Chapter 2

As the morning light filtered through the window, Ackerly Ciro Galeno stirred from his slumber with a contented smile. For seven years, he had coexisted with humans in perfect harmony. At the tender age of twenty-three, he had already earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the esteemed Michigan University, with the added distinction of graduating with honors.

On the sly, he delves into the intricate details of werewolf anatomy and physiology alongside his lupine brethren and esteemed academicians at the university. His talent in this area was exceptional.

For seven long years, his true identity remained shrouded in secrecy, concealed from the prying eyes of the world. His whereabouts, a mystery to all who knew him, remained a closely guarded secret. The task at hand was arduous, but he persevered and emerged victorious. He maintained a safe distance from the humans, wary of arousing any suspicion.

He devoted himself to his studies and work, pouring long and exhausting hours into both. Abandoned by his Pack, he fled under the cover of darkness the following day, disavowing any connection to his former family.

As he meticulously adjusted his hair, smoothed out his coat, and straightened his tie, a wry chuckle escaped his lips.

It was his inaugural attempt at securing a role within a company owned by the Pack. He didn't have any concern for anybody except himself. He stood alone, steadfast in his resolve to avoid all interaction with others.

However, the imposing werewolf council would not be swayed by his solitary stance, and demanded that he engage with his fellow werewolf. Failure to comply would result in the damning label of a rogue werewolf.

He found himself compelled to follow, for to do otherwise would mean being relentlessly pursued as a rogue. Thus, he had no choice but to seek refuge among a Pack. As Ackerly gazed into the reflective surface before him, he spoke words of encouragement to himself.

"You have the ability to accomplish this," he affirmed.

Tension coursed through Ackerly's body, his muscles taut and his nerves on edge. The council's decree was clear: the Sun Forest Pack, being the nearest in proximity, was to extend their welcome to him.

The Pack was a formidable force, and even the most daring rogues knew better than to approach them. Ackerly drew in a deep breath upon hearing the term "rogue." He had a deep-seated disdain for those beings. The loathing he felt towards them was akin to the intense animosity he expressed towards his biological progenitors. Not a single interaction had graced his presence, nor did he feel any inclination to engage in discourse with them.

The pain he endured was immense, brought upon him by their act of desertion. As he was cast out from the Pack, his visage resembled that of a leper.

The Haze Forest Pack was destined to be the initial task on his agenda, one that he would never revisit. Never. He had a steadfast conviction that retribution against the Pack was unjustifiable, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. These people in question were deemed as loathsome criminals. Monstrous beings have taken on the guise of a Pack.

As he strode out of his apartment near the Sun Forest Pack's Company, Acker whispered to himself, "You have the power to become anything you desire."

The Leonidas Group of Companies, a renowned organization, aimed to serve as a catalyst for Acker's triumph and tranquility.As he strode out of his apartment near the Sun Forest Pack's Company, Acker whispered to himself, "You can be anything you want."

Fear had always been a constant companion, but dwelling on past experiences would surely hinder his progress towards the present. For countless years, he has toiled away tirelessly, relying solely on his own innate abilities to see him through. Accustomed to solitude, he found himself unperturbed by its presence.

A taxi screeched to a stop directly before him. Without hesitation, he leapt inside. As he settled into the backseat of the cab, he fought to steady his trembling hands and quell the beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Summoning his resolve, he spoke to the driver in a firm voice, "To the Leonidas Group of Companies, please..."

In just an hour's time, the Alpha of the Sun Forest Pack will summon him forth. Yet, at this very moment, his system is undoubtedly experiencing a malfunction. He let out a long exhale, having first taken a deep breath.

He stood at a modest five-foot-four, not particularly towering over those around him. Compared to his fellow men, he was diminutive in stature. Acker remained unperturbed, so long as he could lead a contented existence.

In a mere fifteen minutes, the cab arrived at its destination. Acker promptly settled his fare and made his way into the company's premises for a quick inspection. He strode confidently towards the front desk.

"Good morning, Madam," he greeted with a polite nod. "I am here to conduct a business interview with the Boss," he emphasized, his tone professional and confident.

The receptionists were keenly aware of the topic of his discussion. A code had been dispatched to Acker and his associates, designed to prevent any suspicion from arising amongst the human population.

"Follow me, Sir," the woman beckoned, leading Ackerly towards the elevator. "The boss' floor is located on the tenth floor, and his secretary is eagerly anticipating your arrival," she informed him. Ackerly responded with a courteous smile and a nod of acknowledgement.

