Stephanies Point of View—Brock's eyes widened with horror as he stared at a photograph inside the folder. I had gathered several disturbing images from the dark web for this purpose. It was actually my hacker friends who had unearthed them for me. They had also shown the tech-savvy members of our group the techniques to uncover whatever else they could find.I watched Brock’s horrified eyes looking at a picture in the folder. I had several I had found on the dark web in there. Well, I had some hacker friends find them, and also had my hacker friends teach the computer nerds in this pack how to find what they could. Brock's Adam's apple bobbed like a buoy in a stormy sea, his large, slightly tanned hands trembling as they gripped the damning photos. "You found these where, Stephanie?" he asked, his voice a gruff, uncertain note amid the office that smelled of pizza and wet dog.Grimly I explained how I had my geek friends, letting Brock know that now because of this, that Matthew and
Stephanies Point of View:The conference room pulsed with the intimidating presence of twenty Alphas, ferocious leaders whose very breath seemed to sway the fates of those beneath them.A low, primal roar erupted from their throats as they rifled through the data I had meticulously laid out before each of them. The papers barely contained the volatile secrets that spelled out the dilemma of Yadiel.Heated debates broke out as they grappled with the information, their voices clashing like thunder as no two Alphas could forge an accord on the course of action.Some bared their fangs with cries for war, a thirst for battle gleaming in their eyes, while others argued for covert missions, their minds strategizing unseen strikes in the shadows. Yet, there were those who wished to bury their heads in the sand, to ignore the creeping danger of Yadiel, pretending that the storm had not yet reached their doorsteps.My father was once an Alpha known for avoiding conflict. Those who preferred to
Stephanie's inner turmoil was palpable as I drove away from the Brock's packhouse. As I glanced back, a pang of unfamiliar emotion gripped my heart - guilt. I couldn't shake the image of fear and pain in Brock's eyes as he, along with my father and brothers, morphed into their wolf forms and chased after me. Guilt wasn't something I was familiar with. I'd always done as I pleased, consequences be damned. I blamed it on my Alpha blood, thinking I was always right.Aurina –"Don’t forget to add that you're a coward!" Before I could continue, my own human interjected, interrupting my thoughts.Stephanie –"I am hardly a coward! Offering myself as bait for Alpha Yadiel proves I am not a coward!" I retorted; my voice filled with defiance.Aurina's accusation cut deep, branding me a coward. Before I could respond, she interjected, calling me out on my perceived cowardice. I bristled at the insult, defending myself by citing the times I'd offered myself as bait for Alpha Yadiel, insisting it
Stephanie's Opinion: I plopped down at a nearby coffee shop, giving my dad, brothers, and Brock the golden opportunity to break into my apartment. As I sat there giggling like a maniac, I couldn't help but imagine those Alphas stuck in my house, trying to navigate the ridiculous security system. I could practically hear their puzzled shouts echoing through the halls as they realized they were in for a wild ride. The thought of them all chanting my name in frustration just sent me into another fit of laughter. It must have looked like I'd lost my marbles to the other coffee shop patrons!I called up my friend Linda, you know, the witchy werewolf. We had a blast setting up this outrageous security system. If some hot-blooded creature stumbled in, they'd get tangled up in an invisible maze.For any pesky vampires that dared to come knocking, they'd be faced with a series of puzzles in their enclosure. And if they can't crack it, well, let's just say a stake would make an unwelcome app
Brocks Point of View-At times, I find myself questioning the moon goddess for pairing me with Stephanie. Trapped within her elaborate security system, the pathways were clear to me, yet I refused to participate in her games; I was not some rat running through a maze. Practical jokes have never amused me, and I have no interest in playing them on others.From a tender age, adulthood was thrust upon me when I assumed leadership of my pack. I was never afforded the luxury of engaging in such trivial pursuits. To express that I am seething with anger, annoyance, and a fierce urge to lash out would merely scratch the surface of the turmoil bubbling inside me. "However, I truly don't want Stephanie's father to perceive me as an unpredictable and angry individual."I sighed, scrubbing a hand through my hair—an act my wolf disapproved of, given it messed up our otherwise immaculate appearance. Stephanie's father, a towering figure with a twinkle for humor in his sharp eyes, had a penchant fo
Brocks point of view-Suddenly it hit me, and I'm pretty sure Stephanie forgot too. I can't hear what they're saying, and they can't hear me. The only person we can hear is Stephanie. So why were those idiots giving me the stink eye?"Stephanie, seriously, what's the deal to get us out of this mess?" I said, trying not to set off my mate. She was clearly getting a kick out of all this, but I was clueless as to where she was going with it.As I plopped back down in my seat, I surveyed the scene before me. The bustling crowd moved in a flurry of motion; their figures illuminated by the glow of the hologram. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle as I watched people sauntering by behind the mesmerizing display. Their varied outfits and styles painted a vibrant tapestry of humanity.Among them, my eyes caught a glimpse of a woman, her silhouette resembling that of Stephanie from the back. I observed her long, flowing blonde locks cascading down her shoulders, just like Stephanie's. The way
