The Wolves World

From the shadows of his tall building, James Carter stood on his balcony looking out over the city he commanded. The air was cool and the night was serene, but there was an unending storm raging in his mind. Once more, the prophecy tormented him. The words of his father reverberated in his mind: "Love and trust no one, for love will bring you ruin."

James had devoted his life to upholding authority and defending his pack as the Alpha of the Silver Crescent Pack. But he felt in his heart that the prophecy was real. He was cautious in every action and choice he made. There were a lot of adversaries in the world, both supernatural and human, just waiting for an opportunity to overthrow him.

One of his subordinates, Liam, interrupted him in mid-thought. Liam's voice crackled over the communicator, "Amanda is here." As he got ready to meet the young scientist he had heard so much about, James fixed his tie. She was intelligent, driven, and could completely change how they thought about werewolf genetics. However, he was wise enough to avoid blind faith.

Amanda entered his office with calculating, yet icy eyes. James was drawn to something in her glance, an intellect that concealed more than it exposed.

She said, "Mr. Carter," in a voice as silky as silk. "I appreciate you coming to see me."

"Amanda, I don't waste my time on insignificant things. Why do you think my pack will benefit from your research? With a low, demanding voice, he questioned. With a small smile, Amanda said, "Because I know what your greatest fear is."

With the tension in the air crackling, the room went silent. James narrowed his gaze. He had misjudged her. This was no typical scientist.

"Well, I'm sorry.." James said, readjusting his moon shaped glasses.

"Ah, but you shouldn't be," Amanda interrupted, her smile growing wider. "There's literally no point for you to be, I need to show you something real quick."

"What could that be?" James said, his eyes beaming with enthusiasm.

"You see, I've discovered the secret to your pack's survival and I am happy and willing to share it with you" Amada paused, thinking for a second "..for a price."

James's eyes glistened, who was this woman? What could this woman possibly know that he didn't? And what did she want in return? Why does her price feel like it'll sound ridiculous?

"I'm listening," he mumbled, as his voice firm but tried to maintain a calm tone.

Amanda readjusted her glasses, she beamed with a smile.. "The thing is, I and a couple of inventors have cracked the code to werewolf genetics, Mr. James and I can help your pack, make them invincible and the price I need from you is just your help, nothing else at least."

James cleared his throat unsure of what else could be it . "What do you need?" He asked

"I need an access to your pack's DNA," Amanda said, her voice firm. "And I need you to trust me else it'll not be done and cannot be done."

James snorted, a harsh sound. "Trust you? You're a stranger, Amanda. Why should I trust you?"

Amanda looked keenly at James and gave a deep reassuring smile. "You should allow me because, James, I know your greatest fear. And I can help you overcome it."

There was a certain tension on his face, James searched her face, trying to read her intentions. What did she know? And what did she want? Why isn't she coming clean?

"Well, you'll have to explain," he said, after a deafening silence that made Amanda a bit uncomfortable.

"Hmmmmmm..." Amanda hissed as she leaned back in her chair, clasping her hands together. "You know your greatest fear, Mr. James is losing control. You've always wanted to be in control of the park for the rest of your life and losing the park, your authority, your identity, is not something you want and I can help you prevent that and help you become the alpha you've always wanted to be, trust me."

How did she know? And what did she plan to do with this knowledge? What has she been up to? James looked at Amanda and words refused to come out from his mouth.

"I'm listening," he repeated, his voice low and deadly.

Amanda gave him a mischievous smile and continued "you'll help me with my research and unlock the secrets of werewolf genetics and I'll help protect your park and the den, deal?"

"What makes you think I need your help?" James asked, his voice firm yet enthusiastic as he looked keenly at her.

Amanda smiled, and a loud laughter followed afterwards "Oh, James." She said as she tapped him seductively and moved close to him "..I know all about your struggles. I know about the prophecy and all the responsibility that comes with being the Alpha and I only just want to help you and you know, you and iI know you're not as confident as you seem."

How did she know so much about him? How did she know all this?

"But I can help you," Amanda continued. "I can help you unlock your true potential and become the leader you were meant to be. And in return, you'll help me unlock the secrets of werewolf genetics."

James searched her face, trying to read her intentions. What did she want from him?

"I'm listening," he said finally..

"I have a plan, James. A plan to unlock the secrets of werewolf genetics and use that knowledge to help your pack and I need your help to do it."Amanda said excitedly, hoping it'll yield whatever it'll bring.

"What kind of plan?" he asked, his voice firm. He was finding it hard to trust Amanda because she seemed like she had a lot to offer.

"You see," Amanda said as she cleared her throat "I've been studying the genetics of werewolves for years, James. I know more about your kind than you think, you're just a werewolf and you'll not understand. And I believe I can help you unlock the secrets of your DNA, and that could make you more powerful ."

James raised an eyebrow, "is that all?"

Amanda leaned back in her chair, unsure if she could just say it or let him figure it out."The thing is, I just want access to your pack's DNA, it's not a big deal, it's simply just for study and I want your help to implement my plan."

"Tell me more." James said, listening to every detailed statement that came out from her mouth. He wasn't sure how much he could trust her.

"Okay, the truth is.." Amanda reluctantly said "I've developed a portion, James. A portion that can enhance your strength, your speed, your agility and testing it on your pack wouldn't be a bad idea.."

James's eyes dampened with fear. He could feel his heartbeat, his mind raced like it was on a marathon competition. What did she mean? What kind of portion? What is it really used for?

Amanda looked at him, and being unsure of what to say, she resumed her duties.

There was a knock on the door..