Gabriel
It is night and it feels like I haven't accomplished anything. It has been two days since the attack and I haven't uncovered the truth. Olivia has been gone for the duration and panic fills me up as I try to think of a way to solve this.
A group of people that terrify me.
I make my way through the dense forest, the scent of pine filling the air as I navigate the familiar path that leads me to the secluded pond. It's a place of solace, a sanctuary where I can escape the chaos and responsibilities of being an Alpha. The tranquility of the water and the rustling of leaves bring a sense of calm to my troubled mind.
As I reach the edge of the pond, I take a moment to absorb the serenity around me. The moonlight casts a shimmering glow on the still water, creating a mesmerizing reflection. It's here that I often come to think, to ponder the challenges we face and seek guidance from the moon above.
I sit on a moss-covered rock, my eyes scanning the peaceful scene before me. The events of the past few days weigh heavily on my shoulders. The Nightshade Syndicate, the attack on my pack, the enigmatic scent that still eludes me—it's all a puzzle that needs to be solved.
I hear footsteps and instantly irritation hits me. I know who it is before i even see him. His scent is so strong that it clouds me.
"Fuck me," I mutter under my breath as Lucas Blackwood, the ever-smirking troublemaker, emerges from the shadows. He saunters towards me with a swagger, his presence exuding a confidence that both intrigues and irritates me.
"Been there, done that," he quips, his smirk widening as if he relishes in pushing my buttons.
I stand up, my patience wearing thin. "What do you want, Blackwood?" I ask, my voice laced with annoyance. I don't have the time or the inclination for his antics, especially now when my mind is consumed by the mysteries we face.
He chuckles, his gaze fixed on me. "You talk like you don't need help. But here I am, offering my assistance. Don't you want my help, Alpha?" His tone is mocking, as if he finds amusement in challenging my authority.
"Fuck you," I retort, my frustration boiling over. I turn to walk away, intent on leaving him behind with his smugness and insolence.
But just as I begin to move, his next words freeze me in my tracks. "I found something that might be of interest to you, Rivers."
Curiosity gnaws at me, urging me to turn back and give him a chance. Reluctantly, I face him again, my eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What are you talking about?"
He laughs "Look who is interested now.''
I roll my eyes. The fact that I am even entertaining him is bad on my part. Lucas Blackwood is a piece of shit and I know it. He is obviously teasing me and I am giving in to him.
"Say what you have to say and leave. This is my territory,'' I remind him.
Okay, so maybe this isn't rally my territory but Blackwood knows that I come here and I don't need him all over my space. it is bad enough that we have that night that I regret terribly.
He reaches for a zip lock in his back pocket and pulls it out, unzipping it to reveal something that looks like a piece of clothing.
"What the fuck is that?"
He smiles "Oh wouldn't you like to know."
The scent on the material hits me and he realizes as he quickly puts it in the bag.
"Where did you get that?"
He laughs again "If it isn't the most reliable Alpha in all of the werewolf packs showing a flicker of interest. I found it near the site of the ambush, tucked away in the underbrush. Thought it might be something worth investigating."
My curiosity intensifies, despite my reservations about Lucas and his motives. I reach out and take the bag from him, careful not to touch the fabric directly. As I examine it more closely, the scent wafts toward me, familiar yet elusive, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Where did you get this?" I ask again, my voice laced with a mix of urgency and suspicion.
Lucas chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ah, the great Alpha Gabriel Rivers, puzzled and intrigued. Well, I stumbled upon it, as I said. Seems like you're not the only one with a keen sense of smell around here."
His words irk me, but I push aside my irritation, focusing on the task at hand. I carefully remove the fabric from the bag, holding it up to the moonlight for a clearer view. It's a torn piece of clothing, bearing the signs of a struggle.
"What do you expect to find from this?" I inquire, my voice tinged with skepticism.
He shrugs nonchalantly. "I'm no expert, but I figured you might recognize the scent. And if we can identify who these attackers are, we might just have a chance at unraveling this mess."
His interest in helping me baffles me completely "Why are you so interested in identifying these attackers?"
He shrugs "Not interested at all. Maybe I want something in return.''
He reaches for the bag and I don't fight him for it "What could you possibly want from me Blackwood?"
I don't even understand why we are having tis conversation. This man is the most irritating person I have ever met and every conversation i have with him is like pulling teeth.
Lucas smirks, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh Gabriel, you are always a stick in the mud. Can't you just have a little bit of fun every once in a while?"
I roll my eyes again "I have fun but not with people like you.''
Lucas chuckles, undeterred by my dismissive response. "Come on, Gabriel. Admit it. You're intrigued. The great Alpha, unraveling a mystery with the help of the notorious Lucas Blackwood. It has a certain ring to it, don't you think?"
I narrow my eyes at him, my patience wearing thin. "This is not a game, Lucas. Lives are at stake, including those of our pack members. I won't let you turn this into some twisted entertainment."
He feigns a wounded expression, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "You wound me, Alpha. I assure you, my intentions are genuine. I want to help because... well, let's just say I owe you one."
I raise an eyebrow, skepticism evident in my voice. "Owe me? What could you possibly owe me?"
He smirks, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Ah, that's a story for another time. But for now, let's focus on the matter at hand. This torn clothing might just hold the key to uncovering the identities of our attackers. And if there's even a slim chance that we can find answers, it's worth exploring."
Reluctantly, I consider his words. As much as I dislike his presence, I can't deny the logic in his argument. The scent on the fabric could provide vital clues that may lead us to the truth.
"Fine," I relent, a sense of resignation in my voice. "But let's get one thing straight, Lucas. I don't trust you, and I won't hesitate to put you in your place if you step out of line."
He grins, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, Gabriel, you wound me again. But fair enough, I'll play by your rules... for now."
Together, we turn our attention to the torn clothing, focusing on the task before us. The night grows darker, but a flicker of determination ignites within me. If there's a chance to uncover the truth and protect my pack, I'll endure the infuriating presence of Lucas Blackwood. For the sake of our pack, I'll set aside my reservations and work alongside the one person I never thought I'd trust.