Alyssa Tobias is such a jerk. He wouldn't dare touch me. I mean, look how much pain he's caused me already. My body aches constantly. And I feel like crap all day long. I haven't eaten since yesterday and am starving. I wish I had more energy, though. I'd never accept him as my mate. He repulses me. Why couldn't I have met someone nice instead? Someone who cared about me and didn't use me for his gain. I close my eyes and picture the man I love. His strong jawline, those piercing blue-green eyes, and his shiny hair. I never realized how much I care for Adam. It was always easy to pretend that he wasn't important to me. But now that I don't have him anymore… I miss him terribly. The thought of losing him forever causes tears to well up inside me. Tears I refuse to shed. I may hurt physically, but emotionally I'm stronger than ever. I won't cry. "Hello again, little one," Tobias says as he pushes the door open. I stare straight ahead. "Go away." "If you continue to ignore me, I'll g
Alyssa As we continue to discuss our plans, I can't help but feel a sense of exhaustion wash over me. The past few days have been a blur of danger and fear, and all I want is to find some sense of normalcy again. Adam must sense my fatigue because he wraps an arm around me and kisses the top of my head. "We'll be okay, Alyssa. We'll get through this together." I nod, grateful for his words and for his presence. Adam has always been my rock, and I know I can count on him to keep me safe and support me through anything. As we finalize our plans, I can't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The Moon Creek pack is not to be underestimated, and I know they'll stop at nothing to find us. But we have to try. We have to find a way to escape and get to safety. With a deep breath, I steel myself for what lies ahead. I know it won't be easy, but I also know that with Adam by my side, we can overcome anything. Together, we'll find a way to make it through this. We set out under the cover of
Alyssa The beast within me stirs, restless, testing the fragile barrier of my humanity. Its presence has been growing by the day, seeping into my consciousness in flickers and dreams. I wake with the musky scent of the forest in my nose, the metallic tang of blood on my tongue. The elders have warned me to gain control. If I cannot rein in this power, it will consume me whole. But how can I leash something I do not understand? I am walking a knife's edge in the dark, claws grasping for purchase, waiting for the fall. Dawn breaks cold and sharp over the compound, bathing weathered cabins in a glow of gold. I fold my arms across my chest as I step outside, breath frosting the air. The pack is already awake and active, voices rough with laughter and life. My heart swells at the sound of them - my unlikely family. I do not know what I would become without their guidance to ground me. A familiar figure separates from the crowd and lopes towards me, raven hair falling carelessly over hi
Alyssa The scent of blood tinges the air, a herald of the battle yet to come. The Morrows have harried our borders for weeks, seeking weakness in endless skirmishes and raids. Their tyrant Alpha lusts to conquer our lands, believing them his by right. For years we have held the mongrels at bay, defending what is ours through tooth and claw. But since the death of our Alpha, Trey, their attacks have grown bolder. They think us vulnerable without his guiding hand. Today they come not to raid but to overwhelm us through force of numbers, to end this feud once and for all. Adam leads us now, named successor by his father's dying breath - but to the Morrows he is young, untested and ripe for the breaking. They shall soon learn their mistake. Howls of warning cut through the night as scouts burst into the hall, eyes blown wide in apprehension. "The Morrows descend upon us in force, Alpha! They mean to end this with a single stroke!" Adam blanches at the pronouncement yet steels himself
AdamThe words sting as sharply as fists flying. Alyssa's face twists in anger, eyes flashing with hurt. Our arguments always escalate so quickly these days, like sparks catching faster than either of us can douse the flames."Why won't you trust me?" she demands. I clench my jaw, unwilling to give voice to my fears. Though I've tried my best to cage them, doubts still gnaw at my insides - doubts Alyssa's continued secrecy only feeds."You know nothing of what I feel," I reply sharply, hating the edge in my voice but unable to soften its sting. Alyssa flinches as though struck, tears springing to her eyes. The sight twists inside me yet my stubborn pride will not yield, lashing out to drive her further away."I love you," she whispers. The three words hold such power over me, able to calm me with a single breath yet today they only fan the flames higher. My blood boils, spurred on by the painful realization that whatever affection she harbors no longer burns as fiercely within her."D
AlyssaMy body is still shaking even though I've stopped crying. Every time I close my eyes, I see Adam's anger and feel his fingers digging into my arms. I'm cradling the bruises now, alone in our room, hurting in more ways than one.Our fight keeps replaying in my head, the words cutting as deep as his violence. The raw pain in Adam's eyes, when I told him about Tobias, will haunt me for a long time. But I never thought his anger would become physical. The Adam I knew would never have hurt me.When he grabbed me, squeezing hard enough to leave marks, I saw the monster I always feared lurking inside him. The wolf prowling under his human skin, ready to break free with gnashing teeth and claws. In that moment, I didn't recognize the man I called my lover. His harsh tone and relentless interrogation were foreign to me.The shock on Adam's face matched my own when I cried out. He let go immediately, staring in disbelief at the damage from his rage. I stumbled away, holding my arm, unabl
AdamI watch Alyssa from across the clearing as she talks with Marcus, gesturing animatedly with her hands. My heart aches at the sight of her, a constant reminder of how I've failed her. It's been a week since I hurt Alyssa, a week of her avoiding me and looking at me with thinly veiled fear in her eyes. I know I deserve her distrust and anger, but that doesn't make it any easier to bear.Marcus glances over at me, a frown creasing his brow. He says something to Alyssa and walks over. "You two need to work this out," he says without preamble. "This rift between you is unhealthy for the pack and for both of you personally.""You think I don't know that?" I snap. I sigh, dragging a hand through my hair. "I've tried talking to her, Marcus. She says she forgives me but she's not ready to move past what I did.""You broke her trust, Adam. That's not something easily repaired with a few apologies." Marcus studies me gravely. "Do you regret what you did?""Of course I do! Hurting Alyssa is
AlyssaThe ground shakes beneath my feet as a deafening explosion rends the night. My heart leaps into my throat as panic rises - we are under attack.Adam turns to me, eyes wide with shock which quickly hardens into grim resolve. "Stay here," he orders, then turns and races off towards the source of the explosion, a dozen warriors on his heels.I stubbornly follow after them, refusing to be left behind like a helpless human while my pack mates rush into danger. By the time I catch up, the scene unfolding makes my blood run cold.A rival pack has launched a surprise ambush, their numbers overwhelming our outer defenses through sheer force. The air is thick with the scent of blood and smoke, howls and snarls of rage echoing through the trees. Bodies litter the forest floor, some writhing in agony, others eerily still.My heart constricts at the sight, of pack mates I have known all my life struck down defending our home. I join the fray without hesitation, the need to help too strong t
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