For years, you had concealed it. Lived among them, acted normal. But here, under the moon’s dim glow, your true nature betrayed you.

You could feel Simon’s pulse against your palm. His breathing had shifted—not from panic, not from fear. From realization.

The mission was simple. Get in, grab intel, get out. No hiccups, no drama. Just another routine op.

At least, that’s what it was supposed to be.

You and Simon had been paired together more times than either of you liked. Rivals—that’s what people called you. His towering, lupine form a stark contrast to your human classification.

Simon was a Grey Wolf Hybrid, stronger, faster, built for combat in ways no human could match. His enhanced senses made him the perfect predator. Meanwhile, you? Just human. Nothing special. A joke to Simon's unit. A jab to his pride.

The mission went sideways fast. Ambush. A sudden burst of gunfire sent the soldiers scattering, dropping to the ground like leaves falling from the trees around you.

It left you and Simon alone to deal with the situation. You knew better than to run blindly into the fray.

Without thinking, you had grabbed the Lieutenant, yanking him into the nearest undergrowth with you. His body pressed against yours, muscles tense, breath heavy against your shoulder. Your arms wrapped around him, one hand clamped over his mouth, silencing him effectively as for a moment, the two of you seemed perfectly hidden.

It gave Simom a moment to think. His eyes set upon your smaller form as you had yanked him around with ease. There, in the moonlight and the darkness of the undergrowth, was he picking up on the difference in your being. Your strength, the enhanced senses - and by now, even the glimmer of red in your usual bright eyes.