The Wolf Who Saved Me

Lila stood by the large window inside an abandoned cabin a few meters away from her pack’s territory. She stared at the sprawling woods bordering the Gray Pack’s territory. The fading sunlight streamed through the trees. It cast long, twisted shadows that seemed to stretch toward her. Her fingers drummed against the window frame, the rhythmic tap-tap-tap echoing the beat of her own racing heart. She was nervous like hell.

It was almost time.

Her mind buzzed with the plan. Every detail was etched into her thoughts like a brand. She had been turning it over and over in her head, refining it, making sure it was perfect. She couldn’t afford to make mistakes if she didn’t want to die.

Acwulf’s words from their meeting still echoed in her ears: “I won’t fail.” She had taken a risk by allying with him, a man whose reputation sent shivers through even the bravest wolves. But desperation had pushed her, and there was no turning back now.

This was more than just getting rid of Wren. This was about restoring order to her life. She wanted to reclaim what she always believed was hers-Reule. Ever since Wren had come into their pack, everything had changed. Reule’s attention to her, which was on the verge of becoming something more, had shifted entirely to Wren. Even when Reule didn’t say it outright, Lila could see it in his eyes. It was shown in the way he lingered near the woman, always watching, always protecting. He had never done that to her. And it was wrong. It was supposed to be her.

Why should it be to Wren? Wren, who couldn’t even fully shift. Wren, who had been a rogue with no clear past, now walked around the pack lands as if she belonged.

Lila’s lip curled in disgust, her jealousy was burning every minute. She could almost hear Wren’s soft laughter, and see the way Reule’s eyes softened whenever she spoke. Lila’s fingers dug into the wood of the window frame, splintering it beneath her grip. That woman didn’t deserve Reule. She was an outsider. And a possible threat to the pack. But as to her, she was the beta’s twin sister and a true member of the Gray Pack. There was no other suitable woman to Reule than her.

Lila took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. The plan would soon be in motion. And Acwulf was strong, meticulous, and smart. Everything would fall into place, and Wren would be gone.

She heard a knock at the door, a sharp rap that startled her from her thoughts. Lila knew who it was. She came here to wait for him.

Acwulf stepped into the room without waiting for an invitation. His dark eyes scanned the small space of the cabin’s interior. It wasn’t bad for someone living alone, although it was old and rusty. He was dressed in his usual black cloak, with his hood pushed back to reveal his sharp features. He looked every bit the predator he was. And Lila thought that his presence made the atmosphere cold and eerie for some reason.

“Are you ready?” Acwulf asked, his voice low and gravelly.

Lila nodded, her heart pounding in her chest, and replied, “Everything’s set. Tomorrow at the river.”

Acwulf stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied her face. “You’re sure she’ll be there?”

Lila forced herself to meet his gaze. She could let Acwulf doubt her. This was her only chance to get rid of Wren forever. She had spent weeks working out every detail, observing Wren’s routines, and learning her habits. The river was where Wren liked to go when she wanted to be alone, to clear her head. It was peaceful, secluded-a perfect place for Acwulf to take her without anyone noticing.

“I’m sure,” Lila said with a steady. “She goes there almost every afternoon. She thinks no one knows, but I’ve seen her.”

Acwulf grunted. He couldn’t trust easily, but Lila had seen the desperation in his eyes when they first spoke. He needed Wren as much as Lila needed her gone.

“And Reule?” Acwulf asked with a voice laced with suspicion. “You’re certain he won’t interfere?”

A flicker of uncertainty wormed its way into Lila’s chest, but she pushed it aside. “He’ll be busy. Landon and I have already arranged for him to be out of the territory tomorrow. He’s leading a patrol near the northern border.”

Acwulf’s lips curled into a smirk. “Good. Because if Reule finds out what we’re planning…”

He didn’t finish what he was saying, but the unspoken threat lingered in the air between them. Lila knew exactly what he meant. If Reule discovered their plot, he wouldn’t just come after Acwulf-he would come after her, too.

But Reule didn’t need to know. Once Wren was gone, everything would go back to the way it was supposed to be. Reule would finally see her as more than just Landon’s sister. He would see her as his equal, his mate.

The bond she had with Yannis was nothing compared to what she felt for Reule. Yannis wasn’t even a wolf-he was a warlock, an outsider. She wasn’t meant for him, no matter what the mate bond said. Her destiny was with Reule. And Wren was the only thing standing in her way. Because of Wren, she was bonded with Yannis. But if she disappeared, the bond would be broken. And a new bond between her and Reule would be formed. That was what Lila believed.

