CHAPTER 25.ZikeRORY'S POV"Please… help me," I stuttered, barely aware of who else was in the room. The pain was unbearable.He stepped forward, a strange smile playing on his lips."I will gladly help you," he said.Before I could react, he lifted me and placed me on a chair. His gaze dropped to my legs, and when he saw the blood, he let out a dramatic gasp."You’re losing a child.""No… no…" My breath hitched, panic choking me.He smirked. "It’s okay. You’ll make more."With a casual ease, he wiped the blood away, as if it meant nothing."Who… who are you?" My voice was barely a whisper."You’ll get to know soon enough."His grip tightened slightly. "But first, you need to wash the blood off."Without another word, he picked me up again, carrying me to Renzo’s bathroom. He set me down, then turned and walked out, leaving me trembling in silence.And just a few minutes later, I heard it—growls, snarls, the crash of furniture breaking. The room shook with the force of bodies collidi
CHAPTER 26HeirRENZO'S POVI paced the room, fists clenched, rage burning beneath my skin. Zike wasn’t supposed to be here. None of this was supposed to be happening.A loud bang on the door yanked me from my thoughts.“In,” I ordered, voice sharp.Elijah stepped in, his face tight with urgency.“The council is gathered. They want you there.”I exhaled slowly, already knowing the reason. Zike.“I’ll be there shortly.”I left the room, tension coiling in my chest like a storm ready to break. As I moved through the halls, my senses flared—her scent hit me before I even saw her. Rory.She stood in the corner, her posture stiff, her eyes wary as they met mine.“Follow me to the council,” I commanded.Her expression twisted in protest. I knew that look—she wanted to fight me on this.“Now.”Her lips parted, probably to argue, but she must’ve seen the warning in my gaze because she stayed silent. She always tries to counter me.Inside the council chamber, the tension was thick enough to ch
CHAPTER 27Written RENZO'S POV “You see why you can’t be Alpha of this pack?” Zike sneered. “You ruin every woman you touch.” His gaze flicked to Rory. “Isn’t that right, little mate?”Rory stiffened, but I didn’t react. Not yet.An elder grunted, his fist tightening on the armrest.I let out a slow breath, my voice calm. “My mate isn’t ruined.” I turned my gaze to Mira. “Or at least… let her speak.”Zike scoffed. “Does it even matter? You’ve already broken her.”I clenched my jaw. He was pushing me, testing my control.“Either way,” I said, my tone cold, “I’m not going to argue over this. This pack belongs to me.”Zike’s smirk didn’t waver. “We both know that’s a lie. It belongs to both of us.”He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “So, make your choice. Give up… or we split the pack.”His eyes gleamed with challenge. “Watch me ruin you a second time, brother.”Then he turned and stormed out.I shifted my gaze to Rory. She stood still, her eyes distant, lost in thought.“Are you o
CHAPTER 28TouchRENZO'S POVThe witch stood in my chambers, her face hidden under a dark hood. She smelled of earth and something old, something unnatural."You called for me, Alpha?" Her voice was rough, like dried leaves in the wind.I folded my arms. "I need a barrier around my pack. One that keeps everyone out—humans, vampires, anyone who doesn’t belong."She tilted her head, a slow smile spreading across her lips. "That kind of magic isn’t simple. It comes with a cost."I stepped forward. "Name it."She lifted a thin finger and traced strange symbols in the air. A heavy energy filled the room, raising the hairs on my arms. The walls seemed to breathe, shifting ever so slightly. Then, she stopped. Her eyes darkened, as if she had seen something terrible."Your brother," she whispered.A cold feeling settled in my chest. "What about him?"Her voice dropped lower. "He let them in. The vampires. The humans. Zike."The room felt smaller. Tighter. I clenched my fists as Rory sucked in
Chapter 29FracturesRORY’S POVIt was late at night, and the castle was eerily silent except for the distant howls of wolves. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and burning torches. Elara wasn’t in the room. I could hear Renzo humming softly from his chambers—calm, at ease, as if he hadn’t just tried to break me.A pang of something sharp twisted inside me. I shouldn’t let him control me. And yet, no matter how hard I tried, my wolf refused to obey me. She craved something I refused to name.I needed to clear my head.Pulling my cloak tighter, I wandered through the dimly lit halls until I reached the study.Inside, Ayla sat with Zike. She was laughing at something he said, her expression light and carefree. For a moment, I hesitated. It was rare to see Ayla so happy.Still, I stepped forward.“Hi,” I greeted, my voice careful.Zike’s expression soured instantly. He leaned back in his chair, regarding me with open distaste. “You should excuse yourself. This is a family di
CHAPTER 30 The Challenge RENZO'S POV The night air was thick with tension. Every werewolf in the pack stood gathered in the clearing, their faces drawn with unease. The torches flickered, casting restless shadows over the assembled crowd. Zike stood at the center, shoulders squared, his gaze sweeping over them like he already owned them. "Our land is threatened," he declared, his voice ringing through the air. "Renzo can no longer protect us!" A murmur of agreement rippled through the pack. I clenched my jaw. "And you can?" I stepped forward, my voice steady. Zike smirked. "At least I won’t let our enemies walk right in. Or have you forgotten? The vampires came because of you." A growl rose from the crowd. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, ready to strike. "Watch your tongue, Zike," I warned. "You speak of betrayal, yet it was the witch who revealed the truth—you let them in." Zike’s expression didn’t falter. "Lies. I would never endanger my own pack." I glanced at Rory. Sh
