None of your business

RAFAEL'S POV

After ensuring Winter was well settled, I returned to the woods, my senses on high alert. I made certain no one was following me, not wanting to endanger anyone else. It was better for me to be in harm's way than someone else. I halted as my ears caught rustling nearby, and my nose twitched at the strange scent in the air.

When I had been with Winter, I sensed something amiss, though I didn't detect the scent. Yet, alone now, it permeated the air, overwhelming my senses. Moving closer, I dashed silently to a large tree upon hearing voices approaching. I stood there, holding my breath and trying to mask my own scent.

I dreaded being caught lurking, especially if they were a werewolf group. Facing them alone would be a daunting task. Judging by the voices, they numbered around ten or perhaps fewer. Attentively listening to their footsteps, I sighed in relief as they began to retreat.

Peering cautiously, I saw them. My eyes widened at the sight before me. Instead of the prev