"Heart of Stone, Heart of Gold "

**Chapter 3: Unveiling Secrets**

Thalia couldn't shake her thoughts about Xander. Desperate for clarity, she decided to go for a late-night run to clear her mind. The cool night air and the rhythmic sound of her feet hitting the trail helped, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Xander. Unbeknownst to her, Xander was nearby, always watching, always protecting.

As Thalia ventured deeper into the trail, the shadows seemed to grow darker and the forest eerier. Suddenly, she heard a rustling in the bushes. Before she could react, a pair of glowing eyes appeared, and a low growl echoed through the trees. She realized she was in danger, but from what, she couldn't tell.

Just as panic began to set in, Xander appeared out of nowhere, his presence both surprising and comforting. He stepped between Thalia and the danger, his eyes fierce and determined. "Stay behind me," he commanded, his voice a mix of authority and concern.

The wolf emerged from the shadows, revealing it's self .  The wolf's nostrils flared as it caught Xander's scent all over Thalia. A sinister grin spread across its face. "So, Xander Blackthorn has a weakness after all," it sneered.

Xander's eyes narrowed. "Leave her out of this," he growled, his voice low and threatening.

The rival wolf chuckled darkly. "We'll see about that," it said before disappearing back into the forest.

Thalia, shaken but unharmed, looked up at Xander. "What just happened?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Xander sighed, knowing there was no turning back now. "There's a lot you need to know, Thalia," he said softly. "But first, we need to get you to safety."

--
As they ventured deeper into the forest, moving in the opposite direction from where the danger had emerged, Xander tried to calm and reassure Thalia. "You're going to be okay," he said softly, his voice steady despite the underlying tension. "I promise."

After about 15 minutes, they arrived at the pack's territory. Xander led Thalia to his brother's house, a large and imposing log cabin nestled among towering trees. The cabin was rustic yet elegant, with a wraparound porch and large windows that allowed the moonlight to filter through. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, giving the place a sense of grounded strength.

Xander's brother, Asher, was waiting on the porch. He was taller and broader than Xander, with a commanding presence and a stern yet kind face. His eyes, a deep olive green, held a wisdom that seemed to see through to the core of a person.

"Asher," Xander greeted, his voice respectful. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Xander hesitated for a moment, his usual stoic demeanor faltering. He didn't want to seem excited or vulnerable, not even in front of Asher, who knew him better than anyone else. "We need to talk," he said, his tone carefully controlled. "This is Thalia."

Asher's gaze shifted to Thalia, his expression unreadable. "Come inside," he said, stepping aside to let them in.

Once inside, Asher turned to Thalia. "Thalia, would you mind giving us some alone time? You're more than welcome to wait in the kitchen, Xander and I need to talk , he'll explain everything to you once we're done."

Thalia nodded, a bit apprehensive but understanding. She made her way to the kitchen, leaving Xander and Asher to have their private conversation.

Xander took a deep breath and faced his brother. "Asher, there's something important you need to know," he began, his voice steady. "Thalia is... she's my mate."

Asher's eyes widened slightly, but he remained composed. "Your mate?" he repeated, processing the information.

"Yes," Xander confirmed. "And earlier tonight,, a rival wolf almost got to her. If I hadn't been nearby, she might not have made it. We need to protect her."

Asher's expression hardened, a protective instinct kicking in. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe," he said firmly. "But we need to understand who this rival is and what they want".

Xander's eyes were filled with fury as he turned to Asher. "It was a member of the Darkmoon Pack," he said, his voice shaking with anger. "He almost hurt Thalia. If I hadn't been nearby, who knows what could've happened.

He must've been following my scent and found her. Thalia only saw a huge grey wolf standing in front of her, but he communicated with me telepathically. He said, 'Looks like the feared Xander Blackthorn does have a weakness after all.'"

Asher nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. " They've always hated the Blackstone Pack and would do anything to take us down."

Xander clenched his fists, anger simmering just below the surface. "Then we need to be prepared for anything. The Darkmoon Pack is getting bolder."

He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Asher, there's one more thing. I can sense a wolf inside Thalia. She's not human, but I think she believes she is. Her wolf just hasn't been unleashed yet."