Dean POV
Perhaps they were drawn by my scent or it was merely a twist of fate, but I sense it is no accident when the Alpha of the pack approaches me with an air of deference, almost as if silently conveying, "It is an honor." He even lowers his head in a respectful bow. Being an Alpha myself, I understand it is only fitting to return the gesture.
So, I bow in formal acknowledgment. The wolf notices my bleeding hand and signals to another member of the pack to join us. The Alpha makes a sound that seems like a scoff in my direction. I'm unsure what was communicated, but a smaller wolf, a female, approaches me. She nudges my hand, prompting me to lift it, and gently licks it twice, pauses to examine it, then licks three more times.
Though the female is considerably smaller than the Alpha, her tongue easily wraps around my hand. I am amazed at what is unfolding before me. After she stops, I check my hand. Remarkably, it is completely healed. There's not even
Dean POVCaleb stands his ground and says, "I really don't want to have to fight my own brother, but if it means slowing you down to keep you from doing something foolish, I will."I chuckle at him, but then I suddenly feel light-headed. My ears start ringing and a reddish haze clouds my vision. I collapse to my knees, and barely make out Caleb's concerned voice asking, "Are you okay?... Hello! You still with me?" I try to reassure him, "I think I'm okay, just give me a second," calming my worried brother.Gradually, my vision clears, my hearing normalizes, and I regain my balance. "What the hell was that all about?" I wonder aloud. As I explain the episode to Caleb, I realize that my link with Blossom has reactivated. I immediately attempt to connect with her again, "Blossom, please tell me you're okay."Blossom finally responds, "I'm fine, I think. I just had a little fainting spell, that's all. I'm here with a doctor now." She adds,
Blossom POVAlejandro came by to offer his congratulations to me, on the recent revelation of my impending journey into motherhood. He also seemed curious about how things have been between me and Dean. His demeanor was noticeably more polite and civil than the last time we shared a space. I took the opportunity to question him about the ordeal that led to my summoning to the Royal Court, accusing him of orchestrating the farce that had me stand trial for such absurd accusations.He claimed that he had minimal involvement with the charges and that it slipped beyond his control. I could read the deception in his words; he was not being truthful, and I knew better. The trial was based on "newly discovered evidence," and there was no other plausible source for it. I might be a kind-hearted and loving spirit, but I am neither naive nor stupid."If there's anything at all that I can do for you, please just let me know," Alejandro coaxed, trying to mend years of
Blossom POVI find myself jolted awake, drenched in sweat, my breathing quick and uneven. The sun hasn't yet risen, but the faint light of dawn is approaching, and I decide against trying to return to sleep. I'm almost frightened to do so, deeply unsettled by the vividness of my dream. It felt all too real, too close to the precarious reality I know.For a while, I lie there, contemplating the possible meanings behind such a dream. Eventually, I push it aside, recognizing it as a manifestation of stress—an indication that I've been overthinking and need to find some peace of mind.Accepting this realization comes easily, but a far more challenging thought hangs over me: my family's willingness to exploit me and my child for their own benefit. I'm not naïve enough to think Alejandro is the lone member of our bloodline capable of such selfishness.It dawns on me that if my family had possessed any good judgment, they would never have entrusted Alejand
Blossom POVFor a brief moment, I question how Dean could possibly know what my uncle had said, but then I remember the link we share, and Dean simply smiles and nods at me. "I love you so deeply that it almost feels insane," I declare, my emotions spilling over."And I'll never cease loving you," he reassures me. "You know... I'm coming to understand that by marrying you, I didn't break my promise to Eliza. In fact, by marrying someone who's been a cherished friend my entire life, I may have failed in making a promise to you," Dean's words smooth out so many of my worries in an instant.As Caleb enters the gate code, the immense metal gate granting access to the villa swings open. The SUV glides effortlessly through and follows the long, tree-lined path until the trees part, revealing a circular driveway that perfectly complements the grand residence.Upon arriving at the villa, I am overcome with joy at being home; a place that, for the firs
Blossom POVAs I step into the enclosed back porch, I find Dean lounging in a lawn chair, gazing thoughtfully into the wilderness beyond. I settle into the chair beside him and teasingly say, "Boo."Dean turns his head slowly to look at me, feigning fear with a deadpan expression. "Ahhhhh, I'm afraid..." he replies without so much as an increase in volume or any added inflection."No, smart-ass, I mean the puppy. I think his name should be 'Boo'," I declare, grinning with pride at the cleverness and cuteness of the idea. Dean says he loves it. Despite the fact that this dire wolf puppy was entrusted to him by a pack of actual dire wolves, something tells him that "Boo" is destined to be more my companion than his."Just wait till you have to clean up the logs he's going to drop in the yard," Dean quips, grinning."Hey, remind me because I must have been in a stupor—was it me who stumbled upon this big bundle of responsibility wrapped in fur?"
