Brock’s point of view:My eyelids fight their way open, heavy as if weighted down by the traces of a fading nightmare. The world swims into focus slowly, and the surreal haze lingers, making me question whether I'm still ensnared in the clutch of a dream. But the harsh reality bites as I feel the coarse bite of knotted ropes— I’m hanging, stark naked, suspended by my wrists from a cold metal ceiling joist. Beneath the ropes, my ankles are cruelly bound, the twine digging deep, slicing into my flesh with every small movement, leaving behind angry gashes and kissing my skin with pain. A sideways glance reveals my mate to my left, her mouth obstructed, gagged effectively yet I can tell—it's in the fire of her eyes—she’s hurling silent profanities towards our unseen captors below. Her defiance ignites a spark of rebellion within me, and I stifle the panic that threatens to rise in my throat. Her mounds of flesh are full, with sumptuous pinkish hills begging for my
Brocks Point of View—As I plummeted through the tempest of my own thoughts, my mind meandered back to the instant Stephanie stormed into my world, dragging tumult in her wake like a comet tail. My existence had been a fortress of predictability, devoid of the heart-pounding emergencies that now punctuated my days like an insistent Morse code. Life had transformed into an exhilarating, frenetic ride—a roller coaster that twisted and turned with the wild energy of Stephanie's presence.Under normal circumstances, fear and I were strangers. But as I teetered on the brink of a bubbling cauldron, primal terror took hold. Desperation surged within me, a wild, flailing attempt to evade my scalding demise. Beside me, Stephi's frantic struggles mirrored my own—equally futile, equally frantic. My eyes slammed shut, holding my breath, as I plummeted into the abyss, expecting searing agony. But then... nothing. No blistering heat, no pain. I landed in a viscous, lukewarm
Grayson’s Point of View –Engulfed in the witches' enigmatic murmurs, they prowled around me, their eyes scanning every inch with an unnerving thoroughness, probing for secrets that surely only the gods were privy to. Cryptic allusions to ancient curses swirled through the air, their meanings tantalizingly out of reach, leaving me grappling for comprehension amidst the obscure chatter.The indignity of my exposure gnawed at my resolve. There I stood, stripped bare, subject to the invasive gaze of three strangers—women who were not Esme, who had no right to behold me as only my beloved should. With each passing second, the affront clawed more fiercely at my dwindling patience, threatening to unleash the storm brewing within.With a growl tempered to a low hum, careful not to provoke the witches' ire, I spoke, "Have you feasted your eyes enough upon my form? A sight meant solely for Esme's gaze. I would appreciate it if you'd clothe me in garments once more. And while at it, perhaps you
Brocks Point of View –The scene before me was truly mesmerizing. Everywhere I looked, there was an abundance of beauty that captivated my senses. In the center of the pack, I witnessed breathtaking waterfalls cascading down with impressive force. The sight of the water gushing and splashing created a mesmerizing display of nature's raw power and beauty.Next, my eyes were drawn to the serene lily ponds, where delicate flowers floated gracefully on the calm surface. The vibrant colors of the lilies contrasted perfectly with the lush green surroundings, creating a picturesque scene that seemed straight out of a fairytale.But it didn't end there. To my astonishment, I caught glimpses of enchanting mermaids swimming in what appeared to be shimmering mini ponds. Their graceful movements in the water added an element of mysticism to the already picturesque setting. I couldn't help but be in awe of their presence and the magic they seemed to bring to the pack.Amongst all this beauty, my a
Sapphire point of view –Overwhelmed by a melancholy that seemed to claw at my very soul, I was compelled to subject yet another pair of star-crossed mates to the merciless trial that had doomed all previous unions of wolf and mermaid through the annals of time. The harrowing curse persisted, unbroken like the relentless waves upon the shore.As for my mother, smeared in the mortals' whispered stories and feared as the malevolent sorceress of lore, little did they know the truth that lay hidden behind the tales. Her heart, once tender and kind, was far from the dark caricature they had conjured in their fables.In the cherished, mahogany-toned recesses of my childhood memories, I often found myself locked in fervent debate with my dear mother, the strands of our debate woven tightly in society now with the stuff of myths and dreams.I was unshakably convinced that the mermaid, now the protagonist of every beloved tale, had no need for the woven enchantments and spun spells my mother s
Sapphire's point of view –Overwhelmed by a melancholy that seemed to claw at my very soul, I was compelled to subject yet another pair of star-crossed mates to the merciless trial that had doomed all previous unions of wolf and mermaid through the annals of time. The harrowing curse persisted, unbroken like the relentless waves upon the shore.As for my mother, smeared in the mortals' whispered stories and feared as the malevolent sorceress of lore, little did they know the truth that lay hidden behind the tales. Her heart, once tender and kind, was far from the dark caricature they had conjured in their fables.In the cherished, mahogany-toned recesses of my childhood memories, I often found myself locked in fervent debate with my dear mother, the strands of our debate woven tightly in society now with the stuff of myths and dreams.I was unshakably convinced that the mermaid, now the protago
Brocks Point of View: When we got back to my pack house, I was surprised that Stephanie offered to help, knowing that I was short a beta. I have never seen someone so competent as Stephanie, she figured out the budgets, went over increasing security with men and changing up on when and who took over a shift of guard, pack security on the grounds. This way someone trying to figure out the schedules of our wolves guarding that tried to sneak in between shifts could not happen.Stephanie has been an invaluable support in managing the company from the pack house. She has meticulously reviewed all the budgets, identifying strategies to reduce expenses and enhance profits. Moreover, this remarkable mate of mine took the initiative to overhaul our electronic security protocols, implementing improvements at my business, within the pack house, and across our grounds.The pack's pups adore her—she dedicates part of her day to engage with the young in the nursery, granting the omegas
Brocks Perspective:Tears surged, threatening to breach the fragile dams of my eyelids, as I stumbled over my words, each syllable heavy with the weight of layered emotions—a tumultuous concoction of anger and pain. My voice was but a hoarse whisper, a shadow's echo, barely audible even to my own ears. "Why?" I implored the silence around me, the question digging its claws into the soft underbelly of my insecurities."Why does Stephanie loathe me with such a passion? What hidden sin have I committed to earn her contempt?" The words hung in the air, a testament to the inner turmoil that tugged at the very fabric of my being, unraveling the threads of comprehension. Within me, a war raged between the desire for reconciliation and the sting of rejection—a battle I was far from winning. Jasper's expression twisted into a contemptuous sneer as he replied, dripping with disdain, "Are you truly that blind to your own actions, or do you wallow in ignorance for sport? Her hatred for
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