[Gabriel's POV] I received a call shortly after the text message, instructing me to meet Jake at a specific cafe. It was a Monday morning, and I realized I had already missed a day of work since it was past nine. Hailing a taxi, I made my way to the cafe mentioned by Jake. The driver drove quickly and we arrived shortly. Stepping inside, I immediately spotted Jake sitting with some of his friends at a roundtable. There was an empty seat waiting for me. Approaching the table, I exchanged handshakes with everyone before taking my seat. Now a group of seven, all members of the pack, we were familiar with each other's presence. Jake, always the instigator, wasted no time in teasing me, saying, "You're a minute late, Gabriel." I responded with a frown, clearly displaying my typical dislike for Jake. It was no secret that I couldn't stand him, but Jake seemed to take pleasure in provoking me nonetheless. As our eyes locked in a tense moment, Jake suddenly burst into laughter, remarking to
[Rachel's POV] I woke up in a cold sweat, my heart pounding in my chest. The vivid images from my dream lingered in my mind, replaying like a haunting movie. A lycan and a wolf locked in a fierce battle, a woman and a little girl running for their lives. The terror of the chase, the slashing claws, and the echoing screams filled my ears. It was a recurring nightmare that had haunted me since childhood. Whispering to myself, "It's just a dream," I tried to calm my racing thoughts. But as I glanced towards the door, a shadow approached, causing my heart to skip a beat. The door swung open, and relief flooded over me as I recognized my mother stepping into the room. "Are you okay, honey?" she asked, concern etched on her face. Tears welled up in my eyes as I replied, "The dream, Mom... I think they're back." She pulled me quickly into a tight embrace, offering comfort and reassurance. "It's okay, honey. It's okay," she whispered softly, her voice soothing. I cried softly, letting out
[Rachel's POV]Gabriel and I had been calling and texting each other throughout the day. He had asked if I could hang out with him later in the evening, and I accepted wholeheartedly. It felt like we were already dating, even though he hadn't officially proposed yet. The past two days had been filled with excitement and anticipation.As the hours passed at work, I lost track of time. It wasn't until I glanced at the clock and saw that it was already 4 PM that I realized how late it had gotten. I hurriedly finished my tasks and headed home, eager to spend some time with my family before meeting Gabriel.In the back of my mind, I hoped that the full moon wouldn't make an appearance that evening. Thankfully, it seemed like my prayers had been answered as the moon was nowhere to be seen in the sky.I arrived at the location where Gabriel had invited me, and finding him was no difficult task. His presence always seemed to light up the surroundings. He took me to the virtual reality game ce
It was always easy to find a cab in Shadowbrook, a city known for its dense woods and mysterious charm. The driver expertly navigated the streets, taking me to Marcus's house quickly. As the car smoothly moved along, my hands kept shaking, burdened by the uncertainty of my choices. Each buzz from my phone, signaling a notification, sent a surge of excitement through me. I quickly checked, hoping it wasn't a message from Jake, wanting to stay focused.Right before I arrived at Marcus's place, Rachel's name appeared on my screen, stirring a mix of thrill and anxiety. "Hey, sweetie," I greeted her, feeling a bit strange yet oddly comforted by the endearment. Her laughter filled the air, a delightful sound that eased my fast-beating heart. Starting a new relationship always carried a sense of newness, a fresh start. Intrigued, I asked how she was doing, only to find out she had just woken up. "It's almost ten, and you're just getting up?" I playfully teased, sparking shared laughter betwe
[Rachel's POV]For the first time in months, I found myself on the training grounds, sprinting across the field and effortlessly leaping over the stakes. A sense of liberation washed over me. These training sessions were a regular thing for the pack, but I never bothered to attend. I had no interest in developing the muscular physique that some of the other females proudly displayed. Instead, I relished in my perfect curves and my human-like appearance, which made me stand out.Lately, I had been spending more time with Gabriel, often staying out late into the night. My father, the pack leader, had noticed my absence and asked me to prioritize pack matters over my growing affinity for human activities. I knew I had to be cautious and avoid attracting attention. Despite my longing to be with Gabriel, I found ways to keep him from visiting the pack's mansion or accompanying me home whenever we met. It was a delicate balance that I did my best to maintain.Still, I couldn't understand wh
[Rachel's POV]Sarah and i sat in a cozy corner of a restaurant, enjoying a late lunch after our visit to Sole Haven Massage Retreat. The soothing ambiance and the aroma of delicious food filled the air, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Sarah, always enthusiastic about werewolf folklore, couldn't resist bringing up the topic of the so-called Lycan's underworld once again."Rachel, I'm telling you, there's a whole hidden world out there, beyond what we see," Sarah exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Werewolves have their own secret society, their own rules. It's like a whole different dimension."I chuckled, indulging Sarah in her fantasy. "Come on, Sarah, you know I don't buy into all that underworld stuff. We're living among humans now, trying to lead normal lives. No secret societies or dimensions."Sarah's face fell slightly, disappointed by my lack of belief. "But Rachel, it's all part of our heritage. Our parents have stories, legends passed down through generations. We
