Chapter 11: Gathering Storms

Back at the Westville pack's hideout, tension hung in the air. Douglas returned to find Gary and the other pack members gathered around a bonfire, the flickering flames casting eerie shadows on their faces. Gary was speaking animatedly, rallying the pack with promises of conquest and revenge. Douglas pushed his way through the crowd, his anger simmering just below the surface. "Gary!" he called out, his voice cutting through the din. The pack leader turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. "Douglas," Gary sneered, "finally decided to grace us with your presence, have you?" Douglas didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he took a deep breath and spoke with measured calm. "We need to talk. Now." Gary's eyes flickered with annoyance, but he nodded and gestured for Douglas to follow him away from the others. They walked a short distance, just out of earshot, and Gary crossed his arms, waiting. "You shouldn't have run off attacking humans like that," Douglas began, his voice low but firm. "E