CHAPTER 112: A Stupid Trail Third person’s POV:The moonlight was dim, as it barely shone through the canopy of forest trees, leaving the entire forest dark. The air was thick with the hum of crickets, their chorus punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind whispered through the trees. And from this dense darkness, a figure emerged—a shadow among shadows. Dressed and coated completely in black, she blended perfectly and effortlessly into the Moonless night. With each deliberate and silent step she took, she got ever so closely towards the mortician’s lab, the heart of the pack’s hidden investigations, where secrets and unsolved cases lay buried, waiting to be uncovered. Her hearing was sharp as she pretended not to notice the sound of shuffling footsteps behind her, proving that she was being followed. Mr. Puckett staggered as he walked. He had just left the bar, his pockets light with a loss far beyond his worth but he didn’t care, for the money wasn’t his, but the
CHAPTER 113: The Disapproval To Solhaven Maverick’s POV:The morning air carried a heavy silence, thicker than the frost clinging to the large windows of the throne room. Everyone had dressed impeccably for the meeting, their attire a statement of preparedness. We had taken a short breakfast, though no one had truly enjoyed the meal as it seemed to be tension-filled, the kind that seeped into the skin and settled in the bones.My gaze swept across the large expense of the room, taking in every detail, every subtle shift of emotion. Natalie was beside me, her usual composure nowhere to be found. She bit her lips ever so often, her fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve, the fabric fraying slightly under her restless grip. Her foot tapped an irregular beat against the marble floor, the sound barely audible but noticeable enough to me. She was nervous—more so than the previous night I saw her by her window after I was done speaking to Pyra. I shook my head, trying to hide the exciteme
CHAPTER 114: Jest Of The PastMaverick’s POV:The murmurs continued to spread amongst the Ministers, the intense glare from Beta Thane of FireHeart pack, bearing on me but I kept my head high. It was the necessary risk that had to be taken or else the realm of Lunaria as we know it, might never be the same again. “It’s dangerous to associate with humans.”“They were the reason for the blood war that occurred decades ago.”“How dare he associate with those vile creatures.”“We’re strong and united, we need not the help of those power-hungry humans.” The voices grew louder, a cacophony of accusations and discontent rippling through the room like an impending storm. The Ministers of FireHeart Pack weren’t holding back, their disdain for the human world evident in each and every word they uttered. “They’ve always sought to exploit us, to turn our gifts into their tools of war!” One minister barked.“And now, an Alpha brings their veil influence back to our realm? Have we learned nothin
CHAPTER 115: The Crimsons’ Incoming Pyra’s POV: How dare he? He had no right to point that out!That was so low of him.The air in the throne room was thick with tension, Maverick’s defiance still ringing in my ears over and over again. I had tried to ignore it, but his words cut deep, not because of their content, but because of their audacity. He was still the same as before, daring and authoritative even in my pack. The ministers sat frozen in their places, glancing nervously between me and him. Even Beta Thane, the always and perfectly composed man, one who rarely faltered, seemed unsure of what to do next. I glared at Maverick, his strong posture unyielding as he stood before me. I should be used to this, for I grew up under him in the pack but now, standing in MY court, in MY territory, challenging MY authority before my pack? It was a line he should have known better than to cross.My glare intensified but as I watched him, there was no smirk, no signals to indicate he was
CHAPTER 116: The Puckett's Confession Luna Elodie’s POV:As I descended into the dungeon, enveloped by the scent of damp stone, and iron as it hung in the air, the sound of my light footsteps echoed mixed with the fear and sound of anguish that bounced off the wall. The torches lining the narrow staircase flickered weakly, casting eerie shadows on the walls. This was it. This was to my satisfaction. A time to finish up what I didn't start.The hidden chamber of judgment where sins were being punished especially now that I couldn’t be stopped by Maverick. I do appreciate his care for the pack members, but sometimes, to handle your pack well, one has to have an iron fist. Not everyone deserves kindness nowadays. I smiled, as things were finally looking a little good. There has been no information on the wolves that attacked the pack yet, but at least she was alive: Maverick’s mate. A painful scream from within the dungeon shattered my trail of thoughts. „Uhh, couldn’t a man hand
