CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR - EMOTIONAL TURMOIL

Before he could speak, Vanessa's voice rang out. "My, my, Anna. That was impressive for a human. You're not secretly a werewolf, are you?" She laughed lightly, but the implication hung in the air. "It's almost unnatural how quickly you're picking things up." Erik's expression was unreadable as he looked between Anna and Vanessa. Anna felt her heart sink, realizing that what should have been a moment of pride had been twisted into something suspicious. As weeks passed, Anna began to notice subtle changes in Erik's behavior towards her. He seemed more reserved, less inclined to share pack matters with her. The easy intimacy they had once shared was replaced by a growing distance. One evening, as Anna was passing by Erik's study, she overheard a conversation that made her blood run cold. "Erik, I hate to say this, but don't you think it's odd how quickly Anna has integrated herself into the pack?" Vanessa's voice was soft, concerned. "I mean, I like her, but... well, you have to admit