(Penelope)
The rogue’s teeth snapped an inch from my neck. I rolled left, but not fast enough—claws tore through my shoulder, hot blood soaking my shirt. My stomach clenched, protecting the tiny life inside.
This wasn’t a normal wolf. Black fur matted with dirt and blood covered a frame that dwarfed any pack wolf I’d ever seen. Rabid red eyes fixed on me as it prowled closer, jaws dripping white foam.
It lunged. Pure instinct saved me as I slashed upward with my silver blade. Metal dug into flesh. The rogue jerked back, blood streaming from its muzzle to mix with the foam.
My triumph lasted seconds. The cut only made it angrier.
I tried backing away, but my movements felt sluggish, clumsy. The pregnancy that should have been my joy now threatened to kill us both.
Another lunge. This time its claws caught my thigh. Pain exploded as I hit the ground hard. Before I could move, massive paws pinned my chest. Rancid breath washed over me as yellow fangs descended—
Something gray erupted from the shadows. The impact sent the rogue wolf rolling in a fury away from me, as the grey wolf descended on it. My rescuer was fast and agile, dodging the rogue’s wild attacks before striking rather forcefully. Blood sprayed as fangs found the bigger wolf’s shoulder.
“Back away slowly,” said a mind-link voice. It felt strange—powerful but gentle, nothing like Dominic’s brutal presence in my head.
I scrambled backward on hands and knees, unable to look away. The rogue fought like a berserker, trying to overwhelm through sheer savagery, but the gray wolf was smarter, faster, always one step ahead.
A devastating blow to the skull staggered the rogue. In that moment of weakness, the gray wolf’s jaws clamped its throat. Not killing—dominating. The message thundered through the clearing: Submit or die.
The rogue went limp. When released, it slunk into the darkness. My rescuer watched until the monster disappeared. Then he turned, shifting forms smoothly.
Where the wolf had stood, a man straightened to his full height. I backed away, raising my bloody blade.
“Did Dominic send you?”
The short burst of laughter surprised me. “No. I’m here because you’re in danger.”
“I gathered that.” My shoulder throbbed. “Who are you?”
“I’m not from the Darkwood Pack.”
He made no move to approach, keeping his posture non-threatening on purpose.
“Then why come to me?”
“Because you’re in danger. And because I know who you are, Penelope.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m Marcus, Beta of the Iron Mountain Pack.” He spread his hands, showing he was unarmed. “And you are the daughter of Alpha Nathan—our true heir.”
The knife nearly slipped from my numb fingers. “That’s impossible. I’m an orphan. I have no pack, no family—”
“No.” Marcus took one step forward. “You were stolen as an infant, taken from your crib during a blood moon. We’ve been searching for you ever since.”
“Stolen? By whom?”
“Enemies of your father. Rival packs who feared his growing power.” Another slow step. “They wanted to destroy his bloodline. They stole you and gave you away. But they failed. And now we’ve found you at last.”
My head spun as two decades of certainty crumbled. “You’re lying. This is some trick—”
“You can feel it, can’t you?” He tapped his broad chest. “The power in your blood. The strength that goes beyond normal wolves. The magic that lets you break a mate bond. That’s your heritage—the pure bloodline of the Moon Goddess herself.”
“I don’t understand. How did you find me?”
“We never stopped looking. For twenty-three years, your father’s scouts searched every pack, followed every rumor.” His eyes softened. “When the Moon Goddess showed us a mate freeing herself from the Alpha’s bond through her magic, we knew.”
“And you expect me to just believe you? Follow a stranger into the night?”
“You don’t have to trust me.” He smiled gently. “But staying here means death or imprisonment under Dominic’s rule. At least I’m offering answers—and freedom.”
He was right. What choice did I really have?
“Lead the way.”
We moved swiftly through the forest, Marcus pointing out hidden paths marked by ancient runes. As we walked, he spoke of the Iron Mountain Pack’s history—of power passed down through generations.
“Your father never stopped believing,” he said as we forded a moonlit stream. “Even when others lost hope, he knew you lived.”
“And my mother?”
“Luna Daphne prayed every full moon for your return.” He helped me over a fallen log. “She’ll weep with joy to see you.”
The trees thinned gradually, revealing jagged mountains that pierced the sky. A massive gate rose before us, carved from living stone. Strange symbols decorated its surface, and something in them resonated deep inside me.
“Welcome home, Princess.”
Guards in gray uniforms bowed deeply as we passed. Their reverence felt alien after years of contempt from Dominic’s pack.
