14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14:

Fight for Her

Axel

I take a deep breath, my hand resting on Lila's as I address the pack. "Thank you all for coming. I know this is an unusual situation, but it's important that we discuss it as a family."

I feel Lila tense beside me, her nervousness palpable. I give her hand a gentle squeeze, silently reassuring her.

"As many of you know, Lila was recently kidnapped and held captive by the rogues. When I found her, she was trapped in a burning barn, and the only way to save her life was to turn her."

Shock and concern ripple across the faces of my pack members. Ethan, my beta, nods solemnly, understanding the gravity of the decision. "Axel, we know you did what you had to do. Saving an innocent life is always the right choice."

Marcus jumps to his feet, his face contorted with anger. "This is madness, Axel! Bringing a human into the pack, risking our secrets, our safety... What were you thinking?"

I meet Marcus' gaze, my voice firm but understanding. "I was thinking about saving a life, Marcus. Lila didn't ask for this, but now she's one of us. It's our duty to protect and guide her."

"But she's an outsider!" Marcus argues, his hands clenched into fists. "She doesn't know our ways, our laws. She could expose us all!"

Lila shifts uncomfortably beside me, and I can sense her growing unease. I stand, drawing the attention of the pack.

"Lila is not an outsider. The moment I turned her, she became a part of this family. We will teach her our ways, and she will learn to control her wolf. I have faith in her, and I ask that you all give her a chance."

Lila flinches at my words, but I feel a surge of pride as she holds her ground, her chin lifted defiantly.

The room erupts into heated debate, voices rising and falling like crashing waves. I'm about to intervene when the door opens, and a hush falls over the room.

Mabel, my grandmother, steps inside, her presence commanding immediate attention. She surveys the room, her wise eyes taking in the scene.

"My children," she begins, her voice soft but firm. "There is much you need to understand about fated mates."

She speaks of destiny, of the Fates who weave the threads of our lives together. "The bond between fated mates is not a choice, but a sacred connection ordained by powers greater than ourselves."

Mabel shares stories of ancient werewolf-human matings, her words painting a rich tapestry of our history. "The Fates do not discriminate between species when choosing mates. They see only the strength of the bond, the depth of the love."

I watch as the pack listens in stunned silence, many hearing these truths for the first time. Beside me, Lila absorbs the information, awe and uncertainty mingling on her face.

As Mabel's words sink in, I squeeze Lila's hand, drawing strength from her presence. I know there are more challenges ahead, but for now, I'm grateful for my grandmother's wisdom and the support of my mate .

I love you, Lila, my vanilla bean, always have.

Wait, what did you call me? Vanilla Bean! I like that.

Yes, that is what you smell like to me, vanilla and cinnamon. I guess that you didn't hear me say that I Love you.

I did, but I don't want to say it just because you did.

We both mentally laugh.

I take another deep breath, steeling myself for the next topic of discussion.

"We need to discuss Lila's human connections, especially her friend Sophie."

The room tenses again, but the atmosphere is less hostile than before. I can see the wheels turning in their minds, considering the implications.

Lila speaks up for the first time, her voice trembling slightly but growing stronger with each word. "Sophie is more than just a friend to me. She's like a sister. We've been through so much together, and I trust her with my life."

I nod, understanding the depth of their bond.

"I propose the idea of eventually bringing Sophie into our confidence. She could be a valuable ally."

Some pack members exchange uncertain glances, and I can sense their apprehension.

Finn's voice rises, his brow furrowed.

"Fated mates or not, this is still dangerous. We can't risk exposure."

Lila counters Finn's argument, her eyes flashing with alpha strength and determination.

"Sophie is one of the most loyal and trustworthy people I know. She would never betray us."

I watch as some pack members lean forward, intrigued by Lila's alpha dominance mixed with passion and conviction.

The Fate's chose my mate well, I think with pride.

Never doubted it, my wolf exclaims.

Mabel interjects, her voice calm and measured. "In the past, human allies have proven crucial to the survival of our kind. We should not dismiss the possibility outright."

