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Ismena bit her lips hard to keep from crying out as his claws dug into her skin, drawing blood. It hurts but she was determined not to make a sound and frighten her family the more.

"Wolfe," She whispered again, rubbing his back in soothing motions.

"Ismena..." A hoarse, grating voice.

"It's me. Yes, it's me, baby." She gritted her teeth together as his claws dug into the same bloodied skin again.

"I can't...control it. Not...when I'm...hurting too. I can't..." His breathing was loud and heavy, "I don't want...to hurt you. Step out...of the way. I need to kill him."

Her arms tightened around him, "No, you can't kill my father. I won't let you do it, do you understand!? You can't shift, you will kill my whole family!" She yelled, tears in her eyes. "Please try harder to control it! Wolfe, please...!"

Her body plastered against him was calming the wolf so he wrapped his arms around her tightly to keep her closer. He was crushing her and Ismena could barely breathe, but she held onto him.

She has to hold him. Has to save her family!

With her presence calming the wolf, he began battling the cougar only. It took a few minutes, but together, they were able to suppress his other halves. They were able to calm him down.

Finally, Wolfaraine slowly released his arms from around her and opened his eyes. He was breathing hard, sweat glistening his forehead. Ismena pulled away and turned around.

Her mother was still holding her sister closer, fear in their eyes. Sandra was clutching Alphose's clothes, standing behind him in fear.

And, her father has opened his eyes. When did he wake up!?

"Dad!" She gasped, drawing everyone's attention toward the bed.

"Dad!!" Valentina pulled away from their mother and rushed toward him. Amelia turned too and hovered over her husband.

Ismena wanted to go too. she wanted to go so badly. But, she was afraid to leave Wolfaraine's side because of what just happened. What if he shifts to the cougar again?

She was still confused about what happened. Did he mistake her father for another man? Or, is it just the anger of seeing humans together?

Her bet was, he'd had flashbacks of his time in that horrible hell and he'd mistaken her father for one of those devilish doctors.

But, as she kept looking at her father, she noticed something. He was not looking at them at all. He was only looking at the man standing behind her.

He and Wolfaraine were staring at each other. What is going on here?

In her father's eyes, there was none of those glints that suggests unfamiliarity. Instead, apart from the look of pain and tiredness on his face, he looked resigned. Recognition and resignation watched over him.

"I shouldn't have...worried too much," Alfred said, at last, "I always knew...my daughter was...in the right hands, but I still worried. I should have known that it would be you, Number 6."

At the mention of that name, his eyes changed from blue to hot-blazing amber instantly and his claws slipped out again. This voice was low and deadly, "I will kill you if you address me with that name again."

"I'm sorry... I did not know...you by any other name." He has trouble breathing properly, but Alfred was determined that it wouldn't stop him from speaking.

"His name is Wolfaraine. He is our grand leader." Alphose supplied instantly, watching the man carefully.

"Leader... Of course. Wolfaraine..."

"You shouldn't be talking, honey, please save your breath. Whatever this is, can wait..." Amelia pleaded with her husband, extending imploring eyes towards Wolfaraine.

"No, it can't...wait, Amelia. I think...it has waited long enough. I always knew...this day would come."

"I don't understand, father," Ismena's shaky hand squeezed her gown. Dread filled her system. Panic burned down her throat.

Alfred's eyes did not leave Wolfariane’s. "I'm glad you...grew up well. I am sorry for everything. I know these words can never be enough but...I have waited for eighteen years to say them. I am very sorry about everything. Everything I did has haunted...my sleep for so long. I'm really sorry."

"What's going on...?" Ismena asked, looking between her father and a Wolfaraine who was almost vibrating in anger. Tears filled her eyes. This must be a nightmare.