Alpha Ryder’s POVTo be honest, I was eagerly anticipating Apollo's arrival at the party, so I arrived early and watched as the maids organized the living room of my packhouse. Tables filled with delicious food and a drink fountain adorned the room, complemented by the sparkling chandeliers above.As the hours passed, the party kicked off, and elegantly dressed couples and single wolves made their way in, while Tracy warmly greeted each guest at the door, wearing a black mask with beautiful feathers that matched her sparkling black dress.Holding a white mask, I quickly put it on as two Alphas approached me with their daughters."Greetings, Alpha Ryder. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Alpha Kendrick, and this is my daughter Stacy," one of the Alphas introduced himself, extending his hand. I shook it, forcing a smile, as the other Alpha also introduced himself and his daughter. Many believed they had a chance with me since I hadn't chosen a Luna yet and was growing older."Ni
Zelda’s POVMy heart pounded hard in my chest as I stood before the prison entrance. The towering gates and stern-faced guards sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't believe this was my reality now. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward."Name?" The guard's voice was gruff, his eyes scanning the clipboard in his hand."Zel... Zoe Bratt," I replied, recalling the absurd surname given to me by Madam Mercedes during my citizenship registration.The guard checked his list before giving me a curt nod. "Follow me, Bratt." I trailed behind the guard, my footsteps echoing in the silence. The heavy gates closed behind me, sealing my fate.Inside the processing room, I was greeted by a stark white space. A desk cluttered with paperwork dominated the room, and behind it sat a woman with a steely expression - the Female Security Officer."Alright, Bratt, take off your clothes and shoes," the officer commanded. "What are you guys staring at? Take off your clothes too, welcome to jail." She said,
Alpha Ryder’s POV"Ryder, you have to wake up. You are our only hope to get out of this mess. I can't believe this is happening to us," Hazel's voice echoed in my head as she tapped my chest repeatedly."You are the cause of all this. Now we are all in pain. You shouldn't have organized that stupid mate's party. You made the pack vulnerable to attackers!" Tracy's voice followed, filled with anger."Who are you to point fingers at me? I did what I had to do for our pack, okay?!?" Hazel retorted. "You wouldn't understand because you don't know what it feels like to be a Luna and the responsibility that comes with it.""You are not even his Luna yet; how would you know how it feels?" Tracy challenged."A nobody like you won't understand, and I don't need to explain myself to someone like you. You didn't even get the chance to be Luna before your mate was killed," Hazel snapped."You—" Tracy began, but her words were interrupted by my groans as I struggled to open my eyes, feeling the eff
Alpha Apollo’s POVZelda sat in front of me, and her expression gave nothing away about her feelings. Yet, I couldn't stop staring at her, and she met my gaze without saying a word."Zelda," I murmured, reaching out to grab her hand on the table, but she pulled it away. "I'm glad you're alive," I said, my heart pounding with the need to assure myself she was real.She huffed. "I thought we were having a staring competition, but now you want to talk?" She remarked. "And what do you mean you're glad I'm alive? Was I ever dead?" she asked bluntly."Yes, I mean, it's complicated," I explained. "Alpha James sent the dead body of your doppelganger to Ryder's packhouse, and he sent it to me. We all thought you were dead... until my seer told me otherwise, at the cost of her own life." I explained, surprised by the information I revealed.Her eyes widened in surprise. "This explains it all, he's the one who... kidnapped me," she muttered."Did you not know the person who kidnapped you?" I ask
Alpha Ryder’s POVI laughed despite the punch landing on my face, causing my nose to bleed. James was frustrated, and I relished the fact that it was because of me."I won't ask you again, you motherfucker! Where the hell do you keep all your money?" He demanded."At the bank, you idiot. Do you think we're in the medieval era? Why the hell would I keep my money at home?" I retorted."Shut the fuck up!" He yelled, his voice harsh as he struck me in the stomach this time, causing me to cough up blood. I was chained to the wall in the field of my packhouse, the cold wind adding to the pain."Everyone keeps their money in the bank, but as an alpha, we still keep some at home for personal use or to flaunt our luxurious lifestyle. So, tell me, Ryder, where do you keep your money?" He asked again. "You're well aware that I'm the Alpha of your pack now, and your pack members are under my control," he gloated, laughing evilly. His mention of my pack members made me feel uneasy, sensing that th
Zelda’s POV The moon dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the gray walls of my prison cell. I prepared myself for another night of restless sleep on the cold and hard floor. I had decided not to stand up for myself because it seemed like every time I did, things always got messy. Settling on the floor, I wrapped my arms around myself, my face pressed against the cold ground. Thoughts of what Apollo had told me swirled in my mind. I couldn't believe he would say something like that. Ryder would never do such a thing; he must have said it to manipulate me into forgiving him. As I closed my eyes, the sound of the cell door creaking open shattered the silence. My cellmates all entered the room, walking side by side. I pretended to be asleep, but suddenly, I was kicked hard on the butt. "Get up, you western bimbo," Maria said with contempt. I glanced up at Maria, my eyes tired and weary. "What do you want?" I asked softly. "Come on, get up, bimbo," she taunted, yanki
