Chapter 6 Storm Clouds Gathering
Third POV
The Great Hall of Pine Hollow buzzed with tension as pack members filed in, their faces grim with concern. Alpha Donovan stood at the raised platform, his powerful frame silhouetted against the torchlight, flanked by the Council of Elders.
Though he maintained a stern expression, his fingers fidgeted nervously with the ceremonial medallion at his throat. His voice, when he spoke, carried authority, but those who knew him well could detect the underlying tremor of uncertainty.
Elder Garrison, with his silver-streaked beard, leaned close to whisper something to Elder Throne, whose arthritic fingers clutched her walking stick with unusual force. The two elders exchanged knowing glances, subtly positioning themselves closer to their Alpha, ready to intervene if needed.
Nearby, Beta Rayden, his brow furrowed as he scanned the growing crowd, his wolf's instincts clearly on high alert.
"Our scouts have confirmed movement along the eastern border," Alpha Donovan announced, his voice silencing the murmurs instantly. "Shadow Creek pack has doubled their patrols and assembled fighters. Their intentions are clear."
Rayden stepped forward. "Alpha, my hunting party encountered fresh tracks yesterday—at least twenty wolves had crossed our scent markers before retreating."
"A test of our defenses," Elder Garrison added gravely, stepping slightly forward as Alpha Donovan hesitated. "They're gauging our response."
Alpha Donovan nodded, visibly relieved at Garrison's intervention. "Effective immediately, all border patrols will double. Families with pups should prepare emergency packs. Hunter teams will coordinate with Elder Throne for food reserves."
As he continued outlining defensive strategies, his words seemed to echo those whispered to him moments before by Elder Garrison. Frightened whispers rippled through the gathered pack. War was no longer a distant threat but a shadow at their doorstep, and many wondered silently if their leader was strong enough to face it.
Layla's POV
Three days after the emergency meeting, I still couldn't shake the weight of dread that had settled over our pack.
My father returned home late each night, exhausted from extended border patrols. The lines of worry etched deeper into his face with each passing day made my heart ache. More than once, I'd heard him arguing with my mother in hushed tones about Alpha Donovan's leadership.
"He hesitates when we need decisive action," my father had whispered, unaware I was listening. "If Shadow Creek strikes hard, I fear we won't be ready."
These concerns for my pack, for my family, had temporarily pushed aside my own heartache about Ethan. Some problems seemed trivial when war loomed on the horizon.
"You should have seen his face when he surprised me with the picnic," Maya sighed dreamily, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. We sat on her bedroom floor surrounded by scattered textbooks, though neither of us had studied much.
"Ethan actually cooked everything himself?" I asked, forcing enthusiasm into my voice.
"Every bite! Can you believe it? He said he spent all morning learning his mother's recipe for those little pastries." Her eyes sparkled with joy. "When he looks at me, Lala... it's like I'm the only person in the world."
My chest tightened with that familiar ache. "I'm so happy for you," I said, and meant it, despite the pain. Maya deserved this happiness.
"I never thought I'd find my mate so soon," she continued. "It feels like a dream I don't want to wake up from."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "The Goddess blessed you."
"Hey," Maya grabbed my hand. "Your mate is out there too. I just know it."
If only she knew. I squeezed her hand and smiled. "Tell me more about the date."
As Maya launched into another story, I reinforced my silent promise. I would protect her happiness at all costs, even from the truth that would destroy us both.
That night, sleep eluded me. My mind raced between worry for my father, who had left for an overnight patrol despite his exhaustion, and Selena's cryptic words from our conversation a few days ago when I'd visited Maya's home.
Unable to bear the confines of my bedroom any longer, I slipped out for a midnight run. The forest welcomed me with familiar scents and sounds, offering temporary solace from my chaotic thoughts.
As I approached the Sacred Grove, voices carried on the night breeze. I slowed, recognizing Elder Garrison's gravelly tone and a softer, feminine voice—Selena.
"...can't afford mistakes now," Garrison was saying. "Not with war at our doorstep."
"But what of the boy? Ethan?" Selena's voice trembled slightly. "If they discover—"
"They won't." Garrison's tone left no room for argument. "The Center Pack has extended their search, but they'll find nothing here."
"And the Alpha? Does he know?"
A pause. "Some secrets protect more than they harm, Mrs Reed. Remember that."
I froze, barely breathing. What secret about Ethan could possibly interest Center Pack, the most powerful werewolf territory in the region? Before I could hear more, a twig snapped beneath my paw. Both voices went silent.
I retreated swiftly, questions multiplying with each step. Who was Ethan, really?
The next afternoon, I found Ethan alone in the library, his dark head bent over a book about pack histories. Perfect.
"Hey," I said casually, sliding into the chair across from him. "Studying up on pack politics?"
He smiled, though something in his eyes remained guarded. "Just curious about the past. The old rivalries, you know."
"Where did you grow up again?" I asked, watching his reaction carefully.
"Here in Pine Hollow," he replied easily. "Gray Estate, in the center area." His expression remained neutral, with no sign of discomfort.
That was known to all. I kept my expression casual despite my racing heart.
I fidgeted with the corner of a book, gathering courage. "Ethan... now... can you... feel anything unusual?" My cheeks burned as the words tumbled out.
He raised an eyebrow. "Unusual?"
"You know," I stammered, immediately regretting my question. "Like, connections. To people. That you weren't expecting." I couldn't bring myself to say the word "mate" out loud.
His expression shifted subtly, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. "I felt many things when I started at Pine Hollow High. Why do you ask?"
"Just trying to get to know Maya's boyfriend better," I said with a shrug, trying to sound casual. "She's like a sister to me."
"She's special," he said softly, his demeanor changing instantly at the mention of her name. "I've never met anyone like her."
The sincerity in his voice made my resolve waver. Whatever his secrets, his feelings for Maya seemed real. Did I have the right to interfere based on fragments of an overheard conversation?
"Take care of her," I said finally, standing to leave. "She deserves happiness."
"I know." His expression softened. "So do you, Layla."
I turned and walked away, feeling a prickling sensation between my shoulder blades. Though I didn't look back, I could sense his eyes following me, his gaze thoughtful and calculating.
I had only taken a few steps when a piercing howl cut through the air—the emergency signal. Ethan and I locked eyes for one startled moment before rushing outside.
People ran in all directions as the warning bells began to toll. In the distance, signal fires blazed along the eastern ridge.
"They've broken through the first border patrol," someone shouted.
My father appeared through the crowd, already strapping on his armor. "Get home," he ordered me. "Now!"
