Episode 58.

Later At Night

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Jared had prepared himself as expected, gathering all the supplies they needed for their adventure. Stepping out of the house, he found Ryan waiting for him on the bench outside, but something seemed off about him.

Pausing for a moment, Jared gazed at Ryan, trying to figure out what might be bothering him. Finally, he approached and sat beside him. "Hey, we're all set to go, but it looks like something's on your mind. Are you feeling nervous about the adventure?" Jared inquired, noticing Ryan's uneasy demeanor.

"Scared? Yeah, you're right, but it's more than just fear," Ryan replied, chuckling slightly, leaving Jared puzzled by his cryptic response.

"What do you mean by 'more to it'?" Jared asked, but Ryan remained silent. Instead, he abruptly stood up from the bench and began to walk away.

As Jared watched Ryan's unusual behavior, he couldn't help but wonder why his friend was acting so strangely. Ryan paused, looking back at Jared, and called out, "Why are you still sitting there? Aren't you coming with me?" gesturing for Jared to join him and indicating that it was time to set off.

Without hesitation, Jared grabbed his bag and hurried after Ryan. Uncertain of Ryan's intentions, he thought maybe Ryan needed to fetch something or was upset. However, Jared soon realized there was more to Ryan's actions than he initially thought.

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Adam Kindle's Home.

Olivia spotted Gwen outside the house, seemingly engaged in a one-sided conversation. It appeared as though Gwen was speaking to someone invisible, which puzzled Olivia.

Approaching Gwen, who seemed frantic and breathless, Olivia inquired, "Gwen, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Gwen hurriedly gestured towards the bench beneath the flower tree, her expression filled with intense curiosity.

Perplexed by Gwen's actions and non-verbal cues, Olivia urged her, "Gwen, please calm down and explain. What's troubling you?" Despite Olivia's concern, Gwen remained fixated on the bench, her breathing becoming increasingly labored.

In a distressed tone, Gwen exclaimed, "I saw him sitting here under this tree, but he vanished in an instant! I can't find him anywhere!" Olivia realized that Gwen's distress stemmed from a perceived disappearance of Carlos.

Understanding that Gwen's mental well-being was affected by this imagined absence, Olivia endeavored to soothe her friend. "Gwen, try to relax," Olivia soothingly suggested, reaching out to hold Gwen's hands. However, Gwen recoiled, refusing Olivia's touch.

Frustrated and insistent, Gwen asserted, "Don't ask me to calm down! I know what I saw. He was here!" Olivia, realizing the depth of Gwen's conviction, matched her intensity.

"Then where is he...!" Olivia's voice cracked as tears streamed down Gwen's cheeks, her gaze fixed on the empty bench.

Stuck in place, Olivia watched tear after tear fall from Gwen's eyes.

"He's gone. I swear I saw him sitting there," Gwen murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taking a deep breath, Olivia approached Gwen, gently cupping her face in her hands.

"Gwen, it's okay. Even if you thought you saw him, it's just your mind playing tricks on you. Look around, it's all darkness. There's no Carlos here," Olivia reassured, as Gwen collapsed against her, tears flowing freely.

"It's okay, Gwen. You need to calm down and gather yourself. Don't let this consume you. It's not good for your well-being," Olivia whispered soothingly.

Gwen's expression shifted, a mix of sadness and frustration evident in her eyes.

"Are you suggesting I'm losing my mind?" Gwen questioned, looking directly at Olivia, who shook her head vigorously.

"No, no, no. I would never say that. You're not losing your mind. You just need support, someone to be there for you," Olivia replied, trying to find the right words.

"You need someone like me to lean on," she continued, letting Gwen rest her head on her shoulder, tears soaking Olivia's blouse.

"Just let me help you. Don't push me away. We can get through this together," Olivia murmured, comforting Gwen with a gentle pat on her back.

Olivia couldn't seem to quiet her mind, knowing that Gwen would be left all alone at home again tomorrow. She hoped she wouldn't return to find her heartbroken.

She had considered bringing Gwen along tomorrow, but she knew Gwen would be a major distraction. Olivia couldn't understand why Gwen was so devastated about Carlos. It seemed clear that Carlos was truly the only thing Gwen had left.

However, Olivia was doing her best to emulate the person Carlos had always been to her. Yet, it appeared that her efforts were falling short. She couldn't be like him in any way.


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Alpha Dean's Pack.

•The Next Morning•

In the early hours of the morning, Elena awoke to find that the alpha was not beside her, even though she remembered both of them sleeping in the bed the night before.

Not only did she notice the absence of Junior by her side, but she also realized that Dean must have taken him away. It was not a new occurrence; Dean would take the baby whenever he pleased, without seeking her permission. She felt a sense of helplessness, knowing she was restricted in how long she could hold her own child.

Reflecting on her past, Elena thought about how different things could have been if she hadn't encountered Alpha Mula, who showed her what true care and love meant. Growing up in a loveless family, she had mistaken Dean's actions for affection.

Grateful to the moon goddess for intertwining her fate with Alpha Mula's, Elena could now discern genuine love from mere emotional captivity. She wasn't afraid that Junior might value his father more than her; she understood that it was only a matter of time before everything changed.

With that realization, she rose from the bed and made her way to the window, her faithful companion in moments of solitude.

As she gazed out of the window, she pondered on how to deal with Dean. Recalling the recent conversation between Dean and Ryan, she contemplated involving Ryan in the matter, eager to discuss it with her inner wolf.

"Do you truly believe he can be trusted? You're putting us at risk by considering this! Are you serious?" Her wolf's voice murmured in her mind.

"We have no other choice. He might be willing to assist after Dean's betrayal, denying him the gifts he had promised," Elena responded.

"But what if he thinks betraying us and informing Dean of our plans will lead to even greater rewards?" Her wolf questioned, leaving Elena momentarily at a loss for words, acknowledging the validity of the concern.

"Well, all we can do is hope he sees the truth," Elena replied.

"Just as he is unaware that his loyalty will not be rewarded as promised. Don't be naive; we are the ones you should trust," the wolf cautioned, causing Elena to nod in agreement, pondering over the advice.

Suddenly, a knock interrupted their conversation. "Elisa," Elena whispered to herself, hoping it was Elisa at the door, only to be disappointed to find another omega standing there.

"My Luna, the alpha has summoned you. Please come with me," he informed her, prompting Elena to widen her eyes, displaying a hint of hesitation.

The expression on her face revealed surprise as she tried to understand why the alpha had suddenly called for her. She hoped it was to hand her the baby to feed.

She promptly joined the omega, who escorted her to the main hall where Dean sat on his throne. All the members had gathered around.

But she was taken aback to see Elisa kneeling in their midst, her hand and face visibly injured and bleeding.

Initially, Elena was curious, wondering what Elisa had done to deserve such treatment. However, when she noticed the dungeon key on the ground in front of Elisa, panic set in.