The morning after his visit to the hospital, Alex woke up with a sense of unease. His decision to leave his previous life behind was final, but there were still loose ends to tie up. With a sigh, he got up from Gideon's couch and prepared for another trip to the city.
"Remember," Gideon warned as Alex was about to leave, "keep your senses alert. You're not the only one of your kind in the area."
Alex nodded, recalling the conversation about the nearby pack. "I'll keep that in mind."
The city center was bustling with activity when Alex arrived. The noise and smells threatened to overwhelm him, but he took a deep breath and focused on maintaining control, just as Gideon had taught him.
His first stop was the bank. He needed to close his accounts and withdraw his savings. While waiting in line, a peculiar scent caught his attention. It was subtle, almost imperceptible among the mix of perfumes and the smell of paper, but unmistakable: another werewolf.
Alex discreetly scanned the room, his eyes stopping on a middle-aged man at the counter. The man, as if sensing his gaze, turned around, and their eyes met. For an instant, Alex saw a golden flash in the stranger's eyes.
Alex's heart began to beat faster. What should he do? Approach? Ignore him? Before he could decide, the man finished his transaction and headed for the exit, but not before giving Alex a meaningful look.
Driven by curiosity and a strange sense of familiarity, Alex quickly finished his business at the bank and followed the man outside. He found him waiting in a nearby alley.
"You're new," the man said as Alex approached. It wasn't a question.
Alex nodded, tense. "My name is Alex."
"Marcus," the man replied, extending his hand. When Alex shook it, he felt the superhuman strength in the grip. "Who turned you?"
"Nobody," Alex replied, remembering the night of the attack. "It was... an accident."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, surprised. "And you've survived on your own? Impressive. Although," he added, sniffing the air, "I smell an old wolf on you. Has someone been training you?"
Alex hesitated for a moment but decided to be honest. "A man named Gideon. He found me after the attack."
Marcus's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, the old hunter. Interesting." He looked at Alex with renewed interest. "You must be special if Gideon decided to train you."
"You know Gideon?" Alex asked, surprised.
Marcus let out a short laugh. "All the wolves in this region know Gideon. He's been both an ally and an adversary over the years." He paused, as if considering something. "Tell me, Alex, have you thought about joining a pack?"
The question took Alex by surprise. "I... I'm not sure. Gideon mentioned there was a pack nearby, but..."
"But you're afraid," Marcus completed. "It's natural. Pack life isn't easy, but it offers you protection and a sense of belonging that you won't find anywhere else."
Alex felt a mix of emotions: curiosity, apprehension, and a strange sense of longing that he couldn't fully explain.
Marcus seemed to read his thoughts. "You don't have to decide now. But if you want to know more, come tonight to the Ancient Oak clearing, north of the forest. There will be a pack meeting."
"How will I know where it is?" Alex asked.
Marcus smiled, his eyes shining with a touch of amusement. "Trust your instincts, young wolf. They will guide you."
With those words, Marcus walked away, blending into the crowd on the main street and leaving Alex with more questions than answers.
The rest of the day passed in a blur as Alex finished settling his affairs in the city. His mind, however, was elsewhere, considering Marcus's invitation and what it might mean.
When he returned to Gideon's cabin at dusk, the old man was waiting for him.
"You look worried, pup," Gideon said, studying his face. "Did something happen in the city?"
Alex hesitated for a moment before telling him about his encounter with Marcus and the invitation to the pack meeting. Gideon listened in silence, his expression unreadable.
"Do you know this Marcus?" Alex asked when he finished his story.
Gideon nodded slowly. "I know him. He's the second-in-command of the local pack. A good wolf, overall, though he can be... intense."
"Do you think I should go?" Alex asked, seeking advice.
Gideon looked at him intently for a long moment before responding. "I think it's time for you to learn more about your new world, Alex. But remember, a pack is like a family, with all its complexities and conflicts. Don't make hasty decisions."
Alex nodded, grateful for the advice. As the sun set, he prepared to leave for the Ancient Oak clearing. His heart was beating with anticipation and nervousness.
"Be careful," were Gideon's last words as Alex entered the forest.
As he moved among the trees, Alex felt his senses sharpening. The nocturnal forest came alive around him, and for the first time, he truly felt part of it. Following his instinct, as Marcus had suggested, he found himself moving northward.
Soon, the sound of voices and the scent of others like him guided him to a clearing illuminated by the moon. In the center, a majestic oak rose, its branches extending like protective arms over the gathering.
At the edge of the clearing, Alex stopped, observing the scene before him. Dozens of people - no, werewolves - were gathered, some in human form, others showing lupine features. The energy in the air was palpable, a mix of camaraderie and barely contained tension.
Marcus saw him and approached, a welcoming smile on his face. "I'm glad you came, Alex. Welcome to the Ancient Oak pack."
As Alex took a step into the clearing, he felt he was crossing an invisible threshold. His life was about to change once again, and this time, there was no turning back.