The night seemed to deepen and thicken all around us, covering the forest and the pack house in a surprisingly heavy darkness. The only light that could be seen for miles was the moon, which hung, pregnant in the sky. Inside the pack house, tension also painted the room and casted beach shadows in the air. As the pack members gathered in various corners of the house, a plan was already taking shape. I watched them as they made small groups with themselves, chattering as I watched them, curious enough to want to know what they were doing, but somehow not curious enough to ask. Surprisingly to me, they had silently decided to strengthen our defenses and surprise me with their ideas on how to keep me safe. The discovery would come later.Later that night, I realized that I was not of any help to anyone in the state of exhaustion I was in, so I climbed up the stairs and floated into my bedroom, saying a prayer for protection the seventh time. Working tirelessly through the night, the
The morning sun began to climb in the sky, and it cast a nice, orange glow over the pack house and the newly erected fence that surrounded the pack. As the pack members separated and went to their cabins to catch some much-needed rest, I felt a mix of gratitude and exhaustion wash over me. I had slept the whole night, but I felt exhausted. I was tired of all the chaos. Sick and tired of it. The moon goddess's warning echoed in my mind, reminding me to remain very aware despite the apparent safety of the extra-secure pack house.Just as I was about to go back inside the pack house where it was safe, a familiar face popped up near the entrance. It was Erin. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the number of people leaving and the bustling movement of pack members. I hurried over to her, my exhaustion momentarily tossed aside. It felt like I had not seen her in an entire week, and I felt bad all over again for the was we had shooed her out of the pack house that night, and sidest
The night had fallen, and the pack house was completely covered in a soft glow from the dim lights inside. Brad and I had found each other during the day, and the other coupkes had split up, each person going on to do their own thing. Brad and I sat together in the living room, our bodies tired from the day's events. Not only had we started to train afresh, but we had made a sport out of it, just the two of us, the entire day.The strengthening of our pack had brought a sense of security, but it had also left us emotionally drained. Wally and Margot had left together, and as far as I knew, Erin had not left her room the entire day. With my head on Brad's thighs, I sighed as I told him about the conversation Erin and I had earlier, about marriage and little kids. It was as we spoke that I heard a loud knock at the door, and startled, I looked up.I frowned in confusion. It was well past midnight, and visitors were highly unusual at this hour, even with the danger that I currently was
As I stepped into the moonlit clearing where the pair stood, the weight of what was about to go down settled heavily on my shoulders. The night was alive, and shadows danced around as I moved, with the trees whispering secrets as the wind blew through them. Dan and Leon stood before me, their smirks showing the twisted pleasure they took in this power play. It enraged me, and I frowned and I approached them. I could feel the power of the full moon thrumming beneath my skin, an angry energy that demanded recognition. I clenched my fists, the familiar burst of adrenaline and determination flooding my veins. I had faced challenges before, but this was different. This time, it was personal to me. They had taken Erin, my friend, my family, and I would stop at nothing to avenge that, not just because they had taken her, but also because of how they had taken and treated me. My captivity had not left my mind.As they stood there, more people jumped out of the woods, men I recognized and fou
After the battle, my body still pulsing with adrenaline, I made a decision. Without a word to Brad or my pack members, I slipped away under the cover of the night. My steps were quiet as I went even deeper into the forest, away from the remnants of the battle. I needed some time to myself, a chance to gather my thoughts, away from the responsibilities of being Alpha Layla..The forest welcomed me, its weathered trees whispering secrets as I walked. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting a welcoming glow on the forest floor, and for a moment, I considered just laying there and falling asleep. My mind was a wide range of emotions - relief for Erin's safety, anger for what had been done, and a strange, unwelcome sadness for the lives I had taken in order to save my own. I needed to feel connected to myself again, needed to feel a sense of purpose beyond the battles that seemed to be all I dealt with, every single day. I found a quiet spot, a small clearing bathed in moonligh
That night, in the middle of the forest, I decided to get settled down in a small clearing. The moon was shining brightly, casting a silvery glow over the old, thick trees that surrounded me. As I made a makeshift bed of leaves and grass, I couldn't shake off the feeling of loneliness that clung to me like a shadow, which was silly, since I had chosen this life for myself. The sounds of the forest, the chirping noises of crickets and the rustle of leaves from the animals around me, seemed both comforting and scary.I lay down, my eyes heavy with exhaustion from the battle and the journey, but my mind was restless, and I couldn't get it to settle down. Thoughts of Brad and Erin played like a bittersweet song in my head. I was glad that they had made their way to the pack back, and that they were both safe, since I loved them both so completely.I could picture Erin, strong and brave, leading the pack in my absence. I imagined her telling stories of my bravery, how I had sacrificed myse
With the first light of dawn filtering through the thick canopy of trees above, I started out on the trail left by Alpha Dan and Leon. Their footsteps were planted in the soft forest floor, and the direction they winded down was leading me deeper into the heart of the forest. The anger inside me burned like a wildfire, and I turned it inwards, allowing it propel me forward with a force that felt almost primal.The forest was alive with the sounds of nature waking up. Birds chirped their morning songs, and small creatures scurried about, oblivious to the anger that was consuming me from the inside. I moved very quickly so nothing got a chance to truly perceive me for too long, my senses were alert to every sound and movement around me too, so I could avoid every indication of danger that even came remotely close to where I was. My eyes were fast and sharp, and all they did was repetitive motions, scanning the ground for any signs that would reveal the path my enemies had taken.As I f
With my senses sharp and my anger burning like a wildfire, I crept closer to the cave where Alpha Dan and Leon had taken rest in. The scent of their joy mixed with the natural musk of the forest filled my nostrils. It was a heady aroma, one that fueled my dedication to bring them to justice.Gathering thick vines from the surrounding trees, my fingers moved deftly, weaving them into a sturdy rope. Every knot I tied held the weight of my vengeance, an anger so potent it seemed to move my hands. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting a pale glow on my hands as I worked.Silently, I approached the entrance of the cave, my steps light and careful. The soft murmur of voices drifted to my ears, confirming their presence inside. I steeled myself so I would not make a foolish mistake because I was over taken by my anger, and made my grip on the makeshift rope firm.As I looked into the darkness of the cave, my eyes adjusted to the dim light, revealing Alpha Dan and Leon hunched ov