In my head, what the hell? What is there for me to lose? Let me give this guy a chance to trust him because of what he did. I sighed before answering him.
"Sorry. My name is Wren Blevine. And you are?""Pleased to meet you, Wren. My name is Reule Conrad."I coughed when he mentioned his name. Reule Conrad is the Alpha of the Gray Pack. Almost everyone in the state fears Alpha Reule. He is said to be the strongest, heartless, and wise among all the leaders. He is also famous for being a womanizer and lustful among the Alphas."What happened?""Sorry. I just couldn't believe that I was sitting face to face with the fearless Alpha Reule.""Oh! So, you are aware of the reputation that I have made for me.""Is it true?""Which one?""Everything.""I have trained to fight and survive on my own since I was young. If I wanted to live long, then I had to be strong and heartless at times. But it doesn't come without reason. And because of that, I gained the respect of most of the werewolves who knows me.""What about the other rumors about you?""Which one?""Being..a womanizer."He smirked. "Well, I love to give the women who come to me what they want. I am generous, I could say.""I don't get it. How can women come to you? For what?"He smiled again. "It's up to you to discover.""Oh! I think I will pass on that.""You will be surprised at how much they love and want me.""I will let other women do that for you."He laughed and said, "So, Wren, why were you running? And who is Casper?""I was running from my pack. I belonged to the White Pack until five days ago when the new Alpha ordered killing my family and me if I disagreed with him. Casper got instructed to find me and bring me to Conri, the new Alpha. He just got crowned five days ago.""I have heard Conri took over after his father died. But why are you running from him? Did you do something?""Nothing except being different.""What do you mean different?""There has never been a wolf on my pack that cannot experience the fullness of being a werewolf. I am the only one. Since I have come to the right age, I only shifted to a full-blown wolf just once. It was on the first try. After that, I couldn't do it anymore. I don't feel the cycle of heat as well. So, they think I am the one bringing bad luck into the pack.""Hmm. I have heard rumors about you. I did not believe it at first, but now that you told me, I think some of the rumors were true.""My father was the best friend of Convell, Conri's father. So, despite the request of the pack members to kill me, Convell would not allow it. He believes that I deserve to live for as long as I don't do anything that endangers the entire pack. But Conri follows the suggestion of most of the pack members. He will only spare my family and me if I become his mistress. He wanted me for his personal use, and it angered my father. We tried to run, but since only four of us were there, my parents got killed trying to save my brother and me. My brother and I got separated. I don't know how, where or if he is still alive."I stopped eating. I felt like I wanted to cry. I missed my family, and now I will never see them."Conri was a coward. He should not follow what the pack members have to say right away. There should be a valid reason. The pack should follow him, not the other way around."I was surprised by what he said. I thought he would also agree that I am nothing but bad luck to the pack."He fears that the pack will revolt against him as he is not as strong as his father," I courageously said since I feel like I found a man who understands me."I also believe so. But strong leadership starts by making firm and wise decisions. It is not only based on how good you are in fighting.""I am glad that I am not the only one who thinks that way." I smiled after I said that because I meant it."You are beautiful when you smile. It would be best if you smiled more often," Reule said.It made me blush, and I got embarrassed. It had never happened to me. I have hated men on my previous pack because of the way they treat me. But Reule is changing something inside me."What will you do now? For sure, Conri won't stop looking for me.""Let him look for you. Let's see if he can take you away from me.""What do you mean? Will you be protecting me for all your life?""If you would allow me to do that, I will.""But why would you do such a trouble?""I am a straightforward and honest man. So, I think I like you. I wanted you to be my mate so I won't be alone. But I will not force you if you don't like it. I will only ask for you to repay me for saving you and protecting you."My eyes widened. I started to feel uneasy. I feel like the man in front of me will