John's lynx moved gracefully through the dense forest, its sleek body blending seamlessly with the shadows. The setting sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a warm glow on its fur. Its emerald green eyes, like shining jewels , scanned the campsite and the surrounding area. The lynx's ears twitched, catching the faintest rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. Its senses were keen, a guardian in the wilderness. They slow down to a stop as they reach their abandoned campsite."The lynx's gentle murmur echoed in John's thoughts, 'They've been here indeed, but they've long gone.' John contemplated, 'How can you be so certain of their departure?' The response was swift, 'I'll provide clarity soon, but you must comprehend that as you come of age at 18 and gain your full shifter abilities, you'll become adept at sensing their presence and distinguishing shifters from ordinary humans and animals, thanks to your heightened sense of smell.' The lynx added, 'Surely, you've alrea
Hours earlier, right in the heart of Wildwood Haven, Darius, along with his Beta and third in command, were holed up in his office, engaged in an important meeting. Darius, sitting in his chair, repeatedly clicked his pen, revealing his bear’s deep-seated anxiety that he was attempting to conceal and ignore- what's going on? The rhythmic clicking of the pen echoed in the quiet room, and the eyes of the other two men subtly narrowed, indicating a growing sense of irritation. The Alpha, his forehead furrowed in deep concentration, failed to notice the reaction of the enforcers sitting in front of him. "DARIUS!" came the annoyed voice of his Beta. "What?" the bear snapped, momentarily breaking the pen-clicking pattern. “ I…” right as Darius was about to continue, he felt that familiar sensation of someone crossing the pack's border. His heart raced, and he gripped the pen a bit tighter, instinctively preparing for what he knew was about to happen.He sat there, holding his breath, his e
John felt his strength waning, and his hope dwindled even more when suddenly, the familiar echo rang in his head. "You're back!" he exclaimed to his lynx, relief coursing through him. "I was never really gone, John. I would never do that to you. We are one," his lynx comforted him."I had to go and refocus my energy so that we can still shift!" the lynx explained. "These fools don't even realize we don't smell like them," the lynx chuckled in John's mind. Amusement colored his voice as John questioned the connection between his ability to shift and the oblivious wolves.His lynx sighed mentally, "I wish I had time to explain it all, but let's focus on this for now.""Those wolves tried to knock you down with wolfsbane, but it's a dud on me; nightshade is the real troublemaker," his lynx spilled the beans. John, interest piqued, couldn't wrap his mind around wolfbane and nightshade. Were those actual herbs? Plants? Flowers? Or was his lynx just making up names? His lynx huffed in frust
The wolves retraced their steps through the encroaching twilight, the fading sky yielding to the first hints of dawn. Their heightened senses accompanied them as they neared the spot where Arlo awaited them. Returning to Arlo with empty hands, the air thickened with anticipation. Arlo's narrowed eyes and disappointment transformed into anger.Addressing his men, Arlo's frustration echoed in his voice, "What happened? Where is he?"Lenny, a cocky grin on his face, retorted, "He won't survive out there, Arlo. We did you a favor."Arlo's temper flared, "How can you be so sure?"Lenny chuckled, "Trust me, he's as good as dead. Probably food for the wildlife by now."Consumed by rage and fearing Lex's reaction, Arlo couldn't contain himself. In a fit of unbridled fury, he seized Lenny by the collar, his face contorted with anger. The other men took a step back, sensing the impending storm."How can you be sure?" Arlo demanded, his grip tightening.Lenny's smirk faded, replaced by a nervous
The sun, in its early quest to dispel the night, cast a gentle glow upon the still, serene road, anticipating the imminent presence of both humans and shifters. Mindful of avoiding undue attention, Carla led John along the well-worn path, seeking a secluded spot. Upon reaching a sufficiently hidden clearing, Carla, as if it was a normal thing to do, began peeling off her clothes.Taken aback, John's face flushed crimson, and he instinctively averted his gaze. Amused by John's discomfort, Carla couldn't contain her laughter. "You're unquestionably the quirkiest shifter I've encountered," she teased. Cutting him some slack, with a playful grin, Carla retreated behind a tree, discarding the rest of her attire with an easygoing demeanor. "Turn around... you'll know when, and no more freak-outs, please!" Carla admonished John with a mix of command and amusement. With audible bone-snaps, she underwent a breathtaking transformation. As John turned around, his sight fell on the majestic bear
Darius stormed through the pack territory, a mix of emotions churning within him as he sensed Michael and Fez entering the pack. Abandoning his discussion with a lead warrior, he sprinted towards them, a knot forming in his stomach. Three figures stood at the border, but the third person felt off, and Darius couldn't shake the unsettling feeling.Approaching them, his eyes widened as he saw his best tracker, Fez, and his third in command coming towards him with a girl. She clung to Michael, and his possessive grip around her only intensified Darius's unease. The absence of John's usual presence hit Darius with disappointment and concern."Alpha," Michael began, taking a step forward, yet refusing to release the girl from his grasp."Not here," Darius interrupted, his voice firm. He turned on his heels and started fast-walking towards the pack house, the trio obediently trailing behind him. As they walked, Darius sent a mindlink to Prius, urgency echoing in his tone."In my office, now!
The car hummed steadily along the winding road, and John's gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery. His thoughts wandered into a realm of unanswered questions, the weight of curiosity evident in his unfocused eyes. As he repeatedly glanced at Carla, the woman sensed his inner turmoil and met his gaze with a questioning look.Interrupting the rhythmic hum of the journey, John finally voiced his uncertainty, "How much longer?" But Carla, perceptive to the unspoken queries lingering in his eyes, proposed an intriguing distraction. "Okay, we have one hour and a bit to go. I'm getting tired, so I need your help. Let's play a game – one question for one question. What do you say?"Caught off guard, John timidly asked, "Just one?" Carla's boisterous laughter filled the car cabin. "Let's start with one; we'll have time for the rest once you've settled in."John, mouth agape, stared at her incredulously. Did she really say "settled"? Carla reassured him with a warm smile, "Hey, I can't let
Arlo's gaze lingers on Mia's retreating form, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on her bare skin. The night air is charged with a mix of lingering desire and the raw energy of the wolf within them. Mia's confident stride, despite a subtle limp, hints at the passion they shared only moments ago.As Arlo stands there, a trace of a satisfied smile plays on his Beta wolf face. The intensity of their connection, the rough handling that seems to define their encounters—it's a dance they both know well. Nothing surprises him anymore about the depth of Mia's desire and the wildness she craves.Meanwhile, Mia, with a determined air, leans forward, her body shifting seamlessly as she takes off in a swift run towards her pack house. Her mind buzzes with a fresh resolve, focused not just on the journey back to her pack but on a strategic plan to claim her place in the Alpha's bed.The rustling of leaves and the muffled sounds of approaching paws snap Arlo out of his contemplation. He turns, ey