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Forbidden Attraction

Elena's POV

As the sun filters through the trees, light and shadow dance on the ground. Walking with my pack, I inhale the scents of the forest. Moss, flowers, and pine needles create a sense of home.

The forest floor feels soft and earthy under my feet. It connects me to the wildness of this place.

Animal sounds fill the air. A hawk calls, birds sing, and a brook babbles. It is a beautiful music of nature.

Looking at my pack, I see their happy and friendly faces. We are more than a pack, we are a family. We love this land, Shadowwood. It is a place of beauty and mystery, where our wolves feel alive.

My friends, Serena and Freya, dance with the kids in a clearing. They wave at me and I smile as I run to join them. Serena hugs me and looks at me with her green eyes. Her red hair has flowers and feathers in it. She looks like a fairy. Freya giggles and hugs me too. She has blue eyes and tan skin. She wears a white dress.

"We've been looking for you," Serena says, her voice filled with genuine concern and affection.

"Yeah, where have you been hiding?" Freya playfully adds.

I let out a sigh, feeling the need to share my frustrations with my closest friends. "Ryker," I mutter, showing my irritation. "He's always meddling in my life, making decisions for me. It's infuriating."

Serena understands my exasperation with my father, the alpha of our pack, and her expression shows empathy as she gently rubs my back, offering silent support.

"It's like everything revolves around Talon," I continue, bitterness creeping into my voice. "He keeps pushing for me to accept him as my mate, all because of some ancient prophecy. But I can't stand him."

Serena's expression softens, knowing the struggle I have with Talon, the son of our rival pack's leader. According to the old prophecies, he's destined to be my mate, but I can't help but loathe him deeply.

"I'm sorry," Serena says, her voice filled with empathy. "I wish there was something I could do to make it easier for you."

I appreciate her unwavering support, but it's hard for others to fully grasp the burden I carry. "You say that, but you aren't in my shoes," I reply, my frustration evident. "You and Aiden are practically meant to be, and the upcoming mating ceremony will only strengthen that bond. And Freya, you're still young; you have time to find your path."

Freya shrugs, her optimism shining through. "Maybe you should talk to him," she suggests, hopeful for a resolution. "Maybe he's not as bad as you think."

I let out a rueful laugh and shook my head. "Oh, Freya, you always see the good in people. But with Talon, it's different. Trust me." I can't imagine my feelings changing toward him.

As we continue to chat and share laughter, I find comfort in the understanding and unwavering support of my friends. While they may not fully comprehend the gravity of my situation, their mere presence lightens the burden, making it a bit easier to navigate the complex world of werewolf politics and emotions. With Serena and Freya at my side, it all feels a little less daunting.

I snort and shake my head. “But I talked to him yesterday and it turned into a big argument that made me storm out into the woods,” I remember how Talon tried to force himself on me, claiming that we belonged together. I slapped him hard and ran away, feeling disgusted and violated.

As we walk by a group of adults playing with some young werewolves, I scowl at my mother who is among them. My mother has sided with Ryker and Talon, saying that I should accept my fate and stop being stubborn. I feel betrayed by my flesh and blood. I wish my mother would stand up for me and support my choices.

I look away from my mother and focus on my friends instead. They are the only ones who understand me and care for me. They know how much I love the pack, but also how much I value my freedom and happiness.

I decided to change the topic and tell them about the guy I saw in the woods two days ago. Dan, Talon’s younger brother. He is from the Silverwood pack, our sworn enemies. He and his friends chased me when I was running away from Talon, but he let me go and didn’t harm me. He even smiled at me and said something that made my heart skip a beat.

My friends gasped as I told them the story.

“Are you serious?” Serena asks, wide-eyed.

“That’s crazy!” Freya exclaims.

“He let you go? Just like that?” Serena asks again.

I nod and bite my lip. I can’t get his face out of my mind. His dark hair, his blue eyes, his dimples.

Serena smirks and nudges me playfully. “You like him,” she teases.

I deny it vehemently. “No way! He’s a Silverwood! And he’s Talon’s brother! And he’s…he’s…” I trail off, unable to find a good reason.

My friends taunt me some more, making fun of my crush on the enemy.

I try to laugh it off, but deep down I know they are right. I do like him, even though it is forbidden and dangerous.

I say even if I like him, it wouldn’t matter because it is taboo to date any Silverwood and the worst part is that Dan and Talon are brothers and enemies.

Freya suggests that I should run away with Dan if I like him. She says it would be romantic and exciting.

I shake my head and say, “And never get to see you guys again? Never. You’re my best friend. I can’t leave you behind.”

Serena then says we could run away together, all three of us. She giggles and says we could start a new pack somewhere far away.

I smile and hug my friends. I love them for their loyalty and support, but I know they are being unrealistic. Running away is not an option. I have to face my problems and find a way to be happy.

I decided to distract myself from my troubles and suggested that we should go do something fun. I am a spirited and independent young woman, always looking for adventure and excitement. I love engaging in activities that highlight my adventurous nature, like playing with the younger werewolves as I teach them how to explore the caves in the forest.

I invite my friends to join me and they agree eagerly. They love my enthusiasm and energy, and they always have a good time with me.

We go to the caves, where I show the kids how to navigate the dark tunnels and find hidden treasures. I am a natural-born leader, taking charge of the training sessions for the younger pack members or organizing pack gatherings. I have a knack for teaching and inspiring others, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills.

I also have a love for reading and learning, especially about different pack histories or mythology. I often borrow books from the pack library or trade them with other packs when they visit. I like to learn about other cultures and traditions and compare them with my own.

I have a compassionate side, too, which shows in my empathy and care for others. I often rescue wounded animals and nurse them back to health, using my healing abilities or herbs from the forest. I treat every living being with respect and kindness unless they threaten me or my pack.

After we finished exploring the caves, I and Freya led the young werewolves back home. We say goodbye to them and thank them for the fun day.

We decided to go back to the woods for some more relaxation. We walk along a stream, chatting and laughing.

Suddenly, I see a flash of white in the bushes. I stop and stare, feeling a jolt of recognition.

It is a white wolf, with piercing blue eyes that lock with mine.

It is Dan.

He steps out of the bushes and morphs into a human, standing naked in front of me. He is tall and muscular, with tan skin and dark hair that falls over his forehead. With a slight frown on his face, looks at me with a mix of curiosity and admiration.

I can’t help but stare back at him. He is handsome, no doubt about it. And he saved me from his brother, which makes him even more attractive.

My friends see him too and whisper how fine he is.

“Whoa,” Serena says softly.

“Wow,” Freya says breathlessly.

I feel a flush of heat on my face. I don’t know what to say or do.

His gaze pins me to a spot and says, “Hey.”

I feel a flutter in my stomach and stutter, “H-Hi.”

At that moment, I forgot about everything else. The rivalry and danger.

I only see him.

And I know he only sees me.

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