Rio's POV
I felt a surge of protectiveness wash over me as Rylan, Edward, and Enzo confronted us about our apparent secrecy. Daniella tried to downplay the situation, but their suspicions only grew stronger in the face of our evasive responses.
"Did you forget that we are brothers? Quadruplets, and I know you better than she ever could," Rylan stated. I looked at Daniella, who lowered her gaze to the ground. She knew that he was right.
"Rylan, you don’t understand what you are saying. Please, let it go. It’s complicated, but Daniella is our chosen Luna. Let’s not forget that she is best for our pack," I started to say with a sigh. I wished my stupid brother would just accept that now so we could get on with our lives and prepare for our Alpha position when the time eventually comes.
"What makes you think that she is what’s right for all of us and Creek?" Rylan's jaw was clenched, his arms crossed in front of him as he demanded answers. Edward and Enzo stood by his side, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. I could sense the tension building, the weight of our hidden truth threatening to unravel in front of us.
"We aren't being secretive, Rio is just helping me with something. But why are you being so weird?" Daniella's attempt to divert their attention only seemed to heighten their suspicions. Rylan wasn't easily swayed by her deflection tactics, his gaze piercing as he delved deeper into the mystery we were keeping.
"Rio, tell me something. Whatever you’re hiding from us, is it worth all of this unnecessary drama? Have you marked her?" Enzo's growl was low and menacing as he stepped forward, his aggression tangible in the air. He reached out to grab Daniella's hair, a move that sent a surge of anger through me.
"No, of course not," I snapped, my protective instincts kicking in as I swiftly shoved Enzo to the ground. The sight of him manhandling Daniella ignited a fierce protectiveness within me, a reminder of the bond we shared and the respect she deserved.
"Have some respect for our future Luna," I growled, my tone firm and unwavering. Enzo's actions had crossed a line, and I wasn't about to let him disrespect Daniella in such a manner. She was strong and capable, a force to be reckoned with, and I would defend her with everything I had.
Rylan scoffed. "Luna. How many times have I told you that Daniella is not going to be our Luna?" he said.
As the tension reached a boiling point, Edward stepped in.
"Enough," he declared, the authority in his tone cutting through the mounting conflict. His gaze shifted between us, a warning glint in his eyes. "We are all on the same side here. Let's focus on finding a solution, not fueling unnecessary animosity."
Daniella nodded in agreement, the gravity of the situation hanging heavy in the air. It was clear that we needed to address the underlying issues causing the rift between us before it tore our pack apart.
Taking a deep breath, I met Rylan's gaze.
"We need to be open and honest with each other," Edward said, his voice steady and resolute. "No more secrets, no more half-truths. We must trust in each other if we are to overcome the challenges ahead. How else will we run this pack if we cannot sort this issue out?"
Rylan continued to glare at me as if boring into my mind. “Tell us what you know,” he insisted, ignoring the sigh from Edward.
"Let’s just leave it for now and see if our parents need any assistance with this rogue wolf," Edward suggested, to which Rylan seemed to come to his senses. He nodded and turned away from me and Daniella.
As we approached the clearing where our parents were engaged in a tense discussion with the rogue wolf, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. The moonlight bathed the scene in an ethereal glow, casting elongated shadows over the figures gathered around, their faces etched with concern and uncertainty.
Rylan's usually composed demeanor grew tense as he listened to the rogue wolf's words, his gaze fixed intently on the mysterious figure before us. With each passing moment, his expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes. Daniella and I exchanged worried glances, the unspoken tension in the air palpable.
The rogue wolf's mention of a white wolf attack from the Silver Moon Pack seemed to strike a chord within Rylan, his reaction swift and unexpected. Without a word, he turned on his heel and strode off into the night, his form disappearing into the shadows of the dense forest.
"Rylan, wait!" I cried out, my voice echoing through the trees, but he did not pause, his footsteps growing fainter with each passing second. The urgency of the moment propelled me forward, my heart pounding in my chest as I chased after him, the undergrowth crunching beneath my feet.
"We need to go after him," Daniella urged.
“No. You leave him,” I was surprised to see Daniella’s father standing behind us, baring his teeth at his daughter. He was angry, that much was clear.
Daniella took a step back and whimpered, which made me grab her hand protectively. Father or not, he would not harm a hair on her head while I was in her company. How dare he. He may be the Beta to my parents, but I didn’t care about that.
“Back off, Rio. This is between me and my daughter,” he growled as my father walked out with my mother in tow. Both of them rested their eyes on me and then turned to Daniella and her father.
“What is going on?” my father demanded to know.
“It would seem my daughter may have something to do with the missing omega,” he spat in disgust, pointing accusingly at Daniella.