ZIVA“No one is safe?” I looked at her with a puzzled expression. “What do you mean?”“The Crystal Moon is a powerful object. If it is in Darwin's hands, it will be used for his selfish reasons. Hold on...” Mum’s voice trailed off like she was thinking, “He is with the Crystal Moon, then he will... Never release me. I'm the Crystal Moon Guardian... He will only use me too.”I almost choked at her statement. “You are the Guardian?” I stammered, my throat dry. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could this be true?That reminds me... The collar, the lie detector detected that I was lying to Alpha Xander when I mentioned that I didn't know the location of the Guardian.“Oh no...” I exclaimed, with fear evident in my voice, “What do we do now?”Mum's face grew pale as she glanced around the room, her eyes darting from corner to corner. “There are eyes everywhere. We need to go somewhere private,” Mum suggested quickly. She darted towards the staircase and I followed. With my hea
ZIVAI could see the anguish on Mum's face as she spoke, and I felt my own guilt rising up inside me. “Mum, even if you've done terrible things, that's not who you are anymore. You can't make up for what you've done by staying with Darwin. He's dangerous, and he'll only bring you more pain,” I said, trying to convince her.“I'm staying for the Crystal Moon...” Mum began, but I cut her off."We can't risk it, Mum. I can't risk you. Please, just come with me." I pleaded, my voice breaking.“I've made up my mind. I will not do the wrong thing this time,” She replied, making my heart squeeze. Why is she so adamant?! “I will need your assistance too,” Mum completed her statement.I almost burst into tears. What's wrong with her? This is our only chance and she-I bit my lips. I traveled to another pack and endured everything for her. If I leave her now, my efforts will be a waste.“I have no choice.”Suddenly, her face lit up with a wide smile.“Thank goodness you agreed. We really have
XANDERThe moment the clock struck the given hour, I grabbed my brown jacket and wore it, striding towards my car. I had already informed Lance about my departure, but I didn't mention where I was going.To be precise, the location Ziva sent was the Del Tree. Del Tree was a mysterious tree outside the Granelma Pack. It is known for its mysterious ability to dry up and grow colorful flowers during different seasons.The moonlight shone brightly on my car as I drove out of the Pack, heading to the Del Tree.As soon as I reached there, I stepped out of my car. There was no sign of Ziva or even her scent.A few seconds passed, and I became worried. The breeze alone could freeze someone to death. I rubbed my bare hands and hugged my jacket. Why is it so cold here anyway?Then, I saw a thin body slowly moving towards my side... Ziva!I took a step, intending to approach her, but a thought struck my mind. Won't I seem too clingy or affectionate? I took a step back and patiently waited for he
XANDERI took hurried steps toward Ziva. Breathing heavily as I tried to reach her since she was distant, the soles of my shoe were slapped against the ground roughly.Then, Ziva turned around. Perhaps she heard the slapping sound and was eager to know the source of the sound. I took my chance, I rushed towards her, and finally... I reached her.She glanced at me, and whispered, “You should go now. This place is very close to the Pack-”Before she could continue her statement, I cupped her cheeks and crashed my lips against her soft lips.As I pressed my lips against Zivas, she leaned into the kiss, almost deepening it. But then she suddenly pulled away and pushed me, breaking the kiss. “No,” she said, her eyes wide with shock. “You should leave." She stepped back, putting some distance between us.With that, I received a mind link from Lance and I had to leave. I didn't even explain to Ziva or tell her why I was leaving. It was important, so I rushed towards my car and sped off quic
ZIVAMum shook her head in response. “No. I didn't see anyone inside the room.”I sighed, and muttered under my breath, “Our plan is ruined.”Just then, I heard a loud bang from the door. I turned to the door quickly, but it caused a splitting headache.Carefully, I sat on the bed and glanced at the door. Alpha Darwin stepped into the room, with his aura emanating power and dominance.Fear gripped me instantly. Did he find out about my attempt to steal the Crystal Moon?“Perhaps you should knock next time,” Mum spoke, confronting him.“I came here to inform you about Anji. She won't be able to assist you again,” Alpha Darwin replied, interrupting Mum's statement.“Why?” I asked curiously and Alpha Darwin turned to me.Clicking his tongue, he continued with his lips curling into a smirk, “Unfortunately, a guard spotted her with a bag. She was leaving the pack through the small hole that leads to the Del Tree but was stopped by the same guard. It turned out that she had stolen the Cryst
ZIVAI interrupted, “For a pregnancy test.”The guard repeated the statement, “For a pregnancy test.”The doctor replied instantly, “Yes.”I sighed in relief, and the guard permitted us to leave. As soon as we reached the hospital, we boarded another cab that drove to the Crescent Moon Pack.I handed the Crystal Moon to Lance, and he left. He didn't say a word, perhaps he is annoyed because I stole the Crystal Moon.“We will leave tomorrow morning,” I spoke to Mum as she sat on a chair and analyzed the guest room.A knock echoed on the door, and I muttered, “Come in.”The door opened slightly, revealing Alpha Xander and Alexei. I felt an instant connection towards them, and I muttered, “Mates.”It can't be! How can I be mated to the two brothers?I massaged my temple, as I felt a headache kick in.~~~“I'm leaving tomorrow,” I told Alpha Xander and Alexei who are now supposedly my mates.“Alright,” Alpha Xander nodded.Meanwhile, Alexei reached for my hand and voiced out, “You do not n
