Calvin's POV The day had started no differently than the countless others of late—heavy with tension and a suffocating sense of dread. I was seated behind my desk, the surface strewn with reports and maps that Franklin and I had been dissecting. The room felt oppressive, the walls closing in with the weight of my Pack's suffering.The room was quiet except for the rustling of papers as Franklin explained the latest updates on our attempts to negotiate with the Moon Rock Pack. His voice was steady, but I could sense the exhaustion in his tone. We were both worn thin.I leaned back in my chair, trying to push away the throbbing headache that had been my constant companion for weeks. "We’ll try again," I said, my voice heavy. "We don’t have another option. They’re our last hope for supplies before winter."Franklin nodded but didn’t seem convinced. "I’ll prepare the next envoy," he said, though he didn’t meet my eyes.A sudden, frantic knock on the door broke through the quiet. It wasn’t
Kamrynn's POV The room was still except for the soft rustle of fabric as Tiona finished cleaning me up. My body felt heavy, utterly spent, but there was a strange lightness in my chest. The pain had been unbearable, yes, but holding my children—seeing their tiny faces—had made it all worth it.Tiona handed me a warm blanket, and Rmonica carefully adjusted the cradle where the twins lay, swaddled and sleeping peacefully. “Have you decided on names yet?” Rmonica asked, her voice soft and full of warmth.I smiled, my heart swelling as I gazed at the little bundles. “Astor,” I said, touching the soft tufts of dark hair on my son’s head. “And Arabella,” I added, caressing my daughter’s tiny cheek.Rmonica beamed. “Beautiful names, Kamrynn. They’re perfect.”Aryna hummed her approval in the back of my mind. “Astor and Arabella,” she said, her voice a comforting presence. “Strong names for strong pups.”Tiona stepped back, wiping her hands. “You did wonderfully, Kamrynn. They’re beautiful,
Calvin’s POVHopelessness was a poison that seeped into every corner of my life. No matter how hard I tried to shake it off, it clung to me, a suffocating shroud.For months, I had tried everything—letters, emissaries, messengers, and desperate pleas—but it was no use. Not a single Pack wanted to be associated with us. Not after the children's deaths. The weight of what had happened to our firstborns had turned us into pariahs. The news spread fast, faster than even I could have anticipated. Stories of death, sorrow, and desperation painted the Obsidian Pack as cursed, as a place to be avoided at all costs.The once-bustling Pack lands now felt hollow, every corner of it a reminder of what we’d lost. Mothers who had buried their children wandered aimlessly, their eyes hollow, their grief so loud it felt like a scream ringing in my ears day and night. Fathers clung to their surviving families, but even they looked at me with resentment burning in their eyes. I'd spent weeks, months, tr
Calvin's POV“If you think I'd ever—” I had begun my strong rebuttal when I felt Franklin's hand on my shoulder.“We don't have a choice, Alpha. Just do it, please. For the sake of the Pack. She's our last hope.” He pleaded.I knew that all too well but still…I clenched my fists, trying to rein in my temper. “Please,” I said through gritted teeth, bowing my head in surrender. “Please help me, my people are dying. If you know something, please tell me and you'll forever have my gratitude.”She quirked an eyebrow but a smile finally settled on her face. “That wasn't so hard now, was it?” She quipped after a long pause. “Step inside.”The room we entered was darker than the hallway, lit only by the faint glow of a fire in the hearth. The air was even heavier in here, suff
Calvin's POV The moment the witch’s words settled in my mind, I knew what had to be done. Kamrynn was the key to saving the Pack, the only chance to break the curse that had turned our lives into a living nightmare. The realization felt like a hammer striking my chest. I clenched my fists, a mix of dread and determination swirling within me."Thank you," I said to the witch, my voice hoarse. She regarded me with wary eyes, as if unsure whether I meant it.“Remember, Alpha,” she replied, her voice sharp like a blade. “Your Pack’s salvation depends on her forgiveness. Nothing else can save you.”I nodded grimly and left her dwelling, the air around me feeling colder than ever. Kamrynn was out there somewhere, not just carrying the hope of my Pack’s survival, but also my child—my heir. She must have given birth by now, and the thought of her raising my child, away from me, filled me with an unbearable mix of frustration, yearning, and guilt.Returning to the Pack, I knew there was no ti
Kamrynn’s POVIt had been five days since I gave birth to my twins, and the world felt both miraculous and impossibly heavy. The aftermath of childbirth wasn’t something I’d fully prepared for, no matter how many stories I’d heard or how many reassurances I’d been given. My body felt like a battlefield, and I wasn’t sure if I was winning or losing the war.My first real struggle came from the constant bleeding. Every movement reminded me that my body was still in recovery, and the dull ache in my abdomen served as a persistent reminder that my body had gone through something extraordinary—and excruciating. I shifted uncomfortably in bed, my hand brushing against the bundle of blankets where my twins slept.The exhaustion wasn’t just physical. Sleep was a distant memory, a luxury I hadn’t experienced since their arrival. Every cry woke me in a panic, my heart pounding as I scrambled to soothe whichever baby needed me more. Even when they were quiet, I found myself lying awake, afraid s
