Page 42 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

It's an unfamiliar scent,I explain patiently.As wolves, we can identify individuals and detect potential threats by their unique scents.

We follow the scent cautiously, Ethan and I flanking Lila protectively as we move through the underbrush. The trail leadsus to the edge of our territory, and as we crouch in the foliage, I can hardly believe my eyes.

It's Gio, Lila's human rival, and he's not alone.I inform Ethan.

Get down and stay quiet,I instruct Lila and Ethan as we crouch in the underbrush, observing the strange meeting taking place in the clearing ahead.

Lila's wolf whines softly as she presses close to my side, her confusion and unease palpable through our bond.

Wait, isthat Gio? What's he doing out here with those people?

I narrow my eyes, studying the group intently.Some of them are werewolves, Lila. Focus on your senses, on the pack link. Can you feel it? The subtle difference in their energy compared to the humans?

Lila is silent for a moment, her wolf's gaze locked on the gathering. Suddenly, I feel a flicker of recognition through our bond.

I... I think I can feel it. It's like a kind of buzzing, a sense of kinship, but different from what I feel with you and Ethan.

Pride swells in my chest at Lila's quick understanding.

Exactly. Those are rogues, werewolves not bound to a pack. And the humans with them, I suspect they're hunters.

We strain our ears, trying to catch snippets of the conversation drifting from the clearing. Words like "payment," "information," "werewolves," "rogues," and "hunters" reach us, painting a disturbing picture.

It seems Gio is acting as some kind of intermediary,Ethan comments, his mental voice grave.Trading information between the rogues and the hunters.

I watch as Gio accepts a thick envelope from one of the humans, likely payment for his services. Anger and disgust churn in my gut.

We need to find out what they're planning,I decide, my mind racing with the implications of this alliance.Ethan, you follow the rogues, see where they go and what you can learn. Lila and I will track the hunters.

Ethan nods, his wolf form slinking silently into the underbrush as he moves to pursue the rogues. I turn to Lila, my heart clenching at the thought of her being involved in this dangerous situation so soon after her turning.

Stay close to me,I tell her, my voice gentle but firm.We'll follow the hunters, but I need you to be cautious. This is a whole new world you've been thrown into.

Lila's wolf leans into me, her presence a comforting warmth against my side.

I’m scared,butI'm with you, Axel. I want to know what is going on too.

As we move to track the hunters, I feel the weight of this new, complex threat bearing down on me. The alliance between rogues and hunters is a terrifying development, one that could put our entire way of life at risk.

I push down my own fear.

We slink through the shadowy streets, trailing the hunters at a safe distance. The acrid scents of the city assault my senses, but years of experience allow me to filter through the noise and focus on our targets.

Beside me, Lila's wolf whines softly, her steps faltering as she tries to process the overwhelming barrage of unfamiliar smells.

It's so different from the forest,she remarks, her mental voice strained.How do you stand it?

I nudge her reassuringly, my muzzle brushing against her fur.

It takes practice,I explain, my thoughts tinged with understanding.The urban landscape can be challenging for a new wolf. It's a lot to take in.

We continue following the hunters, weaving through alleyways and darting behind dumpsters to avoid detection. But as we go, I can sense Lila's growing discomfort and confusion.

Lila,I begin gently, pausing in the shadows of a brick building.I know you want to help, but this might be too much for you right now.

She looks at me, her hazel eyes flickering with uncertainty.

What do you mean?

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