I stepped out of the misty forest and into the sleepy town of Moonstone, the streets seemed strange and frightened quiet in the early morning hours. The trees seemed to whisper secrets as I passed, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. I shivered, despite the warmth of the summer air.

As I walked, the silence was broken by the sound of my boots scraping against the pavement. I felt eyes upon me, but every time I turned, there was no one there. The sensation sent a shiver down my spine.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Emily, my best friend, her bright smile a stark contrast to the darkness that seemed to follow me.

Hey, Maya! Wait up! she called, jogging towards me.

I slowed my pace, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. With Emily by my side, the whispers in the dark seemed to fade away.

Hey, Em, I said, falling into step beside her. What's up?

Not much, just getting some coffee before school, Emily replied, nodding towards the coffee shop on the corner. Want to grab a cup with me?

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I was ready to face the crowds and chatter of the coffee shop. But Emily's enthusiasm was infectious, and soon we were pushing open the door and stepping inside.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped us, and I felt a bit more awake. We joined the short line, chatting quietly about our plans for the day.

As we waited, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching us. I glanced around, but everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations or lost in their phones.

You okay, Maya?" Emily asked, noticing my distraction. "You seem a bit off.

I shrugged, feeling a bit silly. Just tired, I guess.

But the feeling persisted, even as we grabbed our coffee and headed out into the morning sunlight.

As we walked to school, Emily started telling me about her latest drama. I listened, nodding and making supportive noises, but my mind kept wandering back to the feeling of being watched.

Suddenly, Emily grabbed my arm, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Oh my gosh, Maya, look!

I followed her gaze to a sleek black car parked by the curb, its engine purring smoothly. Behind the wheel, Rowan Nightshade's piercing yellow eyes locked onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine.

Who's driving Rowan's car? I whispered, feeling a jolt of electricity run through my veins.

Emily followed my gaze, her eyes widening in surprise. I have no idea, but it looks like Rowan's got a new friend.

The eyes held mine for a moment longer, then the car pulled away from the curb, disappearing into the morning traffic.

I felt a strange sense of unease as we continued walking to school. Rowan's eyes seemed to linger in my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

As we approached the school entrance, I spotted Ethan Ryder Stone, Rowan's alpha and my...well, I wasn't quite sure what he was to me yet. Our eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Ethan's gaze was intense, as if he could see right through me. I felt a flutter in my chest, and my heart skipped a beat.

Hey, Maya, he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

Hey, Ethan, I replied, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in my stomach.

Emily nudged me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. I'll catch you guys later, she said, sauntering off towards her friends.

Ethan and I stood there for a moment, the tension between us palpable. I didn't know what to say, but I knew I couldn't look away.

"Maya, can I talk to you for a minute?" Ethan asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation.

Ethan led me to a quiet corner of the school courtyard, away from prying eyes. We sat down on a bench, and he turned to face me, his expression serious.

Maya, I need to tell you something, he said, his voice low and urgent. Something's going on in Moonstone, and I think you're in danger.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What do you mean?

Ethan hesitated, as if unsure how much to reveal. I've been noticing strange things around town. Equipment malfunctioning, strange noises at night...and then there's Rowan's behavior.

Rowan's behavior? I repeated, my mind racing.

Ethan nodded. He's been acting weird, ever since...ever since he met you.

I frowned, confusion etched on my face. What do you mean?

Ethan's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. I think Rowan's been watching you, Maya. And I think he's hiding something.

I was frightened as Ethan's words hung in the air. What was going on in Moonstone? And what did Rowan have to do with it?

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Rowan, watching me? It didn't make sense. But Ethan's serious expression told me he wasn't joking.

"Why would Rowan be watching me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's eyes scanned the courtyard, ensuring we were still alone. "I don't know, but I think it's connected to your family's past. You know, the whole Blackwood thing."

My heart skipped a beat. The Blackwood name was synonymous with magic and power in Moonstone. But my family's history was complicated, to say the least.

"What do you mean?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

Ethan leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I think Rowan's searching for something. Something your family might have hidden away."

What could Rowan possibly want with my family's secrets?

Ethan's words hung in the air like a challenge. I felt a surge of determination and stood up, my eyes locked on his.

"I need to know what's going on," I said, my voice firm. "Tell me everything."

Ethan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. Let's get out of here. I'll take you to someone who can help. We snuck out of the school courtyard, avoiding the prying eyes of our classmates. Ethan led me to a sleek black car, parked in a deserted alley.

"Get in," he said, opening the door.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should trust him. But something about Ethan's eyes made me feel like I could. As we drove through the winding streets of Moonstone, the trees seemed to close in around us, casting long, ominous shadows.