*Mackenzie*
I woke up feeling abnormally hot as if my skin was boiling or I had an unusually high fever. I struggled to breathe, and my whole body was covered with sweat, but I shivered as if from cold. I heard a faster beeping of machines and the sound of the sliding door suddenly opening, and the sudden noise in the room gave me a headache.
„I think he’s shifting subconsciously. We need to get the girl out of here. Kit might be unstable.” Someone shouted, but I didn’t see anyone.
My eyelids felt heavy, and I had trouble opening them up, not to mention moving my body. I tried to open my mouth to speak, but that didn’t work either. I tried moving my fingers, toes, or whole limbs, but it was pointless. I felt paralyzed, and that scared me tremendously.
„I’ll take the girl. You take care of Leon.”
A deep, rich, and commanding voice echoed in the room, fil
*Mackenzie*„You better start talking, Conrad. You might be the Alpha, our leader, and my friend, but strange things have happened since you showed up around this girl. Not only did she end up in the hospital for the second time, but it’s been less than a week, and you kill five guys, avoid Madison, and for unknown reasons, Caris refuses to cooperate with you. What’s going on?”Someone whispered, but I heard it anyway. Steady beeping over my head, the undeniable smell of the hospital mixed with the scent of larch floating in the air and warm and soft fur nuzzling into my neck was irrefutable proof that this nirvana into which I drifted away not so long ago was just a dream.„I know what it looks like, but you don’t have to worry about anything. Everything will return to normal in a few days, so don’t worry about Caris. I’ll deal with her tonight.”
*Mackenzie*The last twelve hours were the worst punishment in my entire life. Madison was assigned to my room until evening, when Dr. Vera came and happily announced that I could go home. The only nice moment was the hour spent with Mrs. Kringle, who managed to smuggle in a few chocolate cookies as she practically didn’t let me out of her embrace, thanking and kissing me for helping her nephew.It was a very kind gesture, but I didn’t feel like a heroine. I didn’t know what happened or why, and I couldn’t accept the compliment for an utterly incomprehensible service. Tests showed nothing, and scans came out normal. As for the electric currents, they explained them by high iron levels in my blood. I knew nothing about medicine, only dressing my wounds, so I had to take their word for it.I was escorted to my cottage by Garret and Claire. As for Robert, he never showed up after his strange and abrupt flee from the hospital, and I began to
*Conrad*I stood still, staring at her while she slowly returned to the warm cabin wrapped in her blanket. Garret arranged everything as I instructed him, and I was left alone with Mackenzie for the entire talk if a conversation between a human and an unresponsive animal can be called one.’At least you showed her that we cared.’ Rip reminded me, and I nodded.After Mackenzie’s request to leave the valley, I was so enraged that I considered it a miracle that Rip didn’t show up and tore the entire hospital wing apart. I was on the verge of damaging things, so I had to leave the hospital as soon as possible. I must have broken his trust that he didn’t react even at such a moment. I was pulled into a tornado of feelings, unable to decide, but I knew perfectly that my existence was pointless without Rip.I had to get him back, and if it meant giving the girl a chance, I wa
*Conrad*I watched as everyone attending the meeting looked at me in annoyance. I was fifteen minutes late, and they witnessed my not-so-pleasant argument with Madison. Not only did Rip laugh at my situation, considering it funny, but at least twenty people heard her screams about me taking advantage of her.I’m not going to lie, that was not my best moment, but when the blood rushed from my dick to my brain, I instantly pushed Maddie away and practically dragged her out half-naked out of my apartment. Despite considering the incident as a betrayal of my mate, Rip didn’t lecture me but only conjured up these images of Mackenzie writhing in pleasure on the carpet in my cabin.’Dick.’ I cussed as he only laughed harder.„So tell us, O greatest of leaders, why do you call upon a meeting late in the evening? Because it’s probably not for us to watch scenes from a cheap drama?” Miles broke the tension and aske
*Mackenzie*I tried to read the paragraph for the millionth time, but it was pointless as my mind was occupied by encounters that constantly gave me headaches. I huffed, tossed the book aside, and plopped in bed, exasperated. Meowing, Fireball shuffled towards me and lay on my chest, gazing at me with her penetrating eyes. „And what do you suggest I do?” I groaned and asked her, and she meowed again. „I tried calling, but no one answered. I left messages, but no one called back. It’s like Rob’s constantly out of the pack house or avoiding me for purpose.” I explained myself lamely. „Garrett told me that Caris has been sent on a mission and will be back in a few days and that even he, her mate with that magic voodoo mind link, cannot contact her. It’s like she used some magic shield and cut off the outside words.” I complained. „And Claire.” I huffed, on the verge of calling on my sanity. „Claire is so occupied with Luna's ceremony preparation that I'm left to myself. Not even Mrs.
*Mackenzie*„I’m going to leave you here. He’s not fond of me, especially after that unfortunate blood draw when I couldn’t find his vein and I pricked him way too many times.” Maddie scrunched her face as she leaned and whispered, „Apparently, werewolves are very sensitive while healing, and he banned me from touching him.” She giggled slightly.„I have no heart to tell him that I was assigned to him by Connie and that he has to endure my clumsiness until he says otherwise.” She revealed as we approached the door separating the three rooms reserved for higher-ranking wolves.„That’s ok. I think I’ll manage by myself.” I assured her and thanked her.Madison smiled at me and typed the code before letting me in and waving goodbye as the door closed. With energetic jumps, she turned on her heels and left me alone. I smiled at her childish attitude, but deep inside, I felt a pang that this girl was standing on my way to happiness. What did he see in her that he didn’t see in me? I asked a
*Mackenzie*I am still determining how we got into his office that fast or how I agreed to have dinner with him. But here I was, sitting at his desk, eating a delicious steak with veggies and sipping delicate and perfectly chilled white wine. Surprisingly, we spent the last forty minutes in complete silence, apart from when he asked me if I would have dinner with him.I ate the last piece of stake, put down the cutlery as I swallowed the meal, and gazed at Conrad, who enjoyed his dish, munching his two steaks and tons of veggies. I clasped my hands on my lap and waited for him to finish, as I didn’t want to start the conversation interrupting his meal time.I looked around the office and paid attention to details this time. I have been in this office before with Miles when he introduced me to this territory's rules. That time, I focused on Miles and Fireball sleeping peacefully in the basket at my feet. I didn’t pay any attention to the interior design other than noticing the consider
*Conrad* I held her hands and gazed into those beautiful, big, blue, innocent eyes as my heart pounded in my chest as crazy. Her condition was fair and achievable except for a tiny detail. I have never shared private information with others to prevent potential leaks, and what she asked for was very dangerous and could lead to her death.’No one will fucking touch her. I want my mate, so you better agree and stick to her side like glue. A fuckin-super glue!’ Rip demanded as I battled over her condition.„I understand. You don’t want to be seen with someone like me.” She said as her face became sad when she noticed my hesitation.She tried to stand up and pulled her hands off my grip, but I tightened my hold and pulled her up from the chair as I stood up from the floor. She screamed in surprise as I spun her around, let go of her hands, and sat her up on the desk. I stepped in between her legs as I held her tiny waist in my hands, keeping her in place.„Don’t ever say that again.” I b
*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