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
AdamAlyssa has been acting strangely lately and I'm worried about her. My mate has been ill frequently, throwing up and lacking energy. She's also been avoiding me intimately, claiming she's too tired or not in the mood. But her secrecy and excuses don't add up. I know Alyssa better than anyone, and I can tell when she's hiding something from me.Concerned for her health and frustrated with being shut out, I confront Alyssa today determined to get the truth from her one way or another. I find her in our chamber, laying in bed and looking rather ill again."Alyssa, we need to talk," I say, sitting beside her on the bed. She looks up at me apprehensively but nods, forcing herself to sit up."What's going on with you?" I ask. "And don't say it's just the flu or pressures of being guardian again. I know there's more you're not telling me. We're mates - we're supposed to share everything with each other. So please, just be honest. What's troubling you?"Alyssa bites her lip, dropping her
AlyssaMy morning sickness has finally passed, much to my relief. Entering my third trimester, my pregnancy seems to be progressing normally. Adam dotes on me constantly, attending to my every need. His care and devotion comfort me during this time. Our love grows deeper with each day as we await the birth of our first child.We spend evenings discussing names for the baby, making plans to convert one of the spare chambers into a nursery. Though uncertainty lingers about what the future may hold, our shared joy in this experience overcomes any lingering fears. By the end of each day, I know that whatever path may come, we will walk it side by side as a family.However, as my belly swells more each week, so too do the rumors. I've heard whispers that some in the pack do not truly view me as Adam's Luna. They see me as an outsider who seduced their Alpha, and our unborn child as illegitimate. The malicious gossip threatens to shake the confidence I've gained in my place here.The rumors
AdamThe mournful howl of the full moon pierces the night, eliciting an answering call from my pack. But my voice is silent. All I can do is pace outside our den, claws gouging the earth, as Alyssa's screams of labor echo within.My mate has been in labor for hours. The pack healer refused to let me inside, saying my presence would only distract Alyssa when she needs her full focus to birth our first child. I growled in protest but even an Alpha cannot interfere with the healer's domain.Howling in frustration, my pack offers up their voices in a chorus to give me strength. My heir is fighting to enter this world and all I can do is wait, feeling helpless as the tormenting sounds of Alyssa's struggle continue without end.Finally, just as the moon reaches its peak, the healer emerges with a small bundle in her arms. Her eyes meet mine and she smiles. "You have a daughter, Alpha."My heart swells in my chest. A daughter. An heir. I rush inside to find Alyssa pale and worn upon the furs
AlyssaThe wail of an infant pierces the night, shaking me from sleep. My eyes fly open to find the space beside me empty, Adam's warmth long gone. Fear trickles down my spine as I throw off the furs, following the sound of Sophia's cries across the den.Scooping up my distressed daughter, I check her over but find nothing wrong. She's fed and dry, yet continues shrieking at the top of her small lungs. "Hush now, little one," I murmur, bouncing gently in place. Exhaustion wars with unease as the reason for her upset eludes me.A glance outside shows the moon still hangs high, its light revealing nothing amiss in the clearing surrounding our packhouse. But my wolf senses stir, detecting a presence that lurks just out of sight. We are being watched.Clutching Sophia to my chest, I stride from the den in search of Adam. His guards should be stationed here, yet there is no sign of them. "Adam!" I call out, picking up speed as my pulse thrums in my veins. With our newborn to care for, he s
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