what she was doing.
Duke was never going to let that slide away especially now that his life was in danger.
"Would you mind telling me what was the problem, Julia?" he demanded.
Julia paused almost immediately and looked confused for a few seconds.
"Why are you asking that?"
She asked with an aggressive tone. Perhaps, she was trying to Intimidate her brother but, Duke was never going to back down soon.
"You know why I'm asking! Don't pretend you don't know, Julia!"
He raised his voice at her as he spoke.
"My life is in danger and you think it's safe to keep quiet and not ask you questions? Come on, you can't think that way can you?"
At that point, Julia had no choice but to let the cat out of the bag.
"Ivan had threatened to attack you if I reject him as his mate!" she told him.
"Did you accept him?" Duke asked inquisitively.
"Hell no! I didn't accept!
Why should I after all the promises I made to our stepfather!" said Julia.
"Let me get this straight!" continued Duke as he appeared to be temporarily confused.
"If you don't accept him, they are gonna kill me, is that what you imply?"
"I really don't know what they are going to do with you Duke but you have to be careful!
It's dangerous out there. It's not safe anymore," she warned.
At once, Duke stood to his feet.
He ignored the fact that he was being treated for his wounds by his sister.
He nearly nudged Julia out of the way.
"This is your fault Julia!" he accused.
Julia expressed her surprise at her brother's unbelievable accusation.
"This is unthinkable of you Duke! How could you say that it was my fault?"
"I'm not mincing my words for a second, Julia! You dragged me into this shit, period!"
Their voices were beginning to rise as both got frustrated with each other.
"I didn't! It was not my making! You are just a victim but I'm not responsible for this!"
Julia tried to defend herself but her brother doesn't seem to agree with her.
"How in the hell are we going stand and defend our ground against the dark pack led by Ivan?
You and I know how dangerous they could be," said Duke.
"That's what you should be concerned with and not raising your voice on me," replied Julia.
"Wait a minute, did we stand a chance against them? Hell no, we don't!"
Duke grabs the handle of the door right in front of him and slammed it in anger.
Julia relaxed back on the sofa.
She had no idea what to do.
She thought about seeking help but from where?
Carl seemed to be the only one who could render any help to her.
Going to Alpha Carl for help could only bring the duo together. She knows the risk and was willing to take it... anything for her only brother.
She walked closer to Duke and placed one of her hands across his chest.
"Worry not brother, I have come up with a plan."
Her voice sounded calm and confident.
Duke wondered if the idea his sister has come up with was a brilliant one.
Could it save them from the dark pack led by Ivan?
"And what is your plan?"
He asked with an anxious tone.
She forced a smile across her face to make Duke feel relaxed.
"I have come up with a plan that will keep both of us safe from the dark pack.
Now, I want you to come with me and let's talk about it."
"I'm not stepping an inch away from her until you give me a glimpse of your plan," said the angry Duke.
He grabbed hold of the door handle again and opened it this time for real.
He walked out leaving Julia alone in the house.
It was not clear if Duke was coming back soon.
She also has no idea where he was headed to.
All Julia did was sit back and think about the bad spirit that possessed her brother.
Was he still mad about what happened not long ago or was he still worried about his life even though, Julia had assured him about having a plan?
Julia waited for a few minutes yet, there was no sign of his return.
It never looked like the lad was coming home soon. Therefore, she reached out for her coat and walked outside.
She tried to smell him but Duke was nowhere close.
Where could he have gone? She has no idea. All she could do was to keep searching for him through the street.
Not long afterwards, she gave up and decided to go for her plan.
She turned around from the previous route she had followed and began walking back.
She walked past her apartment building and continued.
It was obvious that Julia was heading for a new destination to solicit help.
That idea of soliciting help was born not long ago. It was born out of desperation.
Losing her brother to the dark pack was the last thing she ever wanted.
She must do everything to protect Duke.