Chapter 3 The Unseen Path

LUIGI

I let the water cascade over my body in a bid to wash the worry off my body. I could sense it, my wolf gnawed at it also. Something was about to change. And Luna's name cried out. I had no choice but to follow my instinct to keep her safe. I could teach her what little I could to avert disasters in the future.

Since I was not scheduled to return to the base until later, I came in to change for the evening. Perks of having a Beta as your father. I had the freedom to come and go, but I made it my mission to never miss training. I could never have my responsibilities reduced. That was something my old man made sure of, and I was raised believing that. Exemplary in every way. I forced the thought of Luna to the back of my mind because I had a busy week ahead of me and it was keeping me from falling asleep.

Tragedy was all around me as I stood atop a rock. The sand and dust moved to the beat of the wind. They became entangled and obstructed vision. Blood flew into the air and onto the floor. The scene was filled with the sounds of vicious scratches, tearing flesh, and snapping necks. Every dangerous weapon was hurled, and arrows were flying everywhere. While observing the ongoing combat, I witnessed the rapid release of an arrow in my direction. Before I could even see its marks, a wolf leaped in front of me, broke the arrow so quickly, and killed the attacker. It snarled at me and cast bloodshot eyes on me.

"Pay attention, Andrea. It is as it is". With incredible speed, it fled and fatally struck two more wolves in front of me.

When the wild beast of a wolf that had defended me was revealed to me, I was horrified. It was the wolf of my father, Luca. I had no idea how similar the two would end up being. Luca was a far cry from my father, Dante. I never imagined that he would be so terrifying-he moved quickly but attacked with such accuracy and sharpness. I entered the battle early enough, and it ended in victory. Luca let out a howl, and a few familiar wolves approached him. He guided us to another, whose eyes gleamed fiercely and were spot on. Something that I was unable to comprehend surfaced behind it. It shot out from behind those eyes, blazing with fire. I was startled out of my dream by the howl.

I woke up drenched in sweat and it felt real. Even though Luca and the first wolf's eyes were frightening, the last one's fiery gaze penetrated my heart. I had the impression that I could burn without producing ashes.

The howling sound was reproduced once more. Training was about to begin. My sense of hearing allowed me to hear Theo howling. Theo was the pack's leader soldier. I quickly changed into my training clothes and headed to the pitch. It was neither very far nor very close. I entered at the beginning and joined them. It is difficult today as usual, but Luigi is capable of anything.

It was Finn, the second in command, who recruited a new group of soldiers today. They emitted pained groans as they were directed to perform various drills. Currently leading the new recruit training program, Finn was an extremely tough guy. Although I had no business getting involved, he was very violent during today's training. I was in no position of authority here, nor was I competent to speak or offer guidance. Given that he was acting so irritable and rudely towards everyone, I assume that he had not gotten laid yet. There was no hiding the sexual tension he was fighting. Psychopathic.

Not that I cared, but we did not like each other's guts either. He was capable of anything with others, but not with me. Being the son of the Beta added yet another benefit to my open disdain for his demeanor. It was just unfortunate that he was the one in charge today. I completed the final lap of training before realizing there was a heavy presence nearby. As it happened, my suspicions were confirmed when everyone stood to pay respect to the Alpha who had unexpectedly arrived. My dad moved behind him, grinning, as I watched. He never seemed to be unhappy, and I used to wonder if he thought he looked silly. How in the world did Alpha Eugene pick this man to be his Beta? With his innocent smile, he was so amiable to everyone in his vicinity. I could not get that horrible image of Luca out of my head. I thought about whether or not that's actually my father's wolf because it was so realistic. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to connect the two of them. It seemed so strange to me.

"Luigi," he said, nodding slightly and tapping my shoulder firmly as he went by.

I nodded slightly in response, saying, "Dad."

He was grinning broadly as he gave me a long, hard look. I was curious as to what kind of thoughts were going through his mind at that moment. He patted my shoulders once more and moved on with the Alpha and crew after a very brief moment.

After training, I finished up and was about to wash up when I heard a very familiar voice behind me.

