[Rachel's POV] I woke up in a cold sweat, my heart pounding in my chest. The vivid images from my dream lingered in my mind, replaying like a haunting movie. A lycan and a wolf locked in a fierce battle, a woman and a little girl running for their lives. The terror of the chase, the slashing claws, and the echoing screams filled my ears. It was a recurring nightmare that had haunted me since childhood. Whispering to myself, "It's just a dream," I tried to calm my racing thoughts. But as I glanced towards the door, a shadow approached, causing my heart to skip a beat. The door swung open, and relief flooded over me as I recognized my mother stepping into the room. "Are you okay, honey?" she asked, concern etched on her face. Tears welled up in my eyes as I replied, "The dream, Mom... I think they're back." She pulled me quickly into a tight embrace, offering comfort and reassurance. "It's okay, honey. It's okay," she whispered softly, her voice soothing. I cried softly, letting out
[Rachel's POV]Gabriel and I had been calling and texting each other throughout the day. He had asked if I could hang out with him later in the evening, and I accepted wholeheartedly. It felt like we were already dating, even though he hadn't officially proposed yet. The past two days had been filled with excitement and anticipation.As the hours passed at work, I lost track of time. It wasn't until I glanced at the clock and saw that it was already 4 PM that I realized how late it had gotten. I hurriedly finished my tasks and headed home, eager to spend some time with my family before meeting Gabriel.In the back of my mind, I hoped that the full moon wouldn't make an appearance that evening. Thankfully, it seemed like my prayers had been answered as the moon was nowhere to be seen in the sky.I arrived at the location where Gabriel had invited me, and finding him was no difficult task. His presence always seemed to light up the surroundings. He took me to the virtual reality game ce
It was always easy to find a cab in Shadowbrook, a city known for its dense woods and mysterious charm. The driver expertly navigated the streets, taking me to Marcus's house quickly. As the car smoothly moved along, my hands kept shaking, burdened by the uncertainty of my choices. Each buzz from my phone, signaling a notification, sent a surge of excitement through me. I quickly checked, hoping it wasn't a message from Jake, wanting to stay focused.Right before I arrived at Marcus's place, Rachel's name appeared on my screen, stirring a mix of thrill and anxiety. "Hey, sweetie," I greeted her, feeling a bit strange yet oddly comforted by the endearment. Her laughter filled the air, a delightful sound that eased my fast-beating heart. Starting a new relationship always carried a sense of newness, a fresh start. Intrigued, I asked how she was doing, only to find out she had just woken up. "It's almost ten, and you're just getting up?" I playfully teased, sparking shared laughter betwe
[Rachel's POV]For the first time in months, I found myself on the training grounds, sprinting across the field and effortlessly leaping over the stakes. A sense of liberation washed over me. These training sessions were a regular thing for the pack, but I never bothered to attend. I had no interest in developing the muscular physique that some of the other females proudly displayed. Instead, I relished in my perfect curves and my human-like appearance, which made me stand out.Lately, I had been spending more time with Gabriel, often staying out late into the night. My father, the pack leader, had noticed my absence and asked me to prioritize pack matters over my growing affinity for human activities. I knew I had to be cautious and avoid attracting attention. Despite my longing to be with Gabriel, I found ways to keep him from visiting the pack's mansion or accompanying me home whenever we met. It was a delicate balance that I did my best to maintain.Still, I couldn't understand wh
[Rachel's POV]Sarah and i sat in a cozy corner of a restaurant, enjoying a late lunch after our visit to Sole Haven Massage Retreat. The soothing ambiance and the aroma of delicious food filled the air, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Sarah, always enthusiastic about werewolf folklore, couldn't resist bringing up the topic of the so-called Lycan's underworld once again."Rachel, I'm telling you, there's a whole hidden world out there, beyond what we see," Sarah exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Werewolves have their own secret society, their own rules. It's like a whole different dimension."I chuckled, indulging Sarah in her fantasy. "Come on, Sarah, you know I don't buy into all that underworld stuff. We're living among humans now, trying to lead normal lives. No secret societies or dimensions."Sarah's face fell slightly, disappointed by my lack of belief. "But Rachel, it's all part of our heritage. Our parents have stories, legends passed down through generations. We
[Gabriel's POV]I stepped out of the cab, paying the driver quickly, my senses on high alert. The atmosphere was tense, filled with the sound of people screaming and fleeing from the restaurant. My eyes scanned the building, the shattered glass windows providing a glimpse of the lycan within. Anger coursed through me, fueled by the primal instinct to protect.I fought to control my transformation, to keep it at bay as I moved swiftly, avoiding the panicked crowd. Every second counted, and I couldn't afford to waste any more time. Pushing through the chaos, I made my way towards the entrance of the restaurant, my steps purposeful and swift.As I finally crossed the threshold into the building, my lycan nature could no longer be restrained. The transformation overcame me, my body shifting and contorting, muscles bulging, as I embraced my true form. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, an embodiment of raw power and primal instinct.Engulfed in the frenzy of battle, my foc
[Gabriel's POV]As the cab brought me closer to Willowvale, my heart quickened with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. This small town, tucked away in the embrace of vast woods, was where I had spent my formative years. It held the echoes of childhood laughter, secret adventures, and the stories of my ancestors who had blended seamlessly with the unknowing humans who shared this space.Willowvale had once been a sanctuary for lycans seeking refuge from a world that did not understand them. But as civilization spread its reach and cities beckoned with promises of progress, humans flocked to urban centers, leaving Willowvale primarily to its lycan inhabitants, unaware of their true nature. It became a haven where the ancient and the modern intertwined, a place where the forest whispered its secrets to those who listened.As the cab rolled to a stop, I paid the fare and stepped out onto familiar ground. The air, scented with the earthy fragrance of the woods, greeted me like an old fri
[Rachel's POV]As we stood by the roadside, searching for a taxi, a flicker of relief washed over me as I spotted familiar faces amidst the chaos. "Sarah, look!" I exclaimed, pointing toward a figure I recognized. "It's Michael, over there!" A warm smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I called out to him, hoping he would hear me amidst the bustling crowd.Sure enough, Michael's eyes darted in our direction, and he swiftly made his way through the throng of people, his eyes widening with concern as he took in the sight of Sarah's injury. The attention it drew from the curious humans only added to our urgency. "The cab is just over there," he informed us, gesturing toward a yellow taxi parked nearby.We hurriedly stepped into the car, grateful for the relative calm inside. As the car started to move, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. "Michael, how did you come to know about the incident at the restaurant?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a mix of astonishment and apprehe