Avery’s POVThe night is cruel, the wind biting into my skin as I stumble forward, my body weak, my steps unsteady.I have nowhere else to go.For days, I’ve been running, my mind clouded with fear, my heart pounding with desperation. The moment I escaped my father’s grasp, I knew I was living on borrowed time. If he finds me, he will finish what he started. He will make sure my child never sees the light of day.I can’t let that happen.So I did the only thing I could. I ran.Now, as I stand before the towering gates of Red-Claw pack, my breath comes in shallow gasps. My fingers tremble at my sides, my body screaming for rest. The journey has drained me, each step heavier than the last. But now that I’m here, now that I’m this close, uncertainty grips me.Will Kane even listen to me?Would he care?It’s been months since I last saw him, since I shattered what little was left of us. I rejected him. I left him. And now, I’m here, begging for his help. Begging him to protect a child he
Avery’s POVThe night air bites at my skin as I wander aimlessly through the outskirts of Kane’s territory, my heart pounding in my chest.I can still hear the heavy clang of the iron gates slamming shut behind me, the finality of it ringing in my ears like a death sentence.I was cast out like nothing.I have nowhere to go.But I refuse to give up, not when my child’s life is at stake.Swallowing the lump in my throat, I force myself to move. My feet ache, my body is weak, but I push forward, making my way through the dimly lit streets of the outer pack lands.There has to be someone, anyone, who will take pity on me.I stop in front of a small cottage, the warm glow of lanterns flickering inside. I recognize the house, an elder woman, a healer, lives here. She once treated the warriors after battle.Taking a deep breath, I raise my trembling hand and knock.Silence.Then, the sound of shuffling footsteps.Hope flutters weakly in my chest as the door creaks open.The healer peeks out
Kane’s POV The ache never fades No matter how much I try to drown it out, no matter how many times I tell myself that rejecting Avery was necessary, the pain lingers like a slow, festering wound. A bond severed, yet somehow… not. I feel it every damn day. A dull, persistent tug in my chest, like something is missing. Like something was ripped from me but refuses to fully let go. I tell myself it’s because of the rejection, that my body is simply adjusting to the loss. That the emptiness I feel is nothing more than the side effect of breaking a mate bond. But my wolf knows better. He hasn’t stopped pacing since the day she left, a low growl always rumbling in the back of my mind. Bring her back. I shove the thought away as I stalk toward my office, forcing my face into a mask of indifference. My warriors bow their heads in greeting, my Beta murmuring updates as he falls in step beside me. I nod absently, acknowledging his words without really hearing them. Because
Avery’s POVThe days blur together. Each one is a battle.A battle against hunger. Against exhaustion. Against the suffocating loneliness of knowing there is no pack, no home waiting for me.No one except the tiny life growing inside me.My child.That thought alone keeps me moving.I hunt where I can, stealing scraps from the forest. The human world is foreign, unfamiliar, but I force myself to adapt. To blend in. To survive.Because I have to survive.I spend most of my days in the abandoned cabin, fixing the broken windows, gathering blankets, trying to make it more livable. At night, I stay awake listening to the sounds of the human town nearby, my senses always alert, always on edge.I don’t belong here, but I have no choice.Then, on my second day in the town, everything changes.---I meet Glen at the local market.I hadn’t meant to interact with anyone, but hunger had driven me to the outskirts of town, where vendors sell fresh bread and fruit. The smell was overwhelming, my s
Kane’s POVThe sound of fists hitting flesh echoes through the training grounds.I don’t hold back.My opponent, one of my top warriors, barely has time to react before I land another blow, sending him sprawling into the dirt. A low growl rumbles from my chest as I pace the sparring ring, my muscles tense with unspent energy.“Again,” I order.The warrior coughs, clutching his ribs as he scrambles to his feet.We’ve been at this for hours. The rest of the pack watches from the sidelines, eyes filled with wariness. No one dares to question their Alpha’s relentless training.They all know.I haven’t been the same since Avery left.---It’s been weeks.Weeks of burying myself in work. Of increasing patrols, pushing warriors past their limits, drowning myself in anything that keeps my mind occupied.But it never works.No matter how many battles I fight, how many meetings I sit through, she lingers.Avery.Her scent. Her fire. The way she looked at me the last time we spoke, defiance burn
Avery’s POVI wipe a shaky hand across my forehead as I step out of the café, my stomach twisting with nausea. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries, usually comforting, had made me gag all day. I barely made it through my shift without throwing up. Mrs. Thompson had noticed immediately. “You’re pale as a ghost, dear,” she said, her wrinkled face creased with concern. “Go home. Get some rest. I won’t have you collapsing in my café.” I didn’t argue. I couldn’t. As I walk down the dimly lit street to get to the downtown market to get some things I'll eat for the night, I hug my coat tighter around myself. The city buzzes with life, cars honking, people laughing, the distant hum of music from a nearby bar, but none of it eases the growing unease creeping up my spine. Something feels… wrong. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and a shiver slithers down my spine. I’m being watched. My heart pounds faster. My grip tightens on my bag. I force myself t
Kane’s POVThe air in the council chamber is stifling, thick with the scent of aged wolves and heated arguments.I sit at the head of the long wooden table, jaw clenched, fingers drumming impatiently against the arm of my chair as the elders drone on.“An Alpha’s duty is to his pack first.”“You need an heir, Kane.”“It’s time to start thinking about the future.”Their words are the same as always, pressing, insistent, their expectant gazes weighing on me.I don’t react. I don’t even acknowledge them. I just watch them as tbey continue to ramble on.I should have expected this. It’s been weeks since Avery left, weeks of these meetings becoming more unbearable, weeks of my Luna pretending everything is perfect, and weeks of me pretending I give a damn.I don’t.Not about heirs. Not about securing a legacy. Not about anything anymore.“An Alpha without an heir weakens the pack,” one of the elders continues, eyes sharp. “If something were to happen to you—”I slam my fist onto the table.
