Chapter 0006

CHAPTER FIVE

Zyana's pov

The phone rang, jolting me out from bed. I grabbed it off the nightstand, the screen flashing with Evander’s name.

Urghh, what does he want again? I was sleeping!

"Come outside," his deep voice commanded.

"Rogues are in the vicinity. We need to move quickly."

I barely had time to respond before he hung up.

My pulse quickened. Rogues again? When would they ever end?

I slipped my boots on and rushed out of my room, grabbing my silver knife on the way.

Evander wasn’t outside, but Liam was, standing a few feet away. His eyes immediately fell on me, cold and unreadable.

“Ready?” I asked, trying to sound confident despite his unfriendly stare.

"Just stay out of the way and don’t get yourself killed," Liam said flatly.

He looked me up and down with suspicion, his distrust still painfully clear.

I clenched my jaw, feeling a pang of uncertainty.

Of course I didn't beling here, I was not like them, I was just mere human.

We met up with Evander near the border of the pack’s territory, where the trees thickened into dense forest. His eyes flicked to mine briefly, and he gave me a small nod before turning his focus ahead.

“There,” he said under his breath, motioning toward the tree line.

From the foreground of the woods ten werewolves emerged from the woods, with their vindictive eyes focused on us, growling.

I tightened my grip on the knife and subconsciously started recalling all training I have ever undergone.

The first rogue lunged at me, growling and I saw its sharp fangs and elongated sharp claws. I tried to move aside suddenly cutting across its neck using the knife that was in my hand. It growled sickly then crumpled into a heap on the floor.

As I had expected, I saw Evander in his real aura—one cannot describe him as both brutal and swift while fighting against the rogues but he was exceptional.

Liam fought fiercely too, his movements calculated and deadly, despite his earlier icy demeanor toward me.

Another rogue came at me, snapping its jaws, but I kicked it back with all my strength, spinning and driving my blade into its side.

It yelped in pain, staggering before I finished it off with a swift strike to the neck. My breath came in short, sharp bursts, but I couldn’t stop now.

One by one, we took them down, until all ten rogues lay dead at our feet.

The forest fell silent again and the air heavy with the scent of blood and sweat.

As I wiped the blood from my blade, I caught Liam watching me. For a moment, I braced myself for another cold remark, but instead, he surprised me.

“That was... impressive,” he admitted, his voice almost reluctant.

I blinked, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected compliment.

“Thanks,” I managed, giving him a small smile. It wasn’t much, but coming from Liam, it felt like a breakthrough.

Evander glanced at me, there was something in his eyes—something like approval.

“You did well,” he said simply.

I couldn’t help the flicker of pride that warmed my chest.

When we got back to the manor, Evander seemed more relaxed, but it seemed like something was still bothering him.

He led me to the living room, where he gestured for me to sit.

“Zyana,” he began, his voice low.

“There’s something I need to tell you, something you need to know. About my past.”

I straightened this time around. Was it going to be about me?

“My family... we were targeted by the Hunters for years ” he said, his eyes darkening as he remembered all of the memories.

“When I was just a kid, they came for us. My father was the Alpha of Raven’s Peak then, a strong leader and respected by all. But the Hunters... they didn’t care. They saw us as monsters so they hunted us and then they killed my father before my eyes.”

I inhaled sharply. What the hell?

“And my mother… well, she couldn’t handle the loss so she withered away. Died of a broken heart not long after.”

His clenched his jaws tightly and I could see the pain on his face and in his eyes.

“I was just ten. I was left to fend for myself, with nothing but a pack full of grieving wolves and enemies at every corner.”

My throat tightened. “Evander... I’m so sorry.”

He shook his head. “You didn’t do it. But... your father did. Jack Moreno. He was part of the group that killed my father. In fact, he was the leader of the Hunter's guild.”

My father... had done that? I couldn't believe it.

“I hated him,” Evander continued.

“I hated everything about what he stood for. He ripped my family apart and left me an orphan to take care of myself and the pack at such a young age.”

Tears burned in my eyes, and I looked down at my hands, unable to meet his gaze. I felt so ashamed.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The man I had looked up to my whole life, the man I loved, the man I respected and longed to be like had been responsible for so much pain on a child.

“ I didn’t know, I swear I didn't know about it.” I whispered, my voice trembling.

“I swear, I didn’t know about any of this or what he even did. I’m so sorry Evander.”

A tear slipped down my cheek, followed by another, then another, until it flowed freely down my cheeks.

I wiped them away quickly, but I couldn’t stop the flood of guilt and sadness that I felt.

“If I had known...”

Evander sighed as he watched me.

“I know you didn’t know about it Zyana and I don't blame you for anything. And that’s why I’m telling you this now. You’re not responsible for what your father did, Zyana. But you deserve to know why Liam feels cold towards you and why I'm still skeptical about everything.”

“It was a terrible thing Evander. What my father did to your family, it was very cruel.”

I whispered, more to myself than to him.

Now I wouldn't blame Liam for all the rude remarks or glares he occasionally threw at me. I was A Moreno after all, the daughter of the man that caused them so much pain.

Evander reached out, placing his hands gently on mine.

“I don’t hold you accountable for it and you don't need to feel very guilty. But I need you to understand.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “Thank you... for telling me.”

We sat in silence and I kept on staring at Evander from the corner of my eyes. What did he think of me?

Finally, Evander stood, a small smile appearing on his face.

“Come on. Let’s get some air.”

I followed him outside, still feeling raw from the conversation, but grateful for the change in topic and environment.

“Brace yourself,” Evander said, a mischievous glint shining through his eyes.

Before I could ask what he meant, he began to shift.

