*Mackenzie*„Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be here.” I stood up immediately as her words sank into my brain.The memory of Ester demanding respect, obedience, and bowing when speaking to her made me hang my head low, clasp my hands, and wait for the punishment.„Please don’t say that. Here, everyone is welcome.” The Luna stood up and tried to return me to my seat.„You have nothing to fear about, Mackenzie. And I believe Mrs. Kringle should be back shortly.” She pulled my hand down, and I sat down on the chair.„Thank you.” „If you don’t mind asking. Why are you here? I mean, at the rogue’s territory?” She asked, and my heart started beating erratically.Why, from all the questions possible, did she have to ask that one? My leg started to bounce sightly under the table, and the sweat formed on my forehead.I dared myself to lift my head and meet her eyes, worriedly staring at me. She looked like an angel but without wings. She didn’t look like Esther at all. She didn’t demand obedience,
*Mackenzie*„Why are you so persistent on keeping it? Caris was right; this poor little thing had no chance of surviving. You’re only prolonging its agony.” Claire asked, staring down at the lynx peacefully sleeping on the pillow.„Please, not you, too. I can hear it from Caris, but I pegged you for someone with great compassion.” I sighed from the kitchen, pouring the hot water into the teapot.„Well, thank you for the compliment, but the fact remains that this little creature is dying.” She stood with her arms crossed at the entrance to the kitchen.„You think the same about Leon? Have you already sentenced him to death as well?” I yelled in anger, putting the teapot down with a bang.Claire opened her mouth and widened her eyes, looking shocked at my outburst. I knew I shouldn’t act this way with her, but I was fed up hearing about my pointless care for the animal that everyone would ha
*Claire*I watched her peacefully sleeping on the couch in the living room with the little lynx snoring on her chest. I knew she would react badly, but I wasn’t expecting a total blacking out. I sipped my coffee, sitting in the chair observing Mackenzie, waiting for Caris's return.The moment she walked into the bakery, I knew she looked familiar. That red hair was one of a kind, but I focused on her eyes. Her eyes were a constant reminder of what happened to my beloved pack. Although they didn’t have the same malice, the color reminded me of a man who once was my ally before he turned into a murderer.„How is she? Has she woken up already?” Caris asked once she opened the front door, bringing the firewood to light up the fireplace.„She’s still out. Not sure why, though. It couldn’t have been anything more than a simple shock, so I don’t know why she’s been lying there for three hours.” I answer
*Mackenzie*I started throwing the random items into the bag as anger radiated from my actions. How could they suggest that I be responsible for Alpha Allard’s wrongdoings? He might be my father, but blood ties did not always constitute a family. The family does not harm its members, and I have experienced many harms from their hands.I folded the clothes into balls and stuffed them as tight as possible into my backpack when I heard a gentle knocking on the bedroom door, stopping my activity. I looked at the door, silently contemplating what to do next. I waited for the person to speak but heard nothing, only another set of knocks.„Who is it?” I yelled, mad.„It’s me, Caris. Can I come in?”I looked at Fireball, waiting for her advice. It was stupid because she was an animal and a sleeping one, but she was my closest friend then, and I needed advice on what to do
*Mackenzie*„What do you mean you have already done the test?” I screamed, shocked at Robert’s confession.He sat unaffected, feeding Fireball with the nutrients that he brought with him. Claire clearly provided him with all this because his first assumption was that I was hiding a baby in my cabin. His face was priceless when he realized I had become a mother to a little lynx.„That’s what exactly it means. I have already passed the test, and I’m officially a Rogue King’s pack member.” He stated, proudly showing me his wrist with a howling wolf tattoo.„How? When? Why?” I questioned, grabbing his hand to examine the red marks.It looked fresh. The area was still red and raised above the skin slightly. I noticed some blood leaking underneath the top layer of skin, so it must have been done today because, with Robert’s wolfish healing, it would be healed soon.„It’s
*Conrad*I watched through the glass as my friend was fighting for his life. The one who was once a trained and skilled warrior was slipping through our hands, connected to all kinds of tubes supporting his body. I was filled with great rage when I remembered in what condition we found him. At that moment, I wanted to slaughter everyone in that damn pack, but most importantly, I wanted to punish myself.If only we hadn’t waited so long for the rescue mission. If only I hadn’t gotten distracted and gone to that damn cabin, Leon would have better chances at surviving. That’s what I’m one hundred percent sure.I watched the doctor check his vitals and write down something in the chart. I didn’t want to disturb him, but I was dying to hear at least one good news. I desperately wanted him to give me just an ounce of hope that my friend would sooner or later get back on his feet and annoy m
