Chapter 7

I felt a mixture of emotions flowing inside of me as I stood at the window of my new rooms and observed the pack members going about their business. The extensive territory of the Northern Tribunal stood in sharp contrast to the unruly lawless terrain I had already experienced. It was well-run, vibrant, and, in spite of Kloss's intimidating reputation, I felt a sense of unity here that I had never experienced in Westvale. However, I was unable to let myself become at ease. Not quite yet. I had to remind myself that my goals were to live and exact revenge on Damian. I had to carefully negotiate this unfamiliar environment and play my cards well. I had to make sure I was safe.

I turned away from the window to study the cabin more thoroughly. It was unexpectedly well-furnished, with a warm fireplace, a solid hardwood bed, and a tiny kitchen. There were also bookcases stocked with volumes about werewolf history, mythology, and strategies. The cabin felt almost like home, in stark contrast to the constant fear and peril I had felt as a rebel. Despite the beautiful surroundings, I couldn't get over the feeling of being watched. I knew Kloss would be looking at me, either directly or indirectly. I needed to keep vigilant.

A faint knock on the door interrupted my examination of an especially ancient and decorative book on the shelf. I tightened up, my heart thumping. Was this Kloss? Or is one of his pack members coming to assess me?"Come in," I murmured calmly, despite the nervous flutter in my chest. The door opened, and a young woman walked in. Her brown hair was pulled back into a neat braid, and she was dressed in simple but well-made clothing. She carried a platter with food and drinks. "I've brought you something to eat," she added, smiling warmly. My name is Elara. "I'm here to help you settle in."

I nodded, grateful that it wasn't Kloss or someone attempting to terrorize me. Thank you, Elara. "I appreciate it." Elara placed the tray on the tiny table near the window and motioned for me to sit. "It must have been a long trip." "You need to regain your strength." I sat down and took a timid mouthful of my dinner. It was wonderful, far superior to the limited food I had took while on the run. As I ate, Elara told me about life in the Northern Tribunal, the pack's routines, and the various members. "Kloss is a fair leader," she added, her eyes full of admiration. "He's strict, but he cares deeply about the pack." "You will see."

I did not answer, instead concentrate on my food. I wasn't ready to talk about my feelings for Kloss, especially with someone I had just met. Elara appeared to detect my reluctance and changed the conversation. "Let me know if you need anything. "I'm here to help." "Thank you," I replied again. "I'll keep that in mind." After Elara left, I sat by the window and watched the pack members. Elara's words echoed in my head. Could Kloss truly be the fair leader she claimed? The stories I'd heard described him as a cruel, unforgiving Alpha. But then again, stories were frequently exaggerated.

As the sun began to set and shed a golden glow over the landscape, I heard footsteps approaching the cabin. My heart skips a beat. It was Kloss. The door opened, and he walked in, his presence filling the room. He looked about, eventually landing on me. "How are you settling in?" he inquired, his tone bland. "Well, enough," I said, meeting his gaze. "Thank you for the food and the quarters." He nodded, his gaze fixed on mine. "You should know, Sheila, that I don't just invite anyone into my zone. You're here because I think you have potential. But you have to earn your place."

"I understand," I replied, my voice firm. "I won't cause any trouble." "Good," he said. "There are rules here, and I expect you to adhere to them. You'll discover that life here is vastly different from what you've known." With that, he turned and went, leaving me to my thoughts. 

Kloss's pov

As I went away from Sheila's cabin, I couldn't help but reflect on the unusual connection I felt with her. I knew she was unique as soon as I spotted her white wolf. Her power was unusual, and I admired it.

But she was also mysterious. Her resistance and will to survive—there was more to her story than she had revealed. I needed to understand her and what had brought her to this place. I returned to the main hall and saw Bollard waiting for me. He seemed anxious. "My Lord, we've had reports of increased rogue activity near the southern border," stated the leader. "It seems Zulu's men are regrouping." I nodded. "We'll need to beef up our patrols. Ensure our borders are secure. "We cannot afford any breaches." "Yes, my Lord," Bollard replied. He paused and then said, "What about the girl? "Do you trust her?"

I examined his question. Trust was a luxury I couldn't afford just yet. "She is currently under my protection. But we'll keep a careful eye on her. If she proves herself, we'll see." Bollard nodded and departed to carry out my instructions. I returned my focus to the map on the table, planning our next steps. The Northern Tribunal was formidable, but we could not become complacent. There were constant threats, both from within and without. As I studied the map, my thoughts turned to Sheila. Her presence was a wild card, something unexpected. However, unanticipated circumstances could occasionally alter the path of events.

Sheila's POV 

The next few days were filled with activities. I spent my time exploring the territory, learning the protocols, and watching the other pack members. They were disciplined, efficient, and looked really committed to Kloss. It was a dramatic contrast to the mayhem and backstabbing I'd seen in Westvale. Elara proved to be an invaluable ally.She showed me around, introducing me to important members of the pack and explaining their roles. Despite my doubts, I gradually got warm to her. She was compassionate and genuine, which had been in short supply throughout my life.

One afternoon, as we walked through the training grounds, I noticed a bunch of adolescent wolves sparring under the supervision of a large, powerful guy. He turned as we approached, his face stern. "This is Darius, the head trainer," Elara announced. "Darius, this is Sheila." Darius nodded curtly. "I have heard of you. "Kloss has high expectations." I met his eyes passionately. "I intend to meet them." "Good," he said. "We train hard here. If you're up for it, join us tomorrow morning. "We start at dawn." I nodded with a flash of determination. "I'll be there." Elara gave me a quick glance as we walked away. "Darius is tough yet fair. "If you can impress him, you'll gain the respect of the pack."

"I'll do my best," I promised, my mind already set on the training session. I needed to prove myself, not only to Kloss and the group, but also to myself. I needed to show that I wasn't just a survivor. I was a fighter.I lay awake in my cabin with my heart pounding that night. The intensity of Kloss's gaze stuck with me. There was something about him that I didn't comprehend. He was cruel, yeah, but he had a depth that drew me in.

I rolled over and gazed at the ceiling. I could not afford to be distracted. My purpose was clear: to acquire Kloss' trust, to become a valuable member of this pack, and, ultimately, to exact revenge on Damian. However, the path ahead was riddled with difficulties. As the first light of dawn filtered into the cabin, I stood up and dressed in the clothing Elara had provided. This would be my first true exam. I needed to show Darius and the others that I was capable and that I belonged here. I made my way to the training grounds, where Darius and the young wolves had already congregated. Darius nodded in recognition as I approached.

"Let's see what you're made of," he remarked, motioning for me to join the sparring circle. I entered the circle, encountering a young wolf that appeared eager to prove himself. He charged at me, but I was prepared. I evaded his attack and retaliated with a quick kick that sent him tumbling. The rest remained silent as I continued to spar, my moves precise and controlled. I felt their eyes on me, assessing and analyzing.I needed to demonstrate to them that I was not to be underestimated. I was drenched in sweat and struggling to breathe at the end, but I felt fulfilled. Darius approached with approval in his eyes.

"You've got potential," he said. "Keep training, and you'll go far." I nodded with a flash of determination. This was only the beginning. I had a long way to go, but I was prepared for the challenge.

Kloss POV

From a distance, I saw Sheila train with Darius and the young wolves. Her movements were swift and her strikes precise. She was undeniably strong. But it wasn't just about physical strength. There was something burning within her, a desire that I would find out!