Revelations, revelations, and revelations. Who would have thought so many revelations were waiting for us? But what do you think Mikhail uncovered? I am sure it would be another piece to the puzzle.
Mikhail"Motherfucker!" I whistle through my teeth as my eyebrows slightly raise while something clicks in my mind.Gregor, even if he’s one of the people I’d most enjoy tearing apart slowly, yet I have to give to him for the way his mind works.For years, his command over Sophia’s life was ruthless, controlling, abusive… but it had a dark, twisted logic to it.I understand now why he never let her shift, though it doesn’t make me hate him any less; if anything, my hate for him increased.As I put the pieces together, I feel a low growl rumbling in my chest. Gregor knew exactly what he was doing. He knew that if Sophia shifted, she wouldn’t be able to stay hidden. Atlas and Artemis would sense her because they must be trying to reach out to her. So, he kept her caged in her human form, never allowing her to embrace the wolf inside her.It’s clever.Cruel but clever."What happened?" Sophia places her hand on my arm lightly and tries to get my attention.Blinking, I look at her. Sudde
SophiaThe light filters softly through the curtains, warming the room and slowly nudging me awake. I stretch out a hand to the left, reaching for the familiar warmth that I expect to find there. My fingers touch only the coolness of an empty bed.Mikhail's side is cold. He's already gone.My eyes snap open, and I sit up, blinking away the sleep as I glance at the clock on my nightstand.9:30 a.m.I overslept, which isn’t like me. I try to remember the last time I slept this deeply, but it feels like a distant memory. Maybe that’s what peace does—real, settled peace, the kind that sinks into your bones.The bed feels too big and too empty without him here. I reach for the faint scent he’s left behind on his pillow—cedar and rain, the scent that usually lingers in the air long after he’s gone. I close my eyes, breathing it in, as memories of last night return, a series of touches and whispers in the dark. I brush my fingertips over the mark on my neck, where his teeth sank in last nig
MikhailClosing the reports file, I run my hands through my hair.My wolf has been on edge since the moment Alexei informed me that Gregor has been contacting several Alpha. He is calling a summons for Sophia, me, and others to appear before the council. He’s stirring up trouble, claiming that Artemis attacked him and threatened him. The council is going to favor that manipulative bastard because Artemis even attacked the councilmen. Anger pushing through my veins, I never bow down in front of anyone. What does he thinks that I am going to let this council dictate me?Alpha Mikhail, your presence is demanded at the lunch.Sophia mindlinks me, her playful tone cutting through the tension like a knife.In an instant, the anger and frustration that have been churning in my gut ease. Damn it, I love that woman. Her voice is like a balm to my soul, soothing the jagged edges of my thoughts.I can’t help but smile, picturing her in the kitchen, likely humming to herself while swaying her bo
MikhailCrossing my territory, I head toward the construction site where we are helping Jake in building houses for the packless.After gathering information from Sophia, we decided to make different sets of houses for everyone to fulfil their needs. The packless have both mated and unmated wolves, while there are some families, as well. So that they don't have issues settling into their new home, we are trying to keep everyone's requirements in mind while building their house.The sharp, earthy scent of fresh timber and the hum of construction fill the air as I approach the site. My wolves and some of the wolves of the packless are working tirelessly, hauling beams, mixing cement, and stacking bricks to complete the houses as soon as possible.I glance over to where Jake is directing a group, his voice carrying over the sound of hammers and saws. His attention to detail is remarkable, making sure everything is perfect down to the smallest measurement, keeping the comfort and safety o
SophiaI can sense Mikhail’s emotions before I even see him. It’s like a wave crashing over me, a blend of raw anger and frustration simmering beneath the surface. I feel it prickling through our bond, hot and unsettling, making my own pulse quicken.To feel someone else's emotions so intensely feels weird, as if his emotions are my own.My chest tightens as I close my eyes, trying to steady myself, but his rage bleeds into me, unfiltered and sharp.He’s never been one to hold back when he’s furious and it seems like his anger is rubbing on to me.The intensity of his anger begins to fuel mine. And even though it feels foolish suddenly, I feel like killing someone. And I don't even know why. I push aside the book in my lap and stand, my legs already moving, before I make the conscious decision to find him. Dammit, I need to find this crazy wolf because I am seconds away from exploding from this anger.Finally, I reach the edge of the training field, where Mikhail stands alone, fists
MikhailDamn, if I wasn't in love with Sophia, I would be so pissed at almost losing that fight.But I can't bring myself to feel anything but pride.She’s good, and my wolf is pacing in my mind, practically bursting with pride and admiration for our mate.I can feel the thrum of his excitement blending with my own.Sophia is powerful, fierce, and everything that drives me wild.It just strengthened my belief that if there is anyone who could have been my better half, it is her.A part of me is relieved to know that she is capable of protecting herself. She is not vulnerable enough to allow anyone to overpower her.The Alpha blood running in her veins ensures that she never submits to anyone, not even me, her mate.However, the feeling of being seen is something that I have only felt with her, and that makes her even more amazing.As long as I can remember, I have been labeled with so many names... called horrible things... called cruel and ruthless. Some even associated bad luck with
