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Chapter 9 - Chapter 9

It was a cool, quiet morning. The sky was overcast, casting a soft gray hue over the pack's shelter. A gentle breeze rustled through the surrounding trees, carrying with it the earthy scent of damp leaves and distant pine. The air felt still—calm, but not without a lingering heaviness from the night before. Dew glistened on the grass and wooden planks of the small compound.

James and Henry sat on a weathered wooden bench, speaking quietly between themselves. Laughter occasionally escaped from James, a light contrast to the somberness of the recent events. A short distance away, Tyler was crouched beside a motorcycle, his hands smeared with grease as he focused intently on the engine. The bike, James's prized possession, had taken a beating, and Tyler, with skilled hands and a patient frown, was determined to bring it back to life.

Bella stood with Jasper nearby, occasionally glancing toward the house. Jasper remained withdrawn, arms folded, gaze low. He hadn't said much since the attack.

Earlier, the woman who had witnessed her neighbors' abduction stood sobbing on her pavement. Her face was pale, voice trembling as Sophia gently broke the news. "I'm sorry, ma," Sophia had said, her eyes soft with empathy. "They were killed. I'm so sorry."

The woman cried harder, collapsing into Bella's arms. "Those bloodsuckers… I'll make them pay for every pain they've caused," she said through clenched teeth.

"Do you know what killed them?" she asked desperately.

"We don't know for sure," Sophia answered. "But it looked like they were stabbed… repeatedly. You should call the police."

She nodded, and Bella kindly walked her into the house. Outside, the boys kept their eyes fixed on the ground, silent.

Back at the yard, James broke the silence. "What happened, bro? You ditched us," he asked, looking over at Jasper.

"I couldn't… I'm sorry, guys," Jasper murmured, unable to lift his eyes.

"You should've told us," Sophia said gently. "Told us you hadn't shifted yet."

"That's not it," Jasper muttered. "I have changed… I'm just scared. I can't face vampires. I can't face anyone." His voice cracked as he turned away.

For a moment, Tyler paused from the motorcycle, watching Jasper with softened eyes. A strange flutter moved in his chest. He understood that fear deeply. Quietly, he stood and walked over to him.

"We're here for you, bro," Tyler said, placing a steady hand on his shoulder. "Whatever it is… we'll walk through it together."

James and Henry exchanged a glance. This was unlike Tyler open, supportive. But something had shifted. Sophia smiled.

"Tyler's right," she said, voice full of strength. "We're a team. We fight together. We grow together."

Laughter finally bubbled from the group, like light cracking through heavy clouds.

Bella soon returned. "The police have been called. They'll be here soon. We need to move."

The woman emerged from her doorway, wiping tears. "Thank you… I'm truly grateful."

"It's nothing," Tyler said kindly. "We're glad to help."

"And glad you're okay," Sophia added, her tone warm.

"Please be careful," the woman said as the pack began to walk away.

Sophia lingered behind, her thoughts trailing. Her eyes found Tyler, crouched again beside the motorcycle, and her heart ached in ways she couldn't fully name. Ever since she met him, something inside her had shifted. His presence grounded her, soothed her even when he said nothing at all. She didn't know if it was love, not yet, but she knew the bond was real. And deepening.

Tyler was quiet, serious, often distant. But he was brave fearless even. He'd charge at any vampire with no second thought. She chuckled quietly to herself, watching him work.

"Hey, Jasper," James suddenly called, pulling her from her thoughts. "Come here! Combat training's on!"

Jasper groaned. "Can't you wait a minute?"

"Oh come on," Henry teased. "You can flirt with Bella later."

Bella snorted, amused, while Jasper rolled his eyes and followed.

Sophia made her way to Tyler.

"I didn't know you were a mechanic," she said casually.

Tyler looked up and for a brief second, his breath caught. She's beautiful, he thought. He pushed the thought aside.

"My dad taught me," he replied.

"You were awesome yesterday," Sophia said with a grin.

Tyler gave a faint smile. "You were awesome, Sophia. Not me. You're really stepping into this leader role."

"Thanks," she said. "I'm just trying to live up to Connor. He wasn't perfect… but he had our backs. He was fierce. He believed in us."

She paused, looking down, then back at Tyler.

"I can't be him. But I can be me and I'll give my best. For the pack. For my friends."

Tyler stood, wiping his hands clean. He glanced at her.

"I don't know about friends…" he said. "But I'll take the pack."

Inside, his thoughts turned inward. I have no friends. Bella was all he had. She was his world. As long as she was safe happy he'd fight till his last breath.

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