Chereads / Supernatural Chronicles: Vampires and Werewolves.... / Chapter 17 - We need a pack, fast.

Chapter 17 - We need a pack, fast.

Dressed in rugged, torn, and soiled clothing, the man's appearance was disheveled, reflecting the hardships he must have faced. A bloodstained shirt adorned his torso, hinting at the perilous journey he had undertaken. Clutched tightly in his trembling hand was a satchel, its once vibrant color now marred by the same red hue of blood.As the man staggered in his desperate run, his bewildered expression betrayed a sense of being relentlessly pursued. Finn couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity and concern for the stranger's well-being. The man's eyes darted from side to side, searching for an escape, before they locked with Finn's once again. In that moment, the man stumbled, his body hitting the ground, but he quickly rose, lurching forward and veering off in a different direction.Finn, taken aback by the puzzling encounter, turned around, his surprise etched into his eyes. He made his way back towards his room, where Michael still lay peacefully asleep, unaware of the events that had unfolded. Questions swirled in Finn's mind as he retraced his steps, trying to comprehend the connection between the mysterious man and the enigma that was Michael.With each step, the surprise lingered in Finn's eyes, fueling his determination to uncover the truth that lay hidden within the shadows. The encounter had unveiled a new layer of mystery, leaving him yearning for answers and propelling him into a deeper exploration of the secrets that surrounded him.As Finn entered the room, he found Michael sitting on the floor, seemingly unaware of the events that had just unfolded outside. Hearing Finn's presence, Michael looked up, his eyes still filled with the remnants of the dream-world he had left behind."I had the weirdest dream, bro," Michael exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and amusement. "You had your hand in my chest, and I pulled the tongue of this weird beast-human thing. It was insane, blurry but insane. Does it mean I am dreaming werewolf dreams now?" Michael chuckled, treating the experience as nothing but a strange fantasy.Finn's expression grew solemn as he realized the weight of the truth he had to reveal. "Yeah, bro," he replied, his voice tinged with concern. "It wasn't a dream. The Astaros vampire bloodline wants you dead, and all that we experienced was real."Michael's jovial laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by an expression of shock and disbelief. The revelations hit him like a tidal wave, shattering any illusions he once held about the boundaries of his existence. The realization that he was at the center of a supernatural vendetta left Michael speechless, his eyes widening in alarm.While Michael grappled with the new reality before him, Finn found himself caught in a tumultuous whirlwind of thoughts. How had Michael tapped into his werewolf abilities before even undergoing his first full moon transformation? The mere concept challenged everything Finn knew about their shared supernatural lineage, leaving him grappling with a confusing blend of awe and apprehension.Fear now crept into Finn's heart, tinged with the knowledge of what Michael's burgeoning powers could unleash during the impending full moon. The potential for carnage and chaos weighed heavily upon Finn's mind, fueling his worry for his friend. In that moment, he realized it wasn't just the Astaros vampire bloodline that posed a threat to Michael's life, but the power and uncontrollable nature of his own supernatural abilities as well.Uncertainty clouded the room as Finn contemplated the challenges that lay ahead, for himself and for Michael. The fear of what could transpire during the upcoming full moon gripped him, highlighting the harsh reality that no one, including Finn himself, could guarantee the safety and control of the powerhouse that Michael might become.Michael stood up from his seat and glanced at Finn, concern etched across his face. "Finn, what's wrong, what's happening?" he asked, his voice layered with worry.Finn turned his gaze towards Michael, his eyes reflecting unease. "I am afraid bro," he sighed, "I have too many unknowns here, Mike. And we are already bonded; we need a full pack." He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing, "Today is a full moon, and there are two other packs out there. But the one that worries me is the pack led by 12 Vanhelsing werewolves, with a shapeshifter as their Alpha."Michael's brows furrowed as he processed this information. He looked down to the ground, deep in thought, and then tentatively asked, "So, are there wolves without packs out there?"Finn nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring the gravity of the situation. "You will see today," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "There are runts, those who struggle to find their true nature, and some who can't even shift from human. We are going to need numbers, Michael; lone wolves never last."A sense of urgency settled within Michael as he absorbed Finn's words. The realization of the dire circumstances urged them on, driving home the importance of finding and protecting those wolves who roamed unsupported. Together, they would navigate the dangerous territory of the unknown, seeking solace in the strength of a united pack.Deciding to forgo their usual routine of breakfast, Michael and Finn remained holed up in their quarters until lunchtime. They utilized this time to strategize, their minds consumed with thoughts of how to expand their dwindling pack and handle the full moon.As they made their way towards the bustling dining hall, Michael's mind raced with possibilities. The two friends walked side by side, their steps synchronized, their voices low as they discussed potential plans and outreach strategies to recruit new members.Upon entering the dining hall, they blended into the crowd despite the tense atmosphere that hung in the air. Michael's eyes scanned the room, his gaze landing on the vampire seven from the Astaros family. They seemed to have an unspoken agreement, sitting together in silence but exchanging murmured conversations in low tones.The tension between the Astaros vampires and those around them was palpable, sending waves of unease throughout the dining hall. Whispers and guarded glances accompanied their presence, a silent acknowledgment of the power these vampires wielded.