Lyra's POVThe air inside the pack house felt heavier after we stepped back in, as though the lingering shadows of the past still clung to its walls. Olivia remained close to me, her protective instincts sharp, but I could sense her discomfort with the situation.I wanted to tell her that she was perhaps that way because she'd just met Mildred, and that was fine because she didn't even know who this Mildred was. I didn't know her either. But I refused to say something about it.She clung to me, making sure every step I took, she watched.“Olivia, it’s fine,” I said softly, hoping to ease her worry. “Mildred helped me when I needed it. You’ll see. I can totally do my walking on my own now,” I said with faint amusement in my tone, but she didn't back down.We walked back toward the rear entrance where Mildred had lingered by the doors. She was carrying a small basket. As expected, she seemed to have been running errands. Her presence was calm yet strong, and she seemed completely at eas
Rylan's POVThe cool evening breeze swept gently across the pack's land, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and the distant rustle of leaves. I sat outside the main gathering hall with Caspian and Finn, enjoying the rare moments of calm after a long day. We had finished our patrol duties earlier, ensuring the safety of the borders, and now it was time to relax and reflect.The wooden bench beneath us creaked slightly as Caspian leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. His sharp gaze wandered over the pack lands, but his tone remained casual.“I think we need to focus more on farming,” he said, breaking the silence. “The soil here is good, and we’ve already cleared enough land for crops. But we’re not planting enough to make a difference. If we do, we can rely less on hunting and keep our food supplies steady.”Finn nodded thoughtfully, his brown hair catching the fading sunlight as he rubbed his chin.“You’ve got a point, but don’t forget about the mines. There’s still a l
Eloisa's POVThe pack house was silent, and the air was cool. I stood at my window for a moment, gazing at the peaceful scene of the pack at sleep. It was almost laughable how calm everything seemed when chaos brewed beneath the surface.I pulled on my dark cloak, the fabric brushing against my skin as I fastened it securely. Moving silently through the corridors, I avoided every creak in the wooden floors, every shadow that might give me away. I had done this many times before, and each time my heart pounded with the thrill of it. Tonight was no different.Once outside, the cool night air kissed my cheeks, and I inhaled deeply, letting it calm my nerves. The world seemed so much bigger under the moonlight, but I knew where I was going. My steps were deliberate, towards the sleeping quarters of the one man who now made my body tingle with desire.I reached and I knocked. He heard at the first knock and came to Open the door because he was waiting for me too.“You’re late,” he said, hi
Damian's POVThe pack house was quiet, the weight of the night pressing down heavily on me. I sat in the grand hall, staring into the fireplace as the flames burned. I was restless and troubled. I could no longer deny it—I was a broken man.With a heavy sigh, I summoned a guard.“Bring Beta Harold to me,” I ordered, my voice rough with exhaustion.Harold had served my father before me, his wisdom and loyalty unmatched. If anyone could help me make sense of this chaos, it was him. Moments later, the old beta entered, his graying hair and lined face a testament to the years he’d spent in service to the Blood Nest Pack.“You called for me, Alpha?” Harold asked, his tone respectful but firm.“Yes, Harold. Sit,” I said, gesturing to the chair opposite me. He obliged, his sharp eyes studying me as if already piecing together my turmoil.“I need your advice,” I began. “The pack feels fractured, and I don’t know how to hold it together. Rylan threatens to come back for what he believes is h
Eloisa's POVI couldn’t keep the grin off my face as I made my way to Kaius’ chambers that night. For days, I had been pondering his suggestion, trying to find the perfect candidate to infiltrate the WhiteMoon pack and bring back vital information. It was a reckless and risky idea, but also a very smart one that only Kaius could conjure up. Now, I finally had news to share with him.As usual, I chose the quietest path to his quarters, ensuring I wouldn’t be seen. Our meetings had always been discreet; a necessity given our current circumstances.I reached his door, but something gave me pause. The faint sound of muffled voices and…movement? I tilted my head, listening more closely. The sounds were rhythmic, unmistakable. Heat crept into my cheeks as I realized what I was hearing. For a moment, I thought about leaving, but curiosity compelled me to push the door open just enough to see inside.And there he was. Kaius.He wasn’t alone.On the bed, tangled in the sheets and each other, w
Lyra's POVIt had been a long week of reorganizing, shifting people around, and making sure everyone had what they needed after the chaos of the previous days. Olivia, Mildred, and I were walking through the camp again, checking on the progress of the various tasks and ensuring things were moving as they should.The weight of the responsibility I carried felt heavier now. No longer was I just a Luna-to-be, caught in the whirlwind of my own emotional turmoil. Now, I had a role to play in making sure this pack survived, thrived even, and not just for me but for everyone here.We passed by the remains of what had once been homes for some of the pack members. The houses had grown old and eventually, crumbled.The destruction was worse than I’d thought.As we walked, I noticed a few of the pack members had begun to help clear the debris, lifting what they could, while others worked on building temporary shelters. Rylan had already given orders for the rebuilding of the homes, but it would
