Fate's Love Triangle

Hidden Shadows

Damien's POV

I felt awful for keeping things from Xavier. He was the person I trusted the most, but I couldn't confide in him about this matter, at least not yet, not until I had confirmed what I had been told. When Xavier confronted Marcus and me, I knew I had to tell him something. But seeing him hurt like this was almost impossible to bear. Yet, I couldn't give in. I knew he was going to come back for more answers, and when he walked into my office, I tried my best to tell him as much as I could without exposing too much.

That day I got a phone call. Of course, word travels fast that my pack had been attacked. Because of this, I asked my dad for help. My dad, thank the Moon Goddess, was on a well-deserved vacation with my mom when we got attacked. While I was away, I had heard from a source that my pack might be attacked, and I arrived just in time. If I hadn't arrived when I did, I don't know what would have happened to my pack and my Xavier. I didn't want to admit it, but part of the reason my pack's defense lasted as long as it did was because of Marcus. Because of his contributions in the fight, I decided to tell him about the information I received. That still doesn't mean I have now accepted him; I am merely willing to work with him if it is necessary for my pack. I have to say, Marcus did grow up to be very good-looking, and watching him with Xavier caused jealousy in me, but seeing how Xavier reacts to him for some reason also makes lust rise in me.

I'm straying from the topic. I asked my dad for help. He said he knew someone, someone who is dangerous but very knowledgeable and had connections to basically everyone. He told me that person owed him a favor. So that day, my dad called me. He told me that the ones who were supposed to have attacked us were a pack of rogues. His connection told him that this pack of rogues had been growing for a while now, but they kept it hidden well as they never met in large numbers. This group of rogues was rumored to have been started two decades ago by a wolf who was also a part of the Prophets but left after discovering a prophecy that this wolf couldn't come to terms with. This wolf used to be part of a powerful pack but went rogue when the plans he suggested to his leader were rejected. Since then, he went into hiding. No one knew which prophecy this wolf had rejected and sworn not to let happen. But now my dad's connection said that they almost certainly guessed that it was the prophecy involving me, the prophecy about a rare bond between three wolves.

This information completely threw me off. Why hadn't the Prophets said anything to me? I knew they didn't interfere with destiny and any evolving events in the werewolf world, but this was too far.

I hoped that Xavier wouldn't pry any further until the people I sent out to confirm this information came back.

As I walked into my room, deep in thought, I turned around when I heard a noise. To my surprise, Marcus was standing there. He looked at me and took a couple of steps forward. He said to me that Xavier was still on high alert and, in order for him to get his mind off things, we should try to get along for his own good and so he could be distracted by something.

I had to think about it, but in the end, I agreed. I made it clear I was doing this for Xavier and not for Marcus. Marcus just smiled at me, causing some weird feeling in my stomach, just for a second, and then it was gone. He left my room. I took my time in the bathroom and while getting ready for bed, wondering what it was that I felt when Marcus looked at me like that. It was the first time I felt that. I drifted to sleep, wondering how it would be like getting along with Marcus.

---

Later the next day, I called a meeting with my key pack members to discuss our defense strategy and the recent rogue attack. Xavier and Marcus were there, and I noticed how they worked well together. There was a synergy between them that was hard to ignore. As the meeting progressed, I felt a pang of guilt for keeping them in the dark, especially Xavier. He deserved to know what was going on.

"Damien," Xavier said, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Do you think we should increase patrols around the perimeter?"

I nodded, appreciating his input. "Yes, that's a good idea. We need to be on high alert until we have more information."

After the meeting, Marcus approached me. "Can we talk?"

I hesitated but then nodded. "Sure, let's go to my office."

Once we were inside, Marcus closed the door and leaned against the wall. "I know you're still not comfortable with me being here, but we need to work together for Xavier's sake."

"I know," I admitted, running a hand through my hair. "It's just... complicated."

Marcus's expression softened. "I get it. But if we're going to protect him and the pack, we need to trust each other."

He was right, and I hated that he was right. "Alright, let's start over. For Xavier."

He smiled, and that strange feeling in my stomach returned. "For Xavier."

---

Over the next few days, Marcus and I worked closely together. It was awkward at first, but we found common ground in our shared goal of protecting Xavier and the pack. The more time we spent together, the more I saw Marcus's dedication and skills. He wasn't just a rogue; he was a formidable ally.

One evening, after a particularly grueling training session, Marcus and I sat by the fire in the common room. The pack members had retired for the night, leaving us alone.

"You're not bad, you know," I said, breaking the silence. "For a rogue."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "High praise coming from you."

I smirked, feeling a bit more relaxed around him. "Don't get used to it."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the crackling fire providing a soothing backdrop. I couldn't help but notice the way the firelight danced in Marcus's green eyes, giving them an almost ethereal glow.

"So, what's the real story behind your exile?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Marcus sighed, his expression darkening. "It's a long story. I was part of a powerful pack once, but I left when the new alpha took over, he was ruthless. I couldn't accept his decisions, so I went rogue."

"Do you regret it?"

He paused, considering his answer. "Sometimes. But if I hadn't left, I wouldn't have met Xavier. And I wouldn't be here now, fighting for something worth fighting for."

His words struck a chord with me. Despite our differences, we shared a common bond in our love for Xavier. And that bond was becoming stronger each day.

---

One night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't stop thinking about Marcus. There was something about him that intrigued me, a depth I hadn't noticed before. He was more than just a rogue; he was a complex and multi-faceted individual. And despite my initial reservations, I found myself drawn to him.

The next morning, I decided to take a walk to clear my head. As I wandered through the forest, I stumbled upon Marcus sitting by the lake, lost in thought.

"Hey," I said, approaching him.

He looked up, surprised to see me. "Hey. What's up?"

"Just needed some fresh air," I replied, sitting down beside him. "You?"

"Same," he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the peaceful surroundings providing a much-needed respite from the chaos of our lives.

"Damien,"

Marcus said suddenly, his voice serious. "I want you to know that I'm here for you too. Not just for Xavier, but for you."

His words took me by surprise, and I felt a lump form in my throat. "Thank you, Marcus. That means a lot."

He smiled, a genuine and warm smile that made my heart skip a beat. "We're in this together, right?"

"Right," I agreed, feeling a sense of something that I hadn't felt within him before.