Promise
Third POV
Two hours ago.
“I don’t want to go back!” 10–year–old Matt whined as he looked at his uncle. His uncle, Magnus, was his favorite and his mother’s brother. He had come to spend his vacation with his uncle. In his pack, he was away from the constant nagging of his mother and father, who were Alpha and Luna of another bear shifter pack. Over the last year, the infrastructure of bear shifter packs had improved a lot. Matt loved staying with his uncle because he was a witty bear with a big heart. That being said, Magnus was a ferocious Alpha.
Magnus chuckled as he tousled Matt’s dark hair. He looked in the same blue eyes as his and said, “Your school will reopen. You can come back in summer.”
Matt pouted, crossing his arms across his chest. “I want to stay with you, uncle.”
Magnus couldn’t help but lift him from the ground and held him in his arms. “You are going to become the Alpha of your pack one day. There’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. For that you better study well and train well.”
The little boy sighed. “When can I see you again?”
“I’ll come to meet you in two months.”
“Promise?”
“Promise,” Magnus laughed. He loved his little nephew. He was so beautiful and strong that he wondered what he would be like as an Alpha? He was really proud of Matt.
They started in the morning, all packed in his Jeep. There were three warriors along with him. As the Jeep traversed through the forest, Magnus glanced at Matt time and again, and found how he was staring and listening to nature. “I wish you could shift, uncle Magnus,” he said. “I love riding your fat back.”
“I’m not fat!” Magnus growled. “Just a little… poofy.”
“Yeah sure!” Matt laughed. His warriors also guffawed at the joke. Magnus shot them a glare, silencing them.
The atmosphere in the forest seemed calm, yet Magnus felt a tinge of unease. He didn’t know what it was, but it was at the edge of his senses. Suddenly, he saw a flicker of movement. He brought the Jeep to a sudden halt.
“What’s wrong?” a warrior asked.
Magnus got down, raised a hand, signaling others to stay quiet. They immediately paused, but Matt grew restless. The quiet rustle of leaves seemed louder now. Magnus scanned the area, listening to anything unusual. And then he heard it–a faint sound, like something was moving. His eyes flicked toward the path ahead of them where the trees thinned a little.
“Something’s not right,” he murmured.
Matt sensed the shift in the air. “What is it uncle?”
He didn’t answer immediately. The movement grew closer. His senses flared. “There!” he growled in a low, dangerous voice. He detected a familiar scent–Bram. What was the wolf doing in this part of the forest? He was moving swiftly through the forest. With a small bundle hidden in his arms. At first, Magnus didn’t pay much heed, because he wasn’t going to confront a werewolf, but when a cry rose from the bundle, he knew that it was a baby. His suspicions rose when he noticed how Bram was carrying the child, with urgency. There was something wrong. He stepped forward as he inhaled deeply. The scent of the pup hit him–Lucien’s pup. “Fuck!”
His stomach twisted and on instinct he knew that Bram had stolen her. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, anger blasting in his chest. He had to save the pup. Considering that Bram was alone, it would be easy.
He whipped his head toward Matt. “Stay here. Is that clear?” Matt nodded.
He indicated his warriors to shift, and follow Bram. They got close to him and when they were only a few meters away, he
let out a warning growl. Bram froze for a moment. He looked over his shoulder and his eyes widened.
“Where are you taking the little pup?” His muscles bulged. “Hand her over.”
Bram’s expression turned cold. “I don’t think so, Magnus,” he replied, his eyes darting to his warriors.
Magnus stepped closer. “Give her back, Alpha Bram. Lucien won’t like it if he knows you have kidnapped her.”
Bram chuckled darkly. “Lucien already knows. So back off before I kill you.”
Magnus only stepped forward. “Don’t do this.”
“You don’t understand, Magnus. This is far beyond your piss–poor chance to stop me. I won’t let anyone stand in my way.”
The tension between all of them grew thicker with every passing second. Magnus could feel his bear clawing to get out. But if he moved too hastily, he could risk the child’s safety.
1/2
Promise
Taking advantage of his hesitation, Bram moved back. But Magnus quickly moved behind him, positioning himself in a way that he plugged his escape route.
“You’ll never get away from me,” Magnus growled. “Give the pup back, and I’ll let you leave without a fight.”
Bram’s eyes flickered with irritation. “No Magnus. You step back.”
When Magnus didn’t move, Bram made a sudden, sharp movement, ready to run. But his warriors were already in motion. They blocked Bram’s path.
“Hand the pup to me!” Magnus shouted.
Bram gritted his teeth, his fingers grazing the gun holstered at his side. “Don’t blame me for what happens next,” he growled.
A warrior lunged forward to seize the baby from Bram’s arms, but it was too late. He pulled the gun from its holster with lightning speed, his fingers on the trigger. The first shot rang out. The warrior roared in pain as the bullet hit him and he slumped to the ground, his limbs capsizing.
“Fuck!” Magnus roared. He lunged at Bram, shifting midair in his bear. Another shot rang through the air, hitting Magnus in his shoulder. He didn’t go down. Instead, he charged at Bram with full speed. Bram fired again, striking Magnus. However, the remaining two warriors came closer and snatched the pup from him. With a frustrated growl, Bram shot at them. The baby rolled on the ground, crying loudly. He was about to pick Tamara when all at once, he saw claws through his neck. Bram’s eyes widened as blood spurted out of his mouth. He staggered on his feet and then collapsed, a heavy weight falling on him and burying him to the ground.
Bram’s vision turned blurry as death descended. Through his blurry eyes, he saw the little boy rushing to pick up the pup. He ran toward them, crying. And then darkness surrounded.
Matt cried loudly as he clutched the pup in his arms. “Uncle Magnus!” he rasped as he came near him.
With every last bit of energy left in him, Magnus killed Bram to protect Tamara. This was how he paid back Alpha Lucien for all he did for him and his pack members. He was now slumped over Bram’s body in his human form.
“Uncle Magnus,” Matt cried.
Magnus opened his eyes lightly. “Tam… Au… Luc… protect her… promise…” And then he was gone.
“Unnnncle!” Matt shouted as he watched the scene unfold in front of him in stunned silence. The pup in his arms began crying. He couldn’t understand it. Why had his uncle died protecting a pup he didn’t know? A baby he didn’t recognize? But Magnus had asked him to protect her. Confusion swirled in his chest along with grief. His favorite uncle died. He looked at the baby. Hatred swelled inside him. He had to protect a baby because of whom his uncle died.
