Chapter 3: North Territory
658words
"North Territory specializes in security and combat training," Griffin explained as we walked. "My pack protects the northern border from rogue wolves and hunters."
"Hunters? Like, people who hunt werewolves?"
"Yes. With silver bullets and worse."
Young werewolves trained in a clearing, moving with impossible speed. Griffin watched with pride.
"If I choose you as my guardian, what would you teach me?"
"Combat, self-defense," he said. "And my entire pack would protect you."
"So your entertainment activities are what? Group howling?" I asked, watching two werewolves spar.
Griffin didn't smile. "That's a full moon tradition."
I stared at him. "You're serious? You actually howl at the moon?"
"It's a bonding ritual," he said stiffly. "Important for pack cohesion."
Oh my god, he is serious.
The silver-haired man chuckled softly beside me. "North Territory traditions are quite... orthodox."
As we continued the tour, I noticed how everyone deferred to Griffin. Not with fear, but respect. He knew everyone's names, asked about family members, checked on injuries. Behind the stoic exterior was a leader who genuinely cared.
"If I choose you? What happens then?"
His amber eyes met mine, intense and unreadable. "Then you become part of North. Part of something stronger than yourself."
"And part of you?" I asked before I could stop myself.
The look he gave me made my heart race. "That would be your choice, Lyra. Always your choice."
---
Back at the base, we found someone new in the great room. He was lounging on the sofa as if he owned the place. When he looked up, I caught my breath—his eyes were an impossible violet color, deep and dangerous, like they could see right through you.
He wore all black with silver jewelry, rising to his feet with feline grace when we entered.
"Ah, finally. I was beginning to think you were hiding our little miracle away." His voice was deep and magnetic.
Griffin's expression hardened. "You're late."
"I had more important matters," the violet-eyed man shrugged, moving toward me. "Western Territory."
He took my hand and brushed his lips across my knuckles. A jolt ran through me. "Charmed to finally meet our little miracle."
I pulled my hand back, trying to ignore the lingering warmth on my skin. "I'm not a miracle. I'm just a barista who got bit by a monster."
"A female Alpha," the silver-haired man said quietly. "First in fifty years. That's significant."
"So I've been told," I muttered. "Though no one's bothered to explain why."
"We'll continue the tours tomorrow," Griffin decided, stepping closer to me, almost protectively. "Lyra needs rest tonight."
"Of course," the violet-eyed man said, his gaze never leaving me. "We have time. Two days until the full moon."
My stomach sank. Two days. In two days I would become... I couldn't even imagine.
"Don't worry, darling," he seemed to read my fear, his voice softening but still dangerously alluring. "The first time is always the hardest. But with the right guidance..." his violet eyes glittered, "it can be a liberating experience."
Griffin's growl was subtle but unmistakable. "Enough."
I suddenly felt exhausted, overwhelmed by the presence of three powerful men and my looming fate. "Can I go to my room now?"
Griffin nodded, leading me upstairs. "Tomorrow morning, Eastern Territory. Afternoon, Western Territory. Then you need to decide."
"That fast?"
"The full moon won't wait," he said simply.
As I lay in bed, I wondered how my life had suddenly become this. Three dangerous, charismatic men, a terrifying transformation ahead, and a choice I didn't understand.
My phone buzzed—Mom asking about weekend dinner.
I almost laughed. "Sorry, Mom, can't make it. I'm turning into a werewolf and picking a supernatural hottie to be my spirit partner."
Whatever tomorrow brought, at least it would be interesting.