*Conrad*I felt as if I was floating instead of running. Rip was moving through the forest like a bullet, quickly and precisely hitting the spot. The run to the cabin took us less than I anticipated, and before I knew it, Rip was standing proudly in all his glory on the lawn in front of the porch.’So what now, smartass?’ I mocked as he stood undecided about what to do next.’Fuck off!’ He rolled his eyes and forced a quick but painful shift.„Fuck!” I breathed as I kneeled on the cold grass, butt-naked, gasping in pain that I felt even in the smallest cartilage.His amused chuckle buzzed in my head as I tried to gather myself up and approach the situation as befits a fucking Rogue King. I knew entering the cabin without clothes was not an option, so I walked behind the house, opened the small wooden box, and took out the stash of clothes I kept there.„I’m fucking freezing my
*Mackenzie*I woke up more energetic than ever. My skin seemed to glow, and strange tingles danced after my every touch. It resembled the electric sparks I experienced that memorable day that changed my life. I blushed because I couldn't hide dreaming about him tonight. I touched my cheek at the spot his fingers grazed it in my embarrassing, wet dream.But along with the satisfaction came anger towards him. That man didn’t hesitate to reject and abandon me in my misery. He sentenced me to death at the hands of Esther or as a victim of the attack. Only thanks to Robert did I survive, and thanks to Robert, I found this beautiful place I felt safe.I sat on my makeshift bed and chuckled as I noticed Fireball shakingly shuffling to the empty bowl. Although her efforts were miserable, the fact gave me hope for her health’s improvement. I crawled towards her, placed my hands on the rug, and rested my head on
*Mackenzie*Fireball leaped over the log and, with a wild roar, sank her teeth into the native's shoulder, causing him to drop his ax to the ground with a groan. I stepped back, stretching my hands and summoning my flames. The natives also retreated when they saw my powers and the burning lynx, which did not hesitate to tear them to shreds."Holy shit, Starfish. You run from me again, and you won't be able to sit down for a week. Do you understand?" Conrad ran out of breath, tearing up the vines blocking his path."And you, young lady, can forget about scratching behind your ears for a month." He threatened Fireball, who reluctantly released the native and, offended, turned away from Conrad."Don't give me that shit. I'm not joking, little one." Conrad repeated, but Fireball stood unfazed."Honey, maybe it's better to focus on these people than on our punishment, ok? After all, they tried to cut me up with those axes." I pointed at the retreating people, not extinguishing my flames.Co
*Garrett*I wandered the halls, assessing what else was needed before handing the pack to the new Alpha. No one asked me to do this, but I needed to ensure everything was fixed.Caris felt obliged to meet my father and the people I grew up with, so she spent the entire day meeting them. I hope that her temperament and love of alcohol will not be perceived negatively. I love her to death, but even I got fed up with her sometimes. Ansel roared in agreement with me. Tanga could also give him a hard time from time to time.'It's just a pity you can't admit it in front of her, you coward.' I commented, knowing how meek he could be, nodding to Tanga.'It's called pampering your lady.' Ansel took offense, exhaling air through his nostrils.'Yeah, whatever makes you sleep at night, man.' I scoffed, returning to assessing our losses. "Pussy." I muttered under my breath, laughing.Ansel got angry and started growling at me, but I quickly blocked our communication, enjoying the undisturbed silen
*Conrad*I sat on the bed, staring at my bare feet. There was still dark outside; the moon gently peeked into our window, illuminating my face as I slept and waking me up at night. I sighed quietly and turned to look at my peacefully sleeping Starfish, sprawled out on the bed, taking up more than half of the mattress. I laughed under my breath. Her nickname fits her perfectly.I got up from the bed and walked around to cover Mackenzie, who had kicked the blankets out and was snoring adorably. I picked the blanket from the floor and covered her body, watching her sleep soundly, undisturbed by decisions that may affect our future.I brushed her hair out of her face and kissed her head before taking in the delicious scent of blueberry cheesecake she smelt of before I got dressed and quietly left the room for some fresh air.I was putting on a T-shirt when a woman in a messy bun, a loose T-shirt, and jeans came out from the opposite room, yawning. She stopped dead when she saw me, wonderi
*Mackenzie*I stared at Claire with a tornado of thoughts in my head. I was extremely grateful that Garrett was still holding me in his arms cause I didn‘t trust my feet. My knees almost buckled when Claire dropped that bomb suddenly."Fifty years," I mumbled, turning my gaze to Agatha.Agatha Allard. Roy's mother, my grandmother, has been dead for over fifty years.I slowly got out of Garrett's arms and cautiously approached the chest. I knelt next to her and placed my hand on the lid. I felt a strange power of attraction, as if there was something inside that belonged to me."Now, it doesn't matter whether she died half a century ago or half an hour ago. She didn't reveal anything important. Nothing except her last request to destroy that chest." I said, revealing Agatha's last words."If no one wants to take this box outside, we'll have to do it here," I announced as I slowly detached my grandmother's bony hands from the chest.Everyone gathered stared at me, wondering if they shou
