Avery's POV That playful glimmer in his eyes took my breath away and I felt myself surrendering to the electric intensity of our bond. The sensation of being lifted and cradled in his strong arms, only intensified the feeling of excitement that coursed through me. i could feel the taut muscles in his back as he held me close, his warmth enveloped me like a cocoon of security. Everything around us at that moment faded away and all that mattered was us - the heat we generated, the rhythm of our hearts and the pleasure that was building up deep within me. Alpha Zane knew how to make me feel good, it was something I could not easily explain. My lips found Zane's, igniting a fire under my skin. I marvelled at the way that he expertly kissed me. I clung to him, cradling his face in my hands. "Oh, Zane. I want you so badly." I said, breaking our kiss for a moment to catch my breath. Staring into my eyes, I smiled back at him and he said. “ It is because we’re meant to be, Avery. There’s
Cadys pov They were standing together in the clearing, framed by the golden glow of the hanging lanterns. Avery's laughter floated through the air, a melodious sound that contrasted sharply with the turmoil in my heart. I felt a pang of bitterness and longing. Here was Zane, powerful and strong, leaning in closer to Avery, his intent gaze locked onto her as if she held the secrets of the universe. Meanwhile, I struggled to find my place in this world full of rivals and unrequited love. “Cady?” Finn’s voice broke through my stupor, and I reluctantly shifted my focus back to him. The warmth of his nervous smile was a stark contrast to the icy grip of jealousy that tightened around me. “Yeah, sorry. What did you say?” I tried to shake off the moment's heaviness, forcing a smile. “I was just saying you should totally join us for more training sessions! I mean, look at you! You’ve got real talent.” His enthusiasm was genuine, and it flickered a hint of warmth in my chest. But the lin
Avery’s POV As Zane and I walked back toward the pack house, the atmosphere felt charged, the air thick with unspoken desires. The moon hung high above us, illuminating the path ahead as we exchanged glances filled with a mixture of anticipation and electricity. When we reached the entrance, the familiar warmth of the pack house enveloped us. The lively chatter and laughter from the living room carried a comforting energy, but I felt a magnetic pull toward the stairs, toward our shared sanctuary. Zane turned to me, his expression shifting from playful to serious in an instant. “Want to head up? I think we could use some more time alone.” His voice was low, laced with an inviting warmth that sent shivers down my spine. “Absolutely,” I replied, my heart racing at the thought of being alone with him. Hand in hand, we climbed the stairs, each step igniting the growing tension between us. Once we reached our room, Zane closed the door behind us, sealing off the rest of the world. The
Carolina’s POVI finally reached my bedroom and let out a furious scream. As I slammed the door shut behind me. The sound echoed through the empty hallway, bouncing off the walls and filling the space with my fury. I was shaking, a cocktail of emotions roiling within me—anger, betrayal, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Why did everything have to change? Craig should be here. He should be standing by my side, not hiding in the shadows, while that insufferable Avery took over as Luna. Growing up, I had been promised a bright future, one filled with hope and love, and now it felt like it had been ripped away from me in an instant. It was worse this time around than it had been when Craig first bought her back to the pack. I hated her so much, it made me feel ill to think that I would have to pretend to like someone that her. She would be bossing me about and I would have to do what she ordered. How could Alpha Zane be so stupid? My chest tightened as I thought about how eve
Carolina’s pov My heart leapt when I saw the back of his head. Craig. I couldn't hide the smile from my face. “What did you find out for me, Carolina?” was the first thing he said when he saw me approach him. I slowed down my pace, trying hard to hide my disappointment. He didn't seem very happy; he looked tired and stressed. I didn't like to see him like that. Did he think this was the best thing to do? I wished that he would just come back with me. “Well, I'm waiting. What do you have for me?” he raised his voice slightly, and I felt like I was on the verge of tears. I didn't understand why he was talking to me like that. “Nothing yet, Craig, but there is something that I do think you should know,” I started to say, but suddenly, I was unsure if I should inform him. He didn't look too happy as it was, and maybe this would push him further over the edge, or it would make him see sense enough to come back home with me. “What is it?” he demanded to know. I could sense that hi
Avery's POV The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle golden hue over the room. I stirred awake, feeling the warmth of Zane's bare skin beside me. He was still sleeping soundly, his deep breaths steady and serene. The sight of him, hair tousled and a peaceful expression on his face, filled me with a mixture of affection and warmth. I couldn’t help but smile as I glanced at how the covers rested haphazardly over his body, barely concealing the muscles I had felt so intimately just the night before. The memory of our shared passion played through my mind like a beautiful dream. It felt surreal to be wrapped in this cocoon of happiness after everything that had happened between us. I needed a moment to soak it all in—to appreciate the quiet before the world woke up. Slowly, I got out of bed, careful not to disturb him. The fabulous floor felt refreshing under my feet as I stretched, the remnants of sleep lingering in my body. Glancing back at Zane, I fe
