Mia's Pov“I can't believe you did that!” I shifted back into my human form and leaped at Christian, who effortlessly caught me with a chuckle. His laughter was rich and full, vibrating through me as he held my wrists in his strong grip."But it worked, didn't it?" he teased, easily capturing my fists in his large hands. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he pulled me closer, a suggestive smirk playing on his lips. I suddenly became acutely aware of our nakedness—my skin flushed against his. The realization sent a thrilling jolt through me, making my stomach churn with excitement and heat pool in my core.Absolutely yes!‘Do it, woman! Jump his bones!’ My wolf, still unnamed, urged me on. I swallowed hard, feeling the heat rising to my cheeks. The air around us seemed to crackle with an electric charge, and the intimacy of the moment made my breath hitch. His body was warm and solid, a stark contrast to the cool breeze that played against our damp skin. I felt the blush spread across
Mia's Pov Julia plopped down beside me on the couch, handing me a steaming mug. "Here's your coffee!" she announced with a grin. "Thanks," I whispered, wrapping my hands around the warm ceramic. The rich aroma enveloped me, and I took a small sip, savoring the taste. "I was literally just craving this right now." Julia leaned back, a playful glint in her eyes. "Sooo," she drew out the word, clearly building up to something. "What have you planned?" I glanced at her, confused. "Planned? For what?" She rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. "For Christian's birthday, of course!" The mention of his name made my heart skip a beat, but my mind drew a blank. Christian's birthday? Did I miss something? "Christian's birthday?" The genuine surprise on my face must have been apparent because Julia looked at me like I was a lost cause. "Don't tell me you don't know it's his birthday in, like, two days!" Her voice was incredulous, and I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach as I shook my hea
Christians Pov Ever since Kalazar resurfaced, our pack has been on edge. The once steady rhythm of our lives has been disrupted, our borders constantly threatened, and an unsettling fear has taken hold. Warriors have gone missing, vanishing without a trace, leaving us with more questions than answers. The most terrifying part is the lack of any sign—no trace of Kalazar, no hint of Balthazar. They’re like ghosts, haunting us from the shadows, striking fear into the hearts of even our strongest.Alpha Mathews’ condition wasn’t improving either. For now, I’ve decided to keep the worst of the news from Mia. She needs to focus, to hone her skills and unlock her full potential. She’s our hope, and I can’t risk distracting her with the grim reality we’re facing. But I know I’m walking a thin line. It won’t be long before things spiral completely out of control, and Mia will have to know the truth.Even Dominic, with his heightened lycan senses and unparalleled tracking abilities, has hit a
Christian’s PovJulia stumbled in, her face pale, drenched in sweat, her eyes wide with panic. Her breathing was ragged, almost desperate, as she struggled to form words. My heart lurched in my chest, a cold dread seizing me in its icy grip. Something was terribly wrong."Too late!" Julia gasped, her voice trembling, and it felt like the floor beneath me had just given way. "She's gone!"The room erupted into chaos. Chairs scraped against the floor as everyone shot up from their seats, but the sounds around me faded into a distant roar as Julia’s words echoed in my mind. *Gone.* My heart stopped, my mind blanking out everything else as I took a step toward her, my legs feeling like lead."What do you mean she's gone?" I demanded, my voice low and hollow, every word a struggle to get out as I fought against the wave of terror crashing over me. My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms as I waited for her to explain, every second an eternity.Julia was panting, still cat
Mia's PovWhen I finally regained consciousness, the world around me was a blur of shadows and dim light. My head throbbed, and the air felt thick, heavy with an oppressive energy that seeped into my bones. Panic set in as I realized I couldn't move. My wrists and ankles were bound, the rough material digging into my skin as I struggled against it. The more I fought, the more it seemed to tighten, constricting my movements until I was forced to stop, gasping for breath.The room was cold, unfamiliar. The walls were made of dark stone, slick with moisture, and a single flickering torch cast eerie, dancing shadows across the floor. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, a sickening sense of déjà vu. I'd been here before—or somewhere like this. The memories were hazy, fragmented, but they lurked just beneath the surface, taunting me with the sense that I was trapped in a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.No, no, no, I thought, desperately trying to clear my head. I had to get out of here
Mia’s PovThe room darkened as Kalazar began his ritual, the air heavy with the scent of burning herbs and something far more sinister. I watched, helpless, as he stood before the vertical beds where the unconscious werewolves and vampires were strapped, their bodies limp and vulnerable. A cold dread washed over me as I realized what he was about to do.Kalazar lifted his hands, chanting in a language that sent chills down my spine. The torches flickered, and a dark, swirling energy began to gather in the center of the room, hovering above the helpless bodies. The energy coalesced into a black orb, pulsating with malevolent power, and I could feel its pull, a force that seemed to suck the very life out of the room.The first werewolf on the bed stirred, his face contorting in pain as the black orb descended toward him. A scream tore from his throat as the orb latched onto him, digging into his chest like a claw. I could see the light fading from his eyes, his body writhing in agony as
