AdamWithout saying another word, the man shifts and takes off running down through the trees. My heart starts racing when I realize the threat has passed. I glance over at Alyssa who's still staring wide-eyed at the departing figure. Her hands are trembling where she clutches them against her chest."Are you alright?" I ask.She nods, biting down on her bottom lip nervously. "Yes. Thank you for protecting me.""No problem," I reply casually, trying to hide how relieved I am about the whole situation. But just seeing that wolf made me feel sick. The Moon Creek pack is a rival pack and has been at us for years. They've tried many times to take advantage of our weaknesses and have threatened us numerous times. So, I don't trust this new guy one bit.After a couple of minutes, I look back up to find Alyssa watching me cautiously. She quickly averts her gaze after realizing I noticed her staring. I watch as she bites down on the inside of her cheek, clearly uncomfortable being alone with
AlyssaI've decided to stay here. I'm willing to try and fit in... willing to call the Blackwood pack my family. But I need time to adjust first. Time to get used to everything. I still can't believe I was accepted into the pack. It feels surreal. I thought I'd never find anyone who wanted me. But Alpha Trey is amazing. He was willing to risk everything to help me become a better person. I owe him big-time for giving me a second chance. For helping me overcome my past mistakes and making me realize how strong I am.There's Adam too. He's difficult to read sometimes. His thoughts seem to change from moment to moment. One minute he seems like such a jerk, the next all sweet and caring. I guess some men are hard to figure out. I feel a strange connection between him and me though. I wish we could spend more time together alone. I miss being able to talk freely to someone. Someone who isn't trying to use me for something.When I wake the following morning, I sit up in bed, stretching lazi
AdamMy head feels dizzy for a little bit after the ritual, but eventually, it subsides and I feel better than I did before. My stomach rumbles loudly when I smell the delicious smells coming from the feast set up in the center of the clearing. Alyssa looked beautiful kneeling in front of the other wolves, bowing to every single one of them. When she pledged herself to our pack, I felt a rush of pride wash through me. Not only because I knew she'd chosen to follow us instead of running away, but also because I had been right about her strength. I can sense it radiating from deep within her body and soul. Even though I still haven't seen much of what lies beneath, there's something different about her. Something powerful. Something that excites me. My cock twitches at the thought of burying myself inside her tight pussy. It wouldn't be long until I get to taste her sweet juices dripping down my tongue. The memories of my fingers deep inside her come rushing back as if they happened yes
AlyssaI'm so stupid. I thought he changed. That maybe things would work out. He lied to me. Again. And now I'm just fed up with everything. I know he's not my mate or anything, but damn if I could find someone better than him. But no. He was never good enough for me anyway. Not even close. I should have known it wouldn't last. I mean, look who his friends are. They all seem pretty messed up. Maybe that's why they hang out together. Well, whatever. There's nothing else left to say. I officially hate you, Adam Blackwood. Good riddance.I run to the front porch and throw open the door, storming outside. I slam it behind me, leaning against the railing. I take several long breaths trying to calm myself down. This isn't over yet. I'm going to make sure of that. I'm sick of being treated badly. Sick of people always telling me I'm too much trouble. Why did I think I'd finally found something worth fighting for?"Hey, Alyssa," Adam says quietly from beside me.I turn and glare at him. "How
Adam Mary-Kate lies motionless on the ground, her chest moving rapidly. She gasps for air, coughing harshly as she lifts her head from the grass. Alyssa is there, her eyes filled with anger. Anger I've never seen before. Her aura projects so much power and authority. I stand there watching her, wondering why she has such an intense reaction to Mary-Kate attacking her. Is it jealousy? Or is she actually scared? I stare at her for a moment longer, then turn my attention to Mary-Kate. She gets to her knees, glaring daggers at me."This bitch is crazy," she says through gritted teeth."You okay?" I ask, eyeing her closely.She shakes her head slowly, glancing over at Alyssa. "No, I'm not. And neither is she."Alyssa turns to face Mary-Kate, narrowing her gaze. "How dare you attack me? You should be grateful I didn't rip out your throat with my bare hands."Mary-Kate laughs dryly, her voice hoarse. "Well, I guess you would know about ripping throats out. I bet you'd love to do it too, wou
AlyssaAdam is a complete ass. That's all there is to say about him. He thinks because he has a dick that makes him superior to everyone else. I wish I had never met him. All he does is yell and scream. I should have known better than to trust him. I knew this would happen. No one likes me. Everyone hates me. I am alone in this world.I run through the woods aimlessly, heading deeper into the forest. My body aches and throbs with pain, and my lungs burn. I stop to rest against a tree trunk, leaning on it heavily while I try to breathe. It hurts too bad to move any longer. I close my eyes and let the tears flow freely down my cheeks. I hate you, Adam Blackwood. You ruined everything. I will never forgive you.I wipe my eyes furiously, wanting to rid them of the salty liquid. When I open my eyes again, I spot glowing eyes in the distance. They seem to glow brighter as I stare at them, their luminescence reflecting off the trees.I freeze, unable to make sense of what I'm seeing. I glanc
