Midnight Howling Book 1

Chapter 25: Alex/Lyra

Alexs POV

The forest was quiet except for the soft rustling of leaves under their paws as Alex and Alpha James ran side by side through the dense woods. Alex's sandy white fur blended in with the muted tones of the forest floor, his vibrant green eyes scanning the path ahead. Beside him, Alpha James—his wolf, Ash—moved with the silent grace of a predator, his pitch-black coat gleaming under the dappled light. Ash's bright blue eyes were locked on the trail, ever watchful.

Alex slowed as they neared the valley where he had found the human tracks, his sharp senses on high alert. He came to a stop by the disturbed patch of ground, the faint scent of humans still lingering. He lowered his head, sniffing the earth again, just to be sure. The unease crept back up his spine as Ash padded up beside him, his gaze tracking the same spot.

This is where I found them, Alex said through the mind link, his wolf's voice calm but guarded. There weren't many, but it's enough to be concerned.

Ash's ears flicked, and Alpha James' voice came through in the link, steady but carrying the weight of his authority. It's been a long time since humans got this close. Too long.

Alex felt the same tension in his chest, the quiet urgency that came with knowing their territory could be at risk again. We'll need to increase patrols, he agreed, his eyes scanning the forest edge. Keep everyone close to the pack grounds until we figure out what we're dealing with.

Ash nodded, his dark form still and imposing as he processed the situation. After a beat of silence, James' voice came through again, but this time softer. How's Lyra?

The question hit Alex in a way he didn't expect, sending a ripple of emotion through him. His wolf, Sol, stirred in the back of his mind at the mention of her name. He knew this question was coming—James always asked about Lyra—but each time it made Alex's pulse quicken.

She's doing well, Alex responded, trying to keep his tone neutral. She's been training hard. She's stronger than she looks.

Ash's bright blue eyes lingered on Alex, the weight of his gaze palpable even in their wolf forms. There was more to this conversation, Alex knew it. Ever since that day when they saved Lyra from the rogue attack and turned her together, James had developed a strange bond with her. It wasn't just about the responsibility of bringing her into the pack; it was deeper, almost like the bond a father has with his daughter. Alex had felt it too, the pull toward her that had only grown stronger since that day.

Has she put on enough weight yet? James asked through Ash's voice, his tone carrying a hint of worry. She was too lean when we found her.

She's getting there, Alex admitted, lowering his head slightly. She's been focusing on building muscle, but the shift's unpredictable. I don't want her risking anything. The last thing we need is her body breaking down during the change.

Ash's eyes narrowed as James' concern deepened. The first shift is always brutal. You and I both know that. If she's not ready...

She'll be ready, Alex interrupted, his voice firm, but inside, his gut twisted at the thought of what Lyra would have to endure. The shift could tear her apart if she wasn't strong enough, and it scared him more than he'd ever admit. I won't let anything happen to her.

Ash's blue eyes softened slightly as James' tone shifted, becoming more personal. You've been spending a lot of time with her.

Alex's heart skipped a beat. He knew where this was going, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. The truth was, things had gone too far between him and Lyra—especially after last night. The kiss, the way it broke down every wall he had tried to build between them, had left him feeling more conflicted than ever. But how could he tell James that? How could he explain that everything between them was changing, and he wasn't sure how to stop it?