MikhailMy claws are still out, stained with the remnants of blood and flesh, but my focus sharpens when Alexei runs up to me, his face grim.“I can’t reach Merope,” Alexis voice is strained. “She’s in the middle of the ritual, and Jake, Caleb, Atlas, and Artemis are all part of it. Lucas is with Sophia now."I nod, processing his words. A part of me feels a small wave of relief. At least Lucas is with Sophia. She isn’t completely alone. But that doesn’t ease the knot in my chest. Lucas may be with her, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. They both are still out there somewhere we don't know... Somewhere where I can't reach my Sophia.My heart aches because she is still not with me.Pushing that thought aside, I focus back on the situation at hand.Destroying Selena's body.Sophia entrusted me with a task, and I have to see it through. I turn back to Alexei, meeting his gaze. “I need you to lead the warriors from here on out.”His brows furrow and I can see the flicker of worry in his
MikhailThe cave is like a pitch-black void that seems to swallow the faint light from outside. The darkness doesn’t faze me, though.It can try to intimidate me all it wants, but I am not someone who is going to be scared.The air shifts as if something unseen stirs, carrying a faint metallic scent that prickles at my senses.I stand at the mouth of the cave, and the energy inside brushes against me. It’s intense, almost tangible, swirling just beyond the entrance like a warning.My wolf is restless, pacing just beneath the surface, not from unease but from readiness. He knows, just like I do, that this place isn’t ordinary. It’s soaked in Selena’s magic, her dark influence tainting the air. It presses against me like a challenge, daring me to turn back.But I don’t turn back. I don’t hesitate. I’ve faced worse than this, walked through fire and blood to protect what matters.This darkness might be strong enough to crush someone else, but not me.My mark hums steadily against my ches
MikhailMy wolf howls inside me, a fierce, guttural sound that cuts through the haze of pain. It’s like he’s trying to fight the agony with every ounce of strength he’s got. I feel him, clawing and pushing, refusing to let me give in.My whole body feels like it’s being ripped apart, every nerve on fire, but I grit my teeth and force myself to stay calm. The pain is brutal and relentless, but it’s not the first time I’ve faced something that’s tried to break me.I know I’m stronger than this. I’ve faced worse. I’ve clawed my way out of hell before, and this? This won’t break me.My hands curl into fists, nails digging into my palms as I focus on the burn inside me.The light pulses again, sending a fresh wave of pain through me, but I push back with everything I’ve got. My wolf’s rage fuels me, his defiance merging with mine. We’re in this together, and there’s no way we’re backing down.My legs feel like lead, but I keep moving. My wolf roars inside me, pushing me to keep going. I
MikhailI lean against the jagged wall of the cave, my body screaming in protest. Every breath feels like dragging shards of glass through my lungs. Then it hits me.Sophia.She told me to burn Selena’s body. That has to be the way to end this.I push against the wall, forcing myself to stand. My broken leg buckles, and pain shoots up my spine, but I grit my teeth and hold on. The wall is rough under my fingers, a small mercy to keep me upright.I glance around the cave, searching for anything—anything—that could help me set her body on fire. My eyes dart to the ground, the corners, the shadows. There’s nothing. Not a single thing I can use.Frustration boils in my chest, mixing with the pain. My fists clench, and I let out a furious growl that echoes through the cavern. The sound is raw, animalistic, but it’s not enough to release the rage building inside me.Then, out of nowhere, my mark starts to burn. The heat is sudden, sharp, and impossible to ignore. I clutch my shoulder, gaspi
MikhailThe sky, once a grim shade of ash, now seems softer, like the first hint of dawn. Even the trees, twisted and lifeless before, seem to stand straighter, as if freed from some invisible weight.But none of it settles the storm in my chest. My steps are heavy, my body restless, like it knows something I don’t. I look around, taking in the transformed landscape, but it all feels hollow. I should feel victorious like I’ve won. But instead, there’s this nagging emptiness, a void I can’t shake.I try to reach out to her again, to Sophia, but there’s nothing. Not even the faintest whisper of her presence. It’s like trying to grab smoke. My chest tightens, panic creeping in. I’ve always been able to feel her in some way, even when the magic was blocking our bond... but now there is nothing... nothing but a void.Did something happen to Sophia? The thought slams into me like a blow to the chest.My breath catches, and a wave of worry surges through me, drowning out everything else. My
MikhailI don’t even feel the ground when my knees hit it. It’s like my body gives out, but I’m too numb to notice.My vision blurs, and the world around me feels distant, like I’m trapped in some kind of nightmare I can’t wake up from. The weight in my chest is crushing, suffocating, like it’s trying to bury me alive.I try to take a breath, but it’s like my lungs refuse to work. Panic creeps in, sharp and cold, and I don’t know what’s wrong with me. My hands tremble as I press them against the ground, trying to steady myself, but nothing works.I can’t breathe. I can’t think.All I can feel is this unbearable emptiness swallowing me whole.I land next to her,My hands won’t stop shaking as I reach for her."Sophia!"The scream tears out of me, raw and broken, like it’s been ripped straight from my soul. It echoes around us, cutting through the silence like a blade, and for a moment, it feels like the whole world holds its breath.My fingers brush against her skin, cold and lifeless,
