As he lay on the frosty cool grass, gazing out at the picturesque landscape of the woods, he couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from the world around him. Despite the natural beauty that surrounded him - the towering Alpine trees, the snow-capped mountains, the glistening crystal lakes, and the vibrant wildlife - he couldn't find anything that truly stirred his soul.
This was his life, living in the woods as a member of the Wildfang Shadows, a wealthy and powerful pack that resided in a grand mansion at the heart of the forest. But as he lay there, staring up at the sky, he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to life than this. Perhaps there were new adventures to be had, undiscovered territories to explore, or even just a deeper sense of purpose to be found.
Yet, despite these musings, he remained rooted in his current existence, content to live out his days in the comfort and security of his pack. And so he lay there, his thoughts drifting like the clouds overhead, wondering if he would ever find the excitement and fulfillment he longed for.
Despite his deep connection to the woods and the wild, he was no stranger to city life. As a member of the Wildfang Shadows, he had often traveled to urban areas to conduct trades and interact with their human counterparts.
Within the pack hierarchy, he held the esteemed position of Beta, second only to the Alpha in terms of strength and importance. Though young, his impressive physical prowess and dedication to the pack had earned him this esteemed role, appointed by Alpha Maximo himself.
As he lay there, gazing up at the serene sky above, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. The rhythmic swaying of the treetops in the wind provided a soothing backdrop to his thoughts, and he couldn't help but smile at the beauty of it all.
Despite his position of power within the pack and his familiarity with city life, he remained grounded in his connection to the natural world. For him, there was no greater joy than the simple pleasures of life in the woods, surrounded by the majesty of nature.
As the Beta of the Wildfang Shadows, he was known for his unwavering dedication and ability to carry out missions with ease. His successes had earned him the respect and admiration of his packmates, but also the affections of some of the female Betas and Gammas. However, he remained distant and uninterested, for he had no desire for a mate.
Despite his position of power and influence within the pack, he often found solace in the woods. There, he could be alone with his thoughts and commune with the natural world around him. He had a gentle touch with the creatures of the forest, playing with rabbits and chasing wild deer without ever harming them.
Though he had a duty to his pack and the responsibilities that came with it, he couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from the pack's way of life. For him, the woods held a certain allure that the pack and city life could not match. And so, he would often venture into the forest alone, seeking the peace and tranquility that only the natural world could provide.
His name is Liam Grayhide. He owes his life to Mr. Fergus, the most skilled and respected hunter in their village, who rescued him as a jubilant child. Despite Mr. Fergus' advanced age, Liam has never had the opportunity to meet him in person for ten years, and can only observe him from afar when he visits the house where he was raised.
Liam feels a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty towards Mr. Fergus and is determined to protect him at all costs. However, Liam harbors his own secrets and reasons for not wanting to reveal himself to Mr. Fergus, even though he longs to be closer to the man who saved his life.
Liam had an unexpected encounter with a city guy named Keiran, deep in the woods, last night. Despite the inherent dangers of exploring the wilderness alone at night, Keiran seemed unfazed and unafraid.
Liam was intrigued by Keiran's adventurous spirit and yearned for a friend who shared his love of exploration and sense of adventure. Despite his high position within his pack, Liam felt like an outsider, disconnected from those around him.
He longed for a new friend who would accept him for who he was, and Keiran seemed like he could be that friend. However, Liam struggled with trust issues, and couldn't bring himself to fully trust Keiran, or anyone else in his life.
He closed his eyes, and memories came rushing back, vivid and painful. It had been a year since he had heard the news of Mr. Fergus' serious illness, and he couldn't bear the thought of losing the man who had saved his life.
He had left the safety of his mansion, wandering through the wilderness to reach the village. His wolf shadows had struck fear into the hearts of the rogue and other wolf packs, and they had allowed him to pass unharmed.
But his luck had run out when he crossed paths with the ruthless hunters who roamed the region. They were the same hunters who had been responsible for the death of his mother, and he felt a seething anger rise within him.
Liam knew that he was risking everything by confronting them, but he couldn't stand by and do nothing. As he navigates the dangerous world of hunters and wolves, Liam must confront his own past and the painful memories that continue to haunt him.
