Three days later, his clan leader, Angelo Bennett, looked Luke in the eye and assessed him.“Are you and your brother on good terms now?”They were seated in the bear shifter’s office, located in the heart of their forest territory, where a mansion was hidden from plain view. The sleek, modern furniture mixed with the worn-out rug and the old marble floors, indicating how old and new were getting along now—in this case, the old clan leader’s prejudiced ways no longer dominated as their new, younger clan leader nudged them in a fairer, less judgmental direction.Luke knew that Eric had been called earlier, too, so he shrugged and tried to keep it casual.“If you want to know if we are talking, then no. If you want to make sure that we aren’t going to punch each other in the face anymore, then we are not.”Eric had tried. If he had tried harder, the man would have gotten more punches in and pummeled Luke to the ground, but Luke understood now that guilt had a lot to do with him being ab
“It says this is the way.”“But it’s not the only way,” a second woman chimed in, features gleaming. “I know a shortcut.”The two believed her immediately as she led them to the forest, where they passed under Luke’s tree and used the narrow path where the grass didn’t grow anymore. Still outside their territory, he let it be and watched as they circled to the back and found the side of the steep climb, where they would be able to walk easier until they passed that area.“One down,” he said to himself.Two more groups of campers showed up, one headed in the opposite direction and another risking the steep climb as they deemed the forest too dangerous. Curiosity blazed at how each group came about their decision, but it was the fourth group close to sunset that snagged his attention the most. The four women, all wearing neon bright gym clothes and bejeweled sneakers, stopped the longest as they discussed among themselves.“It’s getting late. Are you sure we should be doing this?”“We s
“Something grabbed me.”“My shoes are missing!”“Your shoes are with me,” the woman with the period announced, returning them sheepishly. “I thought I heard something, and your shoes were the nearest. Sorry.”“These are designer shoes, you know.” There was a huff, then, “So, who grabbed you, Mindy?”“I don’t know, Angela. Maybe it was a brush.” Mindy sighed. “Maybe it was Charlotte hitting me when she ran off. What did you see, anyway?”The way Charlotte explained following a squirrel and thinking it was a bear had Luke lifting his brows, and he would have believed her if he hadn’t seen what had happened with his eyes. He bit back a grin when she managed to convince them and they turned to their fourth companion.“And what did you see, Jess?”Jess bit her lip, doubt filling her features. “I don’t know. Maybe it was the squirrel that Charlotte was chasing—”“Our food! All our food is gone.”Angela’s exclamation had all four scrambling inside their tent and taking inventory of their ite
Maya woke up with a start—and the sense that she was no longer alone. Her body braced automatically, used to attacks in her old home, but those were the times when she had the equipment to defend herself. This time, she made use of a stick she had sharpened for days, tucked it in her pocket, and waited for the leaves at the entrance of her spot to be rustled. When the sense passed, she inched her way out of her spot just in time to glimpse something leaving the forest she was in.The man was her first assumption. She followed to the edge and watched as grass moved in a line, indicating where the figure was heading. Stillness came when the figure crossed to the bigger forest patch, deeming her space safe enough. But a nagging started in her head and wound its way to her belly until dread sat heavy, the warning bright: that those women were in terrible danger.Create some noise. Distract. Don’t let them die.Blood and screams stabbed in her mind until her feet were flying towards the fi
“Ugh. Not another animal, please. The last wolf attack closed this area down, and I had to work at the wharf for a week. Let me tell you, not the best thing to smell every morning.”“You are an idiot. A job is a job. Anyway, I don’t see anything, and I’m about to get off my shift. You can sleep in the shed if you like. It’s the safest place against animal attacks.”“And risk vandalism from those rowdy bunch of teenagers? No, thanks. I will stay outside. Go home.”“You really should manage your hours better, man…”Shed. Shed.It became a mantra in her head as she inched out of the bench and hid behind tree trunks until her focus zoned in on a boxed area of metal and wood. It felt like water after long years of thirst. She found the window with the easiest lock, picked it, and leaped in, gaze adjusting to the darkness until she glimpsed everything inside: the cleaning supplies, the skates and coats for rent, and more boxes stacked in a corner. Maya squeezed herself behind the boxes, arra
“I’m going to move on and forget about Eric. I’m going to date someone new and…oh, you mean the crystals.” She giggled. “I will get a friend to make it into a bracelet for me.”“Cool.”She eventually got bored and bid him farewell while he stubbornly insisted on walking her to the streets. On his way back, he used another path and slowed down when the silence became deafening. It didn’t take long for him to find two squirrels mauled to death, the blood stains drying on the ground and eyes bulging out of their sockets. Humans? Instinct dictated otherwise, but the organs were still intact, puzzling him.He circled whatever area he could within and outside their territory but found no other dead animals or presence. He returned to the forest area sweaty and irritated, so Luke decided to wander off to the nearest river. He found a pond in less than an hour, assessed the place once more, and was already discarding his clothes when he stepped in the water. The trees shaded it from the sun,