XANDERI glanced at Ziva and smiled, “I should leave now.”She nodded, and I walked out with Lance. Hastily, I grabbed my weapon as Lance continued to speak.“Alpha Darwin and his warrior are at the pack's border. I think they intend to invade our territory.”I snarled, “They wouldn't dare. This is my territory, and if Darwin thinks that he can conquer and get rid of me, he is a joker.”“You mean our territory,” I heard Alexei say from behind. He grabbed his weapon too, and spoke with his head held high, “We fight together, we conquer together.”We reached the pack's border quickly. Just like Lance said, Darwin intended to invade our territory. We could see his men moving towards the border. They were led by Darwin as they used guns that fired silvery bullets. We surged forward too, clashing against Darwin's men.Guns fired, and silvery bullets ripped through the air, striking true and finding their mark in the flesh of Darwin's warriors. They howled in pain and rage, their bodies co
ZIVAPulling away from the embrace, Mum's eyes flooded with tears. “Don't do it!” She screamed as she was held back by the sorceress. I walked out of the room and rushed to the pack's border with the Crystal Moon.As soon as I reached the border, the smell of blood hit my nostrils. The Crescent Moon warriors were almost defeated by Darwin's men, but they continued fighting. Slowly, they dropped dead on the floor like chickens and it hurt to watch them die.From a distance, I noticed Darwin's men, preparing a weapon that seemed to be deadly.Then, I positioned myself with the Crystal Moon and prayed to the Moon Goddess. She doesn't seem to answer my prayers, but I wished... I wished she did. I closed my eyes, not wanting to listen to the loud cries, and to concentrate on restoring the Crystal Moon's powers.“Moon Goddess, please restore its power and help the Crescent Moon pack,” I prayed silently. Then, I tightened my grip on the Crystal Moon and chanted the same words that I memoriz
ZAREK The hall had emptied, leaving behind a quiet that felt almost sacred. The day had been full of energy and celebration, but now, with everyone gone, it was just Tania and me. The air was calm, and I could feel the weight of the moment settling in. I turned to her, my heart steady. This wasn’t going to be a surprise—after all, her mother had practically announced my intentions earlier. But that didn’t matter. What mattered was what I had to say, and how much I wanted to share this with her.“Let’s take a walk,” I suggested, squeezing her hand gently.She looked at me, her eyes warm and trusting, and nodded. We made our way up the grand staircase to the top floor, where the large windows offered a clear view of the night sky. The moon hung low, casting its soft light across the polished floors, creating an intimate, almost magical atmosphere.Tania turned to me, curiosity in her gaze. “What are you up to, Zarek?”I chuckled softly. “I know your mother already spilt the beans
ZAREK “Mum, what’s going on here?” Tania asked, her brows furrowing in concern.Tania’s mother looked up, a touch of defensiveness in her tone. “I was just discussing your engagement plans with Zarek. Don’t I have the right to know?”Tania opened her mouth to protest, but I stepped in to diffuse the situation. “It’s fine, Tania. There’s nothing wrong with discussing it. And yes, I do have plans to propose.”Tania’s eyes widened slightly with surprise, then softened as she looked at me. Her mother let out a sigh of relief. “Alright then,” she said, giving a small nod before walking away, leaving us in the midst of the bustling crowd.Tania tugged gently at my hand, guiding me towards the photo op area. As we walked, I couldn’t help but ask, “You’re not worried about the delay in the proposal, are you?”She shook her head, a light smile on her lips. “No, not at all. A normal relationship takes about two years before a proposal is made, so this is pretty standard. Besides, you’ve been
ZAREKTime passed, and the weight of justice finally settled.With Boss and Alpha Barral behind bars, the world felt a little safer, a little lighter.Then, a loud, booming voice echoed through the hall: “Alpha Zarek!”The words reverberated off the high ceilings and marble floors, sending a shiver down my spine.In an instant, the hall erupted into thunderous applause, a sound filled with appreciation and respect. I let the waves of applause wash over me, taking a moment to soak it all in.This moment felt surreal, almost like a dream, yet the warmth of the applause and the shining eyes of Xander and his Luna, Ziva, reassured me that it was real. The pride that radiated from them confirmed everything I had fought for.I took a deep breath, savouring the moment, then began my walk to the stage.The crowd parted, clearing a path for me, their eyes full of admiration and respect. As I climbed the steps, the weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, but it was a burden I was re
