Taking after my father

Chapter 5: The Wolf Within

The revelation about my mother and half-brothers weighed heavily on my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal and confusion. My emotions were a tangled mess, and I needed to find a way to calm the storm inside me.

After leaving the Bluestone Pack's territory, I headed straight for the forest. The dense trees and the sounds of nature had always been a sanctuary for me. It was where I felt most connected to my wolf, where I could find clarity and peace.

I walked deeper into the forest, the cool evening air soothing my heated skin. The sun had set, and the moon cast a silvery glow through the canopy. I found a secluded spot by a small, bubbling stream and sat down, closing my eyes and taking deep, steadying breaths.

My thoughts raced, replaying the conversation with Sarah over and over. How could she have kept such a monumental secret from me? From Cain and Ryder? The anger and hurt were overwhelming, and I felt my wolf stirring restlessly within me.

I needed to calm her, to find balance. I focused on my breathing, letting the sounds of the forest wash over me. The rustling leaves, the chirping crickets, the gentle flow of the stream—all of it helped to ground me.

Slowly, I felt my wolf begin to settle. She was unique, unlike any other wolf I had encountered. Her fur was a deep, midnight black, with streaks of fiery red that seemed to glow in the moonlight. Her eyes mirrored mine—yellow with black rings, a symbol of our power and authority.

I reached out to her, feeling the bond between us strengthen. She was a part of me, and I of her. Together, we were stronger than any challenge that came our way.

"Why did they keep this from us?" I asked her silently, seeking her wisdom.

She responded with a sense of understanding and patience. "They believed it was for our protection. But now that we know the truth, we must decide how to move forward."

Her calm presence helped to soothe my turbulent emotions. I knew she was right. I couldn't change the past, but I could control how I reacted to it. I needed to focus on the future, on what this revelation meant for me and my pack.

As I meditated, I felt a sense of clarity begin to emerge. The anger and hurt were still there, but they no longer consumed me. I could see a path forward, one that involved confronting my mother and half-brothers, but also finding a way to integrate this new knowledge into my life.

I opened my eyes, feeling more centered and at peace. The forest around me seemed to shimmer with a renewed energy, and I knew my wolf was with me, guiding me.

Standing up, I took one last deep breath, letting the cool night air fill my lungs. I was ready to face whatever came next. With my wolf by my side, I knew I could handle anything.

As I made my way back to the pack house, the moonlight casting long shadows on the forest floor, I couldn't help but reflect on the bond I shared with my wolf. She was more than just a part of me; she was my strength, my guide, and my confidant. Her presence was a constant reminder of the power and responsibility I carried as an Alpha.

When I reached the pack house, Jay was waiting for me on the porch. He looked up as I approached, concern etched on his face. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

I gave him a small smile. "Better. I needed some time to think."

Jay nodded, understanding. "We were worried about you."

"I know," I said, appreciating his concern. "But I needed to clear my head. There's a lot to process."

"Do you want to talk about it?" he offered.

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I think I do."

We sat down on the porch steps, the cool night air wrapping around us. I told Jay about my meditation in the forest, about my wolf, and the clarity I had found. He listened intently, his presence comforting.

"I still can't believe Sarah is my mother," I said, shaking my head. "And that Cain and Ryder are my half-brothers."

"It's a lot to take in," Jay agreed. "But you're handling it well."

"I don't know about that," I admitted. "I feel like my whole world has been turned upside down."

Jay placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You're strong, Nikki. Stronger than you realize. You'll get through this."

I looked at him, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Jay. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," he said with a smile.

We sat in silence for a while, the weight of the day's events slowly lifting. I knew there were still challenges ahead, but for the first time since the revelation, I felt a sense of hope. With my pack by my side and my wolf within me, I was ready to face whatever came next.

The next morning, I woke up feeling more determined than ever. I had a plan, and it started with confronting Sarah again, but this time on my terms. I needed to understand her motives, to see if there was any truth in her words.

I gathered my pack and explained my intentions. "I'm going to talk to Sarah again. I need to get to the bottom of this."

Jay frowned. "Are you sure that's a good idea? She might not be honest with you."

"I know," I said. "But I have to try. I need to know the truth."

"We'll be right behind you," Zeke said, his voice firm. "Whatever happens, we've got your back."

I nodded, grateful for their support. "Let's go."

We made our way to the Bluestone Pack's territory once more. This time, I felt more prepared, more focused. As we approached, I saw Sarah standing outside, as if she had been waiting for me.

"Nakita," she greeted me, her expression guarded. "Back so soon?"

"I need answers," I said, my voice steady. "And I won't leave until I get them."

Sarah sighed, looking weary. "Very well. Follow me."

We walked to a more private area, away from prying eyes and ears. My pack stayed close, their presence a silent reassurance.

"What do you want to know?" Sarah asked, her tone resigned.

"Why did you and my father decide to keep me a secret?" I demanded. "Why didn't you tell Cain and Ryder about me?"

Sarah took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mix of regret and determination. "Your father and I believed it was the best way to protect you. We wanted you to grow up strong, without the complications of divided loyalties."

"And what about Cain and Ryder?" I pressed. "Didn't they deserve to know the truth?"

"They did," Sarah admitted. "But we feared it would create conflict. Your father and I made a difficult choice, one we thought was best for everyone involved."

I studied her, trying to gauge her sincerity. "Do you regret it?"

"Every day," she said softly. "But I can't change the past. All I can do is try to make things right now."

I took a step closer, my eyes locked on hers. "Then start by being honest with me. No more secrets."

Sarah nodded, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "I promise."