Avery’s POV The sun poured more light into the kitchen, chasing the shadows of the confrontation away. I took a moment to gather myself, feeling a simmering resolve settle into my bones. The soft hum of the coffee pot and the quiet hum of the house seemed like a reassuring backdrop, a promise of hope amidst the chaos. After scalding my throat with the first sip of coffee, I leaned against the counter; my mind was racing about what I would do next. Carolina’s words stung me hard, but I refused to let them define me. I had to believe in my worth, independent of her judgment, and carve out a space in this constantly scrutinised pack. Zane’s soft, rhythmic breathing echoed into my consciousness, reminding me of his presence. He was my anchor through the chaos, but I knew I had to stand alone. Suddenly, there was a creaking sound behind me. My heart skipped as I turned to find Zane standing in the doorway, his expression slightly dishevelled yet undeniably handsome. The light caug
Carolina’s POV I walked down the quiet hall away from the kitchen, the silence around me amplifying the chaos inside my head and seeing Avery wound me up, especially after another sleepless night consumed by memories of Craig. None of this was fair to him—the way life had moved on while he was gone, and his laughter still echoed in the corners of my mind, filling the gaps left behind. My thoughts spiralled, drowning in the mix of heartache and frustration, when suddenly, I nearly collided with Alpha Zane. “Carolina, a word in my office. Now.” His firm, authoritative voice made my heart race. I nodded, though I didn’t feel ready for whatever conversation awaited me. I was still reeling from the morning's emotions, and now I had to face the alpha—I had to put on a mask of composure when everything felt so fragile within me. He gestured for me to follow him, and I stepped beside him, fighting to keep my expression neutral. The hallway felt like a gauntlet, each step marking the di
Avery’s POV Alpha Zane? Luna Avery?” a gentle knock on the door brought us back from our own little world and I could feel Zane’s irritation as he curled his tongue and tutted. “And what is the problem now?” he wrenched open the door to reveal Dominic standing the other side looking hot and flustered from running. I frowned wondering what was going on. Pulling myself up from the bed, I sauntered over to the door and gently touched my mate on the arm soothing his anger almost instantly. “What is the problem?” I looked up at the mighty warrior with kind eyes. He bowed to me and looked slightly more relaxed. Zane sighed and rolled his eyes, I knew he wanted me to himself but something was going on otherwise we would not have been interrupted. “Its Carolina.” he finally uttered. “Carolina?” I exclaimed, a shiver ran down my spine. “What about her? Have you found her?” Zane demanded to know but Dominic shook his head. “Unfortunately not. But, we found this and if sends us into the d
Avery's pov The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow through our shared living space. Shadows danced across the walls as Zane and I sat on the couch, a pile of name suggestion lists and baby books precariously stacked on the coffee table. The excitement from our earlier conversation still buzzed in the air.“Alright,” Zane said, flipping through a book filled with names. “What do you think of these?” He pointed to a few options, reading them aloud dramatically, “How about ‘Gideon’ or ‘Ariana’?” I rolled my eyes playfully. “You know, I have to veto ‘Gideon’ right off the bat. It sounds like a character in a bad sci-fi movie.”“Alright, alright. No Gideon,” he chuckled, jotting it down as a no-go. “What about ‘Zara’? It’s strong, like you.”My heart warmed at his compliment, but a small part of me hesitated. “Zara is pretty, but it feels almost… too trendy? I’d want something with a bit of history.”“Fair point,” he replied, his pencil tapping thoughtfully against
Avery's Pov The warmth of his embrace eased the flutter of nerves in my stomach. With Zane's arms around me, I felt a mix of safety and excitement. It was like standing on the edge of a cliff, peering into the unknown—terrifying but exhilarating all at once. "Have you thought about names?" he asked, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes, a spark of playful curiosity igniting his features. I laughed, the sound bubbling up like a burst of sunshine through clouds. "Maybe it's a bit too early for that, don't you think?” “Not at all,” he replied, his grin widening. “We can brainstorm! I mean, we have to be ready for the baby name book, right?” A new wave of amusement washed over me, and I couldn’t help but picture ourselves poring over names together. “Okay, if we’re doing this, I need to include your criteria for names,” I teased. “What constitutes a ‘Zane-approved’ name?” He pretended to ponder for a moment, placing his hand on his chin thoughtfully. “It has to be strong an