MikhailAtlas and Artemis are the first ones to come, even though I have called them for the meeting in the last.Their hands carry a couple of bags, and the excitement in their eyes says that these are for Rose. Another people add to the ever-growing list of people to spoil my pup with love. Artemis surprises me when she comes and gives me a side hug before she goes inside the house.I watch Artemis disappear inside the house, a smile tugging at her lips as she calls out to Sophia. The sound of their voices mingling reaches my ears, light and carefree. My eyebrows slightly raise at her welcoming behavior."She is in a good mood today." Atlas looks at me and shrugs. "She did go a little overboard with the shopping, but if that makes my mate happy, then I don't mind."This is the point of commonality between me and him. We both desire to keep our mates happy, and the rest of things don't matter to us. “So,” Atlas continues, shifting his stance, “What’s this meeting about?"“We need
SophiaI watch from the doorway as Mom gently tucks Rose under her blanket, smoothing the wisps of hair away from her little face. Rose stirs slightly, murmuring something incoherent before settling back into sleep.The tenderness in Mom's expression stirs something deep inside me—a longing I didn’t even know I was carrying.It’s strange how the past still holds me in its grasp despite everything I’ve gained.I was afraid that she might overlook me because of how she was getting attached to Rose. It is so embarrassing that the years of doubts and feelings of being unwanted made me feel insecure of my own daughter.When Mom turns and sees me, she smiles. It’s warm and genuine, the kind of smile that cradles you in comfort. For a moment, I hesitate, but then she opens her arms, and I step into her embrace without thinking. Her touch is steady and reassuring, and it makes me feel like a child again, safe and loved."Mom, " I breathe out while tightening my hold on her. Just like that, al
JakeI skid to a stop near the border, my heart slamming against my ribs so hard it feels like it might shatter. Mikhail and the rest of the patrol are crouched low, hidden behind trees and thick bushes. For a second, I don't get it. Why the hell are we hiding? Anastasia could be right there, so close I can almost taste her in the air.My wolf fights me hard, clawing at the inside of my chest, roaring at me to move, to tear through anything standing between me and her. But my human side digs in, just barely keeping control. I suck in a ragged breath and crouch low, reminding myself that rushing in without thinking could cost Anastasia her life.I notice the black hummer rolling down the old dirt road just outside the border. The windows are tinted so dark I can't see a damn thing inside. Every part of me wants to charge in and flip the damn thing over, but I grind my teeth and stay low."That's them..." Irwin says in a low voice from where he’s crouched behind a fallen log. He nods hi
Jake“How do you know Anastasia?” I ask, trying hard to keep my voice level. I don’t want to scare him off if he’s got real information. But damn, it’s tough when every second I can feel her pain twisting inside me like a knife.He leans on that broken branch a little, then shrugs like it’s no big deal. “We are… or were… friends.” His voice drops a little at the end, more to himself than to any of us. “I’m saying were because I know once she sees me, she’ll probably try to kill me for abandoning her.”He gives a short, humorless laugh that doesn’t reach his eyes. I don't laugh with him. None of us do.“That’s not what you should be worried about,” he says, looking back up at me, his eyes sharp. “Your focus should be on Ana. I don’t trust a damn soul over there. They’re vultures, all of them. But Ana’s smart. Smarter than most. She’ll know what’s going on. I trust her to get herself out.”I am still skeptical whether to trust a word coming out of his mouth, especially when I heard he a
JakeMy body shakes as my wolf pushes harder, breaking through the thin line between us. My skin stretches, bones shift, and I fight the change with everything I’ve got, but it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s done waiting.He’s angry. And scared.And so am I.Sophia’s voice is somewhere nearby, soft but panicked. “Jake? What’s happening? Jake!”But I can’t answer. I can barely breathe.All I know is I feel her. Anastasia. Not just the bond tugging... this is something more.She’s hurting.And that pain? It’s mine now, too.I slam a fist into the dirt and snarl, trying to get control back, trying not to lose it completely.Pain flares in my body like a wildfire, and I can hardly breathe. My vision goes all hazy, like I'm looking through a foggy window. I blink hard, trying to clear my head, but it’s no use. Everything around me turns into a blur. I’m dimly aware of the sounds around me, but they’re distant, like I’m submerged underwater. My mind is racing, but it’s too focused on one thin
JakeThere’s this heat sitting right under my skin, like fire trying to crawl out of my bones. It’s been there since I woke up, simmering just below the surface. I keep telling myself it’s nothing, that I’m overthinking it, but I know better.Something’s wrong.I can’t explain it, not in a way that makes sense. It’s like my instincts are pulling at me, dragging my thoughts to one place. Or rather… one person.Anastasia.I close my eyes and try to focus on the reports in front of me, but it’s useless. All I can see is her face. The way she looked when she left.... not angry, not cold, just… hurt.I didn’t want her to leave. Not like that.I wanted more time. Just a little more. I would’ve stolen her from the world if I could, even if it was selfish. But after that talk she had with Sophia, I saw it in her eyes... she was hurting.From Sophia's words, she might have gotten the impression that Sophia is against our bond, which is untrue. However, Sophia is slightly disappointed with me.