Brock’s Point of View – When Stephanie started listing her conditions for letting us go, I would've happily agreed to prance around in a tutu with a crown on my head. After all, wolves hate being stuck in a caged environment, and we were born to roam free. I just needed Stephanie to set us free so I could come up with a fitting punishment for my mate. My wolf loved the idea and was filling my head with all sorts of naughty thoughts. I yelled at him, "Not helping, pal!" As my eyes locked onto the villain, gun pressed brutally into the side of the human's rib cage, a surge of dread washed over me. It was clear as day—Stephanie would hurl herself into the fray, compelled by her reckless illusion of invincibility. That girl needed to shed her delusion of being an untouchable, solitary force in this world. Freed at last from the confining grip of my makeshift prison, urgency clawed at my chest. "Linda!” I bellowed, my voice cracking with anxiety, “Which coffee shop is she at
Brocks Point of View-Dr. Mildred was already there, her eyebrows furrowing, not at the situation at hand, but at the peculiar scene of a potential alpha wolf apologizing to an unconscious woman as if she could admonish him for being too rough."Put her down here, gently!" Dr. Mildred instructed as she guided the gurney beside me.I obliged, taking all measures to secure Stephanie's ease, but as the doctor attempted to dismiss me, a fierce protectiveness surged within me. She was my mate, and the primal beast within—my wolf—threatened to unleash havoc, adamant that we are not torn from the side of our destined Luna.Dr. Mildred exhaled loudly, her gaze flickering between the nervous interns peeping through the door and the hulking alpha male before her, whose eyes sparkled with undue intensity. "Fine," she said, pressing a hand to her temple. "You can stay, but only if you behave. This is
Chapter One-Hundred Sixty-Six: Ezra, Enzo, and Esme's Fate Stephanie's Perspective: Time has passed swiftly, and the triplets have become a source of both worry and profound anguish. Aware that the moon goddess foretold the darkness in one of my children, I also clung to her assurance that we could save this child. She warned me of the numerous trials Esme would face, yet I was unprepared for the extent of her frailty and deformity. Parenting in such conditions leaves me at a loss. Each night, I plead with the moon goddess for guidance, as it is I who feels covered in darkness. Yet I heard nothing from her. It almost feels like punishment. I am a fierce Alpha female of the pack, I had made it through giving birth to triplets - Ezra, Enzo, and Esme. I remembered how much when the boys were born, how much Ezra and Enzo, were identical in every way, with their light blonde hair to me. But it was Esme, the runt of the litter, who stood out with her black hair that mirrored her father,
Brock's perspective: I crouched by Stephanie's side, stroking her pale cheek, willing her to fight through. Dr. Mildred was a blur of motion, her hands swift and sure as she worked to stop the bleeding, her brow furrowed with concentration, her lips moving in silent prayer or perhaps a list of medical steps. The clock on the wall ticked in mockery of my racing heart, its hands moving too slowly for my liking. It seemed time itself had conspired to increase the torture, drawing out each moment into an unbearable eternity. Minutes - or was it hours? - passed and finally, Dr. Mildred straightened with a tired sigh, peeling off her gloves. "We've managed to stop the bleeding," she announced, her eyes meeting mine. It was the first hope I'd clung to since it had all begun.With that small reassurance, I allowed myself to draw a breath, my grip on Stephanie's hand loosening just slightly. Then the heart monitor screamed out with a shrill tone showing Stephanie's heart had stoppe
Third-Party Perspective:As the Suburban sped down the back road, the trees blurred past in a green and golden haze, a stark contrast to the tension coiled within the vehicle. Stephanie's grip on Brock's hand tightened with each wave of pain that wracked her body, her forehead beaded with sweat despite the cool autumn air seeping through the cracked window.Brock's heart raced as he watched his mate, Stephanie, contort in agony on his lap. He couldn't bear to see her in such pain, but he knew that they were running out of time. The driver's voice cut through the air, a note of urgency lacing his words as he asked if they needed to pull over.Stephanie knew time was not on their side, and she felt a growing urgency to act. Accustomed to living without powers, she had forgotten that she could simply wish herself and Brock directly into the safety of the pack hospital. "No, keep going," I gasped, clutching at Brock with one hand while the other grasped at the shards of my fading humanit
