CarlThese days, we’re all running on empty at the training grounds. Alvar is colder and tougher than ever, pushing us from dawn till dusk without a break. His eyes are icy, filled with pure determination. We're exhausted, but no one dares to complain. We all know Alvar is holding back a wild energy, just waiting to crack down on his enemy.Nobody talks about that day. The word "wedding" is off-limits. Alvar is so sensitive about it that if anyone accidentally brings it up, he explodes like a wounded beast, taking it out on us. His methods were ruthless before, but now it’s downright terrifying. We suffer in silence, keeping our mouths shut.Tonight, my mom invites me over for dinner. When I walk in, she’s cleaning her room, looking sad as she wipes down the table, sighing like it’s the end of the world. “How did this happen?” she mutters, lost in her own thoughts.I sit at the table and dive into the pasta with pappardini cheese she left for me. With my mouth full, I say, “Stop sayin
RyleeA month ago. The night of the wedding.I crash into the ocean. Pain shoots through my body, and I lose consciousness instantly.Nightmares haunt me. I’m falling, and black wolves chase me. Each time, I tumble off a cliff, feeling the wind cut into my skin. Then a massive black wolf emerges from the shadows, its eyes burning with rage. It lunges and tears into me, and then—blackness.I wake up, my body aching like I’ve been hit by a truck. My head feels like it’s going to explode. I double over and vomit, my vision blurry. Someone gently tells me we’re on a boat and urges me to sleep a bit longer. I groan and toss, clutching my head to block out the pain. Sweat soaks the sheets. Eventually, someone gives me a shot, and I drift back into unconsciousness.When I finally sleep again, it’s a bit more peaceful. My dreams are filled with Alvar. Sweet memories of us play in my mind… We melt together by the lake in the moonlight, holding hands and whispering sweet nothings only we unders
RyleeI stare out the window in awe.Is that …my family?The word feels magical, an unreal sensation washing over me as I watch the people playing joyfully in the sunlight below. Their laughter sparkles in the air, illuminating the dull grayness I often feel within myself.Hera’s words echo in my mind, making me hesitate. Am I ready to meet them? Will they accept me? Will they like me?Seeing my uncertainty, Hera pats me reassuringly on the shoulder. “Of course, you need to rest first. I’ll introduce you to them when you’re feeling better. For now, I’ll tell them to give you some space. And that boy, Syd—I’ve already sent him back to Greenvale. You don’t need to worry about anything.”Grateful, I hug her tightly. Her warmth and thoughtfulness bring me comfort, easing my anxiety.After Hera leaves, I step into the shower. This bedroom has a separate toilet, and while there’s no bathtub, the shower is perfect.The warm water envelops me, and I close my eyes, letting the steam rise aroun
RyleeMy panic feels exposed under the warm light. I don’t know how to react. Eight pairs of eyes focus on me, their faces brimming with enthusiasm and expectation. Overwhelmed by so many unfamiliar relatives, I clutch my skirts tightly, unsure of what to do next.“But it’s not my birthday…” I stammer, my teeth chattering.Hera smiles gently. “I know your birthday already passed, just last month. But today marks the start of your new life and a family reunion. Which are worth celebrating. We want to throw you a belated birthday party.”Before I can respond, a middle-aged man with silver hair, striking green eyes, and a stocky build suddenly appears with a birthday hat. He plops it onto my head without warning. He looks familiar. Before I can think who he is, he pulls me in for a hug, tears glistening in his eyes. “You look just like your mother!”I freeze, overwhelmed, but his warmth is comforting.Hera sees my embarrassment and gently chides him. “Jason, stop. You’re scaring her.” Th
RyleeThe Dewey's living room feels cozy, a world away from the luxury style of the Gonzales Mansion. The leather sofas are so big and soft that sitting on them is like sinking into a cloud, making me sleepy. Soft lighting spills onto the floor, wrapping the room in a warm glow. Everything here is so beautiful.Jason and Nina have taken the kids to play, leaving the house quiet for a while. Oliver is helping me set up my cell phone, adding everyone's numbers. Even little 8-year-old Ivy has her own phone in the Dewey household! I watch him curiously as he connects me to the Wi-Fi.“You know, Rylee?” Oliver says with a relaxed tone as he works, “Ivy knows how to use these electronics better than I do. You really need to learn from her.”“Haha, looks like I need to ask her for lessons.” I reply with a smile.Just then, Hera sits beside me, her face gentle with a smile. “How are you feeling?” she asks, concern in her tone.“Fine and relaxed,” I respond. “I didn’t realize everyone would be
CarlSame Time, Dark Moon Pack“Alvar, that’s enough.” I yank the whiskey bottle from his hand. It’s his third one today. Even with his Alpha resilience, no one can keep this up.“Give it back to me.” Alvar clutches his head and stumbles to his feet, trying to grab the bottle. The study is pitch black. He knocks over a piece of empty bottles, then trips over a table leg and collapses to the floor.“Give it back,” he mutters, trying to rise but falling again.“Look at you,” I snap, flipping on the light. The brightness floods the messy den, making Alvar wince. He shields his eyes, groaning, “Turn it off… damn it.”Ignoring him, I toss the bottles aside and haul him up. “Alvar Gonzales. Do you remember who you are? You’re falling apart over a woman. Forget about your pack? Your family?”“Family?” His hair hangs in his face, and he reeks of alcohol. He laughs bitterly, “I don’t have a home anymore. My dad doesn’t have a home. My whole family has no home.”He’s repeating nonsense and bull
Rylee“We’ll leave the day after tomorrow,” I answer Lucas as I fold another shirt. He’s standing by the bed, watching me pack with a pout on his face.“Can’t you take me with you?” he begs. “I’ve never been to the States. Please, Rylee, you’re my favorite cousin!”I turn and gently squeeze his chubby cheeks. “Lucas, this isn’t a vacation. It’s dangerous. Your brother and I are going on a scouting mission. He knows herbalism, healing, and geology. What can you offer?”Lucas frowns, flexing his arms. “I’m strong! I can help fight off the bad guys!” He strikes a pose, showing off his muscles.I laugh and push him away playfully. “You can’t even beat me in a fight, muscle boy. And you’re still waiting for your wolf. Get back to me when you’ve got one.” I turn to organize my desk, grabbing a book to take with me—studies can’t be neglected, even on a mission.“Rylee, Grandma said to send you to the living room,” Lila says, bursting in. She glances at Lucas and smirks. “You’d just slow them
Rylee“What’s wrong?” I ask, stepping out of the car to join Zen and Oliver in surveying the area. I scan the surroundings but see nothing unusual. “Why do you say that?”Oliver points to the ground, where the dark earth bears fresh tire marks. “Look at these tracks—there’ve been a lot of vehicles through here, and they’re headed straight toward Greenvale. And...” He takes a deep breath, his nose twitching. “I smell something off. A lot of different scents.”Zen strides over and examines the tracks. “There must’ve been at least a dozen cars here. Does Greenvale even have that many vehicles?”A chill settles over me. Greenvale’s a small, secluded pack with few visitors and even fewer cars. Who were these people? And why are they heading toward Greenvale? Could they be a threat to my plan?We exchange glances, silently agreeing to proceed with caution. “We’ll bypass the border and enter from the north side,” I instruct.Zen has brought ten men with him, seasoned warriors and scouts. One