The differences grew starker with each step. Where Dominic’s packhouse sprawled in ostentatious displays of wealth, Iron Mountain’s buildings grew organically from the rock itself. Every stone, every timber, seemed ancient and magical.
Marcus led me up broad steps to a door wrought with silver. “They’re waiting in the great hall.”
My heart slammed against my ribs. After twenty-three years of believing myself unwanted, could I face these strangers who claimed to be my parents?
The doors swung open silently.
A man and woman rose from ornate thrones. His Alpha presence dominated the room and it filled me with respect Dominic had never commanded, but his eyes seemed to beg me to remember.
Beside him, the Luna pressed her fingers to her mouth. “My baby,” she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. “My precious girl.”
I stood frozen, unable to move. This woman with my red hair and green eyes. This man with my stubborn chin. The truth hit me—they were my parents. My real parents.
“We searched for you,” my father said, his voice breaking. “Twenty-three years. Never stopped looking.”
The Luna—my mother—stepped forward, her hands shaking as she reached for me. “May I?”
I nodded, tears blurring my vision. Her arms wrapped around me, and something clicked into place. Her scent—pine and wild honey—felt like a memory I’d forgotten.
“Penelope,” she sobbed against my hair. “My Penelope.”
My father joined our embrace, his strong arms encircling us both. “Welcome home, daughter.”
When we finally separated, I looked up at them through my tears. “I never knew. All these years…”
“They stole you from us,” my father said, his jaw tightening. “Your crib was empty. Your blanket is left behind.”
“We’ll make up for lost time,” my mother promised, squeezing my hands. “We have so much to show you, to teach you.”
“Your bloodline,” my father said, pride evident in his voice. “It’s powerful, ancient. The way you broke that mate bond proves it. Only a true Moon heir could sever such a connection.”
I placed my hand on my stomach. “I’m carrying a child.”
My mother gasped. “His?”
I nodded, then straightened my spine. “But I will never return to him or his pack. That part of my life is over.”
“Good,” my father growled. “You belong here, with your true people.”
“What happens now?” I asked.
My father’s expression grew serious. “Now we train you. Teach you our ways, our history. The power in your blood.” He exchanged a look with my mother. “You’re my only heir, Penelope. Someday, you’ll lead this pack.”
“Me?” I shook my head. “I don’t know how—”
“You will,” he interrupted. “I’ve seen your strength today. Breaking that bond took courage few possess.”
For the first time in years, hope bloomed in my chest. This place called to something deep inside me. These people—my real family—saw value in me that Dominic never had.
“I want to learn everything,” I said firmly. “And I want to forget the Darkwood Pack ever existed.”
(Dominic)Pain ripped through my chest, sharp and hollow where the mate bond used to pulse. My wolf howled, clawing at the emptiness Penelope left behind. The severance burned like acid in my veins.“Alpha?” James knocked tentatively. “The council requests—”“Get out!”“But sir, the border patrols reported—”I hurled a glass at the door. It shattered, spraying whiskey and crystal. “I said get out!”Footsteps retreated quickly. Smart man.I paced my office, my steps sounding too loud in the silence. The bond’s absence felt wrong—like missing a limb. The mate bond was sacred, unbreakable. No mate should have the power to sever it.“Sir.” A guard appeared in the doorway, pale-faced. “Penelope said she will leave the pack.”His statement knocked me back.Leaving? My heart stopped beating for a moment.“What exactly did she say?”“That she refuses to stay imprisoned any longer.” He shifted nervously. “That nothing could make her remain here, that she’d find a way.”My claws extended, scori
(Penelope)Five years.Five years since I stopped being the trembling girl who begged for love from a man who only knew how to hate. That girl is gone.The woman standing here now? She’s a masterpiece of her own making.Training wasn’t just about breaking my body—it was about rebuilding it. My father didn’t coddle me. He threw me into the fire and watched me rise, stronger, sharper, untouchable. I learned to fight, to lead, to kill if I had to. My mother made sure I knew the power of a well-placed word, a perfectly timed smile. I can negotiate a trade deal in the morning and slit a throat by nightfall. I’ve mastered the art of being both the wolf and the woman.“Everything is prepared, Princess Penelope,” my guardian said, standing at attention. “The pack leaders await you inside the Great Hall.”“Perfect.”I smoothed my ceremonial cloak and stepped forward, my black heels pressing into the ancient soil. The dress hugged my curves—midnight blue silk embroidered with the Moon Pack sy
