Chapter 11

Days and days passed since I heard the rumors of Night Howlers invading the Silver Moon Pack unaware. I was getting stronger, as I never relented in training. My body showed signs of weakness sometimes, but I never gave in to that. It was amazing how even the elders and the warriors were impressed with my improvement. My body kept getting stronger, and everyone respected me because of how fast I was growing. I pretended not to notice the change in the atmosphere, in the way the pack members responded each time I passed by. Alpha Rhys' interest in having me close to him kept growing each day. He watched every one of my moves during training and my conversations with other pack members. As we finished training, he approached me with curiosity. "Liora," he called, "You've become a great and unbeatable fighter. I have watched you closely, and can see you have a lot of potential in you." "Thank you so much, Alpha," I said casually. "I'm more than grateful for the great opportunity you have given me here to train. Thank you so much." This time, he stepped even closer, focusing his gaze intensely on me. "I hope you understand that you are now part of us, and how we value and rate loyalty in this pack, Liora. We do everything to get here as a family." My heart started pounding uncontrollably. "I understand everything, Alpha. I'm forever grateful and loyal to the only pack that took me in and made me who I am." "Very good of you," he said. "I like the sound of that, keep it up." As he turned away to go, I couldn't help but feel unease. The Alpha was interested in everything that concerned me, but he seemed to be hiding his true intentions in the shadows of caring or looking after me. Or is he trying to use me, to manipulate me, or to just test my loyalty, or could there be more to what is on the surface? I had to pretend that I didn't know what was going on, keep my hands folded, and play the part of a loyal pack member. The evil that the Night Howlers were planning was big enough to wipe off the whole other Silver Moon Pack. And I was trapped in between, struggling to navigate through survival, loyalty, and responsibility. I made sure to listen carefully every day, doing my best to gather enough information and the plans laid down to destroy my people. I made sure not to give them reasons to suspect me; if they remember or get any information somewhere that I'm a member of the Silver or Moon pack, they will do everything possible to turn me in or force me to fight against my people. But right now, I will channel my energy into training to be the best. But when the time is right, I will confront the Alpha, I will do everything to protect my family, and I won't mind paying the price required to achieve this. >>>>>>>>>>> 'Do you in any way know if she's aware of the plans on the ground? Could she be pretending not to know anything?" one of the elders of the pack asked in a whisper. 'Looking at her, she's too focused on getting herself the best training, on proving her worth in the pack, than listening to tumors. I don't think issues like this distract her, she's more concerned with her training and nothing more," came the reply. 'But I think we should be very careful not to sell ourselves." I narrowed my eyes on hearing that. How can some people be very wicked? Why not live in harmony? I kept wondering to myself. On a beautiful evening, as I was busy with my training as usual, doing my best to improve my combat skills, I noticed the Alpha watching me again, and shivers ran down my spine. "Are you sure I shouldn't be concerned with this latest development, Are you sure it's still admiration, emotional attachment, or there's evil planned against me?" I asked myself. 'Why did you form the habit of always watching me so often, Alpha?" I finally summoned the courage to ask, but I did that casually. The Alpha paused and smiled, his expression unreadable. 'That's because you are different, your growth in learning is exceptional, Liora. And the amazing thing is that it's not just your skills; the spirit that you carry along is worthy of emulation. It's incredible, amazing, and worthy of emulation." My heart started pounding to gather the courage to confront him. I knew he was already seeing me more than a trainee. I was also becoming the envy of most warriors that I trained together with. 'Thank you, Alpha," I said while trying, 'I'm happy that my presence is appreciated here. Thank you for accepting me into this wonderful pack again." As I was going home after the day's training, a fellow warrior pulled me aside for a chitchat. 'Liora, I need to speak to you immediately, please." 'What's going on, hope everything is okay?" I asked anxiously. 'There have been whispers, rumors of something yet to happen among the Night Howlers," the warrior had said, almost not audible. 'According to the rumor, the Night Howlers are making war plans, planning on how to invade the Silver Moon Pack without their knowledge. I overheard some pack members discussing it. It has become the topic of discussion for weeks." My heart lost its beat instantly. What I suspected has been confirmed as the truth: my pack is no longer safe as evil plans have been going on. 'Do you have any idea of the time it will take place, please?" 'Not at all, but I'm very sure it will be soon. I just wished to inform you so that you will take extra precautions in your movement and activities here. Enemies are eating everywhere, waiting to attack. The warrior warned me before disappearing into the dark. I knew at this point that I had to act fast but also be smart in my dealings. One should know that I was aware of what was happening. My stay here could be jeopardized if I make the wrong move. I have to continue pretending that I am okay, like I'm not bothered, continue training, and benefit a lot from the pack before the attack. >>>>>>>> Days continued counting, the day of the attack approaching, and I was yet to warn the pack of the looming danger by the corner. I continued growing unease, continued worrying, should I confront Alpha Rhys to this or just keep quiet and watch the drama unfold. After contemplating on what to do, I decided to train and nurse my secret within me and wait for the right time to warm my pack before the Night Howlers strike. I don't want to meet any of my pack members unprepared. I am no longer the Liora they used to know before, the weak Omega that was rejected and humiliated by her mate. Jaxon POV The Engagement The packed hall was filled to the brim; everywhere was noisy as pack members gathered and walked around exchanging greetings. There were murmurs in the hall, all in anticipation of both the groom and bride. It was an important moment for all the members of the pack as it would determine the future of the pack. Even though I never planned to marry Seraphina, I was hoping against all odds that my union with her would bring the desired stability the pack had in mind when pushing for our union. Seraphina Silverclaw is a very ambitious lady who is ready to do anything to get to the top. She doesn't care what will happen or how the people around her will feel; all she wanted was to be in charge, to have power and influence. Instead of the desirable, everything started turning upside down, with complications and trouble everywhere instead of the peace and tranquility required. Seraphina, with no doubt, has one of the most beautiful curves; her beauty always leaves anyone who meets her mesmerized. Beautiful, sharp, intelligent, and a curvy shape. At first, our combination seemed like the perfect match, a couple of goals, but it was nothing of that nature. She was everything that I didn't want in my woman and more. Her character is always maltreating those below her just to show authority and show a high level of pride. Her family's political connections were topnotch, a great ally for us, promising to strengthen our position in politics if the union holds, but I doubt the possibility now. The more she stays in the Silver Moon pack, the more her true color comes out. The ceremony was supposed to ignite love and unity and bring progress, but such seemed to be far away from coming. Seraphina is set to get all she wants, and that she gets. She's not ready to back down any moment, even if she would go extreme for it. Liora was an obstacle to her, but she's no more now. As I looked at her, all I could see was Liora's face; I kept visualizing Liora's face on her face. For a moment, the thought of kissing came crowding my mind, and I took steps forward toward her, ready to kiss her.