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Chapter 69 - Carson
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2025-04-16 11:00:27I woke before dawn, my body alert despite having barely slept. Years of Alpha responsibilities had trained me to function on minimal rest. But today wasn't about duty. Today was about watching her sleep.
Astraia lay curled against me, her ashy rose-brown hair spread across the pillow, lips slightly parted. In sleep, she looked younger, the constant vigilance that had become second nature to her temporarily gone. My chest tightened at the thought of leaving her. Three days, maybe four. It shouldn't feel this impossible.
The mate bond pulsed between us, stronger than I'd expected it to be so soon after marking. Most new bonds took weeks to stabilize, but ours had snapped into place instantly, solid and unbreakable.
She stirred slightly, unconsciously seeking my warmth. I traced the curve of her cheek, memorizing every detail of her face. The delicate arch of her eyebrows. The soft fullness of her lower lip. The way her lashes fluttered against her cheeks as she dr
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 70 - Carson
Twenty minutes later, I was in the palace courtyard with Alexei, Hunter, and the rest of our teams. Three groups of four, small enough to move quickly and avoid detection, large enough to handle trouble if it found us."All set?" Alexei asked, checking his pack one last time.I nodded, my mind already shifting to mission mode. "The northern approach will take us longer, but it's less likely they'll expect anyone to come that way.""The terrain is rougher," Hunter added, looking at the map on his phone. "Lots of ravines and dense forest. Good for cover, bad for speed.""Speed isn't the priority," I reminded them. "Information is. We need to know what we're dealing with.""And who," Alexei said grimly. "These aren't ordinary rogues. Someone's coordinating them, maybe even training them."The thought had been keeping me up at night. Rogues were typically lone wolves, dangerous but disorganized. What we'd faced recently had shown strategy, plann
Last Updated : 2025-04-16By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 71 - Carson
Night fell quickly in the northern territories, the dense forest canopy making it seem even darker. We'd set up our observation post on a ridge overlooking the compound, far enough away to avoid detection but close enough to monitor activity with the high-powered scope Dominic had brought."Shift change," Elena murmured, noting the movement below. "Every four hours, like clockwork."I nodded, impressed despite myself. "Military precision. Someone's trained them well.""Or they were already trained," Troy suggested. "Ex-military wolves maybe?"It wasn't outside the realm of possibility. Wolves who couldn't adjust to pack life after military service sometimes went rogue, unable to submit to Alpha authority after years of different command structures."Possible," I conceded. "But that doesn't explain Marcus."The Beta's presence still gnawed at me. Silverclaw Pack had always been reliable allies, their leadership respected throughout the territ
Last Updated : 2025-04-17By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 72 - Carson
Two hours into my desperate run, Hunter's mind brushed against mine again.Carson, we've got her.I almost stumbled with relief. Is she okay?Standing but hurt. Grant attacked her.My vision went red. Grant?Something's wrong with him, Hunter pushed urgently. He's not himself. Eyes changing, weird strength. We've got him and Tiffany detained. Royal convoy heading to the palace now.Protect her and Odette at all costs, I ordered. I'm still at least two hours out.Already on it. And boss? We're sending a car to the eastern border checkpoint to meet you. Should cut your time in half.Thanks. I tried linking her but she hasn’t respond, she must still be under duress. Tell her I'm coming.Will do. She's asking for you.I broke the connection, pushing myself even faster. The pain I could feel through our bond hadn't
Last Updated : 2025-04-18By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 73 - Carson
"Justice before vengeance," I said, echoing her thoughts from our bond. "Information before retribution."She nodded, relief washing through her. "And if he was being controlled...""Then whoever's controlling him will pay instead," I finished.I wrapped my arm around her, careful of her injured ribs, and turned to Hunter and Odette. "What do we know so far?"Odette stepped forward. "Tiffany was definitely not being controlled. She was clear-eyed, aware, and tried to run when we arrived. Grant, on the other hand, seemed disoriented, his eyes constantly shifting between human, wolf, and something...else.""Something else?" I asked sharply."Almost black, with no pupils," Astraia clarified. "And his scent was wrong. Chemical, metallic, nothing like normal wolf.""The unknown wolves they were meeting," Hunter added, "scattered the moment we arrived. Professional, coordinated. We've got teams tracking them, but they know how to disappear.
Last Updated : 2025-04-19By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 74 - Carson
I nodded, curious what approach she'd take. I shifted back slightly, giving her the lead."Tiffany," Astraia said, her voice softer but still firm. "We were packmates once. Not friends, obviously, but we lived under the same Alpha. I want to understand... why?"Tiffany's eyes narrowed. "Why what?""Why betray your pack? Your Alpha? Everything you've been raised to believe in?" Astraia leaned forward slightly, wincing as the movement pulled at her injured ribs. "What could possibly be worth that?"Something flickered across Tiffany's face—bitterness, maybe. Then, unexpectedly, she laughed. "You know what's funny, Astraia? You never even realized what you had. High ranking position even if you weren't Grant's mate. Respect. Power. All handed to you just because you were the Beta's daughter."Astraia's eyes flashed with anger. "I worked for my position, my power. Unlike you, I don't use others to get where I am.""So that's what this is about?
