Chapter 4 THE TRUTH.

Alpha Elijah treated me with kindness, offering me food and shelter. I was exhausted, and his warmth was just what I needed. As I ate, I felt a strange tingling sensation in my fingers. I looked down, and to my surprise, the scratches on my hands were healing at an incredible rate.

Alpha Elijah noticed my amazement and smiled. "Ah, you're a healer, Lyra. A rare gift."

I didn't think much of it, but as the night went on, I found myself opening up to Alpha Elijah. He listened with kindness, and I felt a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time.

We talked for hours, about everything and nothing. I told him about my childhood, about my parents, and about Kalen. He listened with empathy, his eyes understanding.

As the night wore on, I began to feel a sense of trust towards Alpha Elijah. He was easy to talk to, and I felt like I could be myself around him.

But as the morning light crept into the cabin, I began to feel a sense of unease. Something was off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Alpha Elijah noticed my change in mood and smiled. "What's wrong, Lyra?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to express my feelings. "I just... I feel like there's something you're not telling me."

Alpha Elijah's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "You're right, Lyra. There is something I need to tell you."

He paused, collecting his thoughts.

"Your father and I had a pact, a long time ago. We promised to protect each other, and our packs. But things changed, and... well, let's just say that Kalen's actions were not unexpected."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean?

Alpha Elijah's eyes were filled with a deep sadness. "Kalen's father, Alpha Marcus, has been trying to take over the packs for years. He's been manipulating Kalen, using him to get what he wants."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "No... that's not true."

Alpha Elijah's expression was sympathetic. "I'm afraid it is, Lyra. And I'm sorry to be the one to tell you."

I looked up at him, feeling a sense of gratitude. Maybe, just maybe, I had found a true ally.

But as I looked into his eyes, I saw something there, something that made me wonder if I could really trust him.

The next morning, Alpha Elijah told me he needed to run some errands, and he'd be back soon. I was left alone in the cabin, and that's when I stumbled upon a conversation on his phone. It was a message from Kalen, discussing their plan to steal my pup and raise it as their own.

My heart sank, and I felt a wave of betrayal wash over me. Alpha Elijah was working with Kalen all along. He was just using me, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

I felt a surge of anger and determination. I wouldn't let them take my pup. I wouldn't let them hurt me nor my pup.

I used my newfound talent, channeling all my energy into healing and protecting my pup. The pain and fear began to fade, replaced by a sense of calm and determination.

Just as I finished, Alpha Elijah walked into the cabin, a look of surprise on his face. "Lyra, what

But before he could finish, Rachel burst into the cabin, his eyes blazing with fury. "Get away from her, Elijah!"

Alpha Elijah's eyes widened in shock, and I took advantage of the distraction. I stood up, my eyes locked on Rachel ,and I knew I wasn't alone anymore.

Rachel eyes softened, and he rushed to my side. "Lyra, you're in labor. Let's get you to the hospital."

As we drove, the contractions got stronger, and I gripped Rachel hand, using my talent to channel my energy into our pup. Rachel eyes met mine, and he knew I was using my gift.

"You've got this, Lyra," he whispered, his voice full of encouragement.