“Just that, I know what you are going through.” River declared and exited, closing the door. She felt as if she was back in their manor at Nightshade pack, Cecilia’s rage fully pouring on her. She shivered inwardly. Should she just do as Thane wished? Should she quit the marriage and leave Lunar pack?Thane slumped on his wheelchair, his chest heaving as if he had run a marathon. His thoughts swirled in turmoil, like a tempest raging within."How does she see past my mask?" he wondered, his mind reeling. River's music had pierced his armor, exposing the vulnerability he had hidden for so long. And she had to come and spoil everything."Why can she not leave me alone?" Thane growled, frustration and fear entwined. He had built walls to keep people out, to protect himself from pain.But River's melody had seeped through the cracks, finding its way to his heart. Thane's defenses trembled, threatening to crumble.With a sudden surge of determination, Thane pushed himself to the door, his
Thane's gaze drifted through the garden's lush greenery, searching for the source of the melodic humming. His gaze finally landed on River, as she knelt among the flowers, her fingers dancing across petals. The sunlight cast a warm glow on her profile, illuminating the gentle curve of her smile.His chest tightened, a familiar ache stirring within. Thane's grip on his wheelchair's armrests intensified, a subconscious attempt to anchor himself against the turbulent emotions within him.Why did she affect him so profoundly? River's presence was a gentle breeze on a summer's day, soothing yet unsettling. Thane's mind wrestled with the contradiction.As River's humming ceased, she glanced up, her eyes locking onto Thane's. For an instant, they held each other's gaze. Thane's face flushed, his heart racing. River's smile faltered, and she returned to tending the flowers. Thane's tension eased, replaced by disappointment.Thane's thoughts swirled, a mix of trepidation and curiosity. He had
“Now is not the right time to tell you about my scars.”River's hand extended as she handed Thane the flower in her hand, her slender fingers brushing against his, sending a spark of electricity through his entire being. The touch was fleeting, yet its impact resonated deeply, forging a connection that transcended words. Thane's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes searching for a glimmer of understanding."Hope your knees are getting better, has the pain reduced?" River said, her voice laced with genuine concern, her eyes crinkling at the corners. The empathy in her tone unraveled Thane's defenses, leaving him exposed.Thane nodded curtly, his jaw clenched in a futile attempt to mask the pain. "It is manageable," he muttered, the words barely escaping his lips. Thane smelled the flower, enjoyed its fragrance briefly then put it on his lap, his gaze returning to River.River's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing through his façade. "You are not very good at hiding pain, Thane," she said softl
Since his accident, he had not been current on news within and outside the packs, not to talk of the capital. The mere fact that diplomatic Theresa came to tell him about the news could only mean that it concerned him."What news?" he asked, his tone neutral, but his eyes betraying a hint of concern.Theresa's expression turned serious, her features etched with gravity. "Rumors of Axel's pack forming alliances with rival packs." The words dropped like a stone into a still pond, sending ripples of unease through Thane.Thane's grip on his wheelchair armrests tightened, his knuckles whitening as he struggled to maintain control. The mention of Axel's name still had the power to evoke strong emotions, a tangled web of pain, anger, and regret.River's hand brushed against his, a gentle reassurance that sent a spark of comfort through him. Her touch was a lifeline, anchoring him to the present.Theresa noticed the fleeting contact, her eyes shining with approval. "I knew you two would hit
Thane’s mind drifted to their lack walk beside the river just before the battle that claimed his legs. They had strolled down hand in hand, pausing to kiss ever five minutes. He just could not have enough of Axel.That day, she had gazed up at Thane with concern etched on her face. "Thane, I don't know how much more of this I can take," she said, her voice laced with frustration. She made to withdraw her hand from Thane’s but he quickly clasped his second hand on it, holding her right hand in both of his.Thane's gray eyes, flecked with warmth, locked onto hers. "What is troubling you, my love?" He squeezed her hand reassuringly. He removed his right hand to remove a lock of hair that fell on Axel’s worried face as he waited for her response."It is those other she-wolves, especially Helena and Akira." Axel replied, her voice trembling. "They cannot seem to keep their eyes off you. They think you are still the same Thane, the fearless warrior, and they want you for themselves."Tha
"There have been instances where the mating was… influenced," Alpha Malcolm continued, his words dripping with caution.The admission hit Thane like a blow, his mind reeling with implications. Axel's manipulation, the pack's involvement – the possibilities swirled, threatening to consume him.Theresa's eyes locked onto Thane's, a silent apology etched on her face.River stepped forward, her presence a gentle reminder of her support. "Thane, what does this mean?" she asked, her voice soft.Thane's gaze never left his father's. "It means that everything I thought I knew was a lie," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.Alpha Malcolm's expression turned grave. "It is possible, Thane. The Moon Goddess's power can be influenced by those with sufficient magical prowess."River's eyes widened. "You mean someone could have forced the mating?"Alpha Malcolm nodded. "Yes. But it would require immense power and knowledge of ancient rituals."Thane's mind reeled. "Axel. She did not truly ch
