A week later and I was disembarking a plane in an airport in North Carolina. It was beautiful, in a way, how little things had actually changed in six years.The flight had been uneventful, thankfully. I've had the aircraft I boarded lose an engine in mid air once, and the anxiety that had filled me wasn't something I wanted to experience again. It did not help that I had a seat by the window and had a close view of the wing burning.I shook off the memory, stretched out my arms and took breath. I shook off the memory, stretched out my arms and took a deep breath. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled my nose as I stepped off the plane and headed towards the airport's baggage claim.I had just landed after a long and somehow exhausting flight - even though all I did was sit -, and all I could think about was getting to the hotel that had been booked for me and taking a much-needed shower. The airport was filled with the sound of footsteps and voices reverberating through the spac
Lin's Pov."Hey Leon, do you know how to tie a four-in-hand knot on a tie?" I asked, holding up my blue silk tie.It was a chilly morning, and the very last thing I wanted to do was take a step out of the pack house. Unfortunately, there was a meeting I had to get to, and as much as I would like to, postponing it would only be detrimental to me. "Of course, I do, Alpha. I learned how to do it when I was six," he replied with a grin.Leon was the Beta of the Trinity pack and my right hand man. We've been friends for over a decade and he's always been there for me. He was also the only one between the two of us that could knot a tie properly, and with how many times I had to wear one, you better believe I cherish him."I'm sure you did," I said, my tone deadpan. "Now put those fingers to use and knot this shit."I threw the tie at him and he snatched it out of the air and his fingers began to work their magic."So, Lin, you going to see the lawyer today right?" Leon asked as he worked.
Leon and I did not head back to the pack estate right away since it was in a fairly secluded area, and we still had things to take care of here in the city. So after we parted from Miss Meghan, we ended up driving all around, visiting the people that needed visiting, and talking to the packs that needed talking to. All in all a very uninteresting day, if a bit broody for me. You see, the weather was dark, with gray clouds hanging low, and Meghan had reminded me all too much about that day we met six years ago, and by extension, Ashley. Do not get me wrong, I have gotten over Ash’s death, but the weather and everything else just provided this ambient mood to brood and think. It also did not help my ‘thinking’ that the wolf in me had all but squealed madly when she and I shook hands as goodbye. No, let’s not mention that part. Or even think about it. At all. It is due to the many things we had to see to personally in the city that Leon and I ended up heading back to Trinity pack at n
I had to act quickly before we became vulnerable again. With quick thinking, I decided that the only way to take them down was to flank them. It was risky, but it was our only option. “Leon, we need to go on the offensive now. I need you to go at them from the right. Distract them with a shot and get their attention. I’ll come from the other side, and hopefully get the remaining two in the confusion,” I whispered. Leon looked at me, incredulous. “Lin, are you serious? That’s crazy! That is in no way a full fledged plan.” “I know, but it is the only way. Trust me in this.” Leon nodded reluctantly and ran in the direction of the building, while I ran around to the other side, using the other buildings as cover. Once I got into position, I heard Leon yelling as he let a shot off. One of the men cried out and crumpled to the floor. The remaining two were distracted and had turned their attention towards Leon, providing me with the perfect opportunity to take them down. I could see t
I could see its muscles tensing as it lunged at me, I moved only slightly, his weight smashing into me by the side, knocking us both against the car as we fell to the ground. We rolled, claws and teeth tearing at each other’s flesh as I struggled to gain the upper hand. I managed to pin it down, baring my teeth and digging my nails into its underarm as I got ready to break a few rips around there.Before I could pull at it, another huge black wolf slam into me from the side, authority oozing over it as it stood circling me on the ground. I had no doubt he was their leader as I was back on my feet faster than a jet, the exploding pain shooting across my shoulder increasing by the second.Another smaller wolf came approaching making them two. My anger reached new heights as my wolf rages on but before I could react, Leon was already attacking the new one that had joined the fight, tearing the wolf a few new holes with savage glee. The wolves were no match for me and Leon we both sava
As I stepped out of my car, I let out a deep breath, not exactly sure how I had survived that car drive with Meghan without grabbing hold of her hand just like my wolf wanted.My wolf Silas seem to be pretty reel up just sitting so close to her while inhaling her scent deep into our lungs.I tried to distract myself as soon as I got out of the car, I shrugged off some tensed muscles, the warm sun shinning down on me, casting a bright glow over the hills and prairies that lay before me. In front of me was a landscape of lush greenery, teeming with wildlife, and punctuated with craggy rock formations. Somewhere in the woods surrounding us was the border between my pack, Trinity, and Zuma, one of the largest wolf packs in the region and the subject of the upcoming court case that I was preparing for. The details of the case were complex, but essentially it boiled down to a dispute between my pack and the neighboring Zuma pack – no, not a dispute, rather, escalating hostilities. After t