Avery’s POVThe coffee machine hums, filling the air with the rich scent of roasted beans. I try to focus on the rhythmic sounds, on the warmth of the café, on anything but the unease prickling down my spine.But something feels off.Every sound feels too sharp, every movement too noticeable. The clatter of plates from the back makes me jump. The laughter of customers seems distant, like I’m hearing it through water.A restlessness grips me, a feeling I can’t quite name.I flinch when a coworker brushes past me, nearly dropping the cup in my hands.“Whoa, you okay?” Glen’s voice cuts through my haze. She steadies me with a hand on my shoulder, concern clear in her eyes.I force a nod, plastering on a smile. “Yeah… just a little out of it today.”She doesn’t look convinced, but thankfully, she doesn’t push. “You should take a break. I’ll cover for you.”I don’t argue. Stepping outside, the crisp evening air wraps around me, cool against my heated skin. I take a deep breath, willing the
Avery’s POVThe morning began like any other, strained silence, stiff greetings, and stares that scraped against my skin like tiny blades. I dressed slowly, deliberately, bracing myself for another day of pretending not to notice the glares or whispers that clung to me like a curse.But I should’ve known today would be different. Worse.It started with the sharp clang of metal on tile, followed by a shout from somewhere down the hall. Then came the hurried footsteps, too many to count, echoing through the packhouse like an approaching storm.I stepped out of my room just in time to see the Beta whispering urgently to Alpha Callum, his face pale and tense. The Alpha’s expression darkened immediately, and his eyes, cold and empty, scanned the hallway until they landed on me.I froze“You,” he barked, his voice slicing through the air. “In the hall. Now.”Confused and wary, I obeyed. Guards quickly flanked me on either side, as if I were some dangerous criminal. My heart pounded harder w
Avery’s POVThe knock on my chamber door came just as I finished brushing my hair. I froze, my brush hovering mid-air as the door creaked open without waiting for permission. A guard stepped in, stiff and silent, before motioning for me to follow. I didn’t ask where I was being taken, there was no point. In this place, it was obvious my questions didn’t matter.The halls were cold and we walked in silence, past stern-faced servants and curious pack members who didn’t bother hiding their judgment. I kept my head high. I would not let them see me crumble.He was waiting for me in what looked like a private study, dark wood walls, a roaring fireplace, and shelves lined with books no one had touched in decades. The old Alpha Callum stood by the window, his hands clasped behind his back as if he were some noble monarch greeting a war prize. I didn’t need to be told who he was. His presence bled power… and something colder. Something decayed.He turned slowly, his gaze sweeping over me like
Avery’s POVAfter wandering the huge mansion, I found my way back to my new room.But as the door creaked shut behind me, and I turned around, I almost couldn't believe what I saw.The room I left in a perfect condition was now a battlefieldMy clothes were ripped and strewn across the floor, some of them stained with what looked like ink or wine. The once-pristine bedsheets had been slashed through as if by claws, and the headboard bore deep, angry gouges. The mirror above the dresser was cracked right through the center, and scrawled in what appeared to be red lipstick were the words: "Whore. Traitor. Unfit."My heart dropped. A sharp sting bloomed behind my eyes, but I forced myself to blink back the tears. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction, not them, not her, not this cursed place.I stepped forward cautiously, my bare feet brushing against the soft fabric of my ruined dress. Every corner of the room screamed defiance. This wasn’t a warning, it was a declaration. I was not wel
Avery’s POVThe journey is long, but the silence is longer.No one speaks. Not the guards. Not the driver. Not me.The carriage rattles along uneven roads, every bump jostling my body, but I barely notice. My mind is far, far away, from this damned seat, from the silk choking my skin, from the future I never chose. I stare blankly at the passing trees, watching the shadows stretch and shift across the landscape like specters, as if the forest itself mourns what I’ve become.A prisoner.Not in shackles or chains, but something worse.A prisoner of circumstance.A daughter traded like livestock. A mother who gave up her freedom to save her child. A girl who once dreamed of love… now promised to a stranger whose name she only speaks in fear.By the time the carriage creaks to a stop, dusk is bleeding into the sky. I don’t even realize we’ve arrived until the door is thrown open.“We’re here,” one of the guards grunts, offering no hand as I step down onto the cold stone.I glance up.The
