Chapter 17
Silverstone’s pov
I bolted into the dense forest, my massive paws pounding the earth. My new form moved with impossible grace, weaving between ancient trunks.
Every sense was heightened to excruciating clarity. I felt the rough bark of each tree that I brushed against, discerning individual ridges and grooves. The forest floor’s texture registered in exquisite detail through my paw pads – soft loam, sharp pebbles, springy moss.
Scents flooded my consciousness: rich humus, pungent fungi, the musk of distant prey. I could smell the sap flowing within the trees, I could taste the moisture in the air.
My ears twitched, catching the whisper of an owl’s wings, the scurrying of mice, the slow crawl of insects. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, and I perceived each individual beam, the forest painted in shades of silver my human. eyes had never imagined.
As I ran, I felt a deep connection to the wilderness around me. The forest’s ancient heartbeat seemed to synchronize with my own, raw power surging through my veins with each stride.
Suddenly. I noticed another wolf approaching my direction. Its fur was a rich auburn, eyes glinting.
A familiar scent caught my attention–wild, yet tinged with humanity, the scent was distant, yet familiar. I wasn’t sure who it was but it felt like Jared.
I quickly took cover, watching it from a distance. It approached a big Ponderosa Pine tree and shifted back to its human form. Indeed, it was Jared.
“What is this bastard up to?” I muttered softly, staring at him closely.
Shortly, another wolf appeared, letting out
a loud howl, it shifted. It was Derek. Alpha Derek of the Crescent pack.
My eyes widened in disbelief. Why is Jared with Derek inside the wood? Miles away from the packs square? What could they be up to?
I watched them closely, shifting to my human form, I tiptoed to them slowly.
I made sure they didn’t see me. Jared went first,
”
“It was nice doing business with you, Derek.” He shaked Derek’s hands.
“You can bank on me anytime! Derek responded with a rather mischievous smile.
He handed something to Jared but I wasn’t sure what it was. As I tried to figure out their plans, I heard a loud crash from the pack
It didn’t sound good. It sounded like trouble.
Jared left first, then Derek followed before I followed suit.
The how still echoed in my ears as I raced down the hallway, Jared close behind. We burst out into the courtyard, where the park members were already gathered, their faces a mix of confusion and fear.
“Silverstone Luna Maria’s voice cut through the commotion. She strode towards me, her eves blazina with dar
Chapter 17
“We need to talk. Now,”
I glanced at Jared, who nodded grimly. “Go. I’ll handle this,” he said, turning to address the growing crowd.
Reluctantly, I followed Luna Maria to a secluded corner of the courtyard. The weight of her gaze was almost palpable as she
turned to face me.
“How did you allow this to happen under your watch?!,” she yelled, her voice high and intense.
“How did I let what to happen?” I asked, my face masked with confusion.
“How did I let
“See!” She pointed towards a gigantic tree, behind the packs square where the moonlight festival was being held.
My eyes swiftly traveled with her fingers, my brows shot up, eyes wide.
The image I saw scared the hell out of me, I screamed, it was a human head.
The head was a child’s.
“Marcus‘ son?” I gasped.
A mournful whine escaped my throat, building into a soul–shaking howl of grief and rage. The sound echoed across the ruined landscape, carrying with it the weight of loss and the promise of retribution.
This was certainly too much for me to take, I was yet to deal with the fact that I couldn’t save his pregnant wife, and now
this!
Jared had definitely beaten more than he can chew this time. His sole aim for doing this was to make me look powerless before my pack, so that they’d protest that I stepped down for him as I was incapable of protecting my pack?
I’ll beat him at his own game! With rage and fury, I stomped at him.
“Jared!” I trembled, barely containing my fury.
“What do you intend to achieve by trying to ruin my reputation?!”
He looked confused, his lips parted, words failing him,
“What are you talking about, Luna?”
“Don’t you dare give me that look, Why were you with Derek in the woods?!”
Jared was calm, the talking drum from my past was suddenly quiet.
When I mentioned his involvement with Derek in the woods he didn’t look surprised. It was like he knew that I saw him.
“My Luna, I know that you must be feeling powerless seeing that your pack member was murdered under your watch, but…”
“Don’t you
dare try to bypass my question Jared, else.” I paused for a while, looking around, I summoned the guards.
“Guards!” Jared’s eyes widened, he didn’t expect that I would react the way I did.
“You better start talking, Jared! What were you doing with Derek?! You have just two minutes!”
Klein heard my scream and ran to us.
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Chapter 17
Jared didn’t say a word. I guess he wanted to dare me.
Jared stood frozen, maps scattered around him.
“Guards! Arrest this betrayer!!” I snarled, walking away from him.
“Luna, wait–Jared pleaded, gesturing to a document.
I grabbed the documents, ready to tear it apart, but paused. My eyes widened, recognizing the markings of unclaimed territory
This is… the Silvermist Valley land documents.” I breathed.
The ones for that vast unclaimed territory just a few miles north of our borders. The land we’ve been eyeing for years.”
“It now belongs to the Shadow pack, Jared said softly.
“Rich hunting grounds, safe from rival packs. I kept it secret to avoid competition. Alpha Derek helped me secure it.”
My anger crumbled, replaced by shock. I looked at Jared, seeing not just a traitor, but an extremely smart traitor who was determined to ruin me.
“I… I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.” He whispered.
“What else did you think I was doing with Derek?” He let out a soft smile.
I was so embarrassed, Klein was right. Jared was too smart for me, if I must win him I need to be two steps ahead!