change and begin to show his true colors."How can I repay you?" I mumbled.Reule's smile looks like he was a demon about to collect his payment. At that moment, I began to question which was worse, him or Conri."I cannot help it. I am a man with needs like Conri. So, I would like to have a night with you, just to taste you."I wanted to scream and run. What have I gone into? I escaped from Conri, but I am with another man who is worse than him. Why is it that every man just wants to take me to bed?He looked at me, and he realized that I did not like what he asked of me."If you don't like either of my options. I will hand you over to Conri myself. I will not put myself and my pack at risk for someone my pack or I will not benefit from. You have two days to decide," he said coldly. Then he stood and left me.I sunk on the chair. I couldn't eat anymore as my appetite disappeared. "Killian, where are you? Find me, please!" I whispered with the hope that my brother could hear it. I felt helpless, so I cried without care whether someone would listen to or see me. After a few minutes, I made a decision. I will not take the offer Reule had given. Instead, I would choose to surrender to Conri. I wanted to see if my brother was still alive and waiting for me there. And hope that I could convince Conri of just banishing us both instead of killing us.I stood and pushed the chair. I rushed back upstairs, wanting to find Reule. I went to the room where I slept but did not find him.I walked to the hall and heard the voices of two people talking. I went to the third room from the room where I came from. The door was left slightly ajar, so I peep into the small opening.There I saw Reule talking to a lady. I could not see her face as it was her back facing the door. But sh
After 30 minutes, I stopped hearing their voices. They must have fallen asleep, or they left. I don't care.My body felt itchy, and I smelled terrible. It has been six days straight that I have not taken a shower. I went to the toilet, and I got tempted to take a bath. But what will I wear? All I have is this cardigan and jeans that are slightly torn and have holes in them.I saw a white bathrobe inside. I touched the fabric, and it's so soft. I thought I would sleep on it. But then I thought of Reule. What if he comes inside while I am sleeping? No. I can't sleep with just a bathrobe on.I went out of the toilet and just noticed that change of bedsheets. Even the comforter is not the same color as what I saw after I left to eat earlier. I have not seen a maid, but probably Reule has.I scanned the room, and it's enormous, well designed, and comfy. I was not able to do it earlier when I woke up. And only see the beauty of the room just now.I was about to si
I woke up because I could feel the rays of the sun on my face. I did not open the window last night, so how come? I tried to open my eyes, and when it did, I was startled. I saw a shirtless man standing beside the window, looking at me.I almost jumped in fear. Reule was standing there, and his stormy gray eyes felt like he was undressing me on his head."Oh, sorry! I did not mean to wake you this way. I don't want the food to be cold, and it's already ten in the morning," Reule reasoned."You did not learn how to knock?" I said, annoyed at what he did."I did. I tried knocking thrice and left when you did not open. But on the fourth time, I decided to open the door. You sleep like a dead person.""Sorry! I must have not fully recovered from exhaustion.""I thought of that, too. How is your head?""It doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you!""Good! I will just grab a shirt, but please come down to eat.""Okay, I will."Reule walked out of t
By around 04:45 PM, Nana Lolita started preparing for the barbecue and bonfire later. I saw her cutting and marinating almost all kinds of meat – pork, beef, and chicken. I helped her do it, and it was fun. It makes me miss my mom."Why the sad face, senorita?" Nana Lolita said.I forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, Nana Lolita. What should we do after?" I replied."A face like that doesn't mean nothing. Are you missing your family?"I paused and said, "Yes, I do. But I don't think I will see my family again.""Why?""My mom and dad are both dead. My brother, I don't know if he is alive. He asked me to run to save myself while he tried to fight ten members of my pack. I don't think he will survive, though I am still hoping.""Oh! You poor soul! Those who tried to harm you are a disgrace of our kind. They should be ashamed of themselves. I wanted to hug you, but my hands are dirty.""That's okay, Nana Lolita. I feel better now."
