We departed that afternoon, ready for however many days we might be out there.Looke didn't agree to come right away until Thorran demanded it and he noticed Alpha Archer was also coming. Naturally, he wants to impress the other Alpha, putting his hatred toward me aside. If hatred is even the right word. It sure seems like he feels that way, with the way he ignores me and almost seethes in my presence.Drayton seems nervous about coming, but would never disobey Thorran. Neither of the two Assassin's know anything about what we are doing. All Thorran told them was that they were tracking something, and they were there for backup only.I'm just pleased Thorran trusts me enough to bring me along. It's important he trusts me. Especially since we are mates, and I'm planning to tell him on this trip.Hopefully, we will get some time alone.Archer walks at the front of the group, tracking in a way I don't understand and he hasn't been willing to talk about yet. Looke is behind him, avoiding
Thorran's reaction wasn't how I expected it to be.It wasn't admission, to be true, that I know we are mates and that I'm revealing it to him right now. It was a simple question that may have taken him off guard for a moment, considering the time I'm asking it, however, he doesn't look as if he is coming to a realisation about what I'm insinuating."Oh, well, if we were mates...I feel like it's fairly evident," Thorran tells me, looking at me earnestly. I'm not sure what he means by that. Is that him telling me he would continue trying to find his mother for his entire life and not worry about me?"You'll have to explain," I says cautiously. He's an Alpha, and a busy one at that. Why would he even have time for me?Just thinking about to sinks me into sadness."Believe it or not, I've always wanted a mate. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that being alone is something I asked for. In fact, I hate it, so if I had a mate is would make my life so much better. I would be happy,"
By the time Thorran and Archer arrived, I was beyond fuming.It was stupid of me to bring Looke along. Here I was, convinced I would be able to get on Looke's side, so we could have a friendship despite how he feels about me. He helped me get here, to meet my mate. I can understand why he is so spiteful, however, his bitterness has gone too far.I sat down on a warm rock, trying to enjoy the sun as far from Looke as I could when Archer and Thorran emerged from the bush, Archer looking beyond pleased within himself. "We found some footsteps up ahead.""It's not definitive but it's the only clue we have," Thorran says, trying to remain realistic. It's obvious he doesn't want to be let down again.I give him a soft smile, which he returns warmly.We set off on our walk not long after. Archer is keen on the track of Thorran's mother, however, it seems everyone else is disheartened. I walk in front of Thorran, looking over my shoulder every few minutes to whisper something reassuring, or t
None of us had another choice.Shinee has some kind of magical grip on me I cannot escape. He is going to take me away with or without Thorran. I should have known how serious he was about me not seeing Thorran when he told me, but I couldn't help it. He must have somehow known we were mates, and were trying to keep me from finding out."You don't have to do anything stupid Shinee, I'll come with you. Just leave Aerys behind, she doesn't need to come," Thorran tells him calmly, looking between both me and the Immortal. Shinee doesn't seem too impressed by his reasoning.I shiver as Shinee's soft fingertips run gently down the side of my cheek before wrapping a strand of my hair around his finger."No, I think I want her to come."Thorran gritted his teeth. I can see the shift in his eyes, as he realises he doesn't have another choice. Shinee's hand drifts down to my lower back, and I shiver. I can feel his power, and no just what is streaming through my veins right now. He isn't like
I feel guilty seeming so relieved.Shinee lets me go, and I fall into Thorran's arms. When I look up at him, he smiles down at me, as if he isn't regretful, however, I know It can't have been easy to completely disregard ever being able to commit to finding his mother again. I'm going to have to make it up to him, however, I doubt anything will come close to that."Noble of you, Thorran," Shinee says, and for a moment, when I turn back around to glance at him, I see a hint of sadness. Maybe it's because he knows his mate would never do the same for him. As much as I despise him, that even makes me feel somewhat sad."Not noble, but it was an easy decision," Thorran comments, not removing his arm from around me, which I'm grateful for.Shinee watches us pointedly."Considering your mother doesn't want anything to do with you, I would say that was the best decision," Shinee mutters, walking to stand behind us. He puts his hands on both of our shoulders, ready to transport us both back t
