"Star?" I called out, hurrying down the steps to the eerie basement cautiously. "Hello?" The dark space greeted me emptily. I should have checked the main house first. Frustrated, I dashed up the steps, scouring each room until I found Star and Tony in the greenhouse, seated at a small round table. Their surprise at my sudden appearance was palpable when I halted in front of them. Tony sprang to his feet, and a surge of his emotions hit me. Concern was evident, but there was something else—an undercurrent of rage, primal and protective, as if he was poised to confront any potential threat coming my way. The sensation overwhelmed me, and I instinctively stepped back, my heart racing. "What’s wrong?" he demanded. "Nothing, I just need a quick word with Star," I forced a smile, attempting to mask my unease. It took a moment for Tony to compose himself, his emotions settling as mine began to churn. My face flushed, my body tingled, desire surged through me. Damn. I hadn't anticipated
Billy's disapproval rang out, "This is a terrible idea. We should confront the Ray problem directly."I voiced my concern, "Can you ensure finding him before Harold needs my help? What if he's back in Wolf Bay?" Ending the bond was crucial, yet risking my friends wasn't acceptable. It was my battle, but I faced uncertainty fighting against overwhelming odds. Besides, there was the grim dilemma of confronting and possibly killing a mate.Growling, Billy defended, "My duty is to protect you. I can't do that if you're elsewhere in the woods.""Danielle, Tony won't let anything happen to her," I reassured."He doesn't have the best track record," Billy retorted sharply.Interrupting the tension, I pleaded, "Listen, I know I messed up, but trust me on this. Ray has to be dealt with, but maybe not right now. You, me, and Shelia can't join them against the king." Tony grinned wickedly, signaling his agreement to a different plan.Realizing the plan, I sighed, "You're going after Ray while Ma
My heartbeat quickened. I had prepared myself mentally to spend the evening as a wolf in the woods, alongside Tony. The idea of attempting it with someone else triggered panic within me. I was already apprehensive about being a wolf for an entire night, especially considering the risk of getting stuck in that form.Danielle intervened, "Elisa, it's your choice. Any of us can accompany you. Pick who you feel safest with, including considering who your wolf might prefer."Sarcastically, I muttered, "Well, we all know who my wolf prefers."Tony stepped in, assuring, "Elisa, it doesn't matter who you choose. I want you to connect with your wolf. It's about making it work, no matter who's with you."Looking at my supportive friends, I felt a surge of warmth. Trusting each of them with my life was a testament to how far we had come together. However, when I envisioned a night in the woods, I could only envision choosing one person from the group.Despite the hurt, Tony had shown unwavering
The connection was lost. Although we were meant to be inseparable, there were two facets to our bond. I slowed down, overruling my wolf's impulse to continue running. I sensed her hesitation but her willingness to wait. It was a relief, and I exhaled deeply. My wolf whimpered, clearly disappointed."Remember what he did to us," I said to my wolf, feeling somewhat unhinged conversing with her. But it had helped in the past. "He isn't right for us. He hurt us."A profound sadness engulfed us, woven with regret, longing, and desire. The emotions were intense and perplexing. I pawed at the ground, trying to dispel the negativity through movement. My wolf sought understanding but struggled. Ray was intertwined with us, destined to be our other half. Fate had made an error.Raising my gaze from the ground, I spotted Tony's dark gray wolf drawing near. My wolf initially stepped back, then stood her ground, realizing Tony wasn't a threat. "He's a friend," I assured her.My wolf didn't seem in
As much as I desired self-sufficiency and defending my friends, certain tasks were beyond my solo capabilities. Pursuing my mate, especially with the current state of our bond, fell into that category.I burst through the door, calling out, "Danielle! Malcom!"Nearly colliding with Danielle in the hallway, I blurted, "Tony went after Ray.""Damn it," she cursed."What's happening?" Malcom and Billy hurried to join us."Danielle, Tony's gone after Ray," I confirmed.The two men dashed past me, seeking no further information before bolting out."Don't move," Danielle instructed."I won't," I retorted."At least put on some clothes. You can't risk shifting. Understand?" she urged."I do," I acknowledged."He already passed through the entrance, right?" Shelia inquired.I nodded, and Star offered a bundle of clothes, swiftly helping me dress in shorts, a tee, and oversized boots."Let's go," Danielle said. "I'll stay human with you. Focus on me."Grateful for my friends' support, I couldn
Tony, Billy, and Malcom chased after Ray, their massive wolf forms vanishing into the dense woods. I kept watch until they disappeared, still trying to clear the dirt from my eyes.“Are you alright?” Danielle inquired again."Yeah. What a jerk," I grumbled."That was bizarre." Danielle shook her head. "A cowardly move.""It was." My gut twisted, and I winced, feeling a sudden jolt of pain.“What’s wrong?” Danielle asked.“I don’t know.” I felt peculiar—sweaty, dizzy. Groaning, I found myself losing control of my own body.But my wolf wasn't in charge either. Panic surged. “That wasn’t just dirt.”Gasping, I struggled for control. Resisting the change was excruciating. Tears streamed down my cheeks.Danielle knelt beside me. “Elisa, can you stand? Let’s get you to Star's. She can help.”My body began to contort, bones shifting and reshaping. I screamed, enduring intense agony that eclipsed any prior transformations. I fought to stay conscious, my vision blurring and fading.Just as I t