CHAPTER 117: Brewing Third person’s POV:The realm of Lunaria was filled with an uncharacteristic solemnity, the lands once bathed in the joyous sound of its people, now a shadow of their former self. And within Lunaria, the FireHeart pack stood at a standstill, as every pack member waited with bated breath. Every shadow that danced across the great expanse of the woods, every whisper of the wind that swept through the pack’s grounds, carried the same singular message: Something monumental was happening; the birth of the next descendants of the Crimson bloods. This was history in the making, for the FireHeart pack has waited for decades upon decades for a new crimson to be born and now, it’s finally occurring. This was no ordinary birth—it was a legacy being born. For centuries, the bloodline of the FireHeart Pack carried within it a unique and ancient power, one said to be blessed directly by the Moon Goddess herself. Each child born of this line bore the potential to inherit th
CHAPTER 118: Nobility, Light And Strength Luna Verona’s POV: The sterile scent of antiseptic burnt my nose as the waiting area felt suffocating, the walls pressing in with every agonizing second that passed. I paced the large space, my heels clicking against the cold, tiled floor. I was too restless to sit still and wait. My hands trembled, clenched into fists at my sides as numerous thoughts went through my head. What if there was a complication? What if I lose my daughter when I only just found her? What if I lose my grandchildren if the cesarean section fails? What if I lose them both? What if fate dared to take them away from me before I could hold them all in my hands? No, I shook my head, dispelling such vile thoughts from my mind. I needed to think positively. My legs carried me back and forth, the rhythm doing nothing to soothe the storm inside me as my chest tightened, each breath more shallow than before. How long would they take? It’s been fucking several hou
CHAPTER 119: Slipped Away Maverick’s POV:“Sometimes I don’t just understand you, Maverick. You just act like… like, urgh,” Natalie groaned in annoyance, gripping her hair like she was about to pull it out. I crossed my arms, leaning against the soft chair prepared in one of the hospital’s waiting areas, far from the private area where Luna Verona and other pack members waited. Natalie's words trailed off into an irritated groan. Her hands flailed in the air, a gesture she always made when she was too frustrated to form coherent thoughts. I remained silent, my expression blank for she was the least of my worries now. “See!” She snapped, pointing a finger at me like I was some unruly child. “This is what I mean but you say I am a damn talkative. You just stand there! No reaction. No movement. Nothing! It’s like talking to a damn wall, Maverick!”I sighed, my mind trailing back to the event of today as Rhella was rushed to the hospital. I chuckled, it was funny how I had started call
CHAPTER 133: A Breakfast TalkPyra’s POV:The sun’s rays seeped through the gaps in the heavy curtains of the large window, casting golden streaks across the concrete floor of the FireHeart pack. The faint warmth kissed my skin, pulling me out of my thoughts as I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the bright light of the hallway. Today was going to be a long day, and specifically a long breakfast. Everyone was invited to dine with me at the dining table. I should have dreaded and demanded that I had my food delivered to my room, but for some unknown reason, I looked forward to this. I must have been so lost in thought that I didn’t notice someone greeting me. “Greetings, my Queen.”I turned in shock to see Maverick standing there in the hallway, his clear eyes staring intently at me. He was just one of the subjects of my thoughts; why do I have to pass by him of all people? “Greetings.” I acknowledged and continued walking, keeping my focus ahead, but I heard the unmistakable sound of h
CHAPTER 132: The Night Messenger Luna Elodie’s POV:As Maverick hung up, a sly smirk appeared on my lips and I crossed my legs, resting comfortably on the couch. “Seems like I won this game,” I chuckled, the sound low and filled with satisfaction. The tension from earlier still lingered in the room like a thick fog, but now it worked in my favour. My fingers brushed over the armrest as I replayed every word he said.Natalie is gone, beautiful. Those words echoed in my mind, sharp and clear, causing the smirk on my lips to widen. I stood up, letting the luxurious silk of my gown slide against my skin, and I crossed the room to the wardrobe, retrieving my long black cloak. The elegant fabric hung on my figure, providing the aura of mystery that I needed for a simple conversation I was about to have that night. After I was done, the cold stones of the floor beneath my bare feet grounded me as I moved to the door and towards the dungeon. I walked without a care in the world. I no lo
