April sat cross-legged on the warehouse floor, her mind still spinning from what she had just experienced.
Smell.
She had tracked someone—like an actual wolf.
The realization sent a shiver down her spine.
She wasn't the only one with these abilities.
"You should meet the others," the leader said, stepping forward. "You're not alone in this, April."
April tensed.
The idea of meeting more people like her—people with these Gears—made her feel uneasy.
But if she was going to survive, she needed to know what she was up against.
They led her to a different part of the warehouse—an underground section she hadn't known existed.
The air was cooler here, the space lit by dim industrial lights.
Four figures stood waiting.
The leader gestured toward them.
"Meet your new allies."
April's enhanced hearing picked up the subtle differences in their breathing, their shifting postures, the weight of their movements.
One of them—a muscular yet slim guy with a confident stance—was the first to step forward.
"Name's Jax," he said, offering a nod.
His voice carried an easy arrogance, the kind of person used to leading. "My Gear's the Lion."
Jax had Medium-length, slightly messy black hair that falls naturally around his face, enhancing his sharp features.
He wore a loose, oversized beige long-sleeve shirt, casually tucked into his black cargo pants.
His black cargo pants have multiple pockets, reinforcing a practical and slightly military-like aesthetic. And he completed his look with gray and white sneakers, giving him a street-style edge.
April frowned. "Lion?"
Jax smirked.
"Strength, durability, intimidation. You don't want to get in a fight with me."
April took a small step back.
The way he stood… she could feel it. He radiated something primal. Powerful.
The next one—a woman with sleek movements, her presence almost ghost-like—spoke up next.
"Saya. My Gear is the Panther."
April barely heard her move.
"I specialize in stealth, agility, and speed."
Saya's lips curved into a small smile. "If you blink, you might lose me."
April resisted the urge to test that theory.
The third person was much taller—broad-shouldered, heavy-set, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Dante," he rumbled. His voice was deep and steady. "My Gear's the Bear."
April immediately got why.
His breathing alone sounded like a mountain refusing to be moved.
"Endurance, raw power. I take hits so others don't have to."
April nodded slowly. 'Okay. He's the tank in the pack,' She thought to herself.
The last person was different from the rest.
Younger, maybe a year or two younger than her. Lean, relaxed, but something about his posture told April he was always ready.
"Kai," he introduced himself. "I've got the Hawk Gear."
April raised an eyebrow.
Kai grinned. "Am sure you'll see what that means sooner or later enough."
April could already guess—heightened vision? Speed? Flight? There was something sharp about the way he moved, like he could see things before they happened.
The leader clapped his hands together.
"Now that we're all introduced… time for your real training to begin."
April took a deep breath.
She had just met her new pack.
And now, she had to prove she belonged.