The Wolf Who Saved Me

Acwulf hated drawing attention, actually almost every member of the Black Pack. It’s one of their strengths that they were taught to attack an enemy without them even knowing. And so, wherever they go, they try not to be noticeable as much as possible.

Right now, Acwulf moved like a shadow through the narrow alleyways of the marketplace. The hood of his cloak was pulled so low that it almost covered his face. The cacophony of traders shouting their wares, the scent of fresh bread mingling with the musk of leather, did nothing to soothe the turmoil brewing inside him. His mind was consumed with one thought: Wren.

He tightened his grip on the worn leather strap of his satchel. Although the Black Pack is well-known, robbers are still unintimidated. Some would still attempt to rob them, thinking any member of the Black Pack would be stupid enough to let them. But Acwulf was not among the stupid ones, he carried his money with care. He didn’t even care about the bustling streets or the curious glances from passersby. He was here for a business looking for someone to help him get Wren.

Acwulf had sought the help of some members of his pack. He even voiced this concern with the Alpha, but he was only dismissed. He was only warned not to pursue the prophecy because it’s dangerous and foolish. The Alpha would not wage war with other packs just to get him a girl that would only save Acwulf’s life. It would not be beneficial to the entire pack. And any member of the pack is replaceable. But Acwulf was not ready to die. And so, he must take matters into his own hands. The good thing he was able to acquire some warriors. But still, their number was low and time was running out for him.

Wren was the key to preventing the prophecy from happening. The woman he believed would save him from the dark fate that haunted him every night. She was from the White Pack, now tied to the Gray Pack, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that without her, he was destined to die. And he had no intention of letting that happen.

The prophecy had been cryptic, layered with riddles and half-truths, but one thing had been clear: Wren’s blood held the answer. The power to save him. To change his fate. He didn’t know how or why, but he knew he had to get to her before it was too late.

The problem was Reule, the Gray Pack’s Alpha, and Wren’s protector. Acwulf had heard rumors that Wren had been hospitalized, and though her memories were fractured, she was back under Reule’s watchful eye. It made things more complicated than they should’ve been. Acwulf knew he couldn’t openly challenge the Gray Pack. They would be outnumbered without the support of his pack. And so, he must act quietly, smart, and sly like a fox.

Acwulf’s mind raced as he navigated the market, searching for supplies and some men he could pay to help him, but mostly thinking about the logistics of taking Wren. She was vulnerable and weak as compared to them. But Reule guarded her like she was his most precious treasure. It wouldn’t be easy to steal her away without drawing the attention of the entire Gray Pack.

Lost in thoughts, Acwulf collided with someone as he passed the fruit stand.

“Watch it,” a voice snapped.

Acwulf turned sharply and his eyes locked with the woman’s. She was beautiful, with raven-black hair and piercing eyes, flared with anger. But there was something else in her gaze-something darker, something restless. She wasn’t just annoyed. She was simmering with frustration, the kind of inner turmoil that matched his own.

“Apologies,” Acwulf said, his voice smooth and calm. He wasn’t one for unnecessary conflict, not in the open market where eyes were everywhere.

The woman’s eyes narrowed before recognition flickered across her features.

“You’re from the Black Pack,” she said, her voice softer but still wary.

“I’ve seen you before.”

“And you’re from the Gray Pack,” Acwulf replied, his eyes scanning her face, noting the tension in her posture. She wasn’t just any wolf from the Gray Pack-he could sense her importance, the power she carried within her.

“Lila, isn’t it?”

Lila’s jaw clenched. “What of it?”

Acwulf raised an eyebrow out of intrigue. He hadn’t expected to have luck in meeting someone of importance today. Lila was the twin sister of Landon, Reule’s beta. She was close enough to know Reule’s plan or how the Gray Pack works with having Wren around. If anyone had access to Wren, it was her.

“Nothing,” Acwulf said smoothly. “Just interesting, running into someone like you.”

Lila’s gaze sharpened, suspicion flickering in her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Acwulf considered his next words carefully. He hadn’t intended to involve anyone else in his plan, but Lila… there was something about her that screamed opportunity. Her body language, the way her voice trembled slightly when she spoke, told him she wasn’t just annoyed-she was angry, frustrated, and desperate.