Nothing’s going on. Just a bunch of campers with tents, sitting around a campfire. Some are asleep already.His fingers flew.Can you stay the night?Sure. You owe me a full meal.Cheeseburger, fries, milkshake. Tickets to a basketball game.Awesome. For that, I will stay two nights. Plenty of chicks to flirt with here.He rolled his eyes before they landed on the following message.Luke, we need to talk. Why are you sending Oscar out on errands? Are you in trouble?“It’s none of your business, Eric.”But he replied, not about to send his brother running here.I’m fine. Everything’s fine.That’s good.Tina was here.Eric didn’t reply and left him scowling. He set aside his phone and watched the moonlight from his tree perch, enjoying the peaceful night until the first stir in the grass came. Luke stretched his body and flattened against his branch, ready for it. It trailed from the forest camp path to the one she often frequented, where her shadow stopped below him. He could jump her n
She wanted to scream. Instead, she exhaled the panic away and kept her ears open, hoping she could at least evade whatever sinister form was coming for her. The forest was decidedly quiet, the shout already cut off and the man not making any sound. It caressed at her nerves until she was trembling, and Maya had to curl herself to ease it off.The minutes went on and her mind became a separate form of trap. She broke free from it when a figure emerged from the trees, panting hard and bloody. But he had no wounds on him, and the blood wasn’t his. A brilliant, resolute gaze pinned her with a force that held her breath.“It wasn’t you.”She released it in stunned silence. Bafflement rose before understanding gave way and had her clutching the net. She shook it, willing him to let her go. Hope blossomed when he cut off the triangular ties, but that died when he dragged her bundled, still-covered form deeper into his territory.“There was a dead deer. Torn apart and eaten alive. Fresh, mayb
Chapter 31As the united pack and council members concluded another day of ensuring harmony in the supernatural realm, they gathered in the council hall for a moment of reflection. /Millent, the triplet, and the council members sat together, their hearts full of gratitude for the journey they had shared and the bond that had brought them together."We've come a long way," Millent said with a smile, looking at her pack and council members. "Our realm has flourished, and we've overcome every challenge that has come our way."Daniel nodded, his eyes filled with warmth. "And it's all thanks to the power of our unity and love," he said. "Together, there's nothing we can't overcome."Mike added, "Our realm has become a sanctuary for beings of all species, a place of acceptance and understanding. We've shown the world that unity can conquer darkness."As they looked back on their journey, they recognized the profound impact they had made in the lives of countless beings. Their realm had bec
Mike nodded in agreement. "Our unity has always been our greatest strength. If we are to face the Serpent and the Voidbringers once more, we must stand together."Daniel spoke, his words infused with hope, "Let's not forget the power of love that brought us this far. Our bond may be fractured, but our hearts still beat as one."Millent looked at them, her resolve firming. "You're right. We can't let this darkness tear us apart. We need to find a way to heal our bond and stand united once more."As the united pack and council members delved into ancient texts and sought guidance from wise beings across the supernatural realm, they discovered a glimmer of hope—a ritual that could mend the fractures in their unity. The Moonstone, a sacred artifact of immense power, was said to hold the ability to heal even the deepest wounds between soulmates.Determined to reclaim their unity, they embarked on a quest to find the Moonstone. Their journey took them through treacherous terrains, ancient r
"I'm not entirely sure," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I feel torn, as if there's a part of me that's pulling away. It's not about our love, but rather a need to rediscover myself."Daniel and Alex exchanged glances, concern etched on their faces. "We love you, Millent, and we'll always be here for you," Daniel said, his voice filled with reassurance."I know, and I love you both too," she replied, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "But I need time alone to find my way back to who I used to be, to remember who I am without the overwhelming bond of unity."The triplet listened, understanding that Millent needed this time for herself. Though it pained them to see her struggle, they knew that respecting her journey was vital for their unity to remain authentic.As Millent ventured into the depths of the forest, she encountered Kieran, the lone wolf she had once felt a deep connection with. His presence offered her a sense of grounding, and they spent hours tal
