The pack house was unusually quiet tonight. Fatima had taken the babies, insisting that we needed time alone, especially after everything that had happened. I knew she was right, but I still felt a pang of separation anxiety. I had barely left my babies’ side since they were born, but tonight, I needed this. *We* needed this.Jake was sitting on the edge of our bed, shirtless, his skin glistening with sweat and smudged with dried blood. His injuries had mostly healed, but he still looked exhausted, the strain of the past few days evident in the deep lines etched into his handsome face.“Lie back,” I said softly, wetting a cloth in the bowl of warm water beside me. “Let me take care of you.”He gave me a lopsided smile. “You know I can heal on my own, Priscilla. You don’t have to do this.”I ignored his words, gently pressing the cloth to a gash along his ribs. “You may heal fast, but it doesn’t mean you don’t feel pain,” I murmured. “And besides, I want to do this.”Jake’s breath hitc
I could still feel Jake’s arms wrapped around me, the lingering warmth of his embrace as I stormed out last night. I hadn’t been able to sleep. His words echoed in my head like a relentless drumbeat: *If something happens to me, you might have to leave.* I couldn’t bear the thought. I didn’t want to leave him; I wouldn’t. The mere suggestion made my chest tighten with fear and anger.As I walked into the meeting room, Fatima and Selena were already there, deep in conversation. I took a deep breath and joined them, forcing a smile onto my face even though my mind was still racing.“What happened?” Fatima asked, her sharp eyes narrowing as she noticed my tense expression.“Jake…” I hesitated, running a hand through my hair. “Jake thinks I might have to leave with the babies if things get worse.”Selena’s jaw dropped. “Leave? He wants you to run away?”I clenched my fists, feeling the surge of emotion rise again. “He doesn’t *want* me to. He said it might be necessary, for the babies’ sa
The day started off normal, deceptively so. The sun was shining, the pack house was buzzing with activity, and for once, it felt like a fleeting moment of peace had settled over us. I had almost let myself believe it.Almost.But the gnawing feeling in my stomach wouldn’t go away. Something was wrong. I could feel it like a shadow lurking just out of sight, a chill that clung to my skin no matter how warm the sun felt on my face.“Are you alright?” Fatima asked, stepping into the room with a cup of coffee in hand. Her expression was cautious, as if she could sense my unease.I forced a smile. “Just nerves, I guess. I can’t shake the feeling that we’re missing something.”“We’ve been following every lead, Priscilla,” Fatima reassured me. “We’re doing everything we can.”I nodded, but I couldn’t ignore the tension in my chest. “I know, but what if it’s not enough?”Before she could respond, the door swung open, and Selena rushed in, her face ashen. “You need to come with me,” she panted
We’d been closing in on him for weeks. Every lead, every tiny piece of information brought us closer, and tonight was the night. I could feel it. The air buzzed with a kind of crackling energy, as if the universe itself was holding its breath, waiting for what was about to unfold.Jake, Fatima, and I had assembled a small team. We couldn’t risk taking too many pack members — word would get back to Andrew, and that slimy traitor would tip off our mystery man. Instead, we chose our most trusted warriors. This was a surgical strike.“Are you sure about this?” Jake asked, his voice low and urgent as he strapped on his gear. He didn’t need weapons to fight — his wolf was weapon enough — but tonight, we couldn’t afford mistakes. He looked up at me, eyes searching mine for any flicker of hesitation.I nodded, determination coursing through me. “We need to end this tonight, Jake. If we don’t, he’ll slip away again, and more lives will be lost.”Fatima stepped forward, her expression grim but
The morning was eerily calm, almost as if the universe itself was holding its breath. I cradled one of the twins, gently rocking him back and forth as the sunlight streamed through the window. The pack house was filled with a sense of cautious hope. After all the chaos of the past weeks, this moment felt like a tiny sliver of peace.Fatima was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared tea. I could see her trying to mask the worry in her eyes with a forced smile, but I knew better. We both did. Jake had been restless since last night, pacing the halls like a caged wolf. He’d gotten a lead — a solid one, according to our informant — and I could see the fire in his eyes, the raw need to end this hunt.“He’s going after him, isn’t he?” Fatima asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she handed me a steaming cup of tea.I nodded, feeling the familiar knot of fear twist in my stomach. “He won’t wait any longer. This lead is different, Fatima. They have a name now — Jona. Apparently,
JAKE'S POVThe forest was eerily quiet as I led my men through the dense woods, the moonlight casting long shadows across the path. We were tracking the lead, one that could finally bring us face-to-face with the man who had been orchestrating this entire nightmare. I had left Priscilla back at the pack house, safe with Chris and Fatima, despite her protests. She wanted to be here, to fight alongside me, but I couldn’t risk it — not with the babies depending on her.The scent trail was faint but distinct. It led us deeper into the forest, past the familiar boundary markers of our territory. Whoever this man was, he knew our land well. I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were walking straight into a trap, but we had no choice. We had to find him. The name **Jona** had surfaced recently, whispered by those who knew of his infamy. He was once the leader of a rogue group known for their brutality and cunning, a man whose reputation sent chills down even the most hardened warriors.“Jake,
