Adrian's POV"Isla!""The wolf... who could it have been?" I couldn’t get the image of the breathtaking white wolf out of my head. And what gnawed at me was that the mysterious she-wolf... there was something about her, something familiar. It's like I have known her my entire life. The way she moved, the scent... No!Impossible. I shook my head, trying to get her out of my mind. It wasn't even a day, and I was thinking about someone else!Elara was my mate. There couldn’t be anyone else.Yet, the moment I woke up, my mind was heavy with thoughts of Isla, of all people."Isla! I will make you pay!" I reminded myself, preparing for the training grounds. I knew she would be there on her first day as a senior pack member. And I swore to make it hell for her.But she was not there... She was late! My blood boiled at the thought that not only the girl was shameless, but she was also undisciplined. But despite that, I kept looking for her and when she didn't show up until 10 in the morning,
Isla's POVI opened my eyes, barely processing what had just happened. Theo stood between us now like a welcoming shield, his eyes dancing between both of us. I knew, like everyone, he knew the bad blood between us. But I was glad he wasn't siding with them. Not yet.“Is this how you instruct, Adrian?” His focus was now on Adrian, making me gasp. I couldn't believe he was fair.Adrian clenched his jaw, his fists still tight at his sides. He gave me a furious glare before settling his eyes toward Theo. “She was late. On her first day,” he muttered.Theo raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “And is this how we punish those who are late?" He scoffed as if he was disappointed in Adrian, making him give me another angry glare."She has to learn discipline if she wants to continue training here." Adrian finally replied, his stance clear."Adrian," Theo continued his tone stern, "as the future Alpha, you shouldn’t treat a beginner like this. You know better than to let your personal feeli
Isla's POVPerhaps today was the most nerve-wracking combat class in the history of the Black Mountain pack. Because the drama won't get over. I could still feel every pair of eyes on the ground locked on me, waiting for me to screw up, fall apart, or do something wrong so that they could get an excuse to belittle me again.But it was Adrian who had my concern. His eyes followed me like a hawk, sharp and unrelenting. I could feel the weight of his attention pressing down on me, making it harder to breathe.Stefan caught up to me as I tried to shake off the eerie feeling to ensure I was still in one piece. Before I could say anything, Lucas walked over, grinning like we were old friends."You have got some history with the pretty alpha boy, huh?" He winked at me, and his golden eyes playful.I rolled my eyes, not wanting to explain anything.Stefan, being Stefan, jumped in and sighed. "Lucas, don’t be nosy." He had always been protective of me like I was some fragile doll.Before I cou
Isla's POV"Adrian!" I blinked in shock, my heart racing as I stood there staring at his dark eyes. "What are you doing here?" I blurted out, my voice full of shock and confusion. He had absolutely no business being in this class. He was a warrior through and through, not a healer.Just then, someone brushed past us, and before I could react, Adrian was pushed toward me. My heart leaped as he collided with me. I was about to stumble when his hands instinctively caught my arms, steadying me.Tingles. Goosebumps. And my heart skipped a beat.For a split second, we were too close. I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin, the mate bond crackling between us. My pulse quickened, and my face heated up, flustered by the sudden proximity. His scent, oaks and cinnamon, surrounded me, making it impossible to ignore him or the fated connection.But just as quickly as it happened, it ended. Adrian pushed me away, his hands leaving a cold emptiness in my chest. His expression was unre
Adrian's POVAs I walked towards the healing and recovery class, the new elective I had switched to, my focus wavered between the present and the past. That night Elara died, and I kept wandering around the woods searching for her frantically. It still haunted me. I was afraid I was not going to forget it my entire life, the loss still aching in my heart.But there was something more that I had not shared with anyone yet: something off, something I couldn’t shake. I could remember a distinct scent, sharp like wild herbs crushed underfoot. But the scent was more fleeting, something I couldn’t identify but at the same time felt oddly familiar. By the time I tried to track it, it had disappeared into the wind. Yet it was enough to plant a seed of suspicion in my head. I haven’t let it go, not since then. It was my lead, after all.My wolf stirred in the back of my mind. "Something was wrong that night." And I couldn't agree more.“I know,” I muttered under my breath, barely audible.That
Isla's POVNo! No! No! My mind cried as Adrian walked towards Sylvie as if he was expecting this. That smirk on his face told me for whatever reason Sylvie had asked us to stay back, it was not good. Not for me.I fidgeted my fingers restlessly as the rest of the class filtered out. Sylvie’s gaze locked onto the two of us, her eyes narrowing strangely and her demeanor changing to something more serious. My heart pounded uncomfortably in my chest, unsure if it was because of the situation or Adrian’s presence beside me.“Adrian,” Sylvie began, her voice measured, as she flickered her eyes between us, “the tests on Elara’s belongings came back clean."I blinked in surprise, feeling a little bitter. Had he been investigating Elara's death this whole time? He didn't even tell anyone about keeping Elara's charred clothes and some other belongings. There was a strange sense of unease creeping up my spine. I knew how much Elara meant to him, but witnessing his devotion to her firsthand was s
