I looked at him, demanding an explanation that I urgently needed. I couldn't bear to remain uninformed. "Felicity," he said as he stepped closer, and I heard his thoughts: "It's all my fault; I should have listened." What exactly was his fault? I was desperate to comprehend what he meant.
"I'm sorry, Felicity," he began, his voice trailing off. He ran his fingers through his hair as he sank into the couch, his hands obscuring his face. "I intended to tell you, but I just couldn't." "Who killed my father, Drew? Was it you?" I pressed, and he lifted his head. "No, I didn't. I loved your father as if he were my own," he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. I believed him, but he still needed to provide the answers I sought.
He gestured for me to take a seat beside him, and I complied. "On that fateful day, your father was giving me lessons..."
Twelve years ago
"Stop acting like a child, Drew, come on," Holland said, even though Drew was indeed a child, Drew charged at him, attempting to throw a punch. He succeeded, but Howard merely laughed, unfazed, which only fueled Drew's frustration. "When I grow up, I'll show you the stuff I am made of" he declared, but Holland continued to chuckle at the young boy's bravado.
Since the moment Drew expressed his desire to become stronger, Howard had been relentless in his training. Drew had always been full of energy, but the real motivation behind his determination to be the strongest stemmed from Felicity, Holland's daughter, who had mentioned she liked strong boys. This inspired Drew to resolve, "I will become strong so Felicity will like me more."
After their training session, they went inside for a meal. As Holland prepared to leave afterward, Alpha Dominic approached him to discuss a pressing matter. "We've been experiencing issues along the East side; it appears some young pups have gone missing," Alpha Dominic stated, seemingly unconcerned that his son was present to overhear their conversation. "We should make that area off-limits for now and address the situation properly," Howard proposed, prompting Alpha Dominic to nod in agreement with his beta.
Once he finished his meal, Holland announced, "I need to head home now; my lovely mate and daughter will be upset if I'm late." The adults laughed, but young Drew remained serious, understanding that the topic his father had discussed with his beta was a grave concern.
Drew recalled his father's warning about two young pups, around his age, who had been kidnapped while playing and had not been seen since. Although he preferred to avoid the adult drama, a troubling thought crossed his mind: what if he or Felicity were to become victims of a similar fate? He shook his head, dismissing the notion as unsettling.
The following week, two more children disappeared without a trace while playing on the east side of the forest. In response, Alpha Dominic proposed the idea: the east side would be off-limits, especially for children, until the culprits were identified.
"My father says we can't go to the east side anymore. Ugh, I really wanted to play by the lake, and now I can't," Felicity complained, twirling her hair. Drew found comfort in her soft, silky locks, twirling her hair is a habit she had when she felt distressed. "It's probably safer not to go there since it's dangerous," he reasoned. "I know, but the worst part is that the peach tree we discovered is over there," she replied, a playful smirk on her face as she looked at Drew.
Drew chuckled, both kids discovered the peach tree, renowned for producing the most delicious peaches. "Just thinking about it makes my mouth water," Felicity remarked, her enthusiasm evident.
Regrettably, she mused, they couldn't venture to the East side of the forest. The expression on her face revealed her strong desire for those peaches. An idea crossed Drew's mind, albeit a foolish one. He understood he shouldn't entertain it, yet the thought lingered: what if he dashed over to the tree and picked some peaches for Felicity? She would surely appreciate them and perhaps even think more favorably of him.
He envisioned himself as her gallant hero, but his father had cautioned him against that part of the forest. He reassured himself that he would be quick—just a brief visit, after all.
I'll head to the East side of the forest tomorrow and gather plenty of peaches for Felicity. I know she'll love them, he thought.
However, he was unaware that his act of disobedience would ultimately bring more trouble than joy for Felicity.