Chapter 3

John's PoV

When I picked up my phone to answer, I heard my Uncle Nicholas' voice waking me up. Since he was our pack's beta alpha, I understood that when he called me to a meeting, it was crucial.

My uncle had always made me feel a bit nervous. Although there was never any solid proof to back up the rumors, it was believed that he had murdered my mother and father. Prior to Nicholas, my father served as the pack's alpha, and I believe my uncle saw me as a danger.

Despite that, I had a responsibility to go to the meeting. I hurriedly dressed myself and headed to the meeting's site.

The Howl, a top-secret club in the center of Gamia, served as the venue for the meeting. Only those who knew where to look could find the entrance, which was concealed. The club's entrance was distinguished by a silver full moon logo and was situated at 123 Lunar Lane. It was where the pack congregated before significant occasions.

I could sense the energy of the other werewolves inside the club as I walked up to it. My packmates' low growls and murmurs as they discussed pack matters could be heard.

My Uncle Nicholas, the beta-alpha, welcomed me as I walked into the club. He was a towering, regal guy with eyes that were ever seeking for any indication of weakness or betrayal.

He took me into the rear room, where the pack meeting was taking place.

My packmates' features could still be seen in the poorly lit space, and they were all waiting for me to arrive. I could feel the pressure of their demands, but I also had a feeling of satisfaction at being a member of this influential group of people.

I couldn't help but be in awe of the authority and presence around me as I took my place at the head of the table. The Howl represented our power and camaraderie as werewolves and was more than simply a club.

I also realized that I was not in this situation alone as I took a glance around the room. I belonged to this pack and was pleased to identify as a werewolf.

as we awaited the start of the conference. The silence in the room was broken by my uncle getting up and clearing his throat.

He addressed me as "John," his gaze focusing on me. "We have called you here today to talk about a crucial issue. "We must make sure we are prepared for what comes ahead since the future of our pack is on the line."

My gut began to tighten as my uncle spoke, and I realized that whatever was about to happen would change my life.

I couldn't help but consider my relationship with Kate while my uncle talked. I had fallen in love with a human, and I was aware that the pack forbade such relationships. If my uncle discovered it, he would see it as a sign of vulnerability and use it against me.

My uncle yelled my name, but I was so preoccupied with my own thoughts that I didn't even see him.

"John, we need you to assume the position of pack leader." "We need you to take charge and act like a powerful alpha, just as your dad did."

I felt stunned. I wasn't certain whether I was prepared for that level of accountability. I knew I had no option, however, as I turned to face my packmates and saw their eager looks as I gazed across the room.

I tried to mask my nervousness by saying, "I will do my best."

After a few more hours of discussion, I received a list of duties and obligations that I must fulfill. When it was over, I walked out of the club feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

I pondered how my relationship with Kate might be affected by this new position as I made my way back home. Could I do my job as an alpha and keep her safe at the same time? I wasn't certain.

I saw a person waiting outside my apartment as I was returning from the meeting. It was Kate, and she seemed distressed. When I entered the parking lot, she rushed up to my vehicle.

She replied, her voice trembling with worry, "John, I've been trying to call you." "I have been concerned about you."

After the meeting, I discovered that I had neglected to switch my phone back on. I couldn't tell her about the meeting, so I made up a quick excuse.

"I apologize, Kate. My phone needed to be turned off since I had a lengthy business meeting. I apologized for worrying her and tried to explain.

She grasped my hand while grinning. "It's OK. I'm just happy to have you back. Her eyes were beaming with love and relief as she spoke.

I welcomed her inside and prepared dinner for both of us. We avoided talking about my business meeting and instead spoke about our days. She listened carefully, and I was appreciative of her sympathy and encouragement.

We cuddled and watched a movie together on the sofa after supper. I was thankful to have Kate in my life since the evening was full of sensitivity and love.

I hugged her tight as the evening came to an end because I had to hide my secrets from her.

In the middle of the night, I woke up feeling an unnerving energy pulsing through my body. I soon became aware that the full moon had risen along with my becoming a werewolf.

My whole body started to tingle, which was quite comfortable. Although I had always been conscious of my inner werewolf, I made an effort to hide it, particularly from the people I cared about. On this particular night, however, I was powerless against the full moon's attraction.