Avery's POVThe truth hung in the air, thick and heavy, as the reality of Kendra’s words crashed over us. I was pregnant. The phrase echoed in my mind, a blend of disbelief and a rush of emotions that felt almost overwhelming. Joy, fear, excitement, and anxiety erupted within me, a chaotic storm swirling in my chest.Zane’s arm tightened around my shoulders, grounding me as my thoughts spiraled. He captured my gaze, his eyes shimmering with a mixture of emotions that mirrored my own. In that moment, the world outside lost its significance, and all that mattered was us—what we had created together. “I—” I struggled to articulate my thoughts, words tumbling over one another in my mind. “What do we do now?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as I searched his expression for answers.“We figure it out together,” Zane replied, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “We take it one step at a time.” There wasn’t a hint of doubt in his demeanor, and as the gravity of my situation sa
Avery’s POV A heavy silence settled around us, punctuated only by the ticking clock on the wall and the soft rustle of packaging as Kendra set up the pregnancy test. Time felt suspended, each second stretching into eternity. My heart raced, caught between fear and anticipation, while my mind churned with unanswered questions. Zane’s presence was a steadying force beside me. His hand remained entwined with mine, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my palm. I wanted to focus on the comfort of his touch, but the enormity of what was about to happen loomed large in my thoughts. “What if I’m not ready for this?” I repeated, more to myself than to him, the thought echoing like a haunting melody. “Avery, nobody is ever fully ready,” Zane replied, his voice a low rumble of support. “But we’ll figure it out together. Whatever this result is, we’ll tackle it as a team." His unwavering confidence was soothing, yet my own doubts antagonized me. I didn’t want to let fear dictate my life, bu
Craig’s POV As Delilah led the way through the thicket, I kept a vigilant eye on our surroundings, scanning for any signs of danger the moment we stepped away from the safety of our temporary haven. I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears, each beat echoing the urgency of our situation.“Where exactly are we going?” I whispered to Delilah as we navigated the dense undergrowth, branches snagging at my clothes as if they were trying to hold me back from the path ahead.“To the old hunting lodge,” she answered quickly, darting glances behind us. “It’s abandoned, but it should be worn enough that no one is likely to search it.”“We can’t stay there long,” I warned, my gut twisted with the knowledge that time was not on our side. “What if they track us?”“They might, but the longer we stay away from Alpha Zane’s territory, the better. They’ll be searching for you, no doubt. We need to throw them off your trail.” That thought should have reassured me, but instead, fear twisted tighter i
Zane’s grip on my hand tightened as he considered my question, his brow furrowing under the weight of uncertainty. “Then we take it one step at a time, just like Kendra said,” he replied softly, his voice steady despite the turmoil in the air. “We’ll talk about it. We’ll figure it out together. No matter what.”His confidence was both comforting and terrifying. I opened my eyes and met his gaze, searching for reassurance amidst the chaos of my thoughts. “But what if I’m not ready for this, Zane?” My voice trembled as I spoke, fear and vulnerability tumbling forth like a flood. “What if I can’t be the person that a baby needs?”Zane’s expression softened, compassion radiating from him. “Avery, none of us are ever fully ready for things like this. Life throws us challenges, and we just adapt. You’re strong; I've seen you face things that would break others. Plus, you wouldn’t be doing this alone.” I felt a spark of warmth at his words, but doubt still lingered. “And what about you? Are
Avery's POV As I gazed into Zane’s eyes, a warm afterglow surrounded us, melting away the remnants of our earlier conflict. But as that sense of connection enveloped me, I felt a sudden wave of nausea crash over me. A bead of cold sweat trickled down my back as I pulled away from Zane, the world around me beginning to spin.“Um, I—” I stammered, my voice faltering. “I think I need to sit down for a—”Before I could finish my sentence, the room tilted precariously, and I stumbled, clutching my stomach. Panic surged through me as I rushed to the side, barely making it to the bathroom just in time. I barely managed to turn on the light before the contents of my stomach surged forth, heaving violently as dry heaves followed. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, more from the shock than the physical discomfort.“Avery!” Zane called out, his voice echoing with alarm just outside the door. I could hear his footsteps rushing in my direction.The door swung open, and I looked up to see hi
Avery's POV“I understand more than you think,” I said, matching his intensity with my own. “But I refuse to let that weight crush my spirit—or my ability to fight for it.”“For once, can’t you just trust that I know what’s best?” he demanded, his voice thick with emotion. “Trust goes both ways, Zane,” I countered, my heart pounding in my chest. “If I can’t trust you to hear me out, if I can’t have a say in our direction, then I might as well be standing alone in this fight.”“Fine then!” Zane thundered, his frustration spilling over as he turned away from me, fuming under the pressure of our conversation. “If you want to defy me, I will take actions necessary to ensure you’re safe, even if it means locking you in here.”My breath hitched in my throat, anger flaring once again. “Are you really willing to go that far? To actually isolate me from everything and everyone?”“Maybe I need to!” he snapped, but his voice faltered as he saw my expression. “Avery, I don’t want to—but you leav