Stephanies’ Perspective:Brock had the indoor auditorium opened up that we often used for pack basketball games on rainy days. The auditorium was now filled with cots, blankets, pillows, tables of food, changes of clothing. Counselors and medical staff were also on hand to check out the once kidnapped women.Brock had already let the pack know to return to their homes, and if anyone wanted to help volunteer with the rescued women in the gym, it would be much appreciated. From my vantage point in the corner, my heart raced—a frantic caged creature desperate to escape. The gym, which usually resonated with the pounding cadence of basketballs and the sharp screech of sneakers, now served as a hallowed haven. Women with terror-tainted eyes dotted the cots, their grips on borrowed blankets as tight as their hold on the lifelines provided after enduring the tempest of their captivity.Brock, the Alpha of our pack and my true mate, wove through them with a tenderness that seemed at odds wit
Brock's perspective: I had been attending to the women we had rescued from Yadiel's grasp, many of whom were terrified and struggling to believe in their freedom. Morgana reeked of death, a scent Stephanie revealed was emanating from Marcella's body, now her unwilling host. But why? Why had she abandoned Yadiel's form? These thoughts raced through my mind just as my mate, my Luna, pierced the silence with a desperate mind-link. The urgency was clear—I had to reach Morgana quickly. I bolted from my chair, my heart throbbing against my ribcage like an imprisoned bird desperate for escape. The image of Morgana—a spectral witch whose legend wound through our pack's history like a dark, unending thread—imprisoned in Marcella, my best tracker, set my pulse racing with dread. It was imperative to remove Morgana from the premises. Our goal was to provide a refuge for these women, and Morgana's presence, brimming with the potential for disorder, undermined that sense of security. Brock's p
Stephanies Perspective: I find myself in Morgana's shadowy realm, enduring her cruel onslaught with unseen weapons. Despite the pain, my thoughts drift back to the night of our pack ceremony. Brock and I had been utterly drained after the intense ritual, where once again we confronted Morgana. We fell into a deep sleep that lasted through the next day. That evening, filled with trepidation, I had settled my belongings in Brock's room. This new closeness with a man left me nervous and fearful, as I had no prior experience in such matters. I didn't know how to keep my nerves in check now that Brock and I had marked each other. I could sense him feeling my anxiety, of that I was certain. Brock sensed my anxiety as I stood lost in my own thoughts. Quietly, he slipped in behind me and gently enveloped me with his arms around my waist. Brock's touch sparked an electric current through my veins, a connection so primal, my heart galloped like a frenzied stallion within my chest. His head
Stephanie's Perspective: "Relax, I have no intention of harming you or your unborn child, the offspring of that Alpha. I've infiltrated your sister Crystal's dreams, sending her a clear message that I'm serious. If she wants to protect you, she'll have no choice but to seek me out." Morgana's lips twisted into a sly smirk. My heart pounded against my ribcage, fear, and anger swirling in a turbulent dance. Morgana's presence, an uncanny blend of elegance and threat, filled the sterile confines of my abyss. "I don't trust you," I managed to breathe out, each word a shard of ice. "What do you want with Crystal?" Morgana's eyes glittered like shards of broken glass, and she swept a lock of raven hair behind her ear. "Isn't it obvious?" she purred. "Your sister and I have...unfinished business. And as for you," she stepped closer, and I tensed, "you are merely a means to an end." I had to warn Crystal. But how? Morgana had the uncanny ability to read thoughts, an edge that made her no
Brock’s Perspective:Amidst setting up sanctuary for the rescued women, a desperate mind-link from Stephanie shattered the moment: Morgana had invaded, possessing Marcella's body like a parasitic shadow.I charged to my mate's defense, oblivious to the scene unfolding-Linda, with steely resolve, was invoking a vanquishing charm against Morgana, while Agatha engaged in a deadly dance of distraction.Shock coursed through me as Linda's incantation took hold, ripping Morgana out. But victory turned to ash when Morgana lashed out, ensnaring my mate, dragging her down into the chilling abyss of "The Void".I crumpled, my anguished plea tearing at Linda – where? Where had she cast my mate? Time was a predator snapping at my heels; Morgana's twisted designs for my mate sparked terror in my veins. I had to reach her—before it was too late.Linda's knowledge of retrieving my mate from the clutches of the void proved futile, a reality that
Brock’s Perspective:Amidst setting up sanctuary for the rescued women, a desperate mind-link from Stephanie shattered the moment: Morgana had invaded, possessing Marcella's body like a parasitic shadow.I charged to my mate's defense, oblivious to the scene unfolding-Linda, with steely resolve, was invoking a vanquishing charm against Morgana, while Agatha engaged in a deadly dance of distraction.Shock coursed through me as Linda's incantation took hold, ripping Morgana out. But victory turned to ash when Morgana lashed out, ensnaring my mate, dragging her down into the chilling abyss of "The Void".I crumpled, my anguished plea tearing at Linda – where? Where had she cast my mate? Time was a predator snapping at my heels; Morgana's twisted designs for my mate sparked terror in my veins. I had to reach her—before it was too late.Linda's knowledge on retrieving my mate from the clutches of the void proved futile, a reality that gnawed at the edges of hopelessness. Yet Agatha, the se
Stephanie's Perception:Dragged back to the heart of the pack's domain, my recollection of the time spent in the harrowing emptiness fractures like fragile glass. It's as if Morgana, with her sinister touch, destroyed strips of my memories, leaving me to question the very fabric of my recollection. Every sliver of memory from the abduction—a chess piece that she might have cunningly moved or removed in her mind game.Upon my return, the sight of Rylan flooded me with relief, yet an aching urgency consumed me—I was desperate to find my mate Brock. I could feel his torment, the sheer intensity of his soul's struggle as he fought to retrieve me from the unfathomable void I had been cast into.My mate was too far away for a mind-link, so I begged Rylan to take me to my mate. I could not let him continue in his agony trying to find me. I wanted and needed to let my mate know I was well.My mate was beyond t
Brock’s Perspective:As the gleam of the blade hovered a whisper's breadth from my wolf's vulnerable throat, I steadied my racing heart with a singular focus. In the flickering shadows of the imminent threat, I schemed. It was paramount to mind-link Stephanie, to reassure her before panic could take hold. My plan unfolded within the silence of our connection—she needed to trust me now more than ever.Through the mind-link, I poured earnest urgency into my words to Stephanie, "Stephi, have faith in me. I've clocked the warrior tailing me; it's all a ruse to lull him into complacency. I'm the bait, and you, my dear, are the unseen storm he'll never see coming."Stephanie’s Perception:"Got it, Brock," I murmured, my voice a whisper across the intercom. "I'm already silently making my way through the branches, a phantom among the leaves. Poised to strike, I've drawn the blades from my pack, their steel affixed to
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