MikhailThe new mark on my neck hums with energy, pulsing with her heartbeat. The Moon Goddess has made our reunion something so much more. The bond isn't just a connection anymore; it feels like our souls have woven together tighter and more complete than ever before like the universe tilted and settled into place.There is a feeling of contentment that is running inside my veins... and this feeling is not just mine, but my wolf's as well.The restlessness he had been experiencing for the last few days has diminished, replaced by this feeling of serenity. Maybe this is what he needed—a connection with his mate to settle the chaos inside him.As we walk, I catch a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye. She's tense, her fingers unconsciously brushing the crescent on her chest. I hate seeing her like this—worry shadowing her features, her lips pressed together in that way that means she's overthinking.I pull her closer, letting our fingers intertwine, and press a kiss to her foreh
SophiaI want to be with Mikhail, but there's a knot of fear in my chest when I think about going back. A hesitancy that I can't quite name.I try to quiet my thoughts, but they keep spiraling.I should feel content, safe even, but the idea of returning to his pack stirs something inside me. It feels like standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing you have to jump but not entirely sure where you’ll land.Maybe the thought of facing his pack members, who already knew about the reality of my first-mate bond with Mikhail while I was unaware of the truth, makes me anxious.What they would think of me? How stupid I was because I was living in a fool's paradise while the reality of my mate bond was in front of me.My thoughts keep drifting back to the past, to Layla and the doubts she planted in my mind. Even though I trust Mikhail now, even though I know he loves me without the bond forcing him to... those doubts still cling to me, sharp and cutting like glass shards. I hate it. I hate how,
SophiaThe decision had been made the moment Mikhail told me that we had to return with him... and it seemed like everybody knew that it was just a matter of time before I gave in to his decision because it was the best option in the given circumstances.But that doesn’t make it any easier.My heart feels heavy at the thought of leaving the people who became more than just friends. Jake, Lucas, Caleb... they walked into my life when I was broken, when I needed someone to lean on, and without even realizing it, they became the brothers I never had. They were my strength when I felt weak, my comfort when the weight of the world threatened to crush me.And now I have to leave them.I try to steady my breathing, but the thought keeps twisting in my chest, making it hard to breathe. Leaving them feels like tearing away a part of myself, and it’s not the same as when I left my old pack—when I walked away from my so-called family without looking back. This... this is different.This time, it
SophiaShe hasn’t changed much.Same perfect posture, same cold beauty.Her eyes are on Mikhail, of course. They always were.However, when her gaze flickers at me, I see shock passing through them, which is instantly replaced by hate. Just to piss her off even more, I smile at her.I love being petty.Mikhail’s entire body is taut with fury. His hands clench the steering wheel so tightly that I can see the whites of his knuckles. I know without him saying a word that, seeing her has stirred something deep inside him... regret or maybe even guilt. But above all it is rage."Stay in the car,” he says quietly, his voice a controlled, dangerous calm. The cold fury radiating from him is unmistakable. He’s not asking me. He’s telling me.His eyes flick to mine for the briefest second, and I see it there—the protective instinct, the need to shield me from this. But that’s not how I work. Not anymore.When I decided to return, I knew she was going to be there because even though I hate he
SophiaMikhail stay close beside me as we watch Layla's retreating figure. Tension slightly releases his body once she is gone."Go back and sit in the car." He places his hand on the small of my back and gently nudges me towards the car.Nodding my head, I sit back in the car while he goes to the wolves standing near the border. It takes me a moment to realize these are not just pack members, every wolf who is standing here is a warrior.This makes Layla's presence here even more absurd because, as far as I remember, she doesn't hold any such rank in the pack.I watch Mikhail talking with his wolves before he returns to the car and drives the car through the borders.Instantly, some of the warriors shift into their wolves and start following our car."Wolves are coming with us." Rose's little voice, filled with awe, reaches our ears.Mikhail and I share a look and smile, listening to her."These are your wolves, Rose." Mikhail looks at her through the rearview mirror, "That's why the
Sophia "Listen to me, pup," I say gently, gathering Rose's soft hair into my hands and starting to brush through the tiny tangles. "Tonight, you’re going to meet a lot of new people." Rose looks up at me with her wide, curious eyes, so innocent and trusting. My heart melts as I continue, keeping my tone calm and clear for her. "These people are very important to your Dada because they’re his people. And now, they’re your people too." She blinks, tilting her head slightly, listening carefully, even though I know she’s only two and may not fully understand everything. Still, I want her to feel comfortable and know that tonight is special. “So, I need you to be nice to them, okay?” I lean forward, catching her gaze to make sure she’s with me. "Okay, Mommy," she nods, her little lips curving into a smile. "I be nice." "My little wolf." I kiss the top of her head softly before I start to make pigtails, my fingers moving slowly so she doesn't get impatient. "Dada's people are nice?"