Calvin's POVThe rhythmic ticking of the clock on the far wall grated on my nerves as I sifted through the endless paperwork littering my desk. Numbers, trade routes, inventory lists—all of it blurred together into meaningless scribbles. My mind wasn’t here, couldn’t be here, not when Kamrynn was still out there, somewhere. The gnawing frustration and helplessness had become a constant ache in my chest, and no amount of work could drown it out.A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I straightened in my chair, my voice sharp and unwelcoming. “What?”Franklin stepped in, his expression carefully neutral. He always wore that mask when dealing with me these days, likely to avoid triggering one of my outbursts. “Alpha,” he greeted me with a respectful nod.I wasted no time. “Do you have news?”Franklin hesitated, the pause long enough to stoke my irritation. He knew better than to drag his feet, especially about this.“Well?” I demanded, my tone harsher than I intended.“No
Kamrynn’s POVAnxiety curled in my stomach like a stubborn weed, refusing to be uprooted no matter how hard I tried to shake it. It had been two days since the nightmare, but Calvin’s haunting gaze and his bloodied hands still lingered in my mind like a stain. Every time I closed my eyes, the vision of him whispering, “You’re my salvation,” echoed in my ears. The memory left a bitter taste in my mouth, a warning I couldn’t decipher. I couldn't help but wish over and over again that I would never have to cross paths with that man.I tugged absently at the hem of my dress, my mind racing. The party. I still wasn’t sure I wanted to attend. In fact, every fiber of my being screamed to stay behind, to shut myself away with my twins and avoid the crowd altogether.The sound of soft gurgling pulled me from my thoughts. I turned toward the crib and found Astor and Arabella lying side by side, their tiny hands waving in the air as they grunted at each other. They were only a week old, yet they
Kamrynn’s POVI practically ran into my room, clutching Astor against my chest like he was my lifeline. My hands were shaking so badly that it took two tries before I managed to turn the lock, securing the door behind us.Rmonica followed close behind, still holding Arabella, her face dark with confusion and concern.“Kamrynn,” she said, voice firm but laced with worry. “What the hell just happened? Who was that man?”I let out a shuddering breath, my chest heaving as I pressed my back against the door, needing its solidness to ground me. I turned my gaze to Rmonica, whose sharp green eyes were burning with questions.“That was Calvin,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Rmonica’s entire body stiffened. “Calvin?” she repeated, as if saying his name would somehow make the situation less real.I nodded. “He—he was here at the party. He approached me. Asked for my forgiveness.”Rmonica’s eyes flashed with pure, unfiltered rage. “That bastard had the guts to show his face? After eve
Kamrynn’s POVThe second I stepped into the bathroom, I barely had time to lock the door before my legs gave out beneath me. I crumpled onto the floor, my hands trembling as I clutched at my dress, gasping for air. My chest felt tight, as if someone had wrapped their hands around my throat and was squeezing, forcing out every last bit of control I had left.And then the first sob tore through me.It was raw, ugly, painful. The kind of cry that came from deep inside, from a place long buried under layers of strength and survival. The kind of cry I hadn't allowed myself in a very long time.My shoulders shook violently as I pressed a hand over my mouth, muffling the desperate sounds escaping me. My heart pounded against my ribs, the weight of everything crashing down all at once. I had held it together for as long as I could. I had faced Calvin without breaking, without giving him the satisfaction of knowing just how much he still had the power to hurt me. But now that I was alone, the
Calvin’s POVUpon arriving at the Blue Bell Pack’s celebration, a rare feeling of satisfaction settled in my chest. The plan was working. The guards at the entrance had barely spared me a second glance when I handed over my invitation, granting me access without suspicion. The grand hall was filled with energy—laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses creating a welcoming atmosphere.I had come here with a purpose. My Pack was barely holding on, resources dwindling to dangerous levels. This was my chance to negotiate with the Alpha of Blue Bell, to form an alliance, to secure a trade deal that could keep my people from starving. That was all that mattered.Or at least, it was. Until I saw her.At first, my mind couldn’t register it. I was making my way through the crowd when my eyes landed on a familiar figure at the buffet table. It felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.Kamrynn.My heart lurched in my chest, an erratic, painful thud. It had been so long—so long since
