BloodMoon: Captivated by the Forbidden Lycan Alpha

The cool night air clung to my skin as I stood at the edge of the clearing, staring into the distance where the vampire had disappeared. My fists clenched at my sides, frustration bubbling within me. Why hadn't I asked his name? Who was he? My curiosity burned like a relentless fire, but there was no going back.

I turned east, where faint voices floated through the air. Moving stealthily, I slipped through the shadows, carefully masking my presence. It was not long before I spotted them, Vampire Enforcers, their forms cloaked in darkness but unmistakable in their precision and power. My chest tightened when I recognized the unmistakable insignias on their uniforms.

The royal guards of Lord Marcel, I thought grimly. The Coven leader himself had sent them. It could mean only one thing, they were hunting the vampire I had encountered.

The realization sent a chill down my spine. Whoever he was, he was important or dangerous. Either way, it was best to avoid the guards. Slipping back into the shadows, I retreated, my steps cautious and calculated. Once I was sure I was far enough, I shifted into my wolf form, the change smooth and seamless. The freedom of the shift sent a rush of energy through me as I sprinted toward the Bay shifter lands.

The wind whipped past me, carrying with it the scents of the island. My paws barely made a sound on the forest floor as I ran, my thoughts racing faster than my body. I needed to clear my head, and only one place could truly bring me peace.

The Royal Garden.

The hidden sanctuary was a sacred space, accessible only to the Alpha of the Bay pack. Its magic barrier shimmered faintly as I approached, but it parted for me effortlessly, recognizing my bloodline. The moment I stepped through, the air shifted, warmer and infused with the soothing scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth.

Ahead, I spotted them, my brothers, Wave and Spark. They sat in the garden chairs, deep in conversation, their drinks glinting in the soft light of the enchanted lanterns. The scene was tranquil, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in my mind.

As I shifted back into my human form and walked toward them, their heads turned in unison. "Greetings, Alpha," they said in unison, their voices respectful as they bared their necks in submission.

I nodded at them, a small gesture of acknowledgment, before taking a seat. They followed suit, their gazes steady but curious.

"What brings you here at this hour, brother?" Wave asked, his tone casual but laced with concern.

I leaned back in the chair, the cool metal pressing against my skin as I exhaled deeply. "It's been... an interesting night," I admitted, my voice carrying the weight of the unanswered questions that gnawed at me.

Spark raised an eyebrow, his sharp eyes studying me. "Interesting enough to seek the solitude of the garden?"

I smirked faintly. "You could say that."

The soft hum of the enchanted lanterns filled the Royal Garden as I swirled the drink Wave had poured for me. I hesitated, glancing between my brothers, weighing my next words carefully. Finally, I broke the silence.

"Wave," I began, my tone cautious, "do you know anything about the Royal guards or Enforcers for the Paradise Coven? Specifically, how do they look?"

Wave's expression shifted to one of intrigue as he leaned forward, setting his glass down. "I do. They wear dark, intricately embroidered uniforms with the Paradise sigil on their collars. They are well-trained, always moving with precision and authority. Why do you ask?"

A faint knot tightened in my chest, but I nodded slowly. His description matched perfectly. "I ran into some of them. On Hanka Island."

Both Wave and Spark straightened in their chairs, the weight of my words sinking in.

"Hanka Island?" Wave asked, his brows knitting together. "That is unusual. What would the Royal guards be doing there?"

"I have no idea," I admitted, staring at the ripples in my drink. "But I have never seen anyone from the Paradise Coven venture to Hanka before. My guess is they were hunting someone. "

Wave's sharp eyes flicked to Spark, who leaned back thoughtfully, his arms crossing over his chest.

"Have we received any news from our spy in the Paradise Coven?" I asked, cutting through the silence.

Wave shook his head, his jaw tightening. "Nothing. It has been unusually quiet, which makes me suspicious. Either our spy's cover has been blown, or someone offered them a price too good to refuse."

Spark nodded in agreement, adding, "I sent someone else in two days ago. A second set of eyes, just in case. I am expecting feedback any time now."

I exhaled slowly, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. "Good. Let me know the moment you hear anything."

Spark dipped his head in acknowledgment, but Wave's gaze lingered on me. "Why are you suddenly so interested in the Paradise Coven?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

I paused, my grip tightening around the glass. I was not ready to share not yet. There were too many unknowns, too many pieces I still needed to fit together. I met Wave's gaze evenly and stayed silent.

Wave sighed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Fine. Keep your secrets, Tor.

Spark chuckled under his breath, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Just don't let your secrets get us into trouble, brother."

I smirked faintly, setting my glass down as I leaned back in my chair. "I'll try my best."

The conversation shifted after that, but my thoughts remained tangled with the image of the vampire, the guards, and the unsettling quiet from the Paradise Coven. Something was brewing, and I had a feeling I was standing in the middle of it.

The air in the Royal Garden grew heavier as I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, and fixed my gaze on Wave and Gale. The thought had been nagging at me, scratching at the back of my mind like a persistent itch.

"What about a spy amidst us?" I asked, my voice low but firm. "Are you sure there's no one here feeding information to the Paradise Coven?"

Wave exchanged a glance with Spark, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Spark was the one to speak first.

"We've been vigilant," he said, his tone measured but confident. "No one has stood out or even hinted at being a spy. Everyone's actions align with their roles."

I was not satisfied with that answer. "And what about the council members?" I pressed, my eyes narrowed slightly. "You cannot tell me there is no possibility of betrayal among them. Council positions come with power and power attracts all kinds of loyalties."

Wave exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "We have monitored the council, Tor. No one has acted suspiciously. At least, not that we have seen."

Spark nodded in agreement, adding, "If someone is spying, they are damn good at hiding it. But so far, nothing has raised any red flags."

I stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the stone floor of the garden. Their words offered little comfort, and the gnawing suspicion in my chest refused to ease.

"Check again," I ordered, my voice edged with authority. "Every movement, every interaction. Look at the council, the guards, the staff everyone. Leave no stone unturned."

Wave frowned but nodded reluctantly. "We'll look into it."

Spark's expression was more stoic, but his tone was laced with understanding. "If someone is working against us, we will find them. You have my word."

I gave a curt nod, turning away from them and heading toward the magical barrier that marked the edge of the Royal Garden. "Good. Because I have a feeling someone is watching Bay Shifter Coven more closely than we think. And I do not plan on being caught off guard."

As I walked away, their murmured agreement followed me, but my thoughts remained restless. If there was a traitor among us, it would be only a matter of time before they slipped up. And when they did, I would be ready.