SUMMER'S POV(The Same Day, at night, in the forest Daniel and Damien had sought refuge in. It was still in Copperborrow, but not many Werewolves who belonged to a pack visited there because it was a popular spot for rogues Werewolves.)Strange scents invaded my nostrils as I hobbled towards the hut. Though it didn't seem far, my wounded leg made the journey feel impossible.I pushed myself forward, trying to ignore the pain, but it was too much. Groaning, I stumbled towards an oak tree and collapsed against it, gripping my injured leg and gritting my teeth.Surviving the earlier attack by the hunter had been a close call. I could have easily lost my life, but the goddess had shown me mercy. Even the ring had failed to work, or perhaps I had not performed the spell correctly.Sighing heavily, I tried to recall why I was heading to the hut, despite Damien and Daniel's warning to stay away. They had made it clear that they didn't want to see me again after the mission in the Moonstone p
SUMMER POVI stared in horror as Damien stepped towards him too. Daniel and Damien rounded the hunter, preparing to fight. They were not joking, despite what I wanted to believe. It was real—the scowl on their faces and the determination said it all.Daniel gripped the T-shirt he donned, ripping it off his body. He snarled, tilting his head high in the sky, and let out a howl. Damien did the same, but he didn't rip his cloth off.The hunter let out a burst of laughter which turned hysterical. He spoke gibberish, and I could barely make out any words he said. The only thing I heard was "kill." I never knew the hunters spoke a different language. I had thought they were all English speakers.Now, it would be hard to negotiate with someone who didn't even know basic English and whose instincts were feral.After watching for a few seconds, which made me feel pretty useless, I stumbled towards them and murmured, "I'll fight too.""No one asked you to butt in," Damien tried to shove me, but
SUMMER POVI was awake, but I didn't want to get up. I remembered everything that had happened the night before, how I had passed out too. I was grateful that Damien and Daniel hadn't left me alone in the forest. Instead, they brought me to the hut with them, even though they might not have wanted to."Is she dead? It'd be good for us if she is. I can't believe you didn't leave her there after what happened!" Damien said.I heard Daniel growl before he let out a breath. "Damien..."I stayed in the same awkward position for a while before letting them know that I was awake. I sat up from the tiny wooden bed, rubbed my aching forehead, and looked around the room.I woke up to find myself in a new environment. This place wasn't the same as the hut; it was airier and had curtains draped over the window."Where am I?" I muttered to myself, scrutinising the intricate design details on the wall.As I gazed around the room, my attention was drawn to the large curtain as it rustled. The room h
WINTER POVA week passed, and I found myself at the Moonstone Pack, attending to the sick. Jude's cough brought me back to reality, and I made my way towards him, syringe in hand."That looks like it'll hurt," he groaned, turning down his lips in disgust before furrowing his brows. "Why did I get sick?""It will hurt," I affirmed with a nod."You don't expect it to tickle, do you?" Slade leaned on the doorpost. I ordered him not to step further into the room. The sickness had gotten severe, and I couldn't risk anyone else getting infected.Leaving the Royal Moon Pack had been a difficult decision, but it was the right one. Most of the Phis were affected by the illness and were practically useless. I was the only one who could help.However, I had been unable to tap into my powers fully. Even though I knew that a week of training wasn't enough, I had hoped to return with something valuable. But that hadn't been the case.As for my foster parents, I had been unsuccessful in uncovering t
WINTER POVAs he spoke, I felt a flush rise up my neck and spread across my cheeks. His smouldering gaze didn't help matters either.Slade pulled me to my feet, taking his time to help me out of my dress, and every touch felt like sweet agony. I wanted to push him away, tear off our clothes, and demand that he take me hard and fast. But I held back, waiting patiently for him."You're perfect, Winter. I can't believe the goddess blessed me with you," Slade murmured.I looked up at him, waiting for him to make a move. "Believe it. Do you intend to fuck me, or will you talk me to death?"Slade chuckled. "I'll, my darling."He moved towards me, gripping my hand and spinning me around so that my back slammed into his chest. He cupped my breasts, nibbling on my ear before leading me towards the bed. With a rough shove, he sent me tumbling onto the sheets."On your knees," he rasped.I did as he said, not minding that my naked ass was exposed to him. I should have been shy, but I wasn't.Sla
WINTER'S POVI woke up with an all-over ache.Memories of the previous night flooded my mind as I opened my eyes.I sat up quickly, brushing my hand through my messy hair, and my eyes strayed to my clothes scattered on the floor to confirm that it had all actually happened.I gasped softly as the blood between my thighs and the soreness of my backside and neck confirmed that it had."Oh god, Winter." I stumbled out of bed, wincing with every step as I made my way to the vanity to assess the damage.Had I slept with Slade in his wolf form? Shit, I had!"He's your mate; I guess it shouldn't be a problem," Flora said."Flora!" I exclaimed."Stop glaring at me, girl!" She replied.I scowled at myself in the mirror as my blue eyes twinkled. "How do you know I'm glaring? Besides, where the hell was you when I needed you last night? You abandoned me, and that's not fair!""I know you, Winter. I feel everything you feel," Flora replied. "Besides, why would you want to speak to me when you wer
