Teen Crush

The following weeks brought an unsettling shift in Noah's world. Kael's cryptic behavior only deepened Noah's curiosity, but it also made him uneasy. The alpha wolf, as Noah had come to think of Kael, seemed to have a knack for appearing at the most unexpected moments. Whether Noah was at school, at rugby practice, or even during quiet family dinners, he would catch glimpses of Kael from the corner of his eye—a flash of golden hair, the faint smirk that always seemed to tug at Kael's lips.

But the more Noah tried to understand him, the more questions arose. Who was Kael? What did he truly want? And why did Noah feel an inexplicable connection to him—a pull that defied logic or reason?

One Friday evening, Noah was walking home from school, the sun casting long shadows across the quiet streets. His backpack hung loosely over one shoulder as his thoughts wandered. He had begun to notice things about himself lately, changes he couldn't explain. His strength, already impressive for his age, seemed to be growing at an unnatural rate. He had started to hear things others couldn't—the faint rustling of leaves in the distance, the heartbeat of a rabbit hidden in the underbrush.

He hadn't mentioned it to anyone, not even his parents. How could he? What would he say?

Lost in thought, Noah almost didn't notice the figure leaning against a lamppost ahead.

"Noah," Kael called, his voice smooth and unhurried.

Noah stopped, his heart skipping a beat. "Do you just enjoy lurking in the shadows, or is this some kind of game to you?"

Kael grinned, pushing off the lamppost and walking toward him. "It's not a game, I assure you. But you're the one who's been asking questions. I thought I'd give you some answers."

Noah crossed his arms, skeptical. "You've said that before. All I've gotten are riddles."

Kael's expression softened. "Then maybe it's time I stopped speaking in riddles."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

Kael gestured toward the woods that bordered the edge of town. "Walk with me."

Noah hesitated. Every instinct told him to stay on the familiar streets, to avoid the unknown. But curiosity, and perhaps something deeper, won out.

---

The forest was alive with the sounds of nature as they walked. Birds called to one another in the canopy above, and the faint rustling of leaves whispered secrets Noah couldn't quite decipher. Kael moved with an ease that was almost unnerving, his steps silent despite the twigs and leaves scattered across the ground.

Finally, they came to a small clearing where the sunlight broke through the trees in golden beams. Kael stopped and turned to face Noah.

"What I'm about to tell you may be difficult to believe," Kael began, his voice low. "But it's the truth. You've felt it, haven't you? The changes. The strength. The instincts that don't make sense."

Noah stiffened. "How do you know about that?"

"Because I've been through it too," Kael said. "You're not just human, Noah. There's something more inside you—something powerful."

Noah stared at him, his mind racing. "What are you talking about? I'm just... me."

Kael shook his head. "You're more than you realize. And that's why I've been watching you. You're one of us, Noah. You're a wolf."

Noah laughed, though there was no humor in it. "A wolf? Seriously? Do I look like I have fur and claws to you?"

Kael smirked. "Not yet. But it's there, waiting. And when the time comes, you'll understand."

Noah took a step back, his chest tightening. "This is insane. You're insane."

Kael's expression grew serious. "I know it sounds crazy, but think about it. The strength you can't explain, the heightened senses—it's all part of who you are. And it's only going to get stronger."

Noah shook his head, his thoughts a chaotic swirl. "Even if what you're saying is true, why me? Why now?"

Kael hesitated, as if weighing how much to reveal. "Because you're special, Noah. More special than you realize. And the world we live in... it's not as safe as you think. There are threats out there, dangers that most people will never see. But you and I—we're different. We're part of something bigger."

Noah's pulse quickened. "What kind of threats?"

Kael's gaze darkened. "Hunters. Rival packs. Creatures that make even the bravest of us think twice. That's why you need to learn who you are, what you're capable of. If you don't, you'll be vulnerable. And I won't always be there to protect you."

The weight of Kael's words settled heavily on Noah's shoulders. He didn't want to believe any of it, but deep down, he couldn't deny the truth in what Kael was saying.

---

That night, Noah lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Kael's words echoed in his mind, refusing to be silenced.

The strength. The senses. The instincts.

It all made sense now, in a way that terrified him.

But if Kael was right—if he really was a wolf—what did that mean for his life? For his family?

He didn't have long to dwell on the questions. A faint rustling outside his window drew his attention. Sitting up, he listened carefully, his heightened hearing picking up the faintest sounds: footsteps, a whispered voice, the creak of a tree branch.

Without thinking, Noah got out of bed and moved to the window. Peering out into the moonlit yard, he saw a figure standing near the edge of the woods.

Kael.

Noah sighed, pulling on a hoodie and stepping out into the cool night air.

"What now?" he asked as he approached Kael, his voice a mix of irritation and exhaustion.

Kael smiled faintly. "Couldn't sleep, could you?"

Noah frowned. "How did you—never mind. What do you want?"

Kael's expression turned serious. "I wanted to make sure you were okay. The truth can be a lot to handle."

Noah crossed his arms. "You mean the part where I'm supposedly a wolf? Or the part where the world is full of monsters?"

Kael chuckled softly. "Both."

Noah sighed. "I don't know what to believe anymore. My life used to make sense. Now it feels like everything's falling apart."

Kael stepped closer, his voice gentle. "I know it's overwhelming, but you're not alone in this. I've been where you are, Noah. And I can help you."

Noah studied him for a moment, searching for any hint of deception. But all he saw in Kael's eyes was sincerity.

"Why do you care so much?" Noah asked.

Kael hesitated, then said, "Because I see a lot of myself in you. And because I know what's coming."

"What's coming?"

Kael's gaze hardened. "A storm. One that will change everything. And whether you like it or not, you're going to be a part of it."

Noah swallowed hard, his chest tightening with a mix of fear and determination.

"Then teach me," he said, his voice steady. "Teach me how to survive."

Kael smiled, a flicker of pride in his expression. "You're stronger than you realize, Noah. And together, we'll make sure you're ready for whatever comes next."

As the moon rose higher in the sky, casting its silvery light over the two of them, Noah felt the first stirrings of a new purpose—a path that would lead him into a world he had never imagined.

And though he didn't fully understand it yet, he knew one thing for certain: his life would never be the same again.