Lycan 24 (Patreon)

Author's notes: Hello everyone, how are you? Here is a new chapter of Lycan. I hope you enjoy! \

remember to leave your requests for this weeks one shot here x :)

word count: 3K

Harry drove in silence for a few moments after they spotted the missing poster, but the tension in the car was palpable. He glanced at Y/N out of the corner of his eye, noticing how her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her jacket. Unable to ignore the situation any longer, he pulled the SUV to the side of the road and parked. The quiet hum of the engine was the only sound as they both stared at the light pole ahead, where another copy of the missing poster fluttered in the breeze.

“Stay here,” Harry said gently, though his tone left no room for argument. He stepped out of the car, his boots crunching on the gravel as he approached the pole. Y/N watched him, her heart pounding. He reached up and carefully tore the poster from the pole, folding it as he walked back to the car.

Y/N unfolded the poster slowly, her hands shaking slightly as she smoothed it out on her lap. Her own face stared back at her, the familiar contours of her features bringing an eerie sense of disorientation. She swallowed hard, the reality of the situation settling in her chest like a lead weight.

“I don’t understand,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Why would someone still be looking for me? And why here?”

Harry rubbed a hand over his jaw, his brow furrowed as he considered the possibilities. “It doesn’t make sense. You left Alsfield years ago, right? If someone was looking for you, why didn’t they find you in San Francisco?”

Y/N nodded, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the fragments of her past. “I…I didn’t exactly keep in touch with anyone here after I left. But I never thought anyone would go to these lengths to find me. Especially not after all this time.”

Harry’s gaze drifted back to the poster, his expression darkening. “This doesn’t feel like a random act, Y/N. Someone put these up recently, and they’re making sure people see them. But who? And why now?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. “But whoever it is, they’re determined. The question is…what do they want from me?”

Harry sighed, leaning back against the headrest as he processed her words. “We need to be careful. Whoever’s behind this could be watching. They might know more about you than we do.”

Y/N shuddered at the thought, her fingers tightening around the paper. “What if this has something to do with the pack? Or…what if it’s someone from my past trying to pull me back?”

Harry reached out, covering her hand with his, grounding her in the moment. “We’ll figure it out, I promise. But for now, we need to keep moving. The Iron Claw Pack won’t wait, and we have to stay focused.”

Y/N took a deep breath, nodding as she met his steady gaze. “You’re right. We can’t let this distract us. But once we’re done with the pack, I want to find out who’s doing this.”

“Agreed,” Harry said, his voice firm.

With a final glance at the poster, Y/N crumpled it in her hand, determination hardening her features. “Let’s go,” she said, her voice resolute.

Harry nodded, shifting the car back into drive. As they pulled away from the curb, both of them were left with more questions than answers, but a shared resolve to uncover the truth and protect what mattered most.

The road leading to the Iron Claw Pack's territory was narrow and winding, cutting through dense, shadowy woods. The trees loomed over them like sentinels, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The further they drove, the more isolated Y/N felt, as if the forest itself was swallowing them whole. She glanced at Harry, his expression tense and focused as he navigated the unfamiliar terrain. The atmosphere in the car was thick with unspoken words, both of them keenly aware of the uncertainty awaiting them.

As they approached the pack’s boundary, Y/N noticed a shift in the air. The once oppressive silence of the woods was replaced by a low, vibrating hum that she felt in her bones. It was as if the very ground beneath them was alive, responding to their presence. The Iron Claw Pack's territory was marked by a subtle, almost imperceptible change—a stronger scent of earth and pine, a denser fog that clung to the trees like a shroud.

"We’re here," Harry murmured, his voice low and steady, though Y/N could sense the underlying tension. He slowed the car as they neared a tall iron gate, flanked by two towering stone pillars. The gate bore the pack’s emblem—a fierce wolf with iron claws, its eyes gleaming with a cold, calculating intelligence. A pair of guards emerged from the shadows, their eyes narrowing as they assessed the approaching vehicle. They were large, imposing figures, their presence a clear reminder that they were stepping into another pack’s territory.

Harry rolled down the window as they reached the gate, leaning slightly out to address the guards. "Alpha Styles of the Shadow Pack. We’re here to meet with Alpha Radcliffe."

The guards exchanged a glance before nodding, one of them stepping forward to unlock the gate. "You’re expected, Alpha. Follow the main road; it’ll lead you to the pack house."

The gate creaked open, and Harry guided the car through. Y/N felt a wave of unease wash over her as they entered the Iron Claw territory. The pack’s land was different from Shadow’s—it felt colder, more foreboding. The trees here were older, their branches tangled and twisted, casting long, eerie shadows across the road. Even the air felt thicker, charged with an energy that made her skin prickle.

