Helen POV
I spent the next few days in the forest with the elder. I was careful not to let anyone else find out about my covert training, so he was the only one who was aware of it. The elderly man, Aldric, showed me how to better harness my wolf's powers and discover previously undiscovered talents.
One evening, while we stood in a clearing, Aldric said, "You have power inside you, Helen." But it's no longer visible. You don't feel weak, despite what the pack has made you believe.
I inhaled deeply as I felt the old weight of doubt beginning to linger. "I'm weak, always have been," I murmured. "I've always been seen as an omega by everyone."
"That's because they're unaware of the reality," Aldric firmly retorted. "You have to believe that you are stronger than all of them."
He nodded, taking a step back. "Now, change gears."
I shut my eyes, concentrating on my wolf. It was easier today than it had been in the past when the transition had always felt slow and hard. I could sense the strength inside me growing, waiting to be let out. My fur appeared, my bones moved, and in a matter of minutes, I was standing on all fours like a wolf.
Aldric murmured in a quiet voice, "Good." Now pay attention to your senses. Listen to the trees, sense the wind, and follow the forest's lead.
I listened while I felt the breeze and the faint sound of falling leaves all around me. My senses were more acute and precise than before. Every noise, even the smallest animal's rustling in the distance, was audible to me.
With pride, Aldric replied, "You're doing it." "Your actual potential is starting to emerge."
I reverted to my human shape, panting a little from the exertion but with a rising sensation of pride in my chest. "It seems like I'm getting better."
Aldric grinned. Sure, but you must hide it from the pack. Not quite yet. They're not prepared to see how strong you are. You continue to be in danger.
I nodded, even though I detested the secret. Still, I knew he was correct. Things might get worse if someone discovered what I was doing, especially considering Scott's rejection.
Scott appeared to be more preoccupied than ever while I was focused on my workout. When I went by him in the packhouse, I became aware of it. His normal air of confidence and coldness had vanished, replaced by something aloof. Scott was constantly accompanied by his Beta, Marcus, who would mutter things to him that made him scowl more than normal.
One day, as they were walking past me in the corridor, I heard Marcus say, "He's still thinking about her." Tucked hidden in the shadows, they missed me. "Scott, you have to move on. She doesn't deserve to be your Luna.
Although Scott's jaw tensed, he remained silent.
"More capable candidates, more suitable choices for you and the group," Marcus added in a quiet but firm tone. "As Serena does."
Scott looked up as soon as her name was spoken. Marcus regarded the flickering of his eyes and his lack of response as encouragement.
Marcus said, "She's strong, capable, and she's always had feelings for you." "She is the kind of Luna the pack needs not an omega who can't even stand up for herself."
I balled my fists, out of sight of them. I couldn't quite put into words how much it hurt to hear Marcus push Scott in Serena's direction, even while the hurt of Scott's rejection still hurt. Would Scott pick her?
Marcus leaned closer to Scott, speaking in a low voice. Consider it, Alpha. Serena would fit right in.
Scott simply turned and left without saying anything. However, the seed was already sown. His eyes showed uncertainty, which I could see.
I was unable to get rid of the anxious feeling in my chest later that evening. Marcus seemed off to me, and I was unable to deny it any longer. I chose to trail behind him, staying hidden in the shadows as he made his way out of the packhouse and into the woods.
I followed closely after him, trying not to make any noise as my heart raced. To what destination was he heading?
Marcus eventually came to a halt at the boundary of the area, where some renegade wolves were lying in wait. I stared from behind a tree, lurking in the shadows, and my stomach churned.
The towering, scary wolf who led the rogues stepped forward. "You're running late, Marcus," he snarled.
Marcus grinned. Had to make sure I wasn't being followed. You can never be too cautious.
I tried not to move while holding my breath.
Marcus went on, "Everything's going as planned." "The pack is in danger because Scott is preoccupied. We'll be able to proceed quickly after that.
The rebel leader's eyes lit up with pride. "And the young lady?"
"Helen? Marcus sneered. "She poses no threat. She is frail. However, we can weaken Scott by using her. Despite his refusal to acknowledge it, he still has feelings for her. Scott will give up as soon as we have her.
My heart pounded. Were they going to turn on me to hurt Scott? Marcus, too... He was turning on the group. It was him turning on Scott.
I was hearing things that I couldn't believe. Scott's reliable Beta, Marcus, was conspiring with rogues to depose him. And they intended to employ me in the process. My thoughts were racing with uncertainty and anxiety.
How should I proceed? Shall I alert Scott? He'd rejected me, humiliated me in front of the pack, after all this. Did I have any debt to him? My instinct was to flee, hide, and defend myself. That being said, the pack would topple if I remained silent. And Scott...
Torn between obligation and terror, I bit my lip.
The voice of the rebel leader suddenly broke through the darkness. How about Serena? This includes her, right?"
I became motionless. Serena, how are you? No, that is not possible.
Marcus grinned twistedly as he nodded. "Serena has lofty goals. She had a lifelong desire to be Luna. She will fulfill her role. She is aware of the stakes.
My stomach fell out. Was Serena also involved? Even though I'd never trusted her, I felt queasy after hearing this. She was a part of the treachery, not merely someone out to win Scott's heart.
With my thoughts racing, I rested my back on the tree. I was the only one who knew that the pack was in danger. After everything, could I truly face Scott again? Should I take the chance of humiliation again?
With my heart racing in my chest, I drew in a trembling breath. I had to make a quick decision.
What should I do? Should I warn Scott, knowing he might reject me all over again? Or should I stay silent and protect myself? My mind swirled with doubt and fear, but one thing was certain—danger was coming, and time was running out.