Chapter 5 The Weight of Secrets

The moon hung high in the night sky, shining gently over Ashwood, where a sense of unease was building. Since the attack, an unsettling feeling has lingered within me, as if something hidden was biding its time.

I found myself at the forest's edge, hands buried in my jacket pockets, attempting to calm my swirling thoughts. Asher had advised me to avoid these woods after dark, a warning I had heeded until this moment. Tonight, however, something was pulling me in-a feeling I couldn't shake. The ground beneath me seemed alive, as if the forest acknowledged my presence. I wasn't sure if that made me feel scared or safe.

My grandmother's words from earlier echoed in my thoughts. "There are things you don't yet understand, Bon Bon-secrets too deep to reveal now. The Blackwoods hold a legacy, one I tried to escape." Maria had spoken with a mix of regret and fear, leaving me with more questions than clarity. Now, as I stepped deeper into the forest, I sensed that the answers lay hidden in the darkness.

A twig snapped behind me, causing me to tense up. I quickly turned, searching the shadows for any sign of movement. My werewolf instincts-still new to me-heightened my awareness of every sound and rustle. But there was nothing. Just the quiet of the woods.

I turned back to the path and stopped suddenly. A figure was just a few feet away, leaning against a tree as if he had been waiting for me.

"Asher," I whispered, my heart racing.

He pushed off the tree, his face hard to read in the low light. "You shouldn't be here, Bonnie."

My jaw clenched. "I had to clear my mind. I can't just ignore what's happening."

He moved closer, his eyes narrowing. "There is a problem. Thane's pack is getting closer to the town, and you being out here at night isn't helping."

"I can take care of myself," I shot back, surprised by the fierceness in my voice.

His expression softened. "I know you're not. But you're also not prepared for what's ahead."

I tightened my fists, annoyed by his words. He meant well-he always did-but I hated being seen as something delicate that needed protection. I needed to show myself that I was strong enough, even if it scared me.

"I can take care of myself," I replied, my voice lower now, but the determination was still there. "I need to learn to control this."

Asher moved closer, his hand lightly touching my arm. His presence was always calming, but there was a silent tension between us-a boundary we hadn't crossed yet. Our bond was clear, but neither was willing to act on it. The risks were too high. Love between our packs could destroy us before we even had a chance to be together.

"There's more at play than just your abilities," he said quietly. "Something is going on in the pack. Someone is giving Thane information."

My eyes grew wide. "Do you think there's a traitor?"

He nodded. "Someone nearby. We don't know who yet, but Thane always seems to be one step ahead of us. It can't just be luck."

A shiver went down my back. If there was a traitor, it meant I couldn't trust anyone. The very people meant to protect me might be putting me in danger.

"Do you have any idea who it might be?" I asked, quickly thinking of the faces I had seen in the pack.

Asher shook his head. "We're keeping an eye on everyone. But until we find proof, we need to be cautious. I need you to stay safe."

I nodded, my thoughts racing with questions. Who would turn against their own pack? What could drive someone to do that? Was it out of greed or fear? I didn't understand the pack dynamics well enough to figure it out, but I sensed things were likely to get worse before they improved.

Asher's phone buzzed, shattering the tense quiet. He took it out, glanced at the screen, and his expression hardened.

"I need to leave," he said, putting the phone back in his jacket. "Stay with your grandmother tonight. Don't go outside, no matter what happens."

I frowned. "What's happening?"

"There's activity near the old quarry. Thane's pack might be planning an ambush."

I wanted to protest, to insist I could help, but his look stopped me. "Please, Bonnie. I can't concentrate on the fight if I'm worried about you."

My chest felt tight, frustration rising within me, but I managed to nod. "Okay. I'll head back to the house."

He offered me a small, grateful smile before walking toward the woods. Just before he stepped into the shadows, he looked back at me. "Promise me."

I let out a sigh. "I promise."

Asher disappeared into the darkness, leaving me alone in the quiet of the night. Once he was gone, the urge inside me returned, even stronger. It felt like the forest was beckoning me, urging me to explore further. I had told Asher I would go home, but tonight felt different. There was something I needed to discover.

After glancing one last time where Asher had gone, I turned and took a hidden trail that went further into the woods. The trees embraced me, the air began to thin, and my bones suddenly felt a stronger pressure. I walked for a certain period of time, which I was not sure how long it was, and felt some space finally appearing. What I could see in that space was a ring with stones that were arranged but now overgrown with some green and vines.

I moved forward, close enough to feel that something was about to happen. The stones appeared to have an electric pulse and I could think for a moment that they emitted a dim silvery light.

'What is this place,' I asked myself as I moved forward intending to touch the ring stones.

But even before my fingers came close, a low voice was heard from behind me.

My heart throbbed as I turned around. There was a massive wolf at the edge of the clearing and its gaze came with an inexplicable sparkle. This wolf was certainly different from any of the ones I had seen during the pack-grander, threatening, and radiating an intense aura that made my heart tremble.

There was a split second, where both of us just stood still. I could feel the rapid pounding of my heart in my chest as I started to think about my next move. The situation was fresh, and I had never faced a wolf like that in the past. I was unsure as to whether I would be safe, especially after acquiring new powers.

The wolf snarled once more, dropping its head in preparation for an attack.

I was breathing heavily and stepped back in absolute fear. I felt a surge of energy within me, my werewolf instincts awakening, but I doubted my ability to control it.

Just as the wolf tended to attack, a voice broke through the silence.

"Stop."

The wolf halted, its growl fading away. I gasped as another figure emerged from the shadows-a man with dark, intense eyes and a familiar aura.

"Thane," I breathed, feeling a chill run through me.

He grinned slowly, a menacing smile that made me shiver.

"I've been searching for you, Bonnie."