I embraced her as she ran into my arms.

"What happened?" I asked, stroking her beautiful ocean-like hair.

"Sylvie bit me," she cried.

"Hmm… did you try drowning her in her sleep again?"

Immediately as I asked, Selthis puffed out her cheeks and began pouting.

"Are you taking her side? I only did it because she was being selfish. She ate most of the meat we got on our last hunt! Even the ones I was saving. Besides, she hugged you all of last night. She deserves it!"

"Don't worry, I'll take you hunting later."

"Really?!" All her tears dried up in an instant, and it was replaced by a beautiful smile.

"Yes, and also keep your fights with Sylvie in the village. I'm already getting complaints. You should really try to get along with the others."

Her beautiful smile immediately morphed into a frown.

"How can I?! One is a leech, one is a dog, and the other is a pervert! I caught Kumo stealing your underwear while I was doing your laundry. I know she secretly wears them, but I just can't prove it yet!"

"Hmm? I thought Kaela did everyone's laundry."

"I can't let another woman handle my darling's belongings. I had to make sure she knew her place."

Poor Kaela, I hope Selthia didn't come on too strongly.

"By the way, where were you headed?" Selthia suddenly asked.

"I'm going to see one of the chiefs. Want to come?"

It's probably best to get her away from Sylvie and the others until she calms down.

"Is it the old hag?" she asked with a frown.

I nodded.

"Fine," she relented and immediately latched herself to my arm.

Together we went to where the chief caregiver lived. She lived in a hut where she would treat her patients. Though this was hardly the case anymore since everyone in the village now had a strong healing trait.

Instead, she spends her time in the study of alchemy. It seems the old bat is afraid of death.

The reason I had thought to come here first was because the old woman gave the impression of someone wise and knowledgeable. These last few weeks I often came to her if I ever needed anything. She had taught me a lot.

The door to her hut was left wide open, so I stepped in. As usual, she was hard at work. She looked as if she were brewing some potions.

"Alpha!" She looked startled when she saw me. Her gray hair was tied in a bun to keep from getting in the way as she moved about.

The wrinkles on her face did little to mask her true beauty. Her name was Nora. She was a kind old lady unless she was speaking with someone who seemed ignorant. Or as she puts it: she doesn't like fools.

"You're back; I was just making some potions."

"I see that. Is it going well?"

"Well enough," she chuckled. "Anyway, was there something you needed?"

"Yes, actually," I responded, and her eyebrows raised a bit. "How much do you know about witches?"

Her expression turned into a frown.

"Why did you assume I knew anything about witches because I'm old and I make potions?"

"You should be respectful to your alpha!" Selthia suddenly spoke up, glaring at her, and the old lady didn't hesitate to glare back.

The two never liked each other.

"What exactly do you want to know about witches?"

"Particularly how to contact them"

Nora sighed and shook her head.

"Sadly, I don't know anything about that."

"What good are you then?" Selthia grumbled.

Nora looked just about ready to slap her, but her expression suddenly froze as if she had thought of something that might help.

"On second thought, Eira might know."

"Eira?"

"Yes, before she married Roran, the pack she was a part of had a close relationship with witches. Since her father was the alpha at the time, there is a high chance that she knows something."

Eira, huh?

"What has she been up to? Haven't seen her in a while," I asked.

"What else? She is drinking her life away and ignoring her daughters as usual. She has always been like that, but if I tell her you want to see her, she'll come running, of course."

"Yes, inform her that I need to see her. Tell her to come to the office."

"I'll do as you request."

With nothing more to discuss, Selthia and I left. As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the shabby state the village was in. Right now it was bare bones, so to speak. 200 people cramped together with hardly any food or shelter

I had ordered them to build some houses and fix the south wall, which was destroyed in the battle a month ago, but it was taking some time.

Plus the houses they built weren't to my liking. That's why I was desperate for people with skill and knowledge.

Though they didn't have much, my pack seemed happy. They were safe at the very least. I had managed to create a safe haven in this apocalypse.

Kumo and Floki were working night and day to make sure no one invaded our territory. Though I planned to ease their burden a bit.

There were children outside playing without any care in the world. I felt proud seeing this. Still my motto remained the same. Every living person in my pack will be put to use.

If they can't contribute, then they will be left to fend for themselves.

"These people are really lucky to have you, Liam." Selthia whispered as she hugged my arm tightly. "You're already doing so much to build this pack."

"I plan to do a lot more."

"I know you will," she whispered softly with a gentle smile on her delicate face. "I can't wait to see the kind of pack you will build."

A red blush suddenly rose on her face as she spoke, and her heartbeat skyrocketed as if she wanted to say something important.

"I promise I'll support you no matter what. I'll be by your side as you build your pack. I've been thinking, and this is my promise to you. Just as you promised that you will never let me go hungry again even if you have to feed me your own heart. I promise you I'll always be by your side even if I have to conquer death to do so."

I could see how determined she was from the look on her face. This promise of hers meant a lot to her; I could feel it through our bond.

"I'll make sure I'm number 1, just wait! I'll surpass all those other bitches and be by your side as your empress. Well, we rule together, so don't hesitate to confide in me. Don't worry, I'll be both your lover and your right-hand man." She puffed out her modest chest and smiled proudly.

"I see. Well, I look forward to seeing how you'll help me in the future," I said as I stroked her head.

Of all the girls, I think she was the one most eager to prove her worth. The girl beside me had a beauty that transcends most. Any man who saw her would instantly fall in love.

Yet still she was self-conscious. She was unable to see her true worth.

Maybe I could help her with this in the future.

…

After I was done strolling around the village with Selthia, we met up with Sylvie, and the three of us went hunting.

Having satisfied the two girls' needs, I went back to the office alone. I had some planning to do on how I would transform this pack of mine.

Knock knock.

As I was deep in thought, I heard another knock on the door.

"Come in," I shouted absentmindedly. I was still mulling over some things, but every thought evaporated from my mind when I saw who was standing at the entrance.

"Eira?"

The wife of the former alpha was standing at the entrance dressed in nothing but her bathrobe.

The robe did nothing to hide her womanly curves. Her face was flushed, but I think that was because she was drunk.

"Eira, wha—"

I tried to speak, but she placed her index finger over my lips and began straddling me, allowing the only piece of clothing covering her to fall to the ground.

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