KNIGHT She managed to take us to a place in one piece, under her own control. Finally, she made some improvements. I knew Nirvana was strong, and despite her defiance and doubts, I never doubted she wouldn’t stop figuring out what she could do, and I knew she would make a huge difference in our world. She should have anticipated the other packs out there, and she just brought us to a dangerous pack in Alaska. When five men appeared from a distance, my wolf turned protective, stirring and growling inside me. He became agitated, and my fangs tickled in my gums. My claws threatened to claw their way out. Then I noticed the tall man in the center. He was, without a doubt, the alpha. I had yet to learn how big their pack was. I knew many packs, my allies, but none were in this area. “We’re lost in the woods. We didn’t mean to trespass.” I wasn’t lying, but they could not know about Nirvana’s gift. “I can smell you from afar.” That must be one of the enforcers. The alpha hadn’t spok
KNIGHT We followed their instruction despite my wolf’s defiance. It was not about how we could survive. It was about making peace with them if they would give us a chance to talk. But I would take my chances if they lay a hand on Nirvana. A few minutes later, the big house came into view— a country house in the middle of the woods, almost covered with snow, but the enforcers did not take us there. They turned left. They were putting us in one of their cages as their prisoners. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” “It’s all right.” I was right. There was a small cave. It wasn’t so much a prison cell as a cave gated with an iron door. Only a single yellow lamp reflected the iron walls, which were probably five inches thick. I ignored the horrible smell inside. Someone must have died here, and they left it rotten to torment their prisoners. “Get in, or I will rip your mate apart,” said the head of the enforcers. “At least give us five minutes to tell your alpha that we didn’t end here on
NIRVANA I didn’t realize I was sensitive to silver, just like werewolves, until today. I could feel my body giving out. I shivered when my skin was so cold while my inside seemed boiling like molten lava. The cage didn’t help either. It was sickening. It smelled like rotten animals. The longer I stayed there, the more horrible the smell became. The cave must be spell-protected. I couldn’t reach Zarah to ask for help, and my necklace was useless. Knight was also in pain. Despite how hard he tried to hide the pain inflicted with silver, I still felt it. We shared a bond, and we shared thoughts in the first place. I tried to block him, but somehow, he became my anchor, my hope, and he was the only thing that gave me a reason to stay strong and keep my mind sane. If it wasn’t for him, keep telling me not to expose my ability. I’d already fought these werewolves to protect us. At the back of my mind, I was so full of myself, thinking I had mastered my gift. Instead, I put my alpha in
NIRVANA “You can trust my sister. She just found her ability two years ago. Evelyn has a gift to see someone’s true nature by touching them.” “I don’t mean to frighten you,” I told Evelyn as I grabbed the cup and sipped the tea. “I came from a long line of ancient werewolf and Sybil.” “As in the seer?” He stared at me. “Yes.” I nodded at Alpha Frye. “But she was cursed before she was even born. So, she was human until recently,” Knight explained in a less complicated way. “What happened?” “After discovering your existence because my grandfather chose to raise me like every other human. Then apparently, Knight is my mate. So I went with him to California. Zarah has a theory that to break the curse done by an ancient, powerful warlock, maybe a true love kiss could break it.” “But she died instead.” “Goddess.” Evelyn gasped. Alpha Frye didn’t even blink. “My soul hadn’t crossed just yet. My great-great-grandfather, whom I thought was dead, brought me back from the dead. He put
KNIGHT “Thank you for everything, Alpha Frye.” I reached out for a handshake. “We did nothing, Alpha Knight. Don’t forget to reach out if you need anything; if you’re going to war, my men and I will be there behind you.” He shook my hand firmly, placing his hand on top. “I mean it, Alpha Knight. Consider us your friends.” “That means a lot.” “And you, young Luna. The only advice I can give you is this. If one thing can win good over evil, it is your love for the people you care about to motivate you, to keep you standing, and the sacrifice you will make for them; even a great evil would never do that.” Nirvana hugged him and sighed. “Thank you so much.” She then went to Evelyn and hugged her. “Don’t wait till you don’t have any more time.” We walked out of their house filled with hope, and the wisdom they shared with us somehow lightened the heaviness in my chest. Once we were far enough, Nirvana held me in my arms, and I felt that tingle again. This time, she did it with flyi
KNIGHT “I don’t think so, Knight. My mother told me no one knows when it happens, but signs will be obvious—unless there are wild animals or a sick werewolf out there.” She looked at me. You should call Kaleb or Luka and warn them. And maybe they’ve watched the news.” “That’s a good idea.” I picked up my phone and dialed my beta. Kaleb answered quickly, “Alpha, how have you been?” “I’m good. We’re good. How’s the pack?” “All good, but we missed you. How’s Vana?” “She’s listening.” Nirvana just mouthed to say hi. “And she said hi to everyone. Where’s McKaye?” “He’s training the guys. Do you have a message for him?” “I’ll call him later. Anyway, have you seen the news?” “Are you referring to the animal attack?” He knew. Everyone knew. “Yes. That’s the one.” “Yes. They blurred the shots and images, but I saw the images and video taken by a passer who posted them on TikTok. It looks like a wolf attack. Do you know there was another attack two days ago? An old couple was attacke
NIRVANA We made it to Portland. I didn’t even know how to feel or what to say meeting relatives I’d never met. I always thought that after I learned that my parents died, it was just me and my grandfather. Knight pressed the doorbell to a two-story suburban house. “Is this always wet around here?” My question made him smile. “There are many werewolves in Portland. And your distant relatives are one of them.” “I’m surprised that you know.” “Your grandpa told me when he visited California. I forgot to tell you about that.” He rang the doorbell again. This time, I heard footsteps coming to the door. “It was a difficult time for both of us.” The door swung open. A man around Knight’s age stood at the door, looking confused as he sniffed the air. He somehow looked friendly and kind. “Can I help you?” “Dylan Hedrew?” “Yes. Who’s asking?” “I know you know her,” said Knight. “Case knows we’re coming here to see you.” “What’s this all about?” Dylan nodded as he opened the door wi
KNIGHT “Can I borrow the journal? I promise to take care of this and return it to you once I finish reading.” “If you can take it out of the house, sure.” Dylan picked up the photo on the floor. “You can take this with you, too.” “Thanks.” Nirvana sipped her lemonade. “No problem. I’m glad I met you. Your grandfather, all he ever wanted was to protect you from this, our world; that’s why he never told you about this, not that you know about us; at least you never see us differently.” “I’m glad I found you. If you encounter more trouble around here, feel free to come to the Blackwell Vineyards. You have a place there, Dylan. And I’d like to know more about you.” I felt the sincerity in her voice, and Dylan seemed a good guy. “I’d love that.” “We can’t stay longer,” I told Dylan. He showed me the photo and video of the man running towards the bus. That man wasn’t himself. If this incident escalated, both worlds would create chaos and panic. “Let me guess. The reason why you are