EPSILON

FOUR

-ROBIN-

My body tensed up while eating dinner, as if a thousand needles were poking through my skin. A deep sigh escaped my lips. My wolf was the root of what made me anxious at the moment. I haven't had a proper run or transform into my beast since I arrived in Spark Galore. She's getting grumpy, which indicates that I'll take care of it tonight to put her at ease.

I agreed to the idea in my head, albeit there was one tiny snag. Not everyone in our pack was aware of the truth about my gender. Only a few of them knew, and these were the Epsilons who had watched me since I was a pup, with nearly all of them killed in conflict against the rogues.

Shifting should be done with caution. I couldn't risk being discovered by the new pack members, since not everyone could be trusted. If our secret comes to light, my parents will almost certainly disown me.

The notion bothered me while I finished my meal.

"Rob, what's wrong?" My mother inquired in a troubled tone as I stood up and prepared to leave.

My shoulders raised and lowered as I clicked my tongue, and replied, "It's just my wolf, Mother."

"I'll send an Epsilon later to assist you, son," my father spoke out, comprehending my predicament.

I appreciated that, so I nodded and smiled. "Okay, Dad. Thank you."

It's getting dark outside, and even if there are Epsilons doing rounds, running into the woods alone would be risky for a prospective Alpha like myself. Nonetheless, knowing that there is someone out there to call upon when things get out of hand alleviated my anxiety. After another nod, I eventually walked out of the dining room.

_________________

An hour later, I jumped into my favorite hooded sweatshirt and jersey shorts, hurried down the stairs, and found an Epsilon waiting for me outside.

My face lit up the moment I recognized who it was.

"Mase!"

The Epsilon, who is like a second father to me, spun around and burst out in a huge grin as he saw me. "Master Robin. Welcome back." He took a bold step forward and extended a solid, warm hug.

Patting his back, I chuckled and answered, "Yes, Mase, it's been how many years, and I'm glad to see you again!" I could tell he hadn't changed a bit. He had the same sympathetic eyes that had made me believe him the first time we met.

It's been five years, and despite his age, he was still in his best physical condition. He is still the Epsilon I remember.

"I am glad you have returned home, Master Robin," he murmured, taking a step backward. "And it's for good, right?"

I laughed aloud. "Maybe, maybe not," I quipped before hastily changing the subject. By the way, where are the others? I barely saw a few when I arrived."

How many of the male wolves I grew up with are still living? Are we short of men in the event of a random attack?

My smile faded as I grew concerned.

How will my father keep the pack safe if we don't have enough pack combatants to cover the entire territory? Is he certain that the rookies can control the rogues that are viciously creating havoc on the werewolf realm?

As I delved more into my thoughts, a deep scowl formed on my face.

"You're overthinking, kiddo," Mase murmured in a soothing tone as he caressed my hair like it was the old days, causing me to scoff and smile once again. "We, the Epsilons, are staying on the west side of the territory because the rogues have stolen our food supplies in recent months." We must concentrate and be diligent at the border, or we will starve next winter."

Finally comprehending the situation with our pack, I nodded and inquired, "If the Epsilons are on the west side, is it still safe to have a little run in the east?"

"There are some who are doing the rounds within our land; yes, it's safe, Master Robin, but I advise you not to cross the river in the east."

Why not cross the river to the east?

My left brow arched in interest. "And precisely why?"

Mase responded solemnly. "The land across the river belongs to Dark Prism, and the Romanovs will not let any wolf, especially a rogue, trespass on their territory."

As soon as I heard Dark Prism, Czech, my body froze, and the chilly face jerk sprang to mind.

So Dark Prism is just a nearby pack, correct?

I inwardly bit my lower lip.

'Well, I have no intention of intruding on their property because I only want to make a brief run for my wolf. There's nothing more or less.

My first plan was to go for a quick run, but I had no clue it would take me about an hour and a half to speed through the forest like a rabid wolf. Guess where I landed after that. Yes, the border separates Spark Galore and Dark Prism. Nonetheless, in wolf form, I proceeded into the river and drank water to satisfy my thirst. When I felt revitalized, I went to a nearby huge tree and sat on the grass-covered soil, allowing my exhausted body to rest.

I inhaled fresh air and felt like sleeping for a brief moment as my sight was fixed on the other side of the river. The moonlight shining through the vegetation enabled me to see only colossal shrubs and perennials.

There's no Epsilon or whatever.

A smirk pulled on my lips. 'Mase is exaggerating when he claims Dark Prism is too strict in protecting their domain. Or... should I find out whether what he said is true?

My curiosity got the best of me, so I stood up and returned to the riverbank. I was about to plunge my paw into the water when someone called out to me.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," the hostility in that arctic deep voice stunned me, and I instinctively backed away.

'What the—? Someone is out there, and they threatened me! My blood pressure shot up to my head, and I grew annoyed. When a huge figure emerged from the thick bushes across from me, I gritted my sharp teeth and let out a deep bellow. I didn't recognize him at first, but when he drew to a standstill and a sliver of moonlight streamed through, his face started to get clear.

It's just my luck!

It is none other than the cold-faced jerk, Czech Romanov!