The path to the Davidson apartment was long and peaceful, lined with tall trees that swayed gently in the evening breeze. Golden rays of the setting sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled light over the ground. The sounds of laughter rang through the air as children played with sticks and chased each other near the roadside, their carefree joy painting a soft contrast to the tension simmering within the group.
As they walked, Sophia turned slightly, her voice sharp but calm. "Hey guys, when you get there, behave yourselves."
"And remember to greet him," James added with a grin, nudging Tyler lightly.
Tyler stretched his arms and gave a half-smirk. "I don't know what makes you all think so highly of Mr. Davidson."
Before the words had fully settled, Henry turned abruptly and stepped in front of him, eyes lit with fury. "How dare you, Tyler?" he snapped. "How dare you speak of Mr. Davidson like that?"
The air shifted. Children's laughter seemed distant now.
"He built this place from scratch to protect wolves," Henry continued, voice rising. "His children fought vampires for years years to defend humanity. His knowledge, his leadership… it's the only reason we have order here. Even the Alpha respects him more than you realize."
Bella quickly stepped in, placing a hand on Henry's arm. "We know, Henry. You don't have to sound so angry."
"Yeah, man," Jasper chimed in, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "Take a chill, bro."
Tyler frowned. "What the heck is it, Henry? Did I say something wrong?"
Sophia gently touched Tyler's shoulder. "It's fine, Tyler," she said softly. Then to Henry, "Don't get so mad. Tyler was just voicing his opinion."
Henry jerked away from Jasper's light grip and stormed ahead, shoulders stiff, fists clenched.
"What's his problem?" Bella muttered.
James exhaled slowly. "Just like the rest of us, Henry has his backstory. To him, Mr. Davidson is practically a saint."
Tyler nodded slowly, eyes on the dirt path ahead. "It's fine," he said quietly.
They continued their walk in silence, the late evening breeze brushing past them. Bella reached over and held Tyler's left hand, a silent reassurance as their footsteps carried them forward.
The Davidson apartment stood like a monument of quiet strength a long, dignified building nestled among tall oaks, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. A gravel path led to its entrance, flanked by flowers in bloom and birds fluttering between tree branches. It was calm, serene, the kind of place where secrets lay buried under age-old roots.
As Tyler and the pack approached, a boy stepped out from the doorway, giving them a brief once-over. "Stay here," he said curtly before disappearing inside.
"That's Mason," James whispered, nodding toward the boy.
Bella glanced around, her gaze lingering on the nearby trees. "What a fine home," she murmured.
"Great atmosphere," Jasper added, his voice light with admiration.
Tyler stood with arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "I don't know what Mr. Davidson wants to see us for."
"That baffles me too," Sophia said, brows furrowed.
"Relax, guys," James said with a shrug. "I'm sure he just wants to give us some rapport, you know? Like, 'good going lads, you're doing great.'"
"I doubt it," Jasper muttered.
Just then, the sound of wheels creaking on the walkway drew their attention. A man in a wheelchair was being pushed forward by a young girl, with a boy walking steadily beside them. The twins Rachel and Ricky weren't identical, but they shared striking similarities: sharp cheekbones, golden eyes, and an aura that made the air feel heavier.
The moment they appeared, a palpable shift swept over the pack. Heartbeats quickened. Breath hitched. Even the leaves seemed to still.
Mr. Davidson wore a gentle smile as he was wheeled into their midst. His presence quiet yet commanding was enough to draw immediate respect. Without hesitation, the pack bowed, unified in reverence.
"Rise," Mr. Davidson said, his voice aged yet firm. "I am very glad to see you all here. I'm sure you must have heard of me already."
There was silence respectful, anticipatory.
"This is Rachel and Ricky," he said, gesturing softly with a trembling hand. "My personal sub ordinates."
He scanned the group, eyes landing on each face with care. "Henry, boy, how are you?"
"I'm fine, sir," Henry replied, barely hiding the admiration in his tone.
"Sophia," Mr. Davidson said warmly.
Sophia nodded.
"Jasper, James, Tyler… and Bella." He paused slightly before Bella's name, his smile widening. "It took me a while to learn your names, but I'm glad I did. Welcome."
The pack nodded, most of them smiling. Tyler remained unreadable.
"I'm sure you're all wondering why I called you here." Mr. Davidson leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing with purpose. "I've heard all about your missions undeniably excellent. Feedback from my son and the council… it tells me you're the kind of pack that reminds me of the old days."
His eyes dimmed, memories flickering behind them. "I had three children, you see. Two were killed in battle with a top vampire. Hudson escaped."
A shadow passed over his face.
"My wife she wasn't a wolf. She was human. But she had more courage than most warriors I've met. She fought beside us until a vampire mauled her years ago. That was before this estate even existed. I was broken. I swore to bring down one man Susun."
The name dropped like a stone into the quiet room. A cold breath passed through the pack.
"But I failed," he continued. "I lost my legs in a battle twelve years ago. And since then, I've felt… useless."
He coughed, voice softening with age. "And now, I'm old."
His gaze shifted to Tyler.
"I hear one of you has seen Susun."
A charged silence gripped them.
"Tyler," he said, "I believe you've seen him."
Tyler's heart skipped. How did he know? he wondered.
"No one told me," Mr. Davidson continued, sensing the question. "My daughter-in-law saw it. She's gifted more than you know."
The pack exchanged bewildered looks, uncertainty painting their faces, as they stared at Tyler.
"I know it must have been hard to believe, but we do believe you," Mr. Davidson said kindly. "I don't know why Susun emerged like that. We've hunted him for decades, but now… I believe it's destiny."
He leaned back in his chair, eyes shimmering with unspoken sorrow. "I have one goal, Tyler and that is to bring Susun down before he conquers the sun."
The pack stood frozen in awe.
"My time is ending," he said. "But our ancestors passed down something vampires never could knowledge."
His eyes swept over them, pride swelling behind his wrinkles. "You all have what it takes. I feel it in my bones. Tyler, Bella, Sophia, Henry, James, Jasper… do what we could not. Do what our ancestors dreamed of."
He smiled.
Tyler looked at the man broken, aged, yet filled with unwavering hope and for a reason he couldn't name, he found himself smiling back.