Silas' mate

Chapter 10: A Dangerous Heirloom

The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the den walls. Silas watched Hazel sleep, his wolf senses attuned to her gentle breathing. A sense of peace settled over him, momentarily pushing away the anxieties of the night.

A low growl from the entrance startled him. He lifted his head and saw Thane padding into the den, his amber eyes glinting in the firelight.

"Thane," Silas greeted, his voice a low rumble. "Report?"

Thane settled beside him, his gaze flicking towards the sleeping Hazel. "The scouts have returned," he said quietly. "They followed the rival pack back to their territory."

Silas tensed. "Any news?"

Thane nodded curtly. "They've been stirring up trouble for weeks. Raiding smaller packs, poaching prey. Seems their Alpha, Fang, is hungry for power."

Silas growled, a deep rumble that echoed through the den. Fang was a ruthless leader, notorious for his cruelty. "Did the scouts learn anything about their motives? Why were they after Hazel?"

Thane shook his head. "They didn't see anything unusual. But there was some talk..." he hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

"Talk?" Silas pressed.

"Just whispers," Thane cautioned. "Rumors of something valuable a therian woman possesses. An heirloom, perhaps, with mystical properties."

Silas frowned. Hazel had mentioned a book, but he hadn't thought much of it beyond it being a family heirloom. Could it be that the rival pack believed it held some magical power?

A shiver ran down his spine. If that were true, then Hazel was far from safe. He glanced at her sleeping form, a new wave of protectiveness washing over him.

"We need to learn more," he said, his voice low and determined. "For Hazel's sake, and for the safety of the other packs."

Thane nodded in agreement. "We will. But for now," he said, his voice softer, "let her rest. She's been through a lot."

Silas looked back at Hazel, the firelight painting her face in a warm glow. He knew Thane was right. He would learn more about the book and the rival pack's motives, but for now, his focus would remain on protecting the woman who had stirred a long-dormant hope within him.