(Penelope)Dominic’s hand shot out to grab my arm. I twisted away decisively, making him stumble back.“Don’t touch me,” I said coldly.His nostrils flared. “You dare—”“Yes, I dare.” I straightened my spine. “I’m not your submissive little mate anymore.”The crowd around us shifted, wolves moving back to create space for the inevitable confrontation. I saw pack members watching intently, witnessing every moment.“This act won’t work,” Dominic spat. “Nathan Moon’s daughter? Do you really expect anyone to believe that?”“Believe what you want.” I adjusted my midnight blue ceremonial cloak . “The blood tests speak for themselves.”A photographer approached, camera raised. “Princess Moon! Would you join the council members for the binding ritual?”“Of course.” I moved toward the waiting group, leaving Dominic seething behind me.The camera flashed as I posed with various pack members. I made sure to smile extra brightly, knowing it would infuriate him further.“Such a natural,” one of t
(Penelope)My heart hammered in my chest, but I’d be damned if I let him see how his touch still sent a flicker of heat through me. Not anymore.“Penelope!”I didn’t stop. Didn’t even glance back.“What, Dominic?” I tossed the words over my shoulder, my voice sharp and laced with sarcasm.“Did you finally figure out what it feels like to chase someone who doesn’t want you? Or is this just your sad attempt at a role reversal?”He caught up, his hand grabbing my elbow. I spun around, yanking my arm free. “Harass me again, and security will throw you out.”His face darkened, but before he could respond, a shrill voice cut through the conversation.“You bitch!”I whipped around to see Kelsey charging toward me, her face contorted with rage, dark curls bouncing wildly. Pack members scattered out of her path as she stormed across the ceremonial grounds.“How dare you seduce my mate and hit him!” Kelsey screamed, drawing every eye in the Great Hall. She raised her hand, ready to deliver a sla
(Penelope)I stood frozen on the terrace, my father’s words sinking in like teeth into flesh.“What do you mean Edward will be there tonight?” I asked, gripping the phone tighter.“Exactly what I said,” my father replied bluntly. “Alpha Benjamin’s son will attend the banquet. He’s eager to meet you.”“The arranged marriage partner you never bothered to tell me about?”“It’s been in motion for months, Penelope. Edward is a suitable match. Strong bloodline, excellent pack connections.”“And what about my opinion?” I snapped. “Five years free from Dominic, and you’re already trading me to another Alpha’s son?”“This isn’t a negotiation,” he said firmly. “The alliance with Benjamin’s pack secures our southern borders.”“Maybe focus on your pack conglomerate and your daughter rather than using me as a bargaining chip,” I argued hotly.“Everything has already been arranged properly,” he replied coldly. “Edward expects a dance tonight, at minimum.”“Father—”The call ended abruptly, leaving
(Dominic)I slouched on the black leather couch in the bar area, swirling my fourth glass of bourbon. The ice had melted into a watery mess, but I couldn’t care less. My eyes were glued to her.Five years. That’s all it took for Penelope to go from the quiet, broken girl I used to know to the woman who now owned every damn room she walked into.This Penelope stood tall. Her voice cut through conversations, leaving silence in its wake.Her eyes—those green eyes I once refused to look into—now assessed everyone coolly, revealing nothing.A stranger wearing my mate’s face.“Alpha Dominic? Another drink?”“Leave the bottle,” I growled.The server placed it on the table and retreated quickly. Smart move.My mood darkened by the minute as I watched pack leaders approach Penelope, bowing respectfully. Since when did anyone bow to her?“She seems to be enjoying herself,” James remarked, appearing beside me.“I didn’t ask for your observation,” I snapped harshly.“The council members are aski
(Penelope)A slow waltz played as Edward guided me onto the dance floor. I placed my hand lightly on his shoulder, maintaining a gap between us as we began to move.“You’re quite good at this.”“Five years of formal pack gatherings at Iron Mountain. My father insisted I learn every traditional dance.”“Mine too,” Edward laughed softly. “Though he called it ‘essential Alpha training’ rather than dancing lessons.”I smiled despite myself. On the dance floor, I caught glimpses of pack leaders watching us, their expressions ranging from curiosity to calculation.“We’re causing quite a stir,” I noted, nodding subtly toward a group of elders whispering behind raised hands.Edward glanced over my shoulder. “Good. Let them talk. At least we’re giving them something new to gossip about.”His hand remained respectfully at my waist, never straying lower or pulling me closer than I allowed. His amber eyes occasionally caught mine, warm and appreciative but never invasive.“So,” he said as we com
