Smart_Geek

Ethan Grayson, a lone wolf shunned by his former pack, returns to his hometown after receiving news of his younger brother’s death under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, Ethan finds himself entangled in a web of secrets involving the current alpha, Marcus Kane, whose iron grip on the pack hides a sinister agenda. As Ethan digs deeper, he discovers a secret society operating in the shadows, manipulating both humans and shifters for their gain. With the help of Claire, a brave human detective who refuses to believe the supernatural doesn’t exist, Ethan must decide where his loyalties lie—protecting his family or exposing the corruption tearing apart everything he once held dear.

Shadows of the Pack

Ethan visits his brother's grave early the next morning. The sky is gray, and a light drizzle dampens the ground. He kneels beside the tombstone, running his fingers over the engraved name: Benjamin Grayson. Memories flood back—laughing together, exploring the woods, and the last time they spoke. Anger and grief mix inside him.

He stands up, determined to find out what really happened to Ben. He knows the official story is a lie, and he's going to uncover the truth.

Ethan starts by visiting old friends and enemies. Each person has a different story, but they all point to one thing: something is wrong in the pack.

- Jake: A former pack member who left because of Marcus's harsh rule. Jake tells Ethan about the strange disappearances and the fear that grips the pack. "Marcus has changed. He's not the alpha we knew."

- Sarah: Ben's girlfriend, who is still shaken by his death. She mentions a meeting Ben had with Marcus right before he died. "He said it was important, but he wouldn't tell me what it was about."

- Tom: An old rival who never liked Ethan. Tom warns him to be careful. "You're stirring up things best left alone. Marcus has ways of dealing with troublemakers."

Ethan's determination grows with each conversation. He realizes that Ben's death is just the tip of the iceberg. There's a deeper, darker secret that needs to be uncovered.

Later that day, Ethan meets with Claire at a quiet café. She brings new information. "There have been several unexplained deaths in the past year, all linked to the pack. The police are stumped, but I have my theories."

Ethan leans in, eager to hear more. "What do you think is happening?"

Claire hesitates, then speaks softly. "I believe there's a secret society operating in the shadows. They manipulate both humans and shifters. Your brother's death might be connected to them."

Ethan's eyes narrow. "A secret society? That's a big leap. What makes you so sure?"

Claire shows him a file with photos and documents. "Look at this. There are patterns, connections. People who cross the society end up dead or missing. Your brother was one of them."

Ethan's mind races. The pieces are starting to fall into place, but the puzzle is far from complete. He thanks Claire and leaves the café, his thoughts swirling.

As he walks back to Ben's house, he feels eyes on him. He turns sharply, but no one is there. The feeling of being watched intensifies. Someone doesn't want him digging into the past.

Ethan decides to pay a visit to Marcus. He needs answers, and he's not afraid to confront the alpha.

Ethan stands outside the pack house, his heart pounding. The door creaks open, and Marcus steps out, his eyes cold and calculating. "Ethan Grayson. Back so soon. What brings you here?"

Ethan takes a deep breath. "I want to know what happened to my brother."

Marcus's smile is chilling. "Why don't you come inside, and we'll talk. You might learn a few things."

Ethan follows Marcus into the dark, foreboding house, unsure of what awaits him. The tension is palpable, and the air is thick with secrets. What will he discover inside the pack house? And will he walk out alive?

Chapter 2: Brother’s Death