John's story

Darius led John through the thick vegetation with a graceful ease, making it seem like he and the woods were old friends. With each step, he felt like a part of the forest, understanding its secrets as if they shared an unspoken connection. John watched in awe, amazed at how effortlessly Darius moved through the natural world. It was like he belonged there, dancing with the forest's whispers and rustling leaves. The towering trees seemed to sway in acknowledgment, creating a harmonious symphony of nature that echoed their journey.

As they ventured deeper, the forest unfolded its hidden wonders. Darius occasionally pointed out tracks and signs of various animals that only a keen eye could discern. The air carried the sweet scent of pine, and the ground beneath their feet felt alive with the energy of the woodland creatures. The sun cast playful patterns through the dense canopy, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

John marvelled at the richness of this secret realm, where supernatural beings coexisted with the untamed beauty of the wild. The more he observed, the more he sensed the delicate balance that existed between the mundane and the mystical.

As they quickly walked, Darius couldn't help but steal glances at John. John was different from anyone Darius had ever come across. He carried this unique scent, kind of new but also kind of familiar, like a song you heard before but couldn't remember the name. The scent seemed to wrap around Darius and his bear, creating a strange feeling, almost like a distant memory from his younger days when he believed in stories about fate and destiny. But that was a long time ago, and now, at 24, Darius had lost that hope. Could it be that fate had a strange sense of humour? The idea stayed in his mind as he grappled with this newfound fascination.

John had an intriguing quality about him, something that both fascinated and made Darius cautious. What made this young man so special, and was fate trying to tell him something? The bond they shared, not only through the mysterious connection of the forest but also through an unspoken understanding that surpassed mere words, sparked a curiosity that Darius couldn't easily dismiss.

It was as if the universe had orchestrated their meeting, weaving a tapestry of destiny that unfolded with each step they took together.

Their journey led them to a clearing bathed in sunlight, revealing a concealed cabin nestled among the tall oak and pine trees. Looking closer, it wasn't just one cabin; there were more hidden away amongst the forest vegetation. John couldn't hide his astonishment and blurted out, "What's all this here?" He expressed his fascination without realising it.

Darius, with a warm smile, responded, "Welcome to our haven, John. This is Wildwood Haven”

"I had no idea this world existed," John confessed, his eyes scanning the cabins in awe. "How do you keep it hidden?"

Darius chuckled, "Shifters have been masters of concealment for centuries. But we are hardly hidden, in fact we are a legal settlement…

Darius was abruptly interrupted when an unanticipated guest made a grand entrance—a light brown bear charging toward them, its fur undulating with every commanding stride. The unexpected sight caught John off guard, prompting him to instinctively seek refuge in Darius's protective arms, an involuntary yelp escaping his lips. Meanwhile, John's inner lynx appeared to purr with satisfaction within the confines of his mind, relishing the safety found in the bear's embrace. Despite the reassurance of his inner beast, John couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment at his own jittery reaction in the face of the bear's sudden appearance.

Darius's laughter resonated through the forest, a sound that seemed to blend with the rustling leaves and distant whispers of the wilderness. He gestured gracefully to the bear, silently communicating the shift back into human form. The sight of a colossal animal charging toward them could undoubtedly be unnerving.

The newcomer, engaged in a seamless transformation, shedding the bear's form for that of a human man. His short, earth-toned hair contributed to his rugged charm, and his sharp ebony eyes, though guarded, exuded a subtle wariness. A distinguishing scar marred his left eyebrow, imparting an element of intensity to his countenance. Far from diminishing his appeal, the mark added an intriguing layer, hinting at a history of challenges faced and conquered. Darius, with an air of camaraderie, introduced the man as Prius—an enforcer and the second-in-command within their ranks.

This revelation triggered a cascade of questions in John's mind. Did they operate within a hierarchy? Was there a structured community hidden in this enigmatic world, unbeknownst to ordinary humans like himself? The unfolding mysteries of this concealed society only intensified John's curiosity, leaving him eager to unravel the complexities of the hidden realm he had unwittingly stumbled upon.

Prius's inquisitive stare made John squirm. The enforcer excused himself briefly to put on a pair of shorts, and John scrambled off Darius's arms, realising they had still been holding him. Darius's bear seemed to yearn for the contact, leaving John puzzled about the strange connection between his inner lynx and Darius's bear. The lingering feeling of being in Darius's arms felt strangely right.

Darius, John, and Prius stepped into the cabin, a rustic wooden structure nestled deep within the tranquil woods. The air inside was heavy with the comforting scent of pine, and the creaking floorboards beneath their feet echoed through the room. A few people bustled about, tending to various tasks, but their attention quickly gravitated toward the newcomer.

John's self-consciousness was obvious as he stood there, his slender frame engulfed by an oversized T-shirt. The shirt carried the scent of its owner, and the unfamiliar faces regarded him with curiosity and a hint of hostility. Among them, a fiery-haired woman fixated her glare on him. She was outstandingly beautiful with her pale complexion and what looked like a perfectly shaped face. Her sour look didn't match her beauty, and the hostility she emanated was visible, leaving John wondering why he was met with such animosity.

Sensing John's discomfort, Prius raised his voice to command the attention of the people around them. His authoritative tone resonated through the cabin, compelling those around to redirect their attention to their respective tasks. Faint echoes of subdued responses, like "yes, beta," hovered in the air, offering a glimpse into the intricate hierarchy and dynamics governing Wildwood Haven.