AdamAlyssa looks up at me with wide scared eyes. Her lips quiver and she begins trembling uncontrollably."Don't worry. Everything will be fine," I reassure her, putting my hand on hers.She nods silently, tears streaming down her cheeks. She grips my hand tighter, refusing to let go.I pull Alyssa into my lap, hugging her against me so hard, that I can barely breathe. "I can handle them. Don't worry."But deep down, I already know I cannot defeat the entire pack alone. Not if they bring reinforcements. There might be only a few, but it still isn't something I want to deal with right now.As the sound of heavy footfalls reaches our ears, I glance around frantically. Where are the others? Surely, someone has noticed their arrival by now."They've found us," I mutter under my breath.There's a rustling noise, followed by another set of footsteps heading in our direction. The Moon Creek pack has arrived and is coming straight for us.I sit up abruptly, pulling Alyssa with me. "Get ready
Alyssa"Brynne," Alpha Trey shouts as he approaches the pack house carrying a body in his arms. My heart stops in my chest. It can't be Adam. Oh, my God, no. Please tell me it isn't."What happened?" I ask, running up behind him.He doesn't respond immediately. Instead, he continues walking toward the building. I follow closely behind him with my hands over my mouth. It's Adam. How? Why? I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing pulse. I mustn't panic now or we'll lose him.When he reaches the door, he places his palms flat against it and pushes inward. Luna Brynne is there waiting for him. She jumps into his arms, sobbing hysterically while he holds her tight against his chest. I watch from the shadows of the doorway unable to move."Adam, my son!" She cries out, shaking his shoulder roughly. "Please wake up!"His mother moves quickly across the room and sits next to him, pulling him into her lap. I stand frozen, watching as she strokes his hair tenderly. "He can't be dead," she
AriaThey roll across the forest floor in a blur of motion, claws and teeth flashing in the dappled sunlight. Blood spatters the leaves, the coppery scent of it thick and cloying in the air.I know I should do something, should throw myself between them and put an end to this madness before one of them winds up dead. But I can't seem to make myself move, can't seem to do anything but watch in mute horror as the two males I love most in this world try to tear each other apart.It's Callum who falters first, his weakened body no match for Elijah's savage strength. He stumbles, his flank laid open by a vicious swipe of claws, and Elijah presses his advantage with a snarl of triumph.And then his jaws are closing around Callum's throat, and the world seems to freeze in a single, crystalline moment of perfect, terrible clarity.I know in that instant that I am about to watch the father of my child die. That I am about to lose him forever, just when I had finally begun to hope that we might
Adam I bolt awake, heart pounding. Alyssa's screams and Sophia's cries echo in my head. I swipe a hand across my damp forehead, breathing hard. Just a nightmare. But it felt so real. My wolf strains against its cage, howling to go to them. I know they need me. I stumble out of the nest into the cool night air. The stars shine down, distant and uncaring. How did I let this happen? I promised to protect them, to keep them safe. But I left them alone, at the mercy of the threat I should've ended. Alyssa. Her fear reached out in my dreams, begging for help. But I'm too late. My rival won; he has her trapped, waiting to finish this. I abandoned her to that fate. I abandoned my heart. And Sophia. My little light, my joy. She cries for her mother, afraid and alone. What's going to happen to her if I don't do something? I have to go back. Now, before all hope is lost and the future is decided. Before the light goes out for good. My wolf snarls again, straining to break free. To hell with
AlyssaDuran corners me as I gather herbs, lust, and fury warring in his eyes. My pulse quickens. "Alyssa, stop these games. You will be my mate."I square my shoulders, meeting his predatory gaze. "I follow my duty to your pack, but my heart belongs to another. I cannot be your mate, Duran."He moves closer, crowding me against the rock face. "You forget your place, little healer. I am Alpha here, and I will not be denied what I desire."The darkness radiating from him overwhelms my senses. My gift shrieks a warning of the evil now awakened and poised to descend. I have pushed him too far.Duran grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. "You will come to care for me in time. I can be patient when I wish. But do not forget who rules this pack, and what I want, I shall have."His fingers leave bruises on my skin. I wrench away, stumbling down the path. His bellow follows, "You cannot escape me forever, Alyssa! I will make you mine!"I run as if the hounds of hell snap at my heels throu
