Chapter 4
1180 Words
ELAINE
The large backyard of the pack house buzzed with energy. Lanterns strung high between trees bathed everything in a soft golden glow, and the air smelled of roasted meat, spiced drinks, and something faintly floral that I couldn’t place. Laughter and music filled the clearing, and the pack’s excitement was infectious, though I couldn’t fully enjoy it.
I know I should be because it was a party to celebrate the Alpha's new wife, who was my mother. But with everything that has been tossed at me these past few days, I just couldn't.
My mom, radiant in her new role as the Alpha’s bride, stood beside him at the center of the gathering, her smile as bright as the lanterns above. Villagers approached them in waves, offering congratulations and warm welcomes. It was hard to reconcile this joyous atmosphere with the simmering tension I felt every time I caught sight of Jeremy in the crowd.
He was a shadow tonight, always hovering at the edge of my vision. As the Alpha’s son, recently returned from training, Jeremy was the center of attention. Pack members surrounded him constantly, clapping him on the back and exchanging stories about his time at the academy.
I kept my distance, weaving through the crowd, trying to blend in. I didn’t want his attention tonight—or ever.
“You’re Elaine, right?”
The voice startled me, and I turned to see a young man about my age standing there. He was tall, with sandy hair and an easy smile that felt oddly out of place amidst the wolves.
“I am,” I said cautiously.
“I’m Ben,” he said, offering his hand. “I figured you might need a break from all the chaos.”
I hesitated but shook his hand. “It’s a lot,” I admitted, glancing toward the crowd.
“Thought so. First nights in a new pack can be overwhelming. Want me to show you around?”
“Actually, I—”
“Elaine.”
I froze. Jeremy’s voice was low but carried enough weight to cut through the surrounding noise. He was suddenly there, standing beside us, his jaw tight and his eyes locked on Ben.
“What are you doing?” Jeremy asked, his voice calm but cold.
Ben shrugged, unfazed. “Just offering to show her around. Is that a problem?”
“Yes,” Jeremy said flatly. “She doesn’t need you to ‘show her around.’”
I narrowed my eyes. “I can speak for myself, Jeremy.”
Jeremy turned his gaze to me, his expression unreadable. “Stay here, Elaine.”
“Or I could go,” I said pointedly, stepping closer to Ben. “With someone who isn’t trying to control me.”
Jeremy’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, I linked arms with Ben and started walking away.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Jeremy called after me.
Ben laughed as we left the clearing. “He’s intense, huh?”
“You have no idea,” I muttered.
Ben led me through the village, pointing out various spots—the training grounds, the elders’ hall, the main hunting paths. He was chatty and seemed nice enough, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were straying too far from the festival.
“This seems... pretty far,” I said finally, glancing back toward the distant glow of the lanterns.
“Don’t worry,” Ben said, his tone still light. “You’ll get used to it. The forest is the best part of Night Walker territory. Peaceful, isn’t it?”
I stopped walking. “I think I should head back.”
He turned to face me, his smile still in place but now tinged with something else—something unsettling. “Why? We’re just getting to know each other.”
“I’ve seen enough for one night,” I said firmly.
Ben stepped closer, too close. “You’re different,” he said, his voice softer now. “Not like the other girls in the pack.”
“Ben,” I said, taking a step back, “take me back to the festival. Now.”
But he didn’t move. Instead, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’ve got this quiet strength about you. It’s... mesmerizing.”
His words sent a shiver down my spine, but not the good kind. They reminded me too much of the smooth-talking men my mom and I had encountered when we lived in the human world. The ones who didn’t take no for an answer.
“Don’t touch me,” I said, my voice low but firm.
His hand lingered for a moment before he dropped it. “You don’t have to be scared of me, Elaine.”
“I’m not scared,” I lied.
He smiled again, but this time it was wolfish. “Good. Because I think we could be good together. You and me. Away from all of... them.”
“I said take me back,” I snapped, stepping away from him.
“And I said—”
A low growl cut through the night, silencing him instantly. My heart leapt as Jeremy stepped out from the shadows, his eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
“Didn’t I warn you?” Jeremy said, his voice calm but deadly.
Ben’s confidence wavered. “Jeremy, I—”
“Leave,” Jeremy commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative.
Ben hesitated, glancing between us.
“Now,” Jeremy growled, his tone brooking no argument.
Ben muttered something under his breath before slinking away, his shoulders hunched.
Jeremy watched him go before turning to me. His expression softened slightly, but his eyes still burned with intensity.
“You okay?” he asked.
I crossed my arms, glaring at him. “I didn’t ask for your help.”
“No, but you needed it,” he shot back.
“I was handling it,” I insisted.
Jeremy raised an eyebrow. “Sure didn’t look like it.”
I clenched my fists, anger flaring. “You don’t get to swoop in and play the hero, Jeremy. Not after everything.”
He stepped closer, his voice dropping. “This isn’t about ‘everything,’ Elaine. This is about you wandering off with someone you barely know and almost getting into serious trouble.”
“I can take care of myself,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Clearly,” he said sarcastically, then softened his tone. “Look, whether you like it or not, you’re part of this pack now. That means people will try to test you. You need to be smarter than this.”
I hated that he was making sense. I hated that I had let my guard down. But most of all, I hated the way his concern made my heart ache with something I couldn’t name.
“Thanks,” I said begr
udgingly.
His lips twitched in what might have been a smile. “Let’s get you back.”
And for once, I didn’t argue.
- Writer
