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
Brock’s Perspective:Janice was dragged to the center of the captives, and my heart twisted in agony. The woman, once my best friend, now stood before me as an adversary—entwined with hunters, complicit in their pursuits. A burning curiosity ignited within me. I decided that upon our return to the packhouse, one of my female captains would pry the secrets from her."But why, Janice?" The words tumbled out of me; an anguished whisper lost among the growling whispers wafting through the assembly of my kind.Janice—her hair once a brilliant amber, now dulled and matted with betrayal—turned her gaze to mine, a flicker of something like sorrow passing through her steel-blue eyes before they hardened into icy resolve.The seeds of betrayal she sowed had long ago eroded her sanity—our bond was reduced to ashes. Now, she stands not as my comrade but as my enemy, and she, along with the hunters who stand with her, will taste the bitte
Brock's Perspective: Sapphire's endurance had always seemed impenetrable until now. Crumpled on the sofa in my office, she was a storm of despair, her head buried in her hands as she surrendered to her grief. It was all too clear that the burdens of the world, which she'd been shouldering in solitude, had finally crushed her spirit. Torn between indignation and sympathy, I grappled with the enormity of her secret. The thought of her being forced into such a harrowing predicament—it was unthinkable. To have taken her own mother's life, all in the defense of Shifter kind—and possibly humanity itself—was a sacrifice that defied any simple response of mine. I could sense the turmoil within Stephanie, the mate bond churning with conflict. Despite it all, she crumbled, sinking down beside Sapphire to offer comfort in her time of need. Stephanie's Perspective: The revelation thundered in my chest, its sheer magnitude a weight on every breath I drew.
Brock's Perspective:I had intended for the meeting to take place tonight, but frustratingly, I couldn't reach Sapphire, prompting me to postpone it to the next evening. As summer's end neared, so did Stephanie's impending return to school. Simultaneously, we faced our imminent move into my apartment in the corporate office complex. What she didn't know was my plan to name her head of Technical Security for all of my worldwide companies. There was more to the surprise, and I was bursting with anticipation at her reaction when she discovered I was also her professor.I've grown increasingly worried about Stephanie's morning sickness. It's unusual for wolves to get sick, which is why this is particularly alarming. Could it be that, in addition to meddling with Stephanie’s memory, Sapphire's mother had induced an illness in her? After watching Stephanie suffer over the toilet for thirty minutes this morning, we decided it was time to see the pack docto
Brocks Perspective: With Vincent's message heavy on my mind, I retreated to my office, intent on reaching out to Sapphire again. Upon entering, I gently settled Stephanie onto the couch, noticing her quietly exhaling in relief. But moments later, she sprang to her feet. My voice took on an edge. "Stephanie, where do you think you're going?" I demanded. Stephanie faced me, unflinching. "Brock, no offense, but I'm escaping your smothering watch. I'm off to the office you had set up for me—I need sanctuary, and I need it now!" With a brisk wave, she darted through the door. I attempted one last time to contact Sapphire through the communication stone. Her form flickered sporadically, materializing and dematerializing in the room, before she collapsed onto the floor in agonizing pain. "Sapphire, what's wrong? How can I help?" Sapphire could only manage a weak shake of her head, unable to speak. In a rush, I initiated a mind-link with Dr. M
Sapphire's memories of her mother: I am piecing together the events that led to my mother's demise at my very own hands, as I attempt to shift for the first time. Linda's voice coaxes me, advising me to think of something else, anything to distract me from the pain of transforming into a werewolf. I am not certain why Selene is gifting me a wolf, but I need to remind myself to discuss this with her. I worry about Crystal, who is with Morgana. Morgana is actually Selena, our mother, and until my birth, she was the most powerful witch to have ever lived. Fables differ on the source of her immense powers: some say she was born imbued with darkness, while others believe that darkness consumed her after the death of her best friend and then her true mate. Rumors whisper that Morgana, betrayed by a lover, succumbed to darkness, which then planted the darkness in Selena’s heart. The truth, however, is shrouded by time, known only to the gods, who understand
Stephanie’s Perspective:As I grasped the truth in Brock's words, my jaw fell open in disbelief—it was unlike him to jest. Brock, always seemingly mature beyond his years, paralleled the serious nature others often attributed to me. Yet, unlike him, I had submitted to youthful antics, nudged into mischief by my best friend Linda's playful spirit. A soft giggle escaped me as I indulged in those fond memories.Leaping from my chair, I sprang away from my desk when Brock advanced toward me with clear intentions of picking me up, which I vehemently rejected. A swift kick to his shin gave me my chance to escape. I dashed for the elevator, desperately jabbing at the call button until impatience took over. Concluding it would be too slow, I charged toward the stairwell and tore down the flights of stairs to the level of Brock's office, my feet barely keeping pace with my urgency.Brock's sinister laughter chased me down the hallway, his taunting voice slici
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