I forced a steady breath, moving through the pack house as if I had control. The truth was, I was hanging by a thread. The whispers had started early in the morning — concerned voices, eyes darting with fear. People knew something was wrong. Jake had been gone too long, and there was no word from him. When I stepped into the main hall, I saw Chris standing by the entrance, his face grim.“Chris,” I called, walking over quickly. “Any news?”He shook his head, his jaw clenched tight. “Nothing yet, Priscilla. We’ve sent out scouts, but there’s no sign of them.”I nodded, trying to hide the tremble in my hands. “We can’t let the pack see us panicking. We need to stay strong.”Chris gave a short, humorless laugh. “Easier said than done. The pack is already on edge. They’re afraid, Priscilla. They need their Alpha.”And so did I. The thought of Jake hurt — or worse — made my chest feel like it was being crushed by a boulder. But I couldn’t let that fear consume me. Not when the entire pack
The forest stretched out before us, dark and oppressive, as if it were alive and intent on swallowing us whole. Every rustle, every crack of a branch underfoot, felt like a scream in the silence. Chris walked ahead of me, his steps cautious but deliberate. Marcus’s absence weighed heavily on us, a bitter reminder of how close this hunt had already come to disaster. Jake’s blood was our only lead now. The faint, coppery tang lingered on the air, guiding us deeper into the trees. Chris knelt briefly to inspect a patch of disturbed leaves, sniffing the air like a wolf on the trail. “He’s close,” Chris murmured, his voice tight. I swallowed hard, gripping the dagger Fatima had forced into my hand before I left. “Are you sure it’s not...?” My voice faltered, unwilling to say the word. Chris glanced back at me, his expression grim but resolute. “I’d know the difference, Luna. He’s alive.” That was enough for now. I pressed on, forcing myself to focus. Every step brought us clos
I didn’t sleep that night. Even after Jake had walked me back to my room, his touch still lingered on my skin, and my mind was a storm of emotions I couldn’t untangle. What had we done? What did it mean? I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my fingers grazing my lips, remembering the way he had kissed me in the lake. He had pulled me close. Held me like he didn’t want to let go. Kissed me like I was something more than just the woman forced into his life. But when we left the lake, he didn’t say much. He had been quiet, almost thoughtful, his gaze flickering toward me more times than I could count. I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but I was afraid of the answer. What if it meant nothing? What if it had just been the heat of the moment? I rolled over with a frustrated sigh. My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to shut off. Somehow, I must have dozed off at some point because when I opened my eyes, the room was bathed in soft morning light. I was still
The heat was unbearable. Even inside the packhouse, where the walls were thick and shaded, the air felt suffocating. Sweat clung to my skin, and I could feel my clothes sticking to me uncomfortably. The heatwave had settled over the territory like a thick, oppressive blanket, and it didn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon.Sophie had already declared war on the sun, dramatically flopping onto the couch and refusing to move, while Fatima had gone to the kitchen, attempting to make some kind of iced drink that wouldn’t melt within seconds. The twins were in their nursery, the coolest room in the house, surrounded by enchanted ice packs to keep them comfortable.I, however, was suffering.Standing by the open window, I fanned myself uselessly, hoping for a breeze that never came. My hair was damp at the nape of my neck, and my tank top and shorts felt like they were trapping the heat against my skin instead of providing any relief.“I swear, I’m melting,” Sophie groaned from the couch.
Jake's office was exactly what I expected—neat, organized, and painfully impersonal.The large wooden desk was stacked with reports and maps, the shelves lined with books and ledgers. The only thing that seemed remotely personal was a framed picture on the far wall. Even from here, I could tell it was of Prisca.I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to look away.Jake was already at his desk, flipping through a folder. "Close the door behind you."I did as he asked, stepping further into the room. "So, what’s the plan?"He didn’t look up. "We need to tighten security. I want to know how someone got past our patrols and drugged the guards."I crossed my arms. "That’s obvious. But do you have any leads on who’s behind this?"Jake finally met my gaze. "Nothing solid. But whoever it is, they’re getting bolder."A chill ran down my spine. "Then we don’t have time to waste."He nodded. "Which is why I want you to go over the patrol routes with me. I need a fresh set of eyes."