Zelda’s POV "Tell me where you're taking me," I demanded. He stopped in his tracks, nostrils flaring. "Shut up, you little slut, and come with me," he said coldly, continuing to pull me until we reached the moonlit courtyard of the prison. The place was empty, with wooden chairs scattered everywhere, where prisoners usually hung out together. He let go of my hand and went to the door, locking it with a padlock, increasing my fear. "What's going on? Why are you locking us in here?" I asked, but he didn't respond. Instead, he stood beside me, glancing at his wristwatch. "We're right on time," he said with a smile, looking up at the sky. I followed his gaze and admired the stars in the night sky. When he woke me up, I thought it was already morning, but it was still night, and I was yawning. Suddenly, bright lights shone on us, and my heart pounded in my chest as I looked up to see a helicopter descending from the sky. The deafening roar of the helicopter filled the air, and a huge r
Alpha Ryder’s POVThe next morning, I woke up in the cold and damp dungeon, my body aching from the beating I had endured the day before. Hazel and Tracy were by my side, shivering from the cold and still wet from the icy water that had been poured on us. We exchanged worried glances, knowing that our situation was dire, and there seemed to be no way out."How do you feel today, my love?" Hazel asked as she placed her hand on my forehead to check my temperature. I frowned as I looked into her eyes. "I feel awful, awful about the fact that I can't protect you, and I can't protect my people. I let them down, and now they are all slaves because of me, including me," I lamented."Don't beat yourself up, all this isn't your fault, and you are not a slave. We just need to think of a way to beat James, now that Carter has turned his back on you for real," Hazel said, stroking her chin."If someone is to be blamed for all this mess, then it's that fucking Alpha Apollo for killing my mate. He
AUTHOR’S POV THREE YEARS LATER, The bright sun beat down mercilessly on the crowd gathered outside the grand university hall on graduation day. The excitement was evident in the sea of students, all dressed in wine and yellow graduation gowns. August, Lucas, Henry, and Sophia were eagerly anticipating receiving their well-earned certificates. However, there was a problem – Violet was nowhere to be found. August scanned the mass of graduates, sweat trickling down his forehead. Worry began to gnaw at him as their turn to receive their certificates neared. Lucas and Henry stood behind him, equally concerned, searching for their missing friend. Sophia, the most anxious among them, couldn't stand still. She paced back and forth, her face etched with worry. "Where the heck is Violet?" August muttered, his fists clenched. "We can't leave without her." Lucas's frustration was evident in his voice. "I have looked everywhere. She is not in the crowd or the hall. I don't understand. What c
AUTHOR’S POVEzra's heart pounded in his chest as he raced across the field on his horse, his eyes fixed on the struggling figure of his father on the ground. The sickening sound of fists striking flesh reverberated in his ears. As he drew nearer, he could see the twisted smiles on Apollo and Ryder's faces as they relished in the torment they were inflicting on his father."Enough!" Ezra's scream tore through the air, his voice quivering with anger. He lunged towards them, stopping his horse close by and then leaping down to rush to them."Stay away from my father!" he yelled, pushing Ryder forcefully, causing him to fall a few inches away."What the hell do you think you are doing, kid?" Apollo demanded in irritation. But Ezra paid him no attention and rushed to his father's side. He dropped to his knees beside James, who lay on the ground, his face pale and streaked with blood. James coughed violently but managed to meet Ezra's worried gaze."Kill... them," James choked out, blood t
AUTHOR’S POVSmoke and dust filled the air as the packs closed in on each other in the battlefield. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting its early morning light on the scene in the heart of Gianttooth pack territory.Alpha Apollo, his hair flowing over his shoulders, rode a sleek white horse with an air of confidence, flanked by Alpha Ryder. They shouted commands and pointed their swords toward James's pack, their warriors running on foot behind them, armed and resolute. Swords gleamed in the morning light as the warriors' faces reflected their determination to fight to the end. Alongside Apollo and Ryder, Zelda, Seth, and Amelia were also prepared for battle.On the opposing side, Alpha Ezra led the Stardust Runner pack on a dark plain, his blond hair blazing like fire. Alpha James, confined to his wheelchair with weapons attached to each hand, displayed a menacing and furious presence."Attack!!!" Apollo's commanding voice echoed across the field.Amelia and Seth sprinted thr