Anastasia“I don’t think this plan will work.”Ethan leans forward in his chair, arms crossed, wearing that annoyed look like everything’s just wasting his time.Pete just finished laying out the whole plan — my plan — and I can already feel the tension rising.“We’re not weak,” Ethan adds, like he’s trying to remind everyone of something they never forgot. “We don’t need to waste time spying on mutts. We should just attack, wipe them out, and take their Luna. Simple.”He shrugs like he just solved everything in two seconds. Like it’s just that easy.I can't stop myself from rolling my eyes, as I shake my head.Since everything is taking a three-sixty turn, all the high-ranking hunters are also part of this meeting, even Edwin and his group.Edwin, who’s been quiet the whole time, finally speaks up.“One of the biggest mistakes any hunter can make is to underestimate their enemy,” he says, his eyes locked on Ethan like he’s done babysitting his ego. “What do you think they are, helples
AnastasiaI keep my eyes forward, lips pressed in a straight line, like none of this rattles me. Like I’m not absolutely burning from the inside out. Pete’s words keep echoing in my head. Take away their Luna.He knows. He has to. That look he gave me… like he was testing me. Like he wanted to see if I’d crack. I can’t show it though. That’s what he wants. To see me flinch, to catch some hint of guilt or panic in my eyes. But he’s not getting that. Not from me. I’ve had too much practice keeping my mask in place, hiding the cracks. I can rage later.Right now, I have to think.I have to warn Jake.But how?I can’t just send a message. I know better. Cellphones are a joke in this place. Everything’s tracked. Calls, texts, even burner phones—Pete’s paranoia makes sure nothing slips through. He’s probably waiting for me to try, just so he can pounce with evidence.And if I get caught trying to contact someone outside the group, especially someone like Jake? That’d be the end of everythin
AnastasiaFrom Jake’s place, I head straight home. I don’t stop anywhere. No detours. Just straight to my parents’ house. My bag’s already half-packed, but I need a few more things, and more than that, I need to see them before I go.Mom’s in the kitchen when I walk in, humming under her breath while chopping something. She looks up and her face lights up, but it dims just a little when she sees my expression. She knows that look. The look that say she would like the news that I have to share. She doesn’t say anything though, just wipes her hands and pulls me into a hug.Dad walks in a moment later, looking like he’s been working in the garage. He pauses when he sees me, his brows pulling together just slightly. Like he’s trying to read the tension in the air. He's never been the emotional type, but I can tell he's not thrilled I’m heading out again.I sit them both down, explaining the basics. Just enough so they’re not left in the dark if something happens. I tell them that if anyth
AnastasiaThe sky’s just beginning to lighten when my eyes blink open. It’s quiet, the kind of soft stillness that only comes just before dawn, and the world feels like it’s holding its breath. I barely slept, and I know Jake didn’t either, but we’re both wired like this. Waking up early isn’t something we plan... it just happens because it a habit ingrained in us since forever. And honestly, I kinda love it.Jake’s still in bed beside me, his arm draped across my waist like he has no intention of letting go. I shift just a little, and his grip tightens. His voice is low and raspy near my ear, “You're up too?”“Barely,” I murmur, nuzzling into his chest. “But if you’re awake, then I’m awake.”He hums before kissing the top of my head, and for a few more minutes we just lie there, wrapped up in each other, like time doesn’t exist yet. I wish it really didn’t.Eventually, I give him a lazy smirk and peel back the covers. “Shower?”He stretches, gives me that slow grin I love, and follow
Anastasia Jake’s eyebrow lifts real slow when I reach into the front of my dress and pull out my car keys. His eyes don’t leave mine for even a second as I click the unlock button and toss the keys at him. He catches them like it’s nothing, fingers curling around them with ease. Then, without a word, his hand comes around the back of my neck, firm and warm, pulling me in. His lips crash into mine, and it’s not soft or sweet. It’s deep and consuming and exactly what I need. “Where you wanna go?” he murmurs as we start walking toward the car, his voice still a little rough from the kiss. I glance at him, not even thinking twice. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t care.” My fingers brush his as we walk. “I’m running low on my vitamin J, so all I want right now is to be with you and away from all these fuckers who are testing my tolerance.” He laughs, the sound low and familiar and the only thing that’s felt right all night. Then he opens the passenger door for me, holding it like so