The journey back to the hut in the pickup truck was silent, and the interior of the vehicle was filled with the uncomfortable silence that lingered between Hunter and me. I was lost in my own thoughts, reliving the kiss we had shared on the dance floor and wondering what it meant. What was Hunter thinking?In the truck bed, Caleb and the other werewolves laughed and chatted animatedly with the girl they had brought along. I glanced at them briefly, but my mind was elsewhere.After a few minutes, Hunter parked the truck, and everyone disembarked. Caleb carried the girl in his arms as if she were a trophy, taking her inside the hut, followed by the other guys. They seemed to be having a great time, and I knew their night was just beginning. The sounds of their laughter and conversation faded as the door closed, leaving me alone with Hunter outside.He turned to me, his expression serious. “Fierce, I wanted to apologize for tonight. It wasn't exactly what I had planned.”I smiled, trying

I felt a lump in my throat, and my hands tightened around the beer. This was the part of my life that I had kept secret, a part I had been hiding from Hunter and the pack. The real reason I had left.I looked deeply into Hunter's honey-colored eyes, seeing curiosity but also a hint of pain and resentment. I knew I had to be honest with him, but what I would say could change everything between us.

 Every fiber of my being screamed to obey, to reveal myself and confront the leader, but caution held me back. I slid silently out of hiding, allowing the light to reveal my presence. I faced Alastair, saying not a word, merely watching him with eyes that held a mixture of determination and fear.

The next day dawned, and I was eager to resume our morning routine. As werewolves, Hunter and I used to meet near the river every morning. It was our special time when we shared secrets and stories, and I was determined to discuss what had happened the previous night.  

After the shared moment by the stream, Hunter and I emerged from the water, our bodies still resonating with the intensity of that exchanged moment of love under the full moon. The surrounding forest seemed more alive, as if it had witnessed something extraordinary.