Nana Lolita took the initiative to introduce me to almost every lady of the pack. But except Lila, who did not like to be bothered while she was in a corner using her phone."What do you usually do during the evening run?" I asked."Well, Alpha Reule leads the run, and he split the group into two. He gives direction where each group goes, and we have to thoroughly check the entire forest and the area near where we lived for threats or anything unusual. Then we go back here and discuss what we have found. We have to tell the alpha anything, even something stupid, as long as it makes us doubt. For Reule, this is how we can protect each other from any threat and prepare for any enemy," Adriana explained."Has it happened that indeed you found something unusual?""Yes. It was during this time that humans had heard rumors about us. We have found some hunters in the forest, possibly thinking of catching one of us.""Were they successful?""No. Alpha Reule sto
One by one, the boys have put back their shirts. Reule started the bonfire and told everyone to gather around it to discuss what they had found."So, boys, what have we found today? Anything out of the ordinary?" Reule asked."So far, Reule on my group, we have not found anything," a cute curly guy answered."Excellent! Thank you, Jax! From the group that I lead, we also haven't found anything out of the ordinary. But this doesn't mean that everyone must be complacent, especially with the safety of the pack. We must always be alert and prepared. Can I take everyone's word that you will all do that?""Yes, Alpha Reule!""Good! I am proud of you always for sticking together and keeping the safety of the entire pack as a priority. Now, let's go, eat and have fun."Everyone cheered with joy, and suddenly music played from somewhere. It now appears that they are having a party. And it makes me feel like this is what the pack is waiting for tonight, to eat an
One of the men suddenly came in front of Adriana and me. He was shirtless and good-looking. "Madam, Wren, may I have this dance with you?" he asked with a smile. And the song Careless Whisper suddenly played. It made me feel awkward. I wanted to decline him without offending him."Gideon, you are married. I saw your wife just went to the toilet. Why won't you wait for her to come back and dance Careless Whisper with her? I think it will be appropriate. Leave senorita, Wren, alone," Adriana said."Oh! Adriana, why did you tell her that I am married? Now, I lost my chance with her," Gideon said but laughed."My friend, stop fooling around. Don't make Katana upset and bite you later. You know how aggressive she can be when jealous.""Yeah! I better watch out. See you, then."Adriana was shaking and laughing when Gideon left. "That guy still acts like he is a bachelor. It drives Katana crazy.""I could understand that for a wife. I was about to tell h
"Oh, wow!" Gia cried and whistled after Reule removed his clothes. He is now only wearing his underwear."Do you like what you see?" Reule said."Oh my god! Alpha Reule I have slept with ten werewolves, but you have the best body among all of them. No wonder that so many she-wolves are going crazy at you.""Well, I have to. How will I attract women if I have an ugly body?""Good point! Now, let's stop talking, and let me enjoy.""Come and get it."I was so annoyed. "What is this? I am like hearing porn every day. It's okay if I am enjoying it, but I am not. I am just feeling disgusted, and I cannot even complain," I said silently.I guess you would know by now, and I can hear the squeaking of the bed, the moaning, and the whimpering again. I covered my head with a pillow, trying not to listen to these two lustful creatures enjoying sex.After what seemed to be forever, I finally heard them climaxing. I tried to sleep, but they were talking, an
The wind clawed at my coat as I cleared the ridge beyond the gorge, my boots biting into frost-hardened soil. Moonrise was a lifetime away, yet the weight of it was already pressed on my shoulders. Every breath was a visible wisp in the cold morning air, and every sound of the branches snapping and snow shifting felt sharper, more pointed. I was alone, and for the first time since Acwulf’s prison, I welcomed it. They didn’t think I’d make it back. I’d give them a reason to regret sending me out here with nothing but my instincts and the fire in my chest.The scent trail was faint but real, feral, and young. Three distinct signatures. They were close once. The river’s edge was thick with ice and slush, and I had to navigate carefully, knowing one wrong step could plunge me beneath.A child’s whimper cracked the silence. I froze. It was ahead, somewhere beyond the tree line. Low to the ground, muffled, but real. My heart thudded as I crouched, brushing aside a bush dusted in snow, there
