Shadows from the Past

As the meeting wrapped up, the mood had shifted from cautious hope to determined resolve. Handshakes were exchanged, contact information swapped, and a tentative alliance forged.

“We’ll share patrol schedules and surveillance data daily,” Will said firmly. “Communication lines stay open. No secrets.”

The other pack’s leader nodded. “Together, we’re stronger. We’ll watch each other’s backs.”

Rae gave a tight smile, her fingers already itching to get back to analyzing the new intel. Aspen stayed close at her side, alert.

They gathered their things and began heading back toward the cars parked along the edge of the clearing. The forest around them was quiet except for the soft crunch of boots on fallen leaves.

Suddenly, a voice cracked through the calm—loud and slurred.

“Raelyn Judd!”

Rae froze, her breath catching. She spun around, eyes wide and heart pounding as she saw a disheveled man staggering toward them—her father, clearly drunk, his expression twisted with anger and desperation.

Aspen growled low, body tense and ready.

Rae’s voice was sharp, a command barely above a whisper, “Aspen, hold.”

Remi stepped forward immediately, placing herself between Rae and the advancing man. Her stance was firm, protective.

“Back off,” Remi said quietly but with unmistakable authority. “You’re not welcome here.”

Rae’s eyes locked on her father, pain and fury mixing beneath her calm exterior. She braced herself—for whatever this confrontation would bring.

Rae’s heart pounded as her father stumbled closer, the scent of alcohol thick and sour in the air. Aspen’s low growl rippled through the tense silence, a warning held in every muscle.

Rae took a deep breath, steadying herself. Her voice was calm but edged with steel as she spoke, words sharp and unflinching.

“Dad, this stops now. You’re not welcome here, and you’re not going to hurt me—or anyone else—today.”

Her father’s eyes narrowed, red-rimmed and wild. A bitter laugh escaped his cracked lips. “You think you’re better than me? Out here with your pack and your fancy friends? You ain’t nothing but a runaway, Raelyn.”

The insult hit raw, but Rae held her ground, voice firm. “I’m not the scared girl you raised. I’m not the one who lets you drag me down.”

His face twisted in rage. “You’re gonna regret this, bitch.”

Before Rae could respond, he lunged forward, unsteady but dangerous. That’s when Will, Trey, and Elijah moved fast—closing the gap, stepping in between Rae and the furious man.

Will’s voice was low, warning, “Back off. Now.”

Trey’s hand was on his belt, ready. Elijah’s eyes were hard, scanning for any sign of another threat.

Aspen barked sharply, stepping protectively beside Rae.

The confrontation was ugly, raw, and painfully familiar. But Rae’s defiance didn’t waver, even as the boys kept the situation from spiraling further.

“You don’t get to control me anymore,” Rae said quietly, “Not today. Not ever.”

Her father spat, then turned and stumbled away into the night.

Remi turned to Rae, her eyes softening. “You okay?”

Rae nodded slowly, shoulders still tense. “Yeah. Just… some ghosts never really stay buried.”

Will clapped a hand on her shoulder. “We’re here. You’re not alone.”

Together, the pack regrouped, the night air heavy but steady around them as they headed back to the car, ready to face whatever came next.

Back at the pack house, the weight of the confrontation still hung in the air. Rae sighed deeply as she kicked off her shoes, the familiar walls offering a small measure of comfort.

She found Remi and Del in the living room, the soft hum of quiet chatter already beginning to fill the space. Rae caught their eyes and gave a small, conspiratorial smile.

“Hey, you two,” she said, voice light but eager. “How about a run? Get some fresh air, clear our heads?”

Remi raised an eyebrow but nodded, exchanging a glance with Del, who grinned. “Sounds like exactly what we need.”

Outside, the cool night air wrapped around them as they set off together, their footsteps light on the path. Aspen trotted close by Rae’s side, ever vigilant.

Back inside, Will, Trey, and Elijah gathered around a large table strewn with maps and notes. The room was quieter now, the kind of focused silence that only comes with heavy thoughts.

Will’s gaze lingered on the details about the other pack—their strength, resources, and the strategic advantage an alliance could offer.

Trey broke the silence. “That meeting was more than just a formality. They’re serious about working together, but they’re cautious.”

Elijah nodded. “Understandably so. Trust isn’t given easily between packs, especially with the kind of threats we’re facing.”

Will’s eyes darkened. “And Rae’s dad? That confrontation… it’s going to affect her. More than she’s letting on.”

Trey frowned. “She’s tough, but those old wounds run deep. We need to keep an eye on her.”

Elijah sighed, rubbing his jaw. “Agreed. She’s one of us now. We’ve got to have her back.”

They exchanged quiet determination, knowing the battles ahead weren’t just about territory or alliances—they were about protecting their family, no matter what ghosts tried to pull them under.