"Ella…" Moore’s voice echoed through the hall, growing louder with each step.Ella tensed, her instincts urging her to create distance between herself and Derek. She could feel the tension building, and the last thing she wanted was for Moore to find them like this. She shifted, trying to slip out of Derek’s grip, but Derek, sensing her intention, held her tighter, pulling her even closer to his chest.Her eyes flared with frustration. "Alpha Derek, what are you doing?" she hissed, trying to keep her voice low and controlled.Derek smirked, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and something darker. "What do you think I’m doing?"Ella struggled more forcefully, her movements frantic as Moore’s voice grew nearer. In the scuffle, the strap of her dress slipped down her shoulder, leaving her skin bare and her breast partially exposed. Any further, and the situation would be beyond embarrassing. But Ella, too focused on escaping Derek’s grip, didn’t immediately realize what had happen
Ella woke up feeling more refreshed than she had in days. She had finally put her thoughts together the night before, deciding that clarity was what she needed most. Wrapping a towel around her chest, she flipped her hair into a bun, exposing the smooth skin of her neck. Her fingers grazed the unmarked area, and she sighed softly."An unmarked Luna," she whispered to herself, tracing the spot where a mark should be."Well, Derek was right about one thing," she muttered to herself. "If Moore and I were truly mates... he wouldn't have resisted marking me.”She shook her head, dismissing the thought as she moved toward the bathroom. The hot water poured over her, soothing her tense muscles, but it couldn’t wash away the lingering thoughts of her complicated bond with Moore—and Derek.But that wasn't their relationship. It had never been about intimacy or passion, just a mutual understanding. Moore had offered her protection within his pack, a place where she could heal from the wounds of
Derek slammed his fist against the wall, feeling the sharp sting of pain shoot through his knuckles, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the frustration boiling inside him. He had called Ella for the umpteenth time, only for each call to go to voicemail.“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” he roared, throwing his phone across the room with so much force that it shattered on impact. Not satisfied, he stormed toward it, trampling on the already broken pieces with his boot as though it could vent the storm raging inside him.Pacing back and forth, Derek ran his hands through his hair, trying to control the rising tide of fury. His chest heaved with each breath, the air around him thick with the energy of his wolf pushing to the surface. He was losing control, and he hated it.“Alpha…” a voice called tentatively from the doorway. It was Alex, his beta, standing at a distance, clearly cautious about approaching his enraged alpha.Alex had returned from the pack with important news, and Derek’s a
Derek drove through the city streets, his mind spinning with the new information Alex had provided. According to his beta’s source, Ella was at the hospital. Relief washed over him at the thought of finally getting to see her after everything that had happened. But as quickly as it came, his relief was replaced by tension. He needed Ella’s cooperation now more than ever. He couldn’t stop thinking about Alpha Kevin. Derek knew exactly what kind of man Kevin was—ruthless, manipulative, and someone who never played by the rules. He had no doubt that if Kevin discovered Ella was the healer he sought, it would end badly for her. Derek didn’t know what Kevin’s next move would be if he found out Doctor South was also his once-rejected mate. The thought of her being in danger gnawed at him, fueling his determination.As Derek approached the hospital, he parked at the entrance and stepped out with purpose, striding toward the hospital building. He wasn’t sure how Ella would react when she saw
Ella’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as her mind raced with questions, her thoughts darting from one possibility to another, filling her with anxiety. What could Kevin be doing with Moore? Had he hurt him? Her breath quickened as the image of Moore in danger haunted her. She felt a pang of guilt in her chest—he was in this mess because of her. But then, another thought rose, darker and more unsettling. ‘Why had Derek kept the information about her agreeing to help to himself?’ He had seemed so calm earlier, as if he had everything under control. Was he truly trying to protect her, or was there something more sinister at play? Could Derek and Kevin be working together? The idea seemed absurd, but she couldn’t ignore it. ‘What if this was all a setup?’ What if Derek had lured her into this situation, pretending to be her ally while secretly plotting with Kevin?Her heart pounded harder, doubt creeping into her thoughts like a shadow. ‘How did Kevin even get to Moore in the first
In a hidden, shadowed location, a figure stood in silence, frustration simmering beneath the surface. She slammed her phone down after the call ended, her voice sharp with anger.“Damn it!” The curse echoed through the dimly lit room, but the figure remained cloaked in darkness, her identity concealed.“Who could have thought Ella was the highly sought healer?" she muttered, her voice low and indistinct filled with venom.The figure paced, clearly unsettled, her movements deliberate, as though calculating her next steps. “I will do everything within my power to make sure she doesn’t return to the South.” She clenched their fists, resolving to stop her at all costs.Meanwhile, in the quiet of the hospital, Ella slowly stirred, her eyelids heavy as she struggled to wake. The first sensation that hit her was the dull, throbbing ache in her limbs, a persistent reminder of the attack she’d endured. Her body was weak, and with each attempt to move, pain surged through her, making her gasp s
Derek turned around to check on Ella and noticed she was awake, her eyes locked on him, a mixture of confusion and determination reflected in her gaze. He could tell she had a thousand questions swirling in her mind. With a sigh, he pulled a chair closer and sat down across from her.“How are you feeling?” Derek asked, his voice soft.“You saved me,” Ella replied weakly, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you.”Without thinking, Derek reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. “You’re still weak,” he said, concern etched on his face. “The doctors did what they could for the silver burns, but you need more time to rest and regain your strength.”Ella winced as she tried to shift on the bed, her thoughts racing. “Moore… he’s in danger,” she said, her voice laced with worry. “I need to be by his side, Derek. I have to get to the South.”Derek shook his head, his expression firm but laced with concern. “They won’t harm him, Ella. They still
