With a guilty conscience, I glanced in Johnston's direction. A painful lump formed in my throat. Could the Beta's story be a hidden message meant for me, the script written in reverse?I have also essentially rejected Johnston for my destined mate who has yet to take shape. Interestingly, Johnston embodies everything I desire in a mate and more. He is perfect, he possesses an unmatched loyalty, affection, and even appearance. Yet I have rejected him every time he has held on to our love, even saving me from the clutches of a cruel Alpha a few hours ago.As though he could read my thoughts, he deliberately made his way toward me, fixing his gaze intently on mine. My heart races as he closes the distance between us. Once in front of me, he wrapped an arm around my waist and softly guided me to a secluded area behind the building for some privacy. We settled on a bench near a fountain, its gentle water sounds offering a calming ambiance.The soothing sou
Still Erica’s Point of View And then it was time to move on. Alpha Zen accompanies us to the parking lot as a few warriors load our belongings into my car. He had also filled up my gas tank and performed a general check-up on the vehicle to ensure I would be safe on the road. His attention to detail and thoughtfulness are wonderful additions to his already remarkable character. My father and Elder Egmond departed yesterday, immediately following the meeting. They were quite pleased with how everything was arranged by the new leader. As I watched them leave, a feeling of pride and accomplishment got hold of me, knowing we had successfully navigated a challenging situation in Windcrest together. Xander and Xena were passionately greeting each other beside his car, parked just a few meters from mine. Their embrace was full of longing and affection, a testament to the deep bond they share. While Xander is set
Johnstons Point Of ViewIt was quite close.I was about to lose her, my worst fear had almost come true. The very thought sent shivers down my spine. Erica is too naïve, she doesn’t understand that the world also has its share of big bad wolves.I observed as she navigated life, unaware of the dangers lurking around every corner. Her innocence and trust are qualities I cherish deeply, yet they leave her vulnerable. To ensure her safety, I need to stay close when she visits the other packs. Letting her out of my sight wasn't an option anymore, the responsibility for her protection weighed heavily on my shoulders.Oh man, I wonder how I'll get through this! By the end of this tour, my mental state might be in shambles.My only hope now is that she won't face any more trouble. The thought was both a prayer and a desperate plea. I needed to ensure that every step she took was monitored, and every path she walked was safe. The idea of her encountering harm again was unbearable. They foun
Erica Point Of ViewThe scent of Johnston's was unmistakably in the air.I intentionally flirted with Mark, the receptionist, knowing that Johnston wouldn't be able to stand it. I already missed him when he got out of the car, our time together felt far too brief.Honestly, I miss our intimacy. I'm so accustomed to it and it's been over a week since I've touched him the way I used to, feeling his bare warmth beneath my hands.Johnston is such a strong man.Throughout all those years of yearning for each other, he was the one who upheld our commitment to abstain from sex and touching intimate parts. Many times, I felt the desire to give him my V-card, feel him inside me, wrap my body and soul around him. Yet Johnston insisted that we wait until after our mating ceremony. He always believed firmly that we were destined mates but not yet permitted to experience the bond completely. There was one moment when we nearly lost control.I felt extremely frustrated at that moment. I noticed on
The next morning, I felt so cheerful upon waking up that I considered lounging in bed all day.I stretch my limbs and glance over at the other bed in the room, where Xena is still peacefully sleeping. These past hours, I felt like she was missing her mate terribly.I frequently observe her zoning out.Today, we're departing for the Crimson Moon pack. Yesterday at the entertainment center, several motel guests confirmed Xena's earlier remarks about how this pack approaches relationships. All adults were either mated or had left their borders to search for their mate elsewhere.I anticipate our visit to be brief yet unforgettable, as we've planned to enjoy the beach. I wished Johnston could join us. In the excitement of our escapade last night, I forgot to suggest he come along with us."Sleeping Beauty, I think it's time for breakfast," I said as I tried to wake Xena.It didn’t take much for her eyes to snap open. Even freshly awakened, she radiated beauty effortlessly. Her mate is tru
The couple first exchanged shocked glances before turning to face me.Xena's head swiveled like a malfunctioning carousel, shifting her gaze from the lady to me and back again. Alpha Rudy was the first one to regain his composure."Hmmm, I’m Alpha Rudy and this is my mate, Luna Sarai," he said as he introduced himself and the woman. "I must admit, Erica, you look remarkably like my mate."My mouth hung open and my eyes were fixed on Luna Sarai. We are around the same age, but she has a small crescent-shaped birthmark above her upper lip that sets us apart. She might end up like my sister! And I'm not sure how I feel about this.I never desired a twin. Within my pack, I always pretended to be one-of-a-kind. From an early age, I disliked the idea of others resembling me. Although many girls admired me, it frustrated me when they adopted my hairstyle and hair color or wore similar shoes and dresses as mine. There was an unspoken understanding that my style was distinctive, something to a
