Upon opening the door, I came face to face with Ulrich. His copper eyes stared at me, as piercing as ever. His smile was defiant, as if he knew something I had yet to discover. Ulrich, the beta of the pack, the right-hand man of Alpha Alastair. Tall and muscular in his human form, an intimidating figure carrying the marks of lupine battles.
Ulrich turned to me, his copper eyes locked onto mine. His smile was a silent challenge, and I didn't back down from his confident expression.
“Fierce, long time no see,” he said, flashing a smile that revealed more distrust than friendship.
I stared at him, maintaining my composure. The scar cutting across his left eye was a visible reminder of his struggles as a werewolf, a testament to the brutality of the world to which we belonged.
“Ulrich, what are you doing here?” I asked, keeping my guard up.
He shrugged. “The pack leader is concerned about you. It's not every day a she-wolf leaves the pack, especially one as important as you.”
I rolled my eyes, frustrated with the intrusion. “I'm not part of that anymore. And I don't need anyone's concern.”
Ulrich approached, his gaze fixed on me. “Fierce, you've always been special to Alastair. The leader wants you to come back.”
“My decision is made, Ulrich. I won't go back,” I replied with determination.
“Why not invite me in, Fierce?” Ulrich asked, his smile persisting.
I looked at him, maintaining my firm stance. “Why would I do that?”
Ulrich shrugged, a mocking expression on his face. “It's what humans usually do when they have visitors, isn't it?”
“You're not welcome here,” I replied, firmly.
Ulrich's smile didn't fade. “Maybe you should come with me, Fierce.”
“I've already said I won't go back,” I declared, certain of my decision.
Ulrich's eyes roamed over me, assessing me from head to toe. Then, his gaze settled on my belly. “Now I understand.”
“You understand nothing,” I retorted, my patience wearing thin.
“Who's the father?” Ulrich asked, as if he had the right to invade my personal life.
“It's none of your business. Tell Alastair I'm leaving Denver,” I replied, trying to push him away.
Ulrich approached, his face turning serious. “You broke the pack's rules, Fierce.”
His canines showed, revealing the beast hiding beneath the human appearance. Tension in the air increased as I realized Ulrich was on the verge of transformation. My breath quickened, and I prepared for the imminent confrontation.
Before the situation escalated further, Constance appeared at the door, looking between us. “Why not invite your friend in, Fierce?”
I looked at Constance, grateful for her timely arrival. “He is not my friend, Constance.”
Constance ignored my response and turned her gaze to Ulrich.
“Well, it seems Fierce is being a bit tough on you. It wouldn't be fair to leave you outside, would it?”
Ulrich smiled at Constance, acknowledging the opportunity before him.
“Thanks for the invitation. Maybe I should come in, and Fierce can explain why she's leaving. I'm sure Alastair would want to know.”
Constance stepped aside, making way for Ulrich. He passed by me, his shoulder brushing mine in a provocative gesture. I knew it wasn't the end of the story. Alastair's beta smiled, as if he had won a small victory. Constance led us inside, and I knew things would never be the same again.
***
The room was charged with tension, and I sat there, staring at Ulrich. His intense eyes never left mine, and the heavy atmosphere was palpable. Constance, always the skilled hostess, broke the silence.
“Ulrich, would you like some tea or coffee?” she asked with a warm smile.
“Water is fine,” he replied, his tone serious.
“Great. And you, Fierce?” Constance turned to me.
“Tea is perfect,” I replied, watching Ulrich's eyebrow raise slightly.
Constance headed to the kitchen to prepare the drinks. Meanwhile, Ulrich and I were left alone in the room, a silent confrontation between us. He looked like a predator observing his prey, and I wondered how long we could maintain this facade of civility.
Constance returned with water for Ulrich and suggested that I go to the kitchen to get some snacks while she prepared my tea. I gave a quick glance to Ulrich before getting up, promising myself to keep calm.
“I'll be right back,” I said, heading to the kitchen with Constance.
Once we were in the kitchen, Constance broke the silence. “Is that Hunter?” she asked in a whisper.
I touched her lips with my fingers, signaling for silence. I grabbed paper and pen from the counter and began writing. Not only that, but I handed her the paper, stating that the man in the room was Ulrich, a beta werewolf sent by Alpha Alastair. He functioned as a tracker, with keen ears for gathering information.
Constance nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She then casually mentioned going to the movies. “When is your boyfriend picking you up for the cinema?” she asked, disguising her concern with a smile.
I stared at her, not understanding, and Constance, once again, grabbed paper and pen. She quickly wrote something and showed me. “Follow my lead. We need to throw Ulrich off.”
“In a little while,” I replied, accepting the paperback.
“Well,” Constance spoke loud enough for Ulrich to hear, “you could ask your friend to leave, Fierce. It wouldn't be right for me to be alone with him.”
I returned to the room, where Ulrich observed me with curiosity. “I think it's time for you to go,” I said, trying to sound natural.
“Is it?” He asked, tilting his head.
“Yes, I'm waiting for my boyfriend. I don't think he'd be very comfortable finding you here,” I replied, trying not to show nervousness.
Ulrich just settled more into the sofa, his piercing gaze fixed on me. “Tell your boyfriend he should hurry before more of us arrive,” he said, suggesting that other werewolves might be on their way.