SophiaThe moment we step into the main dining area of the packhouse, silence falls on the entire room. I see some new and some old faces; however, everyone is carrying a similar expression of surprise.Rose's hand slightly tightens on my hand as she looks at everyone... my protective instincts kicking in, wanting to shield her. But I hold myself from acting on them.Mikhail's presence beside us, giving me a sense of comfort and safety, for which I am grateful.He places his hand on the small of my back and slightly guides me forward, making me realize I have stopped walking. My eyes shift to Rose, who is taking small yet confident steps even though I can feel uncertainty emitting from her. She is unsure what to make of these people who are staring at her with bewilderment.Mikhail moves forward, picks Rose in his arms, and stops just a few steps away from the table where most of the pack members are seated.Then looking at me, he subtly motions me to come forward.The room falls into
Sophia Since we, as protectors, often move from one place to another, it's not a big deal for everyone to pack their things up and move to a new place. But for me, it was a big deal, as now, when I come here, this place is going to be my home... a place where I settle because I am not just a protector anymore; I am a Luna of this pack. The place where we were living wasn't safe for us anymore because of the recent rogues and hunters attacks. Jake was already looking for a safe place for everyone to move, as some more wolves with their families had joined us. Everyone's safety is our responsibility as they join us because they trust us to keep them safe. When Mikhail found out, he offered Jake and others a piece of land to move to near his pack, without even bringing anything to my knowledge. Mikhail knew what everyone meant to me and didn't want me to be separated from them.Jake accepted the offer and bought the land from Mikhail. Now, Mikhail and his pack members are helping to b
AnastasiaMagnus reacts just as fast, his own shift tearing through the air like thunder.Claws clash. Teeth snap.The two of them collide like a storm, fur, and rage tangling in a blur of violence. Jake’s darker wolf is pure muscle and fury, slamming into Magnus like the thirst of his blood craves him.Magnus isn’t any less fierce—his white-gray coat stands out, but he moves with power, meeting Jake head-on without hesitation.The sound of their snarls and growls tears through the space, sharp and raw. Dust kicks up around them, and the wolves crash into trees like they’re nothing.My legs move before my brain does. I scramble to my feet, my heart slamming in my chest, and I’m halfway to them when a strong grip yanks me back.“Anastasia, no!”He pulls me against him, holding me there as I struggle.“Let me go!” I shout, pushing against Caleb’s arm again, but he doesn’t budge. “They’re going to kill each other!”I glance around, expecting someone — anyone — to jump in to stop this mad
AnastasiaWhat the hell is Jake doing here?First he says he doesn’t care. And now, just when I’ve started trying to pull myself together, trying to not let him take up space in my head, he’s back. Popping up like I somehow invited this mess. Over and over again, he keeps showing up like some test the universe is throwing at me just to laugh at me.I follow right behind Magnus as he walks toward the front of the pack house. His steps are quick, his expression unreadable. I’m not trying to make a scene, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want answers. Especially about who this other Alpha is that decided to tag along with Jake and Caleb.Is one of the other Alphas whose pack is here? If yes, then I need to use this to my advantage and gain his trust as well.I keep my head up and face calm, even though inside, I’m already planning how to make the best of this situation.Jokes on you, universe; I will use every challenge you throw at me for my own benefit.The moment I step closer, I f
AnastasiaWe’re sitting in Alpha Magnus’s office. The room is bigger than I expected, filled with heavy, dark wood furniture and a large desk at the center. Magnus leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, looking at me like he knows I am here not just to meet them but I am something important to share. Luna Melissa stands beside him, one hand resting on the back of his chair, the other idly playing with the pendant around her neck. The quiet in here is heavy, but it feels... comfortable, like something similar to when I discuss something with Mom and Dad.Without wasting any more moment, I come straight to the point, “I’m part of a mission the Hunters are planning. It’s to clear out rogues in the northern region. They’ve been growing in numbers, and it’s becoming too much of a risk. We’re supposed to neutralize them... take them out, wipe them off the map."My gaze travels to Nova, who is standing beside the window with his arms crossed.Then I meet Magnus’s eyes, and I don’t flinch. “
