CHAPTER 1: THE BLACK FOREST MEETING
The Black Forest loomed ahead, dark and lonely as Eve moved with purpose through the dense underbrush. She had grown into a fine Warrior and was not afraid of anything and anyone. There is no werewolf among the living who does not fear and respect Warrior E as no one knew her as Eve.
Her mission was clear; to help Alpha Kegan, known as the White Wolf, uncover the truth, and get rid of the beast. Her senses were heightened by every rustle of leaves and snap of a twig, putting her on alert. As she neared the heart of the forest, a prickle of unease settled over her.
Two werewolves were following her. She could smell them, their distinct scents marking them as Alphas and something more. Royals. Eve stopped abruptly, her keen senses pinpointing their location.
“I can smell you,” she shouted, her voice cutting through the thick foliage. “Your blood says you are an Alpha and a Royal, so come out.”
From the shadows, Alpha Max emerged, his eyes glinting with a mix of surprise and recognition. He had not expected to encounter such a formidable presence. Behind him, Marie, his betrothed and the daughter of Alpha Kegan, stepped forward, her expression wary.
Before any words could be exchanged, the tension exploded into violence. Eve and Max lunged at each other, their forms blurring as they transformed into their werewolf states. The forest echoed with the sounds of their fierce battle, claws slashing and teeth snapping.
Max was strong, but Eve's years of developing her special gifts and transformation had made her a force to be reckoned with. With a powerful movement, she pinned him to the forest floor, her sharp claws at his throat.
“Stay down and stay out of my way, or be killed,” she growled, her voice a low rumble that resonated with authority as she slowly turned back to a human.
Max, breathing heavily, looked up at her with defiance. “I am Alpha Max of the Midnight Pack,” he said, his voice steady despite his position. “And this is Marie, my betrothed.”
Eve's eyes flicked at Marie, who stood rigidly, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination. Eve’s grip tightened momentarily before she eased back, allowing Max to rise.
“I am Warrior E,” she said, stepping back to give them space. “The warrior requested by Marie’s father to kill the beast.”
Marie’s eyes widened with surprise, but she quickly composed herself. “My father sent you?” she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
“Yes,” Eve replied curtly. “Now, let me pass. I have business with Alpha Kegan.”
Max, regaining his composure, straightened and dusted off his clothes. “If you are here to see the White Wolf, then you will come with us,” he insisted. “We’re heading there now.”
Eve eyed him warily. “I don’t need an escort.”
“You may not need one,” Max said, his tone firm, “but you have one. I need to ensure you are who you say you are.”
The trio set off together, tension thick in the air. Eve kept her senses alert, aware of every movement and sound. As they walked, she could feel Max's gaze on her, a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Marie remained silent, her thoughts hidden behind a mask of calm. They walked deeper into the forest, the trees growing denser and the light dimmer.
The path to Alpha Kegan's stronghold was treacherous, but Eve moved with the confidence of someone who had walked many dangerous paths before.
Alpha Max and Marie held hands frequently as they led Eve to see Alpha Kegan. They could not recognize her, and she was glad that they did not.
Eve’s mind flashed back five years ago when Eve was just an Omega in the Midnight Pack, she had fallen in love with Alpha Max. They had shared stolen moments under the moonlight, whispered promises, and dreams of a future together. But fate had other plans.
Max had been manipulated by the White Wolf, led to believe that marrying Marie would secure the Midnight Pack from external threats. It was a strategic move, one that Max had believed would bring peace and prosperity to his people. To protect his pack, he had made the heart-wrenching decision to let Eve go.
She remembered the day she left vividly. Max’s eyes had been filled with sorrow and regret as he told her of his decision. He had explained that the alliance with Marie would ensure the Midnight Pack’s safety and future.
Eve had understood his duty but couldn’t bear the heartbreak. She had left, vowing to return only when she had transformed herself from the weak Omega he had known into someone powerful enough to protect herself and her people.
“How long have you been together?” Eve asked.
Marie was quick to reply, she turned and replied to her. “Five years now and still getting stronger.”
“Why are you not married?” Eve asked.
“If you kill the Beast maybe we will,” Alpha Max said.
“Oh, we will surely get married. I can let this one die single after leaving a poor omega girl just for me. I owe him that much,” Marie said.
Eve could only smile,” I see, it makes a lot of sense.”
Eve could not understand why Alpha Max left her for Marie. She does look smart, but Eve thought she was just a royal. Both of them could not even tell that she was Eve. The rejected one whom they banished to find love and build alliances.
Max and Marie flanked her as they approached the grand, imposing structure that was Alpha Kegan's stronghold. Guards at the entrance acknowledged Max with nods of respect but eyed Eve warily.
Max spoke to the guards. “We are here to see Alpha Kegan. Inform him that we have arrived.”
A moment later, they were ushered into a grand hall. Alpha Kegan stood at the far end, a regal figure with an air of authority. His piercing eyes settled on Eve, narrowing slightly.
“Warrior E,” he said, his voice deep and commanding. “Welcome. I hear you have come to help us kill the beast.”
Eve stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. “I have. And to uncover the truth.”
“I see,” said the White Wolf.
“Or was that not why you summoned me, Alpha Keegan?” asked Eve.
The room fell silent, the weight of the weight of her words hanging in the air. The confrontation she had been preparing for was finally at hand.