JaxonThe light is blinding, and my head is pounding like someone’s using it as a drum. I groan, trying to push through the fog in my brain. What the hell happened? Everything feels off, like I’m not really... me anymore.I try to lift my arm, but it feels like I’m dragging it through mud. My body’s heavy, weak. I blink a few times, trying to focus, and then I see her. Nina. She’s next to me, curled up against my side, her face calm in sleep. My first reaction is to panic. Why the hell is she here?I sit up too quickly, and the throbbing pain in my head only gets worse. “Goddamn it...” I wince, rubbing my temples. My hand brushes against something cold. I look down. There’s blood on my shirt, dried. What the fuck happened to me?I glance at Nina again. She’s still asleep, looking peaceful, unaware of the mess I’m in.I don’t want her to see me like this. Hell, I don’t want to see me like this. Broken. Vulnerable. Not the Alpha I used to be. I can barely even remember what happened las
JaxonThe tears start to come, unbidden, and I don’t even try to stop them. I let them fall, sliding down my face, mixing with the water running down my chest. It’s the first time I’ve felt so small. So fucking human.I drop to my knees, the reality of it all hitting me harder than the fight with the rogue wolves ever did. I don’t know what I am anymore. What the hell is left when you’re an Alpha who can’t even shift? When you’re bleeding and you don’t even know why?I’m no one.A voice from the other room calls out my name. But I can’t even respond.I’m broken.And I don’t know how to fix it.Ten minutes later, the bathroom door creaks open, and I know it’s her before I even hear her footsteps.I’m still standing under the hot spray of water, hands resting against the slick tiles as I try to focus on breathing. But the scent of her, even just a trace, fills my lungs. I brace myself. I don’t want this. Not now. Not like this.“Nina,” I say, my voice rough, hoarse, but it carries the w
NinaI wake up with him beside me, the warmth of his body seeping through the thin towel draped over us both. His skin feels different now—softer, like the roughness of his former alpha form has faded. His heartbeat is steady beneath my ear, the thrum of it reminding me that he’s still here, still Jaxon.He did somehow still manage to wear me out with sex after all.But there’s something else. He’s human now. No longer the fierce alpha I once knew. It’s like the strength in his frame is there, but the energy... the raw, wild energy that always seemed to vibrate off him is just... gone. He feels smaller somehow, more fragile. I don’t know if it’s just the vulnerability of his current state or if it’s the fact that everything has changed.He shifts beside me, still wrapped in the towel, his breath warm on my neck as he stirs. I turn toward him, brushing a lock of damp hair from his forehead. He’s not the same. I can’t explain it, but everything about him is different. His scent is muted
NinaGriffin stumbles into the motel room, his steps uneven, blood seeping through the fabric of his shirt. My stomach drops as I rush to him, catching him just before he collapses.“Griff!” I shout, shaking him. His skin is cold, his breathing shallow.“E-Elijah…” he manages, his voice barely audible before his eyes flutter closed.“Elijah?” I repeat, my voice rising with panic. “Griffin, stay with me!”Jaxon is already at my side, his expression grim as he kneels next to us. “He’s losing too much blood. We need to move him. Now.”“He’s not staying here,” I say firmly, glancing at Jaxon. “We’re taking him back to Valens.”Jaxon shakes his head, standing to grab his jacket. “I’m not welcome in Valens territory, Nina. You know that. You bring me in, it’s war.”“Fuck that.” I straighten, glaring at him. “I’m the Alpha, and I say you’re coming with me. My brother’s life is on the line. If anyone has a problem with it, they can take it up with me.”He doesn’t argue, but his jaw tightens.
