Chapter Four — The Pack
786 Words
The forest had suddenly become too quiet.
Amara stood behind Daniel, her heart pounding as she stared at the three figures emerging from the darkness.
The man in front was tall, broad-shouldered, and unnervingly calm.
Daniel had called him Marcus.
His brother.
But there was something about Marcus that made Amara's instincts scream at her to run.
Marcus smiled.
“So,” he said, looking at Amara, “this is the human.”
Daniel stepped forward.
“Don't come any closer.”
Marcus chuckled.
“You haven't changed.”
“Neither have you.”
“I've changed more than you think.”
The two brothers stared at each other.
Amara looked between them.
“What does he mean?”
Daniel didn't answer.
Marcus did.
“Your houseboy has been running from our family for years.”
Daniel's jaw tightened.
“Leave her out of this.”
“She is already involved.”
Marcus slowly walked closer.
“You broke the oldest rule, Daniel. You revealed yourself to a human.”
“She found out.”
“And now she knows.”
Marcus's eyes shifted toward Amara.
“She cannot leave this forest alive.”
Daniel growled.
“Touch her and I'll kill you.”
The two wolves standing behind Marcus immediately moved forward.
Marcus raised one hand.
“Easy.”
He smiled.
“You're willing to fight your own pack for her?”
Daniel didn't hesitate.
“Yes.”
Marcus looked almost disappointed.
“You really are foolish.”
Amara finally found her voice.
“Why are you afraid of humans knowing about you?”
Marcus turned toward her.
“Because humans don't accept what they cannot understand.”
“Maybe some don't.”
“And what about you?”
Amara looked at Daniel.
“I trust him.”
Marcus laughed softly.
“You trust a creature who could tear you apart in seconds?”
Daniel looked down.
“He would never hurt me.”
Marcus's expression changed.
For the first time, he looked genuinely surprised.
“You've already bonded with her.”
Daniel's eyes widened.
“Don't say that.”
“Why not?”
Marcus stepped closer.
“Because you know what happens when a wolf bonds with a human.”
Daniel remained silent.
Amara frowned.
“What bond?”
Neither brother answered.
“Daniel?”
He looked at her.
“It's complicated.”
Marcus smiled.
“Very complicated.”
Suddenly, a howl echoed through the forest.
Marcus looked toward the trees.
His expression became serious.
“We have to go.”
Daniel frowned.
“What happened?”
“That wasn't one of ours.”
Marcus looked directly at Amara.
“Someone else is hunting her.”
Daniel immediately moved closer to her.
“Who?”
Marcus shook his head.
“I don't know.”
A second howl came.
This one was much closer.
Marcus turned toward his men.
“Take the eastern path.”
The two wolves disappeared into the darkness.
Daniel stared at Marcus.
“You're leaving?”
“For now.”
“Why?”
“Because whatever is coming isn't here for you.”
Marcus looked at Amara.
“It's here for her.”
Daniel grabbed Amara's hand.
“We're going home.”
Marcus stopped him.
“Daniel.”
Daniel turned.
“Don't go back to that house.”
“Why?”
“Because your enemy knows where you live.”
Marcus's eyes narrowed.
“And if I were you, I wouldn't sleep there tonight.”
Then he disappeared into the forest.
Amara stood silently.
Daniel looked at her.
“We need to leave.”
“Where?”
“Somewhere safe.”
She shook her head.
“No.”
“What?”
“I don't want to run anymore.”
Daniel stared at her.
“Amara, this isn't a game.”
“I know.”
“You could die.”
“So could you.”
Daniel fell silent.
She stepped closer.
“I don't know what this bond is. I don't know who your enemies are. I don't even understand your world.”
She took his hand.
“But I know one thing.”
“What?”
“I don't want to lose you.”
Daniel stared at her fingers intertwined with his.
His expression softened.
“You don't know what you're asking for.”
“Then teach me.”
For a moment, he simply looked at her.
Then he pulled her into his arms.
Amara rested her head against his chest.
And somewhere far away, another wolf watched them from behind the trees.
Its eyes were red.
Not golden.
Red.
The creature smiled.
“Let them fall in love,” it whispered.
“It will make breaking them much easier.”
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