[Rachel's POV]As Michael drove us into the pack's mansion, I couldn't help but notice the sight that greeted me. Almost every pack member seemed to be present, gathered in the vicinity. My heart skipped a beat, and a sense of unease settled over me. I had underestimated the gravity of the incident, and now it was laid bare before me."Wow," I exclaimed involuntarily, my voice betraying a mixture of shock and apprehension. Michael brought the car to a halt, and as he opened his door and stepped out, I knew that this was the moment we had been building up to. I exchanged a brief glance with Sarah, my closest friend, and felt a knot forming in my stomach."This is it, Rachel," Michael said, his voice filled with both solemnity and encouragement. With those words, he closed the door, sealing our fate. I took a deep breath, attempting to steady myself before joining him in stepping out of the car.Sarah turned to me, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. "It's time t
[Gabriel's POV]I found myself back at my father's house in Willowvale, the place where I had grown up, seeking solace amidst the turmoil that had unfolded. The weight of the recent events bore heavily on my soul, leaving me feeling lost and uncertain about what lay ahead.As I wandered through the familiar rooms, memories of my father enveloped me, whispering through the walls. His absence was palpable, a void that seemed to widen with each passing day. But in this moment of despair, I sought refuge by the river, a place that had always held a special significance for both of us.The gentle sound of the flowing water soothed my troubled mind as I settled by the riverbank. The rhythmic melody of nature's symphony washed over me, mingling with my thoughts and emotions. Here, amidst the lush greenery and the gentle caress of the breeze, I hoped to find some semblance of clarity.As I gazed at the rippling waters, memories of my father danced before my eyes. I could almost see him, stand
[Gabriel's POV]The morning sun made Willowvale look all shiny and golden as I headed to the nearby grocery store. My dad's old place needed some serious restocking after I cleaned it up earlier. Birds were chirping and there was a nice smell of flowers in the air, which helped me relax a bit.I walked into the store and went through the aisles, looking for snacks to fill up the empty fridge. I really wanted to buy a proper meal, but I hesitated for a moment before giving in. I spent my last few dollars on a warm plate of food. It was a small treat, a brief break from all the things bothering me.While I was enjoying my unexpected feast, I noticed someone entering the store from the corner of my eye. I looked up, but they were looking in a different direction, so I couldn't see their face clearly. They didn't wait to be served and just walked ahead, which was kind of unusual and caught my attention.I went back to eating, but then I heard a voice calling my name. "Gabriel?" I recogniz
[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
[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]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
[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
[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
[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