Chapter 6: Hidden in a New Life

The human who saved me that cursed night tended my wounds, gave me shelter, food, and clean clothes. I expected him to try something, but he always kept his distance and was kind. He asked no questions—not even when he removed the heavy chains from my wrists.

“You can stay as long as you need.” He rubbed his neck; his scent shifted slightly, as if with discomfort. “My name is Mateo. Mateo Keller.” I said nothing, huddled in a corner, watching the strange human come and go.

The first night, a pack of wolves prowled the building, but soon left. In the following nights, smaller groups came until they lost interest and stopped appearing.

One full-moon night, Shade grew restless, desperate to run free in the forest again.

“Want to get caught? Do you have any idea what they’d do to us? We stay here for now.” I peeked through the door crack: Mateo laughing with humans drinking strong-smelling liquor. “I think we can trust him… at least somewhat.”

As every night, Mateo arrived after closing the bar with a plate of food and a bottle of water.

“How are you feeling today? Do your wounds still hurt?” I watched him, nervous and on edge. No hostility in his eyes, no danger in his scent. “A friend promised to bring some of her clothes; you’re the same height, maybe you could…”

“Lyra,” I interrupted. “My name is Lyra.” Mateo broke into a huge smile, his face flushing instantly. “Could your friend get something to dye my hair?” He looked confused, eyes running over my long silver strands.

“I can ask her to bring dye. Any color in mind?” I was surprised he agreed without question—it made me trust Mateo even more.

From that day on, I embraced human life. I dyed my hair black and started working at the bar, helping Mateo as a thank you for everything. Shade fell silent, as if sleeping inside me. No matter how I called, she did not answer.

And so two years passed.

Two years of peace.

Two years without another wolf’s scent—until that night.

He was tall, with brown hair, a strong body under a worn leather jacket, faded jeans, and heavy boots. His presence was suffocating; breathing grew hard in the closed space. Instinctively, I stepped back, gripping the counter as my knees buckled when he passed.

His eyes were deep, intense, dark blue—like the night sky. When he looked at me, it felt like he saw into my soul. For the first time since entering the human world, Shade stirred inside me.

I lowered my gaze as his overwhelming power brushed past, heading to a table far from the entrance.

“Lyra?” Mateo’s hand on my shoulder startled me. He raised his hands, staring in shock. “You’re pale. Are you okay?”

I swallowed hard, wiping my forehead and feeling the sweat. I nodded, trying to seem calm. “Yeah. Just the weather is changing. Nothing serious. I’ll take orders from the tables.”

My heart pounded; forest scent wrapped around me every second. Damp earth, dry leaves, sun-warmed grass—scents I knew well and missed every day for two years.

Unable to avoid it longer, I approached the table, where he watched me closely. I tried to act natural, smiling and pretending I didn’t know what he truly was.

“Welcome. What can I get you?” I pulled out my pen, but my shaking hand dropped it near his foot. Casually, he bent and picked it up.

“What do you recommend, star?” His voice was deep, like thunder cracking the sky. I frowned, forgetting the alarms blaring in my head about this man.

He held out the pen; I snatched it roughly, growling low as Shade shrank in my chest.

“I’d appreciate no useless nicknames, sir.” He smiled, dimples flashing, leaning back, and crossing his arms.

“Then what should I call you, wolf?” My eyes widened; I glanced around, terrified someone heard.

“Don’t call me anything—because you won’t be coming back.” He grinned wider, eyes sparkling like stars behind thick clouds.

“Unfortunately, I can’t do that. I plan to stay around a long time, and this is the only decent bar in this decaying town.” He stood, towering even more as he leaned over the table, hand on the worn wood, face inches from mine. “Better get used to my presence, Lyra Cynthion. I have a very special interest in you.”

My body froze; my trembling hand gripped the pen hard as he brushed past toward the exit. The door slam should’ve been relief—but it only brought dread and fear. Shade howled desperately, as if wanting to chase him.

“Problem, Lyra?” Mateo approached, but I rushed past him out the front door.

Cold wind cut my skin; my breath fogged as I scanned for any sign of the man until I spotted him turning the corner. I ran, trying not to draw attention. Turning the corner, I slammed into something hard. Forest scent enveloped me again; the man stood before me, arm around my waist, catching me.

“Surprised. Didn’t think you’d run into my arms so soon.” He laughed. I shoved him, stepping back into a defensive stance.

“What do you want? Spit it out!” I demanded, breathing fast, the weight of his presence crushing me. “Who are you, wolf?”

He smiled, long fangs gleaming. “I am Dean Valerius… your future alpha.”