Secrets of the Unity (Available on Inkitt)

Olivia

The Shadow Howlers Pack is one of the rare packs of wolves that aren't on the map of territories in the supernatural world. We aren't under the Alpha King's rule, and we don't fraternize with other packs.

Because of our seclusion, we have little to no enemies. And when you lack enemies, you tend to lack attacks. However, if we do fall prey to an attack, we have practiced procedures that we follow to keep the pack safe. The warriors take the front lines and defend, while the pups, teenagers who haven't shifted yet, pregnant women, and elderly take shelter in their home panic rooms, or in the packhouse's stronghold.

Due to my extensive and strenuous training sessions with my dad, I've gratefully earned my place by his side as his left hand, even though I haven't shifted yet. As the left hand of the Gamma of the pack, it's my job to fight and defend my home on the front lines. So, the battlefield is where I must go.

I didn't waste a second, shooting up from my chair. I ran in the direction of the northern forest, past the pack's stronghold. Jackie, Josh, and Jules were already ahead of me.

Jules turned towards the stronghold with an annoyed sigh. She doesn't shift until her birthday on Sunday at midnight, so she has to go into the stronghold with the rest of the vulnerable wolves.

Just as I was about to turn the corner that led to the back door, a firm hand wrapped around my wrist and yanked me back. The force of the pull caused me to collide with a rock-hard chest and abs. Knowing full well who it was, I whipped around with as much anger as I could muster, and faced my perpetrator, Sage Bianchi.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Sage asked, full of worry, fear, and confusion. "You're not going out there, Olivia!" He said as he pulled me in the opposite direction.

I tried with all my might to pry my wrist from his grip, but it was firm and not budging one bit.

"No, Sage! It's my duty to fight! I'm the left hand, I can't ignore my responsibilities! LET ME GO!" I growled, continuously struggling to get out of his grip.

Sage turned onto the hallway that led to the stronghold and I immediately started to panic. I was not going to let him put me in there. He had no right to stop me from fulfilling my duties.

"Sage, no! STOP! You're not putting me in there! I'm a warrior-" he cut me off with a ferocious growl that halted everyone in the hallway. They all bowed to him in respect, and he ordered them to continue with what they were doing.

He then turned to me with a warning glare that said, 'try me if you dare'.

"You are a warrior that has not shifted yet! Meaning you go into the stronghold, where you'll be safe!" A deep growl rumbled through his chest as he spoke.

His demanding demeanor only angered me more. I challenged him with a growl of my own and snatched my wrist out of his grip.

"There are plenty of warriors my age that haven't shifted yet that are on that battlefield right now, defending our home! What's the difference between them and me that I can't go out there and do the same?!" I was lying, but I said what I had to to get out there. I wasn't going to let him and his over-worrying hold me back from my duties. Besides, what he doesn't know won't kill him, right?

He huffed, frustrated, and whispered. "I don't have feelings like these for those other wolves. And I'm sure Kyson and Trevor wouldn't want you out there putting your life at risk when there are other warriors to fight for the Shadow." He said, calling the pack by its preferred nickname. "I just... I just want you to be safe... No matter what." Sage's eyes held sincerity. I knew he was being truthful this time, and that's what scared me the most.