Thorran never left my room that night.We sat up all night, talking to each other about almost everything that we could. By the time dawn flooded through the windows, it was too late for us to get any sleep. I don't even want to get up. I just want to lie next to my mate, still naked, my head resting on his chest while he plays with my hair."Can we just stay in bed all day?" I ask. I don't think I want to face the reality of our lives yet. I don't want to see Blue, I don't want to deal with the fact Thorran might still pursue his mother against both her and Shinee's wishes. It's all so much.Thorran loosens a breath, rolling over to look over me. "If it's with you, I'll stay in bed forever. I don't want to be anywhere else right now."I smile. "Neither do I."Thorran twists a piece of my hair around his finger, deep in thought. I don't want him to leave this room. I don't want him to go back to his Alpha duties. I know when he does, he will be back commanding his Assassin's to do hor
It feels good to have no worries.Thorran and I had a swim in the sea and a walk down the beach as the sun began to set. As dusk falls me, we moved to a restaurant on the beach. It's surprisingly busy here, people laughing and talking amongst each other as they drink and eat. Everything here feels so calm, the people enjoying themselves with no worries on their shoulders.Naturally, everyone stares blatantly at Thorran, whispering between each other as they try to decipher whether Thorran is actually the Alpha of the Discipline Pack or not. Luckily, no one comes up to him to ruin our meal."This place is so nice," I comment once Thorran and I got our drinks. He sits opposite me, looking incredible. His skin his glowing under the lights above us, his dark eyes warm and twinkling."It's a facade.""What do you mean facade?" I question, nearly choking on the water I was sipping. Facade? This place looks so easy going, the people here polite having not even come up to Thorran yet. No one
I'm not tired, even as we return back to our room.Thorran peels his jacket off while I sit on the edge of the bed, pulling my shoes off my feet. My eyes linger on Thorran's body as he tugs his shirt off, tossing it away. I'm not sure what intrigued me so much about the way he looks with the light reflecting through the window, the smooth, buttery light casting shadows over his already perfect abdomen.Something within me flutters, heat moving down from my stomach to between my legs. It's a feeling that makes a blush reach my cheeks, which I turn away to conceal. Why am I suddenly feeling this way just by him taking his shirt off."I'm hoping we can have another swim tomorrow if that interests you," I hear Thorran. I barely hear it though through the buzzing in my ears.I know what interests me. And it's not that.My body tenses as Thorran sits beside me. When he looks at me, he seems to notice something is off, tilting his head and furrowing his brows. I'm not sure how to admit to hi
The council chamber buzzed with tension as the pack leaders gathered for an emergency meeting. The news of the skirmish between Moonshadow and Nightwalker wolves had sent shockwaves through the packs, threatening to undo the fragile progress they had made.Rayka stood at the head of the room, her gaze sharp and unyielding. Sylvester was by her side, his presence a steady reminder of the unity they were fighting to preserve.“All right,” Rayka began, her voice cutting through the murmurs. “I want a full report. Who was involved, and how did this happen?”A scout stepped forward, his expression grim. “The incident occurred near the southern border. A Moonshadow patrol and a Nightwalker patrol crossed paths during their rounds. They accused each other of trespassing, and things escalated into a fight. No serious injuries, but tempers flared on both sides.”“Names,” Sylvester demanded. “Who led the patrols?”The scout hesitated. “Daren for the Moonshadow patrol. Talia for the Nightwalker p
The forest was alive with the sounds of pack life as Rayka walked through the stronghold. Wolves bustled about, carrying supplies, sparring on the training grounds, or chatting in small groups. To the untrained eye, everything appeared harmonious, but Rayka’s instincts told her otherwise. There was a tension in the air, subtle yet unmistakable—a quiet unease rippling through her people. Sylvester met her at the edge of the training field, his brow furrowed. “Do you feel it too?” he asked without preamble. Rayka nodded, her gaze sweeping over the busy grounds. “Something’s off. I’ve heard murmurs—discontent, whispers of doubt. It’s not open rebellion, but it’s there.” Sylvester’s jaw tightened. “Any idea where it’s coming from?” “Not yet,” Rayka admitted. “But I’m going to find out.”
The morning sunlight spilled across the Moonshadow Pack’s stronghold, bathing the forest in golden light. The sounds of nature surrounded the settlement—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the soft murmurs of pack life. For once, there were no urgent meetings, no strategies to plan, and no enemies at the border. It was a rare day of peace, and Rayka intended to savor every second of it.Rayka stood in the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves as she examined the collection of ingredients in front of her. Cooking wasn’t something she often had time for, but today she decided to indulge herself. Kael’s soft coos echoed from his crib in the corner of the room, bringing a smile to her face.“Are you sure you remember how to do this?” Sylvester teased from the doorway, leaning casually against the frame.Rayka shot him a mock glare. “I might not be a master chef, but I can manage breakfast without setting the place on fire.”
