Chapter 125: Cover Blown.

AARON. When we finally settled down for the night, I tried to relax, but I couldn't stop thinking about Helena. I lay on the hard ground, staring up at the stars. She was just a few feet away in her tent, but it felt like she was miles away. I could hear her soft breathing as she fell asleep. Helena. Her name kept echoing in my mind. She had a way of getting into my thoughts, staying there, making a place for herself. I wondered how I would explain her to my parents when we got back to Lunaville. She was different. Not a werewolf, but not quite human either. She was something more. Something that made my chest tighten every time I looked at her. Ever since we left the cabin, I had been turning over in my mind how I was going to present Helena to the pack elders when we got back to Lunaville. They were not known for their leniency or their understanding. But Helena wasn't just another stranger; she was brave, kind, and fiercely loyal. Would they see what I saw? I wasn't sure. I sighed and rolled onto my side, trying to push the thoughts away. Why was I even thinking about this now? I needed to focus on getting us all back safely. Still, I couldn't help but wonder how my parents would react. My father, stern and unyielding, would likely disapprove, and my mother… she would probably be concerned. But they'd understand, wouldn't they? I wasn't even sure myself. My thoughts shifted to how I would present her to the pack elders. They were tough, strict about tradition, and not likely to accept a human among them, even in disguise. I knew that bringing Helena to Lunaville was a risk, one that could have serious consequences. But there was no turning back now. I'd made my choice, and I'd stand by it. Helena had proven herself to me, time and time again, and I wasn't about to let anyone hurt her—or take her away from me. I imagined their faces, stern and disapproving. They wouldn't understand. They'd see her as an outsider, a threat even. I could almost hear the whispers, the judgment. And then there was my father—he would be furious. He had always been a stickler for tradition, for the rules. This would be seen as a betrayal, a challenge to his authority. My mother, she would probably try to smooth things over, but even she wouldn't be able to stop what would follow. I'd be putting Helena in danger just by bringing her there. I turned again, restless. Maybe when we got to that bridge, I'd figure out how to cross it. For now, I just needed to get us through the night. I forced myself to close my eyes, trying to shut down my thoughts. But they wouldn't leave me alone. Helena's face kept appearing in my mind, her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she teased me. There was something about her that drew me in, something I couldn't ignore, no matter how hard I tried. I wasn't even prepared to ignore. I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to force myself to sleep. I needed rest, but Helena wouldn't leave my thoughts. She was a mystery I wanted to solve. What would my parents think of her? What would she think of them? I finally drifted off, my thoughts still tangled in all the questions I couldn't answer. I woke up suddenly, my heart racing. Something was wrong. I felt it as soon as I opened my eyes. I looked over, and my heart stopped. Helena's tent was empty. I couldn't hear her breathing anymore. Panic hit me hard as I jumped up. I ran out of my tent, and ran to hers, tearing the zipper open with my claws. "Helena?" I called softly at first, not wanting to wake Luna. No answer. "Helena!" I called louder, panic creeping into my voice. Still nothing. Luna stirred on the ground outside, rubbing her eyes. "What's going on?" she mumbled, still half-asleep. "Helena's gone," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "She's not here." Luna's eyes flew open, and she jumped up. "What do you mean she's not here?" 'I mean she's gone!" I snapped, more sharply than I intended. Luna frowned, but she didn't argue. She knew as well as I did that this was no time for an argument. We both got to our feet, my eyes scanning the camp. I couldn't see any sign of her. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to pick up her scent. It was faint, mixed with the scents of the forest, but it was there. And so was the scent of another wolf—a wolf I recognized from a few nights ago, with that crescent moon mark. There were other scents too, other wolves. I low growl rumbled in my throat. They had found us. Damn it! I should have been more careful. I should have known they wouldn't give up that easily. I turned to Luna, who was already shifting into her wolf form, ready for a fight. 'Stay here," I ordered. 'I'm going after her." Luna caught the scent too. 'Aaron, wait," she called, but I was already moving, my body tense with fear and anger. Why were they here? Why were they following us? Why did they have Helena's scent? I tore through the forest, my heart pounding. I could feel the other wolves nearby. I knew they had Helena. The thought made my blood run cold. I couldn't lose her. Not now. Not like this. Then I saw her. Helena was standing there, looking scared, surrounded by wolves. The leader stepped forward—the one with the crescent tattoo. He was talking to her, but I couldn't hear his words over the rush of blood in my ears. Then, one of the wolves suddenly jumped at Helena. He clipped at her feet, and she yelped, stumbling slightly. I saw red. I moved without thinking, grabbing the wolf and throwing him back against a tree. "Touch her again," I snarled, "and I will tear you apart." The other wolves looked scared now. They didn't know what to do. They thought they were helping, but they didn't understand. I jumped in front of Helena, putting myself between her and the wolves. "Back off," I snarled. "She's with me." The leader wolf stepped back a little. 'Alpha Aaron," he said, bowing his head. 'It is an honor to see you." I didn't let my guard down. 'What are you doing here?" I demanded. 'Why are you following us?"