Everything throbbed—my muscles, my head, my overheated skin—leaving me sweaty and shivering, my surroundings spinning. Collapsing and retching in the dirt, I expelled everything from my gut before steadying my breath. Gathering my bearings, I saw Ray cornered by my friends, teeth bared, facing them in an unexpected act of defiance. It seemed they awaited my cue, puzzled by my recent actions, perhaps granting one final chance to side with Ray. That, however, was never an option. After all he had put me through, there was no chance of redemption. I pushed myself upright, only to fall back in distress. I had to join the fray, end this conflict once and for all.Scanning for support to stand, I spotted my friends encircling Ray on one side and a perilous ravine on the other. Grateful I hadn't been closer during my transformation, I crawled closer to the pack, creating space from the edge before attempting to rise again. Despite nausea and blurred vision, I managed to struggle to my feet,
Without hesitation, I swiftly maneuvered behind Ray. His head whipped around as he tried to face me, but it was too late. Summoning every ounce of strength within me, I pushed. Ray’s wolf lost its footing, hind legs slipping over the edge. Suddenly, an arm snaked around my waist, pulling me back. Two more sets of hands clasped Ray’s front paws, preventing his plunge to certain death. "I got you," Danielle reassured, guiding me away from the cliff’s perilous edge. Billy and Tony, now in their human forms, gripped Ray’s wolf, hoisting him up. Malcom, still in wolf form, remained in front of Ray. "What's happening? Why did they do that?" I demanded. "They prevented you from bearing the burden of his death. If he fell, it would've been on your hands," Danielle explained, her tone mixed with both sympathy and pragmatism. "No," tears welled up in my eyes. "I can't endure this any longer." "I understand," she consoled. "But you can't end him. It would consume you." "This is your last
I rose to my tiptoes, enveloping Billy in an embrace. "You’re going to be an amazing alpha."Returning the hug, he urged, "Be careful, okay?""You too," I replied before stepping back. "I’ll be in touch soon.""I’ll be okay," he assured me."I know you will," I said with certainty."You will too, you know. You were born for this," he smiled warmly. Our bond, forged through trials, felt unbreakable, a connection that would last a lifetime.Billy rejoined his pack, and I walked over to my waiting entourage. "Malcom, would you stay with Billy for a few days? Just so he has someone loyal here.""Of course," Malcom agreed. "Now, go. See your mom. Billy’s got this, but just in case, he’s got me."The drive back to the house felt endless. Conversation attempts failed, leaving us engulfed in a heavy silence. Most of us were too drained or overwhelmed to speak."She’s going to be fine," Tony reassured me, squeezing my hand from the backseat.I glanced at him, grateful that it was just us in th
The shifters surged forward, enveloping us in cheers and exuberant shouts. Billy was hoisted onto shoulders and paraded around the field. Amidst this whirlwind of jubilation, I felt a wave of relief, joy, and peace emanating from the gathered shifters.Billy was about to face a challenging task, but if anyone could lead Wolf Bay to its rightful place, it was him.The entire household buzzed with activity as preparations for the Solstice celebration reached their climax. The longest night coinciding with a full moon promised an epic party.As I readied myself to greet the guests, a surge of nerves accompanied my anticipation. Tony grasped my hand reassuringly. "You’re going to be great. Nothing bad is going to happen. This is what you’ve been working so hard for the last year."He was right, and his unwavering support had been invaluable. Together, we had strived to mend pack relations and lay the groundwork for positive change among the shifters.Tonight was pivotal. Our efforts to re
Ace’s gasps punctuated the silence, his wide eyes reflecting sheer terror. The punishment I had delivered was the ultimate blow. He thrived on adoration and the capacity to instill fear in others. Stripped of his position of power, he was left with nothing. Executing him would only grant him martyrdom.Murmurs rippled among the gathered shifters as the sentence resonated among the crowd. Gradually, those murmurs evolved into applause.Billy, taking a step forward, approached Ace. I wasn’t privy to their exchange, but Billy sought closure here too. Whispering something to Ace, he withdrew, a smile gracing his lips. Though Ace appeared enraged, he didn’t retaliate.It wasn’t my place to know; Billy, like me, suffered under Wolf Bay's rule. He may have made mistakes but always sought to balance the good amidst adversity. What potential might he have realized without the constant struggle to please Ace for his sister’s sake while trying to do the right thing?"Well, this wasn’t what I exp