Acwulf’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he turned to leave. “Tomorrow, then.”

Lila watched him go, her hands trembling realizing the weight of what she needed to do. She told herself it would be worth it in the end. This was the only way to get her life back on track.

As the door shut behind Acwulf, Lila turned back to the window, staring out at the darkening woods. The river lay just beyond those trees, a quiet, peaceful place where she had spent countless hours in solitude. Tomorrow, it would become the site of Wren’s downfall.

The next day dawned gray and overcast, the sky heavy with the promise of rain. Lila had been up before dawn, pacing her room as the plan ran through her mind again and again. She had barely slept. Her nerves frayed with anticipation, but now that the day had come, she felt a cold calm settle over her.

Reule had already left with his patrol, Landon by his side. Lila had made sure to catch him before they left, as she usually did. She wanted her to be the one that bid and kiss them goodbye. But this time, she made it clear that she was pretending to be busy with pack matters. Reule had smiled at her, his usual warmth radiating from him, but his thoughts were elsewhere-on Wren, no doubt.

Lila’s jaw tightened as she watched him disappear into the woods. Soon, it would be over.

She dressed quickly, pulling on her dark clothes and lacing her boots tightly. She needed to be at the river early, to ensure everything was in place. Wren would show up, just like she always did. Lila had even dropped a hint the day before, casually mentioning the river as a peaceful place to clear one’s head. Wren had smiled politely, hinting that she would always be there.

Lila slipped out of the pack’s gate, her movements silent and swift. The woods were quiet, the air heavy with moisture, and the first drops of rain fell as she made her way to the river. The plan had to be perfect. Acwulf would be waiting just beyond the clearing, hidden in the shadows until the moment came.

As she approached the river, Lila’s breath caught in her throat. The water moved slowly, its surface smooth and reflective, bordered by thick trees and shrubs. It was the perfect spot-isolated, quiet, and far from the main pack territory.

She crouched behind a large rock, hidden from view, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited. Minutes ticked by, and the silence was making her tense as she waited for Wren to show up. She glanced at the sky, the clouds thickening as the rain began to fall more steadily.

And then, finally, she saw her.

Wren appeared from the edge of the woods. Her hair was damp from the rain and he was somewhat hesitant to approach the river. Lila’s breath quickened as she watched her. She was almost scared but her jealousy burned and fueled her anger. Now, Wren scanned the trees, but she didn’t sense anything wrong. She was completely unaware of what was about to happen or was lurking in the shadows.

Lila could see how weak Wren was. Her every movement was not confident as if she was not a werewolf. She looked even more vulnerable than a human. And she couldn’t even shift. What kind of a wolf was she? She really didn’t belong to the Gray Pack. We didn’t have a place for someone weak like her.

As Wren knelt by the riverbank and stared at her reflection, Lila felt a surge of satisfaction. This was it. This was the moment she had been waiting for.

Her hand tightened on the small dagger hidden beneath her cloak, a precaution in case things didn’t go as planned. But she knew they would. Acwulf would take Wren, and Lila would be free of her for good.

Lila’s pulse raced as she signaled to Acwulf. She watched Acwulf step out silently with eyes fixed on Wren. He moved like a skilled predator ready to catch his prey.

But just as he was a few meters from Wren’s back, something unexpected happened. Wren lifted her head and turned. Her expression was sharp and alert as if she had sensed something. Her eyes flickered toward the trees, narrowing in suspicion.

Lila’s breath caught in her throat. Wren shouldn’t have noticed. She shouldn’t have been aware.

Before Acwulf could take another step, Wren stood. Her body was tense, her gaze darting around the clearing.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

“Who’s there?” she called, her voice steady. But Lila could hear the edge of fear beneath it.

Lila’s heart pounded. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Wren was supposed to be defenseless, and easy to take. But now she was on guard, her instincts kicking in.

Acwulf hesitated, his eyes flashing with frustration.

Lila’s mind raced. If Wren got away now, if she realized what was happening, everything would fall apart.

Suddenly, Wren’s eyes locked onto Lila’s hiding spot. She could see someone hiding. And Lila, without realizing it, moved in a way that it was clear to identify her.

“Lila…?” she whispered, stepping back, her voice trembling with both shock and confusion.