As they drove deeper into the territory, Y/N caught glimpses of the pack’s members. They watched from the edges of the forest, their eyes glowing in the dim light, wary and suspicious. Y/N could feel their scrutiny, their silent judgment. She wondered how much they knew—if they were aware of the murder in Shadow or the missing posters with her face plastered on them. The thought made her stomach churn.

The pack house came into view, a large, imposing structure made of dark stone and timber. It sat atop a slight rise, overlooking the surrounding land like a fortress. The building was old, its walls weathered by time and elements, but it still exuded an aura of power and authority. As they pulled up to the entrance, Y/N noticed several figures waiting outside—more guards, and a few members of the Iron Claw Pack, their expressions a mix of curiosity and distrust.

Harry parked the car and turned to Y/N, his hand resting on the gearshift. "Stay close to me," he said softly, his eyes locking onto hers. "We don’t know how they’ll react to us being here, especially with everything that’s been going on."

Y/N nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the anxiety gnawing at her. But she took a deep breath, steeling herself. She wasn’t just a visitor here—she was the Luna of the Shadow Pack, and she needed to carry herself with the strength and dignity that role demanded.

They stepped out of the car, the cold air biting at Y/N’s skin. Harry immediately moved to her side, his presence a comforting anchor. Together, they approached the group waiting for them. At the forefront was a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His hair was streaked with silver, and his posture radiated authority.

“Alpha Radcliffe,” Harry greeted, inclining his head respectfully.

“Alpha Styles,” Radcliffe responded, his voice deep and measured. His gaze shifted to Y/N, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her. “So the rumors are true. This must be your Luna. Welcome to Iron Claw territory.”

“Thank you,” Y/N replied, her voice steady despite the nervousness fluttering in her chest. She met his gaze head-on, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

Radcliffe nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Come inside. We have much to discuss.”

As they followed him into the pack house, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that they were walking into a lion’s den. The Iron Claw Pack was strong, and while they had agreed to meet, there was no guarantee of their cooperation. Y/N could feel the tension in the air, a silent challenge that hung between the two Alphas. This meeting could either forge a powerful alliance—or ignite a dangerous conflict.

As they stepped into the grand hall, Y/N steeled herself for whatever was to come, knowing that the fate of both packs might rest on the outcome of this meeting.

The grand hall of the Iron Claw Pack was as imposing as its exterior. High, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of wolves in various poses of power and hunting framed the space. Massive stone pillars supported the structure, and the walls were lined with tapestries that depicted the pack’s history in rich, dark hues. A large fireplace roared at one end of the room, its flames casting flickering shadows that danced across the polished stone floor.

Alpha Radcliffe led Harry and Y/N to a long table made of dark oak, its surface worn smooth by time. Seated around the table were the key members of the Iron Claw Pack—Beta Marcus, a stern man with a sharp jawline and calculating eyes, and Gamma Evelyn, a woman with an air of quiet strength, her gaze as piercing as the Alpha’s. They all rose as Radcliffe took his seat at the head of the table, a gesture of respect for their leader.

“Please, sit,” Radcliffe invited, motioning to the chairs opposite him.

Harry and Y/N took their seats, both of them keenly aware of the scrutiny they were under. The tension in the room was palpable, a silent power struggle lingering beneath the surface. But there was no time to dwell on that—Harry had come here for answers, and he needed to secure the Iron Claw Pack’s cooperation.

Radcliffe leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. “You mentioned you had some new information, Alpha Styles. I trust it’s significant enough to warrant this meeting?”

Harry nodded, his expression serious. “It is. Last night, our patrols picked up a faint scent near the southern border of our territory. The scent led us through the forest, crossing into neutral ground, and eventually... into your pack’s territory.”

Radcliffe’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent, waiting for Harry to continue.

“It’s not just any scent,” Harry went on, his voice steady. “It’s the same scent we detected near the body of Cara Levine, one of our pack members who was brutally murdered and displayed as a warning. We believe the rogue responsible for the attack has crossed into your lands.”

A heavy silence followed Harry’s words, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Y/N could feel the tension mounting, the weight of the revelation pressing down on everyone in the room. She glanced at Radcliffe, whose expression remained inscrutable, though she could see the gears turning behind his sharp eyes.

“Our trackers followed the scent as far as they could,” Harry continued. “But it seems to have vanished near the edge of your territory. We’re not accusing anyone in your pack, but we need your help to investigate. If this rogue is hiding within your borders, they’re a threat to both our packs.”

Radcliffe leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Harry. “You’re suggesting that a rogue has infiltrated my territory, undetected by my patrols?”