SLADE POVPerhaps I should have told Winter what I intended to do - attack the hunters who had taken Britney and Alex captive. But I knew Winter would object to it. She would be ready to bite my head off, reminding me of my promises.I breathed out and stared at my hands, thinking about last night. The memory of the tingling sensation and the sound of my bones breaking still lingered in my mind. And seeing Winter in another light left me feeling conflicted.She had appeared divinely, and I was tempted to think she was the goddess. Her scent and her enthralling appearance had almost driven me over the edge. Again, I could have done awful if I had not taken control.I cursed as everything played back in my mind. Clasping my head, I took a deep breath. I had obtained my powers, yet I was scared shitless. I didn't know where to start, and the familiar feeling of pain and death hung around me like a heavy cloud.Clenching the pen tightly, I scowled as the door opened.Jude stumbled in and
SLADE POVEverything spiralled out of control so fast. One minute I was communicating with Larry, and the next, a wail filtered through the air. I jumped to my feet and darted towards the open window, gaping."Shit!" I grunted. "I think the hunters are here, Larry!"Almost immediately, the door to my room flung open, and Winter stumbled in, followed by Declan, Jed, and Lowry."S-Slade....!" Winter gasped, stuttering. I rushed to her side and caught her before she fell. Furrowing my brows, I asked, "What's wrong?" My heart pounded as I gripped her warm yet trembling hands."They're..." she began, but instead of more words, she coughed up blood."Winter!" I shook her, scowling at the others in the room. "What the hell is going on? Why won't anyone tell me anything?! Who the fuck did this to her?"Declan, Jed, and Lowry's eyes gleamed a fiery amber, and they snarled, "You promised, Alpha. Do what you should do, or the lady suffers!""What do you mean?!" I barked. "Is this some sick joke?
WINTER'S POVJoy erupted inside me as I glanced at Slade and Damien-who were now lifeless. For a brief moment, I had thought Slade would be the one in Damien's shoes. I had felt Damien would overpower Slade, considering his immense power, but I was glad it had turned out differently.Gloria screeched, "I'll never forgive you for taking my son from me!""You brought this upon yourself," I said. "You should surrender now that it seems you can't win!""No!" Gloria screamed, almost bursting my eardrums. "I'll never surrender. His death needs to be avenged!" Dark energy enveloped her, emanating an aura of animosity.Gloria's voice thundered through the forest, carrying a raw fury fueled by the essence of darkness. An ominous aura consumed her body; the air crackled with nervous energy.I watched in both awe and apprehension as Gloria underwent a grotesque transformation. Her eyes turned pitch black, and her once-elegant features contorted into a twisted visage of rage. Shadows danced aroun
Slade's POVI shifted uneasily, knowing I shouldn't be in this form. I couldn't help it, though. I didn't want to be the defenceless alpha who always relied on his Luna for help. Even though I had always fought my battles, I felt like most people saw me as weak, barely capable of doing anything.I locked eyes with Damien, and we exchanged growls. But deep down, I almost regretted it. My heart pounded, wildly beating against my rib cage. Being in wolf form made everything even more challenging for me.I turned my gaze towards Winter. Despite being held by Gloria, it seemed like she could free herself from the situation. She looked furious, and I knew most of that anger was directed at me, while the rest was aimed at her ex and his mother."You need to shift back," Winter snarled, her frustration evident. "She said you'll die!"Gloria only laughed in response. I wished I could wipe the grin off her face and make her pay for everything. Pay for killing Britney, especially, and taking my
WINTER POVI had always known that many things could go wrong in one night, but I never imagined it would be this same night. First, the forest became infested with reptiles, making the hunt scarier than I had anticipated. Despite thinking we could manage the situation, the hunters appeared, Slade, got bitten, and now Gloria and Damien had arrived.I never thought I would find myself in a situation like this, struggling in the death grip of the woman who was once my mother-in-law. The last time I saw her, after Slade's victory, she even tried to console my mother. I believed she had our best interests at heart. But learning that she had impersonated people to reach and kill me turned my stomach.I used to admire her and thought she was the perfect Luna, but the crazed look in her eyes just moments ago shattered that illusion. Gasping for breath, I felt her yank harder on my hair. I desperately tried to grip her hand and release her hold, but it only tightened."Fucking shift and kill