Christian’s PovThe weight of the past two days sat heavily on my chest as I barked out orders to the guards and warriors. My voice was hoarse from repeating the same commands over and over, but we had nothing—no clues, no leads. "Spread out further!" I shouted, frustration bleeding into my tone. "Double the patrols, check every border. I want reports on every inch of our territory!"The warriors scrambled to obey, their faces strained with the same exhaustion and fear that I felt burning inside me. But as I scanned their eyes, I could tell they were losing hope. Two days. Two long, agonizing days with no sign of Mia. No scent trail, no sightings. Nothing.It was as if she had disappeared into thin air."Still nothing," one of the warriors muttered under his breath as he approached, shaking his head. “It’s like she vanished without a trace. We’ve searched the western borders three times now. No one saw anything.”His words sent a cold shiver down my spine. The dread that had been slo
Christian’s POVIt’s been two weeks.Two weeks of nothing.No scent. No trace. No leads.Nothing.I stood on the porch of the pack house, my hand gripping the railing so tightly that I could feel the wood splinter beneath my fingers. The frustration that simmered beneath my skin was boiling over, pushing me to the brink. My chest heaved, a mixture of exhaustion and fury coiling inside me like a beast ready to break free. Everyone was doing their best. I knew that. But knowing didn’t help. Knowing didn’t stop the gnawing, biting anxiety from shredding me apart. It didn’t silence the cold whisper at the back of my mind that something had happened to Mia—something irreparable. I couldn’t rest. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t breathe until she was back in my arms.“Christian.”I snapped out of my spiraling thoughts to see Alpha Dominic walking toward me, his face set in a deep frown. His presence was always calming—like a steady mountain in the midst of chaos—but right now, nothing could pul
Christian's POVA year had passed since Mia and I stood before our pack, surrounded by family and friends, and pledged ourselves to each other. The memory of that day was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday, yet the time between then and now had been filled with more life and love than I could’ve ever imagined.I stood on the balcony of our suite in the packhouse, watching the early morning sun rise over the treetops. The territory was peaceful this time of day, the woods that bordered the pack lands bathed in golden light. The packhouse was bustling with activity on most days, but in the quiet hours of the morning, it was serene—almost like the calm before the storm.Inside, the sound of giggles filled the air, followed by Mia’s soft voice calling out to our pups. Alaric was always the first to wake, full of energy and mischief, while Sylvia took her time, blinking up at us with sleepy eyes, like she needed more convincing to start the day.I walked back inside, and there they w
Christian's POVThe last few months had been a blur of sleepless nights and the kind of love I never imagined existed. Holding my children, Alaric and Sylvia, in my arms, watching them grow stronger with each passing day, it was like discovering a new part of myself I didn’t know was there. But even amid the chaos of fatherhood, there was one thing that I couldn't stop thinking about—the wedding. Our wedding.After everything that had happened, from nearly losing Mia to the joy of becoming parents, I needed to make her mine in every way, just like I promised. To see her walk down the aisle, to vow my life to hers before the world and not just in the way of our kind but as man and wife, before humans and every species alike. It was important to me. I wanted everyone to know that she was my everything.Planning a wedding, while also taking care of two pups, wasn’t easy, but I had a lot of help. Julia and Anastasia were incredible, practically organizing everything while Mia focused on h
Christian’s PovThe sterile smell of the hospital room filled the air as I stood by Mia’s side, gripping her hand tightly. My heart pounded in my chest as the doctors prepared for the surgery, and I made sure everything was set exactly as it needed to be. I had insisted on a female doctor and healer for Mia, knowing how important it was for her to feel comfortable during this delicate time. But no matter how many precautions I took, I couldn’t shake the fear clawing at my insides.Mia’s gaze flickered to mine, her eyes wide with anxiety, but I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, trying to give her some semblance of reassurance. “I’m right here, baby. I won’t leave your side. We’ll get through this together.”The room bustled with quiet urgency, the healers whispering to each other as they prepared the tools, but all I could focus on was Mia. Her face was pale, but her grip on my hand never faltered.The doctor, a calm and steady woman named Dr. Alina, approached Mia’s s