(Penelope)Edward’s warm hand enclosed mine as he led me through the crowd. Pack members leaned close to exchange theories about the confrontation they’d just witnessed.I refused to look back, but Dominic’s gaze burned holes between my shoulder blades. The weight of his stare sent conflicting emotions swirling through my chest.“Breathe,” Edward murmured close to my ear. “We’re almost outside.”I nodded stiffly, focusing on placing one foot before the other. The grand hall seemed endless, faces blurring as we passed. Only when the cool night air hit my skin did I realize how desperately I’d needed escape.“Thank you,” I said, inhaling deeply. “That was…”“Intense?” Edward suggested, releasing my hand once we reached the stairs.“Understatement of the century,” I replied dryly. “I apologize for dragging you into my drama.”Edward shrugged. “I’ve experienced worse. Though your ex-mate seems particularly volatile.”“He wasn’t always,” I admitted grudgingly. “Or maybe he was, and I just
Penelope’s POVMy hand flew to my throat, fingertips brushing the tender spots where the beast had tried to strangle me. I’d forgotten about the marks in all the chaos with Debbie and Dominic. The skin felt hot, pulsating faintly under my touch.“It’s nothing,” I lied, dropping my hand quickly. “Just a training accident.”My father growled, the sound rumbling low in his chest like thunder. He rose from his chair, crossing the room in three swift strides. His fingers gently tilted my chin up, exposing the full extent of the bruising.“Those are handprints,” he said flatly. “Someone tried to choke you. These aren’t training bruises.”Debbie looked up from where she’d been arranging decorative pillows on the floor, her eyes widening. “Mommy has an owie?”“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “Mommy just had an accident. Nothing to worry about.”She frowned, unconvinced. “Does it hurt? Want me to kiss it better? Grandma says kisses have magic.”Before I could answer, my
Penelope’s POVMy fingers jerked a little as I accepted the strawberry cone from Edward. A small drop of pink landed on my wrist, sliding down to my pulse point.The sweetness, as it hit my nose, cut through the scent of Dominic that somehow still clung to my clothes from our confrontation.“Thank you,” I said, running my tongue along the edge of the ice cream.The cold, sweet flavor burst across my tongue, bringing back childhood memories of summer pack gatherings. A strange impulse seized me then.“Edward, would you like to join us tonight? It’s my father’s sixty-fifth birthday dinner.”I surprised myself with the invitation. My father’s birthday dinners were sacred, family-only affairs.Edward’s eyebrows shot up, his eyes widening. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude on a family celebration. Birthday dinners are usually private matters.”“I’m sure.”The certainty in my voice surprised even me. Something about his gesture, so simple yet thoughtful, broke through barriers I hadn
Penelope’s POVMy jaw ached from clenching my teeth during the confrontation with Dominic. My pulse still hammered against my throat as I tried to steady my breathing.Council members hurried past me, their whispers following like little daggers. They’d witnessed everything—Dominic’s possessiveness, my rejection, Debbie’s existence revealed. The political fallout would be a nightmare. Pack alliances hinged on less scandalous revelations than my secret child.Ryan barreled toward me. His eyes bulged with panic, red blotches covering his neck. His normally slicked-back hair stood in disarray, as if he’d been tearing at it.“Princess!” He skidded to a stop, gasping for air. “D-Debbie—I can’t—she was right beside me and then—” He bent over, hands on knees. “One second checking a security alert on my phone, and she—she vanished!”“How could you?” I hissed, digging my fingernails into my palms to keep from slapping him. “After everything I’ve sacrificed to keep her safe! After all the precau
Dominic’s POV“That’s none of your business,” Penelope snapped, her green eyes blazing.I moved closer, backing her against a stone column. “Then why does she call Edward ‘Daddy’?”“She doesn’t.” Her nostrils flared. “You’re delusional.”“I heard her.” My voice rose. “She saw him coming and yelled ‘Daddy’!”“You’re hearing things.”“Why lie? Too embarrassed to admit you’ve replaced me so completely? New mate, new daddy for your kid?”“Edward isn’t her father,” Penelope hissed. “But he’s been more of one than her real father ever was.”“And who is that? Some random wolf you fucked after leaving me?”Her palm cracked against my cheek. It rang out so loudly people turned to stare. “Don’t you dare.”I grabbed her wrist before she could strike again. “Hit a nerve?”“Let go of me,” she snarled.“Tell me who he is.”“Go to hell.”“Is it someone I know? One of your father’s pack?” I tightened my grip. “Or did you leave already pregnant?”She jerked away, rubbing her wrist. “My life after you i
