Chapter VI

Elián feels like it takes him forever to fall asleep. His daughter comes in, opens her eyes, and gets lost in Briseida's brown eyes. He steps aside, and Briseida sits down and strokes his hair.

—Dad, you better get up.

He looks up at the ceiling. “Tell them to come down, I still hurt.”

—Yes, Dad. Dad, Calix wants to come. What should I say?

—No, if something happens to me, I don't want you two fighting over the clan. He gives her a T-shirt. —I'll tell them to come in, and I'll let them talk alone.

—Thanks, but I need you to stay, after all you are my “Alpha”.

—Yes, Dad.

The new arrivals arrive. Felipe approaches to examine his friend. He sees the wound on his arm is now more healed, although there are still areas that have not healed. Alejo takes out a tablet and goes directly to the local news channel: "Residents of the La Choya neighborhood remain dismayed by the murder of an entire family; authorities are already investigating." Elián watches the images, considered classified by local authorities, of the dismembered bodies of all the members, leaving only their limbs.

—Something tells me we're going to be hunted.

—This very night there was an attack in Caborca. It is said that an armed group confronted some “drug traffickers.”

—You think the drug traffickers were theirs.

—Absolutely. I know this from the extent of the injuries inflicted.

—I have a question: if Felipe is Alpha, why didn't they attack him but Elián?

—Maybe because I'm not from here. I suggest sticking with the original plan while these murders are also investigated.

—Sounds good to me, Elián, my friend. I suggest you leave here at least until everything calms down.

—Briseida, you'll give me word tonight and spread the word.

—Yes, Dad, whatever you say.

—Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to rest and wait for my wound to finish healing.

—Of course, my friend, if you don't feel well, don't come with us, we understand well, believe me, no one will dare speak ill of you or your clan.

—I'll see tonight. I'll walk you out.

Night falls with the full moon, and being a city on the edge of the desert, to a certain extent, it is dominated by the sounds of various animals, especially domestic ones. However, on the southern exit through the zoo, wild animals can be heard, so their howls are perfectly camouflaged with the bustle of the city. As agreed, the original plan was carried out, going to the different destinations, even though they were not yet fully prepared. Elián went with Felipe's group, while Briseida, already under pressure, did not stop howling, calling out to the other members of the clan.

Elian's passion

To the southeast of the city is the industrial park on the outskirts where large tracts of bush can still be found. At eleven at night the third shift of some of the maquiladoras arrives, at twelve the second leaves, several personnel transport trucks await the departure of the workers, the drivers were talking while enjoying a cup of coffee unaware that they were being watched when they see the workers begin to leave several drivers go to open the bus doors, one by one the units are filling up and set off, of the ten routes none reached their destination, emergency vehicles for the first time in years mobilized on a large scale, ambulances from the forensics were missing, the night refused to go away it was as if it were done on purpose until finally the bright moon set giving way to dawn leaving everyone even angrier with themselves for not being able to find those savages. Felipe and Elián were in Yecora when they were informed of the situation where they decide to return following the rest of the group.

In the afternoon, already in the city, it was decided that no one would go out that night and instead they would go to the shelters located on the coast. Even Briseis would go with the rest. That night there were no victims to mourn. With the sun of a new day the planes coming from Mexico City with them Artemisa and Kadri who Secundina is already waiting for them, takes them to the house, leaves them, she was about to leave but is stopped by the Greek woman, a light brunette of sixty kilos, black hair, equally black eyes, fine features, penetrating gaze, Secundina does not pay attention, they exchange a couple of words, Secundina frowns turns on her heels is surprised to see Elián suddenly, nerves invade the Alfa that makes Artemisa make a face of astonishment, she approaches the woman and observes her attentively, Secundina sees her battered arm, runs her fingers over it, he winces at the touch, his eyes change color for a few moments, he inhales her aroma he gathers all his strength not to jump on her, his breathing becomes agitated, yes everyone notices it, Secundina thinks it is because of pain she lets go of his arm she raises her gaze she meets such blacks that you don't know where the iris ends and where the pupil begins, unconsciously he lets out a growl, she hears him but doesn't move from her place, on the contrary, she holds his gaze challenging him, she purses her lips from her throat, the growl returns, he leans down until he reaches her neck, he approaches her ear with every intention of marking her but his rational part stops him.

• Thank you for your services, please leave.

He says it in such a deep, serious voice that for the first time her legs start to shake. “Are you… are you… are you going to be okay?”

—I will be, say hi to Emily for me. He leads her to the car, surprised when she hugs him.

• Promise you'll be okay. — He returns the hug and closes his eyes. The pleasure he feels at smelling her scent is comparable to an orgasm. He summons all his strength.