His form rippled, bones cracking and lengthening as dark fur sprouted across his body. In seconds, where Evander had been standing was now a massive midnight-black wolf, towering over me with piercing golden eyes.

I stood there, staring in awe, mesmerized. His wolf was majestic, powerful, and... beautiful.

Tentatively, I reached out, my fingers brushing against his fur. It was surprisingly soft, and I found myself stroking it without hesitation.

Evander let out a low growl that almost sounded like a purr, and nudged my hand with his massive head. I couldn’t help but smile, he was so cute.

It was just us. No rogues, no Liam, no past, just us. Human and wolf.

Two days later, Evander invited me to Raven’s Peak pack house, saying it was time for me to see more of their world.

When we arrived, I was introduced to a girl named Monique, she had straight black hair with bright eyes and a warm smile.

I also learnt that she was Liam's girlfriend which was surprisingly to me because Liam, no offense, didn't look like someone that could keep a girl.

She showed me around the packhouse, explaining the dynamics of pack life, how they worked together and protected each other.

I felt a hint of jealousy, humans never really did that for one another.

As we strolled around, I began to feel more at ease and even making small talks with Monique.

She was easy to talk to, and I found myself laughing with her as she shared stories about the pack’s mischief.

But then, a tall man with short blond hair and piercing blue eyes appeared. He had an air of arrogance around him that made me uneasy.

“Monique darlin.” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with self-importance.

“Where’s Evander?”

Monique stiffened, clearly uncomfortable by his presence.

“I—I don’t know, Alpha Ryker.”

Wait a bit. Another Alpha?

Ryker’s eyes landed on me and he gave me a bright, almost devilishly attractive smile.

“And who is this? What’s a beautiful human like you doing in a pack of werewolves?"

Ryker’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as he stepped closer to me.

His attention on me made my skin prickle.

I straightened.

"I’m Zyana Moreno," I said. I wasn’t about to show weakness in front of him. I didn't care if he was an Alpha but no one got the right to intimidate me or make me feel small.

Ryker’s smile faltered for just a second, then it returned even wider.

"Moreno, huh? Well, isn’t that interesting."

He looked me over with those piercing blue eyes, as if he were trying to piece things together.

Monique glanced at me nervously, but Ryker ignored her completely, stepping closer until I could feel his breath fanning my cheek.

“So, Zyana Moreno,” he said, lowering his voice for only me to hear.

“what brings a hunter’s daughter into our world? Does Evander know about you?”

I swallowed sharply. I was taken aback by how much he seemed to know about me already.

“I’m not a hunter Alpha.” I said as a matter of point.

“ I’m here for answers.”

Ryker raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Answers, huh?” His eyes flickered toward the direction of the packhouse.

“Well then Moreno. Let me give you a little piece of advice.”

He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my ear as he whispered.

“Evander isn’t what he seems. You should be careful who you trust.”

I stiffened, pulling back from him instinctively. What was he trying to say? And why was everyone just telling me not to trust?

Before I could respond, he took my hand and brought it to his lips, placing a slow, deliberate kiss at the back of my hands.

He knew he got to me as his blue eyes were shining with victory.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Zyana. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other.”

With that, Ryker straightened, flashing a final smug grin at me before striding confidently toward the packhouse.

My stomach churned as I watched him disappear through the door.

“Now now, what the hell was that about?” I muttered under my breath, turning to Monique.

Monique looked pale with her lips pressed into a thin line.

“Ryker Is very dangerous”

“He’s not someone you should trust or associate with no matter how charming he looks.”

“Yeah, I got that vibe.” I said while rubbing my hand where he had kissed it. So sensation ( Note my sarcasm there ).

“What’s his deal anyways?”

Monique sighed, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening.

“He and Evander have been at each other’s throats for years. He is the Alpha of Kenton Pack. Ryker’s been after Raven’s Peak, trying to get Evander to hand over half the territory in exchange for ‘protection’ from the rogues.”

“Half the territory?” I repeated, very shocked.

“That is so ridiculous.”

“I know right? But Ryker doesn’t care. He’s ruthless.”

“There’s a rumor in the pack that Ryker’s the one sending the rogues after us, trying to weaken the pack so Evander will have no choice but to agree to his demands.”

I froze, the pieces clicking into place in my mind.

“So... Ryker could be behind all these attacks?”

Monique nodded, biting her lip.

“It’s just a rumor, but it makes so much sense. Ryker’s pack is strong but he is obsessed with power. If he can be able to get his hands on half of Raven’s Peak, he’ll turn it into a war machine, just like he’s done with his own pack. He’s that cruel, Zyana. And he’ll use whatever means necessary to get what he wants. He always get what he wants.”

I frowned.

“ And why hasn’t Evander done something about him?”

“Evander’s too honorable. He’s not like Ryker. He doesn’t want to start a war between packs, but... I think Ryker’s getting more desperate.”

I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

The more I learned about this world, the messier it seemed to get. And Ryker? He was definitely bad news.

Monique’s eyes flickered toward the packhouse, worry etched on her face.

“Just... be careful around Ryker, okay? He’s not someone you want to get on the wrong side of.”

I nodded, the weight of her words settling heavily on my shoulders. “Thanks, Monique. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As we continued our tour of the packhouse, I couldn’t shake the lingering unease Ryker had left behind. His cryptic words echoed in my head: Evander isn’t what he seems. What did he even mean by that?

After the tour, I made my way back to my room in the manor.

The day had been overwhelming. From the fight with the rogues to learning about Evander’s past, and now Ryker’s strange behavior.

I groaned loudly and jumped on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

I trusted Evander... didn’t I?

Hey Guys hope you're loving the book, please F.ollo.w me on F.b Sshreeabovestories and j.o.i.n my F.b group Sshreeabovestories Readers