Dr. Benson was about to lead Austin to another room for first aid when his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket, cutting through the tension-filled air. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Austin's bloodied chest, before reluctantly answering the call.
" This is Austin," he said, his voice tense. " lecturer, it's the campus office. We have an urgent matter that needs your immediate attention, " the voice on the other end said.
" We need you here before dawn. " The other end of the caller stated Austin heart crashed against his chest He could not leave Loretta behind in this basement, not with the half-human wolf on the loose and Dr Benson who knows what his purpose was. Austin glanced at his watch. It was only a few hours to dawn.
" I understand, But I have an emergency here as well. Can it wait? " Benson replied, trying to keep his voice steady. There was a pause on the other end of the line.
" I am afraid it can't. This is a critical situation. We need you here, Lecturer." Austin closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
" I will be there as soon as I can," he said finally, before ending the call. He turned to Austin, his expression filled with regret.
" Shady, I have to go. There is an urgent matter at the campus that I need to attend to. But I cannot leave Loretta behind. She is too vulnerable here." Austin stated
" Can't it wait till this afternoon? " Shady inquired
" But this is something I can't ignore. I will be back as soon as possible, I promise. But in the meantime, you need to take care of Loretta. Make sure she's safe." Shady jaw tightened, his eyes burning with determination.
" You can count on me. I won't let anything happen to her." Austin nodded, placing a hand on Shady shoulder.
" Thank you. And take care of yourself too. You are no good to Loretta if you are not at full strength." Austin stated
" I won't let anything happen to her," Shady whispered.
" I promise. " As the minutes ticked by, Austin's thoughts raced. The attack by the half-human wolf had left him shaken, but his resolve remained unbroken. He would do whatever it took to protect Loretta and his pack. He carefully lifted Loretta into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he carried her to a safer part of the basement. He laid her down on a makeshift bed, making sure she was comfortable before he began to pace the room, his mind racing with thoughts of the half-human wolf and the danger it posed. Suddenly, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, his heart pounding as he saw the caller ID. It was one of his pack members.
"Austin, we found something," the voice said urgently.
"A trail. It leads into the forest." Austin's heart leapt with hope.
" Good work. Keep tracking it, but be careful. The half-human wolf is dangerous. Don't engage unless you have to. I will join you as soon as I can. "
" We will be careful, Alpha, We won't let him get away." The pack member replied before the line ended.