When we arrived, the party was already in full swing.The scent of this pack is incredibly uplifting, clean, and reassuring.I observed teenagers losing themselves to a hard rock rhythm, as beer and liquor flow abundantly. Werewolves aren't easily intoxicated, so we indulge freely. Our tolerance for alcohol is nearly ten times that of humans.Xena easily blends in with a group of women our age.At first, the she-wolves were hesitant when they scent her, but she quickly won them over. They're discussing babies and birth control, which aren't topics that particularly interest me. 'Johnston, are you coming? Luna Sarai invited you to the barbecue party too. I fell asleep and forgot to tell you, I'm really sorry," I mind link my boyfriend. He responded right away. 'I have an assignment from our Alpha, my love. I can't make any promises since I'm quite far away. What time does it go until?""I believe we'll call it a night when we can't go any longer. The vi
Johnston’s Point of ViewI constantly had to calm Erica down, which caused me to lose focus on Luna. Luna Sarai's facial features seemed familiar to me as if I had seen them before. She reminded me of Erica, yet there was something distinct about her that set her apart. Perhaps it's all in the eye of the beholder. To me, it was all about the birthmark. The woman in my dreams has the same one. These dreams visited me frequently, and I've always known she wasn't Erica. When I sought help from my parents to interpret them, they were perplexed too because they knew that only Erica held a place in my heart. At times, I wondered if it was the spirit of my biological mother trying to convey something beyond my understanding. While the woman in my dreams didn't exactly resemble Luna, they shared some distinctive traits, a golden crescent moon on her upper lip, a petite frame, and a gap between her front teeth. There was another unique feature I needed to confirm, the same
Erica’s POVWhen I opened my eyes, I felt a little dizzy.My vision was blurred, and I had to blink a few times to see my surroundings properly. In a corner, I saw Luna Sarai sitting on a mud chair, supported by the wall. She was unconscious, her face pale. I stumbled over and shook her shoulders.“Luna, wake up. Something has happened to us,” I whispered urgently. I blew on her face a few times. A few seconds later, she slowly opened her eyes and stared at me.“Luna, wake up. We have been kidnapped. We have to find a way out,” I explained to her. She just stared at me, her body stiffened but she was still unresponsive.At that moment, I heard a noise coming our way. Someone appeared in the doorway, and I kind of remembered him as the man who came to meet us at the clearing. Behind him was Xena.“Xena, what's going on? Where's Johnston?” I asked her urgently. "Why are we here?"“Erica, my Master here will explain everything to us. I don't know everything that's going o
Johnston followed suit, his movements precise and controlled. "Erica," he murmured gently. As he applied the liquid to his face, his eyes briefly closed as though searching for an inner connection. I grabbed the last bottle and mirrored their actions.I pretended to perform a ritual by closing my eyes for an extra moment and taking a deep breath, as though I were absorbing power from the bottle. The air around us seemed charged with unusual energy, and I could feel their eyes on me, observing my every action with suspicion.All three of them gazed at me intently until I opened my eyes and smiled, exuding a sense of calmness and reassurance."This will enable you to maintain your connection with them," I assured, my voice steady. "Please, be assured they are safe. They'll be back with you before you know it."The Alpha and Johnston shared a wary glance, but the ritual appeared to have pacified them for now. The delicate spark of trust I had kindled was fragile, and I understood that c
"My mate! Where is she? You bastard!" the Alpha roared, half-shifted into his huge black wolf.His fur bristled with rage, and his eyes glowed with a feral intensity. He was ready to behead me but remembered at the last moment that he needed me to get his mate back. His growl reverberated through the air, I was sure it could be heard miles from here."Erica!!" Johnston bellowed now with desperation and fury.He, too, was almost shifted, his claws out and his sharp fangs exposed. His eyes were pitch dark, filled with a savage determination. These powerful werewolves were deeply infatuated with their mates and were not to be underestimated. They were willing to go to great lengths to get their women back. I have to tread carefully now."Relax," I signed with my hands, trying to project calmly. "Everything will be fine. I know how to get them back. This is just temporary.""What do you mean by that?! Why did she suddenly disappear? Where is she?" the Alpha demanded, his voice dripping wi
