Chapter 6 Familiar Stranger

Gabriel POV

The midday sun beat down on our territory as I paced the length of my office.

"Alpha," Alistair's voice pulled me from my thoughts as he entered without knocking, a privilege earned through years of loyalty. "We've received word from our contacts in the central cities. Crimson Pine warriors are searching for a female—a runaway."

I stopped pacing, interest immediately piqued. "One of their own?"

"Apparently." Alistair handed me a hastily scrawled note. "They're being discreet, but urgent. Moving in groups of two, checking bus stations, motels. Whatever she is to Dominic, she's valuable."

I felt a surge of protectiveness at the thought of someone fleeing Dominic's control. I knew firsthand how cruel he could be, especially to those he considered beneath him. The animosity between our packs had become personal after the Blood Moon Games four years ago.

"Send our warriors south," I ordered, my voice betraying none of the rage that simmered beneath the surface. "Find this female before Dominic's men do."

Alistair nodded sharply. "Yes, Alpha."

"And Alistair—" I fixed him with a hard stare. "Be discreet. I don't want Dominic knowing we're interfering until it's too late."

The hours passed with maddening slowness.

Night had fallen when my phone vibrated with a call from Sheriff Brooks, a human who maintained law enforcement in the town bordering our territory. The arrangement benefited us both—he kept humans from wandering into our lands, and we ensured supernatural issues didn't spill into his jurisdiction.

"Alpha Thorne," his voice crackled through the line. "A lone female wolf is asking questions about Silver Moon Pack at the diner off Route 9. Thought you should know."

My heart rate accelerated inexplicably. "I'm on my way."

By the time I pulled into the parking lot, Alistair was already positioned outside, his tall frame leaning casually against the wall as if he were simply enjoying a cigarette. Only I could see the tension in his shoulders, the careful way his eyes scanned the surroundings.

"She's still inside," he reported as I approached. "Alone at the back booth. Looks exhausted but alert."

I nodded, wondering what twist of fate had brought this runaway to my territory—to a diner partially owned by my pack. If she was seeking sanctuary, I would offer it freely. We had always been a haven for those in need.

The bell chimed softly as I pushed open the door. The scent of coffee and grease hit me first, followed by something else—something wilder. Wolf. Female. And something beneath that, a hint of... pine? The scent signature of Crimson Pine Pack.

She sat with her back to the door, shoulders tense, brown hair falling in waves down her back. I approached deliberately, letting my shadow fall across her table.

"You've been asking about my pack?" I kept my voice low, authoritative—the voice of an Alpha.

She turned, and the world tilted beneath my feet.

Green eyes, circled by distinctive blue halos, gazed up at me from a face as familiar as the rhythm of my own heart, yet unseen for nearly four years. However, I couldn't feel the connection. The electric storm of connection that once surged between us, was now missing.

"How is this possible?" My wolf prowled anxiously beneath my skin. "She looks exactly like her, but she's not our mate."

My mind raced through possibilities. Two women with identical faces? Impossible. Had Dominic somehow found a doppelgänger to replace Isabella? Created a stand-in to serve some twisted purpose? Whatever the truth, if Dominic wanted her back badly enough to mobilize his warriors, she needed protection—protection I was determined to provide.

I composed my features, hiding the shock beneath a mask of calm authority.

"I'm Gabriel Thorne, Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack," I introduced myself. "And you are...?"

She hesitated, fingers tightening around her coffee mug. "Lyra," she finally said, her voice guarded.

"Where are you from, Lyra? What brings you here?" I slid into the booth across from her, noting the dried tear tracks on her cheeks and the slight tremble in her hands betrayed her exhaustion.

"My pack was destroyed," she said, the words coming too easily, rehearsed. "I've been wandering for some time, looking for somewhere to belong." Her gaze dropped to the tabletop. "I was hoping... I could join your pack?"

"Lie." My wolf identified it immediately. Not about wanting to join, perhaps, but certainly about her origins. The scent of Crimson Pine clung to her like a second skin—she hadn't been wandering long at all.

I didn't call her out. Whatever had driven her to flee must have been serious, and her fear was genuine. She deserved a chance to tell her story when she felt safe.

"Joining Silver Moon isn't simple," I said instead, my tone neutral. "We have tests of strength, intelligence, hunting skills. Our standards are high."

Through our pack bond, I called Alistair inside.

"This is Alistair, my Beta," I introduced. "He oversees all testing for potential members."

Alistair nodded formally. "The trials determine if you're worthy of the Blood Rite of Initiation. Only then can you truly join our ranks."

I watched Lyra's reaction carefully, noting how she paled at the mention of trials, her hand unconsciously moving to her abdomen.

What machinations have you woven this time, Dominic? Have you wounded an innocent woman, driven her to flee in terror, and now scour the lands to reclaim her? Unthinkable. Since she has sought refuge within my dominion, it becomes my solemn duty to shield her from Dominic's malevolence.

"I have other skills," she said quickly. "I studied literature at community college. I'm good with organization, planning..." Her voice trailed off as she realized how weak these offerings sounded to warrior wolves. "Perhaps the tests could be postponed?"

"She's hiding something physical," my wolf concluded. "Something that prevents shifting or combat."

Whatever her secret, it was clear she was desperate to escape Dominic. That alone was enough for me.

"The tests aren't mandatory," I said, softening my tone slightly. "We frequently host lone wolves while they recover and acclimate. You're welcome to stay with us, observe our pack dynamics, and decide if Silver Moon is where you belong."

Relief flooded her features, her shoulders relaxing fractionally. "That would be great," she breathed. "Thank you, Alpha."

I must protect her, not only because she's running away from Dominic—I swore never again would he manipulate another female—but also because of her appearance... Perhaps she could be key in my fight against Dominic... But regardless, ensuring her safety was paramount...