Akira POVBy the time the train pulled into the last station in Holtsville, the sun had dipped, casting long shadows over the train station platform. The weather was chilly, and I shivered. I hugged myself, rubbing my arms to keep warm. I wishing I had a jacket over the thin red dress I had been wearing since the night before.The crowd poured out of the train, moving quickly toward their destinations, leaving me standing alone on the platform, unsure of which way to go.I felt lost, my heart hammering in my chest as I tried to remember anything that might guide me to Alpha Jackson’s house. All I could recall was that he had an avenue named after his pack, Night Walker Pack Avenue. I had been to Holtsville before, about three times, with my parents when we visited Alpha Jackson. But back then, I had been a carefree child, uninterested in directions or landmarks. All I had to do was sit in the back of the car and let our family chauffeur take us wherever we needed to go.Now I regret
Akira POVAs I pushed open the large gate to the estate, the gate groaned on its hinges, echoing through the quiet evening air.The path in front of me stretched out long and winding, lined with tall trees whose branches seemed to reach out like fingers, blocking out what little light the moon offered. I wasn’t surprised at how beautiful the estate was or how it sprawled across acres of land which probably cost millions. Alpha Jackson had always been a very rich man. He had always been in the same business as my father. I never knew exactly what that business was, but I knew it was lucrative enough to make them both billionaires.I begin to walk. The gravel floor crunched under my shoes, the only sound that sounded in the still night. Finally, I saw another gate emerge ahead, this one was closer to the main mansion. From a distance, I could see guards stationed there, their silhouettes sharp and menacing against the dim light. My stomach twisted with nerves, but I tried to keep my
Akira’s POVI was still sited at the same spot where I had sat. I kept glancing around, as if glancing around will give men the answers that I needed. It was maybe fifteen minutes had passed when the heavy metal door creaked open again.A man walked in, accompanied by one of the guards who had dragged me into this strange place. The man was of average height and had an air of authority about him. His eyes were cold and calculating as he scanned the room. “Which one of them did you say was trying to escape?” he asked in a gruff voice.The guard immediately pointed towards me, and before I could react, he walked to me and grabbed my arm and roughly yanked me to my feet. I stumbled forward, and my heart skipped, even though I knew I did nothing wrong. As I looked up, my breath caught in my throat. I recognized the man standing before me. It was Leon, Alpha Jackson’s right-hand man. He had been Jackson's personal assistant for years, someone I had seen countless times during my visits w
Akira’s POVAlpha Jackson’s expression shifted slightly, a shadow crossing his face. Of course, he wasn’t expecting me to ask him that question.“Those women…” he began slowly, “are here under unfortunate circumstances. Some of them were taken in after being abandoned or mistreated by their packs. Others came to us for protection. We keep them there to make sure they’re safe.”There is no way that place looks like a place for protectionHis words didn’t quite sit right with me. “In a place like that?” I pressed; my voice tinged with disbelief. He narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at me for a minute, the he looked away and walked away from me as if he was trying to prevent me from monitoring his eyes as he speaks.“Sometimes safety comes at a price and different ways, Akira. This world isn’t as kind as it used to be. And not everyone can afford the luxuries you and I are accustomed to.”My mind was reeling. The uneasy feeling in my stomach only grew stronger as I tried to make sen
Hunter’s POVThe overnight journey from Northcaster, Akira’s father’s house, to Holtsville, where Alpha Jackson’s home was located, was long, but I didn’t mind.I was too damned determined to get to Alpha Jackson’s house because my every instinct, and beast senses told me that Akira had run there. The thought of her being under Jackson's protection was infuriating, and I knew I had to act fast. The sooner I arrived, the better my chances were of intercepting any plans Jackson might be making to hide Akira from me or protect her in some other way.Even though I was furious of her escaping, I hate the fact that she had to run to him of all people.When we finally arrived at Night Walker Pack Avenue, I didn’t bother with any pretense. I marched straight into the estate with Seth by my side, also accompanied by three of my men. The moment Alpha Jackson’s guards spotted us, I could see the fear in their eyes, plain as day. One of the guards turned on his heel and bolted inside the main m
Akira’s POVI woke up suddenly, my eyes snapping open and my heart pounding as if I had just woken from a nightmare; except there hadn’t been one.There was something else, an aura that yanked me straight out of bed.For a moment, I was confused, unsure of where I was, but then I remembered—I was still in the guest room where Alpha Jackson’s house had given me to rest in. I quickly scanned the room, trying to find what could be causing this uneasy feeling.And then I caught a scent—that familiar scent, and it was strong. My heart skipped a beat, and I jumped out of bed, holding my chest like it was about to fall off the floor. Hunter was here.Now that I was fully awake, I could sense him more perfectly, his presence is strong and undeniable. My wolf began to stir inside me, a soft groan escaping its throat, followed by a low, almost pained moan, “Mate.”It repeated the word over and over, the desire was clear in its voice. It could sense its mate nearby and wanted to be set free.“Pl