Another party’s POVThe water rippled and then there was a soft pop.The egg had burst!This was a confirmation of an evil spirit involved in the case Xena brought before me. With this, a sense of urgency and dread was added to this mission. I exchanged a worried glance with the witch, who nodded grimly.I’m Master Brent. Xena considers me a warlock, but in fact, I am one of the remaining Endarkened Shadow hunters. For centuries, I have been looking for a way to use the divine Seraph Knife, a special weapon to make supernatural beings like me more powerful. With this weapon, I could become the master of the universe and make both demons and humans bow to me.To activate the powers of the Seraph Knife, I must mate with an angel or a supernatural being of high rank. At the peak of our mating, I have to call out the name of an angel loudly and stab the woman in the heart. I found out a long time ago that the most obvious angel was the werewolf Moon Goddess, so I was looki
“There is a clearing on the border of Crimson Moon and neutral land. Let's take our conversation there,” suggested Master Brent.‘Johnston, there is a clearing at the Crimson Moon border. Just try to get everyone there. Three more hours,’ I texted Johnston.Master Brent went on to visit some specific ancient places in our area, each location steeped in history and mystery. It was as if he was asking for permission from the elders to call for the graves. The rituals he performed were intricate, involving ancient symbols and incantations that reverberated through the air.I know this is going to be drastic. The great thing is that I will learn a lot from this experience, it is the first time that I am going to witness this. I'm excited but still scared of what might come out of this. The unknown elements of magic and the supernatural always carried a sense of danger and awe.Before we leave for Crimson Moon, we must also go to the nearby lake to sink in a sacrifice.The
Still Johnston’s POVAfter our conversation on the beach with Alpha Rudi, which didn't provide any clarity, Erica and I decided to set aside all concerns until Xena returned. During this time, we enjoyed ourselves immensely at the Crimson Moon. It felt as though we were the only ones living in this pack, entirely captivated by one another. We held hands and explored every corner together, stealing hugs and kisses whenever it pleased us. Each moment brimmed with laughter and affection, causing the days to drift by in a joyful blur. At present, I was seated on the private balcony of the room Erica shared with Xena while she took her evening nap. I was enjoying the soft glow of the setting sun enveloping everything in a warm, golden light. A few pack members were busy with cleaning tasks beneath the balcony, and I happened to overhear a conversation between two of them. As I sat on the balcony while Erica napped, I overheard a conversation
We gave Xena a ride to the main road and bid her farewell. Xander awaited her arrival in his brand-new Bentley, the car’s sleek lines gleaming under the morning sun. Watching them reunite was such a pleasant sight, their passionate greeting made it clear that this long-distance relationship wasn’t easy for them. Their reunion overflowed with tender touches and whispered words, every gesture exuding their deep affection for one another. Earlier we informed the Alpha about Xena's unexpected departure, explaining that she had to urgently return to her coven for work that could not be postponed but would be back in two days. The Alpha listened attentively and nodded understandingly. Given Luna Sarai’s unforeseen request for us to extend our stay by a few more days, this statement was acceptable to the couple. I had hoped to stealthily sneak Xena out and back without anyone noticing, but Erica was determined to inform the Alpha. She's such a
Still Johnston’s POV At least he had the decency to avert his gaze while I looked at him. "Her true mate was at the party last night, but he doesn't belong to your pack, Alpha Rudi," I hissed. My words carried a warning as my patience began to wear thin. Luna Sarai's laughter erupted, instantly dissolving the tension in the room. "That's deep, sweetheart. You really took it too far," she said with a hiccup, amusement twinkling in her eyes, shattering the Alpha's confidence. He glanced around uneasily, clearly out of his depth. He struggled for words in an attempt to recover from the predicament. “I, um, I didn’t mean to offend, Johnston. I’m just concerned about the well-being of my pack and our alliances." "Alpha, it’s best you keep your concerns in check. Erica's journey is her own, and your intrusive questions are out of place. If there was anything you needed to know, you'd have found
The following morning, I woke up early. Erica lay beside me, sleeping peacefully like an angel, providing the perfect opportunity to watch her. The early morning sun bathed her tranquil face in a gentle glow. These were the moments I treasured most, those simple, intimate times that reminded me how deeply I loved her. I drew her closer, embraced by the warmth of her body against mine. She instinctively nestled deeper into my chest, savoring the heat I provided. It was as if my arms were crafted just for her, she fit perfectly within them. All I desire now is to have meaningful time with Erica, cherishing this quiet moment with her and creating memories that might sustain us if things become difficult. Seeing how serene she looked while sleeping filled me with love and a sense of protectiveness. I softly brushed a strand of hair from her face, amazed by how beautiful she was in such an unguarded state. After that brief period of sentimen