Chapter 54: Hugo’s Past
For most Wunders, power is passed through blood. Marcus, Hugo’s father, was born an Alpha—a dominant werewolf inheriting an ancient pack. For generations, the males of his lineage commanded the Northern Wolves, a formidable pack with roots tracing back to ancient Norse warriors and the entity Fenrir.
From his first breath, Marcus was presented to the entire pack, his Alpha status confirmed by the golden glow of his pupils. The wolves bowed, recognizing him as the rightful heir. Yet, against all tradition, he chose to abandon everything for Nina.
She was no ordinary human but a Paladin of the Order of Salvation—a fanatical hunter who tracked Wunders without distinction. Their meeting was a clash of worlds: he, the ultimate predator; she, a soldier devoted to exterminating his kind. Their forbidden love sparked a dual betrayal: Marcus renounced his pack, Nina broke her vows.
The Order saw her as a heretic, the pack saw him as a deserter. Their flight became a cruel legend—two sworn enemies united against all, hunted by both vengeful wolves and silver-armored fanatics.
The full moon shone cold and relentless above the dense forest where Hugo stood, fists clenched. Around him, a dozen pairs of glowing eyes watched, awaiting his decision. His father’s pack descendants demanded he take his place as Alpha. But Hugo wanted no part of this life.
"You can’t run from your destiny, Hugo," growled Nick, a massive scarred werewolf, Alan’s father and the one who nearly killed Kaiser and Hannah. "Your father’s blood runs in your veins. You’re an Alpha, whether you like it or not."
Hugo felt his claws extend against his will, his body reacting to the provocation. "I’m not my father, or my grandfather, or any of my ancestors. I don’t care about your traditions or your bullshit culture!" he muttered, teeth clenched.
– Ten years earlier
"Dad, why do we always have to hide?" asked young Hugo, barely eight, as his father, Marcus, checked the windows of their isolated cabin.