Avery’s POVThe walls of this room are beautiful, golden drapes, antique chandeliers, polished floors, but to me, they’re nothing more than a gilded cage.I pace the length of the room, my bare feet whispering against the rug as my thoughts spiral out of control. It’s been hours since I was dragged away from the hall. Hours since I last saw anything but these suffocating walls.But not a single moment has passed without me thinking of him.My son.Where is he? Is he hurt? Is he afraid? Every possibility, every awful scenario my mind conjures feels like a blade carving deeper into my chest. I’ve screamed myself hoarse, threatened every guard who dared bring me food, even clawed at the locked door until my nails splitbbut it was useless. No one would tell me where he was. No one would help me.I’m trapped. Powerless.And alone.Until evening comes.A knock. Then the door creaks open, and I stiffen.Two guards enter. Behind them… my father.He walks in like a king inspecting his property
Avery’s POVI awoke to the acrid scent of burning wood and thethe suffocating weight of captivity. My head throbbed with every shallow breath I took, and for a brief, disoriented moment, I couldn't tell if I was dreaming or still unconscious.But then I saw it, the high ceilings, the dark stone walls, the elaborate chandelier casting flickering shadows across polished floors.I knew this place. It looked all too familiarIt was my father’s packhouse.No. No, no, no…Panic flared in my chest as I bolted upright. The plush bedding beneath me mocked the terror clawing at my throat. My limbs felt like lead, my wrists sore and bruised. I stumbled off the bed, feet unsteady, and the world spun before my vision steadied. My eyes darted around, desperate.Where was he?“My son…”The words barely made it past my lips, dry and cracked from disuse. I staggered toward the door, yanking the handle, but it was locked. I slammed my fists against the heavy wood, screaming louder this time.“Where is
Avery’s POVThe evening air is crisp, the scent of rain lingering as I walk hand in hand with my son. Lisa walks beside us, chatting about work, laughing at a story about a clumsy customer spilling coffee everywhere.For a moment, I allow myself to believe that this is my life now, normal, safe, free.But the feeling doesn’t last.A familiar unease curls in my stomach, growing heavier with each step toward my apartment. The hairs on the back of my neck rise, but I force myself to smile as Lisa turns to me.“You okay?” she asks, eyes filled with concern.I nod quickly. “Yeah, just tired.”She hesitates, studying me like she knows I’m lying, but finally offers a small smile. “Get some rest, okay? Call me if you need anything.”“Thanks, Lisa. Goodnight.”Somehow I am always lucky enough to meet good people wherever I go.I push open my door, guiding my son inside. The second the door clicks shut behind me, I freeze.Something is wrong.The apartment feels too quiet. Not the usual comfort
Avery’s POVWeeks pass, but the ache in my chest never fades. The grief is a constant weight, pressing down on me, suffocating me in ways I never imagined. Kane is is gone. Dead. And no matter how many times I tell myself to move on, I can’t erase the memories that haunt me.The sound of his voice.The way his golden eyes burned with determination.The moment he fell, broken and bloody, because of me.Most nights, I barely sleep. When I do, nightmares drag me back to the past, back to the rogues, the betrayal, the warning that still lingers in my mind.I have to keep moving.With the help of my close human friend, I relocate to a new city, assuming a different name. No more Avery Lane once again. No more ties to my old life.Here, I am just a woman with a son, trying to survive.Hoping, praying, that one day, we will finally be free.And slowly, life settles into a delicate routine.Each morning, I wake before dawn, preparing breakfast in our tiny apartment. My son, he smiles more now
Avery’s POVNight drapes the pack’s territory in eerie silence, broken only by the distant howl of a lone wolf. Cold seeps through the damp stone walls of my prison cell, wrapping around me like an unforgiving embrace. My body aches, exhaustion settling deep into my bones, but the weight in my chest is heavier.I had come here for help.And instead, I was locked away like a criminal.But worse than my imprisonment is the thought of my son, alone, afraid, possibly crying for me in some dark corner of this territory. The image guts me, igniting a fire in my chest, but I am helpless. The iron bars before me stand as an unyielding reminder of my reality.I rest my forehead against the cold metal, swallowing down the lump in my throat. Think, Avery. I cannot afford to break. My son needs me.Footsteps echo down the corridor and my body tensesA shadow moves beyond thee bars, and then, Kane’s Beta, Damien, steps into the dim torchlight."Get up," he murmurs, voice low.I blink at him, my he