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 LolitLila'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.
I went inside the house straight to the kitchen carrying some leftovers. As I entered, I saw Lila washing the dishes. I opened the fridge, placed the leftovers, and looked at her. I wanted to help her, but I don't know if she would appreciate it. After all, she cried and got humiliated because of me.I sighed. Pity struck my chest so, I walked towards Lila to help her do the dishes. Without a word, I immediately grabbed another sponge near the sink. Then, she turned and looked at me in surprise."What are you doing?" Lila asked."I want to help you wash the dishes to finish it fast," I replied with an awkward smile.Lila stopped and yelled, "Can you get the hell out of here? I don't need your help! I got punished because of you! Now, go before I get into more trouble!"My blood pressure rose that I snapped and yelled back, "You did that to yourself! If you had been a little kinder, you would not end up humiliated in front of everyone. I did nothing to you an
I opened the window to ensure that I did not imagine it. I looked down, and it was really there—a glowing pair of eyes of a werewolf looking at me. Then, suddenly it runs into the depths of the forest. "Who was that? Was it Landon?" I asked myself. It doesn't feel like it belongs to the pack, but earlier, Alpha Reule has selected five male werewolves to check the forest and surrounding areas. I sighed and said, "Maybe it was just one of them." I closed the window and lay down on the bed. But I could not sleep and was a little thirsty. I just remembered I did not drink water earlier. I only had a can of soda. So, I decided to go down and maybe see if I could find one of those bottled water. I opened the door and heard some music playing from the last room. It wasn't loud that I did not hear it when I was still inside my room. "He also could not sleep," I whispered and turned but stopped. "Is he in pain?" I asked with a frown on my face.
Breakfast was fun because Nana Lolita shared some of Reule's childhood memories. We teased and laughed at him. Surprisingly, Reule did not feel offended. He was laughing, too.Reule is not that serious and cold today. He doesn't look worried that I saw a wolf last night or the five men found another werewolf track. And I could not figure why he seemed to be so relaxed about it.Questions are forming on my head again. Is the situation something that we all should not worry about? Or Reule was just really good at hiding his thoughts and emotions about it? I kept my observations to myself, but I am sure that Reule had noticed me looking at him from time to time.After breakfast, I was about to help Nana Lolita do the dishes, but she said, "No, this is not your job. You better go with Adriana and have a chat in the living room.""But Nana Lolita, I have been here for quite some time, and I have not done anything. I might as well help you.""My child, e
At the kitchen a few minutes back..."Rolito, how are you feeling? I wanted to make sure that you are okay after what had happened last night?" Nana Lolita asked, looking worried."Nana, I am okay. You know it just comes and goes only," Reule replied."I know that. I have witnessed it since you were young. Your parents got stressed and died because of it. I am worried about you dying. Last night, it was stronger and longer than usual.""Yes, I noticed that, too. Usually, it happens twice a year when the season changes, but last night was the third one.""That also! What happened that you had an attack like that? I used to think that it was the season affecting you, but with last night I don't know the cause anymore."Reule was silent first before answering, "I also don't know it was the first time it happened. After speaking in front of the pack last night, I started to feel that my hands were beginning to feel numb. I immediately left becau
While at the White Pack territory.."Where the hell is Casper? Has he not returned yet?" Conri yelled who was facing back at forth."Alpha, he just arrived," Edison replied."Ask him to come, and I want to know what updates he has."Edison nodded, and after five minutes, Casper came."Alpha, Conri, you asked for me?" Casper asked."You already know why I would ask for you. Have you been successful in finding her?""Not yet, but..."Conri roared and did not let Casper finish what he was about to say."What have you been doing this time? Are you just traveling for enjoyment?""No, Alpha.""Why have you not found her? She is almost like a human not a match to you. How hard could that be?""As I said before, Alpha Conri, someone helped Wren escape. I think he is hiding Wren; that's why we have not found her.""But you were there on the scene; how could you not know who it was?""My apologie
Today's evening run was the same groupings as yesterday except for Lila, who did not join. When I heard Landon say that Lila doesn't feel well, I again pitied her. She must still be feeling humiliated because of yesterday's incident. But I can't do anything.Our group went on the same route during the run, and there was nothing unusual except for the tracks we discovered. Mud and eroded soil were slowly covering it that they would not be visible soon.During the run, I was expecting to see the new tracks that were discovered last night. I wanted to compare it, although it might still look the same. At some point, I thought it must have been the same wolf. But he should already know the exit so, why trouble himself and try another route? He would not act stupid, not unless he wanted to get caught. So, I concluded that these are two different wolves. But do they belong to the same pack? That I could not answer. However, the one who looked at me, I am sure he doesn't belo
The next day's evening was pretty much the same. There was nothing new. Lila still did not join the run. Because Reule was acting like a dick yesterday, I gained the courage to talk to Landon. And he immediately smiled when he saw me walking towards him."Hi, Landon!" I said with an awkward smile."Hello to you!" Landon replied, still with his beautiful smile."Um..I just..I just wanted to check how is Lila doing? I noticed that she had not joined the run for two days now."Landon's eyes lit up, and he said, "I am surprised that you asked about her."It caught my curiosity that I immediately asked, "Why?""For starters, my twin sister is acting like a bitch to you, and everyone could see that. Secondly, she threatened and accused you without proof. And lastly, you offered help, but she only yelled at you. So, why do you still show concern at her.""Hmm..I thought you don't know how much your sister hates me.""Oh, that's pretty o
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