Eloisa's POVThe day had not gone as planned. Ilena and Kaius—two people I had trusted, two people who had turned against me, were now a thorn in my side. The betrayal cut deeper than I cared to admit, but one thing was clear, I would not let them get away with this.“Of course they won't get away. What would they think of me? Weak?”I had already spoken to the sorceress, but her response was far from what I had hoped for. The old woman, powerful though she might be, had refused to help me with the death of Ilena and Kaius. She’d warned me that meddling with their lives could upset the balance of things in ways I couldn’t foresee. Foolish, superstitious nonsense. If I wanted something done, I had learned long ago that I couldn’t rely on anyone but myself. But I'll go to her again and maybe she would reconsider.The betrayal was a wound I couldn’t let fester. Ilena had returned to the pack under false pretenses, feigning innocence after I had risked everything to free her. I had lied
Lyra's POVAfter a hectic day and I settled to rest for the day, a sharp, unexpected pain shot through me, pulling my attention from the faint thoughts I had been idly mulling over.I gasped, pressing a hand to my swollen belly. It was like a sudden, intense cramp that quickly grew in intensity, a tightening that left me breathless. I closed my eyes, clutching the sides of the chair I was sitting in, waiting for the pain to subside. But it didn’t. It only grew worse.I exhaled shakily, my body tensing with another wave of pain. The contractions were coming closer now, relentless, impossible to ignore."Lyra?” Olivia’s voice rang through the door. It sounded distant, but I knew she must have heard me. "Lyra, are you alright?"I managed to call out weakly, "Olivia... I think it’s time."There was a brief pause, and then the door burst open. Olivia and Mildred rushed in, their expressions instantly turning to concern as they saw me doubled over in pain."Olivia, get the Alpha!" Mildred b
Lyra's POVThe room was silent except for the soft rustling of the bedding and the quiet hum of Olivia and Mildred as they worked, moving about the room with the same gentle care they always gave the babies. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands resting in my lap, fingers nervously twisting the fabric of my dress as I stared at the floor. My mind wouldn’t settle.Damian was on my mind."No," I whispered to myself, shaking my head in frustration. "It’s not true. You don’t feel anything for him anymore.""It is true," Snow, my wolf, replied in a calm but insistent voice inside my mind. "You’re still drawn to him. Stop trying to deny it."I bit my lip, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to spill over. "I don’t," I muttered, more to myself than to Snow. "It’s only because he’s the father of my babies. And my former husband. That’s it.""Lyra," Snow said, her voice soft but firm. "You know that’s not the whole truth. You still have feelings for him. You’re still attract
Damian’s POVAs I left the nursery, I couldn’t help the anger simmering beneath my skin. My fists clenched at my sides as I stomped down the hallway, my chest tight with frustration. The image of Lyra leaning into Rylan, her trust in him so clear, replayed in my mind like a taunt. It stung more than I wanted to admit.It wasn't just a knowledge that he was in love with her. I could see it now. It didn't make it hurt less. If anything, the more I thought of it, the more exasperated I got over the knowledge of it.The way he looked at her, the way he hovered protectively—it was obvious. But seeing Lyra respond to him like that, seeing her find comfort in his presence, was a slap in the face. I’d hoped, prayed even, that she hadn’t fallen for him. Yet, what I saw in that room spoke volumes.They were already a pair, weren’t they? A couple.They are running the pack together after all. What did I expect?The thought tore at my heart, and I felt a pang of jealousy so sharp it almost brough
Rylan's POVLyra didn't ask for me to keep Damian away from the babies. Later when she said she was calm enough, she asked for Damian to come take a proper look at the babies.But I wasn't sure she'd completely gotten over her anger like she said she had.Standing near the door, I watched Lyra’s body tense, her anger sharp and clear as she confronted Damian again. The same thing she'd said she would not do. She looked so strong, but I knew the pain behind her cold words. I took a deep breath and walked to her side.“Lyra,” I said softly, draping my arm over her shoulders. “You don’t need to do this. Forget that terrible night. Forget what he did. You’re in a better place now.”Her body relaxed against me, just slightly. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for me to feel her leaning into me. I kept my hand there, steady and firm, silently reminding her that she wasn’t alone.Damian turned then, his eyes catching the way we stood together. His jaw tightened, and a frown spread across his