[Gabriel's POV]I stepped out of the cab, paying the driver quickly, my senses on high alert. The atmosphere was tense, filled with the sound of people screaming and fleeing from the restaurant. My eyes scanned the building, the shattered glass windows providing a glimpse of the lycan within. Anger coursed through me, fueled by the primal instinct to protect.I fought to control my transformation, to keep it at bay as I moved swiftly, avoiding the panicked crowd. Every second counted, and I couldn't afford to waste any more time. Pushing through the chaos, I made my way towards the entrance of the restaurant, my steps purposeful and swift.As I finally crossed the threshold into the building, my lycan nature could no longer be restrained. The transformation overcame me, my body shifting and contorting, muscles bulging, as I embraced my true form. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, an embodiment of raw power and primal instinct.Engulfed in the frenzy of battle, my foc
[Gabriel's POV]As the cab brought me closer to Willowvale, my heart quickened with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. This small town, tucked away in the embrace of vast woods, was where I had spent my formative years. It held the echoes of childhood laughter, secret adventures, and the stories of my ancestors who had blended seamlessly with the unknowing humans who shared this space.Willowvale had once been a sanctuary for lycans seeking refuge from a world that did not understand them. But as civilization spread its reach and cities beckoned with promises of progress, humans flocked to urban centers, leaving Willowvale primarily to its lycan inhabitants, unaware of their true nature. It became a haven where the ancient and the modern intertwined, a place where the forest whispered its secrets to those who listened.As the cab rolled to a stop, I paid the fare and stepped out onto familiar ground. The air, scented with the earthy fragrance of the woods, greeted me like an old fri
[Rachel's POV]As I finished my evening sprint around the large compound, my mind was still filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Gabriel's call earlier had left me feeling lost and confused. I couldn't fully comprehend the situation among his pack, and I desperately needed his explanations. Trying to push aside troubling thoughts, I focused on my exercise, something common among pack members but not usually done in the evening like I was doing. I was determined to distract myself from the turmoil in my heart.As I jumped over one of the roadblocks that were set up for pack members' races, my ankle landed awkwardly, causing a sharp pain. I whispered to myself, "Not again," knowing that I had dislocated it. Sarah, my friend and confidant, ran up to me with concern evident in her eyes. She had been recording my jumps over the roadblocks, and now she was more worried about my well-being. I tried to stand up and walk normally, pretending that I was okay, but it was clear I needed help.We
The clock was ticking towards the night, and the sky looked like the full moon would be out tonight as I hurriedly made my way to the clothing store. I needed to find the perfect birthday present for Rachel. I could vividly recall Rachel gazing at a garment as we strolled together before Jake and his troubles came into our lives. The store was called "Enchanted Wardrobe," and it was known for its exquisite collection of dresses and elegant attires.As I stepped inside, the air was filled with the aroma of fresh fabrics. My heart pounded with excitement and nervousness as I scanned the racks of beautiful dresses. I recalled Rachel staring at one dress on our previous visit, and I thought that would be the perfect choice. But as I looked around, I found myself surrounded by numerous stunning dresses, each vying for my attention.Confused, I decided to seek help from the seller. "Excuse me," I called out to a friendly-looking woman behind the counter. "My girlfriend loved one of the dres
[Gabriel's POV]As I stepped off the bus and returned to the city, my heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I knew I needed to be cautious, as the plan with Lowell and Lewis required precise timing, but the worry for Rachel's safety weighed heavily on my mind. I hailed a cab and instructed the driver to drop me off a fair distance away from my apartment, fearing that Jake's accomplices might be lurking nearby, waiting for any sign of me.As I approached my apartment building, I closed my eyes and focused on my senses, trying to detect any presence of fellow lycans. Thankfully, there were none, so I proceeded cautiously, not wanting to take any chances. However, when I reached my apartment door, I noticed that the handle had been tampered with, a clear sign that someone had broken in.My heart raced as I entered my once neat and organized apartment, now a chaotic mess. Expensive belongings were scattered around, and my clothes lay in disarray inside the wardrobe. I search
