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
"Alpha Reule, aren't you getting hotter and hotter?" Gia said with a smile.Reule chuckled and said, "Of course, Gia! I have to be. How would I get some ladies to play with if I am ugly? No one would fall for me."Gia laughed and said, "You are not only hot and sexy but with a great sense of humor, too."Reule smiled and said, "It's one of the tricks I used a lot so that ladies would feel comfortable with me.""And it's working well for you. I now wondered how many ladies have you fooled?"Reule laughed and said, "Too many to mention. So, what do you have for me, Gia?""Of course, something good! I got to have the White Pack's beta again as a customer two days ago. I thought he would not look for me anymore because he mentioned he wanted slim with great boobs. I ain't slim but with delicious boobs.""Honey, you are not fat! If anyone tells you that you are, then they are blind.""You are damn right! I am a curvy bitch. But this
I finally saw Lila today. I smiled at her, but she was still the same old Lila. She rolled her eyes and walked away.'Look who is back! But I am glad that she did,' I thought.During the run, nothing special or strange has been discovered. I think the two wolves who came before already knew that the Grey Pack were aware of their trespassing. Unless they wanted to be caught, they wouldn't come back. Maybe not right now when Reule had tightened the check to ensure they get caught.I had just finished talking to Adriana when I turned, and Landon smiled at me. Lila slapped him on his shoulder and whispered something to his ear. I looked away, pretending I did not see it. On the other side was Reule looking at me. I think he was must have seen Landon smiling at me but I don't really care. It wasn't like I was flirting.I went to the table where I usually choose. It's only good for four, just enough for me, Adriana, and Nana Lolita. I still don't feel comfortab
After breakfast, Reule talked to Landon privately to discuss last night's nightly watch. And when they were done, Lila came to Reule's house."Lila, why are you here?" Landon asked in surprise."I just need to talk to Alpha Reule," Lila replied."Alright, I will see you at home."Landon left wondering what Lila would be doing this time. While Reule looked at Lila, who was shyly standing in front of him. Since she was silent, he figured he had to start the conversation."So, how are you, Lila? Done with all your drama?" Reule asked.Lila pouted her lips and said, "Alpha Reule, you owe me an apology.""Apology for what? For being right? Then, I don't.""For hurting my feelings.""Hurting your feelings?" Reule chuckled and cont
Casper slowly knocked on the door of Conri's room. It had been days since his last conversation with Henry. Conri has been in a bad mood these past few days, and he could not talk to him. He took a deep breath when he heard Conri say, "Come in!" Casper opened the door, greeted Conri, and asked, "Alpha Conri, could I speak to you?" "What is it, Casper? Have you found Wren?" Conri replied, with an irritated look on his face. Casper was silent for a second before saying, "No, alpha." Conri's eyes glared with anger and asked, "Then, what is it that you want to discuss? You know I only want you to come here when you have good news. But you always come to deliver something I don't want to hear. Now, tell me what it is?" "Umm..I have spoken to Alpha Henry of the Blue Pack. I was about to agree with the deal, but he had changed it." "Don't tell me he wants more money." Casper was silent again, then said, "I'm afraid so. He doub
Morning sunlight spilled across the bed, golden and warm against my bare shoulders. I was tangled in sheets that smelled like him and the kind of heat that clung even when he wasn’t touching me.Reule hadn’t moved much during the night. He lay behind me, arm slung over my waist, breathing deep and steady. For a man who barely slept, he looked peaceful, dangerous, and soft all at once.I turned slowly in his hold, watching his lashes flick once as he stirred.“You’re staring,” he mumbled, a voice rasped with sleep.“You’re smug about it,” I shot back softly.One eye opened. “Only because you’re still here.”I grinned. “Too warm. And your sheets are soft.”“You’re soft.”“Liar,” I muttered, brushing my thumb across his stubbled jaw.He caught my hand and kissed the center of my palm. “No. Just lucky.”It was quiet for a while. It was just us and the warmth between us, the kind that didn’t come from heat, but from knowing someone chose you when they didn’t have to.“I like this,” I sa
There was a knock at the outer gate. It was firm and precise, like whoever stood there wasn’t lost, afraid, or unsure but invited. This made no sense because no one got invited into Gray Pack territory without Reule’s permission or order.Landon was the one who found her and escorted her, actually, through the warded gate. She was not in chains, and she wasn't a threat. But with suspicion at every step.Reule stood on the front steps of the main house as the stranger approached. I watched from behind the window, arms folded, heart thumping without reason.She wasn’t a wolf. That much was obvious. Human? Maybe. But she carried herself like someone who had nothing to fear. She was tall and lean, her dark coat crisp despite the muddy roads, and her hair pinned back like she’d stepped out of a war room, not a car.“I asked you to explain why you’re here,” Reule said evenly.“I’m not here to threaten your pack,” she replied, my voice smooth. “I came to deliver a message. Wren is in danger
The council chamber was colder than any battlefield. It was made up of stone walls, iron thrones, and now with silence that hummed like a warning. I wasn’t supposed to be here. But waiting for news while Reule stood trial for me? That was never going to happen.Landon didn’t stop me. He just gave me a long look, like a man too tired to argue with fate. I slipped through the side gallery, my heart pounding against my ribs. Hidden behind one of the columns, I scanned the room below. Reule stood alone before the five elders, wearing a black robe, sharp-eyed, and judging.“I don’t answer feelings,” Elias, the head counselor, was saying, his voice echoing. “I answer to structure. You’ve broken that.”Reule didn’t even blink. “Structure bends. Or it breaks.”Mara, thin-lipped and cold, clicked her tongue. “It breaks when Alphas let their hormones guide strategy.”He turned his head slightly, slow and calculated. “You have something to say, Councilor?”“You’re compromised,” she said. “E
