Chapter 5 The Price of Passion

It was now night and my body started operating normally once more. He was next to me and his eyes remained intense. It was quiet between the two of us and all you could hear was the leaves moving in the wind.

I tried to interpret his behavior by looking at him. How does this matter to us? I whispered in a barely noticeable tone.

Gabriel fixed his eyes on me, looking both eager and straining at the same time. His voice came out low and rough, with him saying, "That's why we should be careful." The team isn't likely to understand.

I experienced a chill on my body. "What pack?" I became curious and asked.

His tone changed to something serious. He said, "The pack I am part of." There are guidelines and traditions that guide them. They forbid us from being with each other."

I started to understand after nodding. "You're a werewolf," I told him, feeling that it didn't sound right.

Gabriel looked directly at me while he tried to adapt. Exactly and because of this we are now tied together. We have to deal with the pack as a team.

I felt great fear when I considered it, but I couldn't leave without doing it. At that moment, after I'd given everything to Gabriel.

As we returned to the woods' edge, there was a strong and uncomfortable silence between us. What would take place after that? Would the pack be open to our relationship being together?

Gabriel's hand took mine with our fingers weaving together. He assured me, "Don't be concerned." I will keep you safe.

I felt more assured after smiling. Still, I understood that everything could fall apart. Their actions could change and I wasn't sure if our love would get us through everything they presented.

The moment we moved past the trees, I spotted a person near the gate. I felt the grip on my hand get tighter.

"Who is that?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "That's the pack's Alpha, my brother," he replied, his tone cautious.

The Alpha's presence seemed to fill the air, his piercing stare making me feel uneasy. Gabriel's brother was tall and imposing, his broad shoulders and chiseled features commanding respect.

"Let's get this over with," Gabriel muttered, leading me forward.

Gabriel took me to a secluded area for training. "Today, we'll work on your shifting," he said, his eyes serious. "It's not going to be easy, but I'll be right here with you."

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "What do I need to do?" I asked, trying to focus.

"Just relax and let your instincts take over," Gabriel replied. "I'll guide you through it. Remember, it's all about trusting your body and letting go of your fears."

As we trained, I felt a strange sensation building inside me. My body began to shift, my senses heightening. Gabriel watched over me, offering words of encouragement.

"You're doing great, Layla," he said. "Just let go and allow the shift to happen."

I took a deep breath and focused on the sensation. Suddenly, my body began to transform, and I felt a rush of changes in my body system.

When the shift was complete, I looked down at my hands and saw they were no longer human. I was a wolf.

Gabriel grinned, clearly proud. "You're a natural," he said, ruffling my fur. "I'm impressed. You're picking this up so quickly."

I wagged my tail, feeling a sense of freedom and joy. Gabriel's pride in me made me feel more confident, and I knew our bond was growing stronger.

"Let's run," Gabriel said, taking off into a sprint. "Follow me!"

I chased after him, feeling the wind in my fur and the atmosphere on my back. We ran through the forest together, our paws pounding the earth in unison.

The full moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the forest. The pack was restless, their bodies stirring with the call of the wild.

Roman's voice rang out, "Run with me!" The pack erupted into a chorus of howls as we gave in to the moon's power.

My body began to shift, my senses heightening as I felt the transformation take hold. My paws hit the earth, and I ran with the pack, the wind rushing through my fur.

Gabriel ran beside me, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. We chased the shadows, our paws pounding the earth in unison.

The hunt was exhilarating, the freedom of the run intoxicating. But as we ran, I sensed a presence watching us from the darkness.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the trees, its eyes glowing like embers. The pack growled, forming a protective circle around me.

Gabriel's hackles rose, his fur standing on end. "What do you want?" he snarled, baring his teeth.

The figure didn't respond, its gaze fixed on me. I felt a shiver run down my spine as the moon reached its peak, casting an eerie glow over the forest.

What did this stranger want? And why did I feel like my life was about to change forever?

The stranger's look held a fierce intensity, its eyes burning with an inner fire. I felt a primal urge to defend myself, but Gabriel's presence beside me was reassuring. He growled low in his throat, a warning that sent a shiver down the stranger's spine.

The pack was tense, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Roman positioned himself between the stranger and me, his eyes narrowed. "What brings you to our territory?" he demanded.

The stranger's stare went to Roman, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of uncertainty. Then, its eyes locked on mine once more, and I felt a jolt of recognition.

"You," the stranger whispered, its voice barely audible over the rustling of leaves. "I've been searching for you."

Gabriel's growl grew louder, a warning that the stranger would do well to heed. But I felt a spark of curiosity, a sense that this encounter was more than just a chance meeting.

The stranger took a step closer, its eyes burning with an inner fire. "My name is Kael," it said, its voice low and husky. "And I have a message for you, Layla."