### Chapter 5 Confusion swirled in my mind like a tempest when the realization struck me: I didn’t recognize every member of my pack? How was it possible that she was part of our family? My father’s voice echoed in my thoughts, a relentless mantra since my childhood: “Know every member of your pack by name. They are what makes the pack strong. Show them how much you value them, and they will always remain loyal.” With those words ringing in my ears, I stormed toward my car, anxiety twisting in my gut. Who could she be? I racked my brain, recalling the way she had stood her ground, her eyes fierce and unyielding. Strangely, she had never submitted to me—an unspoken rule all she-wolves knew to follow. Why hadn’t she? And to think, I didn't even learn her name. I was so engulfed in my thoughts that I nearly collided with Chase. “Hey, Rik, did you catch her?” he asked, a sharp edge of excitement in his voice. I looked at him, frowning. “Huh?” “The brunette from earlier? Did you get her name and what pack she belongs to?” Chase’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, but I was still lost in my turmoil. Ignoring his question, I leaned over the car, searching his face for any sign of recognition. “Did you recognize her?” He settled into the passenger seat, his brow knitted. “No, I only caught a glimpse of her back. Why?” I revved the engine, urgency lacing my tone. “She implied she’s part of our pack,” I confessed, the weight of the revelation sitting heavy on my shoulders. “What’s the problem?” he pressed, clearly puzzled. “The problem,” I snarled, teeth clenched, “is that I didn’t recognize her. How can she be part of our pack if I don’t know who she is?” As I rolled to a stop at a red light, I saw the shock on Chase’s face mirrored my own frustration. “What do you mean you didn’t recognize her? You know everyone in the pack! Hell, I know everyone in the pack! You’ve made sure of that!” His voice echoed with disbelief. The light flickered back to green, and I stomped on the accelerator, the frustration boiling over. “Exactly! How is this even possible?” “I know it sounds far-fetched, but do you think she might have been lying?” Chase suggested, trying to rationalize the situation. I shot him a look that screamed disbelief. “You think she's just a she-wolf hiding from potential mates? That’s crazy.” “I know it sounds wild, but some she-wolves wait for their true mate and worry about offending others if they’re not interested. Maybe she was protecting herself?” His words hung in the air until I added Jason into the mix of my swirling thoughts. “But she’s friends with Jason.” “Jason Elcove?” Chase’s eyes widened in recognition. “How do you know that?” “Yep. Apparently, they know each other pretty well.” I felt a new urgency pressing down on me. Yet, despite having seen the girl, she didn’t give off any indication of being trained. Chase crossed his arms, deep in thought. “But she has to train, right? That’s mandatory for pack members. You and I run the sessions; we would have seen her.” My mind raced, each memory of our practices flashing before me like snapshots. I had been to every event, every gathering, and led training sessions without fail. How could I possibly not know a she-wolf who bore such striking features? That hair, those captivating eyes—they clung to me like a haunting echo. “What was that connection when we touched?” I pondered aloud. The spark had felt almost primal, like a thread connecting our souls. But I wasn’t old enough to feel the mate bond yet, nor did she seem to be. So, what was it? “Why don’t you just ask Jason about her during training this afternoon?” Chase suggested lightly, as though it were the simplest solution. I shot him a glare that spoke volumes. “First of all, I’m an alpha. I don’t chase after girls; they come to me. Secondly, I don’t need to consult a warrior about a she-wolf. I’ll uncover the mystery myself.” Chase shrugged, unbothered. “Alright, but keep an eye out. If you see her again tomorrow, point her out. Maybe I’ll know her.” “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” I instinctively reached out, and we exchanged a fist bump, a silent promise of loyalty between friends. Once training wound down, I made my way back to my room for a quick shower before dinner. But as I descended the stairs, I found myself face-to-face with my mother. “Rik, how was your day, honey?” Her comforting smile brought warmth to my otherwise troubled heart. Leaning down, I pressed a kiss to her cheek, my tall frame bowing to her petite stature. “It was good, Mom. I’m headed down to dinner.” She placed a gentle hand on my cheek, stopping me in my tracks. “I’m going to Lily’s memorial tonight to lay fresh flowers. Will you join me again, since your dad is having dinner with Mr. Nelson?” Her tone dripped with an expectation that made me chuckle. Hadn't it become a tradition between us over the past thirteen years? I had accompanied her weekly, laying flowers at Mrs. Nelson’s memorial, a silent act of respect for the sacrifices she had made for our family. My father had always insisted he needed his time alone with Mr. Nelson, but I had considered the visit long overdue. Mrs. Nelson had raised a daughter who would one day be my pack member when I took my place as Alpha. I wanted her to know that the respect shown by my parents would be reflected in me. The Nelsons should never want for anything; I would see to it, as it was a debt of honor that could never be repaid. I fixed my gaze on my mother, raising an eyebrow at her. “Do you really think I would say no?” She laughed, patting my arm affectionately. “You remind me so much of your father. Now go eat, and we’ll head out after.” Wrapping my arms around her, I let the warmth of family engulf me. “Okay, Mom. I’ll see you soon.” As I made my way down to the dining room, the aroma of a feast wafted through the air, everything piled high on the buffet. I grabbed a plate, scanning the room with anticipation, hopeful that my mystery brunette would grace us with her presence. Disappointment washed over me when I realized she wasn’t among the crowd. Instead, I found a group of warriors engaged in boisterous conversation, and I moved to join them, my heart heavy with unanswered questions.