Nina“What?” Dominic snaps, his voice sharp.Callie looks up at him, her face earnest. “Think about it. Elijah’s been stirring shit for weeks now. He dragged Rylan to our territory, didn’t he? And now Griffin gets attacked? It’s too convenient.”I glance at her, the weight of her words sinking in. She’s not wrong.Dominic turns to me, his voice clipped. “What’s the plan, Alpha?”I square my shoulders, pushing past the exhaustion and worry. “It’s time I had a conversation with Elijah.”Lucas steps forward immediately. “You’re not going alone. I’m coming.”“So am I,” Dominic adds, his voice leaving no room for argument.“Fine.” I nod, grabbing my jacket. “Dad, Callie—you stay here with Griffin. Watch him until Julian gets here.”Callie looks like she wants to argue, but my father places a hand on her shoulder, giving her a firm look. She nods reluctantly.We pile into the car, the silence thick as Dominic drives. My stomach churns the closer we get to Elijah’s territory. His estate loom
Jaxon“And you’re asking me to take the one thing you love most in this world.”“That’s why I’m asking you,” I say, leaning forward. “Because I trust you to take care of it.”He nods slowly, swallowing hard. “Alright. If this is what you really want… I’ll do it.”“Thank you,” I say, the relief bittersweet.But the moment doesn’t last long. When I get home, my mother is waiting for me.She’s sitting in the living room, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The second she sees me, her face twists with something I can’t quite place.“We need to talk,” she says, her voice strained.I sigh, shrugging off my jacket. “What now?”She stands, her movements stiff. “I reached out to Scarlett.”“Why?” The word comes out sharp, my frustration flaring instantly.“She deserved to know what’s happening with you,” my mother says, her tone defensive.“What exactly did you tell her?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.“That you’ve been… compromised,” she says carefully.“Jesus Christ,” I mutter, running a hand t
NinaThe room is too quiet except for Griffin’s shallow breaths. Each one is a tiny lifeline I cling to. The doctor left hours ago with his grim verdict. “It’s up to him now,” he said, like that’s supposed to mean anything. Like that’s supposed to bring me peace.But at least Griffin’s breathing. That’s all I have to hold on to.I’m sitting on the chair beside his bed, my elbows resting on my knees, my hands pressed together like I’m praying. Maybe I am. I don’t know anymore.“Griffin,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “You don’t get to leave. You hear me? Not like this.”I lean closer, studying his face. He looks... peaceful. Too peaceful. It’s unsettling. Griffin’s always been so full of life, so loud and wild. He’s the brother who used to chase Lucas and me through the woods, daring us to jump off the highest rocks into the river.“You promised me once that nothing could take you down,” I say, my throat tightening. “You said you were invincible.”A tear slips down my cheek, and I swip
NinaHe places me down carefully and starts running the warm water. I watch him as he moves, so different from the man I thought I knew—fragile in some ways, yet still that same strength, still my Jaxon. I want to say something, ask about what’s going on with him, how he’s feeling, but it feels like the weight of everything presses down on us both, so I just stay quiet, watching.He is so gentle as he undresses first himself and then me. He is so tender with me now. This was the man I always hoped for in our marriage.He looks at me then, his expression tired but sincere. “I can hear your brain working baby,” he says.“How are you doing?” I ask. I can see the vulnerability in his eyes, and for a moment, I forget everything that’s been happening, everything we’ve been through. I touch his cheek gently.“Scared too,” he says, his voice soft but full of a sadness that I can’t quite place. “I’m here,” he adds, his words comforting, even if I’m still unsure about everything that’s happened
Nina’s POVI stir awake to the warm press of Jaxon’s body behind me, his arm draped over my waist. His breaths are slow and steady, his chest rising and falling against my back. For a moment, I let myself linger in the stillness, the kind that’s familiar these days.The room smells faintly of cedar and lavender—Jaxon’s scent mingling with mine, comforting in a way I didn’t expect after everything we’ve been through. I glance at the window; the pale hint of morning sunlight filters in through the curtains, softening the sharp edges of the world outside.“Are you awake?” Jaxon’s voice is husky, laced with sleep.“Barely,” I murmur, tilting my head back to catch his gaze.His lips curve into a lazy smile, and before I can say anything else, he rolls me onto my back, his body pressing over mine. “Good,” he mutters. “Because I’m not done with you yet.”I laugh, the sound muffled as his mouth captures mine. It’s soft at first, a whisper of a kiss, but it quickly deepens, his hand tangling i
NinaThe house is quieter than I expected for a morning like this. The kind of quiet that wraps around you, soothing and heavy at the same time. I lean against the kitchen counter, watching the sun spill through the windows, painting the room in gold.Jaxon’s voice filters in from the living room, a low hum of conversation with Dominic. They’ve been working on some kind of strategy for the pack, a way to integrate the remaining members of the Silver Crescent seamlessly. Hearing him talk like that, so sure and steady, sends a warmth through me I didn’t think I’d ever get back.“Morning,” Callie says, slipping into the kitchen with a grin, her hair still damp from a shower.“Morning,” I reply, pouring her a cup of coffee. “You’re up early.”She shrugs, taking the mug with a small smile. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d check on Griffin before breakfast.”“How is he?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. I saw him last night, and he was fine—better than fine, really, but I still nee
