MikhailMerope bursts into the room, her movements quick and purposeful, with Alexei close on her heels. Instead of coming inside the room, he stands at the door and watches Sophia with a pained expression.Beneath the pain, I can sense his anger. His wolf flashes in his eyes, and he is angry that someone is hurting his Luna.Then his eyes connect with mine, and I see his gaze burning with the promise that he will be by my side when I fulfill my hunger for revenge.But right now, I can't think about that because right now I am nothing but a helpless mate who is unable to do anything for his mate.Merope eyes land on Sophia, and for a moment, her lips part in a soft gasp, pain flashing across her face. But it’s gone as quickly as it comes, replaced by a hard, calculating look.She takes a step closer, her gaze locked on Sophia as though she’s deciphering some invisible code, piecing together fragments of a puzzle only she can see."Tell me, what is happening with her? And how can I hel
MikhailSophia is still unconscious in the room we left her in. It kills me to leave her, but I had no choice. If I stay in the same room as her, I will not be able to think straight. All my attention will be on her instead of trying to find a way. I need to think like an Alpha, not just as a mate. And for that, I need to think with a rational mind.My wolf snarls inside me, restless and enraged, but I force him back. Jake is seated on the arm of a couch, his arms crossed and his jaw tight, looking like he’s two seconds away from punching a hole through the wall. Caleb, on the other hand, is practically vibrating with energy. His hand grips the wooden armrest so tightly that I’m surprised it hasn’t splintered.While Lucas is staring out into the dark as though he’s expecting answers to appear there. He doesn’t speak, but the tension in his shoulders tells me he’s just as agitated as the rest of us.They arrived an hour ago, and unlike me, they could feel Sophia trapped somewhere. T
Mikhail"When?" I ask through gritted teeth, barely managing to control my temper.My wolf growls inside me, echoing through my chest. It’s like a low rumble, a warning. He wants to tear something apart, and that something is Gregor.He is the one behind all this.And I don't know how long I can stop myself from killing him because every breath he takes reminds me of not being able to protect Sophia from him.Alexei's hands ball into fists while annoyance radiates off him in waves."Tomorrow."My hands clench into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I fight the urge to shift right then and there. My wolf surges forward, a deep growl rising in my chest. The rage is like wildfire, threatening to consume me, but I force it down. Caleb doesn’t bother with restraint. “Son of a—” he starts, his voice tight and full of venom, his words dissolving into a muttered string of curses that would make anyone flinch. His fists are balled so tightly his knuckles are white, and the shee
MikhailAlexei, Caleb and Jake are out finding out anything about the council that might help us gaining an upper hand. If there’s a weak link in their ranks, they will find it.I trust them to get results, but every second they’re gone feels like a lifetime.Meanwhile, I’m in the study with Atlas and Artemis, the tension between us thick as smoke. We’re digging into every shred of information we can find about Gregor—his allies, his weaknesses, his mistakes. Anything we can exploit.Atlas is scanning some old files, his eyes sharp as he flips through the pages. His usual calm is intact, but I can feel the controlled fury simmering beneath the surface. Every now and then, he mutters something about leverage or connections, his voice low and dangerous.I stare at the screen of my laptop, sifting through the reports in front of me. My wolf just wants to sink his teeth into the threat and end it. My muscles tighten with every minute we waste staring at words and scheming when action fee
Mikhail “Not every Alpha at the meeting is Gregor’s ally." Jake leans back, arms crossed, his jaw tight with irritation. "That’s about as good as it gets. Two council members are neutral at best. Not allies, but not enemies either." His tone is laced with frustration. “The rest?” Alexei adds, his tone as grim as his expression. “Most are firmly on Gregor’s side. And three of them—hell, they’re from the Redwood Pack itself.” I sit still, my hands folded on the table in front of me. My face doesn’t betray what I’m feeling—nothing, not the simmering anger tightening my chest or the fire itching to explode in my veins. Of course, Gregor would stack the council with his own people. “The majority of the council is still backing him. Even with the neutrals, we’re outnumbered.” Caleb states, what we already know. My wolf paces inside me, restless and snarling, urging me to act, to destroy. But giving in to rage won’t solve this. Gregor would love that—me acting recklessly, proving e
MikhailI’m sitting on the porch steps, staring out at the dark treetops swaying in the distance. The stars above are faint, their light dim compared to the storm swirling in my chest. My fingers dig into the wood beneath me, the ache in my grip grounding me, barely.I can’t go back inside. Not yet. Not when Sophia is lying there, so still, so pale. The sight of her is a knife I can’t pull out, cutting deeper every time I imagine stepping into that room.I failed her. Again.The thought claws at my mind, and I clench my jaw to keep from growling at the empty night. She’s suffering, and I’m out here waiting—useless, powerless. This isn’t how a mate is supposed to be. I should have been faster. Stronger. Smarter. Something. Anything but this.The creak of the door behind me breaks through my spiral of self-loathing. I don’t have to look to know who it is neither I don't care who it is, because whoever they are, they are not Sophia.“Mikhail?” Artemis steps onto the porch, her footsteps
MikhailAfter Artemis has left, I spend some more time out here. But after talking to her, seeing her trust in me, the weight in my chest feels slightly lighter.Just slightly. The restlessness is still there, gnawing at me, but I know now it won’t leave until Sophia is awake, looking at me, speaking to me. Until then, I just have to bear it. Learn to deal with it.With a deep breath, I push off the steps and head back inside. The door creaks faintly as I close it behind me, and the house feels oppressively quiet. Each step I take up the stairs feels heavier than the last, the ache in my chest threatening to drown me again.I reach our bedroom door and stop, my hand resting on the frame. The air in the room beyond feels heavier, like it’s holding its breath, waiting. My pulse quickens, and for a moment, I can’t move. I can’t bring myself to walk in, to see her like that again—so still, so quiet. It’s like staring at a nightmare I can’t wake up from, and the thought alone has my han
MikhailThe soft glow of morning filters through the curtains touching her face, making her look like the angel she is. My eyes flicking back to Sophia every few seconds, as I get ready. She’s still lying there, as peaceful and as still as she was last night. My eyes shift to the rise and fall of her chest, calming me slightly as her breaths soft but steady. She is here.“Important day today,” I say quietly, my voice breaking the silence of the room. It feels strange to speak aloud, knowing she won’t respond, but I’ve been doing it anyway. Talking to her keeps me grounded, like she’s still here with me in the ways that matter. “The council’s meeting. And those bastard will try everything to break me, because they are Gregor's pigs. ""Only Goddess knows how much I want to release my wrath on them and finish each one of them once and for all." I growl as fury swirls inside me and I clench my hands into fists.My uncurling my hands, I take a deep breath before I turn to her fully. She
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
JakeI pull a shirt over my head, barely paying attention to what I’m doing. My hands move on their own, grabbing my jacket, fixing my sleeves, but my mind is somewhere else. Or more like stuck on someone else.Anastasia.It’s been days. Maybe longer. Time doesn’t feel the same anymore. I keep telling myself to let it go, to push it aside, but the restless feeling inside me won’t quit. It sits heavy in my chest, clawing at the edges of my thoughts.I exhale, running a hand through my hair. I should be focused on the bonfire, on the pack, on the people who are still here. But even as I step into my boots, I can feel it... the unease curling in my stomach. My wolf feels it too.He has been quiet since she left. Cold. Shut down. I guess it was his way of handling things, the same way I threw myself into anything that would keep me busy. But now, there’s a shift. It’s subtle, but it’s there. A low hum of agitation under my skin, like my wolf is pacing, restless and alert.I grip the edge o