I inhaled deeply and let the transformation wash over me. My face grew longer into a snout, my bones changed and lengthened, and my skin took on a dark, hairy hue. I had now assumed the shape of a werewolf, a strong, magnificent monster of the night.

I roared loudly, letting everyone know that I had changed.

My paws were thumping the ground as I rushed through the trees. I howled in victory at the moon as the wind tore through my fur. I was a night creature and a night hunter.

I spent hours prowling the woods, pursuing game, and savoring the strength of my new shape. I had a strong sense of kinship with the land and the cycle of life and death. I gently changed back into my human shape as the moon started to set, feeling both elated and a touch lonely at the same time.

But I was aware that this was my life—my blessing and my misfortune. I would always be the night beast—a werewolf—but I would also always be in charge. I turned around and headed back to my house with that mindset, prepared for whatever the following full moon would bring.

Early in the morning, I went back to my flat, dreading what I might see. I could smell the distinct metallic fragrance of blood as I got closer to my door. Kate was lying on the floor in a pool of her own blood as I flung open the door.

I raced over to her in a state of panic and anxiety. I gingerly crouched down next to her and felt for a pulse, but it was thready and feeble. I was aware that time was of the essence if I was to rescue her.

She was cradled in my arms like a baby as I brought her to the sofa. I made an effort to remember what I learned about first aid, but terror clouded my memory. She ignored my cries for her to hold on as I begged her to do so.

I started crying as I realized how powerless I was in that situation. I may have murdered Kate when I bit her and transformed her into a werewolf like me.

I held her and waited there for what seemed like hours, hoping she would survive. I could feel the shift reversing as the sun rose, my senses becoming duller, and my body shrinking back to a human shape. I was about to give up when Kate's eyelids fluttered open, and she turned to face me with a bewildered look.

I was overcome with relief as soon as I accepted that she would be alright. I gave her a strong embrace and made a vow to protect her at all costs as tears streamed down my cheeks.

I knew I had to go quickly as the first glimmer of dawn came on the horizon. A puddle of blood still covered Kate. As I took her in my arms and rushed towards the hospital, my heart was thumping with terror and panic.

I brought her to a hospital that wasn't like any other. Only a few people in our neighborhood were aware that it was a top-secret werewolf facility. My uncle had told me about it, but while I was driving, I couldn't help but feel as if someone was keeping an eye on me. From the pack meeting, my uncle had said that he had informants everywhere, even the hospital. We would both be in danger if he knew that there may be spies in the hospital who might tell him what had transpired between Kate and me.

As I carried Kate into the hospital, I made every effort to dismiss these worries. After taking one glance at her, the on-duty nurse promptly led us into an examination room. I stood powerless while the doctor attended to her injuries and tried his best to save her life.

My thoughts raced with all the possibilities as I awaited news. What would happen if my uncle learned what had happened? What if his informants gave him feedback? I couldn't stand to consider what would happen if my secret was out.

But when the doctor eventually left the examination room with a relieved look on his face, all these ideas vanished. She will be OK, he assured. "The timing of her arrival was fortunate. She will fully recover, even though the bite will take some time to heal. I exhaled a sigh of relief and was appreciative of the doctor's expertise and commitment. 

I sat in the hospital room next to Kate's bed, the sterile smell of disinfectant permeating the air. 

The hospital room was eerily quiet, except for the beeping of the heart monitor and the sound of Kate's slow, steady breaths. The sound of the heart monitor beeped rhythmically, a stark reminder of the precariousness of Kate's situation.

As I sat there, guilt weighing heavily on my chest, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Was it just my imagination, or was there a faint growling sound coming from deep within Kate's throat?

I leaned in closer to listen, my heart racing with fear. Suddenly, Kate's eyes snapped open, glowing bright yellow in the dimly lit room. Her transformation was complete, and I knew that I was no match for her in this state. But to my surprise, she didn't attack. Instead, she locked her gaze onto mine, and I could sense a mixture of anger, confusion, and...was that love?

I didn't know what to do or how to react. Was this a good sign or a bad one? Would she forgive me for what I had done, or would she seek revenge? The uncertainty of the situation was almost unbearable, and I couldn't help but feel like my whole world was about to be turned upside down.