As he stepped into the elevator, the doors slid shut with a soft hiss. The ascent to the tenth floor was smooth and swift, the gentle hum of the machinery providing a soothing background noise. As the elevator ascended, he found himself unable to maintain his concentration.

Acker's desperation to relieve himself and quench his thirst was palpable. In an instant, his body was overcome with dehydration. The man exuded an air of complete unconcern, seemingly oblivious to the events unfolding around him.

He stood at a crossroads, knowing that his next move would determine his fate in the eyes of the Alpha of the Sun Forest Pack. Should he continue down this path, he risked leaving a lasting and unfavorable impression.

The alternative, however, was to halt his progress and reconsider his options. The weight of the decision hung heavy on his shoulders as he contemplated his next move. In the most dire of circumstances, his lack of respect could result in swift and fatal consequences.

As the elevator doors slid open on the tenth floor, Acker stepped out with purpose. He took a deep breath, allowing himself a moment to collect his scattered thoughts. The moment he stepped out the door, his heart rate quickened. He inhaled deeply.

He muttered under his breath, "Damn, calm down." As he drew near, he extended his hand in greeting and introduced himself to the individual whom he presumed to be the secretary.

"Please have a seat first, Sir. I will entertain you later," she said, gesturing towards the chairs in the waiting area. "There are other applicants who arrived before you. Thank you."

As he surveyed the area, it became apparent to him that no human had set foot on this floor. He leaned back in his seat, releasing a long breath of relief. Despite his inner turmoil, he managed to compose himself and offer a gentle smile to the woman.

Questions raced through his mind. The looming question remained: what would occur if they were to decline him? The thought lingered in her mind like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over every other possibility. What if they had taken his life?

The mere idea sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her chest. The possibility lingered in his mind: what if these were the very same ones he had encountered before?

Acker was oblivious to the fact, yet the passing years had instilled in him a sense of caution towards any wolves that roamed in his close proximity. Had it not been for the council, he would have much rather been excluded than feign interest in joining this Pack.

As soon as the secretary inquired about his identity, he rose from his seat. Ackerly Ciro Galeno approached the she-wolf with a confident stride.

"Good morning again, Ma'am," he greeted her, his voice clear and unwavering. "My name is Ackerly Ciro Galeno, and I have come to interview the Alpha."

Despite the beads of sweat that had formed on her forehead, the woman managed to maintain her composure and engage him in conversation with poise and charm. As she perused the parchment pages splayed out before her on the table, she met his gaze with unwavering intensity.

"I am sorry. Can you kindly resume your seat in one of the chairs provided again? The Alpha is presently engaged in an interview with another candidate. Rest assured, I shall notify you promptly upon the conclusion of their meeting," stated the secretary.

With a courteous smile, Acker acknowledged the woman's gesture and proceeded again to take a seat in the chair she had kindly indicated for him. He sat in stillness, attuned to the rhythmic thump of his own heart.

From that moment on, the man had come to accept the truth about himself - that he was, in fact, a coward. Though it was a bitter pill to swallow, he had no choice but to come to terms with this realization.

His vulnerability made him an easy target for exploitation by those around him. In the darkness, he cowered, consumed by an overwhelming sense of terror. He trembles at the mere thought of how his actions and words might be perceived by those around him.

The fear of judgment and disapproval from others grips him tightly, leaving him in a constant state of unease. Acker made no allusion to desiring a mate. He yearned for a reason to exist, for a purpose to fulfill, but alas, he could not find one.

Thus, he clung to life simply because it was all he knew. Thus, the lack of interest from his parents towards him is evident. He likes males over ladies most of the time. The revelation of his attraction to males does not necessarily indicate that he is of the ilk of homosexuals who are forthright about their sexual proclivities.

He felt a sense of satisfaction in the knowledge that he was a recognizable figure to all. From a young age, the weight of societal expectations based on his gender bore down upon him, shaping his very being and sense of identity.

The constant judgment and scrutiny he faced left an indelible mark on his personality, influencing every aspect of his life. Acker let out a deep sigh and remained still for a full half hour.

Unperturbed, he remained fixated on the entrance to the office. The man's teeth clenched as he bit down on his lower lip. Throughout the duration of the event, he remained rigid in his chair, exhibiting a palpable sense of unease.

