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AdamThe night is punctured by howls of terror as smoke billows into the air. My heart seizes at the acrid scent - our territory is under attack.I race toward the outskirts of our lands, the pack following on my heels, to find a nightmare awaiting us. Homes are engulfed in flames while bodies of our people litter the ground, torn and bloodied.Standing amidst the wreckage is a wolf I know I killed, eyes glowing a sinister red, smug satisfaction etched into his scarred face. Tobias.“Surprised to see me, Adam?” His lips curl into a mocking sneer. “You should have made sure I was dead. Now your pack will pay the price for your failure.”Ice floods my veins. Tobias was gifted dark magic, returning from death itself for vengeance. And we played right into his trap.“Where is my family?” I growl. If he has touched Alyssa or Sophia..."Safe - for now. You'll get your daughter back if you surrender your territory and pack to me." His eyes gleam with triumph. "Otherwise, you'll never see the
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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