AUTHOR’S POVThe morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the entwined bodies of Alpha James and his wife. Their heavy breaths filled the room, accompanied by the soft sound of kissing as they engaged in a passionate make-out session on their ruffled bed. Their hands explored each other's bodies, and their faces were locked in an obsessive kiss.James took the lead, gently pushing her onto the bed, poised to join her. However, the romantic moment was abruptly shattered by the sharp chime of his phone. He reluctantly pulled away from the kiss and made a move to get up, but she clung to his hand."Don't go, dear. Work can wait. It's been too long since we have had quality time together," she pleaded, her eyes filled with longing. He withdrew his hand from her grasp and got out of bed, completely naked.Reaching for his phone on the nightstand, he picked it up and unlocked it. His heart raced as a message appeared on the screen. It was from Alpha Apollo. James
AUTHOR’S POVViolet lay in her bed, her eyes wide open in the darkness, hooked on the ceiling. Sleep avoided her no matter how hard she tried. The thought of Sophia and Lucas, still trapped and possibly suffering in that room, weighed heavy on her heart."I just need to calm down and try to sleep," she whispered to herself, closing her eyes tightly. But Sophia's distressed face kept flashing in her mind, and she couldn't shake the worry.She slipped out of bed and tiptoed out of her room, determined to do something about the situation. In the quiet hallway, she stood, taking in the eerie moonlight shadows on the walls. Barefoot, she proceeded carefully towards the room where her friends were held, determined to be as quiet as possible.As she approached the door of the room, her heart raced, but she pushed aside her fears and gently pushed the door open. Peering inside, she froze at the scene before her.In the room, Alpha James and Ezra were both present. Ezra was helping Sophia drin
AUTHOR’S POV The scorching sun beat down on an open field in the Grim pack away from the packhouse. Apollo and Ryder stood side by side, their muscles glistening with sweat. Their warriors sparred with each other, their fake swords clashing in a rhythmic dance. Battle cries filled the air, echoing through the space. Apollo gracefully spun around his sparring partner, effortlessly evading the strikes coming his way. His partner grew tired, unable to match his Alpha's speed and strength. Ryder, too, was in the midst of an energetic training session with his partner, engaging in a series of fierce fights. They all paused, catching their breath. Apollo and Ryder made their way to the stands, where the maids had set up a refreshing spread of water under large umbrellas. The cold liquid quenched their dry throats as they drank from the bottles. Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere shattered as multiple cars roared onto the field. Apollo narrowed his eyes and discarded his empty water bottl
AUTHOR’S POV Violet walked down the hallway, following the source of the noise. The sound grew louder with each step, and she stopped in front of the room from which it emanated. The room had a worn-looking door with a bit of dust on its surface. While she was aware that there were many seldom-used rooms in the packhouse, this one had never caught her attention. She leaned in, pressing her ear to the door, and shielded her face from the dust with her hand. Her heart raced as she heard muffled cries and struggles from within. Stepping back, she took a deep breath and, overcoming her hesitation, grabbed the grimy doorknob. With a swift motion, she flung the door open. As she entered the room, her eyes widened in shock. In the center of the dimly lit space, she saw Sophia and Lucas, both bound to chairs with their hands and mouths securely taped. Relief and fear flickered in their eyes as they noticed her presence. Rushing to Sophia's side, Violet gently removed the duct tape from he
AUTHOR’S POV Alpha Apollo entered the dimly lit bar, his mere presence sending a chill through the spines of the pack members who had already gathered there, engaged in drinks and conversations. Alpha Ryder and a group of their warriors approached him, each carrying bags of money and weapons. The two alphas found a corner table by the window, while the warriors settled at a nearby table with the clinking of their arsenal filling the air. Apollo's gaze swept over the curious pack members who were secretly observing them. "Have any of you never seen your Alpha in a bar before?" he asked loudly. The pack members quickly averted their gazes, returning to their own activities. Ryder leaned in and asked, "Should we order some beer while we wait?" Apollo's sharp gaze met Ryder's for a moment before he grunted in response. "We are here to retrieve our children, not to have fun. We must stay alert. I'm certain this is some sort of trap because James is taking too long to show up with our
AUTHOR’S POV The early morning sunlight bathed Apollo's office in a warm golden hue. He and Ryder stared intently at the large TV screen in the room, their eyes filled with anger as they watched their children tied to chairs, their small forms limp and unconscious, while James's menacing laughter echoed in the background. "What the hell have you done to our kids?" Apollo shouted, his voice seething with anger. James smirked and let out a chilling chuckle. "Oh, come on, Apollo. It's just a little game I have devised. You are not the only one skilled at kidnapping loved ones. In fact, I'm much better at it." Ryder's fists clenched in frustration. "What do you hope to achieve by kidnapping our children? Do you think this is fair? We had already decided to leave you alone because you are a sick bastard. You have crossed the line." James mockingly laughed. "Don't lie to me. I know you guys are planning a new war, and you have caused enough damage to my pack. I need more time to get my