Chapter 4

MEGAN’S POV

I got home, the familiar scent of home wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I greeted my mom and dad, the leaders of our pack, Crescent Wolf. Dad, the alpha, carried himself with a quiet strength, his eyes sharp yet kind, while Mom, the Luna, radiated calm and grace. Their presence always made me feel safe, even when the world outside was chaotic.

After a quick shower, I changed into comfortable clothes and headed to the kitchen to help Mom with dinner. The aroma of spices and roasted herbs filled the air, a comforting reminder of our traditions and the simple joys of home.

Suddenly, from the living room, Dad called out, “Elena.” His voice was steady but carried a note of urgency. “I have to head out.”

I looked up, concern flickering in my chest. “Gabriel, have dinner before you go,” Mom urged softly, her eyes full of understanding.

Dad appeared in the doorway, his expression serious but tender. Without hesitation, he crossed the room, pulled Mom into a gentle kiss, then turned to me. He ruffled my hair affectionately and pressed a quick, reassuring kiss on my forehead.

“It can’t wait, baby,” he said softly, his voice full of conviction. “The council called an emergency meeting. Something’s happened, something important. I have to go now.”

I watched as he grabbed his coat and, with a final glance back at us, stepped out the door, leaving behind a weight of unspoken questions.

Mom sighed quietly, her hand finding mine. “You know how these emergencies are,” she whispered. “Your father will be back as soon as he can.”

As I stood there, the warmth of home contrasted sharply with the cold reality of the unknown. Whatever was happening, I knew it was going to change everything and I wondered what secrets, what dangers, lay ahead for us all.

After dinner, I couldn’t shake the restless energy inside me. The woods called to me, whispering promises of escape and freedom. I slipped out quietly, my feet swiftly carrying me toward the dark embrace of the trees. Storm, my wolf, had been itching to be released ever since my encounter with Emorie. Her wildness, her strength, her unrestrained spirit all resonated within me now.

As I stepped into the woods, I felt a shift deep in my bones. Storm surged forth, her presence fierce and exhilarating. The chill of the evening air brushed against my fur as I ran, paws pounding softly against the earth. The world around me burst into vibrant colors. Shadows danced in the moonlight, leaves shimmered with a silvery sheen, and every rustle of the breeze sounded like a secret whispered just for me.

It was freeing, more than I’d ever felt before. Seeing the woods through Storm’s eyes, I revelled in the primal joy of it all. The dirt beneath my paws, the scent of pine and moss thick in the air, the thrill of speed and the wind in my fur. For that moment, I was unbound, wild, alive.

Eventually, I slowed, coming to a gentle stop by a narrow stream. The water shimmered under the moon’s glow, reflecting a distorted but familiar face, my face. I knelt, gazing at my reflection in the cool, rippling surface. Who was I beneath all the masks and expectations? The girl who loved her pack, her family, yet yearned for something more? The girl who, amidst her chaos, still hoped for her own destiny?

I stared into my own eyes, searching for answers, feeling Storm’s wild heartbeat pounding in my chest. The woods had shown me a glimpse of who I could be…free, fierce, unafraid. But now, standing by the stream, I wondered: was I ready to embrace that version of myself? Or was there still more to discover, more to become?

I stared at my snow-white coat, the pristine color shimmering softly in the moonlight. It was a stark contrast to the vivid red streaks that ran through my fur.  I recalled that unforgettable night when I first shifted for Victor.

I remembered the way his eyes widened with awe and admiration as he ran his hands gently along the streaks. His touch was both tender and proud, a silent acknowledgment of how far I’d come, how much I’d grown. That moment felt like a turning point…my own awakening, a declaration that I was more than just a girl from the pack. I was becoming something fierce, something wild and real.

A shiver ran down my spine as I recalled the thrill, the fear, and the pride swirling together. Victor’s praise had lit a fire inside me, igniting a desire to embrace my true nature fully. And now, standing here in the quiet woods, I wondered how much I’d changed since that night.

With a deep breath, I turned away from the stream, the reflection of my fur still vivid in my mind’s eye, and started my journey back home. As I ran through the shadows of the woods, I felt the weight of my past and the promise of my future…each step bringing me closer to answers I hadn't yet found.

I slipped behind a sturdy tree, the branches shielding me from view. With swift, practiced movements, I shifted back into my human form, my paws transforming into hands and my fur melting away. I retrieved the clothes I had folded neatly on the ground. The familiar sensation of fabric against my skin felt comforting after the wild freedom of my run.

Just as I was about to head home, a figure stepped out from the shadows, Jemma. Her bright eyes shining with excitement, and beside her, a tall, confident man. I recognized him instantly: Alec. He had always caught my eye during training on the field, his strength and skill evident even then. Now, standing here, I could see the warrior lineage in his stance and the quiet pride in his gaze.

Jemma smiled warmly and introduced us. We exchanged casual words, the kind that bridge old acquaintances and new friends. I couldn’t help but ask, “Did you used to go to our school before St. Peter’s?”

He nodded with a small grin. “Yeah, I did.”

 I remember you… “You’re the guy who was expelled after fighting that vampire guy in fourth grade.”

Alec’s face lit up with amusement as he laughed. “Yeah, that was quite the day.”

We shared a quick laugh, the kind that feels like a bridge across time, connecting past and present. As the conversation wound down, I waved them goodbye, feeling a sense of warmth and nostalgia. I turned away, heading back home to unwind after a long, much-needed run.

The cool night air brushed against my skin as I made my way through the quiet streets, my mind still buzzing with the memories and the promise of what lay ahead. Tonight had been a reminder—of my wild side, of old friends, and of the journey still unfolding before me.