Last Updated : 2025-04-20By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 75 - Carson
As Astraia led us toward the door, I could feel her calm determination through our bond, along with a sharp undercurrent of pain she was trying to hide. Once we were in the hallway, I turned to them both."She slipped up about the command center. That confirms they have someone inside the Royal Palace security.""But what if she's not?" Astraia asked. "What if there really are coordinated attacks planned?""Then we'll be ready," Alexei said grimly. "But first, let's see what Grant has to say. If he's coherent enough to talk."I nodded, glancing at Astraia. Her face was pale, the pain she'd been hiding starting to show. "You should rest," I said softly."Not yet," she insisted. "I need to see Grant. I need to understand what they did to him."I wanted to argue, to insist she take care of herself, but the determination in her eyes stopped me. "Fine. But after that, medical. No arguments."She nodded, swaying slightly as we walked toward
Last Updated : 2025-04-20By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 76 - Carson
We reached the medical wing, where the head healer immediately took charge, ordering Astraia onto an examination table."Step aside, Alpha," the healer instructed firmly.I hesitated, reluctant to break contact with Astraia."But I—""Carson," Astraia said softly, "it's okay. I'm not going anywhere."With great reluctance, I moved back, giving the healer space to work.Every bruise revealed as they examined her sent fresh waves of anger through me. Through our bond, I could feel little spikes of pain when the healer pressed certain areas, making my jaw clench tight."Three cracked ribs," the healer announced, gently prodding Astraia's side. "Significant bruising, but thankfully nothing life-threatening. She needs rest and minimal movement for at least twenty-four hours."The moment the examination was complete, I moved back to Astraia's side. Without asking, I carefully lifted her into my arms, cradling her against my che
Last Updated : 2025-04-21By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 77 - Astraia
Stupid ribs. Stupid healing. Stupid everything.I woke up feeling better than I had any right to after getting thrown around by a mind-controlled Alpha, but the dull ache in my side reminded me that werewolf healing had its limits. Three days of rest and medical treatment had done wonders, but some injuries just took time.Carson was already awake, I could tell from his breathing. He was lying carefully beside me, barely touching me except for his hand lightly resting on mine."Morning," I mumbled, rolling toward him despite the twinge in my side."Careful," he cautioned immediately, shifting back slightly. "Your ribs—""Are mostly healed," I finished for him, scooting closer to press against his warm chest. "Stop treating me like I'm made of glass."He frowned down at me, eyes serious. "The healer said at least five days before—""Before strenuous activity," I interrupted. "Cuddling isn't strenuous, Carson.""It is
Last Updated : 2025-04-22
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By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 82 - Astraia
"Carson!" I moved to help him, but he was already turning to face the next threat."Ah fuck, it's fine, I'm fine," he growled, though I could see blood darkening his shirt. "Stay behind me."The remaining infiltrators found themselves outmatched by Carson's fury and the coordinated assault of the royal guards. Within minutes, it was over.Infiltrators lay subdued or unconscious throughout the corridor, being secured by royal guards.Alexei appeared around the corner, looking battle-worn but satisfied. "Command center secure," he reported. "Davis has control of all systems.""Good," Carson said, his voice tight as he checked me over for injuries. "Astraia, are you hurt?""I'm fine," I assured him, my eyes drawn to the dark stain spreading on his shirt. "But you're bleeding."He dismissed it with a wave. "Just a scratch."Hunter was leaning heavily on Odette, still fighting off the effects of the sedative."Nice ti
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 81 - Astraia
The elevator stopped, doors opening onto a dimly lit corridor I'd never seen before. This had to be the approach to the central command center."Keep moving," Elise ordered, shoving me forward.I needed a plan. I needed to create a distraction. Carson and Alexei were likely already aware of the infiltration. If these infiltrators reached the command center, they could compromise the entire territory security system.I reached for our mate bond, focusing hard on Carson's presence.Carson, infiltrators. Service elevator. Coming to command center. Elise.His response was immediate, a surge of protective fury blazing through our connection.On my way.No! I pushed back. Stay in command. Protect the systems. I've got a plan.Like hell, came his stubborn reply. Not letting you get hurt again. Coming to you.I mentally groaned. Stubborn, overprotective Alpha. But his determi
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 80 - Astraia
"What the hell was that?" I gasped, instinctively bracing myself against the wall.Hunter was already on high alert, phone to his ear. "Breach," he barked. "East wing, lower level. How many?" His expression darkened. "Understood.""What is it?" Odette demanded, her royal authority surfacing despite her fear."They've breached the palace," Hunter said grimly, pulling out his sidearm. "At least ten hostiles, maybe more. They're heading for the central command center.""Just like Tiffany said they would," I realized.Hunter ushered us forward more quickly. "We need to get you both to the panic room. Now.""Wait," I stopped. "The darts. If they're mind-controlled, we can use the blocker."He hesitated, then nodded, handing me two of the darts. "Emergency use only. These are prototypes, remember?"I tucked them carefully into my pocket. "Let's hope we don't need them."We hurried through the corridors toward the secure wing,