RORY'S POV "How does it feel to have a wolf side, Elara?"I asked my sister, Elara, who seemed more confident and stronger ever since she turned. Her hair color brighter, and her eyes sparkled with a fierce inner light."This is the hundredth time you've asked Elara that, and I'm sure more of it is to come," my mum chuckled, pulling me closer to herself. The forest seemed to have had only the three of us in it, as only the birds could be heard. We were on an evening hunt, hoping to get some dinner before the day ran out."I wish I had a wolf too," I said, looking at Elara with a mix of admiration and longing.I heard Elara sigh, and I could feel her roll her eyes. My sister was probably just as frustrated as I was about my transformation taking so much time. Everyone in the pack had already turned, even before they turned twenty, but there I was, twenty-one but stuck in my human form. I felt isolated when they unleashed their wolves. My mum stopped abruptly and pulled me back to fac
RORY'S POV"Elara, you could have killed him!" I shouted, slamming the wooden door shut behind me. My hunting coat fell to the floor with a soft thud.Elara spun around, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "You don't dare yell at me that way, Rory," she hissed, her left finger jabbing accusingly at my face.I stood my ground, my heart still racing from the encounter with the human. "You were reckless, Elara,’"You were with a human, Rory. Are you blind to the danger? Everyone knows it's a death sentence to be seen with one."Elara's voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible over the rustling of leaves in the park. I glared back at her, my defenses rising. "That human saved me when you and Mum got lost in the wind."Before Elara could retort, the wooden door burst open, and Mum strode in, her face thunderous. Her eyes had darkened to an inky black, and her wolf claws were fully extended, gleaming in the dim light. Mum's wolf instincts always surfaced when she was angry, and
CHAPTER 30 The Challenge RENZO'S POV The night air was thick with tension. Every werewolf in the pack stood gathered in the clearing, their faces drawn with unease. The torches flickered, casting restless shadows over the assembled crowd. Zike stood at the center, shoulders squared, his gaze sweeping over them like he already owned them. "Our land is threatened," he declared, his voice ringing through the air. "Renzo can no longer protect us!" A murmur of agreement rippled through the pack. I clenched my jaw. "And you can?" I stepped forward, my voice steady. Zike smirked. "At least I won’t let our enemies walk right in. Or have you forgotten? The vampires came because of you." A growl rose from the crowd. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, ready to strike. "Watch your tongue, Zike," I warned. "You speak of betrayal, yet it was the witch who revealed the truth—you let them in." Zike’s expression didn’t falter. "Lies. I would never endanger my own pack." I glanced at Rory. Sh
Chapter 29FracturesRORY’S POVIt was late at night, and the castle was eerily silent except for the distant howls of wolves. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and burning torches. Elara wasn’t in the room. I could hear Renzo humming softly from his chambers—calm, at ease, as if he hadn’t just tried to break me.A pang of something sharp twisted inside me. I shouldn’t let him control me. And yet, no matter how hard I tried, my wolf refused to obey me. She craved something I refused to name.I needed to clear my head.Pulling my cloak tighter, I wandered through the dimly lit halls until I reached the study.Inside, Ayla sat with Zike. She was laughing at something he said, her expression light and carefree. For a moment, I hesitated. It was rare to see Ayla so happy.Still, I stepped forward.“Hi,” I greeted, my voice careful.Zike’s expression soured instantly. He leaned back in his chair, regarding me with open distaste. “You should excuse yourself. This is a family di
CHAPTER 28TouchRENZO'S POVThe witch stood in my chambers, her face hidden under a dark hood. She smelled of earth and something old, something unnatural."You called for me, Alpha?" Her voice was rough, like dried leaves in the wind.I folded my arms. "I need a barrier around my pack. One that keeps everyone out—humans, vampires, anyone who doesn’t belong."She tilted her head, a slow smile spreading across her lips. "That kind of magic isn’t simple. It comes with a cost."I stepped forward. "Name it."She lifted a thin finger and traced strange symbols in the air. A heavy energy filled the room, raising the hairs on my arms. The walls seemed to breathe, shifting ever so slightly. Then, she stopped. Her eyes darkened, as if she had seen something terrible."Your brother," she whispered.A cold feeling settled in my chest. "What about him?"Her voice dropped lower. "He let them in. The vampires. The humans. Zike."The room felt smaller. Tighter. I clenched my fists as Rory sucked in