Amidst sobs, Thane wondered. How did Axel succeed in manipulating him? Why had Axel manipulated him? Had their entire relationship been a ruse?Thane's heart felt shattered, his love for Axel still lingering despite the betrayal.As the tears flowed, Thane mourned the loss of his first love, his fated mate, and the future they were supposed to share.Hours passed, Thane's emotions spent. Exhaustion claimed him, and he slumped into his bed, surrounded by darkness.Alone in his room, Thane's mind surrendered to the memories of Axel, like a tidal wave crashing against the shores of his soul. The recollections swirled, vivid and alive, transporting him back to the day the Moon Goddess declared them fated mates.He recalled the soft, golden light of the ceremony hall, the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers, and the hushed murmurs of the pack members. Axel's smile, hesitant at first, had blossomed into warmth, illuminating her face like sunrise over a summer horizon. Thane's heart, once
Maid Bea brought entered with a jug of fresh water. She courtesied and left the room.Thane continued his train of thought, which sent a shiver down his spine. Thane's fists clenched, his nails biting into his palms. He felt abandoned, betrayed. The pain was a palpable thing, a living, breathing entity that writhed within him. His gaze fell, his eyes fixed on the darkness. The shadows seemed to twist and writhe, like living serpents. Thane's mind recoiled, horrified by the possibility that his feelings were not his own."Am I still under her spell?" he whispered, the words barely audible. The uncertainty was a poison, spreading through his veins like a slow-moving toxin.Thane's head dropped into his hands, his body racked by a silent, anguished cry. The darkness closed in, a suffocating shroud that threatened to consume him whole.Thane's thoughts turned inward, desperately seeking solace in the depths of his own mind. "Lunos," he called out, his inner wolf's name a whispered plea. T
His nerves sparked, renewed connections firing like a network of tiny, glowing synapses. Strength surged through his limbs, revitalizing his muscles and tendons, infusing him with a sense of power and vitality that he had not felt in years. Thane's heart swelled with emotion, his mind reeling with the implications of this transformation. He felt reborn, remade, his body and spirit renewed by the healing power of River's love.Thane's eyes locked onto River's, his gaze drinking in the sight of her serene, peaceful face. Awe, gratitude, and love shone brightly in his eyes, as if the very depths of his soul were overflowing with emotion.River's hands remained on Thane's knees, channeling the last remnants of her healing energy into his body. Her light began to dissolve, her energy spent, but her face remained aglow with a soft, peaceful smile."You are healed, Thane," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the candles. "You are made whole again."Thane's voice tre
River's hands danced across Thane's skin, her gentle touch igniting soothing warmth that seeped deep into his muscles. Her fingers moved with a deliberate, calming rhythm, each massage stroke releasing a tiny tremor of tension from his body.As her hands worked their magic, a soft, golden light began to emanate from her fingertips, casting a warm glow over Thane's skin. The light was like a balm to his weary soul, soothing his pain and calming his mind.Thane felt his body relax, his muscles releasing their pent-up tension as River's gentle touch coaxed him into a state of deep relaxation. His pain began to ease, the ache in his knees and shoulders gradually receding as River's healing light infused his being.His eyes never left River's face, drinking in the sight of her serene, focused expression. Wonder, gratitude, and love shone brightly in his gaze, his heart overflowing with emotion as he watched River work her magic.As her light infused his being, Thane's heart swelled, his so
A few hours later, River's eyes fluttered open, her gaze soft and serene. A gentle smile played on her lips, a testament to the peaceful slumber that had wrapped her in its soothing embrace. Beside her, Thane stirred, his chest rising and falling with the slow rhythm of deep sleep.River's gaze drifted, lost in the lingering haze of a dream that had left her feeling warm and cherished. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, shone with a soft, ethereal light, as if the moon itself had left a piece of its gentle glow within her. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the quiet intimacy of the moment, the gentle rise and fall of Thane's chest, and the soft, peaceful beating of River's own heart.In her dream, River's mother, Catherine, stood before her, radiant with a warm, loving light that seemed to emanate from the very core of her being. Her eyes, shining with a deep, maternal love, gazed into River's, as she spoke in a gentle, melodious voice. "River, my child," she said, "T
