The pack had returned to the Davidson mansion, slipping through a hidden back gate only Sophia knew one tucked behind thick hedges and shielded by ivy, known only to those she trusted. The air was cool and still at midnight, the hush of the sleeping estate greeting them like a secret.
Inside, the mansion's grand library was dimly lit by golden sconces on the tall stone walls, casting warm shadows over the towering bookshelves. Rows upon rows of ancient and modern volumes loomed over them, each shelf reaching high toward the cathedral ceiling. The scent of old parchment, dust, and polished oak lingered in the air.
Children,members of the younger pack darted between shelves, giggling as they tossed books at each other in wild play. Their laughter echoed faintly. A group of older girls trailed them, stern-faced, chasing after them to restore order, scolding and trying to pick up the books flung to the floor.
Sophia stood near the center aisle, scanning shelves hurriedly. "Have you seen it?" Bella asked, her voice impatient as she turned a few more books.
"No," Sophia replied calmly. "Be patient, Bella." She hurled a thick, dusty volume back onto the shelf with a soft thud and climbed a tall stool in search of the elusive book on Susun.
Tyler, meanwhile, stood a little off to the side, distracted. He noticed a few teenage boys likely around fourteen to sixteen huddled together near a corner shelf, whispering to one another with wide eyes. Their voices were low, filled with fear and awe, as though they were recounting something too terrible to say aloud.
"Tyler, come help me," Sophia called.
He turned reluctantly. "Look, Sophia, if you can't find it, let's just get out of here," he said, voice edged in frustration.
"Come on, Tyler, don't be rude," Bella said softly, her eyes gentle.
He sighed and walked over to her. As he reached the stool, Sophia lost her balance the wooden legs wobbled. With a sharp gasp, she slipped. But Tyler was fast. He caught her midair, her hair spiraling like silk around his chest as she landed in his arms.
For a moment, time froze.
Sophia's face was inches from his. Her cologne enveloped him in warm floral spice, and her eyes sparkled with unspoken feelings. Tyler's gaze was locked on hers intense, searching. Sophia's breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded.
Then Bella cleared her throat loudly. The moment shattered.
Tyler quickly set Sophia down, glancing away with a flushed expression. "Thanks," she mumbled, brushing down her blouse.
"It's nothing," he said, voice low.
Suddenly, a loud clatter echoed from deeper in the library.
"What was that?" Bella asked, tensing.
"I don't know," Sophia and Tyler replied in unison.
Then, both of their phones buzzed.
A message from James lit up their screens.
"Have you guys heard?"
Another message came immediately after.
"Max and Josh's pack… got killed. All of them. Vampires."
They stared at the screen, stunned. The library, once lively with laughter and whispers, felt deadly still.
The cold afternoon wind swept through the trees as the pack huddled in their usual playground lair, a quiet place tucked behind the Davidson mansion where laughter once echoed. Now, silence lingered heavily in the air. The fire pit in the center was unlit, the benches damp with dew, and the skies a dull grey that mirrored their mood.
Sophia sat on a wooden stump, her gaze low. "The pack comprised of seven boys," she murmured, her voice soft but steady as she answered Tyler's question. "They were young... but brave." She paused. "Tyson was just fifteen. The youngest… but the smartest." Her lips quivered slightly. "Smart, Ray, Douglas, Donald… Max and Josh. They all died."
The group fell silent. Jasper leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his face heavy with grief. "All those young boys died," he whispered, eyes dim with disbelief.
Bella buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking.
"Don't let this bother you much, guys," Tyler said, rising slowly to his feet. His hands slid into his pockets, voice calm but firm. "I know we're not happy Max's pack got killed by vampires, but at this moment, we have to be strong mentally and emotionally." He scanned their faces, broken and quiet. "We're on patrol tonight."
Though his words were brave, his chest felt tight. Max had been difficult, a bully even but he was a wolf, their own. He died fighting for the same cause.
Tyler took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, letting the weight settle. Then, without another word, he grabbed his jacket and started walking toward the mansion gate, footsteps steady on the gravel path.
"You guys can train and prepare for tonight,I want some fresh air" he added, not looking back.
Sophia watched him go, her eyes narrowing with concern. Then, quietly, she stood and followed, her footsteps light and sure as she trailed behind him into the misty afternoon.