CHAPTER 93: NEW FRIENDS

Kaya

I can’t believe you forced me to get up this early. I grumble at Rana as I drag my feet toward the running track that disappears into the woods.

With a long sigh, I bend down to stretch my legs, my body still heavy with sleep despite my wolf’s untamed enthusiasm thrumming in the back of my mind. It’s been weeks since Rana fully awakened, yet no matter how hard I push myself, she refuses to calm down and let me rest.

I can’t help it, her voice purrs from the depths of my mind. I need something to pour my frustration into, you know!

You’re not the only one frustrated, I snap back, matching her tone as I bend forward again, my muscles stretching almost aggressively in a petty attempt to burn the tension away.

Silence falls between us, thick and stubborn. Neither of us is a stranger to the silent treatment, but I still can’t believe how temperamental my wolf can be.

When my stretches are done, I straighten and take a slow glance around. Winter has wrapped its icy grip around our continent, turning outdoor training into a rare luxury—something reserved mostly for hunting and patrol runs. Even those have been scaled down into smaller groups, thanks to the unusual peace along our borders.

But because of Rana, I still have to come out here for morning runs. Not that I really mind—these sessions often mean joining others on patrol, giving me the perfect excuse to get to know more people from my pack.

My pack. Blood Moon finally feels like my place. And I fucking love that.

"Hey, early bird!"

I flinch, startled out of my wandering thoughts, and whip my head toward the voice calling out to me.

Rana stiffens for a moment, and I instinctively mirror her reaction. It’s the twin omegas—the Kellan sisters.

I’ve been watching them for a while now, unable to help my curiosity. Ever since Gloria’s banishment, the spotlight has shifted to them, and honestly, I can see why.

They’re a fascinating pair.

Megan and Bella Kellan were the last to join Blood Moon before I arrived. According to Samantha, they’re orphans from a rogue clan somewhere at the far southern edge of the continent. Their fate had already been decided—they were to be sold to the Alpha of some minor pack as sex slaves, payment for their clan’s enormous debts.

But the twins refused to accept that fate. They fled, surviving against the odds, and eventually made their way here. Their stealth and sharp survival instincts impressed Magnus enough that he accepted them without hesitation.

Now, they lead their own small patrol unit. And this... is the first time I’ve faced them alone.

"Out for a run?" Megan asks, her large brown eyes widening slightly as she studies me with quiet calculation.

I simply nod. Their wolves radiate no hostility, yet something about the way they carry themselves—their posture, their poise—sends an unspoken challenge in the air, a quiet but undeniable intimidation.

"It’s Kaya, right?" Bella speaks up, her long, pale fingers deftly gathering her thick, unnaturally red hair into a ponytail. "I’m Bella, and this is my sister, Megan. We’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while. Glad we caught you today."

"Excuse me?" I blink at them, completely caught off guard. "You... wanted to talk to me?"

"Yeah—why so surprised?" Megan’s eyes widen even further, her arched red eyebrows lifting in exaggerated confusion. "After all, it’s thanks to you that we finally got rid of the biggest bitch in this pack!"

Both of them burst out laughing, their voices overlapping, yet their gazes remain locked on me—sharp and assessing—as though weighing my reaction to their words.

I, on the other hand, have no idea how to respond. Are they simply thrilled to step into the spotlight now? Or is their joy rooted in the fact that the women of Blood Moon are finally free from Gloria’s suffocating, domineering grip?

"Even her minions have become a lot friendlier lately," Bella says, the laughter fading from her voice as her tone turns serious. "It was stupid to let her bully us for so long. Especially now—us girls have to stick together. For... obvious reasons."

The twins exchange a quick, knowing glance before flashing me a smile that feels rehearsed yet warm.

"Speaking of which," Bella continues, her voice light again, "would you like to be friends?"

Once again, I’m left stunned and momentarily speechless. Yes, the members of Blood Moon have been treating me with unexpected friendliness lately, and I can’t deny it’s... nice. But there’s still a part of me that views this sudden attention with suspicion.

It’s understandable, Rana chimes in. You were surrounded by women in Dark Wood, but not a single one was remotely kind to you. Still... I don’t sense anything wrong in their intentions. Their wolves feel genuine.

My wolf’s words work like a charm, and a wave of relief finally washes over me, easing the tension coiled tight in my chest.

She’s right—I should trust people more. I trusted Magnus, Oliver, and Sam, and I never once regretted it. Blood Moon is full of good, kind souls, and I want to be part of that warmth, too.

"Yeah," I say at last, my voice still trembling slightly. "Friends... I’d like that."

"Now we’re talking!" Megan grins, slamming her palm into mine and giving it a firm, enthusiastic squeeze. "Feel free to talk to us, join our sparring or training sessions—we’ll be happy to teach you whatever we can!"

My lips curve into a smile, my heartbeat thudding with genuine gratitude. "Uhm... thank you. I’d appreciate that."

"No need to be so formal," Bella says, clasping my hand next and throwing me a playful wink. "And speaking of which, will you join us for a patrolling run today?"

"O–of course! If you don’t mind."

"Never!" the twins reply in perfect unison, both giving me a hearty smack on the back as if to propel me forward. "Let’s go then!"

And I do—I run with my new friends.

It turns out to be one of the best runs I’ve ever had.

I lose all sense of time as we race through the woods beneath the silvered moonlight. We talk and laugh without pause, our voices mingling with the wind, drifting from the intricacies of pack life to teasing jabs about Aksel’s disastrously uneven highlights.

From time to time, we pause to scan our surroundings, the twins teaching me their own subtle surveillance techniques—how to read the rustle of leaves, the flight of a startled bird, the faint bend of grass under a passing paw.

I am utterly fascinated. Not only am I getting the much-needed exercise for Rana’s sake, but I’m also absorbing a trove of useful knowledge—skills that might, hopefully, one day earn me a place on a patrol team.

"Perhaps you can join ours!" Megan says brightly as we near the annex of the pack house. "We often rotate shifts, so Samantha won’t be upset."

Heat creeps into my cheeks, and I can’t help feeling honored by the offer. "Yeah, I mean—once I’m ready, I’d love to work with others and serve the pack."

They exchange amused glances and chuckle at my almost childlike determination, which only deepens the warmth spreading across my face.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Bella suddenly exclaims, tapping her forehead as if to knock the memory loose. "We’re having a secret gathering for the females of Blood Moon next full moon. Do you want to come?"

I blink, momentarily caught off guard, my brows shooting up toward my hairline. "A secret gathering..?"