"Heart of Stone, Heart of Gold "

Chapter 8 *Echoes of Redemption*

Asher clapped his hands, his voice booming across the training grounds. "Alright, everyone, it's time to get our day started! We've got a lot to cover today, so let's get moving."

The pack members began to disperse, each heading to their assigned tasks. Thalia found herself paired with Xander for the morning training session. She shot him a wary glance, still unsure of his intentions.

As they started their warm-up exercises, a shrill cry pierced the air. Thalia and Xander turned to see little Koda clutching his knee, tears streaming down his face. Normally, Xander would have brushed it off, telling the kid to suck it up. But today, something was different.

Xander knelt down beside Koda, his voice soft and soothing. "Hey, buddy, it's okay. You're going to be just fine. Let me take a look."

Koda sniffled, looking up at Xander with wide, teary eyes. "It really hurts, Xander."

Xander gently examined Koda's knee, then smiled. "You know what, Koda? I think your knee is gonna be just fine. Look, it's already starting to feel better, right?"

Koda hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Maybe..."

Xander grinned and ruffled Koda's hair. "Tell you what, how about I tell you a secret? Did you know that werewolf knees are super tough? They’re practically invincible! In fact, I once saw a werewolf knee win an arm-wrestling contest."

Koda blinked, a small giggle escaping his lips. "That's silly, Xander!"

"See? You're already feeling better," Xander said, standing up and offering Koda his hand. "Come on, let's get you back to training. And remember, if your knee tries to act up again, just remind it who's boss."

Everyone including Thalia and Asher watched in amazement as Koda's tears turned to laughter, feeling a new sense of respect for Xander. As Thalia seen this unexpected side of him it left her intrigued and a little bit hopeful.

A newfound respect for Xander blossomed among everyone, and they went back to their tasks. As evening came near, Asher decided to have a campfire, as tensions from the day's events still hung in the air.

Xander noticed it was time to lighten the mood. He decided to tell a campfire story full of adventure that he made up on the spot. His voice carried through the night as he wove a tale of daring heroes, hidden treasures, and mysterious lands. The story was so vivid that everyone could almost see the scenes unfolding before their eyes. Thalia's eyes sparkled with excitement, and even Asher couldn't help but be drawn into the narrative.

It was a rare moment of levity that brought everyone closer together. Xander's creativity and charisma were infectious, and for a brief moment, the worries of the world seemed to fade away.

As the story ended and everyone seemed to be having a good time, Xander took this moment to whisk Thalia away from the noise. Leading her gently into the woods, he hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Finally, with a serious yet gentle expression, he looked into her eyes and said, “Thalia, I've been wanting to tell you this. I just haven't figured out a way to say it... You’re not human.”

Thalia stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Oh Xander,  still in a joking mood, huh? That was a good one!” She giggled, clearly not taking him seriously.

Xander’s expression remained earnest, not the reaction he was expecting. “Thalia, I’m serious. This isn’t a joke.”

Thalia’s laughter faded, replaced by confusion and a hint of anger. “What the hell are you talking about, Xander?"

Xander took a deep breath, preparing to explain. “Thalia, it’s impossible for a werewolf and a human to be mates. When my wolf found you for the first time, it wasn’t just because of your scent or presence. He sensed your wolf inside you. You’re one of us".

Thalia's eyes widened, and she took a step back, shaking her head. "No, that can't be true. I would know if I was a werewolf, Xander. This doesn't make any sense."

Xander stepped closer, his voice softening. "I know it's a lot to take in, but it's the truth. Your wolf has been dormant, but it's there. That's why we were drawn to each other. You need to trust me on this."

Thalia's mind raced, trying to process everything. "But... how? How can I be a werewolf and not know it? Why haven't I transformed or felt anything different?"

Xander gently took her hand. "It's complicated. Sometimes, the wolf can be suppressed or hidden, especially if there are strong emotions or trauma involved. But now that you know, things will start to change. You might start feeling different, sensing things you didn't before."

Thalia looked into Xander's eyes, searching for any hint of deceit but found none. "So, what happens now?"

Xander smiled reassuringly. "Now, we take it one step at a time. I'll help you through this. You're not alone, Thalia. We'll figure it out together."