Dean’s POVWhile Father spoke with Alpha Jed, my mind drifted away. Lauren’s soft face still lingered in my head, which seemed to be a regular occurrence lately. From the moment I met her, I instantly felt a deadly attraction towards her. Her scent still stuck with me, even when she wasn’t around. My wolf, Owen, also told me he wanted her; that he craved her with every part of his being. Something like this had never happened before. It made me all the more curious, and if I’m being honest, made me want her more. Whenever Lauren seemed to be in danger, Owen roared in my head: ‘Protect her!’ It was an amazing sensation, like a kind of addictive poison. I didn’t want the feeling to go away, and I knew neither did Owen. Her fair skin, beautiful blue eyes the color of a forest stream, rosy lips, and even the slight point of her nose… “Dean, what are you thinking about?” Father’s voice brought me back to reality, but I could still feel the warm rush of blood swimming through my veins
Dean’s POVMy memories flooded back in as Alpha King’s words resonated in my mind like a gushing river through the forest. I seldom thought of my past, but it was as if Alpha King purposefully brought them back to me this time. In a distant land far away from here, there once was an ancient kingdom revered by all the tribes around it. Wolves worked in harmony, and its people were always happy. Two gentle yet admired wolves ruled it. It was miles and miles away from here; and I was its sole heir. Well, I had been once, anyway. But that was long gone, and many years ago. How strange it is to think of this now. So much time has passed. After our land was invaded by an unknown, savaging foreign tribe, my parents both died protecting me during this ill-fated battle. I was very young, still a child. However, it was a moment I would never forget. I could still see their faces, especially my mother’s, crying out to me as she took her last breath. “My son, I’m sorry I can’t be there to wat
Lauren’s POVBefore leaving us alone, Jacob instructed Adam and me to go and seek refuge for the time being in a hidden chamber within the palace hall. Not even Adam knew it existed, and I wondered how Jacob knew about it. Or, more so, I wonder if Alpha King knows about this carved-out shelter. “Are you sure it’s safe for us to stay here? What if Alpha King comes looking for us?” I asked Jacob.“Don’t worry, little wolf, I wouldn’t send you somewhere if I thought it was putting you both in more danger,” Jacob answered. “It’s up to you, but you can trust me.” But he never fully answered my question. Handing over the decision to me instead. Adam was growing weaker by the second, and my instincts told me we didn’t really have a choice. “My dear Adam, your life is hanging on by a thread. Let’s get you to safety,” I whispered to him softly, but at this point, I wasn’t even certain he could hear me. Following Jacob, he pointed to me where the entrance was but didn’t follow us inside.
Adam’s POVSeeing Lauren’s torn, sad expression, I couldn’t believe my actions. A deep regret washed over me like a gigantic wave. Adam, what have you done?! “My little she-wolf, I’m so sorry! Forgive me! I don’t know what came over me,” I hastily apologized, adjusting her clothing and trying to make amends. She flinched. Lauren seemed to be gravely frightened, but I could tell by her demeanor she was trying not to show it, trying her best not to react. Feeling that her behavior lacked sincerity, I had to do something. Instinctively, I gathered her into my arms to comfort her. She didn’t fight me, allowing me to hold her closely against my chest. Although I had survived, the serious injuries left me in deep agony. Holding my little she-wolf in my arms, I couldn’t help but feel the throbbing sensation in all of my bones, but at the same time, I didn’t want to let her go. It’s worth having you in my arms. But Lauren sensed my pain. “Adam, are you okay?” “Yeah, yeah, I’m alright.