The knock was soft but firm. It was not one of the warriors or the housekeepers, either. But I already knew.I sat up from the window ledge, pulling the shawl tighter around my shoulders. I didn’t ask him to come in, but he did anyway.The room shifted as soon as Reule stepped through the door. He didn’t say anything at first. He just stared at me like he needed to memorize something in case it vanished.I stood. “Well?”“They voted to keep me as Alpha,” he said, voice even.I swallowed. “And me?”He shut the door behind him, the click louder than it should’ve been. “You’ve been given a chance to prove yourself to them and the council as future Luna.”I blinked. “That’s what you’re calling it now? A chance?”“They could’ve chosen exile.”“Or death,” I murmured, crossing my arms.His jaw ticked. “Don’t joke.”“Who’s joking?” I bit back. “This is a trial, Reule. I’m not stupid. They’re looking for a reason to say I don’t belong and that you made a mistake.”“You think I regret choo
Reule stood before the council, the weight of the entire Gray Pack pressing down on his shoulders. The room was filled with murmurs, harsh whispers, and doubtful glances. Even the wolves he once called allies couldn’t meet his eyes. The once unshakable confidence in his leadership was now splintered, fractured by one name: Wren. Despite them knowing she was his mate, they still couldn't tell that Reule was making the best decision.“Let’s begin,” Elias said, his voice firm. He was the oldest on the council; Reule’s father, second-in-command once, is now standing neutral as the moderator. “This meeting is to discuss Alpha Reule’s standing as leader of the Gray Pack and whether the female he chose as mate, Wren, should be accepted or rejected.”"She's not even one of us!" a female voice cried out. It was Marla, one of the elders, her voice trembling with emotion. “An outsider, a mystery, and now a threat. How do we know she hasn’t brought all this chaos upon us?""Chaos?" Reule's voic
The scent of incense and ancient oak filled the High Council chamber, but couldn’t mask the tension crackling in the air. The elders had gathered—twelve alphas who’d long since passed their reigns but still held power in words and wisdom.I stood at the center of the stone floor, the only sound the low whisper of robes and the distant howl of wind beyond the stained-glass. Conri was dragged forward in chains, his wrists raw where the silver bit deep, though he carried himself with mockery and zero remorse.“State your full name and bloodline,” Elder Ronan commanded, his voice echoing through the hall.“Conri of the White Pack, though I’ve been disowned, so what does it matter?” he said with a cocky smile.“You will speak with respect in the Council chamber,” Maela, the eldest and sharpest of them all, snapped. “You stand accused of crimes that breach not just laws but sacred oaths.”“I didn’t rape her,” Conri said, rolling his eyes. “Let’s get that out of the way, shall we?”“You so
The wind carried the scent of pine and char. It reminded me of when I first stumbled into Gray Pack territory, broken and hunted. Back then, I didn’t know who I was or where I belonged. Now I am beside the Alpha of this land, claws ready and fire in my chest.Reule hadn’t said much since we left the estate at dawn. The silence between us wasn’t uncomfortable, just tense and focused.Silverpine Caverns lay ahead, half a day’s ride south. That’s where Glen said Conri would be if the human told the truth."Still sure about this?" Reule asked, eyes fixed on the trail ahead."Do you want me to say I’m afraid?""No," he said, glancing at me. "I want you to be ready.""I’ve been ready since the day I was hunted."We didn’t speak after that. The trail narrowed, flanked by jagged cliffs and crooked trees. Behind us were Adriana, Jax, Landon, and three of Reule’s most trusted warriors. No one joked, no one relaxed. We weren’t patrolling. We were hunting.We reached the edge of the caverns by m
The scent of ash and deceit clung to the wind. Reule stood in the command yard, his arms folded across his chest as he scanned the horizon. Dawn hadn't broken yet, but Reule could sense the fight that would end with blood."He’s gone," Adriana said as she stepped beside him, her voice low and clipped. "No one saw him leave. Glen’s scent ends near the south ridge. Same place we tracked rogue movement last week."Reule’s jaw tightened. Glen, the human who had lingered far too long on their lands under the pretense of neutrality. Wren had warned him, but he thought, what could a plain human do now that he had her? He should have ended his life along with Acwulf, but he’d allowed Glen to live and now ally with a werewolf as vicious as Conri."He didn’t go far," Reule said finally. "Most likely he is with Conri planning their next move."Adriana shifted. "You think Conri sent him here?""Probably," Reule replied. "But Glen came on his own. He saw an opportunity. And now he’s trying to
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