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
**Chapter: Tammy’s Web of Lies** *Tammy’s Perspective* The moment Ayla caught me in that heated argument with my father, I knew she’d be a thorn in my side. She had this annoying habit of acting like some self-righteous savior, trying to fix things she didn’t understand. How could she possibly help me? She didn’t know what my life had been like, what I’d endured, or what I still had to endure to survive. I didn’t need her pity. And I certainly didn’t need her poking around where she didn’t belong. The next morning, I woke up determined to avoid her at all costs. Ayla had this relentless energy about her—like a dog with a bone. She just wouldn’t let things go. I could already feel her judging eyes on me, her pity oozing from every glance. As I stepped out of my room, there she was, hovering in the kitchen. Of course, she had made breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon—the whole shebang. “Good morning, Tammy,” she said brightly, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “I thought y
The peacefulness of the past couple of days felt like a distant memory when Tammy and her father returned. From the moment they stepped through the door, the air in the packhouse shifted. Tammy, who usually made an entrance with her over-the-top outfits and obnoxious attitude, seemed subdued. Her shoulders were hunched, her eyes downcast, and she barely said a word to anyone. At first, I thought I was imagining it. After all, it wasn’t like Tammy to be quiet. But as the day wore on, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Late in the afternoon, I walked past one of the side hallways and heard raised voices. “You’re useless!” Joseph’s deep, menacing tone cut through the air. “Do you think this is a joke? You’re failing, Tammy. Again.” I froze, my heart pounding. His voice was so harsh it made my stomach churn. “I-I’m trying,” Tammy stammered, her voice shaking. “I’ll do better, I swear.” “Trying?” Joseph sneered. “Trying isn’t good enough. Do you know how much
For the first time in what felt like forever, the house was quiet. Tammy and her father had left early in the morning to deal with some family issue, and the atmosphere had shifted dramatically. The usual tension that clung to the walls like a fog had dissipated, leaving behind a rare sense of peace. I stood in the kitchen, sipping my tea and enjoying the stillness. The twins were playing in the other room, their laughter echoing softly down the hall. It felt like a normal day, something I hadn’t experienced in ages. Jake walked in, shirtless and freshly showered, his dark hair still damp and tousled. I nearly choked on my tea. “Morning,” he said gruffly, heading straight for the fridge. “Good morning,” I replied, my voice a little higher than I intended. He grabbed a bottle of water and leaned against the counter, his piercing gaze settling on me. “What’s with the look?” “What look?” I asked, quickly averting my eyes. Jake smirked, taking a sip of his water. “You’re sta
The morning started quietly, almost too quietly. The twins were playing in their room, and I had some rare time to myself. I stood in the kitchen, sipping on tea while I planned the day ahead. The warmth of the tea and the soft morning light through the window made me feel at ease, a feeling I hadn’t had in a long time. Jake had left for his early training, and I knew the twins would be bouncing off the walls soon. They had energy to burn, and Jake suggested we spend the day outdoors—a play day, as he called it. I wasn’t sure what a "play day" entailed, but I was eager to see the twins happy and carefree. A soft giggle floated down the hall, followed by Logan’s unmistakable attempt at a word that sounded like “doggy.” It was his new obsession. I made my way to their room, leaning on the doorframe as I watched Lily try to climb onto Logan’s bed. She wasn’t very successful, but Logan’s laughter filled the room, encouraging her to keep trying. “Lily, careful,” I said softly. Sh