SLADE'S POV"What the hell?!" I yelled, glaring at the slime as he kissed Winter.Struggling to stand on my feet; the poison from the snake was making it increasingly difficult. I blinked back the haziness in my eyes, gritted my teeth, and summoned all the strength to confront him."Get your fucking hands and mouth off, my mate!" I bellowed.Winter gasped, her eyes shifting to mine as I hunched over. She approached me and reached out a hand to touch my back, but I shrugged her off."I'm fine," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Why the hell did you let him kiss you like that?!""I let him?" She asked, brows furrowing. As I nodded, she exclaimed, "You saw he forcefully kissed me! I never asked to be kissed, but he did it against my will. So, don't blame me for not reacting quickly—I was taken by surprise!"Of course, I wasn't blaming her, and I wasn't angry with her. I assumed she should have pushed him away at the first opportunity, but maybe I wasn't thinking straight.Winter hissed and att
WINTER'S POVDespite all that I said, Slade didn't budge. He stumbled away from me, running his hands through his hair. "I'm fine, Winter. Just watch where you're standing. We need to deal with this before we leave."I rolled my eyes and clenched my teeth, my gaze drifting up to the full moon. "The poison will spread faster when you shift, and you'll shift sooner than you think."Slade glanced at me and shook his head. "I'm not like the other werewolves, remember? I'm partly a lycan, so I can control my shifting to some extent until the hunt is over."I let out a frustrated breath. No matter what I said or would say, he remained stubborn. I supposed I needed to stay close to him to prevent impulsive actions. Just then, Jude burst into the clearing, growling, and lunged at the hunter's leader next to me before I could stop him.He landed several punches on the leader's face, only stopping to catch his breath."Jude!" I shouted, scanning the other hunters who seemed poised to attack him
WINTER POVI turned to Slade with wide eyes, and he mirrored my expression, staring back at me."What are you all, then?" I blurted out. "Are you not the ones after the pack's MoonStone? I mean, the group of Lycans who fought with the previous Alpha and led him to sacrifice himself?"He nodded grimly. "And we had our reasons for coming after the MoonStone gem." He added, "But we are not the same as those. We belong to a different faction, known as the Bwegbonyu speakers and night hunters. Lastly, we weren't the ones who originally attacked the previous alpha.""This isn't making any sense," Slade voiced my confusion, and I nodded to indicate my agreement."I think we need to explain further. But first, you must understand that we are not the Vordrak Lycans. They pose a threat to everyone in the werewolf world, as well as humans. They are incredibly powerful, second only to gods and goddesses," he explained."Vordrak Lycans?" I murmured, wracking my brain to recall where I might have h
WINTER'S POVI couldn't determine how long I had been peering over Slade's shoulder, but time seemed to crawl, and everything moved slowly. The hunters approached us with eerie smiles plastered across their faces as if they had cornered us exactly where they wanted us. I bit down on my lip, suppressing a groan, while Slade shielded me and prevented me from moving forward."Stay back," he murmured. "They appear formidable."Of course, I was aware of that! I wished I could scream it at him. I wanted to shout that these hunters before us were not the same ones we had encountered on previous occasions. They were doubly stronger, emitting a completely distinct scent, not to mention the crazed expression etched onto their faces."What should we do?" I asked, my fingers twitching and my palms growing clammy. I tightly gripped the hilt of my dagger, clenching my teeth as I contemplated the potential attacks I could launch, all of which could still go awry."We fight," Slade said slowly.Noddi
Winter's POV:We ran tirelessly through the seemingly endless forest, leaping over fallen logs and avoiding reptiles lurking beneath our feet. Although I couldn't see them clearly in the darkness, I could feel their presence as my combat boots brushed against their scaly skin, and their hisses filled the night air. The moonlight cast flickering shadows, making it difficult to discern between reality and imagination. Holding Slade's hand tightly, I relied on his guidance to navigate the treacherous terrain.My heart thumped in my chest, a constant reminder of the imminent danger surrounding us. Adrenaline surged through my veins, urging me to keep pushing forward. Each step I took was a battle against fear and instinct, tempting me to succumb to panic. But I couldn't afford to falter. Not now.As we reached the heart of the woods, Slade abruptly halted, pulling me back as I raced past him. I gasped for breath, my chest heaving, and approached a birch tree, but Slade's firm grip prevent
WINTER'S POVTWO DAYS LATERThe moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the surrounding forest. The anticipation among the Moonstone pack members present was palpable; their breaths came out in shallow huffs as they crouched low to the ground.It was hunting season, and today marked the Moonfest, as it was often called in the Moonstone pack. It was the Hunters Moon festival, and it was a time which happened every October after the harvest moon disappearance. The hunter's moon was the first full moon to have appeared this month, and the festival was a thrilling and transformative nighttime event that showcased the werewolves' connection to the moon and their hunting prowess. I didn't know how it was done in other packs, but Traditionally, only the Deltas and Etas, the warriors of our pack, were allowed to participate. However, Slade's arrival changed everything.Today, we were embarking on something different. Instead of limiting participation to the Deltas and Eta