Lauren’s POVIn the days that followed, Adam and I spent every waking moment together. And it didn’t feel like an obligation. Unexpectedly, I found that he had become much gentler in his demeanor. There were times when he leaned in closer to me while we slept, seemingly without thinking, rather just naturally. Or he would randomly take my hand in his as if the feeling of my skin brought him comfort. “My darling,” he would say — a term he seldom had used before our hibernation in the secret chamber. I wonder if this is caused by delirium from his wounds. I sometimes caught myself thinking but would shake it off as quickly as the thought had arisen. Then, there were sweet, silent moments when I caught him gazing at me, a little smile in his eyes. He wouldn’t say anything, but I could feel his admiration. I didn’t mind it. Everything seemed normal, except for one peculiar detail … Whenever I left his side, which I would a few times during the day to find us food and water, Adam wo
Lauren’s POVAfter a long-drawn period of recovery, Adam was finally completely healed. Neither of us wanted to rush this process and would rather have him regain full health. We had both agreed to that from the start. I couldn’t believe the time had come. Adam had become even stronger than before; his appearance more handsome than before as well. I didn’t think it was possible to happen, but Adam proved me wrong. His face appeared more chiseled. Whenever there was a bit of light filtering through, his dark hair glistened in the specks that danced off the stone chamber’s walls. Even his muscles had become more outlined, even though he hadn’t been training. If ever I am in recovery, I hope I’m blessed with such a miraculous one; I thought to myself playfully one day. I wasn’t the only one who noticed this. “You know, completing a lifelong bond between mates is the best way for an Alpha to replenish his strength,” the maid hinted to me one day, and her mentioning of this showed me
Lauren’s POV“Damn it to hell; I’m going to have my father’s head if he has harmed you!” Cursed Adam, convinced it was another trick of the Alpha King. He sprung up, making a beeline for the darkened wood-covered hole that doubled as the chamber’s entry and exit point. Realizing his intentions, I suddenly grabbed hold of his hand, pulling him back. “Don’t go, it’s not poison…” I wasn’t entirely sure if that was true, but after that initial dizzy spell, the whirling subsided as fast as it had come on. Plus, I really, really didn’t want Adam confronting his father. Yet. He had only fully regained strength and health, and we both knew how things ended the last time. It’s what got us here in the first place… When I lifted my face and turned toward him, he finally understood what was happening. Melting into Adam’s muscular and sheltering arms, my cheeks flushed, and my breath became hot. We both felt the warmth rising in my body. “Has your heat season started?” Adam asked in a panic
Lauren’s POVAlpha King left, but as promised, his guards remained at the chamber’s door, blocking us from entering or exiting. The heat season’s physiological effects gradually clouded my mind, fogging up my thoughts like a thick mist. Instinctively, I clung to Adam, afraid to let him go and hoping desperately for someone to save me, to put me out of my misery and take me from this place. I felt trapped, like the weight of a hundred stones lay on top of me. My brain raced, but my body was unable to move, oppressed by the pain emulating from my stomach. Adam kissed my sweaty forehead, trying to console me. “My little wolf, I am so sorry. This is all my fault. I should never have brought you here in the first place,” but I was too delirious to recognize what he was saying, “I didn’t protect you well enough.” I felt myself being laid down on the bed and a pair of cool hands brushing my cheek, easing some of the heat that warped my entire body. But soon, the hands withdrew, and I c
Lauren’s POVComplete and utter joy washed over Adam, and it seemed that he could hardly believe it himself. “I love you, too, Lauren!” He eagerly asked me if I could stay, expressing his willingness to protect me and my people.“We could merge,” he offered, “we could become one, and in that way, I can protect both Packs and you always!” He delighted. “You know that’s not possible, Adam. Think of the people. Who would move over to who’s turf? We need to have the people’s best interests at heart, not our own. We want to be different from our parents; pave our own way. Not put our own interests at heart, but do what is best for the Tribe…” I rebutted. It’s not what Adam wanted to hear, but deep down, he knew I was right. Adam was a kind and just leader. The heat of the moment had caught him, but he knew the reality of our situation. We had already come to an agreement with the best of an outcome for both Tribes as possible. “Furthermore, you know better than anyone that returning h
Lauren’s POVNow that the Ironclaw Tribe and the Crimson Moon Tribe were both leaderless, Adam rightfully became the new Alpha King of his Father’s pack. At the same time, we made a joint announcement to everyone: that I was his only Luna whilst also being the leader of the Crimson Moon Tribe. The two Packs would become the closest of allies. It wasn’t the norm, but in this way, both our Tribes would be aligned. During this time, Dean had gone missing. At first, I thought Dean had retreated to his cave, the one he brought me to on the day of the battle. Both Adam and I went together to search for him there, but when we got there, the cave was empty. All of his possessions were gone, too. We sent men out to look for him in the nearby woods, but no one could find a trace of him, not even a scent. That was two weeks ago, and we had come to terms with the fact that he had left on his own accord. It’s unfortunate. If all the past conflicts hadn’t occurred, Dean would have been Adam’s