Lin’s POVIt was at what had to be the worst moment - or certainly close enough - that we spotted him – the alpha of the Zuma pack, Zack Evans was prowling around in our territory. He was pacing back and forth, making it clear that he wasn't there for a friendly visit. My hackles rose as I watched him, and I could feel the anger starting to build up inside me.I approached him, ready to confront him and make it clear that he and his pack members was not welcome here, not in my land or whatever reasons that seem interesting to them. But Zack wasn't one to back down easily. He turned to face me, a sly smile on his lips."Well, well, well," he drawled. "If it isn't alpha Lin. What brings you out here on this fine day?"I knew exactly what he was up to. He was trying to provoke me, to get me all riled up enough to make a mistake. But I refused to give him the satisfaction."I am here to ensure our borders are secure, and keep scum like you out," I said, keeping my tone even. "Now, What a
Meghan POV.Lin narrowed his eyes at me, and I braced myself for the worst. But instead of lashing out, he seemed to deflate. "Fine, I guess I'll just have to take your word for it then.""Thank you," I said, and then feeling like that wasn't enough, added; "if it makes you feel any better, Zack and I absolutely hate each other as much as you do so I am looking forward to taking him down a notch in court."Lin smiled. A beautiful thing that reached his eyes and made them sparkle and causing my heart to skip a beat."The enemy of my enemy is a friend, I guess," he said."Yeah, you can take it like that. Oh, by the way, we need to have a talk when we get back to the pack.""More legal stuff?""Court related, yes. Also to get some signed witness accounts from your pack members."Lin nodded, and with that, we resumed our drive back to the pack, both lost in our own thoughts. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen next. Would Zack come after us again, now that we'd made our presence
Epilogue Six months later. “Emily, go get your Dad and Ethan to get ready or we are going to be late for the ceremony” “Okay, mom” Emily nodded and turned to leave while I continued to busy myself with Jaxon. His birth came at a time when we were going through the most difficult moment of our lives and I can’t help but cherish the bond I have with him. Jaxon looked like Ethan when he was a month old. A resemblance that was uncanny to their father. Our little family went from four to five and ever since my hands have been more than full. Having to care for my kids as well as carrying out my duty as Luna around the pack hasn’t been easy but thanks to Lin, I was given a year leave from my work as a lawyer even though I have a feeling I won’t be returning after that. Lin had already hinted that he was working on helping me start my own law firm where I can recruit and train other lawyers in neighboring packs so they can defend their territories the right way without wedging war on ea
Meghan’s POV."What's happening to him?" I demanded, desperate for answers but mother simply looked at him as though nothing was wrong even though Lin looked like he was undergoing something more life threatening at the moment.“The cursed blood is getting fused with his beast making the transformation twice as painful for a normal wolf”My eyes widen, “How do we stop it?”"It can’t be stopped, child. Lin has to learn to control the powers that plagues him," mother said, sounding unbothered. "Often times, great powers comes with great responsibility"Lin let out a strangled cry, curling into himself and I pulled him closer, wrapping around his frame even though my arms barely fit across his board shoulders."Mother..look at him, this is a freaking curse…there has to be a way to help him." I pleaded, looking up at her."I’m sorry, Meghan but not all curse are a curse! Some are actually blessings if and only if he learns how to control it. If he doesn’t then he will die”My heart sank a
Lin's POV I could feel the life force within me waning, the pain in my chest intensifying with every breath. But I refused to give in to defeat. Desperation surged within me, and I summoned every ounce of my strength but it was of no use against him.Vincent's claws dug deeper, pressed down against my chest, his grip tightening around my heart, and for a fleeting moment, terror coursed through me. The pain was excruciating, the sensation of my life being forcibly extracted unbearable.But in that moment, I felt a presence, a force surrounding me. From my peripheral I saw Meghan and her mother not far from the chaos. Her mother’s hand outstretched and enchanting some strange words.A surge of energy surged through me, a surge that matched the desperation in my heart. It was as if I had tapped into an ancient wellspring of power, a wellspring fueled by the love and determination of the two incredible women who held my heart in their hands, figuratively and literally.With newfound str