Mr. Fergus did not withhold the clandestine truth from Liam pertaining to his mother's demise at the hands of hunters. However, Mr. Fergus concealed the veracity that Liam himself is a werewolf, thereby causing him to be taken aback and disheartened upon discovering his true nature on that fateful night.
Liam had a harrowing encounter with a group of hunters who relentlessly pursued him. Despite their numerical advantage, Liam's agility and quick reflexes allowed him to evade their attack, but not without sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. In a stroke of luck, Liam stumbled upon a cliff and plunged into the rushing waters of a nearby river, which ultimately saved his life.
Although his wound eventually healed, the scars it left served as a constant reminder of the brutality and greed that some humans were capable of. Liam couldn't help but view ordinary men with distrust, for their tendency to abuse power and inflict harm on others was too great a risk. This is why Liam had faith only in individuals like Mr. Fergus, who had shown him kindness and compassion despite his lycanthropic nature.
"Hey?" The familiar voice called him and he was forced to open his eyes. He was about to fall asleep.
"Maximo is looking for you!" The voice added.
He knew it belongs to Brien, the Wildfang Shadows messenger. He sat beside him and Liam woke up from lying in the grass. What a new mission that he'll receive again this time from Maximo! Easy or not he'll do it.
"You left early this morning," Brien said looking at the crystal lake nearby.
"Yes," he said in a soothing voice. "I enjoyed how the mushrooms grow this morning." He laughed.
"Oh, you attempted to witness how it grows? Mind telling me, Liam"
Liam shook his head in disbelief. "You have no idea how amazing it is to watch the blue and pink mushrooms burst through the soil, pushing aside the foliage in their path. It's an incredible sight to behold, and I'm thrilled to witness it every morning," he exclaimed with enthusiasm.
His companion looked at him with a quizzical expression. "But do you eat them?"
Liam chuckled. "No, no, I didn't mention anything about eating them. I just love observing them and marveling at the beauty of nature."
Liam always found great joy in exploring the outdoors and observing the wonders of the natural world. Whether it was the intricate patterns on a butterfly's wings or the way the sun cast its rays over a mountain peak, Liam was always in awe of the beauty that surrounded him.
"But Giel often goes to the market in the village and bought mushrooms," Brien said referring to their lady cooker.
"But there's plenty of fresh mushrooms in the woods. I will collect them next time."
"Forget that, the Alpha will get disappointed." Brien tapped his shoulder.
"Why are you here by the way?" He asked, changing the subject.
Brien let out a sigh. "Telling you that Alpha Maximo wanted to meet you this evening for a new mission I guess."
Liam nodded.
"I will go to the city next week and live there for a while."
The Wildfang Shadows have a family in the city. They adapted to human culture. They knew how to control their werewolf power.
"So Maximo appoints a new messenger?" Liam asked looking at him. He could see the sadness in Brien's eyes.
Brien nodded "Yes, I feel Maximo these days is odd. I can't tell why. Liam is careful with the next mission. It's about choosing the position or your loved ones."
His eyes widened in shock even though he didn't get what he mean. "Tell me, Brien, what do you mean?"
"You'll see!" Brien shrugged.
"I won't ask then. Man, for sure, you aren't going back here in the woods anymore!"
"This is home for me. But I have to live in the city for my own sake. Ah, Liam, thank you for being good Beta, thank you for being a good friend." He messed Liam's hair. "Though, you don't treat anyone as your friend."
He laughed. "I'm thankful too."
"Permit me to say something my dear, Beta. That Gamma, Adriana, looks dearly and intimately interested in you."
"I feel it. But I'm not interested."
"Is it because -" he couldn't continue when both of them sniffed in the air and a scent of a good man fell in their nostrils. "He seems close to us." Brien's eyes were alert.
"Run Brien, run as fast as you could just don't turn yourself into a wolf. Tell Maximo that I'll meet him tonight." He commanded.
Brien stood up and ran in no less than four seconds he was already out of sight. That scent is familiar to Liam so he hides in the back of a tree and secretly looks into the woods. Liam is out of the woods near the lake. He knew that it was Keiran, that scent belongs to him. Why he's going into the woods again?
"Stubborn," he mumbled.