ZAREK I held my breath. Alpha Rowan? I had heard of him—a powerful Alpha who was supposed to have been killed along with his wife. But this? It didn’t make any sense.“That’s impossible. He and his wife were killed,” I said, my voice barely audible.“They were,” Lizzy confirmed, her eyes darkening with the weight of the truth. “Nikolas’s father and boss conspired to kill Alpha Rowan and his wife as part of a twisted plan to seize power. When the plan went south and Boss was discarded, he hid the truth from you to protect his own agenda.”The room felt like it was spinning, with the walls closing in as the reality of her words sank in. I felt like I was falling, unable to grasp anything solid. The man who raised me, who trained me, who I trusted—he’d kept this from me my entire life. I had lived in the shadow of a lie. “So, everything I thought I knew... was a lie?”Lizzy nodded; her expression pained. “He kept you in the dark because he didn’t want you to know where you really
ZAREK Tania’s breath hitched, her eyes searching mine for any hint of a joke. But this was no time for jokes, no room for lies.“Assassins?” she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.“Yes,” I confirmed, leaning in closer, my tone even. “We’re trained, skilled, and we do whatever it takes—robbing, stealing, destroying.”“The man Lizzy killed was sent to take us out. He murdered Ramirez and Bruce, and he wouldn’t have stopped until he succeeded.”As I spoke, I watched as Tania’s expression shift—a collision of shock and confusion. I could see her trying to piece it all together with the revelation I had just dropped. “What? This whole time?” She asked.I nodded, feeling the weight of my own words. I never wanted her to find out like this. Not like this. But there was no going back now. “I never wanted you to find out this way, but it’s the truth. There’s more, though, Tania.” I paused, grappling with the right words. How do you explain the darkest parts of yourself to so
ZAREK We stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the tension and fear melting away.The tremble in Tania's shoulders stilled, and when she finally pulled back, her eyes, once clouded with tears, had cleared.“I met Lizzy recently,” she whispered. The words startled me, and I felt my pulse quicken.“Lizzy? Is she alright?” I asked, searching her face for answers.The thought of anything happening to Lizzy sent a jolt of panic through me. I needed to know if she was okay.Tania nodded, “Yes, she came here with me.”As she spoke, the tightness in my chest eased, replaced by a wave of relief. If Lizzy was with Tania, then she had to be safe.Afterwards, I noticed that she shifted her gaze to what was behind me. Her expression shifted to a mix of relief and something else.Concerned, I followed her line of sight, and turned to see Lizzy.She stood in the doorway, her eyes locked on me. She didn't seem hurt or weary. She seemed rather strong. Stronger than I remembered
ZAREK The memory of the man on the phone lingered. Whoever he was, he felt more like a conspirator.And then there was Dr. Everett, standing before me with that unnerving calm, as if everything was perfectly under control.Something didn’t add up.“Are you even a specialist?” The question slipped out before I could stop myself.Dr. Everett’s expression turned mocking. “That’s a good question.” He leaned in, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Is the Medical Arts Building even real? Am I the real Dr. Everett?”My mind raced. The Medical Arts Building isn’t real?Confusion clouded my thoughts. “What are you talking about?”“This is all just a game,” he said with a casual shrug.“What?” I said, bewildered.Dr. Everett’s back was now turned to me as he moved towards a distant table.“Wait a minute,” I said slowly, dread creeping in. “You’re not Dr. Everett, are you?”He didn’t respond; his focus absorbed in whatever he was searching for. The metallic clinks filled the silence.Then, his l
ZAREK The pungent smell of blood jolted me awake, making my stomach turn. I immediately started coughing uncontrollably, and blood spilt out of my mouth with each rasp.Even when I tried to push myself up, my arms barely responded, quivering under the strain.I felt weak—far weaker than usual. Had I injured myself during the transformation?I shook my head slightly, trying to recall. But the memories were hazy, blurred by pain.The only clear memory was how I had hurt Tania—or, worse, maybe even killed her.The thought hit me like a sledgehammer: my claws slicing through the air... her lifeless form.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the images, but they burned behind my eyelids, searing into my mind.I forced myself to focus, to push past the rising wave of guilt. I had to find out where I was and what had happened. But as I shifted, pain flared in my wrists, snapping me back to the present.I looked down and saw silver cuffs clamped tightly around them.Why am I cuff
TANIA I slowly opened my eyes, only to be stabbed by a bright light that made me wince. For a moment, I lay there, trying to let my senses adjust.Taking a deep breath, I raised my head and attempted to sit up, but the effort sent the room into a dizzying swirl of colours and shapes. My strength faltered, and I fell back against the pillow, my head sinking into its softness.As I lay there, my hand instinctively moved to my cheek, where a dull ache pulsed beneath the surface. I traced the tender skin, feeling the faint ridges where claws had raked across it.The memory of that searing pain was still vivid, as was the look on Zarek's face—his eyes wild and uncontrolled, filled with a terror I had never seen before.A shudder ran through me at the thought, and my heart began to race. Despite the dizziness, I forced myself to sit up again, driven by my concern for Zarek.I needed to see him.I sat up, and slowly, the room gradually came into focus. I took in the sterile white walls