SophiaIt’s been a few days since the attack, and even though life is slowly returning to normal, the lingering tension is hard to shake. Everyone is still on edge, senses heightened, and every movement feels sharper, more deliberate—like we’re all waiting for the other shoe to drop.It feels anything can happen at any moment.Mikhail is in touch with Alexei, but nothing helpful has been found. I don't know whether Mikhail has told Alexei that he has found me or not, because Mikhail never talked about anything related to pack with me. However, I have sensed he seems a bit agitated whenever he talks to Alexei. I didn't ask him what is happening back at the pack because I don't know where I stand when it comes to pack matters.I sit outside on the porch, bundled in a light blanket despite the mild chill in the air, watching the others train. Jake is leading the session, his voice carrying across the field as he barks orders, pushing everyone to their limits. Who can say these people are
MikhailThe fire crackles softly, filling the room with a quiet warmth, but it does little to dissipate the tension that hangs in the air. I sit with Jake, Caleb, and Lucas, the remnants of dinner lingering in the kitchen as Sophia takes Rose upstairs to bed.Jake sits across from me, his expression as unreadable as always, though there’s a subtle edge to his demeanor tonight. Caleb is next to him, quieter than usual, but his eyes meet mine every so often—something that didn’t happen before the attack. There’s no animosity in his gaze now, just a sort of grudging acceptance, or maybe understanding.We may not be close, but after what we’ve been through, we’ve reached a kind of truce. We both care deeply about the people around us, even if we show it in different ways.I glance at Lucas, who’s sitting off to the side, his brow furrowed, lost in thought. Out of all of us, he looks the most troubled. His eyes flicker toward the stairs where Sophia and Rose disappeared moments ago, his wor
Sophia I stretch slowly under the blankets, taking a moment to savor the peacefulness of the early hours. For the first time in days, there’s no overwhelming heaviness dragging me down, no sharp ache that makes me want to curl up and stay hidden. I feel… better. Not entirely back to normal—my body is still sore, and my energy isn’t anywhere near what it should be—but the fog of exhaustion has lifted, and the familiar hum of my wolf’s presence is stronger now, steadying me in a way that’s comforting. It’s been so long since I felt her this clearly. For a while, it was like she was barely there, just a faint whisper in the back of my mind, too weak to even respond when I called. But now… I can sense her stirring, her warmth seeping through my veins, though I know she’s not ready to come to the surface yet. Shifting would be too much right now. I can feel it in the way my muscles protest even the slightest movement, the way my bones still feel fragile, as if they haven’t fully mende
Sophia When Mikhail had gone to answer his phone, the idea of picnic suddenly came to me. After everything we’ve been through, a small escape seemed like the perfect way to make new memories. When I shared this idea with him, he instantly agreed because he felt it might be good for Rose to meet his wolf in a place where she is already relaxed. The lake has always been a special place for Rose and me. I have been taking her there since she was a baby. Whenever she used to cry and I couldn't know how to comfort her, I used to take her there. And still now it’s where I’d take her when we needed a quiet moment, just the two of us. A place surrounded by tall trees and the soft shimmer of the water. I always felt connected to nature there, and I could see that same sense of connection in Rose whenever we visited. It became our little special place. Rose and I have made some beautiful memories together and are still making them, and now even Mikhail deserves to make some of his own with
SophiaMy gaze follows Rose as she chases after a fluttering butterfly, her laughter echoing through the trees. She looks so free, so full of life. My heart swells with joy as I watch her. This moment, this peace, feels like a dream I’m afraid to wake from.Beside me, Mikhail is stretched out, his eyes closed, the weight of the world seeming to ease off his shoulders for the first time in a long while. His face, which usually carries a hardened, battle-worn expression, now looks soft and peaceful, but I notice the dark circles under his eyes.I shouldn’t stare, but I can’t help it. Mikhail has been through so much, and seeing him like this—so vulnerable, yet so strong—stirs something inside me. Without even thinking, my hand reaches out, my fingers gently grazing the skin under his eyes, as if I could somehow erase the exhaustion that clings to him.Instantly, his hand shoots up, grabbing my wrist with a firm yet gentle grip. His eyes snap open, alarm flashing in them for a brief mome
Sophia The sun dips lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden light across the field as Rose clings to Mikhail’s neck. She is talking his ears off, but he doesn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he is soaking in all the attention that he is getting from her. Mikhail gently sets her down, but she stays close, her fingers clutching the edge of his shirt. Her eyes are wide, curious, as she gazes up at him with a seriousness that makes her look like a copy of him. I can see Mikhail is trying to fight of the smile that is threatening to appear on his face because she looks so adorable with her serious expression. "Dada," she says, her voice small but determined. Mikhail crouches down, bringing himself to her level. “Yes, Rose?” “I... I want to see it.” Her words come out in a rush, her tiny brow furrowing in concentration. “See what, pup?” Mikhail blinks, clearly not understanding. “Dada,” Rose suddenly murmurs, her voice sleepy as she climbs in my lap and rests against me. “Can I s