*Claire*I didn't know how to feel. After over thirty years, I returned home. And even though it was no longer my home, the sentiment remained. And my heart beat faster every time I walked along a familiar path or passed a place where Levi and I spent our most precious time.Dara was in a dilemma. Although, like me, she was pleased to be back at Green Forest Pack, her heart could not forgive what happened to us here. Here in our home, everything we loved was taken away from us.'You act as if we were going to come back here. But I didn't say anything like that. Not even a thought.' I laughed when she growled at me again when I got too close to the tree swing near the school.'You don't have to say anything; I feel and hear everything. After all, I'm your smarter half.' She countered, reminding me of her importance.'Thanks for reminding me that I'm the stupidest one here. You can always count on smarty-pants.' I rolled my eyes as I left the swing and headed towards the pack house.'Yo
*Mackenzie*The day was ending, and nothing we had set out to do was ready. The wounded were still being treated. The missing people are still searched, and the dead, although there were not many of them, were waiting for their turn. We only managed to organize accommodation for over five hundred people in a banquet hall that had not been used for centuries.People asked about everything. Why did this have to happen to them? Why do they have to suffer for the sins of others, and why can't they return to their homes? I didn't know what to answer them; no one did, especially Claire, who was constantly surrounded by a group of people excited about the return of their real Luna.Even though she had a tired look, she didn't refuse anyone, even those who interrupted her meal. She always greeted everyone with a smile, kindness, and openness. And I will have to learn this from her because I avoided people like the plague.When we left the pack house and Maddox set me on my feet, Conrad relaxe
*Mackenzie*The kiss didn‘t last long, but it felt like forever. I clung to Conrad, not letting him end the kiss or our embrace. My wings fluttered playfully before fully penetrating my back, wrapping me in their soft feathers, clinging to my ribs."I guess it's over," Conrad whispered, combing my hair."I guess it's over," I confirmed, blushing after our sweet yet public display of affection.Around us, people were still confused, not knowing what to do, how to react, or what to say. I'm not surprised. Not every day you get to fight against those who want to free you. It's not every day you find out that the last decades of your life were a lie, and it's not every day you experience a fight between creatures that, according to legend, have long since existed."Why don't we clean up first and then deal with the aftermath?"Someone made a suggestion in the crowd, and hearing the multitude of unanimous cries, it must have been someone who held power."What do you say, Alpha?" The same m
*Melody*I lay semi-conscious on the cold, wet grass, staring into the empty eyes of my lover, Chase. My body wracked with sobs of despair that continued despite the pain of the completely severed bond vanishing. My body had fully processed the pain, but my soul was still mourning. My soul lost its half, my heart fell into pieces, and my mind couldn't cope with the most tremendous loss of my life."Ch-sss." I tried to say his name despite my broken jaw and howls.My poor weak wolf Isola cried mournfully for the Moon Mother to take her and reunite her with Axel. Her sense of life had just vanished, taken from her with the death of her soulmate. I didn't have the strength or desire to comfort her in her sadness because I wondered whether to ask the Moon Goddess to take me too.Despite my broken legs and arms, I tried to get closer to Chase's body and leave this world with him, embracing him until my last breath. Every inch I got closer to him hurt like hell, and every second I spent clo
*Conrad* "Now, I'll show you your failure." Esther chuckled above Mackenzie‘s head, staring intently at me, "Alpha Levi." She addressed me and dragged her nails into Mackenzie‘s neck, piercing her skin. Rip couldn't stand it, and at an alarmingly fast and excruciating pace, he shifted, tearing apart all the clothes I had on. And with a sinister roar vibrating in the air, he stood before the witch in all his glory, ready to tear her to shreds. Esther smiled even wider as if she had been waiting for this very moment. Her eyes lit up when she saw Rip, and I realized where her mad enthusiasm came from. 'She thinks we're Dad. She thinks we are Levi and King.' I noticed, and Rip growled, proud but excited to show Esther who we were. "I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to kill you twice. The first time was a pleasure. Now I'll make it historic." Despite her obviously weak body, Esther snickered, threw Mackenzie aside, and lunged at Rip. All the people gathered moved aside as Rip us