Ruby's POV  Elena and I walked away from the cabin, leaving the confrontation and hurtful words behind. I couldn't help but feel responsible for the hostile encounter, even though Elena assured me it wasn't my fault."I should've been more cautious, more careful," I mumbled, wiping my tears away.Elena placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It's not your fault, Ruby. Those people are just a bunch of assholes. You don't need to let their words affect you."I knew she was right, but the sting of their rejection still lingered. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the negativity. "You're right. I won't let them get to me."Just then, my phone rang, and I saw Alpha Ralph's name on the screen. Elena noticed my hesitation and took the phone from me, understanding my desire to hide my emotions."Alpha Ralph?" Elena answered. "Where is Ruby? Why are you answering her phone? Is she okay?"

 Gonzalo's POV    The urgent call from Jason set my heart racing. "Tell me what's wrong," I demanded as I stepped out of the room, leaving Teresa behind.Jason's voice on the other end sounded grave. "Gonzalo, it's your father. He's been hospitalized. It's serious."The news hit me like a bolt of lightning, electrifying my senses. My father, the Alpha, a figure of authority and power, was now vulnerable and in need of help. A complex swirl of emotions, tangled between duty and the past, coursed through me."I'm on my way," I replied, my voice firm with determination. My father had never been the easiest man to get along with, but he was still my father, and the bond of family ran deep within me.As I hung up, a gnawing frustration boiled within. I rushed to my truck, hoping to reach the hospital as quickly as possible. However, my truck seemed to have other plans. It refused to start

  Gonzalo's POV   The rain began to fall, a heavy downpour that matched the storm raging within me. As the drops pelted against my fur, they mingled with the tears that had welled in my eyes. The world around me blurred through the haze of sorrow and regret.Reaching the familiar haven of my cabin, I stood in the pouring rain, a silent prayer to wash away the pain that clenched my heart. My chest felt tight with the weight of unspoken words and the reality that I could never mend what was now forever broken.At that moment, Teresa came out from the cabin. She was dressed in a comforting sweater, her eyes reflecting the same pain I felt within. Her silent presence by my side was a balm to my aching soul, a reminder that I wasn't alone in this darkness.Without a word, Teresa stepped into the rain, joining me as we stood together under the relentless downpour. Her kiss was warm and tender, a

 Gonzalo's POV  The cheers of the pack echoed through the clearing, a symphony of approval and support. They had embraced me as their new Alpha, their future. My heart swelled with gratitude for their faith in me, but also with the weight of the decisions that lay ahead.As the elder approached me, his words carried a reminder of the task at hand. "It's time to choose your beta, Gonzalo," he whispered, assuming it would be Drako. But I was quiet, my mind weighed down by the complexity of the situation.I knew Drako was still strong and experienced, a capable beta in many aspects. But he had also betrayed the pack, aligned himself with those who sought to harm us. The scars of that betrayal ran deep, leaving me torn between duty and trust.I took a step forward, clearing my throat to gain the attention of the gathering. The cheers subsided, and a hush fell over the clearing, all eyes on me. This was a moment of impor

 Ruby's POV   It was a dream that sent shivers down my spine, leaving me both shocked and uncertain of how to react. In this surreal dreamscape, I had stumbled upon Alpha Ralph and Elena, and the sight had been unexpected, to say the least.In the dream, I stood frozen, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene before me. Alpha Ralph and Elena were locked in an intimate embrace, their connection undeniable. It was as if I had invaded a sacred space, an intrusion into their private moment."Elena, we have to be careful," Alpha Ralph had said, his voice low and urgent. "Ruby is Luna now. We can't afford any slip-ups."Elena had only shrugged, her expression unapologetic. "She's an understanding woman. She knows we have a bond that runs deeper than just pack members. And besides, we've kept it a secret as well."The dream conversation continued, revealing an unspoken understanding between Alpha Ral