Chapter 1484: The Calm Before the Hunt For the first time in what felt like hours, things seemed to settle for the Howlers. The chaos had dulled. The constant threat of Kai’s rampage no longer loomed directly over their heads. For now, at least, he wasn’t lashing out, wasn’t tearing into allies with that uncontrollable feral strength. The relief, however, was shallow. It wasn’t true calm. The air still thrummed with tension. Everyone knew this wasn’t the end , only a pause before the real storm arrived. The ultimate battle, the one reason they had all gathered here, had yet to come. Marie remained by Kai’s side, crouched close but still careful, her eyes never leaving him. She tended to him in silence, her body taut with exhaustion, while Gary spoke quietly with the White Rose members who had appeared at the critical moment. “Well, I think it’s quite clear now,” Don said, his voice gruff but steady, “that he is no ordinary Altered. I’ve never seen one able to influence others in such a way. There was always mystery around this group of yours, but this... this explains much.” Don’s sharp gaze drifted toward Kai. It struck him then with clarity , the one he had been fighting, the feral beast that had nearly torn him apart, was the same person who had summoned him here for help in the first place. Kai, the Alpha who had seemed composed and calculating, had transformed into something else entirely. He had looked wild, unhinged, closer to a crazed Altered than a Werewolf. And yet, here he was now, lying bare and human, surrounded by allies who still trusted him. The contradiction unsettled Don. He and his men had come to help, but it was becoming clearer with every moment that they were far outside their usual depth. This wasn’t the type of enemy or ally they were accustomed to facing. “I’m guessing Lupus will be returning,” Don asked at last. “Is there anything we need to do? Anything to prepare in some way?” Gary fell silent for a moment, running scenarios through his mind. The fight wasn’t finished, not even close. If Lupus or Ylva returned at full strength, they needed a plan. But first, they had to make sure Kai wouldn’t become their next problem. “There’s an underground storage room beneath the restaurant,” Gary said finally. His tone was decisive. “We’ll take Kai down there. Marie will stay with him to watch over things... but we need to make sure he doesn’t get his hands on any food. If he recovers, he’ll be able to transform again.” “I’ll keep watch as well,” Adam added. His voice was tired but resolute. “With the way my powers are right now, I can still handle a weakened man. But in a real fight? I’d just get in the way.” “Unfortunately, it’s the same for me,” Chen admitted. He lifted one arm and let the light glint off the cracked remains of his hardened shell. “My defenses are shattered. They won’t recover anytime soon. I’d be more of a burden than anything else.” Gary’s eyes shifted to Don, expecting him to admit his own limits. He had seen the injuries, seen the blood Don had already coughed up. He was ready to hear another concession , but Don said nothing. He simply stood there, his silence a quiet declaration that he would endure, no matter the cost. Between Don, Marie, and himself, Gary figured it might be enough to keep Kai under control. That was all they could afford for now. Another outburst like before would break them completely. “Marie!” Gary called out from where he stood, his voice carrying across the open space. He hoped her sharp hearing could still pick up his words. Marie turned her head just enough to meet his gaze. She gave a small nod, confirming she had heard everything. “I know things are confusing,” Gary said, keeping his distance. “But it’s best I stay away from the two of you for now.” Marie didn’t argue. She knew he was right. With that, she, Adam, and Chen carefully guided Kai inside the restaurant, heading toward the underground storage. There was work to be done before they could lock him away. They needed to bind him, just in case he stirred again. And just as importantly, they had to strip the storage of food, moving it up a level so the temptation wouldn’t be within reach. It wasn’t a perfect plan, but it was something. Marie was quietly grateful. Even exhausted from drawing on her true Luna form, she was relieved to have help handling the details. She had enough to manage already , watching Kai, restraining him, and keeping herself steady under the pull of the moon. Outside, Gary and Don lingered. They waited in the silence of the night for Marie to prepare the room. Both stood with their shoulders heavy but unyielding, the weight of responsibility pressing down harder than the battles ever could. Gary decided to break the silence. “Thank you,” he said, his voice quieter than usual. “For coming here... for bringing the others along. I think you saved a lot of lives tonight.” Don shook his head slightly. “You have good people around you, Gary. People worth protecting. And I hope that, with things working out here, we can save many more lives together.” His eyes narrowed. “Still, the situation you’ve put yourself in... it’s troublesome, to say the least. I imagine you’re unable to transform, aren’t you?” Gary tensed. Don had figured it out quickly. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖 “I should have known something was wrong the moment that blond friend of yours came to me,” Don continued. “You Howlers... you’re the type to always carry burdens on your own shoulders. You think you have to resolve everything by yourselves. But you’re not alone, Gary. I’m strong enough to help, and I’ll keep my end of the deal , whatever it takes.” Gary’s chest loosened slightly at Don’s words. He didn’t know exactly what deal Kai had struck with the White Rose, but whatever it was, it had already proven invaluable. Their help tonight had kept the Howlers alive. That much was undeniable. And yet, even with allies at his side, Gary couldn’t quiet the restless thoughts that clawed at him. The Warhammer was still in his hand, still humming faintly with the remnants of borrowed strength. The aura of the pack lingered in him, surging through his veins like fire. He wondered , should he take this chance? Should he press forward now, hunt Ylva and Lupus before they returned to finish the job? They couldn’t be far. With the power still surrounding him, perhaps he could tip the scales. But just as that dangerous idea rooted itself in his mind, the energy shifted. The green glow dimmed, flickered... and then vanished entirely. The aura had dissipated. The power of the Warhammer was gone. Gary’s grip tightened on the handle as the weight of reality sank in. Luck wasn’t on their side tonight. **** ***** For updates on MWS and future works, follow me on my social media below. Instagram: jksmanga P.a.t.r.e.o.n: jksmanga When news drops about My Vampire System, My Werewolf System, or any other series, you’ll hear it there first. Feel free to reach out, if I’m not too busy, I tend to reply.