Lauren’s POVMother’s funeral was my final goodbye. As is custom for fallen heroes, her right into the afterlife was held in the exact spot in which she took her last breath. Adam and Dean had helped me dig a hole where her body was to be buried. Word was sent to the Crimson Moon Tribe, who had immediately retracted back to their camp soon after Jed was killed during the battle. My mother was a woman of honor, despite her shortcomings with Father, and she deserved a proper Rite of Death. I waited until tribes folk from the Crimson Moon Tribe were here to begin. White magnolias — her favorite — were laid around her body, and I covered in her a thick fox’s coat. One by one, packmates, friends, and allies smeared a small drop of blood onto Mother. Sending her off into her final passage of the afterlife, the head healer of the Crimson Moon Tribe knelt back on his haunches and took a final howl at the moon, long and loud, so that even the birds in nearby trees fluttered away, the leaves
Lauren’s POVThe air around us turned ice cold as if a recent snowstorm had swept across the land, even though it was the middle of summer. Everyone present struggled to determine whether the Alpha King’s curse would come true or not or if he was capable of actually creating such a curse. Faces were filled with terror. “Don’t worry, everyone!” Adam assured the crowd, his rightful role suiting him already. Suddenly, my mother coughed up blood and collapsed in a heap. I rushed to her side and took her sweating hands in mine. “You know, I don’t truly hate you, Lauren. How could I? I was only blinded by hatred,” she informed me, and her words felt like the best thing that had happened to me all day. “I’m just relieved that I could use my last bit of strength to save you; my last gift to you.” “No, Mother, don’t say that! It’s not a last gift; you cannot leave me!” I cried out to her, tears gushing from my eyes. “It’s okay, I promise you, I know you love me. Please don’t leave me, Mom
Lauren’s POVBut the fight wasn’t over, at least, not mine. Out of the dust, Alpha King appeared, laughing wildly like a possessed hyena. “Weakness. Your bloodline is tainted with weakness, child. You are no fit for my line of power. I only produce the strongest werewolves. This is all very clear to me. Not even Jed could save himself,” he howled viciously, sniggering at me as he spoke. The Alpha King edged closer and closer, and I noticed he hadn’t retracted his claws. I knew enough to know what this signaled, and he was getting ready for one last final kill. Even after regaining my strength, I was still no match for the Alpha King. Alice was strong, but it was the first time we fought together in battle, plus, Hanson was Alpha — his strength was unparalleled for a young wolf like myself, no matter my bloodline. Throughout all of the chaos, Adam and Dean never failed to take their eyes off me and were never far from sight. They had been standing behind me the entire time. But Al
Lauren’s POVThe three of us momentarily set aside our personal conflict, uniting against the common enemy. Dean shifted, his white wolf taking shape in an instant. Adam was still in his wolf form. I remained human. Climbing onto Eric’s back, I felt strong, and the three of us rushed to the battlefield. The wind howled and caressed my hair as it billowed, and the two brothers running side by side looked beautiful. Even in this stage of the outbreak, I couldn’t help but notice their beauty. As we prepared for battle, a sinister voice cut through the tension. Like a dark thundercloud, the Alpha King appeared out of nowhere, his eyes gleaming with malice. “It seems both my precious sons are quite fond of you,” the Alpha King sneered, his tone dripping in contempt. As he spoke, crowds gathered around him. I was still on the back of Adam, and Dean was right at our side. Funny how just a few minutes ago, we were in the cave, ready to go at one another. Yet here we stand, the three o
Lauren’s POVAdam bared his fierce fangs, which glistened like polished metal, ready to tear Dean’s throat out. He must have followed us here, and I was left wondering how much of my and Dean’s conversation he had heard. But that’s irrelevant now, anyway. The main thing is that he’s here! The tension in the cave was electric, and you could cut it with a razor-sharp knife. But I was not going to let either brother destroy the other. That already led to enough destruction the last time. Stepping forward, I placed a hand on Adam’s thick arm, well, in this case, Eric. His coat was warm beneath my skin, and I could feel his rushing anger in the heat of his blood. “Stop, Adam. He didn’t hurt me, and he wouldn’t. No matter what you heard, I know Dean wouldn’t do that,” I assured Adam, trying as best as I could to avoid any conflict between the two. “But if you kill Dean, the Alpha King won’t let you get away with it.” “I don’t care!” Adam bellowed in defiance. His fury was palpable, bu
Lauren’s POVBefore there was time for me to react or try and tear myself from Dean’s grip, we were too far away, and he had brought me miles from the palace hall. When Dean finally transformed back into his human form, I found myself in his arms and no longer strung over his shoulders like a heavy sack. By now, I came to my senses, realizing that Adam was nowhere in sight. I didn’t recognize the landscape around us either, and I could tell we were elsewhere, away from the Ironclaw tribe. Jagged mountains surrounded us, yet I couldn’t hear the sound of water — it was like there wasn’t a stream nearby. Where the hell are we? Struggling to remove myself from his grip, Dean quickly restrained me. It’s weird; he’s never been this forceful with me before. Something has definitely changed in him. He’s usually a little softer…Leading me into a cave, I couldn’t help but notice how strikingly different everything was inside when compared to the harsh environment outside. The interiors o
Lauren’s POVAlpha King left, but as promised, his guards remained at the chamber’s door, blocking us from entering or exiting. The heat season’s physiological effects gradually clouded my mind, fogging up my thoughts like a thick mist. Instinctively, I clung to Adam, afraid to let him go and hoping desperately for someone to save me, to put me out of my misery and take me from this place. I felt trapped, like the weight of a hundred stones lay on top of me. My brain raced, but my body was unable to move, oppressed by the pain emulating from my stomach. Adam kissed my sweaty forehead, trying to console me. “My little wolf, I am so sorry. This is all my fault. I should never have brought you here in the first place,” but I was too delirious to recognize what he was saying, “I didn’t protect you well enough.” I felt myself being laid down on the bed and a pair of cool hands brushing my cheek, easing some of the heat that warped my entire body. But soon, the hands withdrew, and I c