Blossom POVFina, ever the pragmatist, leans back in her chair, engrossed in her number puzzle. Disturbance is not on her agenda. "Honestly, it makes me want to sit here and continue this Sudoku. So please, leave me be," she replies, weariness evident in her tone.Liza, unwilling to let it go, nudges her, "Have you gone soft?"Fina peers over her reading glasses, removing and folding them deliberately before placing them neatly on the table. Her gaze fixed on Liza, she responds in a measured, calm manner, "Look, I once despised that woman for simply residing in my sister's house. I resented her for pulling Dean away from his commitments. I frowned at her for having her own celebration. I saw her as a mere substitute. But here's where it gets interesting—I harbor no real grudge against her. She's done me no wrong, if truth be told. Honestly, I'm happy for Dean because I've always known how much he yearned for children," Fina confesses with sincerity. She ad
Blossom POV"Boo!! Come here, kid!" Dean called out with a whistle that could rival the blast of a freight train. From the thick underbrush emerged Boo, rumbling towards us from about thirty yards away. His massive body collided with the ground with such force that it felt as if a small earthquake had erupted beneath us. We exchanged glances of surprise and amazement. Dean remarked, "Has he grown since we got here? I swear he looks bigger.""I think you're right," I agreed, feeling a sense of awe myself. "Do you have any questions you'd like to ask me?"Dean paused to ponder, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. I couldn't help but notice the sound his stubble made as it moved beneath his fingers, a distinct hook-and-loop noise, reminiscent of sandpaper. I liked that thought; it made him seem even more rugged and adventurous."Do you remember your parents well?" he inquired gently.I appreciated his thoughtful question and shared that my parents ha
Blossom POVMaria, observing our playful exchange, leans in slightly and mutters to Dean, "That's the kind of joke that could get a man kneed in the groin."Dean and I burst into laughter, almost doubting whether we truly heard her correctly. Yet, from her cheeky smirk, we knew we had. She adds, "Well, if you're fortunate, you might just get nudged with the knee-pits."Dean clutches his stomach, laughter turning into mild agony from an injury he sustained the other day. "Oww, Maria, you're too much," he protests, trying to stifle his amusement.Despite the laughter, a warm feeling spreads through me. Dean is genuinely delighted that my sister, Diana, managed to get in touch. He had almost lost hope that any of my blood relatives would play a role in our lives. Yet Diana, with her courage and boldness, went through the effort not only to contact me but also to send uniquely sealed letters to the house of the Alpha, despite having broken a marriage co
Fina POV.Upon deciding to use Aries' money to fulfill Eliza's dream of traveling the world, I, make it clear to the two women traveling with me that they too are entitled to a share. I tell them that wherever we are in the world, without exception, if they want to take their part of the money and separate from me, they are more than welcome to do so.And so, our journey begins, with my net worth sitting comfortably at the upper end of six hundred million dollars. We look over Eliza's itinerary to decide where to start our adventure.We take a private jet from the local airstrip to the old JFK airport in the NYT (New York Territory). Because Dean has always wanted to see Times Square, we stay in NYPT for a few weeks, soaking in the sights. While there, we visit a renowned travel agent who helps us prepare for the trip: we get vaccinated, obtain our passports, learn the ins and outs of currency exchange, and shop for essentials. With everything set, we embark on our journey to South Am
The organization known as the "Royal Werewolf Council," formerly the Royal Central Bank, rose to power as the dominant global government in the aftermath of the Great Werewolf-War. They spearheaded the reconstruction of local government infrastructures worldwide and reorganized the planet's workforce. By channeling investments into these efforts, they also developed a new currency and trade system. It became evident, however, that these investments were part of the Royal Central Bank's long-standing and devious plan. For over a century, they had meticulously orchestrated a scheme to gain global control through manipulation and strategic foresight. Their machinations led to a catastrophic war by providing aid to any country willing to adopt their centralist banking system. By doing so, they patiently awaited a conflict that would persuade nations to turn against one another. As each country became embroiled in conflict, alliances broke, and trade partnerships soured under the manipula
Jovielyn always cherished the arrival of spring. There was something enchanting about a cool spring afternoon, the gentle breeze weaving through the newly sprouting leaves, rousing them from winter’s harsh grip. Magic seemed to linger in the air during this season, which revealed itself on the day she met Virgilio.On that particular day, Jovielyn was by the lakefront outside the castle walls, absorbed in her philosophy book while savoring the fresh air. The castle wasn’t her home back then; it belonged to the Knight family, whom she had never encountered face-to-face—until that day.Virgilio led a group of men on a training run around the lake. She noticed them from across the water but remained unfazed, lounging on the grass beneath a willow tree that draped over the lake. Unbeknownst to them, she was there when Virgilio, at the helm of the exercise, accidentally stumbled over her.His companions continued running, laughing at the scene, but Virgilio stopped, feeling the need to apo
