The sun, in its early quest to dispel the night, cast a gentle glow upon the still, serene road, anticipating the imminent presence of both humans and shifters. Mindful of avoiding undue attention, Carla led John along the well-worn path, seeking a secluded spot. Upon reaching a sufficiently hidden clearing, Carla, as if it was a normal thing to do, began peeling off her clothes.Taken aback, John's face flushed crimson, and he instinctively averted his gaze. Amused by John's discomfort, Carla couldn't contain her laughter. "You're unquestionably the quirkiest shifter I've encountered," she teased. Cutting him some slack, with a playful grin, Carla retreated behind a tree, discarding the rest of her attire with an easygoing demeanor. "Turn around... you'll know when, and no more freak-outs, please!" Carla admonished John with a mix of command and amusement. With audible bone-snaps, she underwent a breathtaking transformation. As John turned around, his sight fell on the majestic bear

The car hummed steadily along the winding road, and John's gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery. His thoughts wandered into a realm of unanswered questions, the weight of curiosity evident in his unfocused eyes. As he repeatedly glanced at Carla, the woman sensed his inner turmoil and met his gaze with a questioning look.Interrupting the rhythmic hum of the journey, John finally voiced his uncertainty, "How much longer?" But Carla, perceptive to the unspoken queries lingering in his eyes, proposed an intriguing distraction. "Okay, we have one hour and a bit to go. I'm getting tired, so I need your help. Let's play a game – one question for one question. What do you say?"Caught off guard, John timidly asked, "Just one?" Carla's boisterous laughter filled the car cabin. "Let's start with one; we'll have time for the rest once you've settled in."John, mouth agape, stared at her incredulously. Did she really say "settled"? Carla reassured him with a warm smile, "Hey, I can't let

The air hung heavy in the room as the meeting concluded. Darius, his mind racing with the weight of decisions, dismissed his beta, Prius, and third in command. There were plans to be made, but they had to wait for now.Turning his attention to Michael, Darius's voice softened, "Ensure Annie's well-being. Food, clothing, and a check-up. She'll be officially welcomed into the pack tomorrow, but today, she needs care." Annie head shoots to the Alpha direction, gratitude in her eyes, as she took in all the Alpha said. Michael stood, taking his mate with him and setting her down. With a quick nod to his Alpha he walks towards the office door.With Michael and Annie leaving the office, Prius hesitated, lingering behind. Ready to voice his concerns, he caught Darius's eyes. But before a word left his lips, the alpha raised a hand, a silent plea for a moment's reprieve."Not now, please, Prius," Darius uttered, his tone laced with defeat. The Alpha stood, his back to Prius while looking out

The air in the infirmary grew thick with tension as Darius pushed open the door and stepped into the room. The sterile scent of disinfectants hung in the air as Darius entered, the familiar surroundings doing little to soothe the uneasy knot in his stomach. His eyes immediately sought out Michael, his third-in - command, a silent inquiry etched in the furrow of his brows. The atmosphere intensified as Michael held up a picture, and a sudden exclamation from Prius, who had just walked in, filled the room."What the fuck," Prius exclaimed loudly, his eyes zeroing in on the image in Michael's hands.Darius's hand shot forward, taking hold of the photograph, his fingers tracing the outline of the mysterious figure. His brow furrowed, a storm of conflicting emotions playing across his face. "What's the meaning of this, Alpha?" Sera's voice, tinged with nervousness, cut through the charged atmosphere.Darius tore his gaze from the picture to meet Sera's eyes."This person," he said, snatching

In just over a week, John's life underwent a significant transformation when he crossed paths with Carla and reunited with his childhood friend, Luke, in the vibrant atmosphere of "The Howler"—a place now feeling like the home he had always sought. Thriving in his role as a waiter, the hustle and bustle, combined with the genuine satisfaction of serving customers, made the job more than just a source of income.For the first time, John had a place to call his own. Although old, it wasn't just any accommodation; it was a gift from Carla, a testament to her generosity. Inside the cozy trailer at the back of The Howler, the modest furniture exuded warmth, turning the place into a true home. A well-worn recliner, strategically positioned near a small window, served as John's favorite reading nook. Fairy lights adorned the edges, casting a gentle evening ambiance. The scent of a vanilla-scented candle often wafted through the air, creating comfort after a long day at the bar.Shelves showca