Harry met his gaze, unflinching. “I’m suggesting that the rogue is skilled, perhaps even familiar with the area. They could be using the forest’s natural cover to evade detection. We need to work together to find them before they strike again.”

Gamma Evelyn spoke up, her voice calm but laced with concern. “If this rogue has crossed into our territory, it’s a serious breach of security.”

Beta Marcus, however, seemed more skeptical. “How do we know this scent isn’t a decoy? Rogues are known for their tricks. It could be leading us on a wild chase while the real threat is elsewhere.”

Y/N listened intently, her heart pounding as the conversation unfolded. She could sense Harry’s frustration simmering beneath the surface—he was desperate for answers, and every moment without them felt like a ticking time bomb.

“I understand your concern,” Harry said, his voice measured. “But we can’t afford to take that risk. Our pack has already suffered devastating losses. We need to investigate every lead, no matter how slim.”

Radcliffe considered Harry’s words, his gaze drifting to Y/N for a brief moment before returning to Harry. “If what you’re saying is true, then this rogue poses a threat to us all. The safety of my pack is my top priority. We’ll join forces to hunt down this intruder”.

Relief washed over Y/N as Radcliffe’s words sank in. They had secured the Iron Claw Pack’s cooperation, but she knew this was only the beginning. The hunt for the rogue would be dangerous, and the outcome uncertain.

“There’s one more thing,” Harry added, his tone more guarded. “Before we arrived, we noticed something troubling in Alsfield—a missing poster with Y/N’s face on it.”

This caught everyone’s attention. Radcliffe raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting from stern to intrigued. “A missing poster? In Alsfield? That’s... unusual.”

Harry nodded. “We have no idea who put it up or why. Y/N’s presence in our pack has been kept quiet. It’s possible someone is trying to track her down, but we don’t know if it’s related to the rogue or something else entirely.”

Y/N felt a chill run down her spine as she recalled the poster, the bold letters spelling out “MISSING” above her face. The image had shaken her, reminding her of the uncertainty that still surrounded her place in this world.

“We need to investigate that as well,” Radcliffe said thoughtfully. “If someone is searching for your Luna, it could complicate things. For now, our focus remains on the rogue, but we’ll keep an eye on the situation in Alsfield.”

Harry inclined his head in agreement. “Thank you”.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Radcliffe replied, his tone dark. “This rogue may be more dangerous than we realize. We’ll send out our best trackers at dawn. Until then, I suggest you rest and prepare for what lies ahead. This hunt won’t be easy.”

The morning sun had barely risen when Harry, Y/N, and a few key members of the Iron Claw Pack gathered in the dense woods near the border of Radcliffe’s territory. The air was thick with tension, every breath heavy with the anticipation of what they might find. The trees loomed tall and imposing, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocked out much of the early light, casting long shadows on the forest floor.

Harry’s jaw was set, his eyes scanning the area with an intensity that spoke of his determination. He had been restless all night, his mind turning over the possibilities. The scent they had tracked into this territory was unmistakable, and it led them right into Iron Claw Pack’s land. Now, they had to confront Radcliffe with what they suspected—and the consequences could change everything.

Y/N walked beside Harry, her senses heightened. She could feel the tension radiating off him, the way his muscles tensed with each step. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand, offering silent support. He glanced at her briefly, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Alpha Radcliffe walked ahead, flanked by Beta Marcus and Gamma Evelyn. His expression was unreadable, but there was a coldness in his eyes that hadn’t been there the day before. They had searched the area thoroughly, but now it was time for a more direct approach.

They reached a clearing where the scent was strongest, a spot where the trees opened up to reveal a small, hidden path that wound deeper into the forest. Harry stopped, inhaling deeply as he caught the faint trace of the rogue’s scent. It was still there, lingering like a bad memory.

“This is it,” Harry said, his voice low. “This is where the scent leads.”

Radcliffe turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. “And you’re certain it’s the same scent from the attack in your territory?”

“Positive,” Harry replied firmly. “We followed it as far as we could, and it brought us here. There’s no mistake.”

Radcliffe’s gaze flicked to Marcus and Evelyn, who both looked troubled but said nothing. The Alpha’s expression hardened as he processed the information. “This rogue has violated our territory,” he said, his voice cold. “But the question remains—how did they get past our patrols?”

Harry felt his frustration boiling over. He had respected Radcliffe, but the Alpha’s reluctance to see the truth was grating on him. “That’s what we need to find out,” Harry said, his voice tight. “Someone had to have seen something—or worse, someone might be helping the rogue.”

Radcliffe’s eyes flashed with anger at the implication. “Are you suggesting that one of my own would betray their pack?” His voice was dangerously low.