Guided by Darius, John moved down a narrow hallway, his steps purposeful. The door at the end of the corridor proudly displayed the word "Alpha," a subtle proclamation of the authority encapsulated within. Darius, with a gesture, held the door open, inviting John into a room that mirrored an office in its setup. The space was generous, featuring a substantial desk positioned at its core, flanked by two chairs that seemed to symbolise collaboration, and a cosy couch thoughtfully placed along one wall, offering a blend of functionality and comfort.

Darius ushered John to take a seat on the couch, while Prius remained at the door, leaning against it and casting a watchful eye over the proceedings. The room was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the subtle rustling of leaves outside. Darius's strong scent lingered, making the young lynx assume that this was Darius's place and he held the role of the alpha.

As John settled onto the couch, his eyes were cast downward, and his hands nervously wrung together. Darius and Prius wasted no time in questioning him about his past and what had led him to these remote woodlands. The warm, softly lit room seemed to encourage confessions, and John began to share the story of his tumultuous upbringing.

He unfolded the chapters of his life, recounting the story of being discovered as an abandoned baby by two hikers when he was merely a few months old. The subsequent years were marked by a nomadic journey through orphanages and foster homes. Loneliness and unrelenting bullying became his unwelcome companions, his unique characteristics setting him apart from his peers. His vibrant emerald-green eyes, remarkable grace, and uncanny agility made him an outcast among his peers. The facade of never falling ill only heightened the sense of his uniqueness.

As he delved into the narrative of his past, John bared the wounds of torment that had pushed him to the edge. The remorseless bullying and pervasive isolation became unbearable, ultimately pushing him to move away. Faced with the impending milestone of his 18th birthday, he yearned for a fresh start, hoping to leave behind the painful echoes of his past.

Pressed by Darius's inquiries regarding his newfound shifting abilities, especially given that he hadn't experienced a shift before, John found himself in a tight spot. He was aware that different shifters manifested their abilities at varying ages, but the common consensus was that it rarely occurred later than 16. John couldn't help but think sarcastically, *How was he supposed to know?*

Despite the sarcastic thought, John wisely kept the comment to himself. He swiftly began weaving a hasty yet somewhat plausible response. Stammering, he explained that he had ventured into the woods in search of food. Unfortunately, he had tripped and injured his leg, leaving him incapable of moving forward.

In the midst of his predicament, a mysterious voice echoed in his head, urging him to trust it. The next thing he knew, he had lost consciousness, awakening to the sight of a bear looming over him.

Despite revealing a significant portion of his life story, John retained a sense of guardedness, strategically omitting certain details such as the existence of his lynx form and the impending threat of werewolves. The fear of potential consequences persisted, preventing him from placing full trust in Darius and Prius.

Darius's scrutinising gaze lingered on John, searching for any subtle cues of concealed emotions or falsehoods. John's green eyes reflected the fear of reliving the traumatic events that had befallen him. However, when pressed about his shifting experiences, Darius could have sworn he detected a momentary glint of silver in John's eyes. The elusive shimmer vanished as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving Darius to question whether it was a mere figment of his imagination or a trick of the light.

Having laid bare his story, John glanced up to find Darius and Prius exchanging knowing glances. The weight of unspoken truths lingered in the room — John had not been entirely honest, and the mystery of his other animal half remained undisclosed.

Through their mind link, Prius questioned Darius about their new guest. Darius responded, stating, "I am aware he has not been completely honest," and went on to confess an undeniable need to be close to John, driven by a primal instinct compelling him to protect the vulnerable young shifter. While Prius acknowledged his own protective instincts, he voiced concerns about what John might be escaping when he shifted and whether it was safe to have him in the village, considering the presence of children and other vulnerable shifters under their care..

As their mind-link conversation continued, they failed to notice that John had quietly drifted into sleep, his breathing soft and steady, a small crease of worry still etched on his young face.

With John asleep, they found themselves at a crossroads. The unspoken agreement between them was that this new guest had brought both mystery and danger into their lives. Still, the powerful connection they felt toward John was undeniable. Darius rose from his seat, moving quietly to help John recline on the couch. The young man mumbled incoherently in his slumber, and Darius, prompted by his bear's protective instincts, couldn't resist running a hand through John's tousled curls.

Startled by his own actions, he quickly pulled his hand back, covered John with a cozy throw, and signaled to Prius with a nod toward the door. Together, they left the room, closing the door behind them, leaving the enigmatic young shifter to his dreams.

Darius and Prius emerged from the cabin, and their presence didn't go unnoticed by the inquisitive villagers who couldn't resist casting curious glances at the two leaders. Darius, with his hands tucked in his leather jacket pockets, stared ahead, his eyes fixed on an unseen horizon. His distant look hinted at a mind preoccupied with thoughts and concerns. Beside him, Prius stood, his hand momentarily rising to stroke his close-cropped hair, a sign of his nervous energy. The question, unspoken yet evident, hung in the silence, "Where do we put him up, Darius?"

Prius's eyes darted between Darius and the villagers, his anticipation mounting as he awaited Darius's response. The role of the beta was often to question and ensure that the pack's Alpha made well-considered decisions. However, he knew better than to challenge Darius's authority or his decision regarding the newcomer.

"He will stay with me," Darius declared in a tone that brooked no argument. His decision was final, and Prius recognized that it was in the best interest of their pack. He exchanged a knowing glance with Darius, silently acknowledging the decision.