Bianca let out a low growl as sharp claws extended from her fingertips.
Lauren's heart skipped a beat.
Fear gripped her as she instinctively stepped backward, searching for a way to escape the training hall.
No one made a move to stop Bianca.
After all, using one's wolf abilities during combat training wasn't against the rules. Lauren's lack of powers only placed her at a severe disadvantage.
In the blink of an eye, Bianca vanished from where she stood.
Before Lauren could react—
Slash!
Bianca's claws raked across her arm, tearing through flesh from her shoulder down to her forearm.
"Ahhh!"
Lauren's agonizing scream echoed throughout the hall.
She clutched her injured arm as blood poured freely onto the floor, staining the polished surface crimson.
"That's enough, Bianca!" Donald barked. "This is training, not a death match!"
Bianca smirked in satisfaction.
Her glowing golden eyes slowly faded back to their natural brown.
"As you wish, Coach."
She gave a mocking bow before returning to her seat.
Lauren remained frozen in the center of the ring, tears streaming down her cheeks as she trembled in pain.
Donald and Jason rushed to her side.
Her wound was deep, and unlike every other werewolf present, her body showed no signs of healing.
Because she hadn't manifested.
"Can you stand?" Donald asked gently.
Lauren shook her head, biting her lip to keep from crying louder.
"This injury is serious," he said.
He turned to Jason.
"Take her to the clinic immediately."
"Yes, Coach."
The School Clinic
"And... we're done."
Dr. Edward secured the bandage around Lauren's arm before pressing the adhesive firmly into place.
"There."
He smiled reassuringly.
"You'll be fine. Just don't put too much strain on that arm for a few days."
Lauren managed a weak smile.
"Thank you, Doc. It already feels much better."
"You should return to class."
"I'd rather go home," she interrupted softly.
Edward exchanged a glance with Jason, who had remained quietly by the door.
"And why is that?"
Lauren lowered her eyes.
"I've had enough for one day."
Her voice cracked.
"I don't think I can go back there... not today."
Edward sighed sympathetically.
"I understand."
He nodded.
"If that's what you want, you'll need Miss Ashley's permission first."
"I will."
Lauren stood carefully.
"Thank you."
She gave them a small bow before leaving the treatment room, with Jason silently following behind.
The Alpha's Throne Room
"She has to leave the pack."
Connor repeated the demand for what felt like the hundredth time.
Jane's glare could have killed.
"Your Highness," Romeo pleaded, "please show Lauren mercy. She's probably just a late bloomer. Given enough time, she'll manifest her wolf."
Connor scoffed.
"Or perhaps she never will."
The council murmured in agreement.
Romeo clenched his fists.
"If you banish her now, where will she go? Humans are cruel to our kind."
Connor folded his arms.
"She looks human enough."
A deep growl escaped Romeo's throat.
Jane stepped forward.
"What if it were your daughter?" she snapped.
"Would you throw her away just because she was different?"
Connor laughed coldly.
"My daughter isn't a useless weakling."
Jane gasped.
"How dare you!"
Her eyes flashed gold as anger surged through her.
She lunged toward Connor.
"Enough!"
Alpha Damien's commanding voice shook the throne room.
Instant silence followed.
He fixed Connor with a hard stare.
"I disagree with your proposal."
Connor stiffened.
"Lauren is still a member of this pack."
Damien's voice echoed through the chamber.
"Until proven otherwise, she deserves the same protection as everyone else."
Connor's jaw tightened, but he bowed.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Damien's gaze swept across the council.
"We will continue helping Lauren awaken her wolf."
He paused.
"But..."
Jane's heart sank.
"If, after two more months, nothing changes..."
His voice hardened.
"...she will leave this pack."
Jane's eyes widened.
"Your Highness—"
"My decision is final."
Silence.
No one dared argue.
"Meeting dismissed."
The council bowed before filing out.
As Connor passed Romeo and Jane, he stopped.
"This isn't over."
With that, he stormed away.
Jane watched him disappear before releasing a shaky breath.
Romeo gently squeezed her hand.
"Don't worry."
He forced a smile.
"We still have two months."
Jane nodded, though worry lingered in her eyes.
The Alpha's Residence
"How are the preparations for Xavier's birthday coming along?"
Luna Camille asked as she entered the bedroom.
"They're almost complete," Alpha Damien replied.
He looked thoughtfully at his wife.
"Do you think he'll finally meet his mate this year?"
Camille smiled warmly.
"I believe he will."
She sat beside him.
"The Moon Goddess has someone special waiting for him."
She chuckled.
"And if she doesn't reveal herself this year..."
"We'll throw another birthday party next year."
Damien laughed.
"That's your solution?"
"It worked for us."
He shook his head.
"What if he's already met his mate but is pretending otherwise?"
Camille rolled her eyes.
"Nobody ignores their mate for years."
She smiled knowingly.
"When you found me, could you have walked away?"
Damien smiled.
"Never."
"Exactly."
She squeezed his hand.
"So have faith."
He nodded.
"Where is Xavier, anyway?"
The Forest
Two wolves raced through the dense forest.
One had silver-gray fur.
The other was dark brown.
They sprinted side by side until they reached a quiet clearing.
Both wolves slowed before stopping beside a large rock where clothes and a backpack had been left.
Moments later—
Crack... Snap...
Bones shifted.
Fur receded.
Paws became hands.
Within seconds, two young men stood naked beneath the trees.
They casually dressed before sitting atop the rock.
"So?"
Daniel smirked.
"Did today's run help clear your head?"
Xavier let out a weary sigh.
"A little."
Daniel studied his friend's expression.
"You're worried about the birthday party."
Xavier nodded.
"I keep wondering..."
"What if I don't find my mate this year either?"
He laughed bitterly.
"Maybe the Moon Goddess is punishing me for all the flirting I did."
Daniel chuckled.
"Flirting isn't a crime."
He nudged Xavier's shoulder.
"Relax."
"I'm sure she's saving someone special for you."
"Maybe."
Xavier shrugged.
"Or maybe not."
He looked at Daniel with a teasing grin.
"So..."
"How's Clarissa?"
Daniel smiled.
"We're doing great."
"I bet she's amazing in bed."
Daniel shot him a glare.
"Seriously?"
"What?" Xavier laughed.
"I'm bored."
"Humor me."
Daniel rolled his eyes before laughing despite himself.
Their laughter slowly faded.
Suddenly, Daniel's expression changed.
He stared into the distance as though listening to something only he could hear.
Xavier immediately recognized the look.
"A mind-link?"
Daniel nodded.
"The Alpha wants you back at the mansion."
Xavier frowned.
"Why couldn't he contact me directly?"
Daniel stood and picked up the backpack.
"No idea."
"But we'd better not keep him waiting."
Without another word, both men shifted back into their wolf forms.
Their clothes fell to the ground as powerful bodies replaced human ones.
A second later—
They shot into the forest, disappearing between the trees like shadows.