[Gabriel's POV]As I ended the call with Rachel, I realized with a pang of guilt that I had forgotten it was her birthday. I slapped myself on the cheek, muttering, "Fool, you forgot." How could I have been so preoccupied with our plans that I forgot something so important to her?But there was no time to dwell on my mistake. Thoughts of Rachel's safety consumed me, and I knew I had to act fast. While our plan with Lowell and Lewis required patience, I couldn't rest with the knowledge that Rachel was now under the threat of Jake.I rushed back inside, packing my belongings in a frenzy. Clothes were hastily stuffed into a bag, and as I grabbed one of my shirts, a necklace fell out. I picked it up, and a flood of memories washed over me.The necklace held sentimental value – a keepsake from my father. I remembered the times we spent together, like that day fishing in a boat in the center of the river. I was young and bored, waiting for a fish to take the bait, but my father's voice echo
[Gabriel's POV]As I watched Lowell disappear into the distance, heading back to the city with Jake's guards, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. I had convinced them to be my allies, to spread the news of Jake's actions like a rumor among our fellow pack members. Plan A was to create awareness, to let them know the truth about the tyrant ruling our pack. I knew it wouldn't be easy; Jake had undoubtedly threatened some of them, but I had to try.I turned my attention back to Lowell, suggesting that he follow them back to the city to ensure they didn't betray me. But he insisted on going alone, not fully trusting them. I couldn't help but chuckle at his wise and funny response. I knew he had a point, so I accompanied him to the bus station to see him off."Take care, Lowell," I said, giving him a firm handshake. "Remember, stick to the plan, and we'll change things together."He nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "I trust you, Gabriel. You got this. See you soon."As I returned t
[Gabriel's POV]The car kept getting closer, and I didn't flinch. Lowell seemed confused, not sure if he should run or stay. He turned to me, his voice shaky. "They're getting closer, Gabriel... really close."I stayed calm, staring at the approaching car. Soon, Lewis and two other guys I didn't know hopped out from the back seat. The car suddenly stopped, and tension filled the air. Lewis looked at Lowell and mumbled, "I know you... Lo... Lowell. What are you doing with this traitor?"Lowell stayed silent, refusing to respond to Lewis's accusations. I watched my friend closely, seeing the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. It was clear he didn't know what to do. That's when I knew I had to step in.Lewis shifted his attention to me with a smirk. "And what do we have here, Marcus's killer?" he sneered. But I couldn't let him believe that lie. I cut him off, saying, "You don't actually believe that, do you?"Everything went still for a moment. Lewis's face tightened, and he glanced at h
[Rachel's POV]As I finally arrived at the riverside cafe, I dialed Marcus's number to pinpoint his location. Surprisingly, he answered promptly, directing me to his left and waving his hand. Doubts crept into my mind as I noticed that he bore no resemblance to Gabriel, making me question his claim of being Gabriel's brother. Nevertheless, I slowly took a seat opposite him, cautiously observing his peculiar staring.Breaking the silence, I asked, "Where do we start?" Marcus took a moment to gather his thoughts before complimenting my appearance, stating that Gabriel had never mentioned how good-looking I was, as if expressing a hint of jealousy. I couldn't help but smile slightly in response, appreciating the unexpected flattery, "thank you."There was a brief silence before Marcus inquired about the reason for our meeting. In truth, I had started to question my own intentions, unsure of why I had wanted to meet him. Thinking on my feet, I improvised, mentioning the fight he had refer
[Jake's POV]Waiting patiently for my boys to take care of Gabriel, a low-ranked member who had betrayed me, I scrolled through my phone absentmindedly. Suddenly, a news headline popped up on the screen, titled "Real Werewolf Attacks Restaurant." My heart skipped a beat as I realized our secret identities were at risk of being exposed. We had always tried to avoid starting a war with humans, as they seemed to dominate the population. If only that lad had followed my instructions, we wouldn't be facing this danger.My mind raced, imagining what could have unfolded at the restaurant. I quickly dialed one of my boys' numbers, eager to find out what had happened and why it was all over the news. Sinclair, one of my trusted associates, answered the call. He explained that Gabriel had disrupted everything by transforming into his wolf form and had chased down Lucas through the streets. "Make sure you take care of him," I instructed Sinclair before ending the call.I couldn't help but feel a
[Rachel's POV]I woke up early in the morning, greeted by the gentle rays of the rising sun. Living on the top floor provided me with a splendid view of the neighborhood and the golden hues of dawn. It had been a while since I had taken a moment to truly appreciate the beauty of a sunrise, but my thoughts quickly turned to Gabriel.Despite assuring Sarah that it was over between Gabriel and me, deep down, I knew my feelings for him hadn't completely faded. As much as I was hurt by his initial deception, there was still a connection between us. In some strange way, I found comfort in the fact that he was a lycan as it created a unique bond that I couldn't deny, even though I held humans in high regard.I had anticipated that Gabriel would reach out to me sooner or later, but to my disappointment, he hadn't made any effort to contact me. So, there I sat, gazing at the rising sun, when my phone suddenly beeped, jolting me from my thoughts. With a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, I hu