Chapter Four: First Day In His Pack

My voice trembles as the stranger aids in cleaning my nose. He squats beside me, as Cayden is already in his wolf form. The stranger, now with intense red eyes, turns away, seemingly engrossed in a mental conversation or distant contemplation. Soon, twelve large wolves emerge from the pack house ahead, obviously targeting Cayden. My thoughts race back to the moment I connected the logo on the stranger's neck to the one on the pack house. At least, I hope his pack isn't against him.

Cayden's grunts and growls escalate, commanding a pause from the approaching wolves. As I observe his size and power, it seems likely he'll overcome the twelve wolves. The stranger seems to share the same anticipation. Right before me, he subtly twitches his head, and instead of falling off, it transforms into a monstrous head while his body grows hairy and gigantic. It's my first time witnessing a human shift into a wolf. No. The second time. As the stranger stands, his back bends, and his fingers morph into claws.

Cayden, sensing a stealthy movement behind him, turns back, only to be confronted by the relentless stranger and the immediate alliance of the twelve big wolves. Seven more wolves in human form guard the pack gate. Cayden attempts to evade, sliding under the stranger, but a hit to his head leaves him whining and tearing into a wolf's flesh with his tail. As he employs his flat, tough feet, he kicks two wolves away, only to have the stranger grab him from behind, delivering multiple claw strikes until he becomes enervated. Cayden lies inert on the ground while the stranger, perched on his hairy belly, prepares for another punch upon his recovery.

Nine agile wolves stand ready to assist the stranger against Cayden. Notably, both Cayden's and the stranger's eyes glow deep red, while the supporting wolves sport uniform deep blue eyes. Cayden, recovering, shoots a deadly glare at the stranger, who responds by holding his claws and striking his own lips and jaws with his head. The other nine wolves remain in position, seemingly awaiting instructions before taking action. If they don't act soon, I might consider them less than intelligent. I remain concealed beside a tree, refraining from involvement, as wolves communicate through actions, not words, and any interference could lead to severe consequences.

Cayden's chest expands, forcefully kicking the stranger off him, leaving me gasping. Both must be Alphas. The stranger reverts to his human form and rushes into the pack house – the same person who rescued me. The twelve Beta wolves attempt to intimidate Cayden with shrieks, but their confidence wavers. If the Alpha can be kicked away, what chance do they have? The stranger returns with a female, presumably the Luna. Her captivating face catches my eye, and as her eyes turn green, Cayden somersaults, totally ready to face her. She transforms into her wolf form with a swift head movement, cracking the tension in the air.

Cayden, in pain, bends his back to strike, but the female wolf seizes the opportunity, lifted by him only to be intercepted by the stranger, forcing Cayden to shift back to human form. Breaking the rule of not getting naked after shifting, Cayden is bound and taken into the pack house, followed by the twelve blue wolves, presumably Betas.

The stranger rushes to my hiding spot, surprising me as he firmly grasps my wrist, "You can come in now – I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," he apologizes. "And, that's not the Luna."

"She's the leader of the blue wolves," he assures me, assuming I witnessed the fight scene. It's an experience I was denied at my parent's home.

"What would you want me to do?" I inquire cautiously. "I'm just someone you randomly met. I've never been to a pack house."

"That's not true. I was there when you admitted you're a werewolf," he reminds me, triggering memories of Bill's room. "What if I had lied?" I question.

"Just follow me." He insists.

"I-I'm scared... honestly," I confess, and he sighs, furrowing his forehead.

"Why are you scared?" He inquires.

"I don't know you," I respond hesitantly.

"Is that all?" He probes, as if promising to reveal more about himself. I nod affirmatively.

"I am Alpha Spartan, the leader of the pack before you. Glad to meet you, Everest." He introduces himself, flashing a broad smile for the first time. I shake his hands awkwardly, finally agreeing to follow him into the pack. The guards respectfully bow their heads to him, as we both walk majestically into the pack. I marvel at the vastness of the pack.

"So colossal." I comment, and he unexpectedly rubs my lips, signaling he heard my observation.

He guides me to section four of the pack house, and we ascend to reach a room. Wolf trainers, indicated by their attire, approach the Alpha.

"Greetings, Alpha. We rescinded..." One of them begins, but the Alpha interrupts, "I have a visitor." They respectfully depart. I glance at the numbers on the doors as we proceed, eventually reaching the guest room. The Alpha takes out a key, and unlocks the door.

"Go in." He instructs.

"No, you go in first." I retort. He scoffs and walks in with a smirk. I follow with a smile. "What if I decide to go out now after entering?" He teases, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Oh no, don't. I'd move out with you." I respond with a cackle.

"Hilarious. Your moves crack me up. Well, here's your room. Here's where you'll be staying. If you need my attention, you can order any of the wolves around." He explains. My eyes scan the well-furnished room, wondering why he must leave now.

"What if I order a Beta or a Gamma and get a slap on my chin for that? How do I explain that I know the Alpha?" I voice the burning question in my heart. He scoffs and replies, "I'll always check up on you. I'll talk to them and inform them of your room number."

"But my room doesn't have a number." I inform him.

"Look up." He instructs. I follow his gaze and spot the number. I read it aloud, "ROOM 57, GUEST HOUSE, OPPOSITE WOLF TCE&D."

"I will assign some personal wolves to you. Would you prefer that?" He seeks my consent.

"That would make it easier for me. At least, I'd be able to converse with them one-on-one. Will they be with me inside this room?" I inquire, and he shakes his head.

"I'm just a newbie—come on!" I slightly yell at him, and he softly chuckles.

"I know you are. They'll be at the Wolf TCE&D. Once you leave the room, you'll see what I'm talking about. There are plenty of things installed here so you won't be bored."

"I have more things to discuss with you, more adventures to embark on, and missions to accomplish together. I need to complete the next round of my work now. I'll see you in the next thirty minutes." He declares.

As he turns to leave, I catch sight of that mark again, reinforcing my belief in his sincerity despite occasional doubts. As I contemplate the best use of my time before his return, I notice a wolf doll and decide to study it quickly.