"Reule seemed to trust Landon when it comes to business," I commented.
"Yes! Landon likes doing business, even Reule, too. But Reule hates being stuck in an office and working like regular employees who have a 9 to 5 job. So, Landon is one of those who helped him manage his business," Adriana said."So, Reule doesn't know anything about his business?""Oh, no! Reule just hates to be around a lot of people and to be stuck in one place. He wants to control his time and where he wants to be. That's why you see him here most of the time. He works here remotely. But he knows almost everything that is going on in his business. No one can fool him. He is intelligent, and he studies diligently.""He is into hotels, and what else?""My god! He has a lot. Reule is a risk-taker and opens a business that he thinks he will make big. He owns a share in an airline company where he is planning to open his own. He has a winery and vineyard, courier service, a yacht rental, s"Alpha Conri, Alpha Conri," cried Edison, one of the warriors of the White Pack.Conri, who was sitting, reading a paper and about to have breakfast got irritated. "What is it?" Conri yelled."The beta of the Black Pack is here with ten warriors. Shall I let them in?"Conri's eyes widened, and his right hand started to shake. He did not expect Acwulf to pay him a surprise visit. It's not even a month since they had an agreement."Let them in."Acwulf Nube, a tall man who looked like a Roman gladiator because of his toned and muscular body, entered the kitchen together with his warriors oozing with confidence. His dark brown eyes became darker when he saw Conri, who stood from his seat. It was enough for Conri to tremble inside in fear. The sight of Conri's surprised face made Acwulf's lips curve into a smirked."Acwulf, my friend! What a pleasant surprise!" Conri said with a smile."Conri! I am glad my goal of surprising you were a success," Acwulf replied.
When Adriana left, I decided to go out of the house. I was feeling a pang of pain in my chest remembering the people I lost, I needed some air. I walked to the forest, and when I went inside, I saw a big rock. I smiled and sat there. "Killian," I whispered. Back in our pack territory, we used to talk on the rocky part, just a few meters outside our house. We are close in that we share secrets and gossips. My brother is said to be one of the weakest male wolves in our pack. He did not have many friends; that's why he was close to me. Our life has constantly been ridiculed because we are deemed different from others. Male wolves must be strong and not easily scared, but my brother was the opposite. The day we went running, and he was fighting the other pack members, I was proud. It was the first time Killian had proved to the others that he was not a loser. He can be strong, too. I got teary-eyed remembering my loving brother risking his life for me.
I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I was annoyed to find that it was Reule once again. I thought of not answering, but I remembered his kind gesture last night.I had not even said a word, and I immediately heard Reule yelling, "Can you get your ass down here and tell me what do you want to eat!" "Don't you know how to say hello and good morning?" I replied in a loud voice."It doesn't work with you. Now, come down and tell me what you want?""Anything that Nana Lolita would cook.""She is not here. She went with Adriana to visit her mate.""Nana Lolita is not there? Then, who will cook?""I will if I don't change my mind. Now, come down or starve!""O-kay."I rushed to the toilet, wondering if he knew how to cook something edible. Reule doesn't strike me as someone who knows how to cook or do any household chores at all.After I brushed my teeth and washed my face, I heard my phone ringing once again."Can you wait!"
I went back to my room and exclaimed, "You bitch! I did not want to be here!"Then, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and lay on the bed."Should I leave now? But where would I go?" I whispered.I thought of Killian. It has been days now that I have not heard anything about him. I wonder where he is and if he is at our pack territory. I prayed that he was still alive and I could see him one day.Ten minutes after, I heard some voices in the room across mine. "What!? Did they go up? Why did they not call me to do the dishes?" I thought.I could not understand what they were saying. At first, I thought of not eavesdropping, but Lila made me angry today that I wanted to hear what she would say about me. I tiptoed to the door and slightly opened it so I could listen to the conversation."Alpha Reule, why did you let me wash the dishes? Why not the outsider? And why do we even have to be in this room just to have a conversation?" Lila complained.