She wanted something.

“I mean, it seems we both have something we want,” Acwulf said with a low voice. He stepped closer, keeping his tone casual but purposeful. “And maybe we can help each other.”

Lila’s eyes flickered with interest, though she tried to mask it with a scowl. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t you?” Acwulf pressed, his lips curling into a smirk. “You think I don’t see it? The frustration, the anger. You’re not happy, Lila. You want something you can’t have. I recognize that look because it’s the same one I see in the mirror every day.”

Lila’s expression hardened, but she didn’t deny it. She didn’t need to. Acwulf could see it in her eyes-the jealousy, the desire for something more, something different.

“You don’t know anything about me,” Lila said with a tight voice. But Acwulf could hear the crack in her defenses.

“Maybe not,” he admitted, shrugging, “but I know what it’s like to want something so badly it consumes you. And I know you’re not going to get what you want as long as things stay the way they are.”

Lila’s eyes flared with anger. “You don’t understand anything.”

“Maybe not,” Acwulf said, taking a step closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “But I know we’re both standing in the way of something we want. And we’re not going to get it unless we act.”

Lila stared at him, her expression conflicted, but he could see the gears turning in her head. He was close, so close to pulling her into his plan. All he had to do was push a little harder.

“I know about Wren,” Acwulf said softly, watching Lila’s eyes widen. “I know she’s with Reule. I know how much that bothers you.”

Lila’s fists clenched at her sides, her jaw tight as if she were holding back the words that threatened to spill out.

“You don’t know anything about Wren,” she spat, but her voice trembled.

“I know enough,” Acwulf replied. “And I know you’re not happy about it.”

Lila glared at him, her emotions swirling behind her eyes-anger, jealousy, desperation. Acwulf could see it all. She wanted Reule, but Wren stood in her way just as Wren stood in the way of his future, his survival.

“What do you want?” Lila finally asked.

Acwulf smiled. “I want Wren. And I think you want her gone.”

Lila’s eyes darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn’t respond, but Acwulf could see the conflict in her gaze, the way her thoughts were racing. She was considering it-actually considering it.

“I can help you,” Acwulf continued with his soft and calm voice like a serpent tempting its prey. “You want Reule? I can make that happen. But I need Wren out of the picture.”

Lila’s gaze snapped to his, her eyes wide with shock. “You want to kill her?”

Acwulf shook his head slowly, his smile widening. “No. I don’t need to kill her. I just need her out of Gray Pack. Alive.”

Lila stared at him, suspicion warring with the jealousy that clouded her judgment. She was teetering on the edge, and Acwulf knew he had her right where he wanted her.

“And what’s in it for me?” Lila asked, her voice sharp, though Acwulf could hear the tremor of uncertainty.

“Reule,” Acwulf said simply. “With Wren out of the picture, nothing is stopping you from taking him.”

Lila hesitated, her mind racing with the possibilities. She glanced around the marketplace, ensuring no one was listening, before moving closer to Acwulf.

“And how do you plan to take her?” Lila whispered.

Acwulf’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “Leave that to me. I have my ways. All I need from you is access. A way to get close to her without drawing attention.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Lila was silent, eyes scanning Acwulf’s face, searching for any sign of deceit. But Acwulf knew how to play the game. He kept his expression calm, and confident, knowing that desperation would ultimately drive her decision.

Finally, Lila nodded, though her expression was still guarded. “I want payment.”

Acwulf’s smile widened. “Name your price.”

“I want Wren gone for good. No loose ends. And I want Reule to never know I was involved.”

Acwulf inclined his head, the thrill of victory coursing through him. “You have my word.”

Lila stared at him for a moment before finally stepping back. “I’ll find a way to give you access to her. But if you fail, we’re both dead.”

Acwulf’s smile never wavered. “I won’t fail.”

Lila turned, her steps quick and decisive as she melted into the crowd, leaving Acwulf. He watched her go, his mind racing with plans and calculations. The pieces were falling into place. Soon, Wren would be his, and his future-his survival-would be secured.

But as Acwulf turned to leave, a sharp, foreboding chill crawled up his spine, and for the first time in a long time, doubt flickered in his mind.

This plan would have to be flawless.

Because failure meant death-for them all.