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
AlyssaI toss and turn trying to sleep, but I find myself unable to drift off. My thoughts keep wandering back to Adam being bitten by that wolf. I can't believe I healed him. How was that possible? Was it some sort of miracle from the gods themselves? Or maybe it was the Moon Goddess herself guiding my hands when she touched me. Whatever it was, I wish it would happen again soon so that I may heal someone else. My thoughts run to the voice that rang in my mind earlier. Did it mean anything? Had I heard it before? I shake my head and try to clear it as I roll onto my side. Suddenly, a strange feeling comes over me. What if it's my wolf? I glance down at my wrist where the bracelet is still attached. Could it be communicating with me somehow? Maybe my wolf knows something I don't.As much as I want to ignore these feelings, I can't help but wonder why I haven't seen or sensed my wolf since that moment."Are you awake?" Adam whispers as he enters my room. His hair is messy and he looks
AdamMaking love to Alyssa felt just perfect. It was everything I had always imagined. She tasted so sweet and she wrapped her legs around me tightly. Her moans matched mine perfectly. Even after I came, we stayed connected. Neither of us wanted to let go. But she's not my mate. She's not the one chosen by the Goddess. Then why do I feel this way? My wolf says she's not my mate. But her scent tells me differently."Hey, beautiful," Alyssa murmurs sleepily, running a hand over my cheek. I open my eyes, seeing her lying naked beside me. The moonlight shines brightly above us illuminating our room. "Did I wake you?""Yeah," I reply groggily. "Sorry. What time is it?""Almost two," she replies. "Come here." She pulls me close to her, cuddling up against me. "How are you feeling?""Good," I murmur, kissing the top of her head. "Are you okay?""Of course," she grins. "I've got no reason to complain. Besides, you took such good care of me last night. I couldn't ask for more than that. Adam,
Alyssa"Alpha Trey!" A voice rings downstairs. "We're under attack," the voice shouts. "Please send help immediately. Pack members have been injured."My heart drops as I hear those words. I rush downstairs to see what's happening. Alpha Trey stands on the front porch looking concerned."Go inside, Alyssa," he instructs me quietly. "The Moon Creek pack is coming for us. Go get dressed."Panic grips me as I stare at the bloodstains covering the ground outside. "No," I whisper."Go get Adam," Alpha Trey says calmly."But-""Do exactly as I tell you, Alyssa. Please. Do not argue with me."His tone leaves little room for argument. I nod, heading towards Adam's room. I knock on the door but there's no answer. I open the door slowly, hoping to find him asleep. He's not in his bed but the sound of water running fills the air. I step into the bathroom and see Adam standing under the shower, his perfect body glistening wet. His muscles ripple beneath his skin, making me want to touch every inc
AdamI turn my head only to see my father lying flat on the ground. His body is covered in blood and he does not breathe. Alyssa is there next to him, holding his hand tightly."Father..." I call out to him, feeling helpless. He has been taken from us. I hurry to get to him but am blocked by several wolves. They are surrounding us and closing in fast. One of the wolves lunges forward, aiming to bite my leg. The others leap on me and try to pull me down. I aim for their throat and sink my teeth into their neck. Instantly, they release me and begin thrashing wildly. Their bodies hit the ground, lifeless."Adam!" Alyssa screams, seeing me being attacked.She rushes to my aid and manages to push past the wolves who had surrounded me. We run to Father together and crouch down beside him."Father, please wake up," I plead desperately, shaking his shoulder frantically.His breathing is absent. "Please... don't leave me alone," I whisper to myself as tears stream down my cheeks uncontrollably
AlyssaI can't sleep. I keep thinking of Alpha Trey and the attack of the Moon Creek pack. The thought of losing him makes my heart ache. I miss him so badly, I feel hollow and broken inside. His absence leaves such a void in my soul, it hurts to breathe. It triggers memories of losing my own family. Yet there's no way I can allow myself to succumb to grief. I have to be strong for Adam. I need to be there for him. I promised him I'd protect him and won't break that promise. No matter what happens or how hard things get, I will never abandon Adam again.I hear movement outside the room, and when I open my eyes, Adam stands beside the bed looking down at me. He smiles softly, and I smile back. I reach out and grab hold of his shirt."Hey, Adam," I whisper into the darkness. "How are you doing?"His arms wrap around my waist. "Better now."My body relaxes against his. "Me, too. I was worried sick about you.""You didn't need to worry. I'm fine." He kisses my forehead and then moves ont
AdamAll the pack members have gathered to pay their respects to their Alpha. I stand next to my father's coffin waiting for everyone to say their goodbyes. Alyssa is next to me, my mother on the other side. There are so many people here. Alpha Trey was loved by all of us; it's hard to believe he's gone. My mother grips my hand tightly; she's crying quietly, but not letting go of my hand, which is a comfort to me in a way I don't understand."Thank you all for coming here today," I say in a low voice so only those gathered can hear it "My father was a strong leader for us all for many years." Everyone nods their heads but no one speaks, so I continue "He worked endlessly protecting those who could not defend themselves." We've been hearing stories about what he's done for years now but never really talked about it much in front of the pack members; we've never celebrated what he did for us but merely mourned his loss when it happened." There is a moment of silence in the room before I
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