The Werewolf in the Woods (Sequel to TWITC)

The Werewolf in the Woods...23

Chapter 23

Third-Person POV

     "You have a what?"

     The entire room fell into a stunned silence as they stared at him in disbelief. Aaron had just revealed that he had found his mate. He glanced at Brad, his best friend, who gave him an encouraging nod, urging him to continue. "I have a mate," he repeated, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

     "Well, introduce us to her!" Dominic exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.

     Aaron shook his head, a serious expression replacing his initial excitement. "Just hear me out. She's a part of the Viscosoes." Dominic's smile faded instantly. "I didn't tell you all because I was afraid you would be upset and reject her. We've been meeting secretly in the woods for the past month, and she's been keeping me updated on Marissa."

     Dominic stood up, his curiosity piqued. "What has she been saying?"

     "Dom, please let me finish," Aaron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I haven't seen her in two weeks now. I have a feeling that they've captured her along with Marissa because they discovered she's been sneaking out. I know I messed up by not telling you all earlier, but I need your help." Aaron locked eyes with each of them. "Please. She's my mate, and she's incredible. I can't bear not knowing what's happening to her."

     A heavy silence hung in the air as everyone processed Aaron's words. Aaron glanced at Brad, raising his eyebrows in anticipation. Brad responded with a wide grin. Loren was the first to break the silence, standing up and placing a reassuring hand on Aaron's shoulder. "It's about time!" he exclaimed, a big grin spreading across his face.

     Laughter filled the room, tension dissipating into thin air. "Dude, we've been waiting for you and Brad to find your mates ever since I found mine. And guess what? Turns out yours is Italian," Loren chuckled. "Of course, we'll help you find her."

     Dominic approached Loren, standing by his side. "What do you mean trapped with Marissa?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

     "Jasmine says the Alpha has her confined in a hidden lair. She can only come out for food, and then she's trapped again for another week," Aaron explained.

     Dominic closed his eyes, a pained expression crossing his face. "Trapped?" he whispered, his heart breaking at the thought of her being kept hidden away from the world. Away from him.

     "Hey, buddy." Amaris positioned himself beside Dominic, on the opposite side. "We won't leave her behind. We'll find them both." He glanced at Aaron. "I promise you that." Kenny stood shoulder to shoulder with Aaron, creating a united front where everyone stood together.

     The girls, standing at the back, beamed with pride. Aaron turned to them. "I assume you ladies won't want to stay behind?"

     "Um, absolutely not."

     "No chance."

     "Not in a million years." Laughter erupted from the guys, sealing their decision. It was time.

~~

     Later that night, everyone sat around a small fire on the rooftop of Brian's hideout. It was expected that they would be nervous, anxious, and maybe even a bit scared at what this challenge would bring. None of them, excluding Dominic, had ever done something like this: charging onto enemy territory to rescue loved ones.

     Everyone should have been anxious, but turns out, everyone was unexpectedly calm. Everyone had a sense of peace and tranquility.

     "This reminds me of the good ole' days when we use to have rap battles." Brad cracked a grin as he tore his gaze from the crackling flames and looked over at Loren, Kenny, and their women.