AnastasiaThe front door of the packhouse creaks open, and for a second, everything gets real quiet.A man steps out first. He’s tall and built like someone who doesn’t have to say much to get people moving. There’s this pull around him, like the air shifts when he walks. He starts coming down the stairs, each step calm but sure, like he’s in control of everything around him. His eyes sweep over the pack, then land on me. His expression... well, it's unreadable.Behind him, a woman follows, and she’s... well, wow. There’s grace in the way she moves, like she’s floating more than walking. Her hair’s pulled back, not a strand out of place, and even though she’s not trying to steal attention, she does. She carries herself like she knows exactly who she is, and everyone else does too. Luna. No doubt.He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t need to roar to be heard, and she’s the kind who holds a pack together without ever raising her voice.As they reach the bottom of the stairs, wolves aroun
AnastasiaAlright… so, I’m walking behind this guy with the beard, and I’m doing my best to look calm, like I’ve got everything under control.But inside? It’s chaos. My brain’s jumping from one thought to another, no breaks, no pause button.I don’t know this pack. Don’t know their Alpha. And just 'cause they haven’t tried to rip me apart yet doesn’t mean they won’t once I start talking.These people, when they hear the word Hunter and suddenly that person becomes a threat. And here, I openly announced who I am. Doesn't matter what my reasons are or how much truth I bring to the table some folks just see what they want to see.So I need a plan. First thing? Stay sharp. Everything around me could mean something. How many wolves are hanging nearby, who’s shifting like they’ve got something to prove, who people glance at when Beardy is not saying anything. I keep my eyes moving, not obvious, just enough. Catching voices, tone shifts, the way someone holds their stance too tight or turns
AnastasiaCaleb’s whole body changes as we move through the trees. His shoulders are tense, every step calculated. There’s this no-nonsense vibe rolling off him that feels totally different from the usual sarcasm and eye-rolls I get from him. It’s weird seeing him like this. Focused. Sharp. Like a soldier in the middle of a mission. And I hate to admit it, even to myself, but right now, he feels… reliable.Jake still hasn’t shown up, but I know he’s close. I can feel it, the way the air shifts just enough to tell me that he is here.Suddenly, Caleb throws an arm out in front of me, stopping me in my tracks. I glance at him, confused, but don’t say anything.His head lifts, nose slightly tilted as he sniffs the air. His jaw tightens, and for a second, I swear I see something like concern flicker in his eyes before he looks at me.I lift an eyebrow, silently asking what’s up, but then I hear it too.Footsteps. Not just one or two. Multiple. The crunch of boots on leaves, and somewhere b
AnastasiaI never expected Jake to trust me. Trust is something you earn, not something you demand.I have lost that trust, and I need to earn it back.But the way he said he doesn’t care about me? That hurt the most.He said I was his mate… and isn’t every wolf supposed to care about their mate? Isn’t that supposed to be instinct? Being angry is one thing, but not caring? That’s different. That feels worse.My heart cracks at his words, and I know if I don’t walk away now, he’ll see just how much he hurt me.Tears threaten to spill, and I hate crying. Always have. So, the next thing that follows is anger. It always does. When I get upset, I get angry. Mostly at myself, for letting something, someone, have this much power over me.I don’t want to talk to him. I don’t care what he meant. Not right now.I keep my steps quick, not looking back. My chest feels tight, but I push it aside. I can’t afford to fall apart, not here, not now.The cold air stings against my skin, or maybe that’s
JakeThe moment my paws touch the earth, everything sharpens. My focus narrows, instincts taking over as I charge straight for the rogue closest to Anastasia. He doesn’t hear me. Doesn’t see me. Not until my weight slams into him.Teeth meet flesh. His howl is cut short as I rip through his throat, hot blood coating my muzzle. He crumples beneath me, lifeless before he even knows what hit him.Caleb crashes into another rogue, bringing him down fast. Snarls and the clash of bodies fill the air.Anastasia freezes for barely half a second, her wide eyes locking onto mine. My chest heaves, blood dripping from my muzzle, but I don’t take my eyes off her. I expect her to tense, to brace for an attack. But instead, her lips part, and in the softest, most surprised whisper, she breathes my name.“Jake.”Something tightens in my chest.How? How does she know it’s me?She has never seen my wolf before. There’s no reason she should recognize me.But she does.For a second, everything else fades
JakeThe scent of home-cooked food lingers in the air, the moment I step into the packhouse. Warmth surrounds me... not just from the crackling fireplace but from the people inside. "Jake, look at you," a voice calls out, full of warmth and nostalgia. "All grown up, young wolf."Before I can turn, arms wrap around me in a firm but familiar hug."Hi, Aunt Crys," I say, hugging her back.Crystal pulls away just enough to look at me properly, her sharp eyes scanning my face. "You look just like your dad did at your age," she muses, shaking her head. "Same build, same eyes… And you got your mother's smile."Raymond, who has been watching quietly, lets out a low chuckle. "But he hasn't smiled yet."Crystal smirks. "Exactly. That’s why I said he got Artemis’s smile. When have you ever seen her smiling often?"That actually makes me snort, because she’s right. My mother is a lot of things, but lighthearted isn’t one of them.Uncle Raymond steps forward, nodding at me in greeting. "Atlas woul