Chapter 79

The woods thinned as they approached Aunt Penelope's property. Shea and Achilles slowed their pace, padding silently through the underbrush. Through their mental connection, Achilles reminded Shea to stay alert - even here, they couldn't let their guard down completely.

As they neared the house, warm light spilled from the windows onto the grass. Oakley's familiar bark rang out - he'd caught their scent. Shea's tail wagged involuntarily at the sound of her old friend.

"We should shift back," Achilles suggested through their link. "Don't want to give Aunt a heart attack."

They retreated behind a cluster of thick pines. The transformation came easier to Shea now, her bones and muscles flowing like water as she returned to human form. Achilles shifted beside her, already pulling spare clothes from the small pack he'd carried.

"That was amazing," Shea whispered as she dressed quickly. "Running with you like that... I've never felt so free."

Achilles smiled, his eyes soft in the darkness. "You're getting stronger every day. Soon you'll be outrunning me."

"I already did, if you hadn't noticed." She bumped his shoulder playfully.

"I let you win." He caught her hand, pulling her close for a quick kiss.

The front door creaked open, spilling more light across the yard. Aunt Penelope stood silhouetted in the doorway, Oakley bouncing excitedly at her feet.

Hand in hand, Shea and Achilles emerged from the trees. Oakley bounded over, nearly knocking Shea over in his enthusiasm. She laughed, scratching behind his ears as his tail wagged furiously.

"We probably shouldn't stay long," Achilles murmured, though his expression softened at Shea's joy in reuniting with her old friend.

Aunt Penelope rushed forward and wrapped Shea in a tight embrace. "Oh, sweetheart. I've been so worried." She pulled back, examining Shea's face with motherly concern. "You look different... stronger somehow."

"I am stronger," Shea smiled, squeezing her aunt's hands. "So much has happened."

"Come inside, both of you." Aunt Penelope ushered them through the door, Oakley prancing at their heels. The familiar scent of cinnamon and pine wrapped around Shea as they entered the warm kitchen.

"Greg's away on business," Aunt explained, pulling out chairs at the kitchen table. "But I'm glad you're here. Tea?"

"That would be wonderful," Shea said, settling into her old spot at the table. Achilles sat beside her, his thigh pressed against hers - a subtle reminder of his protective presence.

Aunt Penelope busied herself with the kettle, stealing glances at the pair. "You two seem... close." Her eyes twinkled knowingly.

Heat crept up Shea's neck. "Achilles has been teaching me about my powers. About what I am."

"A werewolf," Aunt nodded, setting three steaming mugs on the table. "Like your father." She studied Achilles. "And like you, young man. I remember Vincent mentioning the Von Lunars."

"You knew?" Shea leaned forward.

"Not everything. But enough to know you'd be safe with them." Aunt Penelope reached across the table to pat Shea's hand. "Your father trusted them completely. And seeing you now - how you've grown into your power - I understand why."

Oakley rested his head on Shea's lap, and she scratched his ears absently. The familiar comfort of her aunt's kitchen, mixed with Achilles's steady presence beside her, filled her chest with warmth.

"I've missed you," Shea said softly.

"And I've missed you, dear one." Aunt Penelope's eyes glistened. "But I'm so proud of who you're becoming."

Aunt Penelope poured more tea into their cups as they talked about recent events. Shea explained about her training and her growing control over her abilities, carefully omitting the more dangerous encounters.

"The Von Lunar mansion is incredible," Shea said, warming her hands around the mug. "And Lucius - Achilles's father - he's been teaching me so much about our history."

Achilles sat quietly, observing the interaction between aunt and niece with a slight smile. His enhanced senses remained alert to their surroundings, monitoring for any potential threats.

"Tell me about the training," Aunt Penelope prompted, sliding a plate of cookies across the table. "I want to hear everything."

"Well, I can transform now," Shea beamed with pride. "Both into wolf form and..." she glanced at Achilles, "the other form. The fighting skills are coming along too."

"She's a natural," Achilles added, his deep voice warm with approval. "Faster learner than most born wolves."

Oakley's tail thumped against the floor as he moved between them, seeking attention from each in turn. The familiar setting made Shea realize how much she'd missed this place - the creaking floorboards, the herbal scents from Aunt's garden, the way sunlight filtered through the lace curtains.

"And how are you handling all of this?" Aunt Penelope asked, her keen eyes studying Shea's face. "It must be overwhelming at times."

"It was at first," Shea admitted, absently running her fingers through Oakley's fur. "But having support makes all the difference." Under the table, Achilles's hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I can see that," Aunt Penelope said softly, her gaze moving between them. A knowing smile played at her lips as she rose to refill the kettle.

The moon hung heavy in the night sky as they broached the difficult topic. Shea's fingers tightened around her tea cup while Achilles shifted closer to her on the couch.

"There's something else you should know," Shea said, her voice dropping. "The Hawkins faction... they're forcing us into a war."

Aunt Penelope's face paled. "A war? Between the packs?"

"They want Shea," Achilles explained, his jaw tense. "They discovered her rare bloodline and won't back down. Donovan, their leader, proposed an official faction battle."

"The winner gets to..." Shea swallowed hard. "Gets to keep me."

Aunt Penelope set down her cup with shaking hands. "This is exactly what Vincent feared would happen. All those years ago..."

"We're training hard," Achilles assured her. "The Von Lunar pack is strong, and we have allies. We won't let them take her."

"When?" Aunt Penelope asked.

"After the meeting of all factions," Shea replied. "It will be official - supervised by the other packs to ensure fair combat."

Oakley whined softly, sensing the tension in the room. The old house creaked around them as a cool breeze rustled through the trees outside.

"I should have protected you better," Aunt Penelope whispered. "Maybe if I'd known more about what Vincent was trying to prevent-"

"No," Shea cut in firmly. "You did everything right. You kept me safe until I was ready to learn the truth. And now..." She looked at Achilles. "Now I have people who can help me face whatever comes next."