Stephanie’s Perspective:As the driver for I and Brock navigated the winding road towards the Silverton pack territory, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The truth about my parentage had shaken me to the core, leaving me feeling as if I was floating in a sea of lies and deceit. I clutched my swollen belly, feeling the reassuring kicks of her unborn twin boys, a reminder of the new life I was about to bring into this world.The cool autumn air whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth. My mate, Alpha Brock, sat beside me, his hand resting on my thigh in a silent show of support. I glanced at him, grateful for his unwavering presence in my life, especially in this tough time for me.As we arrived at the Silverton pack territory, I felt a mix of apprehension and determination swirling within me. I knew I needed to confront my parents, to demand answers and closure, no matter how painful the t
Stephanie’s Perspective:I was aware of my issues with emotional control, which is why I couldn't face visiting my parents just yet. The guilt weighed on me, especially since my mother had just given birth and my father was now in intensive care. I had received word that my father and his men had been ambushed by rogues while returning to my former pack.Everyone anticipated that my mother would give birth to another boy; however, she had a girl instead. The sonogram had misleadingly suggested the presence of a penis, but it turned out to be merely the umbilical cord.I called Crystal, now back in the packhouse and in her own room thanks to Linda. I asked her to tell our parents that I don't hate them. Rather, I am a danger to be around until I can control my emotions and my magic.I had never deeply appreciated how blessed I was to have Linda as a friend. She provided the tough love I needed. Without her physically pulling me out of that bed, I don’t know how much longer I would have
Stephanie's Perspective:A rank odor filled the air. As I glanced around, nothing appeared wrong, which led me to realize the unpleasant smell was coming from me; okay, maybe I hadn't showered in a few days.I rummaged through my closet and picked out a pair of leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. After that, I opened my dresser and chose some underwear. Embracing a gradual approach, I completed my outfit with fuzzy socks, opting for comfort above all today. Laying my chosen outfit on the bed, I grabbed a towel and made my way to the shower. The water hissed and sputtered as I turned on the tap. The steam curled up around the room, wrapping me in a comforting embrace.As I stepped into the shower, the hot water was a sharp contrast to the coldness that had settled into my bones over the past few days. Water cascaded over me, its soothing rhythm a backdrop to my troubled thoughts.I admit I had let my depression take over me, crippling me mentally for the past week? I am not even ce
Brock’s perspective:Darkness had encircled the pack since Stephanie brought chaos to an end with the war. A persistent shadow of dark gray clouds, with occasional thunderstorms, lingered over our pack, each storm an echo to Stephanie's tears.I had to reach her, to break through the pain that confined her to her room. Only Crystal and I could occasionally console her through her sobs; it was hardly a conversation.I asked Sapphire and Selena about her powers' origins, but they refused to reveal them. Stephanie stayed quiet, not even confiding in her best friend Linda.I juggled pack responsibilities and calls about Stephanie's well-being. It all became too much, as Stephanie had excelled as both co-alpha and was an outstanding Luna. I missed having her here to help run the pack.Sapphire had to resume her duties overseeing the secret, cursed pack, a curse her mother insisted on maintain
From Stephanie's Perspective:Selena and Sapphire rushed to my side, encircling me with a protective shield to safeguard those around me from the bursts of anger I seemed powerless to restrain. It was as though I was a living embodiment of the Fourth of July, with outbursts erupting repeatedly and without control.I saw the wolf-wizard rushing toward me, his face contorted with anger and bewilderment. Sapphire stepped in front of him, placing her hands on his chest to halt his advance. Despite being enclosed in my protective bubble, where I shouldn't have been able to hear them. I could catch snippets of their conversation.I watched Brock argue with the witches and the warlock; Linda joined the fray as well.Brock questioned Selena and Sapphire about what had transpired with me. Meanwhile, Linda shared my confusion. For some inexplicable reason, the warlock was under the impression that he was my biological fathe
Stephanie’s Perspective:I positioned myself to see both astral Brock and Vincent. It became clear Vincent didn't want to harm me; he was torn because he simply aimed to rescue his mate from Adrian. I empathized if Adrian had taken Brock, I'd go to great lengths to reclaim my mate."Vincent!" I shouted, struck by a plan to retrieve his mate without jeopardizing myself or upsetting Brock by using me as bait."Listen, I have an idea. We'll need Sapphire's assistance. Without another viable plan, we can't break through the barrier.Additionally, I've concealed a special gift from most. I don't want people to feel uncomfortable around me, thinking I am reading their mind twenty-four seven. Truthfully, the ability is sometimes annoying. I really don't want to know what people think. What I can do is establish a telepathic connection with almost anyone, except for pure humans. I'll use this ability to mentally inform Adrian tha