Blossom POV As I entered the dining room, my heart raced at the sight of Alejandro in the midst of a business meeting with a group of dubious-looking individuals. He seemed entirely caught off guard by our unexpected arrival. A smile flickered across his face as he muttered something beneath his breath, waiting for us to approach. With a façade that was more unsettling than charming, he nervously ran his fingers through his mustache and exclaimed, "My lovely niece and her Alpha mate! How delightful to see you both! It feels like an eternity since we last met." Dean, not one to tolerate his pretense, interjected bluntly, "Even that would be far too soon." I couldn't help but chuckle at my mate's humor, but I quickly focused on the real reason we had come to Alejandro's home. I glared at the man who had once wielded enough power to manipulate me, the man who had stolen everything from both me and Diana for his self-serving gain. Alejandro had become the bane of my existence, and now
Blossom POV The steamy air of the villa's shower enveloped us, a sanctuary of warmth and intimacy. Dean and I had teleported here before picking up our son, a desperate need for cleansing outweighing everything else. We stood together, the hot water cascading over our bodies, washing away the remnants of a nightmarish ordeal. It was the first time in ages we'd shared a shower, and the intimacy of it was intoxicating. Dean's hands, rough and strong, traced the curves of my body, a silent language of love and longing. I, in turn, ran my fingers across his solid midsection, a familiar comfort that ignited a fire within us. We were a whirlwind of emotions, a symphony of desire and desperation. The remnants of the night clung to us, a grim reminder of the horrors we'd faced. We scrubbed away the blood, the brain matter, the unknown fluids that had stained our skin. The thick soap lathered our bodies, a cleansing ritual that transcended the physical. It was a shared experience, a testam
Blossom POV In just a matter of seconds, the atmosphere in the courthouse transformed dramatically. The once-bustling room was now filled with an eerie stillness as everyone present found themselves completely paralyzed by my voice. Just moments before the Primary Elder's heart would have collapsed within his thoracic cavity, I abruptly halted my song, sensing the urgency of the moment. Dean then stepped in, his voice adopting a firm yet fatherly tone as he addressed the assembly of Elders. "You have a choice, Councilmen," he declared, his presence commanding attention. "You can either come forward, bow before us, and kiss our feet, renouncing any semblance of power you believe you may still possess—this is a courtesy we are under no obligation to extend to you. Alternatively, you can relinquish all the minuscule authority that resides within your frail, sagging bodies right here in front of everyone assembled today. You have ten seconds to make your decision. Choose wisely. Ten."
Blossom POV "Baby... baby!!!" I exclaimed in a frantic voice, slapping Dean gently across the face while pouring water over his head in an effort to jolt him awake. He finally sat up, a dazed expression crossing his features, and I could see that everyone present at the tournament stared at him with an incredulous blend of astonishment and curiosity. It only took a moment for him to realize his vulnerability, the reality of his complete nudity hitting him hard. He turned to me, confusion etched on his face, and asked, "What happened?" "You got tangled up in a clinch with Tristan over there," I explained, my voice steady, though I was bursting with emotions. "He managed to break away and put you into a headlock. You refused to tap out, and the moment you lost consciousness, you shifted. I was terrified—you almost turned Tristan into your next meal. Thankfully, after shifting, you seemed to remain out cold, but it looked like you were trapped in one hell of a nightmare." As I assess
Blossom POV As the referee signals the start of the match, Dean adopts a loose but balanced stance to counter whatever strategy this man may employ. His opponent firmly squares up in a southpaw Muay Thai stance and begins to close the distance slowly. Determined not to be overpowered right away, Dean begins to hop around a bit, attempting to distract the man and disrupt his line of sight. However, his efforts prove ineffective; the man stays locked on him, advancing steadily with resolve. Recognizing that this competitor will not back down easily, Dean makes a split-second decision: he mirrors the man's Muay Thai stance and braces himself to absorb the oncoming jabs. Utilizing his slightly larger build to his advantage, Dean manages to clinch with the man, forcing him to the ground. Once both men hit the floor, Dean gains a dominant position, achieving full mount before spinning around to take his opponent's back. It quickly becomes apparent that his challenger lacks proficiency i
Blossom POV Several of the men who have gathered here tonight show little interest in assuming a leadership role. Many of them are elderly war veterans who have transitioned into political positions over the course of their lives. Dean takes the initiative to approach them, inquiring whether they would like to take on the role of referees for the matches. To his delight, most of them readily accept the offer, as it allows them to remain actively involved in this significant event. They genuinely appreciate Dean's inclusive approach, which values their experience and contributions. With everything now set into motion and every participant prepared, the first round of combat begins. Dean has decided that he will join the matches during the third round, as he is presently occupied with assisting Caleb in organizing the matchups and deciding on the proper measures for when the sun sets. As I watch, I observe Dean glancing towards Caleb, who is smiling as he surveys the crowd and the f