Chapter 20: Albaz’s Secrets..

Sofia pov:

I've seen Vanessa and the others around the packgrounds a few times when I went to the pack house to get books from the Luna. . She'd insisted I start learning about being the future Luna, and I didn't want to disrespect her, so I'd go.

Vanessa, Tracy, and Taffy aren't looking their best. Vanessa's still blaming everyone else for her downfall, except herself. She's even had the audacity to comfort me, saying I stole Damian from her. One time, she tried fighting me. It didn't end well for her – Josh put her in her place, making it clear she's the one who caused her own problems.

Vanessa's still in denial, and it's getting annoying. I told her Damian's my mate, the Moon Goddess made him my mate, something I’m not really happy about and she's welcome to have him if she wants. That really got her angry. Luna Elena had to command her to stay away from me, reminding her she's an omega now and should show respect.

Vanessa's not taking it well. She's been fighting with other omegas, still acting like she's above everyone. I heard she's been sneaking into Damian's room, and it's landed her in the dungeon. I don't know why she can't learn her lesson.

My mother's made things worse, coming to the house, harassing me, and accusing me of causing Vanessa's pain. When I pointed out what Vanessa did to me, she told me not to be dramatic. Like, what about my pain? Am I not her daughter too?

I told her if I had my way, I'd reject Damian, but he's made it clear that's not happening. And if Vanessa can win him over before then, she's welcome to it.

Josh caught my mother harassing me, and I think she told Damian, because my mother hasn't bothered me since. I'm grateful for that, at least.

Speaking of my mother, "I decided to confront my wolf, about what has been bothering me. I reached out to her and asked, Albaz, can I ask you something?'

"She replied, 'Yes, Sofia, go ahead.'

"I took a deep breath and asked, 'You've been really secretive about some things, and I haven't pushed you to tell me. You promised to open up about your past life when the time was right, but is there a reason why you didn't bond with our mother's wolf, Zuri? The few times you've spoken to her, I didn't see you trying to bond with her, or she trying to bond with you.

"Albaz paused, her voice uncertain when she finally responded, 'Not exactly... but there wasn't much to bond to, anyway.'

"I pressed on, 'What do you mean by that? Wolves tend to bond with their pups... the moment they're woken up.'

"Albaz’s voice was hesitant, 'There is a reason why I couldn't bond with Zuri... but I'm not sure yet, but I have a feeling...'

"I knew she was keeping something from me. 'What do you mean you're not sure?'

"She cut me off, 'Let it be, Sofia. There are some things better left unsaid for now. But trust me, with time, everything will be clear.'

"She continued, 'We should stay away from our mother, Linda, and our wolf, Zuri. They're not good...

"Her words didn't surprise me, but the underlying tension did. What was she hiding?

I settled back into my chair,almost done with my assignment. I checked the time – 4:30 PM. I have to get to the park gym for training by 5:30 PM.

As if on cue, my phone rang. Josh I picked up, and he said, "Sofia, I want you to report to the pack gym in one hour. Not a minute late."

I sounded sarcastic, "Alright, I've heard you."

He wasn't having it. "No, I'm not talking to you as a friend, Sofia. I'm talking to you as your teacher and master. Respond like a student."

I straightened up, "Yes, sir. I'll be there in an hour."

"Good. Pay attention to your surroundings, Sofia. Dangers can be anywhere."

I rolled my eyes, "Okay, sir. I'll do that."

When the call ended, I wondered why he couldn't just mind-link me instead of calling. And what's with the "dangers are everywhere" thing? The walk to the park gym is less than twenty minutes – what danger could there be? Josh is just being a dramatic teacher. At least, it's not like Mark, who always blasts dramatic music whenever he's training me.

I checked the time – 4:40 PM already. I quickly changed into my training wear and headed out of the house, locking up behind me. As I walked to the pack gym, my senses picked up something off. I asked my wolf if she felt it too, and she said yes, but couldn't pinpoint a scent.

I sneaked a glance around, trying not to be obvious. Suddenly, I felt a presence beside me. I turned, but saw nothing. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of an arrow hurtling towards me. Time slowed down, and I reacted on instinct, dodging left just in time. The arrow whizzed past, embedding itself in a tree trunk.

I spun around, adrenaline pumping, and spotted figures in the trees, taking aim at me. I dodged and weaved, avoiding the arrows flying at me. When I managed to grab one, I saw it was laced with wolfsbane– a nasty trick. I tried mind-linking Josh, but it wasn't working. Panic set in – how was I getting attacked in the middle of the park ground?

I took off running towards the gym, but a black wolf burst from the shadows, tackling me to the ground.