Ruby's POV
Vincent's insinuations about my possible preference for Gonzalo were starting to wear on my patience. As we continued our conversation, his persistent probing stirred an unexpected frustration within me.
"Vincent, please stop," I finally said, unable to contain my irritation any longer. "I'm trying to keep my feelings and thoughts in check. The more you say it, the more it stirs up unnatural feelings, and I can't afford that right now."
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, realizing the impact of his words. "I'm sorry, Ruby. I didn't mean to upset you."
I nodded, appreciating his apology. "It's okay, Vincent. I know you mean well, but this is already complicated."
Seeing the exhaustion on my face, Vincent offered to leave me alone. "If you need some space, I understand. Just remember that I'm here for you."
I managed a small smile. "Thank you, Vincent. I appreciate your support."
Ruby's POVMy mother's question hung in the air, waiting for a response. It was a question that everyone seemed eager to ask. After a moment of reflection, I decided to give her a partial answer, not revealing my true feelings yet."I think I do," I said with a hint of mystery, hoping to keep the conversation light.My mother's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took my hand. "Which one?" she asked, leaning in, eager for the inside scoop.I smiled, but my reply was playful and evasive. "I can't tell you, Mom. It'll ruin the fun."Deep down, I was weary of the constant questioning about my preference. I had become tired of it. It was a complex matter, and I didn't want to give anyone the satisfaction of knowing my choice just yet. Additionally, I couldn't shake off the suspicion that lingered around my mother, despite my tentative desire to rebuild our relationship.My mother accepted my respon
Ruby's POVSitting alone in my room, the echoes of Elena's words and the overwhelming stress of the competition swirled around me. I was both physically and emotionally drained, and the weight of my responsibilities as a Luna had never been more apparent. My thoughts drifted back to a recent conversation I had with Gonzalo, a conversation that now held even more significance.It was just a few days ago when Gonzalo and I had a private moment to discuss the troubling situation with Teresa and my father, Drako. It was an unsettling conversation that had left us both on edge.Gonzalo's eyes bore the weight of the concern he felt as he spoke. "Ruby, Teresa and her father going missing is a grave concern. It leaves my packs exposed and unsafe. We know Drako's intentions aren't pure, but we can't be certain of how far he's willing to go, and how far Teresa will follow his orders."I nodded, my thoughts equally troubled
Ruby's POVElsa sighed, the weight of her past and the complex web of emotions settling upon her. She looked at me, searching for the right words. "Drako was a master of manipulation from the very beginning. He always loved power, Ruby. It was like an insatiable hunger that consumed him."As she spoke, I could sense the pain and regret in her voice. Elsa continued, her words laced with a hint of sorrow. "When I first met Drako, he was charming, charismatic, and incredibly persuasive. He had a way of making people believe in his vision and follow him blindly."She paused, collecting her thoughts, and I waited patiently, realizing that this conversation was as difficult for her as it was for me. "He claimed to have a noble cause, a desire to bring about change and unity among the packs. He seemed so convincing, and I was drawn to his charisma. It was only later that I began to see the true extent of his ambition."M
Ruby's POVElsa sighed, acknowledging the question. "Maybe I am, but I'm not going to mince words, Ruby. I genuinely think Gonzalo is the right one for you. I've seen him grow from a young, determined alpha into a man who shoulders the weight of his responsibilities with grace and strength."As Elsa spoke, she painted a vivid picture of Gonzalo's childhood and the challenges he faced. "He grew up without his mother, facing the prejudices against his lineage. Despite that, he developed into a compassionate and formidable alpha. Even before I returned to your father's pack, Gonzalo displayed leadership qualities that set him apart."I listened intently, absorbing the details of Gonzalo's past. However, there was something gnawing at me, a truth I needed to share. "Mother, are you aware that Gonzalo was manipulated into thinking that Teresa was his true mate? Drako, together with his father, deceived him into believing that
Gonzalo's POVThe moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the dense woods. The scent of pine filled the air as I navigated through the shadows, sprinting silently through the underbrush. I could feel the weight of the task ahead pressing on my shoulders, the first assignment given to us by the mysterious forces that governed our existence.The task was simple yet challenging: retrieve a relic hidden deep within the heart of the woods. It was a test of our abilities, a measure of our determination to prove our worth. The forest, with its twisting paths and concealed secrets, became our battleground.As I raced through the woods, my senses heightened, and my instincts guided my every move. The first obstacle in my path was a thicket of thorns, their sharp edges glinting in the moonlight. Without hesitation, I leaped, twisting mid-air to avoid the prickly trap.My gaze focused ahead as I encountered the next
Gonzalo's POVDarkness enveloped me as I opened my eyes, a disoriented haze clouding my senses. The moon's glow had disappeared, leaving me in pitch-black surroundings. Confusion gripped me as I struggled to piece together what had transpired.Slowly getting up, I realized I had been bleeding, the metallic taste of blood lingering in my mouth. Hours had passed while I lay unconscious, and the forest held its secrets tight. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had deliberately struck me.Focusing my mind, I replayed the events in slow motion, and it became clear—an impact, a sudden force. Someone had hit me, but the memory remained elusive, a shadow in the recesses of my mind. Determined, I cleaned myself up as best as I could, my senses on high alert.The destination, the relic, still beckoned. I pressed forward, the forest's mysteries unfolding with each step. When I finally reached
Gonzalo's POVThe night air carried a blend of anticipation and tension as I retreated with Lucas from the celebratory scene. Ralph's taunts lingered like an unsettling melody, echoing in the quiet spaces between trees. The moon hung overhead, casting its glow on the competition grounds, a silent witness to the unfolding drama.As we reached our camp, the pack members gathered, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern. Ruby approached me, her genuine worry evident in her eyes. She voiced the question that lingered in the air."Gonzalo, what happened out there?" Ruby's voice held a note of concern, her hands reaching out to touch mine.I reassured her with a tight smile, appreciating her support. "Just a setback, Ruby. I'll bounce back. This competition is far from over."Her nod conveyed faith in our abilities. "I know you can handle whatever comes our way."Ruby's closeness was both a comfort and a rem
Gonzalo's POVThe morning sun began to cast its golden glow over the competition grounds as the pack gathered for the next round. I could still feel the weight of the previous night's challenges, the unspoken tension that lingered in the air. Alpha Ralph's smirk across the clearing raised my suspicions, but the competition demanded focus.As the pack assembled, one of the senior members stepped forward, a weathered figure with a commanding presence. His voice echoed through the clearing, setting the tone for the upcoming challenge."Pack members, welcome to the second round of our competition. Today, you won't be retrieving any artifacts. Instead, you'll face a task that will test not only your strength but also your wit and determination."The senior pack member outlined the details of the task, a challenge that would unfold over the next two days. I listened intently, absorbing the information about the complexities tha