The smell of roasted herbs and garlic pulled me from my thoughts. I sat on the edge of the couch, legs tucked under me, wrapped in the soft sweater Reule had dropped off two days ago. He hadn't said a word when he handed it to me, just tossed it onto the bed and walked out. I’d only cut the tag off this morning.The fire crackled in the hearth, flickering shadows against the stone walls. I wasn’t cold, just restless. Then, the door eased open.“I made dinner,” Reule said, stepping inside with a tray. “Thought you’d be tired of soup.”“You thought right,” I muttered, watching him cross the room.“Please tell me you didn’t cook just to impress me.”“No,” he said easily, setting the tray down. “I cooked to feed you. Impressing you is just a bonus.”I raised an eyebrow. “What’s the dish?”“Grilled chicken with wild rice and lemon thyme sauce. Roasted carrots on the side.”He smirked. “Try not to faint.”“I’m impressed.”He gave a little mock bow. “My greatest honor.”I smiled despite
The wind snapped at my hair as I stood on the porch, arms wrapped tightly around myself. The night felt wrong, too quiet. The woods beyond Reule’s territory loomed dark and heavy, like something was crouched inside them, waiting. I shivered and rubbed my arms, trying to shake off the feeling gnawing at my gut.Footsteps creaked behind me. I didn’t need to turn. I knew him; the weight of his steps, heavy and certain, as the earth answered only to him."You shouldn't be out here alone," Reule said, his voice low and rough."I'm not alone," I whispered, staring into the trees.I felt him step closer. His warmth reached me before his hands did, brushing against my back, steady and strong against the rising unease curling through me."Even so, don't tempt trouble," he said, his breath fanning my ear.I tilted my head back just enough to catch the smirk tugging at the edge of his mouth."Why?" I murmured. "You planning to punish me?"He snorted, the sound rough and amused. "You’re already
The doors of the Black Pack’s great hall slammed open with a deafening bang, rattling dust from the stone arches above. Acwulf stalked in, his heavy boots striking the marble floor in sharp, angry steps. Every conversation inside died instantly. Warriors, omegas, and even the elder council members turned to stare.Alpha Thorne sat lazily atop his throne at the far end of the room, one leg draped casually over the other, a goblet of wine dangling from his fingers. His dark eyes gleamed with interest as he watched Acwulf storm toward him like a storm about to break. He figured that his beta would come and seek help for the mess he created.Thorne didn’t move. He didn't need to. His mere presence commanded the room."Alpha, could we have a private conversation?" Acwulf said with a voice calm but dangerous.The warriors standing around Thorne bristled, but Thorne lifted a hand, waving them off like flies. "Acwulf, you have been away for so long. I was already thinking my Beta was dead. D
The forest felt heavier the closer they got to the border, like the trees themselves were holding their breath. I stumbled, catching myself against Reule’s side. He didn’t hesitate to loop an arm around my waist and kept me moving without missing a step.“You sure you’re not dead?” Landon muttered ahead of us, tossing a smirk over his shoulder.“Feels like it,” I rasped, trying to match his grin.Reule shot Landon a glare sharp enough to slice stone. “Maybe you’d like to carry her?”Landon snorted. “Nah, you’re doing great, Alpha. Real nurturing. Very inspiring.”“I’ll shove my fist down your throat if you don’t shut up,” Reule growled under his breath.I tried to laugh to break the thick tension. It was a small thing, barely a whisper against the roaring panic in my veins, but it kept me moving. Behind us, Mira limped along, half-carrying Lark, who was still unconscious. Ivar hovered at their side, sharp-eyed, ready to jump if they faltered.It almost felt normal until the wind sh
The forest pressed heavily against Reule’s senses. Damp moss, old stone, the distant crackle of broken twigs under careless feet. He inhaled sharply. Beneath the noise and the scents, he caught a faint Wren's smell. He jerked his chin toward Landon, who crouched a few yards away, weapons ready.“She’s close,” Reule growled.Landon nodded once.“Trail cuts east, near the ruins.”Reule didn’t waste his breath replying. His wolf clawed at his skin, frantic to run ahead, to tear down anything standing between him and Wren. But instinct sharpened his focus because he couldn't afford to make mistakes now. Otherwise, it would cost her life.They moved fast and silently, threading between trees, avoiding the obvious traps — snares, spiked pits, even cruder things like tripwires woven into roots. Acwulf’s men weren’t subtle, but they were desperate, making them dangerous.“Think she’s still running?” Landon asked under his breath.Reule’s jaw tightened.“She never stopped.”In the cold mouth o
The sun broke through the trees as the black SUV roared down the final stretch of road. Yannis barely glanced at the rearview mirror. His focus was forward, on what was waiting back at the Gray Pack's estate. He couldn't help but be excited about his wedding. Beside him, Landon rode with his usual tension, arms folded, eyes sharp."We still have time," Yannis said."The wedding preparations won't start until midday."Landon exhaled."She’s going to throw something at you. Maybe you. Maybe a chair. Maybe both."Yannis smirked."She’ll be fine.""You’re marrying a woman who was in love with another man. You think that ends in 'fine'?""I’m marrying a woman who was betrayed by her own choices. And I know she felt the mate bond, but she was too stubborn and kept denying it. However, I have faith that if I show her that I am a gentleman, she will come around," Yannis said.Landon snorted."You sound like a motivational speaker. You sure this isn’t just your way of proving you can tame her?