Cassandra’s POV

Gabriel and I began seeing each other in secret, stealing kisses and moments alone whenever we could. It was like we were in our own little world, where nothing else mattered but each other.

I couldn’t believe how much I had fallen for him. He made me feel like I was the only one who mattered like I was special in a way I had never felt before.

But there was always a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. What if someone found out? What would happen to me? What would happen to Gabriel?

I tried to push those thoughts aside, focusing on the moments I had with him. Like the time we snuck out to watch the stars together, lying side by side in the grass, his hand intertwined with mine.

“Do you ever feel like there’s more to life than just this?” I asked him, gazing up at the endless expanse of the sky.

Gabriel turned his head to look at me, a thoughtful expression on his face. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, we’re wolves, right? But sometimes, it feels like there’s something more out there for us. Something we’re missing,” I explained.

Gabriel’s brow furrowed slightly. “I know what you mean. But we have a responsibility to the pack, to protect and provide for them. We can’t just go off searching for something that may not even exist.”

I sighed, feeling a sense of disappointment. I knew he was right, but that didn’t stop the longing I felt deep inside.

But then, Gabriel turned his attention back to me, his eyes softening. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the little moments like this one. Just you and me, under the stars.”

I felt a sense of warmth spread through me at his words, grateful for his ability to bring me back to the present moment.

As time went on, our relationship deepened, and I found myself falling harder and harder for him. But then, one day, everything changed.

Gabriel had been acting strange for days, distant and cold towards me. I tried to brush it off, thinking maybe he was just stressed about pack issues, but deep down, I knew something was wrong.

One night, I finally confronted him about it. “Gabriel, what’s going on? You’ve been acting so distant lately.”

He turned to me, his expression guarded. “There’s something I need to tell you, Cassandra. Something I should have told you a long time ago.”

I felt a sense of dread settle in the pit of my stomach. What could he possibly have to tell me?

“I’ve been working with a group of rogue wolves,” he began, his voice low. “We’ve been taking down rival packs, trying to establish our dominance in the area.”

I felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. This wasn’t the Gabriel I knew. This wasn’t the man who had made me feel so loved and valued.

“How could you do this, Gabriel?” I asked, my voice shaking with emotion. “How could you hurt innocent wolves just to prove a point?”

Gabriel’s expression hardened, his eyes turning cold. “It’s not about hurting anyone, Cassandra. It’s about survival. If we don’t establish ourselves as the dominant pack, we’ll be overrun by others.”

I felt like I didn’t even know who he was anymore. How could he be so blind to the harm he was causing?

“Sorry, Gabriel. I need some time to process it.” Unable to cope with what I had heard, I jumped on my feet and left him alone. I couldn’t shake the feeling that what he was doing was wrong and that his actions could ultimately lead to the downfall of our pack.

***

I struggled to come to terms with Gabriel’s secret. In the next few days, I did my best to avoid him no matter what. I spent most of my time doing my pack chores and helping others with whatever the task was.

I was running an errand when I crossed paths with Daniel, the pack’s beta.

“Hey, Cass! What’s up?” he smiled, approaching me.

“Hey! Long time no see!” I was really glad to see him. Daniel was one of those few pack members who made my life in the pack less miserable. He was always there for me, offering a listening ear and a comforting word. “Where have you been? I didn’t see you for ages.”

“You know, pack stuff. I have a lot of duties as a beta,” he replied. “But I must say, you seem quite busy yourself,” he added, chuckling.

“Yeah… I just can’t sit doing nothing. Don’t want to seem idle,” I lied. The only reason behind my extra productivity was my desire not to see Gabriel. But since our relationship was meant to be secret, I didn’t think it would be okay to tell others about issues between Gabriel and me.

“Hmm, very good of you. However, I don’t remember you being so eager for work. Is everything okay?” Daniel didn’t seem to buy my lie.

“Yeah, why? I’m totally fine!”

“Are you sure? You know, you can always come to me and tell me everything, right?”

“Absolutely. I told you, everything is fine.”

“Cass-” He wanted to say something else, but I cut him off.

“Sorry, I have to run now. See you!” And I dashed away at once.

Once I was done with my errands, I sneaked into my room and tiredly plopped on my bed. I felt terribly exhausted. I knew it was no use to exhaust myself with extra work just to avoid Gabriel. I won’t last long if I continue wearing myself out every day.

I never thought I would find myself in this situation. It was a feeling of confusion mixed with longing, and it had taken over me completely. Gabriel was the most powerful and attractive man I had ever met, and I couldn’t deny my feelings for him.

I knew that I needed to confront Gabriel one day and figure out if we had any future together.