JaxonThe air is thick with tension, every breath I take tasting like the promise of blood and chaos. I stand at the edge of the tree line, staring at Elijah’s stronghold. It’s a fortress, tall and imposing, and every instinct I have tells me we’re walking into a trap. Doesn’t matter. We don’t have another choice.It is only three days since he last gave us the slip, but Nina and I agreed that the longer we wait, the more he reinforces. This is the right time to hit again.I glance at Nina beside me. She’s all sharp lines and cold determination, her jaw set, her hand gripping the syringe so tightly I’m worried it might snap.“Ready?” I ask, my voice rough.Her eyes flick to me, and for a second, the mask slips. I see the fear there, the weight of everything riding on this moment. “Ready,” she says, her voice steady despite it all.Rylan steps forward, his usual cocky grin replaced with something grim. “We’ve got this,” he says, his eyes scanning the treeline behind us. “They don’t sta
NinaJaxon moves to my side, his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure this out,” he says, his voice steady.I nod, but inside, I’m falling apart. Elijah’s right about one thing: time is running out.The smug bastard had slipped through our fingers like smoke, leaving behind nothing but chaos and a threat that sticks in my mind like a thorn.Jaxon sits across from me, his shirt ripped and bloodied. His knuckles are bruised, and there’s a cut across his jaw that’s still bleeding. He leans back in his chair, eyes shut, breathing heavily. For a moment, he looks like he might pass out.“Let me see that,” I mutter, grabbing the first aid kit from the table.He opens one eye, his lips quirking into something that might have been a smirk if he weren’t so exhausted. “You’re bossier than usual.”“Shut up and sit still.”I dab at the cut, my movements harsher than they need to be. He hisses but doesn’t pull away. “You don’t have to take it out on me.”“I’m not.” My voice shakes. Damn it. “I’m just
NinaThe tension in the air is so thick, it feels like we’re moving through molasses. The SUV stops just short of the perimeter of Elijah’s territory, and everyone’s quiet. Dominic’s hands grip the wheel tightly, his jaw clenched. Lucas is in the backseat, checking the weapons one more time, his movements too sharp. Rylan is silent, his gaze fixed out the window, as if willing himself into a different headspace.Jaxon’s beside me, close enough that I can feel his warmth. He leans in slightly, his voice low. “You good?”I nod, my throat dry. “Yeah.”He doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push. “Stick close to me,” he murmurs. “If something goes south—”“It won’t.” I cut him off, sharper than I mean to. “We’ve got a plan.”He stares at me for a second before nodding. “Alright. Let’s stick to it, then.”Dominic kills the engine, and the darkness around us feels alive. It’s like the trees themselves are holding their breath, waiting. We step out, weapons in hand, moving silently. Elija
JaxonI’m not sure what I expected when we came together tonight. Maybe a few more words, more arguing about how stupid this whole thing is. But it’s just the two of us, sitting in the quiet of Nina’s room, and I can feel the tension hanging between us. She’s not ready to forgive me. I know that. But right now, I don’t care. We’ve got bigger shit to deal with.“Jaxon.” Her voice is quiet, like she’s trying to keep everything in. I can tell she’s thinking a million things, but she won’t say any of it. She never does when she’s worried.I turn to face her, shifting on the bed to face her fully. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”She hesitates for a moment before looking me in the eye. “I’m scared. You know that, right?”I nod slowly. “Yeah. I can tell. Hell, I’m scared too.”She rubs her eyes, looking worn. I wish I could take all the weight off her shoulders, but I know I can’t. Not now. Not with Elijah breathing down our necks. “I’m not afraid of the fight,” she says, her voice
NinaLucas raises an eyebrow, his skepticism written all over his face. “What happens if it doesn’t go according to plan? Because let’s face it, Griffin is still in danger. He’s not out of the woods.”I swallow hard, the weight of his words sinking into my chest. “If it doesn’t go as we hope... then we adapt. We fight. We fight for Parker. We fight for Griffin. And we fight for everyone else Elijah’s hurt.”The room quiets, the tension settling in. It’s a lot to ask, but I need them to understand. We’re all in this together, whether we like it or not.“And I need to know something,” I add, my voice sharper now, but still steady. “If you’re going to fight by my side, you need to know that fighting with me means declaring war with Elijah. I’m not forcing anyone. If you’re here because you think you can back out when things get tough, then now’s the time to say it. I need warriors who are ready to stand without fear. No second-guessing.”A low murmur ripples through the crowd. Some of th
Nina“You heard him, Dominic,” I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. “I need a minute. To think. This is too much.”Lucas steps forward, his face a mask of frustration. “But Nina, we can’t keep delaying this. We need to act now. He’s already trying to manipulate the entire pack.”“I know,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “But I need a second. Just a second to process everything that’s been thrown at me. I can’t make a decision when my head’s spinning like this.”There’s a beat of silence, and I can feel the council members’ eyes boring into me. I’m their Alpha now. They’re waiting for me to lead. But right now, all I want to do is scream.“Fine,” Dominic says, his voice low, a mix of concern and frustration. “But we can’t wait too long.”“I’m not waiting,” I reply, my voice finally softening. “I just need to think. Please.” I push my chair back, standing up, feeling the weight of it all settling on my shoulders.The meeting dissolves in murmurs as I walk toward the door. I
NinaThe council room is tense. The air feels heavy, like a storm is brewing. My family fills one side of the long wooden table—Dominic, my father, and Lucas. They’re all focused, their eyes scanning the room, waiting for what comes next. No sign of Jaxon. No Callie. It’s just us—here to figure out the next steps, the next move for our pack.My mind is heavy, burdened with the weight of everything happening. Griffin’s barely holding on. My ex-husband is human, weak, but still the man I loved. And Elijah... Elijah’s out there, somewhere, probably planning his next move. I don’t trust him, but I have no choice. The council needs answers, and I need to make sure we don’t lose control.“Dominic,” I begin, my voice steady but the nerves creeping in. “What’s the plan?”He gives me a quick glance, his eyes serious. “We need to call a council meeting, figure out how we’re moving forward. We’re at a tipping point, Nina. We can’t afford to keep guessing.”“Agreed,” I say, nodding.As the room q