Janice's point of view –As I paced back and forth, the sharp heels of my stilettos etching grooves into the hard wooden floor, I was oblivious to the damage. My body trembled with fear — the kind of shaking that would've been visible to anyone who happened to be around.The moment Brock would finish reading through all those messages, I was certain he would demand a severe punishment.I nearly succumbed to Missy's influence, who through a series of text messages, talked me out of administering poison into Stephanie's IV. My mind was in chaos, consumed by thoughts of getting rid of Stephanie permanently.Brock and I had been intimate for so many years; losing him felt like losing a destined life partner. My heart ached profoundly as he pulled away from me. Each day without him was like being repeatedly stabbed with a sharp blade. His avoidance was clear – at work, at home, even at pack dinners where his absence coincided with my presence. It was unmistakable, he was distancing himself
Stephanies Point of View: How dare he? The gall of that Alpha, to swoop in and steal my first kiss—my first kiss—as if it were nothing! Anger boiled within me, my thoughts racing like a tempest. Mate or not, consent is sacrosanct, and no one, especially not him, had the right to breach that. I vowed then and there, vengeance would be his escort when next we met. Family and friends, sensing the brewing storm within me, took their leave one by one. Their hurried goodbyes echoing my own irritation. It was common knowledge that distance was a friend when my mood turned foul. Here I was, languishing in this sterile room, champing at the bit to be discharged. The doctors’ insistence on an overnight stay fell on deaf ears. My wolf shared my impatience, restless and ready. My sister, bless her, had left a pair of leggings and a crop top alongside some underclothes. Practical for now, but my thoughts were far from fashion—I needed to confront Brock. The fate of my fri
Stephanie -- My sneakers were no match for the ferocity of the enraged Alpha Wolfman that thundered after me. Feet pounding down the staircase, his single-minded pursuit promised swift retribution. In a flurry, I flung the packhouse door wide, its hinges creaking a protest as I barreled through it. Finding refuge at the forest's edge, I shed my human trappings and surrendered to the wolf within, loping away with the urgent cadence of survival reverberating through my newly-furred form. The forest canopy embraced me as I sprinted through, recognizing the grim possibility that my car might be a hopeless dream in this dominion. Home beckoned, distant but attainable, across the invisible boundary that divided my territory from the Alpha’s domain. Brock's second-in-command, with a strong scent, lurked behind the pack leader. These two tough predators, an Alpha and his beta, were after a single she-wolf — it was almost funny. A smirk spread across my lips; I was powerful, yet they didn't
Brocks point of view – I could feel her bare vagina against my protruding bulge, yearning to be set free from the confines of my basketball shorts. "My dick yearned to be embraced by her tight folds, to feel the intensity of her presence enveloping me completely. "Her arousal was intoxicating, driving both my wolf and me wild with the irresistible pull of the mate bond. I couldn't let her go. She was rubbing against my bulge, and I so wanted release. My lips devoured hers, and she eagerly accepted. "We fit together perfectly, like two intricate pieces of a well-designed puzzle, designed to interlock with each other." Guided by instinct, I was drawn to the precise spot on her skin where my mark awaited, craving the piercing of my canines. With an indelible bite, I would claim her, etching a tattoo into her flesh that would bind her to me forever. Stephanie’s moans fueled my desire as I nipped on the soft flesh where her neck met collar bone. She undulating against my dick increasing
Stephanie – "Do they even comprehend that they're draining a werewolf's blood?" I muttered, masking my alarm with indifference while the vampires reveled in their discovery of me, a Pureblood. "They're fools," Grayson hissed, his contempt barely contained. "That aged fool mishandled his true mate, spurned her love, and in doing so, severed the bond with his wolf." "But he's still part-wolf by blood, isn't he?" Grayson's confirmation came with a predatory grin. "Precisely. Which means these morons are digging their own graves." My gaze was locked on the scene unfolding before us as their smug grins warped into expressions of dawning terror. I couldn't help but join Grayson in his cruel amusement, a cold laugh escaping my lips as poetic justice was served before our eyes. Peering intently at the gnarled figure before me, I could tell the ancient codger still had some life force flickering within him. To be transformed into
After the final footsteps of the departing men had echoed into silence and Grayson had vanished into the forest landscape, I redirected my attention to the extraordinary companion who had just entered my life in such an unexpected manner.As she stood—or rather, swam—where the water hugged her form, her tail in place of legs undulated with the gentle currents. She met my gaze, her striking emerald eyes a vibrant contrast to the muted tones enveloping us.She exuded a presence that was as curious as it was comforting, an enigma wrapped in a sad smile that seemed to suggest a thousand untold stories. And just like that, amidst the ordinariness of the day, I found myself in the company of a friend whose origins and essence promised the unraveling of an improbable and captivating tale.Beneath the soft canopy of the willow, I tentatively reached out, my hand pausing before it contacted my friend's quivering shoulder. Her tearful eyes conveyed a turmoil t
As the evening loomed, my sense of dread intensified. I would be keeping an eye on a mermaid venturing on land, who was on the brink of overindulging in alcohol, and I had no idea how she might react.Meanwhile, a possibly latent hybrid merman—who just happens to be Brocks beta in our midst—was inexplicably drawn to Esme, unable to grasp the nature of his attraction.Then there was the overbearing Alpha (my mate), whose controlling tendencies led him to shadow my every move relentlessly. To add to this eclectic mix, I had extended an invitation to our pack's witch, a benevolent soul reminiscent of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.The bouncer noticed our group waiting in the background and allowed us to skip the line. This prompted groans and complaints from the younger crowd until Alpha Brock unleashed a ferocious growl. Instantly, the adolescent wolves quieted down, exposi
The air crackled with an eerie stillness as the world around me succumbed to an icy paralysis. Just as my fingers were a breath away from the welcoming grasp of Esme's hand, time itself halted, imprisoning everyone in their exact positions like figures in a wax museum. My head swiveled, taking in the tableau of suspended figures when, amidst the silence, her laughter pierced the stillness. Linda had apparated with a mischievous twinkle, reveling in the chaos of our predicament. Arms folded across my chest, my annoyance bubbled into words, thinly veiled with playful reprimand. "Linda! What in the heavens took you so long?" My voice carried a mock severity yet betrayed by the hint of a smile struggling at the edges of my lips. With her characteristic impish grin, she ushered my friends toward their cars. Brock, sober and clear-headed, was promptly assigned to the role of driver in his own vehicle. Beside him, Grayson was settled into the role of navigator on the passenger si
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