Chapter Thirty Three

**DAMON’S POV

I could feel the energy of the pack vibrating around me as we walked back home after the race. The laughter and camaraderie had been contagious and I was happy to see eve relax and accept her place among us. She had come so far in such a short time and her growth was a testament to the bond we had formed.

But as we walked home, I noticed that Eve’s expression had changed. She stopped halfway, staring at something in the tree. As I followed her gaze, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.

“Who is it?” she whispered, the tremor in her voice betraying her concern.

I squinted into the shadows, trying to make sense of what I had seen. A figure stood at the edge of the clearing, partially obscured by the dense crowd. The sunlight barely reached this corner, creating an eerie atmosphere around the stranger. "I don't know," I said, my voice low and steady. "Stay next to me."

Eva nodded, the tension in her body evident as she approached. The pack was starting to break up, but I raised my hand to signal everyone to stay in position. "Hey, everyone! Let's take a moment," I shouted firmly.

Curiosity charged the group and turned us alert. “What’s going on?” Brielle asked, frowning when she saw the figure.

“I’m not sure,” I replied, my instincts on high alert. “Someone’s watching us.”

The air was heavy with uncertainty. I could see the wolves moving, their bodies tense as they instinctively approached. It was not the time to panic, but the worry was palpable. “Whatever it is, it’s not one of us,” Rose said, looking away from the trees. “Do you think it’s a threat?”

I shook my head to assess the situation. “I can’t say yet. We have to approach with caution.”

With a nod, I signaled some of the stronger wolves to surround me as we moved forward. Eve stood beside me, her presence supporting me as we moved forward. I could feel the pack’s pulse behind us, ready to act if necessary.

As we neared the edge of the clearing, the figure came into view. My heart sank at the sight—a lone wolf, but I didn’t recognize one. Its fur was dark and rough, and a scar ran down the side of its face, giving it a menacing look.

“Who are you?” I shouted loudly, but it still held. The stranger stared at us with cold eyes, his expression unreadable. "I'm here to talk," he said in his rough, gravelly voice.

"You're talking?" I repeated, incredulous. "You're trespassing on our territory."

His eyes narrowed and I could feel the tension building in my clutches. "I don't mean to cause trouble." "I just need to speak to one of your members."

"Why should we trust you?" Eve interjected, her voice strong despite the fear I could see in her eyes.

The stranger's gaze returned to her, a strange glint of recognition crossing his features. "I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm looking for someone in particular."

"WHAT?" I asked myself as I approached, my body tense and ready for anything.

"Eve," he said in a softer tone, almost pleading. My blood ran cold and I turned to her. She was pale, her expression a mixture of confusion and fear. "Do you know him?" I asked, my protective instincts running.

"I... don't," she stammered, taking a step back. "I've never seen him before."

The stranger's eyes softened and he stepped forward, hands raised in peace. "I swear I mean no harm." I just need to explain. »

"Explain what?" I said, my muscles tightening like springs.

"I come from your past, Eve," he said firmly. "I knew you before you came here. Before you joined the pack."

The words hung in the air, heavy and loaded with implications. I saw Eve’s resolve waver, her brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I can help you remember,” he said slowly. “There are things you’ve forgotten—things you need to know about yourself and your family.”

A murmur ran through the pack of wolves behind me, uncertainty evident as they exchanged glances. I could feel the tension rising; everyone was in a frenzy, waiting for my next move. "Why now?" I asked, keeping my gaze fixed on the stranger. "Why should we believe what you say?"

"Because you are in danger," he replied urgently. "There are forces at play that threaten your new life, and I can help you manage them."

Eve's eyes widened and I saw the fear etched on her face. She looked at me, seeking reassurance, and I felt the weight of her vulnerability.

"Eve, stay by my side," I said in a low, firm voice. "We don't know if we can trust him."

"Please," the stranger insisted, desperation creeping into his voice. "I'm not your enemy. I want to help ."

The pack was restless and I could feel their anxiety growing. "Let's step back," I said, trying to regain control of the situation. "We'll talk, but we have to do it safely. Brielle, gather the others and follow the perimeter.

As Brielle leaned over to pick up the package, the stranger’s gaze softened as he looked at Eve. “You have to trust me. Your past is more complicated than you think.”

Eve hesitated, her eyes moving from me to the stranger. “What do you know about my past?” »

“More than you think,” he said softly. “And if you give me a chance, I can help you find the truth.”

I watched him, feeling the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She was caught between her past and her present, and I could see the conflict in her eyes.