"What are you waiting for? Come out of the room," Reule ordered.I took a deep breath before standing and opening the door. As soon as I opened the door, I could see that the door of the room across mine was wide open. Reule was standing across with sharp eyes like someone who was about to eat its prey."Were you happy about what you heard?" Reule asked."What are you saying? I was not listening. It just so happened that I was near the door when you told me to come out," I replied."Oh, really? Then why is your face red?""It's just hot, and your Lila made me angry earlier.""Only earlier? But I know. I am sorry about it; she is just jealous. She is in love with me, you know. Come over here."I was hesitant, but I didn't want to anger him even more, so I strolled towards him. As I went inside, the room was not a bedroom. Beautiful painting filled the room, and there was an unfinished one. I couldn't help myself but move closer to that paintin
I glanced at Reule, and he was looking irritated. I could see that he did not like having Landon there. He did not like the effect of Landon's presence on me.We were all at the kitchen preparing the food for the evening run when Lila came back."Finally, you are here!" Landon said."Why do you want me to be here?" Lila asked and pouted her lips."Of course, I wanted you to help. As you can see, all of us are already doing something. What is left is doing the dishes that are piling up. Can you do that?""What!? I'm doing the dishes again?"I turned my head because I did not want Lila to see that I slightly smiled. I could not help it. Everyone seemed to be asking her to do the dishes today."You are not washing dishes at home. We have a maid to do it for us, but currently, in here, there is no other person who is not occupied except you.""Landon, I could do something else like making the salad. I am good at it because that's what I usually eat to get in shap
Everyone looked at each other after hearing what Alpha Reule said. "Starting from now, I will be selecting five men who will take turns in checking the forest and the entire territory. It will go on for two weeks until I can assure you that we are safe and not under attack. But for now, don't let it scare you. We are known to be strong and united so, we are not that easy to invade. Just make sure to look after each other as we enjoy the party tonight. And let's have our dinner!" Reule said after he saw the concerned looked among his pack members.He doesn't think anyone would be that stupid enough to attack them now when all the members have gathered. Reule's concern was later when most of them were asleep, so he assigned five reliable men. And of them was Landon.Because of Alpha Reule's reassurance, the people went back to their playful selves. They started eating and dancing when the music was playing. I sat at the table where I picked for me, Adriana and Nana Lolit
Lila's face lit up, and she smiled when she saw Reule slowly approaching her direction. She thinks that he might want to apologize for letting her join Landon's group instead of his. 'I must act a little shy when he apologized. I should not make it obvious.' Lila thought.But Lila's smile disappeared and was replaced with fear when she saw how sharp Reule's eyes were and how angry he was. Why is he giving me that face? What have I done? Those were the questions that formed on her head.Reule stopped and ordered, "Come with me!" Then, he walked towards a dark corner away from the rest of the pack, who was enjoying the party. Lila was feeling nervous when she followed him. And nobody, except me, noticed they left.When Lila was near, she saw Reule standing with arms crossed like a father about to yell at his daughter. She stopped and looked at him with sad eyes before saying, "Yes, Alpha Reule, you wanted to talk to me?""What was that!?" Reule blurted.
A few hours ago...Reule’s heart hammered with worry as to where Wren was. She had been missing for almost a day, and his patience was running out. He didn’t like the silence in Yannis’s quarters, nor the way his warlock friend seemed torn, as though holding something back. Reule could sense the tension that radiated from Yannis.Reule went to Yannis to gather some information. “Yannis,” he demanded, his voice taut. “If there’s anything you know, anything at all that could lead us to Wren, I need to hear it now. Her life could depend on it.”Yannis’s gaze flickered, hesitating. Then, he closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was a deep regret reflected in his expression. “Reule… I do know something. Two hours ago I had a premonition,” he said, barely a whisper.Reule took a step forward, his fists clenched, every muscle in his body tense. “Then why didn’t you come to me sooner?”Yannis looked away, his face shadowed by a mixture of guilt and reluctance. “Because… it
Lila returned to the Gray Pack, and her face was full of concern and worry. Her heart raced, but her demeanor remained calm. As she was nearing the house she and her brother shared, she could feel some of the pack member's eyes on her. Some were wary, while others were hopeful. The news of Wren’s disappearance had spread like wildfire, and the entire pack was on edge.“Lila!” a voice called from behind.Lila turned and found Reule striding toward her. He had that hard expression, sharp eyes, and oozing with the Alpha power and authority.“Did you hear about Wren?”Lila forced her brow to furrow and her voice to speak in surprise.“No, what happened?”“She’s gone. Disappeared without a trace," Reule said with a tight voice filled with worry and anger.Lila gasped, and her hand covered her mouth.“That’s terrible! How could this happen?”Reule didn't answer. He studied her, his gaze penetrating, making Lila feel almost exposed. But she quickly masked her unease by stepping closer to hi
After being yanked out of the river, Wren felt her world was a chaotic blur of cold water and darkness. She gasped for air while coughing up water, and her body shuddered. The water was cold as ice.Suddenly, her arm was gripped by a rough hand, pulling her out into the muddy bank. But her vision seemed unclear. She couldn't tell whether what she was seeing was real.Acwulf stood over her and blocked the little light filtered through the trees. Her eyes gleamed, and his face marked triumph and a predator's satisfaction. He finally caught his prey and was now ready to be devoured.“You’ll regret this,” Wren rasped. Her throat was raw from inhaling water, but Acwulf only smirked. She was like a ragdoll, almost lifeless and barely able to stand. Wren knew she couldn't fight him but tried so hard to hide the fear.Acwulf crouched down with his face inches from Wren. His mouth smelled a mixture of smoke and alcohol, a scent that made her stomach twist.“Regret?” he chuckled. “Darling, I