AdamThe forest blurs around me as I race between the trees, my paws pounding the earth. My heart thunders in my chest, refusing to accept what my senses tell me - they are gone. Vanished like the morning mist under the glare of the rising sun. I stop, throwing back my head to howl in rage and grief, the sorrowful sound echoing through the empty woods.I continue searching. Exhaustion drags at my limbs, but still, I hunt for any sign to cling to hope. Their scent has disappeared, erased as though they were never here. I stumble on through the black of night, guided only by the light of the moon overhead.Finally, I return home as the pale glow of dawn brightens the sky. The pack emerges from their dens, wary of my approach. I shift back, standing before them with my shoulders bowed under the weight of failure. Murmurs rise around me as they take in my disheveled, haggard appearance. Their Alpha, broken and aimless without his mate and child. Helpless to protect them. Useless to lead a
Alyssa Duran's invitation for dinner fills me with anxiety. As the Alpha, I can't say no, but his feelings for me create expectations I can't meet. The day passes too quickly. When night falls, I go to Duran's cabin, bracing myself for the evening to come. Duran greets me with a warm smile. "Welcome. I'm glad you could come." "Thank you for inviting me, Alpha." The proper response, hiding my inner turmoil. Duran's eyes gleam as he shows me inside, and my pulse jumps. The table is covered with a delicious spread. I take small bites, my appetite ruined by the unspoken question hanging between us. Duran watches me over his wine glass, patient but unwavering in his silent demand. "Your healing skills are invaluable. My pack has benefited greatly since you joined us. I feel...very fortunate you found shelter here after your mate's death." A calculated mention, trying to get a reaction. I chew slowly, my mind racing, before offering a tight smile. "You are too kind to help us in our ti
Alyssa The forest blurs around me as I run, clutching Sophia's hand tightly in mine. My legs burn but I don't slow. We have to get away. Far away. Sophia's steps falter. "Mama, wait, please. I can't run anymore." I stop and kneel before her, brushing leaves from her hair. "I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry. Just a little farther, OK?" Sophia nods bravely but when I stand, her ankle gives out beneath her. She cries out as she tumbles to the ground. "Sophia!" My heart drops as I scoop her into my arms. She whimpers, tears streaming down her face as she holds her ankle. No, not now. We have to keep going. I carry Sophia over to a large oak tree and set her down in the roots. "Let me see." Gently, I remove her shoe and sock. Her ankle is already swollen, the delicate joint red and puffy. No doubt it's sprained. Sophia sniffles. "It hurts, Mama." "I know, baby." I stroke her hair and kiss her forehead, panic rising in my chest. We're exposed here. Vulnerable. "Let me wrap it. We'll get
AdamThe pack celebrates into the night, but within me is only darkness. I stand alone in our quarters, Alyssa's lingering scent a bittersweet torment. My mate, my heart—she's gone. And by my own cursed hand.I slam my fist into the wall, relishing the burst of pain. I deserve far worse for what I've done. My weakness shattered the most precious gift I ever possessed: Alyssa's eternal love and trust.A mournful howl escapes my throat, echoing my anguish to the uncaring stars. Some Alpha I've proven to be. I couldn't even protect my own family from the sinister magic I should have sensed. And now, thanks to my foolish actions, Alyssa has disappeared like the fading moon at dawn, taking our daughter Sophia with her.At dawn I begin the search, following Alyssa and Sophia's scents through our territory. But at the border, the trail ends abruptly. Alyssa, cunning as ever, has masked their path using magic to keep them hidden. To keep them safe from me.By nightfall, I return home, defeate
AlyssaWithout my mate, my powers are weakened. But Marcus stands resolute at my side, lending me his strength. "They do not know the force they have unleashed. Adam would never raise a claw to harm you or your child, bond or no bond."We work what spells we can to pierce the sinister haze clouding Adam's mind. Marcus leads me to where Adam has barricaded himself, refusing entrance to the pack. But when we break through, the evil infesting Adam's soul lashes out in rage.Adam lunges with claws extended and fangs bared, madness gleaming in his eyes. Too weak to raise proper defenses, I stumble back - but Marcus intercepts, shielding me with his body as he pleads with Adam to remember who he is.For a heartbeat, clarity returns, and Adam blinks down at us in confusion. But then the demon reclaims its hold, and Adam roars, knocking Marcus brutally aside. I scramble to Marcus as he struggles to rise, bloodied but unbowed, still placing himself between Adam and me.We are no match for Adam
AlyssaThe wolf prowling towards me is a stranger. Adam's eyes, once glowing with warmth and laughter, now burn with rage and suspicion. His hackles rise and a sinister growl rumbles in his chest as he backs me into a corner, teeth bared."How long have you been plotting against me?" he snarls. Gone is the mate I love, replaced by this menacing beast I do not know."Adam, it's me," I plead, keeping my tone soft and submissive. But my words do not reach him. The Adam I knew is trapped behind those hate-filled eyes."Lies!" He snaps at me, his muzzle a breath from my throat. "I should have known you could never be trusted. You're in league with our enemies, aren't you?"Confusion and pain flood me. "I would never betray you! I am your mate. Don't you know me?""I know what you are." Adam's lips curl back further, slaver dripping from his fangs. "And you will never set foot in my territory again."He lunges. I brace myself, ready to fight the creature wearing my mate's flesh. But a massi