Four Mates And A She Wolf
20

The room's atmosphere was heavy with anticipation as the group prepared to leave. They were all happy that their visit to the shaman was not in vain. Suddenly, a voice echoed through the space, halting everyone in their tracks. The Shaman's presence felt almost otherworldly, his gaze intense and fixed on Romeo. "It is about time you go back and claim your birthright," he intoned, his voice deep and resonant. "The spirit of the moon goddess will be with you and you will surely succeed."

Romeo's eyes widened in shock, his face paling. He had never anticipated such a revelation, especially not now and not in front of everyone. His past was a secret he had buried deep within himself, hidden from even those closest to him. The others turned to look at him, their faces a mix of confusion and concern. Romeo thought he left that life behind him.

"What does he mean, Romeo?" Avery asked gently but insistently, her hand reaching out to rest lightly on his arm, grounding him in the present moment.

Taking a deep breath, Romeo steeled himself for what he was about to divulge. His gaze met Avery's, then moved around the room, seeing the trust and worry in the eyes of the other three guys. They deserved the truth.

"It's time I told you all about my past," Romeo began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "My father was the Alpha of a powerful pack. Our family was respected, and our pack was strong. I grew up knowing I was destined to lead one day, to protect our people and uphold our traditions. To be the next Alpha after my dad."

He paused, his eyes glazing over with memories of happier times. "But everything changed when I was sixteen. Our pack was attacked in the dead of night. It was brutal, swift, and merciless. My parents fought valiantly, but they were overwhelmed. My father, our Alpha, fell, and my mother died protecting me."

The room fell silent, the gravity of Romeo's words hanging heavily in the air. The guys and Avery listened intently, their hearts aching for the pain he had endured. Each word he spoke seemed to weigh down the atmosphere, adding to the palpable tension that enveloped them. They could see the anguish etched into his features, the raw emotion in his voice resonating deeply within them. Avery's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her empathy mirrored in the faces of the others. No one dared to speak, afraid that even the slightest sound would shatter the fragile moment. The shared silence was profound, a testament to the deep connection they felt with Romeo in that moment of vulnerability.

"After the attack, my uncle took over. He had always been ambitious, always looking for an opportunity to seize power and expand his influence within the pack. For as long as I could remember, he had been waiting in the shadows, biding his time, and plotting his ascent. With my parents gone, brutally taken from me on that fateful night, he saw his chance to step into the leadership void left behind.

Without hesitation, he declared himself Alpha, asserting his dominance with an iron fist. To cement his newfound authority and eliminate any potential threats to his rule, he orchestrated a dramatic show of force. I stood no chance against his calculated aggression and the loyalty he had cultivated among some of the pack members. And I was just a boy at that moment.

In a merciless display, he banished me from the pack, casting me out into the wilderness. He didn't just take away my home; he stripped me of my identity and my future. To justify his actions, he spread malicious lies, telling everyone I was weak, unfit to lead, and incapable of continuing my parents' legacy. The words stung like a thousand knives.

I was just a teenager, alone and lost, trying to make sense of the chaos that had upended my life. Overnight, I had gone from being the heir to the Alpha, surrounded by my family and pack, to a lone outcast, struggling to survive in a world that suddenly seemed so much colder and more unforgiving. The betrayal cut deep, leaving scars that would take years to heal. But even in my darkest moments, I held onto a flicker of hope that one day, I would return and reclaim what was rightfully mine."

Avery's heart broke for Romeo. She couldn't imagine the pain of losing his family and being cast out by his own blood. She squeezed his arm, offering silent support.

Romeo's gaze was distant, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I wandered for years, surviving however I could. I was determined to reclaim my birthright, but I knew I couldn't do it alone. I needed allies, strength, and a plan. I trained, I fought, and I waited for the right moment. But when I met you, Avery, everything changed. I found something more important than revenge. I found love, companionship, and a new purpose."

Shane, Sean, and Cruz exchanged looks, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place. They had always sensed there was more to Romeo's story, and now they understood the depth of his struggle.

"So that's why the Shaman spoke to you," Sean said softly. "He's telling you it's time to take back what was stolen from you."

Romeo nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "Yes. It's time I claim my birthright and restore my family's honor. But it's more than that. We need the strength of my pack if we're going to find a way to be together without anyone dying. The Shaman's words are a sign. We must go to my uncle's pack and confront him."

As the group processed Romeo's revelation, a solemn silence filled the room. Each of them grappled with the weight of his story, understanding the depth of his pain and the magnitude of his mission. Avery kept her hand on Romeo's arm, her touch a steady anchor for him.

"We're with you," Shane said finally, breaking the silence. His voice was firm, full of conviction. "Whatever you need, we'll be there."

Sean and Cruz nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute. They had faced many challenges together, but this was different. This was about reclaiming a legacy, righting a profound wrong, and standing by Romeo in his darkest hour. Romeo looked around at his friends, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't ask for better allies, or better friends."