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 79 - Astraia
Three hours isn't much time to create a neurological blocking agent, but when the alternative is mass mind control, you make it work.Dr. Winters arrived within twenty minutes of Odette's call, a tall, stern-faced woman with silver-streaked black hair and the most impressive collection of degrees I'd ever seen. She took one look at me and raised an eyebrow."You're supposed to be resting," she said bluntly."And we're supposed to be having a peaceful weekend, but circumstances change," I replied, sliding the chemical analysis across the counter to her. "These are the compounds we need to block."She studied the readout, her expression growing more serious. "This is... unusually sophisticated.""I know. That's why I need your help."She glanced up sharply. "You realize what we're attempting is dangerous. Untested neurological blockers could cause seizures, permanent brain damage, even death.""And the alternative is letting mind-contro
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 78 - Astraia
The Royal Palace lab was a state-of-the-art facility tucked away in the east wing. I'd been spending most of my time there since Carson sent back the samples from the northern compound, analyzing the strange compounds they'd found."Do we have any updates on the attacks?" I asked as we walked, trying not to show how much the simple act of moving hurt.Odette shook her head. "Nothing concrete. Alexei's put all allied packs on high alert. Security's been doubled at all border checkpoints, and they've evacuated the civilian areas closest to the borders.""And the central command center? The one Tiffany mentioned?""Full lockdown. Only pack leaders and their seconds have access now."We reached the lab, and I sighed in relief at the sight of my workstation, everything exactly as I'd left it the day before. My microscope, centrifuge, and analysis equipment were still set up, along with the samples Carson had sent."So what exactly are you looking
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 77 - Astraia
Stupid ribs. Stupid healing. Stupid everything.I woke up feeling better than I had any right to after getting thrown around by a mind-controlled Alpha, but the dull ache in my side reminded me that werewolf healing had its limits. Three days of rest and medical treatment had done wonders, but some injuries just took time.Carson was already awake, I could tell from his breathing. He was lying carefully beside me, barely touching me except for his hand lightly resting on mine."Morning," I mumbled, rolling toward him despite the twinge in my side."Careful," he cautioned immediately, shifting back slightly. "Your ribs—""Are mostly healed," I finished for him, scooting closer to press against his warm chest. "Stop treating me like I'm made of glass."He frowned down at me, eyes serious. "The healer said at least five days before—""Before strenuous activity," I interrupted. "Cuddling isn't strenuous, Carson.""It is
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 76 - Carson
We reached the medical wing, where the head healer immediately took charge, ordering Astraia onto an examination table."Step aside, Alpha," the healer instructed firmly.I hesitated, reluctant to break contact with Astraia."But I—""Carson," Astraia said softly, "it's okay. I'm not going anywhere."With great reluctance, I moved back, giving the healer space to work.Every bruise revealed as they examined her sent fresh waves of anger through me. Through our bond, I could feel little spikes of pain when the healer pressed certain areas, making my jaw clench tight."Three cracked ribs," the healer announced, gently prodding Astraia's side. "Significant bruising, but thankfully nothing life-threatening. She needs rest and minimal movement for at least twenty-four hours."The moment the examination was complete, I moved back to Astraia's side. Without asking, I carefully lifted her into my arms, cradling her against my che
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 75 - Carson
As Astraia led us toward the door, I could feel her calm determination through our bond, along with a sharp undercurrent of pain she was trying to hide. Once we were in the hallway, I turned to them both."She slipped up about the command center. That confirms they have someone inside the Royal Palace security.""But what if she's not?" Astraia asked. "What if there really are coordinated attacks planned?""Then we'll be ready," Alexei said grimly. "But first, let's see what Grant has to say. If he's coherent enough to talk."I nodded, glancing at Astraia. Her face was pale, the pain she'd been hiding starting to show. "You should rest," I said softly."Not yet," she insisted. "I need to see Grant. I need to understand what they did to him."I wanted to argue, to insist she take care of herself, but the determination in her eyes stopped me. "Fine. But after that, medical. No arguments."She nodded, swaying slightly as we walked toward
By Shadowlight Lake Chapter 74 - Carson
I nodded, curious what approach she'd take. I shifted back slightly, giving her the lead."Tiffany," Astraia said, her voice softer but still firm. "We were packmates once. Not friends, obviously, but we lived under the same Alpha. I want to understand... why?"Tiffany's eyes narrowed. "Why what?""Why betray your pack? Your Alpha? Everything you've been raised to believe in?" Astraia leaned forward slightly, wincing as the movement pulled at her injured ribs. "What could possibly be worth that?"Something flickered across Tiffany's face—bitterness, maybe. Then, unexpectedly, she laughed. "You know what's funny, Astraia? You never even realized what you had. High ranking position even if you weren't Grant's mate. Respect. Power. All handed to you just because you were the Beta's daughter."Astraia's eyes flashed with anger. "I worked for my position, my power. Unlike you, I don't use others to get where I am.""So that's what this is about?
