Chapter Four: The Scent from the Past

Ryan had spent six years trying to forget that night, but the moment that familiar scent reached him, every buried memory came rushing back at once. The burning house, the screams, the blood covering the snow, and those same cold eyes watching him from the darkness flashed through his mind so vividly that his chest tightened. His breathing became uneven as he stumbled backward, one hand pressing against his temple while he fought to push the memories away. Ryan, Betty called, reaching for his arm, but he instinctively pulled away, his body tensing. Don’t touch me. The sharpness in his voice made Betty freeze, her hand hovering in the air as she stared at him, concern replacing the confusion in her eyes.

Who was that? she asked, lowering her hand slowly. Ryan kept staring into the forest, his heartbeat pounding against his ribs. I don’t know. Betty frowned because she knew he was lying. She had known him long enough to recognize when his silence meant something more than he was willing to admit. You do know, she insisted, taking another cautious step toward him. I’ve never seen you look this afraid. Ryan swallowed hard and turned his face away. It was nothing. The moment the words left his mouth, a deep growl echoed inside his mind. Liar. His wolf sounded unusually tense. That scent belongs to him.

Ryan’s fingers curled tightly into fists. He hadn’t felt fear like this in years. Whoever had been standing in the forest wasn’t just someone from his past. His wolf recognized the scent, and that meant the stranger knew exactly what Ryan was. Betty moved closer, her voice becoming softer. Ryan, you can trust me. Whatever happened to you, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Ryan looked at her, and for a brief moment, the walls he had built around his heart almost collapsed. He wanted to tell her everything. He wanted to explain why he had never joined a pack, why he had spent years moving from place to place, and why he was terrified of anyone discovering the truth about his bloodline. But before he could speak, a sharp howl echoed from deep inside the forest.

Betty’s head snapped toward the sound, and her eyes immediately changed as the golden glow of her wolf appeared. That’s not one of ours, she whispered, her body becoming tense. Ryan’s stomach twisted because he knew that howl. It wasn’t the call of an ordinary wolf. It was a warning, a deliberate message meant for someone who would understand it. His wolf stirred violently beneath his skin. They know you’re here. Betty grabbed Ryan’s wrist. We need to go. Ryan didn’t argue this time. They hurried toward the school gates, but he couldn’t stop looking over his shoulder. Nothing followed them, yet the feeling of being watched remained, following them like a shadow.

By the time they reached the road, the sky had become almost completely dark. Betty released his wrist and turned toward him, her breathing still uneven. You’re coming home with me tonight. Ryan immediately shook his head. No. Betty crossed her arms, refusing to move. That wasn’t a suggestion. Ryan almost smiled at her determination, but the expression disappeared quickly. I can’t stay at your packhouse. Jackson already made it clear he doesn’t want me there. Betty’s eyes narrowed. I don’t care what Jackson said. You’re my friend, and I’m not leaving you alone after what just happened. Ryan opened his mouth to argue, but the sound of an approaching vehicle made both of them turn toward the road.

A black SUV slowly appeared through the darkness, its headlights cutting across the empty street. Ryan’s entire body went rigid. The tinted windows prevented them from seeing who was inside, but his wolf reacted immediately. Danger. Ryan stepped backward, his eyes fixed on the vehicle as it rolled to a complete stop beside them. Betty instinctively moved in front of him, her body shifting into a protective stance. The driver’s door opened, and a tall man stepped out. He wore a long black coat, his face partly hidden by the darkness, yet there was something about his presence that made the air around them feel heavier.

Ryan’s pulse quickened as the man looked directly at him. Not at Betty. Not at the school. Only at him. The stranger took a slow step forward, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. You finally found somewhere to hide. His voice was quiet, but Ryan felt the words like a blade against his skin. Betty glanced at Ryan, confusion spreading across her face. Do you know him? Ryan couldn’t answer. His throat had gone dry, and every muscle in his body had locked in place. The stranger took another step forward, his eyes never leaving Ryan’s face. Six years, he murmured. I wondered how long it would take before you stopped running.

Betty’s expression hardened as she moved closer to Ryan. Who are you? she demanded, her hands curling into fists. The stranger’s smile widened. That’s a question you should ask him. Betty immediately turned toward Ryan, confusion and concern filling her eyes. Ryan? she whispered. Ryan finally forced himself to speak, but his voice came out barely above a breath. Run.

Betty stared at him in disbelief. Ryan’s eyes remained fixed on the stranger as his wolf began roaring inside his mind. He’s here. The stranger suddenly tilted his head, almost as though he could hear the wolf’s warning. Then his eyes flashed with an unnatural silver glow. Ryan’s breath caught, and every trace of color disappeared from his face. He knew those eyes. He had seen them once before, six years ago, on the night his entire life had been destroyed.

His father had possessed those eyes.

His father, the man Ryan had watched die six years ago.

The stranger smiled again, and this time there was something terrifyingly familiar about it.

Ryan’s heart slammed against his ribs as one impossible thought entered his mind.

If that man was really his father, then the night Ryan believed his family had been murdered had been a lie.