Ashlee changed into her bathing suit and stretched out her arms. She looked like a gorgeous model with that figure and soft skin tone. Her eyes wandered to Esyn, who was busy opening her strange box.

“Are you not changing?” she asked innocently, glancing at Esyn.

“Oh, dear lord! No wonder Kyle keeps you hidden.” Esyn smirked, eyeing Ashlee’s curves. Ashlee awkwardly covered her waist with her hands.

“Well, he hasn’t seen me without clothes… I don’t think so,” Ashlee muttered, her heart racing as a strange feeling bloomed in her stomach.

“Quit lying! I saw you two snuggled up like you never wanted to let go.” Esyn huffed, leaving Ashlee in a state of pure shock.

“Wh…What?” Ashlee stammered.

“Nothing. Just go on. I can’t go into the water anyway; it might be slippery for me.” Esyn said, gesturing to the lake.

“Is it too deep?” Ashlee asked, a bit worried.

“No, no, that’s not it. I just want to gather some herbs before we leave,” Esyn replied, focusing on her box, which was filled with leaves and strange powders.

“Alright, then I’ll go.” Ashlee stepped toward the lake.

Esyn replied with a simple “Hmm,” already lost in her own work.

The water felt lukewarm as Ashlee stepped in. She wondered why, but didn’t want to disturb Esyn, who seemed preoccupied. A calming warmth spread up her legs, making her feel completely at ease.

She sank into the water, feeling relaxed and soothed. After swimming along the lake’s edge, she found a submerged rock and rested there, stretching out. Water droplets glided down her neck, and her curves shimmered under the moonlight, creating a captivating, ethereal scene.

Meanwhile, Kyle was out hunting with his pack, but they hadn’t found a single animal in the area. They moved slowly, the sound of crunching leaves filling the air.

“Alpha, there’s someone on the hill!” one of the pack members linked to Kyle’s mind. Everyone stopped as Kyle led them up the hill, curiosity sparking through the group.

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Kyle’s eyes fell on a black-greyish wolf standing alone. The sight made him stop in his tracks.

“Collin?” Kyle muttered, recognizing him. Collin spun around, surprised to see Kyle behind him.

He gulped, trying to mask his surprise, and quickly walked down to meet Kyle before he could reach him. But what was he hiding?

“Kyle,” Collin greeted him warmly, transforming back into human form along with Kyle and the rest of the group.

“Didn’t expect to see you here. What were you doing up there?” Kyle tilted his head, confused by Collin’s presence.

“Oh, just admiring the night,” Collin replied, patting Kyle’s shoulder with a forced smile. “Is that pack member who got poisoned doing alright?”

“Yes, she’s fine. But you don’t look so good,” Kyle remarked, noting Collin’s weary, restless expression.

“It’s nothing—just been busy lately, haven’t had much sleep,” Collin replied, brushing it off.

“Alright. But where’s your pack? I don’t see anyone else around.” Kyle glanced around, suspiciously noting the absence of Collin’s pack members. Did he come alone?

‘Great. He really thinks I’d buy his act,’ Collin thought to himself, trying to block out his thoughts, aware that Kyle could read minds.

“Yeah, I’m alone. Anyway, I should be going. My pack’s waiting for me,” Collin said, forcing a fresh smile that only made Kyle’s suspicions grow.

“Well, it was good to see you. By the way, this year, let’s hold the annual event at my place. You and your pack are invited.”

“Sure, sure. We’ll be there. Now, I should get going,” Collin nodded, shifting into his wolf form and sprinting off at full speed. No wonder he was an alpha, too.

Kyle was curious. What had Collin been watching? He knew better than to believe his excuse about admiring the night sky; he knew Collin hated nights.

“Stay here,” Kyle ordered his pack, making sure Collin was out of sight. He moved toward the spot where Collin had been standing.

He froze, stunned by the sight before him. A beautiful woman was swimming in the lake, her body glowing under the moonlight. She looked so enchanting he couldn’t look away.

He took a closer look, realizing with shock that the woman was Ashlee. How had she gotten here? He was certain he’d left her back at home with Esyn.

“Ashlee…” he whispered, anger flaring up as he remembered that it was his woman Collin had been watching. What on earth was she doing here?

“Let’s go back. Enough hunting for today!” he called out, his voice laced with fury, surprising everyone.

The pack exchanged puzzled glances, silently wondering what had sparked this sudden change in their Alpha.

“What happened?” the question echoed through the pack as they made their way back.

They had a longer route to cover than Esyn and Ashlee. By the time Kyle reached home, Esyn and Ashlee were already back. Ashlee was in the bathroom, changing into her night clothes, completely oblivious to the storm heading her way.

Kyle opened the door abruptly, sensing Ashlee’s presence in the bathroom. He exhaled, closing the door quietly behind him, preparing for a confrontation that would leave no room for misunderstanding.