"Luigi, why did you come here? You have developed past this point" Zylon asked

"When you see the Beta, let him know. Here, nobody is above training. This place is also not as bad".

"Well, that is for you".

After a short contemplation, I decided to inform him about Finn.

"Finn is present. It would be best if you avoided him".

"He is insane. What did the Alpha consider when elevating him to this position? Do you not think that my hands and his neck could make for a pleasant death?"

"Zylon, please control your thoughts and voice. Keep in mind that walls have ears."

"Are walls hearing things? The walls are people, and you are the wall in this situation. The unspoken issue surrounding my animosity towards him is this. We only maintain that façade out of respect for my Alpha and because I do not want other people to believe that I am a vicious creature that preys on the defenceless".

"Enough of him already. Let us proceed with the tasks for today".

Mischief was evident in Zylon's expression. I had no choice but to comply with his request to repeat that. Exhilarating but dangerous at the same time.

"Zylon..."

"Rylas is headed there already. Move quickly to avoid arousing suspicions".

"All right."

Following my entry to tidy up, we departed from the training area. We crept out of the building and drove off. We headed for the border when we noticed the panting man there. There was no hiding the rebelliousness in him; he looked so full of himself.

"You guys took so long,"

"Just fifteen minutes, Rylas. Quit being so arrogant".

"And anything could happen in those fifteen minutes, Zylon."

"Let us move forward quickly with this."

We crept away from the pack to rendezvous with our werewolf group. The Brotherhood was Rylas's term for them all. Within the sect, betrayal resulted in sporadic deaths and we were bound by an oath. The existence of this sect was never to be revealed to anyone. This sect included Alphas, Betas, Rogues, and even so-called bastards as well, sworn enemies. We all received the same respect from one another, so there was no discrimination of any kind.

Today was filled with conversations, good times, bonding, and idea sharing. I always looked forward to it as it was an enjoyable activity. When we finally arrived, Rylas quickened his pace to ensure that we would meet up as soon as possible. Zylon and I ran to catch up as well.

"Hey, dude!" The bearded man hugged Rylas and said, "You guys are finally here." I gave him a curt nod in response as he spoke with Zylon next to me.

Once inside, the place was a little boisterous. Others were trying to catch up, while some were drinking and others were laughing at jokes. Normal boy things. I simply grabbed a bottle, sat down in one of the side chairs, and used my eyes to look around. Rylas was one of the people laughing the loudest, while Zylon conversed with a few Alphas. He was practically in every place. To be honest, I felt honoured to be here, and I was appreciative that they welcomed me into their lives. I responded with an upward lip curve to the guy next to me who was talking about a funny incident that occurred during his pack fight.

I sensed that bastard's presence right away. He was in the shadiest corner of the space, and there was not a trace of life in his eyes. Adjacent to him, his Beta regarded everyone stoically with an intense look on his face. I think he sensed my look and gave me a similar look, albeit slightly smirking.

"Bastard," I uttered.

"We both are, Chase," he answered.

A grimace formed on my face. Although he was aware that I did not respond to that name, he continued to call me by that name whenever he got the chance.

"Chase, what brings you here?"

"Whoever found out about it is welcome to access it."

"Not you, Chase. You declared that you would not.

"But here I am, Louis."

His laughter was too quiet to hear, but he looked right at me. Though a small part of me was about to shiver from the competition, I returned it.

"Chase, why are you acting so serious?" with a narrowed gaze, he enquired.

"Because you remain unchanged. Grow up".

He muttered under his breath, "Boring."

He was everything he believed he was and more, and I had to give it to him because we had both come a long way. Louis was becoming increasingly like the Sect's leader, and he deserved it all. We struck up small talk when his friends arrived as well. A low growl drew everyone's attention. The primary task of the day came to an end, and the entire area fell silent. We clicked immediately, precisely, and without any problems. We split up after however long we had spent together.

Rylas, Zylon, and I ran as fast as we could. We were going to get busted soon. Luckily, we were not because Fermi, who for some reason managed to get in touch with me, reminded me in time.