AYLA’S POVThe day started like any other, a routine that I was slowly getting used to despite the chaos Tammy brought into our lives. Breakfast had been quiet, surprisingly so, with Tammy nowhere in sight. It was almost peaceful, with Sophie cracking jokes and Fatima teasing Jake about his brooding expression. Even the twins were in good spirits, giggling and smearing jam all over their faces. By the time lunch rolled around, the quiet had lulled me into a false sense of security. Tammy, however, made her grand reappearance, striding into the dining room like she owned the place. But something was off. "Good afternoon," she said, her voice unusually soft. Her gaze swept across the room, lingering on each of us as she offered a small smile. Fatima blinked. Sophie froze mid-sip of her drink. I just stared, waiting for the punchline. "Tammy," Jake said evenly, setting his glass down. "You’re late." "I know," Tammy said, her tone surprisingly humble. "And I wanted to apologiz
TÀMMY'S POVThe morning sun streamed through the dining room windows, bathing the room in a golden glow. The smell of fresh coffee and buttered toast filled the air, but I barely tasted the food on my plate. My appetite had disappeared the moment I woke up, replaced by the lingering sting of last night’s humiliation. Jake. That arrogant, stubborn man had dismissed me in front of the entire pack. And Ayla—oh, that omega witch—she had stood there looking smug, basking in the Alpha’s undeserved loyalty. I stabbed my fork into a piece of fruit with more force than necessary, ignoring the curious glances from a few workers clearing the table. Let them look. Let them whisper. Soon, they’d see me as their Luna, and their pathetic opinions wouldn’t matter anymore. “Miss Tammy, would you like more juice?” one of the servants asked timidly. “No,” I snapped, pushing my chair back with a loud scrape. The girl flinched, and I felt a flicker of satisfaction. At least someone still knew how
It was one of those days where I couldn’t seem to catch a break. Tammy had been hovering around Jake like a bad smell since breakfast, which wasn’t unusual, but today she seemed especially determined to cause trouble. I could feel it in the way her fake smile lingered a little too long and how her sugary tone had an underlying sharpness. Still, I tried to ignore her. If I let her get to me, she’d win, and I refused to give her that satisfaction. By mid-afternoon, I found myself in the library, organizing books that I didn’t even read just to keep my hands busy and my mind clear. It was peaceful, a rare sanctuary away from Tammy and her relentless drama. That peace was shattered when Sophie burst into the room, her face pale. “Ayla, you need to come to the main hall. Now.” I frowned, closing the book in my hands. “What’s going on?” “It’s Tammy,” Sophie said, her voice tight. “She’s—ugh, just come. You need to see this.” My stomach dropped. Tammy and her antics were never
It started with Fatima barging into my room like she owned the place, which wasn’t unusual. What was unusual was the manic look on her face. “She’s doing it again,” she announced, hands on her hips. I blinked at her, groggy from the nap I’d been enjoying. “Doing what?” “Being Tammy,” Fatima said, like that explained everything. It kind of did. “Ugh.” I rubbed my face and sat up. “What now?” Fatima pointed dramatically toward the hallway. “She’s in the kitchen. Again. She’s trying to tell Sophie how to ‘properly’ bake cookies. And—oh, you’re going to love this—she called her ‘sweetheart.’” I groaned. “Oh no.” “Oh yes,” Fatima replied, grinning now. “It’s about to go down.” Sophie was a saint, but there were limits to her patience. And Tammy? Tammy didn’t just push those limits—she drop-kicked them into oblivion. I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. “Let’s go before Sophie strangles her and we have to hide the body.” Fatima and I made our way to the kitchen, where
The day started off relatively quiet, which in this packhouse was almost suspicious. Tammy was nowhere to be seen for most of the morning, and for the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe without wanting to punch someone. The twins were playing happily in the garden, Sophie was organizing something in the kitchen, and I was curled up on the couch with a book, savoring the peace. Of course, it couldn’t last. By mid-afternoon, Tammy made her grand appearance. She had changed outfits—again—into something that could barely be classified as clothing. A tight red dress clung to her like a second skin, the neckline plunging so low it was practically indecent. She sauntered into the room as if she owned the place, her eyes scanning for Jake. When she didn’t find him, she pouted dramatically and turned her attention to me. “Where’s the Alpha?” she asked, her voice sugary sweet, though the venom underneath was impossible to miss. I didn’t look up from my book. “Busy.” Tam