Kamrynn’s POVThe room felt like it had been frozen in time. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at Calvin, the last person I ever expected—ever wanted—to see here. My back hit the buffet table, and I scrambled for balance, but his hands gripped my shoulders, steadying me.His touch burned through the fabric of my dress, sending a shiver down my spine. I inhaled sharply, steeling myself. I wouldn’t let him intimidate me. Not now. Not ever again.“What are you doing here?” My voice was low, sharp, laced with venom.“I need to talk to you,” he said simply, his voice calm but urgent.Before I could react, he removed his hands from my shoulders, his fingers sliding down to clasp my hand instead.“Let go of me,” I hissed, trying to pull away, but his grip was firm as he began leading me toward the edge of the hall.“Kamrynn, please. Just come with me. I don’t want to make a scene.”“Oh, I’ll make a scene,” I snapped, trying to dig my heels into the floor, but he was already pulling me
Kamrynn’s POVAnxiety curled in my stomach like a stubborn weed, refusing to be uprooted no matter how hard I tried to shake it. It had been two days since the nightmare, but Calvin’s haunting gaze and his bloodied hands still lingered in my mind like a stain. Every time I closed my eyes, the vision of him whispering, “You’re my salvation,” echoed in my ears. The memory left a bitter taste in my mouth, a warning I couldn’t decipher. I couldn't help but wish over and over again that I would never have to cross paths with that man.I tugged absently at the hem of my dress, my mind racing. The party. I still wasn’t sure I wanted to attend. In fact, every fiber of my being screamed to stay behind, to shut myself away with my twins and avoid the crowd altogether.The sound of soft gurgling pulled me from my thoughts. I turned toward the crib and found Astor and Arabella lying side by side, their tiny hands waving in the air as they grunted at each other. They were only a week old, yet they
Calvin's POVThe rhythmic ticking of the clock on the far wall grated on my nerves as I sifted through the endless paperwork littering my desk. Numbers, trade routes, inventory lists—all of it blurred together into meaningless scribbles. My mind wasn’t here, couldn’t be here, not when Kamrynn was still out there, somewhere. The gnawing frustration and helplessness had become a constant ache in my chest, and no amount of work could drown it out.A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I straightened in my chair, my voice sharp and unwelcoming. “What?”Franklin stepped in, his expression carefully neutral. He always wore that mask when dealing with me these days, likely to avoid triggering one of my outbursts. “Alpha,” he greeted me with a respectful nod.I wasted no time. “Do you have news?”Franklin hesitated, the pause long enough to stoke my irritation. He knew better than to drag his feet, especially about this.“Well?” I demanded, my tone harsher than I intended.“No
Kamrynn’s POVIt had been five days since I gave birth to my twins, and the world felt both miraculous and impossibly heavy. The aftermath of childbirth wasn’t something I’d fully prepared for, no matter how many stories I’d heard or how many reassurances I’d been given. My body felt like a battlefield, and I wasn’t sure if I was winning or losing the war.My first real struggle came from the constant bleeding. Every movement reminded me that my body was still in recovery, and the dull ache in my abdomen served as a persistent reminder that my body had gone through something extraordinary—and excruciating. I shifted uncomfortably in bed, my hand brushing against the bundle of blankets where my twins slept.The exhaustion wasn’t just physical. Sleep was a distant memory, a luxury I hadn’t experienced since their arrival. Every cry woke me in a panic, my heart pounding as I scrambled to soothe whichever baby needed me more. Even when they were quiet, I found myself lying awake, afraid s
Calvin's POV The moment the witch’s words settled in my mind, I knew what had to be done. Kamrynn was the key to saving the Pack, the only chance to break the curse that had turned our lives into a living nightmare. The realization felt like a hammer striking my chest. I clenched my fists, a mix of dread and determination swirling within me."Thank you," I said to the witch, my voice hoarse. She regarded me with wary eyes, as if unsure whether I meant it.“Remember, Alpha,” she replied, her voice sharp like a blade. “Your Pack’s salvation depends on her forgiveness. Nothing else can save you.”I nodded grimly and left her dwelling, the air around me feeling colder than ever. Kamrynn was out there somewhere, not just carrying the hope of my Pack’s survival, but also my child—my heir. She must have given birth by now, and the thought of her raising my child, away from me, filled me with an unbearable mix of frustration, yearning, and guilt.Returning to the Pack, I knew there was no ti
Calvin's POV“If you think I'd ever—” I had begun my strong rebuttal when I felt Franklin's hand on my shoulder.“We don't have a choice, Alpha. Just do it, please. For the sake of the Pack. She's our last hope.” He pleaded.I knew that all too well but still…I clenched my fists, trying to rein in my temper. “Please,” I said through gritted teeth, bowing my head in surrender. “Please help me, my people are dying. If you know something, please tell me and you'll forever have my gratitude.”She quirked an eyebrow but a smile finally settled on her face. “That wasn't so hard now, was it?” She quipped after a long pause. “Step inside.”The room we entered was darker than the hallway, lit only by the faint glow of a fire in the hearth. The air was even heavier in here, suff