Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby
Chapter 50: The Real Power

Chapter 50: The Real Power

In the quiet woods, a small, adorable wolf pup was laughing and darting after fireflies near the riverbank. Her joyful giggles echoed through the serene forest, making the trees feel livelier than ever. A larger wolf followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the surroundings with calculated precision. Though the area was protected by law and belonged to their family, and humans rarely ventured this deep into the woods, adventure-seekers sometimes lost their way... or found more than they bargained for.

There was also the unspoken threat of other werewolves... those who knew exactly who lived here and might not always come with good intentions. Though guards had been stationed to watch over the forest, the large wolf couldn’t help her instincts. She would protect this little pup with all her might.

"Great Grandma, this is the first time in years I’ve been able to transform into my original form. I’m so happy!" Freya exclaimed, her tail wagging enthusiastically.

"Don’t you transform when you’re alone?" Fiona asked in surprise.

Freya shook her head, "No. Mommy said we should never shift into wolf form while living among humans."

Fiona nodded, a tinge of pride and sadness in her expression. "She’s right to be cautious. Humans fear what they don’t understand. If they knew what you truly are, they might stay away from you... or worse, try to hurt you and your mommy."

Freya tilted her little head in confusion. "But why? Is it wrong to be a werewolf?"

Fiona smiled gently. "No, sweetheart. It’s not wrong. Being a werewolf, or a vampire, or even a human... none of that is wrong. They’re just different kinds of intelligent beings. The real problem is the ’fear of the unknown.’ That fear is the strongest force behind most of the terrible things people do. When someone doesn’t understand something, they become afraid... and when people are afraid, they sometimes try to destroy what scares them."

Freya looked thoughtful. "So... if I don’t know something, I should be scared of it too?"

Fiona chuckled, stepping closer to nuzzle her. "No, little one. You’re a Raynor. Raynors don’t fear the unknown. We study it. We observe, analyze, and learn until it’s no longer unknown. That’s the Raynor way. You should be cautious, yes... but fear should never stop you. Understanding removes fear."

"But how do I understand something I know nothing about?" Freya asked, her curious eyes shining under the moonlight.

"In your case, you ask your mommy or me," Fiona said, patting her head with her paw. "You read books, you ask questions, and you keep exploring. The more you learn, the less mystery remains in your world. Remember this always: knowledge is the real power."

Freya blinked. "But Daddy said real power is in my fists."

Fiona laughed heartily. "Oh? So Daddy’s been training you to fight?"

Freya transformed into her human form and beamed proudly. "Yes! Daddy’s been teaching me all kinds of cool moves. I saw some of them in video games too. Wanna see?"

"Of course!" Fiona clapped excitedly as Freya began demonstrating a series of playful punches and kicks.

"You’re getting strong," Fiona said warmly after watching her. "Your daddy is right, too. There are different kinds of power. Physical strength is important... especially for werewolves. Your daddy wants you to be strong enough to protect yourself and your mommy. In our world, being strong can be the difference between life and death."

Freya frowned. "But... now I’m confused. First you said knowledge is the real power, then fists are power. Which is it?"

Fiona crouched and looked her in the eyes. "Sweetheart, both are true. But let me explain in another way. Think about your mommy... what does she do?"

"She runs IT companies," Freya replied immediately.

"Yes. She’s brilliant. She created an AI friend just for you. Could your father have done that with all his strength? No. But your mommy can make millions of AI friends for lonely people around the world. That’s power too... a different kind of power. A power that changes the world."

She paused, then continued gently, "And have you noticed? As your mommy learned more, your AI friend got better. Smarter. More helpful. That’s the power of knowledge... it grows, it builds, and it lasts longer than any punch. Now, think differently. If you have knowledge about your opponent, it will be easy for you to fight that opponent."

Freya slowly nodded. "I see... so if I know more about someone, like a vampire’s powers or weaknesses, I’ll be better at fighting them?"

"Exactly!" Fiona grinned. "With knowledge, you don’t just react... you predict, you plan, and you survive."

Freya’s expression grew serious. "I understand now. Knowledge helps me fight better."

"Good girl," Fiona said proudly. "Now, tell me... what did you do during a full moon?"

Freya giggled. "When Mommy took me out of the ancestral land and brought me to the US, we traveled during the full moons. We went to Truchas, Lost River Valley, Methow Valley, Cumberland Island, Lake Crescent, Chimney Rock, the Great Basin, Crested Butte... So many beautiful places."

Fiona raised an eyebrow. "So you didn’t have trouble with the full moon?"

"Not anymore," Freya said proudly. "Now that I’m stronger, I can stay in my human form during a full moon. It tickles a little, but I can handle it."

Fiona’s eyes widened. "That’s... very impressive. It’s rare for a child your age to resist the pull of the moon. Our Freya truly is the strongest."

Freya beamed at the compliment.

Then Fiona remembered something. "You’re starting school soon, right?"

Freya sighed dramatically. "Yes. Daddy and Mommy are making me go. I already know how to read, write, code, and play games. Why do I have to sit in a classroom full of babies who don’t know anything?"

Fiona chuckled. "Even if you’re ahead, school isn’t just about learning. You’ll make friends, meet other werewolf children, and experience new things. I went to school, so did your parents. Trust me... it can be fun."

"But what if they find out I’m not like them?" Freya asked in a small voice. "Humans might run away. And I don’t even know if other werewolves will like me."

Fiona smiled kindly. "You’ve met your Aunt Teresa, right? She’s human. Is she kind to you?"

"Yes."

"She met your mommy when they were your age. They became best friends. And even now, they work together like sisters. That’s the kind of bond school can create."

Freya’s lips twitched. "But Aunt Teresa doesn’t know Mommy is a werewolf."

"That’s why you have to be cautious," Fiona said gently. "Not scared... just careful. You don’t want to scare away the people who could become your lifelong friends."

Freya groaned, "It sounds exhausting. I’d rather just stay home and learn what I like."

Fiona laughed and ruffled her hair. "Alright. Just give it a try. If you really don’t like it after a few days, I’ll talk to your mommy for you. Deal?"

"Deal," Freya said, a bit more cheerfully.

To change the mood, Fiona pointed toward the glowing fireflies. "You still haven’t caught one. Let’s try again!"

Freya’s eyes lit up. She shifted back into her little wolf form. "I’ll catch one today!" she declared, racing after the flickering lights with renewed determination.

Fiona watched her run with a fond smile... grateful for moments like these.

Just then, her phone rang. She answered it quietly, listening carefully.

"Understood," she said after a pause, her voice calm.

As she ended the call, she looked back at Freya, who was still chasing fireflies with innocent laughter.