"Hmm... so they came."
"Yes, they seemed excited that you called for them."
Not a minute after Eira and Noah left, my visitors entered my office. These visitors were none other than the members of the hunting party. Garrick was as polite as ever and bowed, while Whiffer and the others stared at me in awe.
"Come in, have a seat," I instructed.
"Thank you, alpha."
They all looked a bit nervous about why I had summoned them. The look on their faces was akin to when you get summoned to the principal’s office.
"The reason I summoned you is because I want to do a bit of rebranding for the hunters."
"Rebranding?" Garrick asked, looking a bit confused.
"Yes, since we are going to start farming our own food, we have no need for hunters. I have a far better use for you guys. The outside world has been destroyed and taken over by monsters, but there are still an abundant amount of resources out there. Resources that our pack could use. Your job from now on will be to collect these resources."
Garrick nodded along, seemingly understanding what I was trying to say.
"You’re right. It makes sense to go out and collect these resources," Garrick agreed.
"Yes, and that will be your role from now on. I want you to check out some of the towns nearby. Look in the houses, the shops, and whatever else you find. Eira will be giving you a list f things the pack needs every time you go on a supply run. And I also want you to relay information back to me about anything you might’ve seen. And also, on the off chance that you are captured and about to be tortured by another settlement, I want you to use every means necessary to kill yourself, even if you have to bite out your own tongue."
This was an order, so they couldn’t refuse. They were all visibly shocked by my final order, but they all bit their lips, not saying a word. It was harsh, but these boys weren’t as important as the information they had on me.
"Yes, my alpha, we will obey your every order."
"Good. You may go now."
The group bowed their heads as they exited the office. That was the final thing I needed to take care of for a while, so I felt a bit relieved watching them go. I just hope my efforts will prove to be fruitful.
After finally having some time to myself, I felt myself finally beginning to doze off, but just as I did, I felt soft, tender hands playing with my cheeks.
"Big bro Liam, are you awake?"
I slowly opened my eyes to see Lily’s smiling face staring back at me. Her big round eyes felt as if they were staring into my soul.
"Hmm... Lily, is that you? What are you doing here? I thought you were still upset with me." Lily has been upset with me ever since I bit her on the neck to turn her.
"I forgive you, but only because big sis Isa told me to."
"She did? I never would’ve thought..."
"I came to invite you to have dinner with mama, papa, and Alli. Big sis Allison told me to come invite you."
"Really, and where is the scaredy-cat now?"
Lily pointed to the exit.
"She’s listening to us from outside now."
As cowardly as ever, huh, Allison. I lifted up Lily in my arms and walked towards the door.
"I guess I’ll have dinner with them."
...
For the next couple of months, things progressed smoothly. Noah’s help proved to be invaluable as he transformed my small village into something that looked like a small city or town. The houses were made from limestone, giving them a medieval look, while the roads were paved in cobblestone.
The village was expanded, and huge walls were erected around it. Currently, I was on my way to see Noah. He and his daughter were by the river; they have been building a water pump for a while now. It was to make sure that the people of my settlement had running water.
"Alpha, I didn’t know you were coming." He looked a bit startled when he saw me. He was hard at work as ever.
"How is your work coming along?"
"Good actually. I’m waiting on Garrick and the others to return with a few more parts I need, but if I can get them, we’ll have running water as early as next week."
"That’s good to hear."
"Thank you... may I ask the reason you came here?" He asked, looking a bit anxious. He looked as if he had already had some suspicion as to why I was here.
"Don’t worry, I came here with good news." I said, trying to sound as formal as possible, but I wasn’t good at this. "For the outstanding work you’ve done in developing the Lycann pack, I have decided to grant you and your family the honor of officially becoming a part of my pack."
"Are you serious?! You’re seriously going to turn me and my family?" Noah froze, and tears began accumulating in his eyes. He had worked so hard for this, and now he was getting what he really wanted.
"You deserve it, Noah," I said, patting him on the back. "It’s long overdue, and as an alpha, it’s long overdue, and as the alpha, I have a duty to reward my subordinates’ loyalty."
"Thank... Thank you, it means a lot."
"I’ll turn you and your family tomorrow in the town square where everyone in the pack will witness your hard work."
I’ll make a spectacle of turning them in hopes that it will motivate the other humans that we have here.
"Thank you. I’ll tell my wife and kids tonight. Thank you!"
After I told Noah the good news, I left. It looked as if he needed a moment to himself. Just as I was making my way back, two werewolves from my pack came running at me. I didn’t know their names, but their faces were familiar. They were brought to me by Eira; she said they had potential, and I trust her instincts, so I let them stay. They both bowed.
"Alpha, we have some urgent news."
"What is it?"
"It’s about your older brother Derrick and your twin sister Liora."