CHAPTER 27Written RENZO'S POV “You see why you can’t be Alpha of this pack?” Zike sneered. “You ruin every woman you touch.” His gaze flicked to Rory. “Isn’t that right, little mate?”Rory stiffened, but I didn’t react. Not yet.An elder grunted, his fist tightening on the armrest.I let out a slow breath, my voice calm. “My mate isn’t ruined.” I turned my gaze to Mira. “Or at least… let her speak.”Zike scoffed. “Does it even matter? You’ve already broken her.”I clenched my jaw. He was pushing me, testing my control.“Either way,” I said, my tone cold, “I’m not going to argue over this. This pack belongs to me.”Zike’s smirk didn’t waver. “We both know that’s a lie. It belongs to both of us.”He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “So, make your choice. Give up… or we split the pack.”His eyes gleamed with challenge. “Watch me ruin you a second time, brother.”Then he turned and stormed out.I shifted my gaze to Rory. She stood still, her eyes distant, lost in thought.“Are you o
CHAPTER 26HeirRENZO'S POVI paced the room, fists clenched, rage burning beneath my skin. Zike wasn’t supposed to be here. None of this was supposed to be happening.A loud bang on the door yanked me from my thoughts.“In,” I ordered, voice sharp.Elijah stepped in, his face tight with urgency.“The council is gathered. They want you there.”I exhaled slowly, already knowing the reason. Zike.“I’ll be there shortly.”I left the room, tension coiling in my chest like a storm ready to break. As I moved through the halls, my senses flared—her scent hit me before I even saw her. Rory.She stood in the corner, her posture stiff, her eyes wary as they met mine.“Follow me to the council,” I commanded.Her expression twisted in protest. I knew that look—she wanted to fight me on this.“Now.”Her lips parted, probably to argue, but she must’ve seen the warning in my gaze because she stayed silent. She always tries to counter me.Inside the council chamber, the tension was thick enough to ch
CHAPTER 25.ZikeRORY'S POV"Please… help me," I stuttered, barely aware of who else was in the room. The pain was unbearable.He stepped forward, a strange smile playing on his lips."I will gladly help you," he said.Before I could react, he lifted me and placed me on a chair. His gaze dropped to my legs, and when he saw the blood, he let out a dramatic gasp."You’re losing a child.""No… no…" My breath hitched, panic choking me.He smirked. "It’s okay. You’ll make more."With a casual ease, he wiped the blood away, as if it meant nothing."Who… who are you?" My voice was barely a whisper."You’ll get to know soon enough."His grip tightened slightly. "But first, you need to wash the blood off."Without another word, he picked me up again, carrying me to Renzo’s bathroom. He set me down, then turned and walked out, leaving me trembling in silence.And just a few minutes later, I heard it—growls, snarls, the crash of furniture breaking. The room shook with the force of bodies collidi
CHAPTER 24After warRORY'S POV I woke up feeling like my body had been trampled by a thousand wolves. My limbs ached, my throat burned, and my head pounded. The room smelled of herbs and something stronger—Renzo.He was sitting beside the bed, watching me. His expression unreadable, but his eyes… dark, calculating.“You are not dead. I wish you were.”His voice was quiet, almost thoughtful, as if he were considering it. Then he leaned in, pressing a kiss against my hand. A mockery of tenderness.I jerked my hand away, my heart pounding. “Then why save me?”He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he picked up a cup from the nightstand and held it out to me. “Drink.”I hesitated, but my throat was dry, and I needed strength. I gulped it down, the liquid thick and bitter.Renzo stood, his silhouette blocking the dim torchlight. “Your wolf is not a fighter,” he said. “Only a healer.” He scoffed, shaking his head. “Weak.”I clenched my fists. “Why save me, then? You don’t need me. You cou
CHAPTER 23ATTACK RORY'S POV His eyes darkened, his grip tightening just enough to make my pulse spike.“It does matter, Rory,” he said, his voice low, controlled—but I could hear the anger beneath it. “Who is the father?”I lifted my chin. “It’s none of your concern.”His chest rose sharply. For a moment, I thought he might explode, but instead, he exhaled through his nose, stepping back like he was forcing himself to stay in control.“You’re getting rid of it.”My stomach dropped. I stiffened. “What?”His gaze was cold, unyielding. “You heard me.”“No,” I said, my voice shaking but firm. “I won’t.”His jaw clenched. The silence between us stretched, thick and suffocating. Then he spoke, his voice lower this time.“If the council finds out…” He exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair. “My kingdom will be at risk.” His eyes flickered with something dangerous—something close to desperation. “Alpha Renzo's mate carrying a human’s child? Do you know what that means?”I said not
CHAPTER 22UNRAVELED RORY'S PORyker’s fingers tightened around mine, his breath catching. “Say it again.”I swallowed, my heart pounding against my ribs. “I’m pregnant.”His eyes widened, shock flashing across his face. Then something else—something deeper. His grip on me softened, but his whole body went rigid, like he was trying to hold himself together.“For me?” His voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried so much weight.“Yes,” I breathed.A shuddering exhale left his lips. He lifted a hand, hesitated, then gently placed it over my stomach. His touch was warm, grounding. A thousand emotions flickered through his gaze—disbelief, fear, something dangerously close to hope.“I thought…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I thought I lost you.”I looked away. “You almost did.”Silence. Thick, suffocating.Then, his voice dropped to a low whisper. “He doesn’t know?”“No.”His jaw tightened. “Good.”I frowned. “Ryker—”“I won’t let him take this from me. From us.”The convicti