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,
Adrian's POVThe air grew heavier as I heard Elara’s request for an engagement. She stood there, with hopeful eyes. But I couldn’t allow her emotions to cloud the reality of the situation. She wanted us to resume from where she left off, but too much had changed. My heart was torn between loyalty to her, my new feelings for Isla, and the growing doubts surrounding her return.When I didn't reply or act with equal excitement immediately as she had hoped, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Earlier I would have done anything when she looked at me with those vulnerable eyes, but this time somehow I knew she was trying to tug at the bond we shared. And I felt pressured. But I couldn’t ignore the other, heavier weight in my heart. My feelings for Isla. So, there was no way I could give an immediate response to the commitment she was looking for from me now.I kept my tone measured as I replied, “I will organize a grand celebration for your return, Elara. It’s what you deserve. But as fo
Isla's POVI stood at the edge of the room, my arms crossed tightly over my chest. I wanted to look away, pretend like it didn't matter to me. Like I was not irritated by their closeness. But watching Elara with Adrian, them so close as nothing had changed, made my blood boil. A wave of discomfort rolled through me as my wolf stirred, her voice calm but firm. "Adrian is not worth the heartache, Isla. Even if he is your mate, we still have the power to refuse him. We are stronger than this."Yet I could not ignore how her hand rested on his arm as she rested her head on his chest. It felt like a punch to my stomach. How could they look so effortlessly comfortable as she leaned into him? With me... it has always been a push and pull of tension bubbling between us."Isla, don't falter. We are stronger than this..." My wolf tried to uplift my spirits.I swallowed hard, focusing on my wolf’s words. She was right. She had to be. Still, the sight of them together cut deeper than I would lik
Isla's POVI folded my arms across my chest, staring up at Adrian. For some reason, my heartbeat increased when the golden rays of the setting sun fell on his chiseled features, making him even more handsome, as if it were possible somehow. It wasn't the right time or right moment, given everything that had happened recently, to feel these things. Yet somehow, I was even partly happy and partly relieved to see him after a tiring night and a long day.The silence between Adrian and me was heavy, laced with unsaid words and emotions too tangled to unravel. I didn’t know what I expected when I asked him, “What do you want to talk about?”Adrian’s jaw tensed, his dark eyes searching mine as though looking for answers I hadn’t given. I turned away to avoid his eyes that were puzzling me. Then, without warning, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around me from behind.The warmth of his body pressed against mine sent a jolt through me, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
Isla's POVI folded my arms across my chest, staring up at Adrian. For some reason, my heartbeat increased when the golden rays of the setting sun fell on his chiseled features, making him even more handsome, as if it were possible somehow. It wasn't the right time or right moment, given everything that had happened recently, to feel these things. Yet somehow, I was even partly happy and partly relieved to see him after a tiring night and a long day.The silence between Adrian and me was heavy, laced with unsaid words and emotions too tangled to unravel. I didn’t know what I expected when I asked him, “What do you want to talk about?”Adrian’s jaw tensed, his dark eyes searching mine as though looking for answers I hadn’t given. I turned away to avoid his eyes that were puzzling me. Then, without warning, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around me from behind.The warmth of his body pressed against mine sent a jolt through me, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
Isla's POVI sat across from Ryan, the pale light of the hospital room washing over his tired yet anxious face. His gaze was steady, yet laced with hesitation when I didn't respond to him. How could I? What was I supposed to say? “That night... the night Elara died... Did you shift?” He repeated the question after connecting the dots, his voice quieter than I had ever heard it. The silence stretched between us, sharp and suffocating. My throat felt tight, but I forced the words out. “Yes.” My voice barely rose above a whisper. “I shifted.”For a moment, he was frozen, even shocked. Then he finally broke the eerie silence with his long and heavy breath. But his expression was still etched with regret. “I am sorry, Isla. I let myself believe... I believed those stories.” And then it hit me like a wave. My answer wasn’t what had shocked him; it was the weight of years of mistrust finally surfacing. What he was actually feeling was guilt. A part of him felt sad, but another part felt b
Isla's POVI carried Ryan to the hospital, my arms trembling from the weight of him and the fear that clawed at my insides. His blood soaked my clothes, each step feeling heavier. I couldn’t lose him—not like this, not after Elara.Once we arrived, the nurses rushed him into emergency care, but I stayed close, not daring to leave his side. I couldn’t afford to. Even though Ryan, like everyone else, had seen me as a curse for a long time, he was still my brother. And at this moment, I could only think of the sweet memories we shared as kids.I paced the waiting room, my thoughts consumed by questions. Why did the people around me keep getting hurt? Why was it always my family? First Elara, now Ryan. Who was behind all of this?By the time my parents arrived, they had already bandaged and sutured Ryan's wound. Their eyes immediately found Ryan, lying pale and motionless on the bed. My mother’s gaze lingered on him before it slowly shifted to me, cold and accusing.“This is your fault, I
Isla's POVI stormed out of Adrian's office, my heart pounding in my chest. I screamed at the top of my lungs as soon as I was alone, my hands shaking from the argument. Why couldn't I control these gnawing feelings? Why couldn't I stop him from treating me like a toy?By the time I got home, all I wanted was some calm. But that was something too far from my life. Everything has been so overwhelming recently. How could Adrian lower his guard and fall prey to Chloe's manipulations again and again? He didn't ever care to listen to me. I wasn't sure if it was jealousy or helplessness, but I couldn't stop the anger surging inside me. Chloe was really sinister. But the worst part was, despite my irritation, I still couldn’t shake the feel of his touch, the way his hands had ignited every nerve in my body.I slammed the door behind me, frustration coiling in my heart. But then something caught my eye. An envelope was wedged under the door frame. Who could have put it here?I froze.The edge
Isla’s POVI clutched the file where I had documented every single thing that led to the finding of Chloe's involvement. Adrian had to stop trusting her. So, I hurried to his office, hoping to help him figure out the truth and also to stop Chloe. She was dangerous.But as I approached his door, I stopped, noticing the strange smell muffled in the air. My wolf stirred uneasily inside me. "Something is off!"I peeked through the crack in the door and froze.Chloe was draped over Adrian seductively as he sat on his chair. Her hands caressed his shoulders as she whispered something in his ear and then bit it slowly. The sight sent a jolt of rage through me. She was wearing a tight, body-hugging dress, flaunting herself around him, just like before. She then sat on his lap seductively and Adrian didn't stop her. I clenched my fists, fuming. When she was about to get bolder and kiss Adrian, something inside me snapped. My fists clenched as jealousy surged within me, hotter and sharper than
Isla's POV"Isla!" The moment Adrian called out my name, I felt like I was caught in the act. And when our eyes met, the memory of our brief kiss from last night and that from the dream this morning flooded my mind. His lips had felt so real that I could still feel them on mine. My heart skipped."Isla," Adrian called again, snapping me back to reality. I had been completely distracted since Chloe arrived with Adrian. She had been helping him to mark the scores with such grace that it left me and everyone watching confused.He stood across from me, his eyes narrowing. "You are not focused. I will test you myself. Let’s see if you’ve made any progress."My stomach churned. Here we go again. Why was he always so keen to partner up with me for a sparring match? Honestly, I felt like Adrian sparring with me always had an edge to it, like he was trying to prove something."She is going to fall flat and lose.""Serves her right! Traitor!"Opinions about me hadn't changed, and I didn't expec