Isla’s POVI stood at the edge of the gathering with Stefan as my rock, watching from afar as the funeral proceeded. My parents were there, barely holding themselves together. I wanted to be there for them, be their support, but I didn’t dare to approach them. I knew what would follow. The weight of their disappointment, the accusation in their eyes was unbearable. Maybe they wished I was the one dead instead.“Isla, are you okay?” Stefan asked, concerned about me. His voice was gentle, but it was not him whose comfort I wanted right now.“They don’t want me here,” I muttered, staring down at the ground, my voice hollow. “They don’t even want to see me. No one loves me.”Stefan sighed. He got a little closer to encourage me, but I stepped away. “It’s not like that, Isla.” He still leaned closer and tried to reassure me.I laughed bitterly. “Isn’t it? Look at them, Stefan. Elara will always live on in their hearts as the perfect daughter. I am just the curse they wish never happened.”
Stefan's POVWe walked towards the burial ground in silence. I could feel the agony she was going through. I wish... I wish I could take her away from here and make her happy... But she had to attend Elara's funeral for people to not speculate further about her involvement in Elara's death.Isla has always been the most important person in my life. No one else could ever come close. I don’t think anyone understands her like I do. I will never leave her side. I made that decision a long time ago. She is the reason I didn’t give up. She is the reason I keep going.I wasn’t always this strong. In fact, I was just someone who was bullied, isolated, and left to fend for myself after losing my parent when I was just four years old. They were Delta warriors, honored for their sacrifice in a battle with the North Ice pack. But despite that, it didn’t shield me from the cruelty of others. Being an orphan made me an easy target. There was no family to protect me. I thought I would always be alo
Isla's POVI lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The darkness around me felt heavy. No matter how much I tried to shake off everything that had happened since the moment I shifted to get on this bed, I failed. The sorrow, the hurt, and the pain engulfed me like a blanket of restless thoughts and accusations pressing down on my chest. Their words, their eyes, and their hate replayed endlessly in my mind, making me anxious.I should have left. I had made up my mind. And still, I found myself bounded by invisible chains. It’s no wonder I live in Elara’s shadow. Nothing changes. I was also a part of the problem. I failed to break free, my emotions and my love, always pulling me behind.I looked out the window at the moon, feeling an almost magnetic pull towards the forest. The moon’s light spilled through the forest outside, casting a silvery glow on its leaves. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, almost pleading with me to leap and take refuge in our secret base.The cabin by the wa
Adrian’s POV"It's mate!" my wolf growled in my mind, too excited, the words coming out with an urgency that took me by surprise.I had never believed my wolf would react to anyone's presence with such excitement other than Elara. But the way he was almost forcing me to check on this female wolf, I knew he was determined.And to be honest, I was curious too.My eyes locked on the mysterious wolf standing before me. I was bewitched by its beauty. How could a wolf be so beautiful? The aura that it was exuding was very powerful. I couldn't believe such a perfect wolf existed, and it was my mate, apparently.Her body shimmered under the moonlight, her fur almost glowing. Her eyes, deep ocean blue, pierced through me, sending a wave of familiarity. It made me feel as if I knew her. I had always known her. But who was she?I was certain I had never seen this wolf before. Not in the Black Mountain Pack, not anywhere. Otherwise, I would definitely remember it.But then, how could my mate be s
Isla's POV"Why is he so fast?" I cursed under my breath as we slipped behind the thicket.My wolf crouched low when Adrian's wolf's piercing gaze searched for us, an angry growl reverberating through the surroundings. My wolf's silver fur effortlessly blended with the surroundings, making this a perfect hiding spot.I hadn’t expected Adrian to pursue me so relentlessly. His speed was terrifying, almost as if he could sense where I was going before I did. But my wolf, she was faster than I had ever imagined possible. I could feel the thrill of the chase coursing through her, the adrenaline rush, and the wind howling in our ears as we weaved through the trees."But we were faster," My wolf replied. Her voice filled with pride as we watched Adrian from our hiding spot."How?" I gasped, surprised that we actually managed to outrun him. Well, I was in shock. How was this even possible? Adrian, the future Alpha, had always been the strongest, the fastest. And yet, we successfully elude him
Isla’s POV“No! No! He is closing in... we need to run faster!” I gasped, pushing my wolf harder with every breath, though her strength was no match for Adrian’s overwhelming speed."I am trying... but I can't!" My wolf whispered, her voice weak, her stamina faltering.Adrian’s wolf's growl echoed through the wood, sharp and taunting flashing his fangs. He was toying with me, letting me know the chase was over. And then, in a flash, he leaped at me, his massive form hurtling through the air, ready to ambush.I was prey. He was the predator.I should have been terrified. My instincts should have told me to flee, to fight, to do anything but stand frozen. But as I watched his large wolf descend, a strange familiarity washed over me, a ring in my head pulling me back.The sensation grew stronger, more natural, pulling me out of the chase... and out of the dream.The phone rang, barely waking me up. It was Stefan. My body felt heavy with exhaustion from the night before. The encounter wit
Isla's POV"Are you coming over or do you think you are royalty and I have to walk over to you?" Adrian’s voice thundered across the training ground, sending a shiver down my spine.I felt the weight of the world pressing down on me, crushing my lungs, and leaving me breathless. His eyes radiated with anger. And not just because I was late. We both knew that. And maybe everyone here knew it as well.I tried to steady my breathing, but my body betrayed me. I couldn’t stop the trembling that overtook me. My body felt stiff, weighed down by the whispers of my classmates that grew louder and harsher. They never miss a chance to remind me of where I belong. And that was not their world. "How can she even show her face here? Such shameless brat!""Isn’t she connected to Elara’s death? How could she even think she could train with us?""And she is late on her first day. Just wait. Adrian will deal with her well.""A werewolf without a wolf. Useless. Hopeless. Just a waste of our precious ti
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 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