Page 47 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

"Hey, Soph," I answer, trying to keep my tone light.

"Lila, I just wanted to give you an update on the truck situation," Sophie says, her voice heavy with concern. "The police came by, but they haven't found any leads yet on who might have set the fire."

My heart clenches at the news, a mix of anger and frustration welling up inside me. Axel and I know that Gio was behind the attack, but we can't reveal that to the police or Sophie without exposing our world.

"I see," I manage to say, my voice strained. "Thanks for letting me know, Soph. I appreciate you handling things while I'm..."

"Away. Of course, Lila. You just focus on getting better. I'm here if you need anything, okay?" Sophie finishes my sentence, her tone laced with worry.

"I know. Thanks, Soph. I'll call you soon," I promise, fighting back the urge to confide in her about everything that's happened.

As I end the call, Axel gently takes the phone from my hand, setting it back on the nightstand. He turns to me, his eyes filled with understanding and a simmering rage that mirrors my own.

"I hate lying to her," I whisper, my voice tight with emotion. "Sophie's my best friend, and I feel like I'm betraying her trust by keeping all of this from her."

Axel pulls me into his arms, his embrace a sanctuary from the turmoil raging inside me. "I know it's hard, Lila," he murmurs, his voice a soothing rumble against my ear. "But we have to protect our secret, and that means keeping Sophie and the police in the dark about Gio's involvement."

I nod against his chest, knowing he's right but hating the situation all the same. "I just want to make him pay for what he's done," I growl, my wolf stirring within me, eager for vengeance.

"And we will," Axel promises, his tone hardening with resolve. "But we have to be smart about it. We can't let our anger cloud our judgment and risk exposing our world in the process."

He pulls back slightly, cupping my face in his hands as he looks into my eyes. "Right now, let's focus on getting you comfortable with your new abilities. It's time for your training to start. Once you've got a handle on your wolf, we'll work on finding a way to bring Gio to justice without revealing our secret."

I take a deep breath, drawing strength from his unwavering support and determination. "Okay," I agree, my voice growing steadier. "I'm ready. Teach me how to control this new part of myself, so I can fight for what's mine."

Axel smiles, a glint of pride and affection in his eyes. "That's my girl. Get dressed, and we'll head out to the training grounds. By the time I'm done with you, you'll be the fiercest, most in-control werewolf this pack has ever seen."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as Axel leads me into the forest clearing near his cabin. The sun-dappled leaves and earthy scent of the woods feel more vivid than ever before, my newly heightened senses absorbing every detail. As we approach the group waiting for us, I recognize some familiar faces from the pack meeting.

Axel introduces me to each member: Ethan, his loyal beta; Elena, the fierce tracker and intimidating enforcer; Kate, Axel's sister and a skilled tracker; and Finn, the energetic young wolf. I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as I greet them, my wolf stirring within me, eager to connect with her new pack.

The pack members demonstrate basic shifting techniques, their bodies flowing seamlessly from human to wolf and back again. I watch in awe, trying to memorize the way they embrace the change, their movements fluid and natural.

When it's my turn to try, I struggle to find the balance between my human consciousness and my wolf instincts. It's like trying to control a wild animal inside me, and I feel frustration building as I fail to shift.

Don't fight it, Lila,my wolf whispers in my mind.Embrace the change. Let go of your human thoughts and let my instinct guide you.

Axel steps in, his presence calming and reassuring. "Lila, don't fight it," he says softly, his hand resting on my shoulder. "Your wolf is a part of you now. Embrace her, and let her guide you."

I take a deep breath, trying to relax and follow their advice.It's not that easy,I mutter under my breath.I feel like I'm losing control.

I close my eyes, focusing on the thrumming energy coursing through my veins.

My wolf chuckles softly.You're not losing control, you're gaining a new form of it. Trust me, trust yourself. We are one, and together we can do this.

With my eyes still closed, focusing on the sensation of my wolf's presence within me. Slowly, I feel the shift begin, my body transforming as fur ripples across my skin and my senses sharpen. When I open my eyes, the world looks different, sharper and more vibrant.

You did it!my wolf exclaims with pride.I knew you could. Now, let's run together and feel the wind in our fur.

I feel the power and agility of my wolf form, my muscles coiled and ready to spring into action. Axel smiles at me, his own wolf eyes glinting with pride and affection.

I'm still adjusting to my new wolf senses when a sudden shift in the air sets my instincts on high alert. The scent of unfamiliar werewolves, tinged with aggression and malice, fills my nostrils. My wolf surges to the surface, a growl rumbling in my chest as I sense the impending danger.

Axel immediately takes charge, his stance shifting to one of protective authority.

Rogues!he shouts, positioning himself between me and the approaching threat.

Ethan, Elena, flank them on the right. Kate, Finn, go left. Lila, stay close to me.

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