The Saving Mate

Ch. 1: The Rogue Sisters

Three months.

We've been on the run for three months.

Each day that was added we grew weaker. Faustina, my younger sister, could barely continue walking even when I'd been secretly giving her my food rations.

She didn't deserve it, at just eight years old she had already become the target of the Hunter's Order.

Yes, every werewolf was chased by humans, but for us, it was worse.

We, the Daughters of the Moon, were destined to extinction.

"Valen, I'm tired," Faustina said, stopping her walk. "I want to sleep."

"Just a little more, princesa, we're almost there." I bent down in front of her and brushed the lock of brown hair out of her face.

"And that'll be our forever home? I don't want to live in the forest anymore."

"I promise we'll stay there forever." I held her hands. "I'm sure you're going to love it, there are more wolves like us there. Now, why don't you hop on my back so you can rest a little?"

"Aren't you tired?"

"Don't worry about me, I'm your super sister."

The path between the trees was difficult to navigate, the roots extended over the ground, and if I wasn't careful it could send us both to the floor.

The strength of my legs could barely support Faustina's weight and the pain in my back continued to grow.

Just a little more.

I wasn't lying when I said the Wild Fangs pack was nearby. Perhaps with the blessing of the Moon Goddess we would have a home after our long journey. I could only pray that they had compassion for two weak wolves who crossed the continent from Argentina to survive.

The main entrance of the pack could be seen from meters away. A double metal gate was the only way to get into the town protected by a tall brick wall. The werewolf territories used to be open to the community until the creation of the Hunter's Order, then they went from living in communion with nature to being locked in a prison that they created themselves.

"Look, we're here," I said.

Faustina opened her eyes and peeked at the gate without lifting her face from my shoulder. "Where's everyone?"

"Probably inside. Let's talk with the guards first."

Two men were waiting by the entrance. In their hands they each held an ax. From their physical build it was clear that they were trained warriors and their upright posture made them appear taller than they were.

I approached them carefully with my head bowed in submission.

I hated it. Putting myself down is not something I would have done months ago, my mother taught me to stay strong but sometimes my strength wasn't enough to save Faustina.

"Good afternoon," I said. "My name is Valentina Flores and this is my sister, Faustina. We came from the Luz de Luna pack and we're seeking refuge."

They looked at us from head to toe, making me feel self-conscious about my appearance. Despite many attempts to untangle my long hair, my waves seemed out of control. At least its brown color partly hid the dirt. Where it was most evident was on my face, I was sure it must look like I had rubbed my cheeks against the floor.

However, the biggest damage had been done to our clothes. The worn pants and old T-shirts already had several holes in their fabric.

"Never heard of that pack," said one of them.