#Chapter2

I open my eyes and look around. I don't recognize this place. A voice makes me turn, and I see a man around 25 or 28 years old, towering at about 188 cm, with brown eyes, brown hair, fair or light skin. He's covered in visible tattoos, but his expression remains cold and devoid of emotion.

He stands there, his posture authoritative, never taking his eyes off me.

Ara - What am I doing here? Why am I locked up?

??? – Isn't it obvious? (the tattooed man speaks)

??? – Eduardo, she's your… (he's interrupted)

Ara – I want to talk to the Alpha of this pack! Idiots! – I shout at them.

??? – He is the Alpha of this pack, but not just any Alpha, he's the Alpha of all Alphas (a handsome, friendly guy speaks up, tall but not taller than the first man, with long hair, fair skin, and a muscular build—like a dream come true).

Ara – I don't understand why I'm locked up here. (Damn it, this must be the guy Gabi was talking about)

Axel – Hi, I'm Axel, the Beta or Delta, whatever you want to call it. That grumpy one over there is Eduardo, the Alpha. As for your question, you're not imprisoned. I know you didn't do anything wrong, but… (he's interrupted by Eduardo)

Eduardo – You don't have to explain yourself. What's your name? And show your identity.

Ara – No, no, no, and no. I demand an explanation.

Eduardo – No, you're not in a position to demand anything, stupid guardian. Axel, open the door.

Axel - What are you planning to do, Eduardo?

Eduardo - That's none of your business! (with a furious tone)

He takes the key and unlocks the cell. I start searching for my knives, but they're gone.

Eduardo – We took away all your knives. Take off your mask, willingly or by force.

Ara – No!

He starts walking towards me, so I dodge him, trying to get out. His beta closes the door to prevent my escape.

Ara – Let me out!

Eduardo – No, not until you tell me who you are.

Ara – Alright, but you go first. Tell me, what do you want from me?

He looks at me with hatred, disgust, and rage. His gaze is icy, as if he despises me. He clenches his jaw and fists tightly. I'm alert, ready for whatever this jerk might try.

Eduardo – You're my mate.

When he tells me that I'm his mate, I laugh. Honestly, I don't believe him. Guardians have never been mates of werewolves, and besides, he has a girlfriend.

Eduardo – Why are you laughing? I don't see anything funny!

Ara – It's the best excuse you could come up with. Guardians have never been mates of werewolves.

Eduardo – I didn't choose you; the Moon Goddess chose you as my mate. (He says it with reproach and disgust)

Ara – Frankly, I don't care about being your mate or whatever. I just want to leave.

Eduardo – That's never going to happen. It's your turn now.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. I turn away, removing my hood and then my mask. I face Eduardo.

Ara – I'm Araceli López, the guardian of the wolves.

Eduardo - Are you Gabriela's friend?

Ara – Yes.

Eduardo – You go to the same institute as us. How come I've never seen you before?

Ara – That's not important. Now, will you let me go or not?

Eduardo – Neither option. You're never leaving here.

He exits the cell, leaving me locked inside. The bastard. I lie down on the dirty, ugly bed, contemplating how to escape. I'm not sure how much time has passed when I hear voices. I get up from the bed, approach the bars, and listen closely to their conversation.

Tadeo – Eduardo, open the door. We need her; only she can find her.

Eduardo – So do we. She's not leaving; I can't stand having her near me, it's repulsive.

He hates me so much, yet I didn't do anything to him. I don't care; I'm not here for that. But why is Gabi's brother Tadeo here?

Tadeo – It's my sister in danger, and she's her best friend.

Upon hearing this, I tap into my wolf strength and abilities, using them to escape. I burst out of the cell and start running. It's a long corridor, and at the corner, I see the three of them arguing. I approach.

Ara - What's going on with Gabi, Tadeo?

Tadeo – Ara (he hugs me, and I reciprocate; Tadeo is much older than me, but not that much, maybe around the same age as Eduardo. He has fair skin, gray eyes, full and slightly plump lips, quite handsome), it's Gabi. She's been taken by the vampires. I need your help.

Ara - You can count on me. You know I'm here to serve. (I put on my mask and hood)

Eduardo – You're not going anywhere.

Ara – Look, I don't know what your problem is, but you're not my owner. I'm not like those little dogs you sleep with or that follow you around everywhere. I'm a "guardian." My job is to protect, even if I don't like it. So get out of my way.

Axel – She's right, whether you like it or not, she's the guardian of the wolves.

Ara – Once Gabi is safe, I'll return to the cell.

Eduardo – Fine, but we're going with you.

I don't like the idea, but if it means saving my friend, it's okay. I turn towards Tadeo.

Ara - Where did you last see her?

Tadeo – In one of the rooms in this house. I told her to hide and call you.

Ara – Okay, let's go.

We leave that dungeon and make our way to the arrogant jerk's house. We enter. What a surprise—it's much larger than Gabi's house. I follow them through the whole house until we reach a staircase. As we climb, I start sensing various scents—Gabi, vampires, and traces of a struggle. We reach the top, and the scent becomes stronger. Suddenly, I stop and turn at a door.

Tadeo - What's wrong, guardian?

Ara – Quiet…

I open the door, and a vampire comes out. Before he can escape, I catch him.

Ara - Where's the girl?

Vampire – I don't know. The vampire king told me to stay here and give you a message.

Ara - What message?

Vampire – He'll exchange the girl for you.

Eduardo – That will never happen...