XAVIER'S POVMy fingers dug into the injured witch's arm, her pained gasps echoing through the moonlit forest. Colby, Cameron, and Devon accompanied me with determined expressions along with our trained warriors from the werewolf army. I couldn't take the chance of going without any preparation. We were a band of shadows moving through the tangled woods, chasing the elusive promise of Scarlet's hiding place. If Panton was really telling the truth, then there was no doubt that Scarlet would be the one to lead them to Cyrus. And once I get my hands on him, he will be done for. The air was thick with tension, the rustling leaves conspiring with the shadows to conceal our pursuit. Despite the witch's injuries, fear kept her moving forward. Her every stumble and wince ignited the burning memory of her deceit. The pain she inflicted on Athena fueled my determination, the vivid recollection of how Scarlet had treated her churning anger within me. If it weren't for Panton revealing the harsh
ATHENA'S POVAlone in the quiet refuge of my room, I cradled the delicate locket in my hands, a link to my mother whose absence left an indelible void within me. The last gift she bestowed before being claimed by an unforgiving fate, this treasure had weathered the storms, both literal and metaphorical, of my life.I let my fingers trace the intricate patterns on the locket's surface, a dance of memory and longing. I remembered the day I thought I lost it in the river, the torrent threatening to carry away not just a piece of jewelry, but a piece of my mother's memory. It was Maggie who handed it back to me. That moment etched in my mind, I decided to stop wearing it daily, to shield it from potential loss.This enchanting stone, a marvel of icy brilliance, held within its heart swirling shades—sky blue and turquoise interwoven in hues that never failed to captivate me. Its strength was palpable, as though my mother's spirit lingered within, whispering tales of love and resilience. It
ATHENA'S POVThe rain fell relentlessly, a somber backdrop to the mournful occasion that unfolded before my watchful eyes. The pack, gathered in a circle around the freshly filled grave, bore the weight of sorrow evident in their drooping shoulders and bowed heads. The rest of the Elders of the pack stood as silent witnesses, shock and sadness marked on their faces as a clear representation of what they were feeling. Sorrow for losing their beloved companion. Elder Panton had succumbed to the inevitable cycle of life, leaving behind a void that seemed to seep into the very air we breathed. Whispers of curiosity mingled with the raindrops, questioning glances exchanged among the pack, seeking understanding in the face of an unexpected departure. I heard some whispers of the pack members, wanting to know how it turned out to be like this. I particularly felt nothing. I was never close to him anyways. It was quite the opposite actually. From the first day I had stepped foot in this pac
XAVIER'S POV My office welcomed the soft glow of the light, casting a warm ambiance amid the seriousness of the paperwork that lay strewn across my desk. As Alpha, the weight of leadership demanded attention to the intricate details that governed our pack. Tonight was no exception, as I delved into the piles of reports and documents that demanded my scrutiny.A gentle knock echoed through the room, and I looked up to find Cameron at the doorway. His presence was expected, and with a nod, I granted him permission to enter. Cameron stepped in, the subtle tension in his shoulders indicative of the news he bore."Alpha Xavier," he began, a respectful tone laced with a hint of excitement. "Alpha Malcolm from the neighboring Blue Moon Pack, they recently welcomed their first pup, and in honor of this joyous occasion, they've announced a formal celebration."A flicker of interest sparked in my eyes, and I leaned back in my chair, inviting Cameron to elaborate. He handed over an intricately
ATHENA'S POVI felt the luxurious fabric of my evening gown against my skin as Xavier and I entered the grand ballroom, arm in arm. Soft music and murmured conversations created an ambiance of sophistication. Xavier smiled at me, and for a moment, everything seemed perfect. We exchanged our pleasantries with Alpha Malcolm and his mate. As we gracefully moved through the crowd, my eyes caught a familiar figure approaching—the source of my heartbreak and betrayal. My gaze sharpened, and my pulse quickened. The room seemed to fade away as he drew nearer, accompanied by none other— the woman I despised. Seriously, what was he doing here? And he had the nerve to have her stuck to him like a leech? After everything he did? I stood paralyzed in my tracks as my gaze settled upon him, the atmosphere turning heavy with tension. Nate and the woman he had cheated on me with walked toward us, their laughter echoing in my ears. My shock turned into a silent rage, my fists clenching involuntarily
ATHENA'S POVXavier's hand entwined with mine, and without a word, he pulled me onto the dance floor, where the soft strains of a slow melody caressed the air. Dim lights cast a romantic glow, enveloping us in an intimate atmosphere that heightened the anticipation simmering between us. There were other couples who were already present on the dance floor, including Alpha Malcolm and his Mate. As we stepped into the dance, Xavier's grip subtly tightened, drawing our bodies into a seamless connection that resonated with the gentle rhythm. The world receded into the background, leaving only the two of us in a dance of shared breaths and unspoken promises.His intense gaze locked onto mine, a silent invitation to dive into the magic of the moment. Xavier's commanding yet tender touch guided me through the dance, creating an unspoken language between us. With each step, he effortlessly molded me into the dance, his body leading mine with a familiarity that transcended words. I was surpri
ATHENA'S POV Lia nonchalantly emerged from the bathroom stall behind me. The lights harshly highlighted the frustration brewing within me.Lia wore a sly smirk, a deliberate move that only fueled my annoyance. Her saunter towards the sink seemed calculated, each step echoing a subtle taunt directed at me. The scowl on my face deepened as Lia couldn't resist a jeer."Huh, look who's here? The pathetic damsel in distress," she mocked, her words an attempt to provoke me. I felt the anger boiling within, but I took a slow, steadying breath, determined not to let my temper explode. I would never give her the satisfaction! Unfazed, Lia continued smirking as she washed her hands. She raised an eyebrow, a silent challenge hanging in the air. The anger pulsated through my veins, but I maintained a composed exterior."Says the desperate whore who ran out of options but to pounce on taken men," I retorted with measured tone, a smirk replacing my scowl. I relished the surprise that momentarily
ATHENA'S POVA cold shiver ran down my spine as I witnessed the scene unfold before my eyes. Lia, with her honeyed words and enchanting smile, seemed to be weaving a web of connection with Xavier. I stood frozen, my heart pounding so loud that I could almost hear it in the silent corridor. One moment, she was leaning in, whispering something in Xavier's ear with a flirty tilt to her lips, and the next, she pounced on him as if claiming her territory.Time seemed to freeze as I watched, disbelief tightening its grip on my chest. My eyes widened, and for a moment, it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. My mate, the one I thought shared an unbreakable bond with me, was now caught in a compromising situation with another woman.The shock was quickly replaced by a surge of anger that consumed me. How could he let her get so close? Regret clawed at my insides for not intervening sooner, for not slapping Lia when I had the chance to show her the boundaries she dared to cross i