Ella lay in her hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. She was healing, but the weight of everything going on outside these walls kept her on edge. Moore was still in danger, and Kevin was out there, probably plotting something worse. The rogue attack earlier didn’t help, and now, she felt like time was running out, Derek had gone out to attend to something important or so he had said.The door opened, and Nurse Sara entered, pushing her usual cart of supplies. Sara had been the one to take care of Ella since she was admitted. She was always calm and friendly.Ella smiled softly at the sight of Nurse Sara walking into the room. For days now, Sara had been nothing but a comforting presence, always ready with a gentle word and warm smile. She was human—an ordinary person in a world where beings like werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural creatures often clashed. Maybe that’s why Ella found it so easy to trust her.“Good morning, Ella. How are you feeling today?” Sara asked, her voi
The cold wind seeped through the gaps in the windowpane as Ella turned on her bed for the umpteenth time that night. Sleep refused to come, and when it did, it dragged her into the same chilling nightmare she had been having for weeks.The dream began the same way every time. She stood in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, chaos erupting around her. Warriors clashed with savage cries, their swords and claws dripping with blood. In the distance, an enormous beast loomed, its figure cloaked in shadow but its glowing red eyes burned like fire.Ella ran, but no matter how fast she moved, the beast followed. Its roar shattered the air, and the ground beneath her feet cracked and split. Just as it lunged at her with razor-sharp claws, she woke up screaming.Tonight was no different.Ella bolted upright in bed, her chest heaving as if she had truly been running. Sweat clung to her skin, soaking through her nightgown. The faint moonlight streaming through the curtains did little to cal
The soft clink of glass against marble echoed in the dimly lit room. Valen sat on a leather stool in his personal mini-bar, a sleek, modern space tucked away in his manor. The polished counters gleamed under the soft glow of pendant lights, and the shelves were lined with an assortment of bottles.Valen reached for the frosted glass in front of him and took a slow sip of the chilled animal blood he had stored in the fridge. It wasn’t as satisfying as fresh blood, but it was enough to keep his urges in check. His thoughts wandered as he stared at the faint crimson color in the glass.Ella.She was everything he never expected. The mere thought of her brought a flicker of warmth to his otherwise cold demeanor. He clenched the glass tighter, thinking of the obstacles still in their way.His quiet moment was interrupted by the soft click of heels against the marble floor. Valen didn’t need to look up to know who it was. The familiar scent filled the air, a scent he’d always find suffocati
The night sky above Silvercrest's pack lands was eerily quiet, but that silence was about to be shattered. Derek stood at the front of the combined armies, Kael by his side. Warriors from various allied packs, their eyes glowing with determination, formed ranks behind them. Derek’s wolf, Leo, huge and menacing, shifted impatiently beneath his skin, eager for the fight ahead.Derek’s voice broke the silence, calm but firm. “Tonight, we end this. Alpha Kevin thought he could betray us and get away with it. He underestimated our strength and unity.”Kael nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the sea of warriors from various packs. “His pack isn’t ready for us. They have no idea we’re coming. We strike hard and fast before they can organize.”A low rumble of agreement traveled through the ranks.“Take your positions,” Derek commanded through the mind link, his voice reaching every wolf in their army. “Stay sharp. Fight as one. No unnecessary risks.”Kevin’s pack was unprepared. Derek and Kael h
The grand hall of the Alpha Council brimmed with an air of unease. Alpha Derek and Kael stood before the semicircle of Alphas, their expressions hardened. The council’s golden insignia glinted from the walls, an otherwise symbol of unity now overshadowed by the tension gripping the room.“Let’s begin,” Alpha Gideon, the senior member of the council, announced. His voice carried authority, though the faint quiver hinted at his own apprehension. “Alpha Derek, Kael, you’ve requested this session to present evidence against Alpha Kevin. Make it quick; we cannot afford to delay action if what you claim is true.”Derek nodded and gestured toward Kael. “Kael has firsthand knowledge and proof of Kevin’s betrayal. I’ll let him speak.”Kael stepped forward, bowing before the council, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He had expected skepticism, but the weight of their stares still pressed on him. “I’ll get straight to the point. As I earlier said during the last meeting, Kevin has been orchestr
The room was dimly lit, the flickering glow of a single candle casting long shadows on the walls. Sebastian sat on a black leather couch, his shirt discarded and his chest gleaming with a faint sheen of sweat. His hand gripped a small vial filled with a crimson liquid, its contents shimmering in the light.Sandra leaned against the edge of the table, completely naked, her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, her curves illuminated by the candlelight. Her eyes darted to the vial in Sebastian’s hand, curiosity and greed burning in her gaze.“What’s that? Is that what I think it is?” Sandra asked, her voice soft but laced with intrigue.Sebastian’s lips curled into a smug grin as he held up the vial, tilting it slightly so the liquid swirled inside. “Yes,” he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “It’s the healer’s blood.”Sandra took a step closer, her movements slow and calculated, her fingers twitching as though she wanted to grab the vial.“You’ve had it all this time?”