Mikhail The sight before me is horrifyingly familiar. Not long ago, I saw something just like this. A body, floating in the air, limbs limp and head tilted back. It looked unnatural, wrong, like some twisted force was holding it up as a sick display. But that time, it was Selena. A monster. A creature of pure evil that I had to destroy, no matter the cost. Now... now it’s Sophia. My Sophia. She isn’t a monster. She isn’t evil. She’s the light I never deserved, the reason I keep fighting, the anchor that’s held me steady through everything. My heart twists painfully in my chest as I stare at her, suspended in the air like she’s caught in some invisible grip. Her head tilts back, her arms hang lifelessly, and her hair flows like it’s caught in a wind only she can feel. What the hell is happening to her? I feel numb, my mind racing for answers I don’t have —just this crushing helplessness. My eyes dart around frantically, searching for someone, anyone, who knows what to do. A
MikhailSophia’s hand lifts slowly, her fingers trembling for just a second as if she is recalling how to move them.Her body shifts, tilting forward in a way that seems unnatural like she’s being guided by something unseen. Then, with a grace that sends a shiver down my spine, her feet touch the ground.She stands.There’s something so different about her, something off. She looks like Sophia, but the way she holds herself, the way her presence feels—it’s like she’s someone else entirely.Like it’s her... but at the same time, she is not. I need something to hold on to... to comfort me, and unintentionally, I feel myself reaching out to our mate bond. Instantly, a wave of relief rushes through me, spreading warmth in my chest as I feel it—the bond. It flickers to life, like a spark reigniting a flame that I thought was dying.It’s there. I can feel it pulling at me, familiar and steady, like it always has been. The connection that ties us together that grounds me, that makes her
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
Anastasia I knew I wouldn’t be the same when I came back, but I didn’t think it would feel like this. It’s not just sadness. It’s something deeper. There’s this hollow space inside me, like something important is missing and nothing fits right anymore. Like I left a part of myself behind and now I’m walking around trying to function without it. And maybe that’s exactly what happened. Maybe I did leave a part of me behind. With him. With Jake. The distance between us is eating at me. Four days. Just four damn days, but it feels like I’ve been stuck in this weird stretch of time where everything moves in slow motion and nothing feels real. It’s like my body’s here, going through the motions, but my heart’s somewhere else, still wrapped up in the way his voice sounds when he says my name or how his eyes lock on mine like they know me better than I know myself. Every second drags like it’s meant to remind me I’m not where I’m supposed to be. It punishes me for leaving, and no matter
AnastasiaJake’s arms are wrapped around me, warm and solid, his heartbeat is the only sound I care about right now. It's slow under my ear, steady like the rise and fall of his chest. The grass tickles my arm a little, and the scent of pine and damp earth fills the air, but all I can focus on is the way Jake’s fingers brush lazy circles against my back.I’ve got my arm slung over his chest, my head tucked right into that perfect spot where shoulder meets neck. It feels safe here, even though we’re lying out in the middle of the woods with nothing but leaves above us and sky peeking through.I don’t want to move. I don’t even want to blink too fast, like doing anything more than breathing might break this spell. We’ve both found a kind of peace in this stillness.Jake drops a soft kiss on top of my head, lips lingering for a second, and I feel it all the way through me. My eyes flutter closed just for a beat, soaking it in. Then I feel his chest expand with a quiet sigh, and his arm t
AnastasiaJake presses a kiss just above my collarbone, and a delicious shiver runs through me. My fingers sink into his hair without even thinking, loving the way his lips linger on that exact spot. I feel his smile, soft and warm, against my skin before he kisses the same place again, slower this time like he’s memorizing it.Then he leans back a little and locks eyes with me. There’s something in his gaze that makes my heart stutter."This is where you’ll carry my mark," he whispers, his voice rough, like gravel dipped in honey. "For the world to see that you belong to me… but not now."His eyes drop to my neck, and I see it... the tug of war playing out inside him. The desire for his mate to proudly carry his mark for everyone to see against the instinct to keep her safe."Hey…" I grab his face gently in my hands, thumbs brushing his cheekbones as I smile at him, trying to placate him. "I can’t wait for the world to see that my man is a possessive wolf who totally loses his mind if