Isla's POVAdrian’s towering form blocked my way, our closeness making it difficult for me to concentrate on what he was saying. I saw his lips moving. But that's that. I was trapped between the cold wall and his rigid body. My heart raced, every inch of me on high alert. His piercing eyes bore into mine, sending a shiver down my spine. His hand shot up to grab my chin, tilting my head, so I had no choice but to meet his fierce gaze.“You still haven’t explained where you went that night?" His voice was low, and he was not trying to restrain his anger. "Tell me, whom did you meet?" One of his hands went on to grab my hand holding Elara's belongings and he laughed bitterly. "Who said you have any right to take Elara’s belongings?” He demanded his voice low and threatening.The way he spat her name stung as if, even in death, she held a higher place in his heart than I ever could. The pressure of his grip made my skin tingle with discomfort and something I didn't want to feel. But I r
Isla's POVAfter Adrian released me, I bolted, my chest tight with frustration and confusion. His grip still lingered on my skin, the weight of his accusations pressing down harder than his hands ever could. I couldn’t get his harsh words out of my mind, or the way his gaze seemed to pull me in and push me away at the same time.As soon as I was out of the building, I steadied myself against a wall, breathing heavily to fill the air in my lungs. It had been intense. And for many reasons, I could still feel his presence hovering around me.But that's when I spotted Stefan and Lucas at the exit, waiting for me. I waved my hand at them. As soon as they saw me, they ran towards me.Stefan's brow furrowed the moment he saw me, concern evident in his voice. "What happened? You look like you have seen a ghost."I shook my head, attempting to brush it off, but my pulse was still racing. I gulped hard, forcing the words out. "Nothing. Just... ran into trouble." My voice was tight, a little too
Isla’s POVThe past two days had been a blur of exhaustion and determination. I poured every ounce of my energy, consumed by the task of creating an antidote for the Alpha. Every herb I crushed, every mixture I made pushed me closer to hope. The list of ingredients in the old medicine book was daunting. But I still managed to get them and prepare them, except for this one rare plant that grew on the treacherous cliffs of the Black Mountain Pack.My wolf stirred uneasily as I prepared to leave. "Take Lucas with you. It's dangerous to go alone," she urged.“I will be fine. Let's not depend on Lucas for everything.” I reassured her, brushing off the concern.After all, I had scaled those cliffs countless times before without incident. Then I wasn't even aware of my powers, nor did I had my wolf. I was stronger now. So I was confident this would be no different. I should not bother Lucas with such a trivial task.The trek to the cliffs was uneventful, though the sky grew darker with each
Adrian’s POVAs soon as Isla, Ryan, and Lucas left, the oppressive silence in the house only deepened. My father’s condition had deteriorated too quickly for it to be natural. I always felt that but I couldn't confirm it until now. But the truth was staring me in the face was bitter. He was poisoned.Isla's words echoed in my head. I needed to find out the culprit. I needed to investigate this properly. I shoved the frustrating thoughts clouding my mind, focusing on the task at hand.I called all the servants together in the dining hall, my voice firm and unwavering as I addressed them. “Something has been going on in this house, and I want answers. Has anyone noticed anything unusual recently? Any unfamiliar scents, strange behavior, or unexpected visitors? Anything that could have led to this?”The servants exchanged uneasy, nervous glances. I questioned them together and separately. At first, their responses were vague, nothing unusual, just the usual daily routines. Most had nothi
Isla's POVRyan and I walked side by side to the Alpha’s house, Lucas trailing slightly behind us. There was a heavy silence, each one of us engrossed in our own thoughts. My nerves were on edge, but I kept my composure. The Alpha’s condition was critical, and I couldn’t let anything distract me.As we reached the heavy oak door of the Alpha's house, Ryan knocked firmly."Are you sure?" Lucas asked, his presence steady and reassuring."I am. " I need to check myself and see if I can help." I smiled, taking a deep breath. The door swung open, and there he was - Adrian. He seemed to have lost some weight, his face a mix of fatigue and wariness. For a brief moment, when his gaze fell on me, his face softened, and his eyes lit up with hope and relief, as if seeing me erased the weight of the world. And I couldn't help but look at him, frozen in my spot, something stirring inside my heart.He was about to say something when he closed his mouth as his eyes shifted to Lucas, standing protec