Akira’s POVI was relieved when a female servant from Jackson's home came to my door, saying that Alpha Jackson wanted to see me. I practically jumped off the bed and rushed out of the room, my heart racing with a mix of hope and anxiety.It had been three days since I arrived at Jackson's estate, and while he had promised to protect me and deal with Hunter, he hadn't said anything specific since then.I didn’t want to pressure him or seem like I was being too pushy, so I’d kept my distance, hoping he would reach out when he was ready.When I hurried into the living room, I expected to see Alpha Jackson waiting for me alone. But I stopped short, surprised to find about seven older Alphas sitting there, their eyes turning towards me as I entered.A movement of unease washed over me. This doesn’t feel like a meeting but an act of summon.Why were all these powerful Alphas gathered here? My heart started to pound faster. I glanced around the room, trying to gauge their expressions, but t
Hunter’s POVI stared at the plan Seth had sketched out on the paper, a rough map of Alpha Jackson's house with red lines and circles showing how we could break in. When I first mentioned to Seth that I planned on invading Jackson’s home to take back Akira, he had wasted no time in drawing up a strategy. According to his plan, it would be best to strike at midnight when the house would be quieter, with fewer of Jackson’s pack members around. The attack would need to be silent and swift.I studied the plan carefully, still not sure if I wanted to go along with it. If it were up to me, I’d march into Jackson’s territory in broad daylight, letting everyone see. After all they were all used to admitting how cruel I was and how bloody I am, ‘a cursed blood sucking monster’ they had said. I equally don’t mind. It would have been good to use Alpha Jackson as a scapegoat to my called cruelty.However, I knew I had to be careful. I had to maintain my composure and not do anything that would
Akira’s POVI stood by the window of my room, dressed in my wedding gown; something I had once thought I might never wear. The white fabric felt cool against my skin, flowing down to the floor in elegant waves. The sun outside was setting, forming warm golden hues over the trees and hills. It was the perfect backdrop for the ceremony Hunter and I had decided on— a wedding in the heart of the estate, surrounded by our pack.I couldn’t stop smiling. The happiness that had been radiating from me since the moment Hunter proposed refused to fade. Everything felt… right. The pack was thriving, and after months of challenges and uncertainty, the members now looked at me as their Luna.When did that happen? Was it when I stood up to Jackson’s men and rescued the kidnapped school children? Or was it the day I killed Jackson myself, ending his trafficking business? Maybe it was when August confessed to the crimes I had been wrongfully accused of. I wasn’t sure exactly when the shift occurred
Hunter’s POVThe flower room was where I always found Akira when she needed a different kind of solace. It was her sanctuary— and, over time, it became mine too. The scent of roses, in full bloom, mixed with the faint traces of her unique floral aroma. This room was more than just a collection of beautiful flowers; it held the memories of us. We had laughed here, fought here, and even shared our most intimate moments. It was the one place where we could be ourselves without interruptions from pack members, guards, or the chaos of leadership.With two glasses of blood wine in my hands, I entered the room, a smile tugging at my lips. Akira was seated on the wooden bench surrounded by cascading vines of red and pink roses. Her eyes were closed as she took in a deep breath of the fragrant air, a small, contented smile curving her lips.I leaned against the doorframe for a moment, just watching her; my mate. How did I get so lucky to have someone like her?“Enjoying yourself?” I teased, s
Akira’s POVHunter and I prepared for the council meeting even though the atmosphere was tensed. It was the first time in years that he and the Council of Older Alphas were in agreement over anything. For once, the council wasn’t against us, and this time, the stakes were higher than ever.They had come to us in desperation, pleading for help to stop Alpha Lupin—my father. According to them, Lupin had grown more dangerous, killing four older alphas who dared to stand against him. They called him a tyrant, a rogue disguised as a leader, but I didn’t need their words to convince me.I had seen it with my own eyes. The memory of my father’s hands around my throat, squeezing the life out of me, still haunted my dreams. The man I had once admired as a little girl had turned into a monster, and now, the entire werewolf community feared him.Hunter, however, was hesitant to get involved. When the council approached us, their desperation clear, Hunter had outright refused. "These are the sa