The room was quiet except for the soft, rhythmic breathing of the twins. The dim glow of the nightlight bathed everything in a warm, golden hue, making the moment feel strangely intimate. Jake was still standing close, his presence looming but not suffocating. For once, there was no tension, no sharp words or cold glares. Just him and me, existing in the same space without fighting it. I exhaled slowly, brushing my fingers through Lily’s soft curls. "I don’t think they’ll ever be truly safe, Jake." My voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "Not when someone out there wants them." Jake's jaw tensed, his arms still crossed as he stared down at the twins. "Then we make sure whoever’s after them never gets the chance to try again." The protectiveness in his voice sent warmth through me, but I quickly pushed it down. I had to focus on the bigger picture. I turned in my seat, looking up at him. "We still don’t know why they want them or who’s behind it." His gaze flickered to m
Jake’s thumb brushed against my cheek, slow and deliberate, as if memorizing the feel of my skin beneath his touch. My breath caught, my chest tightening with emotions I wasn’t ready to name.I could feel his warmth, his presence surrounding me, and for once, he wasn’t pulling away. He wasn’t running."Jake…" My voice came out softer than I intended, almost a whisper, as I met his eyes.He held my gaze, his expression unreadable, but I saw the battle waging inside him. The hesitation. The need. The conflict.For the first time, it felt like he was allowing himself to just be here with me, in this moment, without the weight of his past dragging him back.His fingers tightened slightly on my jaw, his body impossibly close to mine. "You make it hard to stay away."A shiver ran down my spine. "Then don’t."Something in his expression shifted, something raw and vulnerable flickering in his eyes before he exhaled heavily. "You don’t know what you’re asking for.""Yes, I do." My hand came up
The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I stretched slightly, feeling the warmth beside me before reality set in. Jake was still here. He hadn't left before I woke up like he usually did. My heart did an involuntary flip at the realization. I turned my head slowly, trying not to disturb him, and took in the sight of his face, relaxed in sleep. His usual stern expression was gone, and in its place was something softer, almost peaceful. I had seen him vulnerable only a few times, but never like this—so unguarded, so human. I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to reach out and brush my fingers along the sharp lines of his jaw. This was dangerous territory. Before I could think too much about it, his eyes fluttered open, dark and sharp, instantly alert. It was fascinating how quickly he transitioned from sleep to full awareness. "You’re staring." His voice was rough with sleep, deeper than usual. I felt the heat rise up my neck and imm
The man knelt in the center of the room, his face battered and streaked with blood. His shirt was torn, stained with sweat and fear. Behind him stood two of Alaric’s men, their grips firm, unyielding. And then there was Alaric. He stood before them, every inch the cold, untouchable king. His suit was immaculate, his presence suffocating. In his hands, he toyed with a sleek dagger, twirling it between his fingers like an afterthought. He didn’t speak immediately, letting the silence stretch unbearably thick. “so you think you can steal from me? ” Alaric’s voice was a death sentence, quiet but unwavering. The man trembled, his breathing ragged. “I-I swear, I didn’t take the money! I was framed, I-” The crack of Alaric’s palm against the man’s face echoed through the room. I flinched. The force of the slap sent the man’s head snapping to the side, blood trailing from his split lip. “I didn’t ask for excuses,” Alaric said, his tone calm, terrifying. “I asked if you knew why you were
I took a deep breath as I stood outside Jake’s office. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it might jump out of my chest. I had been waiting for this moment—to finally have a real conversation with him, to get everything out in the open. But now that I was here, an odd sense of hesitation filled me. Would he listen? Or would he just shut me out like he always did?No. I couldn’t afford to second-guess myself. Not now.I pushed the door open without knocking. He was sitting behind his desk, scribbling something on a piece of paper, his expression cold and distant. At the sound of the door opening, he looked up. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes—something I couldn’t quite place—before he masked it with his usual unreadable expression.“What is it?” he asked, his tone clipped and impatient.I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay strong. “We need to talk.”“I’m busy.”My nails dug into my palms. “Too bad. I’m not leaving until we
I wasn’t sure what startled me awake at first. My body felt heavy, my limbs sluggish, and the warmth of my blankets begged me to stay curled beneath them. But something was wrong. The air around me felt… charged. A presence lingered in my room, unseen but **felt**, and a whisper brushed against my ears. **"Ayla… wake up."** My breath hitched, and my eyes snapped open. The room was dim, only faint moonlight streaming through the window, but I knew I wasn’t alone. My heart pounded as I pushed myself up, scanning the shadows. **Prisca.** I had heard her before, always in my dreams. But this time was different. This wasn’t a dream. **"Wake up. The twins."** Panic gripped me. I threw off my blankets and ran. The hallway was eerily quiet, the only sound my hurried footsteps as I rushed toward Lily and Logan’s room. Dread settled deep in my stomach, a horrible premonition clawing at my chest. When I reached the door, my heart stopped. The guard. He was slumped against th