Christian’s PovAs the tension in the room finally began to ease, I wiped the remnants of tears from my face, still holding Mia’s hand like a lifeline. Her breathing had stabilized, though she still looked pale and exhausted. The doctors had done everything they could, but seeing her so fragile made my chest tighten all over again.The door creaked open softly, and I looked up to see Julia, Anastasia, and Alpha Dominic enter. Their faces were lined with concern, especially Julia, whose eyes immediately darted to Mia.“She’s okay,” I whispered, barely able to hold it together. “She’s… she’s going to be okay.”Julia rushed over to Mia’s bedside, her expression softening with relief. “Thank the moon goddess,” she breathed, reaching down to stroke Mia’s hair gently.Anastasia stood behind her, nodding in agreement but still looking concerned. Alpha Dominic’s imposing figure lingered by the door for a moment before stepping closer, his eyes trained on Mia’s still figure.“She’s strong, Chr
Christian’s PovThe second those lines on the heart monitor went straight, my world stopped. No. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening.“Mia!” I screamed, my voice cracking as I lurched forward. The doctors were swarming around her, shouting orders and moving in a blur. Everything felt distant, muffled, like I was underwater, and the only thing I could hear clearly was that relentless, high-pitched whine from the machine that told me her heart had stopped. Her heart had stopped.My mate, my Mia, was slipping away, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do.I surged toward the bed, grabbing the nearest doctor by the collar, yanking him back with all the strength I had left in me. “Do something!” I snarled, my voice barely human. “Save her!”“We’re trying!” The doctor’s voice trembled, fear flickering in his eyes as he tried to pry himself free from my grip. But I didn’t let go. I couldn’t. If I let go, it felt like I was admitting defeat. Like I was letting her go.The room spun arou
Mia’s PovI found myself standing in a place I couldn’t recognize—an endless expanse of white, serene and calm. The air felt cool, not like the sterile cold of a hospital room, but something softer, almost comforting. It was quiet, too quiet, but I felt no fear. Instead, there was an overwhelming sense of peace, like I had walked into another world where the troubles of reality couldn’t touch me.I took a step forward, my bare feet sinking slightly into the soft ground that didn’t seem to exist yet held me all the same. My heart felt lighter, the pain I had experienced moments ago in my body now a distant memory. As I moved through this space, something in the distance caught my eye—a garden, vivid and lush, teeming with colorful flowers that seemed too perfect to be real. Drawn to it, I walked without hesitation, my heart inexplicably pulling me toward the scene.At the far end of the garden, I saw a figure kneeling among the flowers, her hands delicately plucking the petals of a blo
Author’s PovMia’s world dissolved into a swirl of chaos and darkness. Her body, though fainted and still in the hospital bed, was trapped within the depths of a vivid, horrifying memory. It played out before her eyes like a movie—too real, too painful. She was no longer the adult Mia. Instead, she felt herself small, fragile, and terrified—a four-year-old child once again.The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and the deafening sounds of cries. She stood in the corner of her childhood home—her pack, her tiny frame trembling as she clutched her knees to her chest. Flames licked the edges of the walls, and the screams of her pack members echoed around her. They were dying. She could hear it—shouts, cries, the horrifying crackle of fire devouring everything in its path.Little Mia bawled, tears streaming down her face as she watched people—people she knew—falling to the ground. Her tiny body was shaking, her heart racing in terror. She felt helpless, too scared to move. The de
Author’s Pov4 Months LaterThe sun bathed the garden in a golden glow, casting soft shadows over the blooming roses and perfectly trimmed hedges. Mia sat comfortably between Ana and Julia, her hands resting on her swollen belly as they enjoyed their afternoon tea. It had been months since the ceremony, and with each passing day, the anticipation of the baby’s arrival grew stronger. They laughed, their conversation carefree as Ana excitedly showed Mia a variety of tiny gifts she had bought for the baby—soft blankets, little shoes, and a beautifully carved wooden rattle.Mia smiled warmly, feeling the gentle kicks of life inside her. The baby wasn’t due for another month, and despite the natural aches and discomforts of pregnancy, she had felt relatively good. "Look at this," Ana beamed, holding up a little onesie with "Beta in Training" stitched across the front. "Isn’t it adorable? He’s going to look so cute in this!"Mia laughed softly, touching the fabric. "It’s perfect. Thank you
Mia’s PovThe moment Dominic disappeared, leaving behind an awkward silence, the royal music began to play—filling the grand hall with a soft, majestic melody. It was as if the music had been timed perfectly to diffuse the tension in the air, giving everyone an excuse to focus on something else. The elegant chords of violins and the regal notes of flutes swept through the room, calming the uneasy murmurs that had begun.Christian turned to me, his smile softening the moment. “Dance with me?” he asked, his voice low and inviting, one hand outstretched toward me.Despite everything, I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. “I’d love to.”I placed my hand in his, and he guided me effortlessly to the center of the dance floor, where other couples had already begun to pair off, the royal rhythm guiding their movements. The grand chandeliers above shimmered, casting a golden glow over everything as we stepped into position.Christian’s hand settled on the small of my back, pulling