Ace’s punishment warranted a unique approach. Death seemed too lenient, risking his transformation into a martyr. I wasn’t oblivious to the entrenched mindset of males accustomed to unchecked authority; they wouldn't simply yield to a female monarch. Rectifying the injustices demanded extensive effort.For every tale akin to mine, numerous others remained untold. Danielle and Clara had been unjustly divested of their positions bestowed by the Moon Goddess herself. How many others suffered at the hands of feeble men intent on preserving power?Ace would serve as an exemplar. Stripped of strength, divested of authority. I required his survival to serve as a cautionary symbol, illustrating what lay ahead, rather than providing grounds for shifters to rebel against me.His punishment wasn’t solely for his sexism but for exploiting all members of his pack. I needed clarity on that point.My guards halted, creating space between our contingent and the leaders of my former pack. Ace and his
The four of us strode through the grand double doors, prompting the council members to rise from their seats arranged along a long wooden table, adorned with a dozen chairs. At one end sat a conspicuously larger chair, set against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace casting a warm glow in the room. The floor boasted dark wood, accentuated by a regal red and gold rug. Above, chandeliers crafted from antlers lent a distinctive touch, deviating from the crystal fixtures I had seen elsewhere in the estate."Thank you for your patience," I addressed them, endeavoring to convey a sense of composure and authority."Of course, your highness," one of the men responded.I made my way to the larger seat and settled into it. The men gathered around the table, one side occupied by my family and the other by the four males constituting my predecessor’s council. It was an unconventional arrangement, but if Harold deemed it necessary to hear their counsel, I was willing to entertain their perspect
Breakfast with my friends felt familiar and safe. Danielle, Malcolm, and Billy had mostly waited to eat until we arrived. The guards stood outside the room, and at my instance, the staff was willing to leave the food and let us serve ourselves.To my friends’ credit, they all steered the topic of conversation toward random things that were unrelated to our current situation. It was as if they knew I needed a little break before I had to figure out how to do the job I’d committed to when I took down the old king.We ate till we were all stuffed and laughed at Malcolm’s stories about trying to learn how to fix a car and accidentally setting it on fire. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pictured Mario’s face. “I bet he never let you near his car again.”“Only if I’m trying to fix it. Driving I’m fine with. It’s when you give me tools that it causes an issue.”“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said.“Your highness,” a male voice said.I turned and saw one of my guards. Malaki, I think.He was
The group departed, leaving me surrounded by friends, guards, and a handful of staff. Turning my focus back to them, I reaffirmed, "For real, though. I keep my promises."An older woman with white hair nodded to her companions, affirming, "Told you Claire was telling the truth." She glanced at me. "If there's nothing more for us, we'll get back to work."I nodded in acknowledgment. "Find me if you need anything."With a smile, she guided the group away from me. As the extra people dispersed, I surveyed those who remained. The guards stood their ground, making this as private as it could get. My impatience surged—I needed answers. "Where's my mom? How's she doing?"Harold hesitated. "I'm not sure.""What do you mean? Weren't you with her last night?" I pressed."I was. She was in bad shape. Didn't even recognize me," he admitted, shaking his head.My chest tightened. "Where is she now?""Star's been with her all night," Malcom chimed in. "She prioritized helping your mom before the res
The other guards introduced themselves, a touch of ease evident in their demeanor. Spending ample time together, it felt comforting to begin to acquaint ourselves."James, Malaki, Ruben, and Cole," I acknowledged each, prompting smiles and nods in response."Shall we check in on the others?" I suggested."After you, Elisa," James replied.Summoning courage, I led the way. The ballroom burst with music, vibrant lights, and spirited revelry. Blue-uniformed shifters circulated trays of food while bartenders manned stations amid a dancing crowd.Amidst the party's vibrancy, I felt the fight's aftermath. Stiffness and soreness seeped in, reminders of the battle with my uncle.Making rounds among the guests, I sought a respite. James directed us to a guest suite, a refuge from the festivities.Stepping into the room, opulence surrounded me. A fireplace, plush furnishings, and lavish décor overwhelmed my senses. Wounded and exhausted, I yearned for solace.Stripping off my soiled clothes, I
His body tensed, signaling his intent, yet his position was flawed. Almost missed it, but my human side caught the subtle adjustment—he was about to feign an attack, aiming to turn my own game against me. I swiftly moved, anticipating his altered angle, and narrowly evaded his strike. Passing control to my wolf, she veered around, slashing her claws deep into his side as we darted past.His howls echoed, but my wolf pressed on, delivering another fierce blow to his face. The king, dazed and unprepared for our speed, struggled to match our agility. Each time he adjusted, we were there, ready to strike again with teeth or claws.Aware of our limitation in strength, we adopted a relentless and swift strategy, refraining from a power play or flashy moves. The king's wolf retaliated, pinning us a few times, yet we wriggled free, persistently attacking.Exhaustion began to slow us down, and the king, though limping, persisted. Unexpectedly, he charged, knocking my wolf down. The impact diso