Elena speaks up, her tone thoughtful. "Perhaps we should wait and see how Lila adjusts before making any decisions about Sophie. Give her time to find her place in the pack first."

Lila and I exchange a look, both nodding in agreement with Elena's suggestion. It's a sensible middle ground.

The pack debates the issue, opinions divided but the conversation more constructive than before. I listen carefully, weighing each perspective.

"Let's revisit the Sophie issue after Lila has had time to adjust to her new life," I propose, seeking a compromise. "We don't need to make a decision right now."

The meeting ends with a tentative agreement, though I can see the unease lingering on some faces.

As the pack disperses, Lila and I share a moment of relief, our hands finding each other's. But even as we draw strength from one another, I feel the weight of the challenges ahead pressing down on my shoulders.

I take a deep breath, turning to Lila as the pack meeting disperses. "It's time for your first shift, Lila. Are you ready?"

Lila's hazel eyes widen, a mixture of excitement and nervousness dancing within them.

"I... I think so. I'm just not sure how to get started and do it."

I give her a reassuring smile, leading her out of the lodge and into the surrounding forest. "Don't worry, I'll guide you through it. It's all about connecting with your wolf, letting her instincts take over."

Ethan follows close behind, his presence a comforting support. We find a small clearing, the soft greens and earthy scents of the forest enveloping us.

Lila stands in the center, her hands trembling slightly. "Okay, what do I do?"

"Close your eyes," I instruct gently. "Take deep breaths and focus on the wolf inside you. Feel her strength, her wildness. Let her rise to the surface."

Lila's brow furrows as she tries to follow my guidance, but I can sense her anxiety holding her back.

Her wolf whines softly, struggling to break free.

I step closer, placing a comforting hand on Lila's shoulder. The moment we touch, our mate bond hums with energy, a soothing warmth flowing between us.

"It's okay, Lila. Your wolf is a part of you. Embrace her, trust her," I murmur, my voice low and reassuring.

Lila takes another deep breath, and suddenly, her form begins to shimmer. In a heartbeat, a sleek, beautiful wolf stands in her place, her fur a rich chestnut color with hints of auburn. I can't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration for her.

You did it, Vanilla Bean. How does it feel? My curiosity bubbling over as I observe this remarkable transformation.

Incredible. Everything is so... different. Sharper, more vibrant. It's... freeing, she responds, her voice echoing in my mind, laced with wonder. Like I've been waiting for this moment all my life.

Let it guide you, I encourage, feeling our connection deepen. Your wolf knows the way.

Pride swells in my chest as I shift into my own wolf form, Ethan following suit. I nuzzle Lila's wolf affectionately, our bond singing with joy.

Ethan and I lead Lila through the forest, showing her how to use her enhanced senses. She revels in the new experiences, her wolf bounding with enthusiasm as she takes in the sights, sounds, and scents of our territory.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar scent hits our noses, causing Ethan and me to tense up. Lila looks at us, confusion evident in her eyes.

What is it? she asks, her wolf whining softly.

It's an unfamiliar scent, I explain patiently. As wolves, we can identify individuals and detect potential threats by their unique scents.

We follow the scent cautiously, Ethan and I flanking Lila protectively as we move through the underbrush. The trail leads us to the edge of our territory, and as we crouch in the foliage, I can hardly believe my eyes.

It's Gio, Lila's human rival, and he's not alone. I inform Ethan.

Get down and stay quiet, I instruct Lila and Ethan as we crouch in the underbrush, observing the strange meeting taking place in the clearing ahead.

Lila's wolf whines softly as she presses close to my side, her confusion and unease palpable through our bond.

Wait, is that Gio? What's he doing out here with those people?

I narrow my eyes, studying the group intently. Some of them are werewolves, Lila. Focus on your senses, on the pack link. Can you feel it? The subtle difference in their energy compared to the humans?

Lila is silent for a moment, her wolf's gaze locked on the gathering. Suddenly, I feel a flicker of recognition through our bond.

I... I think I can feel it. It's like a kind of buzzing, a sense of kinship, but different from what I feel with you and Ethan.

Pride swells in my chest at Lila's quick understanding.