As they stayed there, wrapped in each other's arms, Thane and River felt like they were floating on air. Their love for each other was like a bubble that surrounded them, protecting them from the outside world and keeping them safe in their own little world of happiness.After a few moments of just holding each other, Thane pulled back and looked into River's eyes. "I have one more surprise for you," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.River's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Thane smiled and gestured to the door of the music room. "Look outside," he said, his eyes shining with excitement.River walked to the door and opened it, revealing a hallway filled with people, all of whom were smiling and holding candles. The candles cast a warm, golden glow over the scene, making it feel like a dream come true.At the front of the hallway, River saw a large banner that read "Congratulations, Thane and River!" in big, bold letters. S
River's gaze lingered on Thane's face, drinking in the warmth and compassion that radiated from him. Tears glistened in her eyes, but they were no longer just tears of pain. They were also tears of gratitude, of relief, of feeling seen and heard."Thank you, Thane," River whispered again, her voice cracking with emotion. Thane's face softened, his eyes filling with love and adoration."My love, you never have to thank me for being here for you," Thane said, his voice low and husky. "I will always be here, waiting for you, loving you, no matter what."As Thane spoke, his words wrapped around River's heart like a warm blanket. She felt a sense of safety, of security, that she had never felt before. And in that moment, she knew that she could trust Thane with her deepest secrets, her darkest fears.A few minutes later, Thane wheeled into the music room, the soft creak of the wheels echoing through the space. River followed closely behind, her curiosity sparkling like a firefly on a summe
Thane's eyes sparkled with excitement as he spoke, his voice filled with promise. "We could not have our lunch date because of your duties at the infirmary. No offense. I know you are doing this for me." River's heart swelled with emotion as she realized the depth of Thane's understanding and appreciation for her sacrifices."Tonight, I will make it up," Thane continued, his voice low and husky. "A candlelit dinner in the garden, just us." The words painted a picture of romance and intimacy, and River's face glowed with anticipation."Perfect, Thane," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. The thought of a quiet, candlelit dinner with Thane in the garden was almost too wonderful to bear. River felt her heart flutter with excitement, her senses coming alive at the prospect of a magical night with the man she loved.The garden, once a serene oasis, transformed into a romantic haven, its beauty heightened by the soft, golden candlelight that danced across River's radiant face. T
Their banter wove a spell of warmth, laughter, and love, wrapping them in a cozy cocoon of intimacy and connection. In this quiet, peaceful moment, their hearts beat as one, their love and affection for each other shining like a beacon of hope and happiness. The world outside receded, and all that mattered was the two of them, lost in the joy and wonder of their love.River's eyes sparkled with mischief as Thane feigned helplessness, his playful dynamic with her shifting seamlessly into tender, heartfelt moments. Thane's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes shining with gratitude and love, as he spoke words that came from the very depths of his soul. "River, you bring light into my life," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.River's cheeks flushed softly, a delicate pink hue that spread across her face like a sunrise. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she replied, her words trembling with feeling. "You are my home, Thane," she said, her eyes locked onto his, her heart beati
Thane's journey with River had been a transformative one, exposing hidden vulnerabilities and forcing him to confront the past demons that had haunted him for so long. But as he navigated the twists and turns of their relationship, he began to learn the value of trust again. The walls he had built around his heart, once impenetrable and fortress-like, began to crumble, revealing a stronger, wiser heart beneath.His love for River awakened a new sense of purpose within him, a deep-seated desire to protect and care for her. She had become his top priority, his reason for being. And with Theresa's loyalty and Malcolm's guiding wisdom, Thane felt a sense of security and support that he had never known before.As the emotional walls that had once imprisoned him began to crumble, Thane felt a sense of freedom and release that he had never experienced before. He was no longer the brooding, troubled alpha that he once was. Instead, he was a stronger, wiser, and more compassionate leader, one
Alpha Malcolm, watching from afar, chuckled at the exchange. He shook his head, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Thane is in love, all right," he thought to himself, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He remembered the days when Thane was a hurt, brooding werewolf, full of angst and attitude. But now, he seemed to have found his footing, his heart filled with a sense of purpose and belonging. And it was all thanks to River, the young woman who had healed Thane's heart.Meanwhile, Theresa danced through the bustling market, her eyes scanning the vibrant vendor stalls with a sense of excitement and purpose. "Something spectacular," she whispered to herself, her mind racing with possibilities. "For Thane's sweetheart." She teased a nervous merchant, her playful smile flashing like a ray of sunshine. "Show me your finest treasures," she commanded, her voice dripping with mock authority.The merchant's nervous smile faltered for a moment before he nodded hastily. "Ah, Young Alpha'