However, as they spent more time together, Alex found himself gravitating towards a human girl named Emily from the nearby town. Despite the challenges of an interspecies relationship, their love bloomed. Emily's compassionate heart and curiosity about the supernatural world brought new perspectives to the Harmony Alliance.As Alex navigated his feelings for both Seraphina and Emily, he realized that unity extended beyond supernatural boundaries. Love knew no limits, and he embraced the complexity of his emotions, guided by the understanding and support of his pack and council members.Millent, the heart of the united pack, felt a deep connection with a lone wolf named Kieran from a distant pack. Kieran had faced his share of struggles, and his past had left him guarded. Yet, Millent saw the goodness within him and sought to break down the walls he had built around his heart.Their journey of love mirrored the united pack's own journey of unity. Millent's determination and unwavering
Chapter 26Deep within the hidden archives of the Harmony Alliance, a forgotten parchment was discovered. It spoke of an ancient prophecy, entwined with the Moonstone's power, that foretold a great reckoning looming on the horizon.Millent, the triplets, and the council members gathered around the council hall, their eyes fixed on the aged parchment. The words etched upon it spoke of a celestial alignment, a convergence of cosmic forces, and a powerful entity known as the "Eclipse Serpent.""The prophecy suggests that the Moonstone is a key to understanding and averting the danger," a witch council member said, her voice tinged with trepidation. "But its true meaning remains shrouded in mystery."The united pack and the council members embarked on a quest to decipher the prophecy's cryptic verses. They consulted ancient tomes, sought counsel from wise elders, and even reached out to supernatural seers for guidance.As they delved deeper into the Moonstone's significance, a recurring t
Back in the council hall, the united pack and the council members celebrated their victory. The atmosphere was not only one of triumph but also of profound joy, for they had discovered the true meaning of unity."We have proven that our hearts are our greatest weapon," Alex said, a smile playing on his lips.Millent nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "Through our emotional connection, we have achieved a unity that is unyielding. Together, we are an unstoppable force of light in the face of darkness."The council members raised their voices in agreement, their hearts overflowing with gratitude for the journey that had led them to this moment of triumph.As the united pack and the council members embraced one another, their hearts beating in harmony, they knew that they had not only protected their realm from darkness but had also forged a legacy of unity that would inspire generations to come.Chapter 25As they stood together, bound by love and understanding, they were a testament t
Millent, the triplets, and the council members took their seats, ready to engage in heartfelt conversations. Their experiences in neutralizing the dark artifact had strengthened their bonds even further, and they knew that open dialogue was the key to maintaining their unity."We have faced yet another challenge together," Millent began, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and determination. "Our unity has once again proven to be our greatest strength."Chapter 24A vampire representative spoke up, "Indeed, we have come a long way from the animosities of the past. Through unity, we have found respect and acceptance among different species."A witch nodded in agreement, "Our ancestors may have harbored prejudices, but today, we stand united in our commitment to harmony."A shapeshifter added, "It is through open dialogue that we learn from one another's experiences and break down the barriers that once separated us."The council members exchanged stories of their individual journeys,
Chapter 23With the defeat of the dark force, the werewolf world celebrated the resilience and unity displayed by Millent, the triplets, and their united pack. Their victory resonated far and wide, inspiring werewolves and supernatural beings from all corners of the realm.As the days turned into weeks, Millent and the triplets continued to foster their united pack's bonds, recognizing that the victory over the dark force was just the beginning of a new chapter in their journey. They knew that their unity must remain steadfast, for the challenges that lay ahead were unknown and ever-changing.With the newfound allies they had gained during the battle, the united pack formed a coalition known as the "Harmony Alliance." Packs from different regions, and even other supernatural beings, came together under the shared banner of unity and love.The Harmony Alliance became a force for good, intervening in conflicts, mediating disputes, and providing assistance to those in need. The werewol
In the wake of the victory, Millent and the triplets decided to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery. They yearned to seek out new alliances, to forge connections with packs beyond their own borders, and to spread their message of unity even further.Their travels took them to distant lands, where they encountered werewolf communities with unique customs, traditions, and challenges. They engaged in heartfelt conversations, sharing their experiences and listening to the stories of others.Along their journey, they met an elder werewolf, wise and weathered by time. The elder spoke of an ancient relic known as the Moonstone, said to possess extraordinary powers. Legends claimed that the Moonstone had the ability to amplify the strength of love and unity, but its whereabouts had long been forgotten.Millent, the triplets, and their pack became enthralled by the tale of the Moonstone. They were determined to find it, believing that it could serve as a symbol of hope and a cat