We needed to move quickly to prepare for the storm that was coming. *** The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows of the Storm Haven meeting room, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor. I stood near the large table cluttered with maps and dossiers, running a hand through
Ethan's POV The weight of leadership had never felt so heavy on my shoulders as I stepped into the meeting room at Storm Haven’s Pack house. A handful of Alphas, each carrying their own aura of authority and power, filled the space, their murmured conversations dying the moment I entered. Their
Olivia's POV The quiet hum of the late afternoon settled around the Pack house as I stepped onto the porch, my eyes falling on Amelia sitting on the railing. Her shoulders were hunched, her gaze distant as she stared out over the training grounds. The sound of my footsteps on the wooden boards m
*** The dinner table was a quiet sanctuary, a rare pocket of peace. Ethan had insisted on a do-over, recreating the dinner we’d missed weeks ago before everything had unraveled. Candlelight flickered between us, casting warm shadows on his face, softening the usual sharpness of his features. His
Olivia's POV The meeting room hummed with quiet energy, the kind that settled deep into your bones and demanded your attention. Thorne Ridge and Stone Haven’s elders gathered in a semicircle, their expressions ranging from neutral curiosity to guarded skepticism. Despite their differences, they
She wasn’t wrong. Pairing wolves from different Packs, especially younger ones, wasn’t just about building relationships, it was aimed at fostering trust. The skepticism surrounding the rumors of a merger was still palpable, and this initiative was meant to bridge that divide. “I agree,” I replied
Ethan's POV The folder in Marlus’s hand was thick, its edges worn as though he’d been poring over its contents for hours. His expression was grim, jaw set in a way I’d come to recognize as a sign of bad news. My wolf stirred, already anticipating the worst before Marlus had even spoken a word.
“Chloe’s playing every angle,” I admitted, breaking the silence. “Every time I think we’ve got a handle on her, she finds another crack to exploit. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve done enough—if we’ve done enough—to secure the vote and keep us all safe.” Olivia’s fingers played absentmindedly in m
Olivia's POV The sunlight filtered softly through the nursery window, casting a golden glow over the room. I sat in the oversized rocking chair, holding one of the twins – our daughter, Marley – close to my chest. Her tiny fingers curled around mine, her soft coos a melody that calmed my heart.
My heart raced, but not from fear. This was it, the moment I’d been bracing for, waiting for, and dreading in equal measure. “Breathe, Luna,” Maren’s soft voice instructed. I tried, but it was impossible to focus with the mix of emotions swirling inside me. Anticipation. Pain. Joy. Panic. The
Ethan's POV I sat at my desk, staring at the reports of final integration for the Pack merger. The words blurred together as my thoughts wandered to Olivia. My wolf stirred, not with restlessness but with quiet contentment. A smile tugged at my lips as I ran a hand through my hair. If someone ha
As Kelvin left with his warriors, I turned to Olivia, her expression contemplative. “You’ve built something incredible,” I said softly. “And now, it’s going to make a difference far beyond what we imagined.” She smiled, the tension easing from her shoulders. “We’ve built it,” she corrected. The
Ethan's POV Alpha Kelvin’s arrival was as unexpected as it was intriguing. I stood on the porch of the Pack House as his car pulled into the driveway, flanked by two of his warriors. His presence here wasn’t entirely surprising; Kelvin had been a consistent ally, but the timing piqued my curiosity
He shook his head, stepping forward. “No, thank you. I won’t stay long.” His voice was confident as ever, but lacking the usual edge. We led him to the sitting area, the warmth of the fire casting shadows across his face. He sat stiffly, hands clasped in front of him, and for a moment, I could see
Ethan's POV I stood at the edge of the newly built meeting hall. Inside, the chatter of Stone Haven and Thorne Ridge Pack members blended into a hum of anticipation. The final steps of the merger were unfolding, and for the first time, everything felt... right. I glanced across the room where
Ethan stepped closer, his presence grounding me in a way no one else could. "You’ve been handling it flawlessly, though. Everyone’s captivated by you tonight." I tilted my head, raising an eyebrow. "Captivated? That’s a strong word." He smirked, his voice dropping into a softer, more teasing ton
Olivia's POV Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering reflections across the floor of the Lunera Beauty gala, the elegance of the venue matched only by the energy buzzing through the room. Dressed in a sleek gown that hugged my frame, I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching as Council members, Alp