The air in the Moonshadow Pack’s territory carried a quiet peace that felt foreign after so much conflict. For the first time in years, Rayka allowed herself a moment to breathe, her shoulders no longer heavy with the constant weight of impending battles. Yet the scars of their struggles remained etched into the land, their people, and her heart.Sylvester leaned against the doorway of their shared quarters, the healing wound on his side a stark reminder of how close they had come to losing everything. His presence was a quiet reassurance, a steady force beside her as they faced this new chapter together.“Morning already?” he asked, his voice low but warm.Rayka nodded, glancing at the horizon where the sun rose, casting a golden hue over the dense forest. “A new day,” she murmured. “A new era.”Sylvester stepped closer, his hand brushing hers. “And what kind of leaders will we be in this era, Rayka?”“The kind who learn from the past but don’t let it define us,” she replied without
The prophecy had haunted Rayka since the moment it had been uttered. The old seer’s voice echoed in her mind, a chilling combination of truth and warning: “Under the blood moon’s shadow, a bond shall be tested, a leader shall fall, and a child’s cry shall signal the dawn of a new fate." For weeks, the pack had lived in the shadow of these words, their meaning elusive yet ever-present. Rayka tried to convince herself that they were mere ramblings, but as the pieces of their world began to align in ways she couldn’t ignore, she feared that fate was finally calling its due.The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, jagged shadows across the forest. Rayka stood on the high balcony of the Moonshadow Pack’s stronghold, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Sylvester joined her, his steps silent but his presence unmistakable. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch warm despite the chill in the air.“The scouts reported movements near the western border,” Sylvester said, his voice h
The dawn broke over the forest, a hesitant light filtering through the trees as if wary of what it might find below. Rayka stood on the balcony of their stronghold, the cool morning breeze brushing her face. From her vantage point, she observed the daily bustle of the pack below. Yet, a gnawing unease had taken root in her heart, one that Sylvester had voiced just the night before.“You feel it too, don’t you?” Sylvester’s voice cut through the quiet. He approached from behind, his presence grounding yet tinged with the same worry that plagued her.“Yes,” Rayka admitted, her gaze fixed on the training grounds where warriors sparred. “Something’s not right. There’s a disconnect, a tension I can’t quite place.”Sylvester leaned against the railing, his sharp eyes scanning the scene. “We’ve been so focused on external threats, perhaps we’ve neglected what’s been festering within.”Their suspicions were confirmed later that day during a council meeting. The room was filled with voices, som
The air was heavy with tension as Rayka and Sylvester arrived at the neutral territory where the meeting was set to take place. This stretch of forest, untouched by either pack or faction, had served as a sanctuary for those unwilling to take sides in the recent conflict. The trees stood tall and ancient, their intertwined branches creating a canopy that muted the afternoon light. It was a place steeped in history, where deals had been struck and truces forged over centuries.Sylvester stepped ahead, his eyes scanning the dense underbrush for signs of movement. "I don’t like this," he murmured, his voice low enough for only Rayka to hear."I don’t either," Rayka replied, her gaze fixed on the clearing ahead. "But if there’s a chance to secure their support, we have to take it."The "they" in question were the Silver Veil, a reclusive and enigmatic group that had always remained on the periphery of pack politics. Neither fully aligned with the dominant factions nor entirely independent
The battle's aftermath left a silence that felt foreign, almost unnerving. Rayka stood atop a ridge overlooking the main settlement of their pack, the soft orange hues of dawn casting long shadows over the valley. For years, conflict had been her constant companion—each victory accompanied by loss, each step forward shadowed by doubt. Now, as the dust settled and the echoes of war faded, she realized that peace was an even more daunting challenge.The village below bore the scars of their struggles. Buildings stood in varying states of disrepair, some barely more than skeletons of wood and stone. People moved through the streets, their steps heavy with fatigue but underlined with determination. For every broken window, there was a group working to patch it. For every torn banner, there was someone sewing it anew.Sylvester joined her, his quiet presence a balm to her restless thoughts. "It’s a strange sight, isn’t it?" he murmured, his voice low as if unwilling to disturb the fragile s
The aftermath of battle hung over the battlefield like an oppressive shroud. Smoke coiled into the air, rising from the scorched earth, and the groans of the wounded were muffled by the crunch of boots over broken ground. Rayka and Sylvester stood on a ridge overlooking the smoldering remains of the battlefield, their eyes scanning the horizon for signs of enemy movement.The tension was palpable, the allied forces weary but prepared for another clash.“They’ve gone quiet,” Sylvester remarked, his sharp eyes darting toward the distant enemy camp. “Too quiet.”Rayka nodded, her instincts buzzing with unease. “It’s not like them to retreat without regrouping. Something’s not right.”As if to punctuate her words, a lone figure emerged from the enemy’s camp, holding a white flag high above their head. The sight drew murmurs from the allied forces, the realization spreading through their ranks like wi