There was no point in hiding, so Lila came out. She smiled at Wren and said, "Hello! I didn't expect you to be here. I thought you were some boys. I was about to take a swim."Wren's confusion slowly disappeared. She was somehow satisfied with Lila's explanation. Only a few knew about this river and could scare you with a little bit of sound or rattle of the leaves behind the bushes. But she didn't smile at Lila and just turned around."Bitch!" Lila whispered.The soft trickle of water filled the air as Wren knelt by the riverbank. Her hands skimmed the cool surface. Her reflection wavered in the ripples, but she barely noticed it. She closed her eyes, focusing on the rhythm of the stream, hoping it might help chase away the lingering fatigue that clung to her. The fever had left her weakened. Lila remarked that a walk to the river would help her recovery, but Wren wasn't sure.“You’re looking better already,” Lila said from behind her, her voice faking to be cheerful.Wren opened her
Lila stood by the large window inside an abandoned cabin a few meters away from her pack's territory. She stared at the sprawling woods bordering the Gray Pack’s territory. The fading sunlight streamed through the trees. It cast long, twisted shadows that seemed to stretch toward her. Her fingers drummed against the window frame, the rhythmic tap-tap-tap echoing the beat of her own racing heart. She was nervous like hell.It was almost time.Her mind buzzed with the plan. Every detail was etched into her thoughts like a brand. She had been turning it over and over in her head, refining it, making sure it was perfect. She couldn't afford to make mistakes if she didn't want to die.Acwulf’s words from their meeting still echoed in her ears: “I won’t fail.” She had taken a risk by allying with him, a man whose reputation sent shivers through even the bravest wolves. But desperation had pushed her, and there was no turning back now. This was more than just getting rid of Wren. This was a
Acwulf hated drawing attention, actually almost every member of the Black Pack. It's one of their strengths that they were taught to attack an enemy without them even knowing. And so, wherever they go, they try not to be noticeable as much as possible.Right now, Acwulf moved like a shadow through the narrow alleyways of the marketplace. The hood of his cloak was pulled so low that it almost covered his face. The cacophony of traders shouting their wares, the scent of fresh bread mingling with the musk of leather, did nothing to soothe the turmoil brewing inside him. His mind was consumed with one thought: Wren.He tightened his grip on the worn leather strap of his satchel. Although the Black Pack is well-known, robbers are still unintimidated. Some would still attempt to rob them, thinking any member of the Black Pack would be stupid enough to let them. But Acwulf was not among the stupid ones, he carried his money with care. He didn’t even care about the bustling streets or the cur
The engine's sound died as gravel crunched beneath Yannis' boots when he stepped off his motorcycle. He instantly noticed the heavy silence enveloping the Gray Pack’s territory, broken only by the rustle of the wind through pine trees. The Gray Pack had always been a second home to him, it's where he could let his guard down, especially his funny moments with Reule. Yannis' gaze swept over the dense forest that circled the territory. As a warlock, his senses could easily pick up the subtle change of the place's atmosphere. He had been here, maybe five years ago. And as far as he could remember, it should not be this quiet. Yannis adjusted the strap of his black leather jacket and made his way to the big gate. He smirked because he could feel sharp eyes watching him from the shadows. The Gray Pack was known for its wariness toward outsiders, as they were very protective of what was theirs. They couldn't help it as they were one of the smallest packs, but because of their Alpha and th
Conri was left sitting alone in the eerie silence of his dining hall. Outside the house, the rain was pouring loudly while the wind angrily smashed into the trees. The simple rain turned into a storm that grew stronger by the minute. It added to why Conri's hands trembled as he poured his favorite bourbon into his glass.The momentary relief of Acwulf’s departure was quickly replaced by a gnawing anxiety that dug deep into his bones. The tension in his chest hadn’t eased, and Conri could still feel the weight of Acwulf’s cold gaze on him like a noose tightening around his neck.He downed the expensive bourbon in one gulp, and the whiskey burned, but it only soothed his nerves a little. It didn't remove all his worry because Conri’s mind raced. It replayed every word of their conversation, every subtle shift in Acwulf’s demeanor. Had he made the right decision? Would the information hold up? Or had he just signed his death warrant?The wind rattled the window, and the loud sound of the
Meanwhile, at the White Pack territory...The sound of thunder was angry as the heavy rain poured non-stop. At the same time, the wet leaves danced aggressively with the blow of the wind. But Acwulf barely noticed the storm beyond the walls of Conri’s house. The storm inside him was louder and more dangerous.Acwulf pushed the door to the dining hall without even bothering that a guard was standing outside. He didn't care. He knew the entire White Pack was afraid of the Black Pack members. He intimidated them by just merely looking. Conri’s dining hall was not as big compared to Acwulf's Alpha's house. However, the design was more welcoming and full of vintage paintings. It was no secret that Conri's father was a fan of art and vintage items. And Acwulf wondered if Conri was the same or a total opposite.The stale scent of old whiskey and a newly cooked turkey filled his nostrils. It made Acwulf's stomach growl a little. He just realized that he hadn't had food since morning. His des