Akira’s POVThe morning light filtered through my bedroom window as I stared at the message on my phone for the seventh time that day.“Hello baby girl, it’s Dad. Can you please come home? I miss you and wish to see you. Love, Dad.”I sighed, the words blurring as I read them again. It wasn’t the first message I had received from him, but it was the first one I seriously considered answering. The last time I saw my father— alive and breathing— I had frozen in fear. The café where we had met had felt like a dream, a surreal encounter with a ghost from my past.Hunter’s words echoed in my mind from the other night under the oak tree. At least he’s alive. That should bring you peace.Was it peace? I didn’t know anymore. I was glad I hadn’t pulled the trigger that night, but knowing what my father had done, maybe I should have. The lives he ruined, the people he hurt— those memories haunted me. But I wasn’t the one to pass judgment on his life.Still, I had questions. I needed answers— no
Hunter’s POVThe cool evening breeze brushed against my face as I stood in the middle of the memorial grounds. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and pine, mingling with the subtle hint of tension that seemed to pulse from the men standing behind me. They were all here— every pack member I could summon at a moment’s notice.They were confused, of course.Meetings like this were typically held in the hall, not out here among the graves of our fallen brothers and sisters. Some assumed I had gathered them here to honor those we’d lost, but that wasn’t the reason.My eyes scanned the quiet land that has the ashes of each one of the pack member remembering the lives we’d buried. Here was a reminder of the failures that had led us here. But tonight wasn’t about mourning.It was about justice.It had been over an hour since I sent word for August to meet us, and, as usual, he was late. I gritted my teeth.He always made a show of being unreachable, of having something more imp
Hunter’s POVThe night was calm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the old oak tree under which Akira often sat. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the pack's territory. The chilly air was soothing, but I doubted it could ease the storm inside me.I hadn’t found Akira in our room earlier, but I knew where she’d be. The oak tree had always been her refuge— a place where she could think. As I walked toward it, my mind replayed the shocking revelations Adolf had shared.I knew tonight’s conversation would be heavy, and I hoped the peaceful night would soften the blow.When I reached the tree, there she was, sitting on the swing attached to one of its sturdy branches. Her dark hair swayed in the breeze, and her hands rested limply on her lap. She was lost in thought, so much so that she didn’t even notice me approach.I stepped closer and sat beside her, the creak of the wooden swing breaking the silence. I turned to look at her, and my chest tensed. Her fa
Hunter’s POVI sat in the corner of the faintly lit pub, my hood pulled low over my face. The smell of stale beer and fried food mixed with the faint tang of sweat and spilled liquor in the air. It was noisy, crowded, and the last place anyone would expect to find me—Hunter Silver, Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack.I hated being here. Not just because it was beneath me, but because it was dangerous. Any one of my enemies could be watching, ready to strike. But Adolf had insisted on meeting here, saying he had critical information about the spy in my pack. It wasn’t every day someone dared to exploit me, and I wanted to see if he was bluffing.I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. One hour late. My patience was wearing thin. If Adolf doesn’t show up soon, I’m dragging his sorry ass here myself, I thought, clenching my jaw.The occasional whispers and stolen glances from the people sitting and drinking in the pub annoyed me. Some of the people there had recognized me bu
Akira’s POVI sat cross-legged on my bed, staring blankly at the open book in my lap. The words on the page blurred together, no matter how hard I tried to focus. I must have read the same paragraph ten times, but nothing stuck. I find myself reading the same passage close to ten times. My brain was like an empty cavern, unable to process anything.It wasn’t the book’s fault. My thoughts were consumed by the nightmare I’d had last night. Or was it a dream? I wasn’t sure, but whatever it was, it had shaken me to my core.Hunter had tried to reassure me. “Dreams are just your mind playing tricks, you should pay more attention on it,” he’d said earlier, pulling me close as I recounted the strange experience. But no matter how many times he said it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the dream meant something. And aside what it truly meant, everything thing in that dream felt real, especially when my father was stabbing those women, those helpless women who did nothing wrong to him. Com
August’s POVThe transformation was startling. I stood by the door, watching Alpha Lupin comb his fingers through his now neatly trimmed hair, gathering it into a bun that gave him a sharp, almost regal look.He had trimmed his once unruly beard, and the wildness that had consumed him in the cave was now masked beneath a calculated exterior. Yet, his eyes—those sharp, piercing eyes—still burned with the same ruthlessness that had once made him the most feared name in our world.It wasn’t his appearance that commanded respect; it was the aura that clung to him, dark and unyielding. He wasn’t just an alpha—he was a force of nature, the kind that toppled hierarchies and sent seasoned wolves cowering.“Looking good,” I said with a sly grin, arms crossed as I leaned against the wall.Lupin turned to me, his lips curling in a faint smirk. “Good enough to reclaim what’s mine?”“More than,” I replied. My chest swelled with pride. Today was the day I proved my loyalty—and my cunning.The counc