With the short bloody dagger still in my grip, I readied myself for the worst as the two rogue wolves closed in on me, their snarling faces contorted with hunger and aggression. I braced myself for the impending attack. My grip on the dagger tightened, the maternal instinct within me more than ready to protect the child cradled at the corner, not very far from me. The weight of responsibility bore down on me, and I was ready to face whatever threat came our way.The first one lunged at me, it’s claws slicing close to my cheek in a deadly swipe and causing me to stumble a few step back. Without hesitation, I swung the blade at its snapping jaw, only missing it by a few inches.My stand against them only made them angrier. I knew I stood no chance against them in my human form as my movement was too sloppy and still weak from childbirth. My wolf was of no use either, she was in no position to fight either. An hour or two could bring us more recovery but that seem to be the last thing
Meghan's POV.The atmosphere inside the safe house had grown thick with tension. My wolf paced restlessly within me, its agitated energy radiating throughout my being. It was as if an invisible thread connected me to Lin, and that thread was tugging me relentlessly toward the door.No matter how much I try to shake it off, it still lingered, getting heated right under my skin and making me even more restless.Gently, I laid our sleeping baby on the bed, swaddled in the softest blankets. My gaze lingered on his innocent face, and for a moment, I brushed a gentle finger against his cheek. He was a precious reminder of our love, and my heart ached to hold him close.Turning to Ethan, my seven-year-old son, I knelt before him, my hands on his small shoulders. "Ethan," I began, my voice gentle but firm, "Mommy needs to go out for a little while. I need you to be a big, brave boy and watch over your baby brother and Emily until I come back, okay?"Ethan nodded, his wide eyes filled with det
Lin POV.Chaos reigned, the eerie glow of the moon casting shadows over the relentless clash between our forces and Vincent's rogue wolves. The rogues kept multiplying in numbers since our initial encounter, and their determination was palpable, as if they were been driven by an unquenchable thirst for power.Leon, his eyes reflecting both exhaustion and unwavering determination, has been at the forefront of the defense. When it seem like our efforts were going to waste, his voice filtered through my mind, strained but resolute. "Lin, I don’t think we can hold them off much longer, it's like they're being fueled by some unseen force. They just keep coming."Zack, his wolf form mirroring my own determination, chimed in, "Leon's right. It's possible the gem is their power source. We need to find it and neutralize it if we want to break their momentum."My gaze swept over our burning village that was swimming with rogues, searching for any signs of the gem's presence. The rogue wolves fo
Lin’s POV.Apologies flowed naturally from my lips as I navigated then dark path towards the safe house, Meghan and our children nestled securely behind me, Rachel and Zack not very far behind. My heart was still heavy with Meghan’s demand for me to leave.I know this night was far from being over with an uncertain outcome but one thing I do know was in the fact that, I was going to keep Meghan and the kids safe.I couldn't help but turn to Zack, who presence was now beside me. "I'm truly sorry about the gem," I said, my voice sincere. "It falling into the wrong hands was my fault. I should have known this was going to end in one of her betrayal."Zack's response was reassuring, his voice steady. "Lin, it's alright," he replied. "In the heat of the moment, we all make choices we later regret. What's important is that we're focused on protecting the people that matter”I nodded in agreement, appreciating his understanding. We were united in our determination to safeguard our packs and
Lin's POVAs I knelt beside Meghan and the kids, the weight of my actions pressed upon me like a leaden shroud. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of the recklessness that had nearly cost us everything. Tears welled in my eyes, a mixture of relief at seeing my family unharmed and the overwhelming guilt for what I had put them through. I was a fool to trust that woman. I should have listened to Meghan when she wanted her out of our lives but I thought she could lead us to the solution to our problem.Sniffing back my tears, I leaned away, my gaze barely meeting hers. “I’m sorry, so sorry!”Meghan looked confused as her gaze bore into mine, her eyes a complex tapestry of emotions. “Lin, none of this is your fault.. If there is anyone to be blamed then it’s that vile woman”I shook my head, “No, you don’t understand.. I’m to blame too, I didn’t push her away when she offered. I let my emotions get the best of me and I gave him to temptation and we…we”“…Stop!, d
Meghan’s POVMy heart pounded in my chest as I clutched Emily and Ethan close, their small bodies fitting into my arms perfectly. The room had descended into utter chaos, the snarls of the intruding wolves piercing the air like a dreadful symphony.Panic threatened to claw its way into my heart, but I couldn't afford to succumb—not with the safety of my children hanging in the balance."Remember all we've practiced," I implored, my voice a steady anchor amidst the turmoil. I wished I could help - oh, how I wished so - but I was pretty much tucked out at the moment. It was a bother to even keep my eyes open! I had to fight just to stay awake. Over these few months, Lin had diligently drilled them on the basics of self-defense, honing their instincts and abilities. Now, in this moment of peril, that training was going to become their greatest ally.Ethan, standing steadfast by my side, made a promise that sent both pride and trepidation coursing through me. "I'll protect you, Mom, and