SophiaThe coldness that washes over me as Mikhail looks at me with a predator's gaze is like ice water over my skin. All the warmth, all the comfort that fills my heart when he’s near—gone. In that moment, he’s no longer the man I love, the father of my child. He’s a stranger, a threat. And that look in his eyes—the wild, untamed hunger—it’s like I’ve never known him at all.My breath hitches, my muscles locking in place. His growl deepens, a sound so raw and primal it sends a shiver down my spine. My heart races, but I refuse to back down. I refuse to let fear control me.I harden my gaze, every tear that had gathered moments ago drying up as something darker takes over inside me. I lock eyes with him, feeling the shift in the air, the tension, the instinct to survive. A growl rumbles from my chest, low and fierce, something I haven’t felt in years.“I don’t want to hurt you,” I growl back, my voice steady but laced with a warning. “But I won’t hesitate if you push me.”His wolf’s l
SophiaI wake up gasping, the sensation of drowning in cold water making my body jolt violently. My heart is pounding, my breath uneven as I struggle to gather my bearings. It feels like someone has poured ice water over me, the chill sinking into my bones.Disoriented, I blink rapidly, trying to make sense of my surroundings. That’s when I notice him.Mikhail.The first thing I see is Mikhail's worried gaze, his eyes filled with fear and uncertainty as he cradles me in his arms. One arm is wrapped around my back, supporting me gently as though I might break if he holds me too tightly. In his other hand, I notice he's holding an empty water bottle, drops of water sliding down his fingers."You're awake," he breathes, relief flooding his voice as his grip on me tightens for just a moment, as though he's afraid I might slip away again. His thumb brushes against my cheek, sending a spark of warmth through the icy numbness still clinging to my skin."Sophia, are you okay?"My mind is stil
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
JakeHas it been ages, decades, or just days? I don’t know anymore. Time feels stuck, looping back to that moment when I gained and lost everything all at once.Anastasia. I trusted her. And then she shattered that trust. But this stupid heart of mine, it still refuses to believe she could do something like this.Even after I told her, after I made it clear how dangerous hunters are to my family, she still led one here. And now, because of that, I’ve lost the trust of someone who has been closer to me than most.Sophia.I never thought there would be a day where things felt different between us, but they do. The shift is subtle, but I feel it. Even through our bond, there’s a distance. Her walls are up, and no matter how much I try to ignore it, I can’t.I miss my sister. I miss the way things used to be. But there’s nothing I can do about it.Because she’s not wrong. Her anger isn’t misplaced. If we hadn’t gotten there in time, if we had been just a little too late… Rose could have—I
AnastasiaEthan has become my shadow, and all I want is to turn the damn lights off so I can kill it.But then again, no one else is bothering to come near me, so maybe it's not the worst thing in the world. As much as I hate having someone tailing me, at least I don’t have to deal with anyone else. It’s kinda bearable.Barely.I can tell he’s been trying to pry things out of me. The way he asks questions, how he keeps his tone light, casual, like he’s just making conversation. But I know better.To someone else, it might seem harmless. Just a guy getting to know his new partner.But I see right through it.He wants to figure me out, to pick apart my words and my reactions. He’s analyzing me, trying to piece together who I am and what he’s dealing with.Good luck with that.The mess hall hums with chatter and the clinking of utensils. People are gathered in small groups, some deep in conversation, others just eating in silence. It’s always the same. Everyone sticks to their circles, t
AnastasiaWiping away the sweat that clings to my skin, I drag the small towel across my forehead. My muscles burn, my breath still a little uneven from training, but the ache feels good. Tossing the towel over my shoulder, I turn to leave when a water bottle appears in front of my face, stopping me mid-step.Arching an eyebrow, I follow the arm holding it and find a guy nearly my age standing just a step away. Tall and lean, he has the kind of build that favors speed over brute strength. His golden hair is tied back at the nape of his neck, a few strands slipping free to frame sharp features.Glancing from him to the bottle, then back again, I cross my arms. "And you are?"Smirking like he expected the question, he tilts his head slightly. "Ethan," he says, voice calm, unhurried. "Figured you could use this."Studying him, I notice something different. He doesn’t look nervous, which is rare. Most people—especially the ones who don’t know me well—tend to tread carefully around me. But
AnastasiaI push open the heavy wooden door and step into the meeting room adjacent to Pete’s office. The air inside is tainted with the scent of old leather and faint traces of cigarette smoke, probably from whatever hunter was here before me. A few men are already seated around the table, their eyes flicking up as I enter. Some nod in acknowledgment, others barely look at me.Fine by me.I take my seat, setting a folder down in front of me like I belong here—not like I have something to prove. My position in this mission isn’t exactly what I want. I’ve been assigned to oversee things from the base, to strategize and guide from behind the scenes. But that’s not where I need to be. I need to be out there, in the north territory, handling things myself.A slow burn spreads across my chest, a reminder of the silver from yesterday’s training. I force my hands to stay still and breathe through it. It’s not unbearable. I’ve dealt with worse. And if it does kill me… well, it won’t be today.