Adrian's POVThe tension in the room was palpable as I faced Beta Robert and his mate Linda. Their faces were etched with concern, while Elara sat silently, a satisfied glint in her eyes.“Adrian,” Robert began, his voice measured but firm, “there is something else we need to discuss now, and it can't wait.""What?" I asked, raising my brows. A storm was brewing inside my chest. What else was waiting for me to face it? I glanced at Elara, and her wide smile told me it wouldn't be anything good for me."Elara has come forward with news… she is pregnant. And she claims the child is yours.”The words hung in the air, the weight of the revelation crashing down on me. I struggled to form a coherent response. My father’s health was failing, and now this? It felt like every corner of my world was collapsing.“Pregnant?” I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper. The memory of the night I slept with Elara after Isla's rejection flashed through my head. What did I do? I felt like running a
Isla’s POVMy mother’s gasp was the first sound that broke the silence. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stumbled back, gripping the edge of the dining table for support. My father's face turned pale, his mouth opening and closing as if he couldn’t find the words.“Who... Who is the father?” My mother finally managed to break the eerie silence, her voice barely above a whisper. Elara’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “It’s true,” she said, her tone trembling but resolute. “The child is Adrian’s. I swear it.”The revelation of Elara’s supposed pregnancy hit harder than I had expected. My parents stood frozen in disbelief, their Beta composure slipping for the first time in years.For me... I felt like my world collapsed at the very moment. Last night he came, promising me the moon and stars, while he was sleeping with Elara. But then, a part of me couldn't believe Elara. After all, she was a master of deception and manipulation. Doubt and confusion gnawed at me, as I s
Elara's POVI had been trying to reach Adrian for some time now, but when I saw him earlier pleading with Lucas to ask Isla to see him, I knew I had to meet him and remind him about our engagement. I tried to call him several times, but he wouldn't answer my calls or texts.I wished he would come to me, apologize, and reassure me of where I stood in his life after Isla's repeated rejections at least. Instead, I found myself standing outside his home, eavesdropping on a conversation that shattered any remaining illusion I held.Every word between him and his father was a dagger to my heart.They were discussing Isla's power and how she needed his protection and support. I clenched my fist, wanting to thrash out something. I was about to barge in when what I heard next, made me freeze in my place, a tight knot twisting my heart.“If she is really the one, you won’t let her go so easily. Otherwise, you will regret it for life.” The alpha said, loud and clear.And Adrian’s response...“I
Isla’s POVLucas knocked gently on the door of my hospital room, leaning casually against the frame. “Adrian wants to see you,” he said, his voice calm. But I knew he was against it. My stomach tightened at the mention of Adrian's name. I shook my head. “No, Lucas. Tell him I don’t want to see him.”Lucas frowned slightly, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “You are sure about this? Maybe you should talk to him.”“No. I can't.” I said firmly, though my voice revealed the turmoil within my heart. I glanced away to avoid Lucas's prying eyes. “I want to leave already. When I leave, maybe all this chaos will leave with me. The Black Mountain Pack doesn’t need me here. It never did. My presence only endangers them and complicates things for everyone around me.”Lucas’s expression softened, as he sat beside me. He reached out for my hand and squeezed it gently. His presence had been reassuring and steady in this chaotic phase. “I am with you. You are making the right decision
Isla's POVBeing alone with Adrian was confusing, heartbreaking, and unsettling. I wanted to escape from this tension, to run away somewhere far where I wouldn't have to deal with these feelings I had developed for Adrian.So when I heard Lucas's voice, a wave of relief washed over me. "Let’s go," I said without wasting a second, my voice firmer now.Adrian's hand stopped from tending to my wounds, as he looked at us with gnawing jealousy when Lucas helped me up. Unexpectedly, Lucas lifted me into his arms, his touch gentle yet firm, ready to take me away. I clung to him momentarily, trying to steady my wavering resolve or perhaps hide the chaos in my mind. But as we moved, Adrian stepped into our way with such ferocity that it made my breath hitch. "You don’t have to do this, Isla," he said, his voice low but insistent.I swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart twisting at the raw emotion in his eyes. I met his gaze with as much determination as I could muster. "I want to go wit
Isla's POVMy heart pounded in my chest, as I looked at Adrian in shock. How could he be the stranger I had saved all those years ago? My mind couldn’t wrap itself around the idea. He was the injured and vulnerable boy who had stumbled into my little world by the waterfall, while I nursed him back to health?I stared at him, my eyes widening in disbelief. "You... you are the stranger?" My voice trembled, so faint I barely recognized it as my own.He nodded, his eyes searching mine, full of something I couldn’t quite name. Regret? Anger? Deceit? Pain? He seemed as shocked as me. "It was you, Isla. All this time... I thought it was..." He sighed heavily, shaking his head."Who?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.Did he think it was Elara? Of course, he did! Why would he believe something like that?I had long forgotten about it, but now, somehow, as I processed his revelation, a strange sense of guilt gnawed at me. Why had he never told me or asked me about this? Why would he conclu