The mate of the werewolf

around her felt almost surreal after her encounter with Lucas. Her heart raced as she replayed every moment of their meeting in her mind. The way he had looked at her, his intens

l of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wrapped around her like a warm hug. She joined the line, tapping her fingers nervously on the counte

It was Jenna, her best friend, standing next to her with an amused

" Aurora replied, forcing a s

keeping secrets?" Jenna tea

f her encounter with Lucas. She had never been one to indulge in fantastical stories, yet the pull t

osity. "Ooh, tell me everythin

ack to Lucas's rugged features and that magneti

?" Jenna leane

the right words. "He's intense, mysterious, and the

row. "You sure he's not just some art majo

eling her cheeks heat at the memory of their conversation. "He

ed, clearly thinking Aurora was joki

. "I know it sounds crazy, but he seemed genuine. He warned me abou

amusement. "Wow, you really know how to pick them,

wearing thin. "He said it's dangerous out t

hind Aurora's words. "Okay, okay. Let's say for a sec

over her. "I can't just ignore it. There's something compelling abou

upport you no matter what, but be careful, okay? If he's

e truth," Aurora replied, deter

ooks and polished wood enveloped Aurora, grounding her in the present. As they settled at a table piled with

ow of her desk lamp created a cocoon of warmth as she tried to concentrate on her studies. Yet, every tim

p and began searching for anything related to werewolves. The internet was a vast repository of legends, l

acies of their world. There were tales of bonding rituals, moonlit transformations, and the deep-rooted instincts tha

top and call it a night, a notification p

local legend involving the Blackwood

s from townsfolk who claimed to have encountered the Blackwood Pack. Each account varied-some spoke of terr

e author, it was said that during this time, werewolves gathered to honor their ancestors and strengthen

ething so profound. The urge to uncover the truth about Lucas and his world grew stronger. But a vo

d across the keyboard as she typed in queries about the Blackwood Pack, gathering as much informatio

ooked at her with a mixture of longing and urgency. She tossed and turned, the weight of her thoughts pr

s again, to understand the connection that seemed to bind them. But she was also aware o

nture into the forest, driven by a mix of curiosity and an inexplicable longing. She couldn't shake the feelin

s. The cool night air sent shivers down her spine, but adrenaline coursed through her veins. As she crossed into the forest, the shadows envelop

ung high above, casting silvery beams that illuminated her path. Aurora followed the tr

nd trepidation. This was where the ritual had been described, the place where the Blackwood Pack would

majestic and haunting. Aurora felt a strange mix of awe and fear as she watched the gathering unfold. This was t

ized she had stepped too close. The pack had noticed her presence, and a sense of danger washed over her. Panic s

ai

He stepped forward, his presence commanding, even from a distance. The oth

ucas asked, urgency lacing h

mered, the adrenaline coursing throu

of frustration and concern. "You shouldn

herself with her own conviction. "I want

. "You don't understand what you're asking for. This life-this wo

rmination shining in her eyes. "But I can't ignore this feel

led like electricity. Lucas's expression shifted, a storm of emotions flic

ise me you'll stay close. You

, leading her into the heart of the gathering. The energy in the clearing pulsed

with energy, the air thick with the scent of earth and moonlight. Lucas stood beside her, a

eyond her wildest dreams. She was no longer just an observer; she wa

to the night and to the man beside her. Little did she know, this was only the beginning