Ever since he set foot on this floor, he felt an inexplicable pull towards it. All non-essential activities have come to a halt. Should he persist on this path, he would undoubtedly put himself in peril.

His nerves taut like a bowstring, seized the opportunity to depart as the office door swung open with sudden force. As the secretary rose gracefully from her seat, she called out to Ackerly.

"Alpha Killan awaits you, Mr. Galeno. Please proceed into the office. Thank you for you patience," she announced.

Acker's lips curled upward into a smile as he took a deep breath and approached the door. With a steady hand, he grasped the handle and pulled it open, revealing the space beyond for the very first time. Cold sweat drenched his body.

He nibbled on his bottom lip before stepping inside. The cold caused his hands to become numb. Acker had entered the room with a solemn demeanor, his head bowed in deference. He remained in that position, a picture of quiet contemplation.

The submissive gesture of a head bow was a clear indication that he had no intention of offending the Alpha in any manner.

As he stepped into the room, a tantalizing scent wafted towards him, enveloping him in its warm embrace. He drew a long breath into his lungs, then expelled it with a powerful force, clearing his throat.

In an instant, the wolf within him let out a fierce howl, the word "mate" echoing through his mind with an urgent intensity. His wolf let out a euphoric cry excited to meet their mate.

Acker's hand instinctively clenched as the news reached his ears, taking him by surprise. He remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the ground before him, not even bothering to lift his head.

He was intimately familiar with the Alpha, for there existed but a singular presence within. He let out a long, slow breath. The grim fate that awaited him was none other than execution.

A momentary hush fell over the chamber before any further action could be taken. Acker's stance remained unwavering over the course of time.

'Goodness!' He screamed silently within his mind. The sensation of unease permeated the air, enveloping him in its palpable grip. Acker had already prognosticated the course of events that would unfold next.

He closed his eyes, allowing his mind to wander back to the countless conversations he had shared with his parents over the years. Their words echoed in his thoughts, each one a nightmare he doesn't want to remember.

He retreated a pace, ready to depart, but the Alpha's command halted him in his tracks. He awoke with a sudden blink, his eyes slowly adjusting to the light. Acker's pupils dilated as he comprehended the situation.

He struggled to recollect the events that had transpired, but his mind drew a blank. The only memory that lingered was that of Alpha Killan's overpowering presence, pinning him against the wall and choking him mercilessly.

"Do you realize that you are my mate?" he asked, his voice low and intense. "Under no circumstances should you divulge this information to anyone else!" With a menacing snarl, the Alpha directed his gaze towards him.

With a nod, Acker coughed on his saliva. How had he managed to instill such a profound sense of terror in his mate? Killan's eyes were so frightful that Acker couldn't help but feel a wave of nausea wash over him.

He promptly emptied the contents of his stomach onto his trousers, a clear indication of the terror that had taken hold of him.

"Should I discover that you have betrayed what I have said and shared this information with another soul, you will rue the day you were born, you despicable excuse for a human being. I will see to it personally that you are dealt with, and your final resting place will be in the cold, dark earth." The Alpha bellowed with fury.

Acker cleared his throat before nodding with great enthusiasm. With a solemn gesture, he lowered his head in deference to the Alpha's unquestionable power. With limited options at his disposal, he reluctantly acquiesces.

The perplexing question lingered in his mind: how could he have failed to make a decision when he possessed foreknowledge of the inevitable outcome? Not a word escaped his lips, not even an attempt at communication.

No matter where his journey takes him or whom he encounters on his path, he remains utterly powerless to take action. No one would acknowledge his gender or identity. He knew deep down that his true identity was that of a woman, even though his physical form was that of a man.

The realization that no one, not even his beloved soul mate, would be able to embrace his authentic self weighed heavily on his heart. A bitter grin twisted his lips, but it was a cruel expression directed inwardly, solely at himself.

The fact that he was open to hearing Alpha's perspective was a source of encouragement. With a heavy heart, he gazed out into the world, feeling as though he was all alone. The bitter sting of rejection had left him with little hope for finding love.

Yet, fate had other plans, and he found himself drawn to a man who seemed to be his perfect match. However, the cruel irony of life was not lost on him, as this man too was turning his back on him, just like his loved ones had done in the past.

With a stern voice, Alpha Killan Raiden Leonidas, the Alpha of the Sun Forest Pack, declared, "I, Alpha Killan Raiden Leonidas, hereby reject you as my mate."