Chapter 9

Sheila’s POV

The effect of the battle with Damian left the Northern Tribunal with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty. The pack had won, but the wounds of the conflict remained deep. We mourned our losses and cared for the injured, banding together to repair what had been damaged. Life gradually returned to normal over the next few days. The patrols proceeded, albeit with heightened alertness, and the pack returned to their normal routines. We felt a newfound feeling of unity, forged in the heat of the battle.

As I went through the area one morning, I couldn't help but dwell on everything that had brought me here. My journey had been rocky, from rogue wolf on the run to seeking shelter in the Northern Tribunal. But suddenly I had a purpose, a place to call home. Kloss had kept his promises. He had let me stay because I had earned my place in the pack by hard work and determination.

 The pack members, who had previously been uneasy with me, now welcome me as one of their own. I haven’t felt like this in a long time.

I found myself beside the flowing water where Elara had discovered me that fateful evening, reflecting on the events that had led me here. The gentle flow of water over the smooth stones soothed my restless thoughts. "would you like me to join you?" I turned to see Kloss approaching, his presence as dominating as ever. "Of course," I responded, motioning for him to sit beside me. He sat down, surveying his surroundings. "You have done well, Sheila. I knew you had talent, but you outperformed my expectations." I stared at him with a flush of pride. Thank you, Kloss. I could not have done it without your guidance." He nodded with a thoughtful gaze. "You have proven yourself to the flock. They respect you now."

I sighed, feeling a weight lifted from my shoulders. "Being accepted here means so much to me. "After all that has happened..." Kloss placed his hand on my shoulder, and his touch was unexpectedly soft. "Sheila, you are one of us now. "You have earned your place." His remarks moved me more deeply than I expected. For so long, I had been alone, striving to survive in a world that appeared intent on breaking me. But suddenly I had a family—a group of people who supported and believed in me. "Thank you," I replied softly, catching his gaze. "For giving me a second chance."

He gave a rare smile, softening his hard features. "Sheila, we all deserve a second chance." It is what we will do with it that counts. We sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the sun set over the water’s surface. Despite the tranquility that enveloped us, I knew that hardships remained ahead. The world of werewolves was large and unpredictable, and many people would try to oppose Kloss' power. But for the time being, I'm OK with being appreciative. We are grateful for the Northern Tribunal's safety and security. I'm grateful for the ties I've built with the pack. And grateful to Kloss, whose courage and leadership had gotten us through the gloom.

As we walked back to the main hall, I couldn't wave the sense that something had changed between us. There was an unconscious understanding, a bond that transcended words. It both excited and scared me. "Kloss," I started, hesitantly. "There's something I need to ask you." He looked at me, his curiosity clear. "Go ahead." "It's about my past," I explained, selecting my words carefully. "Damian… he wasn't the only one who betrayed me." Kloss paused, his countenance serious. "What do you mean?"

I took a long breath and braced myself for his reply. "There were others, werewolves who abandoned me when I needed them the most. I'm not sure why Damian selected me, but I feel it's more than just revenge." Kloss looked at me for a long time, his eyes searching mine. "Do you think someone betrayed you to Damian?" "I don't know," I admitted. "But I have to find out. I can't rest till I've discovered the truth." He nodded slowly, as realization dawned in his eyes. "I will help you, Sheila. "I'm here for whatever you need." "Thank you," I replied graciously. "I just..." I am in need of closure. "I need to understand why."

"We'll find the answers together," Kloss declared firmly. "But first, let's concentrate on the present. The pack relies on us." I nodded, appreciative for his help. "Oh, of course. We have a responsibility to safeguard them. As we walked to the main hall, I couldn't help but feel relieved. I wasn't alone in this any more. Kloss and I would work together to find the truth about my background and guarantee that justice was done. 

Kloss' POV

Walking behind Sheila, I couldn't shake the impression that our paths had been crossed by more than accident. Her fortitude and resilience spoke of untold tragedies she had overcome. She had endured darkness and come out stronger.

Her drive to seek the truth about her background spoke to me. As Alpha, I knew the weight of responsibility that came with protecting not just the pack, but also their histories and legacies. I was willing to accompany Sheila on her journey to find closure. As I entered the main hall, I requested a meeting of the pack leaders. It was time to talk about our next steps, both in terms of strengthening our defenses and supporting Sheila's search for answers. "My fellow Alphas," I started, my voice echoing throughout the room. 

"We confronted a significant obstacle and emerged stronger for it. However, our work is not done. We must remain at alert.

Bollard and the other Alphas nodded with serious expressions. They realized the gravity of the situation. "We've heard reports of increased rogue activity near the eastern borders," Bollard stated, his voice bleak. "It seems they're emboldened by Damian's defeat." I frowned and considered our alternatives. "Increase patrols near the eastern border. I want scouts out at all times, looking for signs of trouble." "And what about Sheila's request?" one of the Alphas said. "She seeks answers about her past." 

I looked to Sheila and saw her steely eyes. "We'll help her any way we can. If there are traitors among us, we will eliminate them." Sheila nodded graciously, her determination steadfast. "Thank you, Kloss."

"It's the least I can do," I said. "We are a pack, Sheila. "We stand together." The discussion lasted far into the night as we discussed plans and assigned resources. The pack was formidable, but we couldn't afford to be complacent. Werewolves faced numerous internal and external threats. As the meeting ended, I found myself alone with Sheila once more. Her brow furrowed with concentration as she studied a map of the territory. "Any leads?" I inquired, joining her at the table. She shook her head, frustrated in her tone. "There's nothing concrete yet. But I won't stop until I know who deceived me." "We'll find them," I promised, placing a soothing hand on her shoulder.

She glanced up at me, appreciation and resolve flowing through her eyes. Thank you, Kloss. "For everything." I grinned, feeling a closeness with her that extended beyond our responsibilities as Alpha and pack member. "We're in it together, Sheila. "I'm here for whatever you need." We studied the map together and planned our next steps. The trip ahead would be difficult, but I was confident that together we would discover the truth and ensure justice was served. As the moon rose over the mountains, spreading a silver sheen across the landscape, I realized that our paths had crossed for a reason. Sheila had found a home in the Northern Tribunal, and I had found an ally in the battle against darkness.

And we would confront whatever obstacles the future held, united by our common mission and pack bonds.