Seth’s POVSo far, we’ve only received ten replies from packs around the world, and uncovered seven labs. I’d say it’s progress. As expected, the Alphas are demanding blood for the lives of their pack mates who had been taken.That wasn’t an issue, though—I’m looking forward to Lucius’ execution myself.I glanced at the clock on the wall and leaned forward. It was well past six in the evening. Time to head home. A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Camilla. The mating bond between Tracey and me was finally crumbling, and soon, I’d be able to mark Camilla and share a much deeper connection with her.I shrugged into my jacket and pulled open the office door, quickly making my way to our floor. My hand froze as I reached the door—it was unlocked. A chill ran down my spine, a faint warning, but I shook it off. Everything had been going smoothly lately. Nothing to worry about.I stepped inside and looked around the quiet space. My eyes landed on Jorge sitting on the couch.“Hey, buddy
Seth’s POVTwo damn days, and still not a single sign of my mate. I was losing my mind, and no matter where I searched, it was like they’d vanished off the face of the earth.“Do you want me to come back, Seth?” Zane asked, his voice crackling through the phone, but I shook my head. Realizing he couldn’t see me, I spoke up.“No, Alpha. You’ve got enough to handle back at Green Hill. I need to do this.” I stared at the wall, my thoughts far away.“Are you sure, Seth?” Zane asked again, his concern evident. My fingers tightened around the phone.“Positive,” I replied, then paused. “And Zane? If I find Lucius, I’m not bringing him back to the pack for trial. I’ll kill him.”I waited for Zane to protest, but instead, he surprised me.“Trust me, Seth. I’m not stopping you.”After the call ended, I made my way back to the house to check on Jorge before heading out with my men tonight. We had a mission—to find my mate and son.As I unlocked the door and stepped inside, I stopped dead in my t
Camilla’s POVI tugged on the chain around my leg, but it felt like a futile effort. No matter how hard I pulled, it wouldn’t budge. I wasn’t strong enough.“You know…” I snapped my head up at the sound of a voice breaking through the darkness. The room was dim, illuminated only by a flickering light in the corner, but I recognized it immediately.“No matter how much you pull on those chains, they won’t break. They were specifically designed so even an Alpha couldn’t snap them.”The light flicked on, and there stood Lucius against the wall, watching me with those predatory eyes that sent shivers racing down my spine.He stumbled forward, the smell of alcohol wafting off him, confirming what I already suspected—he was drunk, or at least had consumed enough to be unpredictable.My gaze darted to Lucien, who lay sleeping peacefully beside me, then back to Lucius.“So… tell me, my love. What have you decided?” He sat at the edge of the bed, his demeanor casual yet menacing.“I’ve given yo
Seth’s POV“There’s a waterfall east, just outside the pack’s territory. Meet me there,” I mind-linked my men, my paws digging into the ground as I tore through the trees. Two hours had passed, and still no sign of it. The wind whispered through the woods, but not a hint of the water I was supposed to hear.Damn it, Tracey—had she sent me in circles just to stall?I pushed harder, a growl rumbling in my chest, when finally… there it was.My paws slowed as the faint rush of water reached my ears. Crouching low behind a thick bush, I scanned the cliff edge. Just like Tracey said—a small house, nestled precariously close to the ledge, lights flickering inside. I took a deep sniff, hoping for Camilla’s scent… nothing. Whoever was in there must be using a scent blocker, like Tracey had.I circled around, my eyes narrowing as I spotted them. Four… six… no, twelve wolves. This wouldn’t be easy.Before I could call for backup, the scent of my men hit me. Too soon. Shit. They’ll smell us befor
Seth’s POVRun.I knew I wouldn’t fight my men. Not that I couldn’t—but I just wouldn’t hurt them. With one last look at Camilla and a promise that I’d be back before the sun rose, I ran, forty-five wolves snapping at my heels.I pumped my legs, forcing myself to go faster. Pain sliced through me as a claw caught my leg, but I kept moving. A sharp left, mud sliding under my feet, barely slowing me down. Another cut—this one to my side—and I knew I couldn’t keep outrunning them in human form.Up ahead, a large stone stood out in the storm. I pushed harder, placing one foot on the rock and leaping into the air. My body shifted mid-flight, fur sprouting as my bones cracked and reformed.I knew whatever Lucius had created was strong—strong enough to command even those who weren’t his. It didn’t matter that I was their Beta. His control over them was unnatural.Thunder cracked and the sky opened up, rain pouring down in sheets.Before I could get my bearings, a dark wolf slammed into my si
Camilla’s POVStay. Freeze.Those two words had Seth and me rooted to the ground—literally. No matter how much I wanted to move, my body refused to obey.My heart pounded wildly, trapped within my chest. Seth stood in front of Lucius, gun pointed but the trigger was never pulled.Lucius laughed, turning his gaze on me. His eyes widened as lightning flashed across the sky.“Oh, isn’t this just wonderful,” he taunted, walking back toward me. He snaked one arm around my waist, the other curling tightly around my neck.His warm breath hit my skin, contrasting sharply with the cold rain soaking us both. “Look at that, darling. Seth here thought he could shoot me.”I wanted to scream or thrash, but I couldn’t. I was stuck, helpless. Was this how it would end? Was I really going to watch Lucius kill my mate because of some sick obsession with my mother?“Don’t—” I finally found my voice, eyes pleading as they locked with Seth’s. He looked back at me, desperate, helpless. “Let him go. Let Luc
Camilla’s POVThe gun slipped from my fingers and hit the ground with a dull thud. My whole body shook as I stared at the cliff, the place where everything had changed. It was over—but it didn’t feel like it. Without thinking, I turned and ran straight into Seth. His arms wrapped around me, solid and warm, like they always were. His heartbeat under my cheek was the only thing that made sense in that moment."It’s over," I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice as it cracked. Tears slid down my face, uninvited and unstoppable. "It’s finally over."Seth kissed the top of my head, his lips gentle. “Shhh, it’s okay now,” he said quietly, his words calming even though I knew he was just as shaken.I wiped my eyes and looked around. The others—the men who’d fought beside Seth—began to come out of the trees. Lucius spell on them breaking. They looked exhausted, their eyes dull, like they didn’t even know what had just happened. For a second, I thought I saw the same relief I felt, but th
Camilla’s POVI couldn’t tell how long we sat there, staring at the closed double doors. The world outside those doors had stopped existing for me. It could’ve been minutes, hours…hell, maybe even days for all I knew. Time lost all meaning when you were waiting for news that could break your heart or save it. All I knew, all I could think, was that I needed the doctors to come out and tell me that Lucien was going to be okay. I couldn’t think of anything else. I couldn’t feel anything else.My hands were trembling in my lap, fingers tangled together so tightly my knuckles had gone white. I kept telling myself to breathe, but even that seemed like too much effort. The air felt heavy, suffocating, like it wasn’t meant for me. The only thing I could do was wait. Wait for someone to tell me that my world wasn’t falling apart. That Lucien—my sweet baby boy, wasn’t slipping through my fingers.Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I heard a voice. A distant sound, muted against the loud roar