CHAPTER 3: Evelyn is coming back

Nolan's POV

I stood before my pack, eyes scanning the gathering with concern and determination.

I did not want to worry them, but our archenemy was getting increasingly cheeky by the day. We needed to be prepared, and that meant bringing the entire pack together to be on the highest alert at all times.

And once everything was done and settled again, I would fulfil my promise to myself and find that one girl who had always been locked away in my heart.

The dim light of the room cast long shadows on the walls, making it seem like the darkness was closing in around us.

"My Mystic River family, please hear me carefully and let me explain. We need to be prepared, my friends," I said, my voice low and urgent. "The Silverline Pack has been watching us, studying us, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And I think that moment is coming soon."

Simon, my trusted beta, stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. "What makes you think that?" he asked her voice firm but laced with a hint of worry.

I let out a deep breath, my chest rising and falling with the weight of my concern. "I've sensed it, Simon. I've felt their energy, their malice. They're not happy with our presence in this territory, and they're looking for a way to take advantage of our weakness. They're known for their greed and cruelty. We will not allow them to make us their next victims." I clenched my fists and felt my anger burn up inside me. I had worked hard to make my pack strong, but we needed to be stronger and not weak. Silverline would not win against us if I could help it.

Simon had been my best friend and my beta for a long time, and he was usually on point with everything, but lately, his emotions had been getting in the way, and I understood how he was feeling.

His mother, the beautiful Angela. She was bedridden and unwell, and it was unlikely she would have much time left. She had been like a second mother to me my entire life, best friend to my mother. Simon had been strong since his father passed away, and he had taken on so much responsibility. He was a good beta for me and my pack. I would never let him fall, but we needed to be on high alert to keep our pack what we had made it.

My mind wandered to Evelyn. Simons' little sister and the one who has never been out of my mind since the day she left five years ago. I found myself wishing yet again that she would be here still. I missed her but I had to lead the pack and couldn't let my emotions get the better of me.

"Alpha, we need to be always alert," Simon growled as if reading my mind and realising the seriousness. I saw the tiredness in his eyes, the worry on his face, and I felt for him; I did.

"Yes, my beta, you are correct. We do, and we will not allow any pack to bring us down."

The pack exchanged worried glances and murmured among themselves, their voices filled with fear and determination. Asher, our resident strategist, spoke up, calm and calculating. "We need to increase our patrols and strengthen our defences. We can't let them catch us off guard."

I take a deep breath, trying to steel myself for the task ahead. "Yes. We need to talk about our defences," I say, my voice firm and commanding.

The room falls silent, all eyes fixed on me as I continue. "We've been lucky, but the Silverline Pack is growing bolder by the day. We can't afford to underestimate them."

I pause momentarily, my mind already racing ahead to the tasks at hand. "Asher, can you work with the others to devise a plan for increasing our patrols? We need to know what's going on beyond our borders."

Asher nods, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Already on it, alpha. I'll gather the others, and we'll get started right away."

"Good." I gave him a nod of approval.

I turn back to the group, my eyes scanning their faces. "And everyone who can fight must begin training immediately. We can't afford to wait and hope the Silverline Pack doesn't notice us. We need to be ready for them."

The room erupts into a murmur of agreement and concern. I can see the fear and uncertainty in their eyes, but I also see determination and resolve. They know what's at stake, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to protect our pack.

I continue, my voice firm and commanding. "We'll be training day and night until we're ready. We'll work together as a team, using every skill we have to prepare for what's coming. We'll do this together, as a pack."

The room falls silent once more, but this time, it's not out of fear or uncertainty. It's out of determination and unity. They know what needs to be done, and they're ready to do it.

Looking around at their faces, I see a glimmer of hope. We may face uncertain times, but as long as we stand together, we can overcome anything.

"OK, my family. Let's get started," I say, my voice low and commanding. "We have no time to waste." I clapped hands together and gestured for them to begin their tasks.

I watch them go, my heart heavy with worry but also filled with pride. They're counting on me to lead them through this challenging time, and I won't disappoint them.

Simon remained behind. "Alpha, I am so sorry about not being my best lately". He started to say with a sigh. I placed a hand on his shoulder and reassured him it would be ok. He had us all behind him to support him.

I felt a sudden jolt of tension as my Wolf, Tristan, stirred to life at the back of my mind. His energy was electric, and I could sense his excitement building. My instincts pricked up.

"What's wrong, Tristan?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. But Tristan was beyond words, his howl echoing through my mind like a cry of triumph.

"She's close," he howled again, his voice like a wild wind in my thoughts. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I tried to decipher what he was trying to tell me.

Who was "she"? And what did it have to do with the danger lurking on the horizon?

"Our Evelyn. She is coming home."

I glanced around, feeling a growing sense of unease.

"What's going on?" Simon asked, his voice low.

I shook my head, trying to clear the fog from my mind. "I don't know," I admitted. "But Tristan seems to think Evelyn is coming back."