Chapter 123: I Don’t Need to Dress Up Specially
Evelyn’s POV
76%
I threw on a simple black workout outfit with indigo running shoes, pulled my hair into a ponytail, and checked the mirror. Nothing fancy, just clean and
practical.
‘Let me help with some makeup,” Aria appeared behind me, cosmetics in hand and that familiar glint in her eyes.
‘No way,” I shook my head. “We’re running in the woods and shifting, not going to prom. I don’t care how I look in front of these people.”
Despite my protests, I was actually looking forward to tonight. It had been a while since I’d run freely like back in Polaris City.
“Worried about keeping up with them?” Aria asked, reading my expression.
“Maybe, I admitted. “We haven’t trained as hard lately.”
She burst out laughing. “Are you kidding? Even at half-speed, you’d leave these regular werewolves eating dirt. Worst case, you perform like a baby Sentinel.”
“Look who’s talking,” I raised an eyebrow. “You planning to show off for the rogues tonight?”
“Just keeping up with you takes all my energy,” she joked while packing her gear. But yeah, if there’s a chance to impress them, I’m taking it. Remember – we need to be interesting enough that if they’re kidnapping girls, they’ll want us We can hide our fighting skills, but speed we can show. All werewolves love
a good chase.”
“I have zero experience with that,’ I said. The words triggered a sudden memory the scent of Silver Pines, wet earth beneath my feet, Magnus, Lucian and Orion calling for me to stop. That was the first time I shifted while running, my Wolf and I feeling that incredible freedom and power.
“Liar, Aria nudged me. “Your face just gave you away. Someone definitely chased you before. We’ll get that story later – right now, you’ve got a ‘date’ with a
hot guy.”
Downstairs, Taric, Conrad and the other Sentinels were already positioned, masters at hiding their scents. Since our meeting point was across campus, we
drove to save energy.
“Report anything unusual you see, hear, or smell,” Taric reminded us through mind link. Keep the connection open; we’ll monitor the whole conversation.
Great, I muttered mentally.
Because your flirting skills suck and we all get to witness the awkwardness, Aria shot back. I wouldn’t miss this show for anything.
Maybe I should handle the reporting instead? I suggested.
No way,
I want all the details firsthand, she smirked.
I really wish I could mute you, pest, I laughed.
Enough, Taric cut in. If this affects the mission, Evelyn reports alone. Sort it out no Either way, the mind link stays open.
Fine, I answered. But talking to guys is already hard enough without an entire teamritiquing me in my head. As we approached the gate, I added, Two minutes
to arrival.
All personnel in position, Conrad confirmed. Two Sentinels tracking. Celine’s near the bonfire site. We’ve surveyed the area – no issues detected. I’m west, Taric’s
east. Five-minute response time. Call immediately if something feels off.
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09:51 Mon, Jan 12
Chapter 123: I Don’t Need to Dress Up Specially
Got it, Aria and I replied together.
I parked next to a silver-gray sedan carrying Robert and Brandon’s scent.
“They’re already here, I whispered. ‘That’s Brandon’s car.
“How can you tell? Aria asked. “Their scents are mixed.*
“Brandon’s scent is stronger on the driver’s side, I explained.
As we walked toward the meeting point, Robert spotted us and jogged over with a huge smile.
“You made it! I was worried you’d bail,” he said.
སཾ ཌ, 76%L
“We show up when we say we will,” I replied lightly. “Unless you gave us the wrong time on purpose? Not trying to keep us from meeting your friends, are you?’ I tried keeping my tone casual while eagerly waiting to learn more about this group.
“Would you be mad if I said that crossed my mind?” He moved closer, brushing my arm before leading us toward the others. I noticed he barely acknowledged Aria, which immediately put me on alert.
“More new girls? We have enough people already, a sharp female voice came from the group.
A white-haired girl stepped forward, her body language screaming dominance.
“Ruby, this is Evelyn and Aria, Robert said. “Thought they’d fit in with us.”
“Bored with the others already?” Ruby’s tone carried both accusation and suggestion.
‘Just welcoming new members, Robert replied calmly.
“Whatever, Ruby waved dismissively. “Don’t slow us down. The last girl he brought couldn’t even finish one mile. Got it?”
‘Crystal clear,” I nodded, keeping my expression neutral.
Don’t let her get to you, Conrad warned through the link. She’s testing you.
Underestimating me, captain, I replied mentally. I’ve handled worse.
This is your first official mission. Stay focused.
Forgot I’m actually a teenager?
Less sass,
brat. Go run and show us what you’ve got.
The run went smoothly. Five miles in human form was easy- I kept pace with Rert effortlessly, even chatting without getting winded.
I learned they jogged regularly but only shifted on Thursday nights. Several were on school sports teams, which made me wonder how they controlled their werewolf abilities during human competitions. Aria and I planned to investigate his during the bonfire.
The forest was stunning. Though early spring hadn’t fully arrived, evergreens stood out among bare trees, adding color to the yellow-brown landscape. I loved the scent of damp leaves mixed with earth it reminded me of Polaris City As twilight fell, sunlight filtered through branches, creating mysterious shadows. My wolf hummed contentedly, clearly enjoying the sensation as much I was.
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