Lyra's POVThe room was calm, quiet except for the soft voices of Mildred and Olivia as they talked about the babies. I listened, nodding along, but my mind wandered. The boys slept peacefully in their cot, their tiny chests rising and falling, oblivious to the chaos around them.The door creaked open.I looked up sharply, my body immediately tensing. Rylan stepped inside, his expression unreadable, but before I could ask him what he was doing, someone else appeared behind him.Damian.My breath caught, and my chest tightened. The sight of him made my stomach churn. His gaze found mine, and I felt my anger flare instantly. I gripped the arm of my chair, willing myself to stay calm, but it was nearly impossible.“He needed to see the babies, Lyra,” Rylan said, his voice steady.Those words knocked the wind out of me. I felt my anger dissolve, but only slightly. I couldn’t let it fade entirely—not when Damian was standing there, looking at me as if nothing had happened. I clenched my ja
Eloisa's POVDamian wanted to get his babies. And of course their mother too. There was no way he would bring back babies without their mother.He left me behind. He doesn’t care about me or my position here. He’s going to see Lyra. If he brings her back, she's going to take back her place and I will be kicked out of this pack that I’ve worked so hard to take control of. That’s what I’m worried about. What if he comes back with her? What if she manages to worm her way back into his heart?No. Maybe she didn't want him. But what if he found a way to convince her that she still wanted him?What if she takes revenge on me for what I did? I’ve stolen her place, her title. She’s going to hate me for it. And I don’t know if I can handle it. She was always a threat to me, and now, with Damian gone, she could very well come back and take everything. She could ruin all my plans, and I would be left with nothing.I curl my fingers into a fist, clenching them tight as I try to control my breath
Damian's POVI stand in the royal pack house, looking around the room they’ve given me. For a moment, I feel a rush of anger. This is not where I belong. I shouldn’t be here, stuck in this foreign place with Rylan in charge. I’m an Alpha. I should be calling the shots. But as I scan the room, the fact that I’m being treated like an Alpha here is hard to ignore.They’ve brought me food, fitting for someone of my status. A roasted leg of lamb, vegetables cooked to perfection, and bread that’s warm, soft, and fresh. It's not what I would have chosen for myself, but I can’t deny that it’s well prepared. It’s almost as if they’ve tried to remind me of my former standing. I hate Rylan, but even I can’t argue with the care they’ve taken to serve me.The food is good. The treatment is what I’m accustomed to. But still, this isn’t my home. This is Rylan’s home. He’s the one with control now, not me. It burns me to think about it. I’ve spent years leading my pack, the Blood Nest Pack and it's a
Lyra's POV I sat alone in the nursery, staring at the two little faces that were resting peacefully in their cribs. The door to the nursery creaked open, and I turned toward it. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Rylan step into the room. His expression was serious, and there was a weight to his steps, like he was carrying something heavy that he needed to share."Rylan," I greeted, my voice steady but cautious. "What’s going on?"He didn’t answer immediately, his eyes flicking over to the babies, before he met my gaze again. "I need to talk to you about something," he said, his tone firm but calm.I already knew what this was about. There was no need for him to tell me. But I also knew that Rylan had never been one to leave things unsaid, so I didn’t interrupt. I just folded my arms over my chest and waited for him to continue."If it’s about Damian that you let into the pack," I said, trying to keep my voice even, "then you should know by now that I’ve heard. It’s not a secret."R
Rylan's POVThe grand hall of the pack house was empty, save for a few of my trusted men who had been ordered to stand guard. They glanced up as we passed, their expressions serious but unreadable. I was sure they were as alert as I was. Damian had always been a wildcard, and there was no telling what kind of trouble he might stir up if left unchecked.When we reached the center of the hall, I stopped and turned to face him."Damian," I said, my voice firm, "I’m only letting you into the royal pack house because you claim you’re not here for trouble. You’ve made your intentions clear, and I’m choosing to believe you.”He didn’t speak right away, just watched me, as if sizing me up. It was clear he wasn’t intimidated by me, and why should he be? We had been enemies for years, and yet there was still some mutual respect between us."But let me make something very clear," I added, making sure my words cut through the silence. "I’ve already sent men to comb the woods surrounding the pack.
Lyra's POVI was pacing back and forth in my room when Olivia pushed the door open. Her face looked tense, and I could tell something was wrong. The air in the room felt heavy, and I could feel my pulse quickening as I turned to face her.“What is it?” I demanded, unable to hide the impatience in my voice.Olivia hesitated, like she was trying to figure out how to deliver the news. That only made me more anxious.“Alpha Damian’s in the pack,” she said finally, the words tumbling out like they had been too heavy to hold back.For a moment, it was like the floor had dropped out from beneath me. Damian? Here? That didn’t make any sense. My heart pounded as a wave of anger rose in my chest.“What do you mean Damian’s in the pack?” I snapped. “How could that even happen? And why would Rylan let him in?”Olivia flinched slightly at the edge in my tone, but she stood her ground. “From what I’ve heard, he came to see the babies,” she explained quickly. “He told Alpha Rylan he’s here for peace