Penelope’s POVI spotted them from across the courtyard. Dominic bent down, talking to Debbie.My heart slammed against my ribs. Time seemed to freeze as my worst nightmare came tue before my eyes. My daughter chatted animatedly with the one person who must never know she existed.“Debbie!” I yelled, running toward them. My ankle twisted on the uneven ground, but panic numbed the pain. “What the hell are you doing here?”Debbie jumped, startled by my tone. She clutched her stuffed wolf backpack tighter. “Mommy!”I grabbed her arm, harder than I meant to. A red mark bloomed on her skin. “You shouldn’t be here. Who brought you?”“Uncle Ryan,” she said, her lip quivering. “Don’t be mad. I wanted to surprise you.”I scanned the area frantically. No sign of Ryan. That traitor. I’d fire him the second I got home.“I saw a kitty cat,” Debbie continued, words tumbling out fast. “A really cute one. I went to pet it, and when I came back, Uncle Ryan was gone.”“And you just wandered off? After
Dominic’s POVI watched Penelope and Edward walk away arm in arm, rage boiling in my veins. The casual way she leaned into him, the deliberate show for my benefit—it cut deeper than any knife.“Fuck!” I slammed my fist into the nearest wall, relishing the pain that shot through my knuckles. Blood smeared the stone as I pulled back, breathing heavily.Five years. Five years I’d spent in this hollow existence, and now she paraded her new relationship in front of me like I meant nothing. As if our bond—broken or not—had never existed at all.I closed my eyes, fighting for control. My wolf thrashed against its cage, demanding I chase after them, challenge this Edward directly.“Hello, Mister?” a small voice interrupted my thoughts.I opened my eyes, looking down to find a little girl staring up at me. No more than five years old, she clutched a small backpack shaped like a wolf, her green eyes wide and anxious.“Mister, have you seen my mommy?” she asked timidly.I crouched down to her lev
Penelope’s POVI turned my back on Dominic, deliberately excluding him as I continued my discussion with the council members.“As I was saying,” I emphasized pointedly, “this creature had control over plants. It generated vines from the forest floor to restrain me.”Alpha Kenneth leaned forward, absorbing every detail. “And you believe this was a deliberate attack? Not random aggression?”“It seemed targeted,” I confirmed. “Too coincidental to find me right after my car crashed.”Dominic stepped into my line of sight. “Penelope, you can’t seriously believe Kelsey tried to kill you.”I stared through him as if he were invisible. Alpha Oliver gave me a sympathetic glance before addressing the council at large.“We should increase patrols near pack borders,” he suggested. “If these advanced mutations are occurring naturally, we need to contain them.”“And if they’re not natural?” I asked pointedly.Silence fell across the room as the implication sank in.Dominic moved closer, invading my
Penelope’s POVI froze at the sound of Edward’s voice. It came from directly behind me. I hadn’t heard him approach, but now he stood just feet away, his face tight with anxiety. His usually calm composure had slipped, revealing something darker underneath.“Why not?” I asked, hand still on the doorknob. “What’s behind this door?”.“Just a storage room,” he said, stepping forward quickly. He pushed the hidden door closed with a firm click and forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Nothing interesting in there—just business documents and financial records.”The swift change in his demeanor raised red flags. Whatever lay beyond that door was important enough to make him nervous.“Financial records kept behind a false bookshelf?” I asked skeptically.“Security precautions,” Edward replied smoothly. “The business attracts espionage. Can’t be too careful these days.”I nodded, pretending to accept his explanation, but my suspicion only deepened. His heartbeat had accelerated—I could he
Penelope’s POV“You know about the mutations?” I asked, surprised.“I’m just guessing,” Edward said, shrugging. “That werewolf had a very distinctive form, completely different from normal werewolves. The plant integration was unlike anything I’ve seen before.”I frowned, recalling the horrifying creature—part wolf, part plant. “It controlled plants somehow. Made vines grow to hold me down. No normal werewolf has that ability.”“Fascinating,” Edward murmured, then quickly added, “and terrifying, of course. I’ve been following news about the detention camp run by the Council. Some reports mentioned similar mutations, though nothing quite this advanced.”“The council needs to know about this immediately,” I said. “If there are more of these things out there…”“Agreed.” Edward nodded. “But first, you need to recover your strength.”He leaned closer, his eyes dropping to my neck. “Your scars are glowing. Did you notice?”I touched the marks again. “I noticed. They’ve been like this since I