Exactly. Those are rogues, werewolves not bound to a pack. And the humans with them, I suspect they're hunters.

We strain our ears, trying to catch snippets of the conversation drifting from the clearing. Words like "payment," "information," "werewolves," "rogues," and "hunters" reach us, painting a disturbing picture.

It seems Gio is acting as some kind of intermediary, Ethan comments, his mental voice grave. Trading information between the rogues and the hunters.

I watch as Gio accepts a thick envelope from one of the humans, likely payment for his services. Anger and disgust churn in my gut.

We need to find out what they're planning, I decide, my mind racing with the implications of this alliance. Ethan, you follow the rogues, see where they go and what you can learn. Lila and I will track the hunters.

Ethan nods, his wolf form slinking silently into the underbrush as he moves to pursue the rogues. I turn to Lila, my heart clenching at the thought of her being involved in this dangerous situation so soon after her turning.

Stay close to me, I tell her, my voice gentle but firm. We'll follow the hunters, but I need you to be cautious. This is a whole new world you've been thrown into.

Lila's wolf leans into me, her presence a comforting warmth against my side.

I'm scared, but I'm with you, Axel. I want to know what is going on too.

As we move to track the hunters, I feel the weight of this new, complex threat bearing down on me. The alliance between rogues and hunters is a terrifying development, one that could put our entire way of life at risk.

I push down my own fear.

We slink through the shadowy streets, trailing the hunters at a safe distance. The acrid scents of the city assault my senses, but years of experience allow me to filter through the noise and focus on our targets.

Beside me, Lila's wolf whines softly, her steps faltering as she tries to process the overwhelming barrage of unfamiliar smells.

It's so different from the forest, she remarks, her mental voice strained. How do you stand it?

I nudge her reassuringly, my muzzle brushing against her fur.

It takes practice, I explain, my thoughts tinged with understanding. The urban landscape can be challenging for a new wolf. It's a lot to take in.

We continue following the hunters, weaving through alleyways and darting behind dumpsters to avoid detection. But as we go, I can sense Lila's growing discomfort and confusion.

Lila, I begin gently, pausing in the shadows of a brick building. I know you want to help, but this might be too much for you right now.

She looks at me, her hazel eyes flickering with uncertainty.

What do you mean?

Prolonged urban tracking requires a level of control and focus that takes time to develop, I explain, my thoughts laced with concern. I think it would be best if you head back to the packhouse and warn the pack about what we've discovered.

I can feel Lila's disappointment and frustration through our bond, but there's also a glimmer of relief.

Are you sure? she asks, her wolf's ears flattening against her head.

I am, I confirm, my mental voice firm but gentle. The pack needs to know about Gio's involvement and the alliance between the rogues and hunters. You're the best one to deliver that message.

Lila hesitates for a moment, then nods, understanding the importance of the task.

Okay, she agrees, her resolve strengthening. I'll find Elena and tell her what's going on.

Be careful, I urge as Lila turns to head back to the forest. Stay out of sight and trust your wolf's instincts.

She gives me a final, determined look before disappearing into the shadows, her sleek form blending into the night.

With a heavy heart, I watched as Lila's wolf form blended seamlessly into the darkness of the night. I know sending her back to the packhouse is the right decision, but it doesn't ease the ache in my chest. Every instinct screams at me to keep her close, to protect her from the dangers lurking in the darkness.

With determination, I compel myself to stay focused on the immediate task and resume following the trail of the hunters. Their scent leads me deeper into the city, winding through narrow streets and crowded alleys. The stench of exhaust and garbage mingles with the tang of their sweat, making my nose twitch in disgust.

As I turn onto a bustling main street, a wave of conflicting scents hits me like a wall. The aroma of street food, perfumes from passing pedestrians, and the ever-present urban smog overwhelm my senses. I pause, desperately trying to pick up the hunters' trail again, but it's gone, lost in the cacophony of city smells.

Frustration wells up inside me as I realize I've lost them. I'm about to backtrack when a new scent catches my attention – smoke, and not the usual kind you'd find in a city.