Kael stood outside the Moonstone pack’s war room, staring at the map on the table inside. Derek was leaning over it, running his finger along a line near the northern edge of Kevin’s land.“This spot right here,” Derek said, his voice calm but firm. “It’s his weak link. If Kevin’s hiding something or someone, this is where we’ll find it.”Kael nodded. “He has camps along that border, but they’re not easy to spot. He’s using rogues to keep them hidden, and trust me, they’re good at blending in.”Derek raised an eyebrow. “You sure about this? You’re asking to lead a team right into enemy territory.”Kael didn’t hesitate. “If we don’t act now, Kevin will only get stronger. I’ll lead the strike. I know his territory better than anyone.”Derek studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Fine. Take a small team. No more than six. This isn’t a war—yet. It’s a recon mission. Get in, confirm the camps, and get out.”Kael grinned faintly. “I didn’t know you cared so much.”Derek didn’t smile
Kael froze under Derek's cold, penetrating gaze. His heart pounded, knowing he was caught with no clear way to explain himself. The Alpha of the Moonstone Pack stepped closer, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.“What are you doing out here, Kael?” Derek’s voice was cold, and his posture screamed suspicion.Kael straightened, forcing himself to meet Derek’s eyes. “I have something important to tell you,” he said carefully.Derek’s brow arched, his expression unreadable. “Important enough to sneak in and out of my territory in the middle of the night?”Kael exhaled sharply, knowing he had no time to dance around the truth. “I’ve been to Kevin’s hideout. I heard him talking about the plague…”Derek’s eyes narrowed, his stance remaining defensive. “And why should I believe anything you say? You’ve been working with him.”Kael felt the weight of those words. He couldn’t deny the truth, but there was more at stake now. “Because I know what he’s planning this time,” Kael rep
Kael moved briskly through the dense forest, the cool night air brushing against his skin. He wasn’t expecting trouble tonight; his purpose was simple. Kevin had been silent for days, and Kael was tired of waiting. He needed to know what the next step was. It wasn’t unusual for him to show up at Kevin’s hideout unannounced. They were allies, after all—or so Kael believed.Reaching the secluded hideout, Kael instinctively slowed his pace. The flickering light of torches cast long shadows on the rough stone walls of the underground entrance. He knew this place well. It was where Kevin gathered his most trusted conspirators, planning moves that would shake the werewolf world to its core.Kael didn’t bother announcing himself. Kevin had always encouraged a sense of informality between them, but tonight felt different. Something in the air made Kael’s senses tingle. The muffled sound of voices reached his ears as he descended the narrow stone staircase. He paused. The tone wasn’t one of ca
The forest was quiet, the crisp night air heavy with tension. Kael moved swiftly through the trees, his sharp senses guiding him toward the rogue who had slipped past the Moonstone pack’s patrols. He spotted a figure crouching near the border, hidden in the shadows.Kael’s lips curled into a grim smile. Got you.With a burst of speed, Kael lunged, pinning the rogue against a tree. The rogue struggled, baring his teeth.“Who sent you?” Kael demanded, his grip tightening around the rogue’s neck.The rogue bared his teeth. “What's this? Some kind of show or what?Kael’s gaze darkened. “Humor me.”The rogue stared at Kael's expression, seeing that he's serious, fear gripped him. “You’re slipping. Siding with these mutts now? What’s your intention?”Kael grinned. “Why don't you guess?”The rogue sneered. “Kevin doesn’t like loose ends, Kael. If he finds out you’re playing both sides—”Kael’s grip tightened on the rogue’s throat. “You don’t get to ask questions.”The rogue laughed bitterly