CHAPTER 131: Karma Is A Bitch Third person’s POV:As Maverick left the living room, Steven StoneClaw angrily watched him leave. Pyra demanded everyone to go back to rest as the tension in the room grew unbearable. Her voice, sharp yet calm, carried an air of authority that even Steven couldn’t ignore. “We have much to discuss, but not tonight. Go rest. Now.”As Pyra stood in the living room of the Packhouse, she watched Maverick from a distance before turning her gaze to Steven, who walked to his assigned room; a crazy thought went through her head. “Are these men trying to fight for my validation?” Strangely, the very thought of that thrilled her as a small smirk appeared at the corners of her lips. If anything, she knew she was going to enjoy making Maverick so jealous that he would lose it. Steven coming at this time seems more like a blessing, Pyra thought, her gaze still focused on the retreating men, planning on how to use them both. “And what are you smiling at?”Pyra’s th
CHAPTER 130: The Show Of Dominance Pyra’s POV:I stood in the middle of the pack house door, unable to tell my people to calm down. The alarm’s deafening wail echoed through the air, waking everyone as they walked around confused about what the alarm was for. My heart raced just as fast as theirs, and they looked at me—their Alpha—for reassurance, but no words left my mouth.I tried to speak, to shout over the chaos, to tell them that the alarm was now a drill as everything was being taken care of, but it was as if my throat had sealed itself shut. It was like I was back to my old self, unable to utter a single word for fear of being punished. I clenched my fist at my side, gritting my teeth as I forced myself to remain calm; Calm down, calm down, let the pain of the past be in the past, and let thy future commence! I thought to myself, but it wasn’t working. “What is happening?”“Are we being attacked?”“Oh, my Goddess. It’s by those weird wolves that have been taking down packs.
CHAPTER 129: Deep In The WaterMaverick’s POV: I was still staring at the ajar door as my phone rang. I picked up on the first ring, placing the phone to my ear. “Natalie is gone. She has escaped.”She chuckled, and I could feel her smile from where I stood. “Finally. Her facade has broken. Find Natalie, son. Chain her up and bring her back to Fangborn to await her trial, one I would personally pick for her.”I nodded, walking into the room as my eyes scanned the entire space. Natalie left most of her things; she must have been in so much of a hurry as not to pack. “Okay, mother.”“You see why I told you to always listen to me! I have more experience than you could fathom; I’ve seen things you can only imagine. Maybe this will—““Mother, this is not the time to lecture me,” I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended. “Natalie’s gone, and we need to act fast before she gets too far. Save the ‘I told you so’ for later.” I felt hurt that the two people I trusted most could betray
CHAPTER 128: Natalie’s Apology Maverick’s POV:Back in my lodge, I sat on the couch in the living room, massaging my temples as the stress of the day began to weigh me down. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, the only sound in the otherwise silent room. Small shadows danced on the walls, but none of them brought me the comfort I so desperately sought.“I don’t know, Mother. I’ve had a stressful day, and all I need now is a good rest.” I yawned for the hundredth time this evening, weakly holding the phone to my ear. “Maverick, I wanted to tell you something of utmost importance, but hearing how tired you are, I think you should rest. How was the meeting of Alphas, though?”I sighed, breathing deeply. “It was… well, I think. Everything was perfect, and finally, they were listening to my words. That was until a strange visitor interrupted the meeting.”“Strange Visitor?”“Yes, mother. According to him, he is the son of the Alpha of the StoneClaw pack, and they were attacked by tho
CHAPTER 127: A Call From The Dungeon Third person’s POV:The open clearing emptied slowly, the heavy tension lingering in the air even as the Alphas and Ministers departed. Their murmured conversations echoed faintly, a mix of anxiety and unease woven into every word. As the soon to be Alpha of StoneClaw, Steven, passed by Alpha Duncan, there was an eye-to-eye exchange, a glint shining in their eyes as if they knew and acknowledged each other. With a trade of nods, Alpha Duncan turned away and left. Maverick, who stood at the center of the clearing, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes vigilant as they followed the exchange between Steven and Alpha Duncan. His eyes narrowed in skepticism as he continued to watch the Alpha of the ruin pack, StoneClaw.‘Why would there be an exchange between them when they have never met each other?’ Maverick questioned silently, his suspicion growing even greater. ‘There’s something amiss, and I intend to find it. Moreover, Steven looked too familiar,
CHAPTER 126: To Be The ShieldMAVERICK’s POV: The murmurs spread wide and far, growing louder with every second that ticked by. Their whispers filled the room, swirling around like a storm.“Who’s that?”“Was he attacked?”“I don’t recognize him; maybe a member of some pack!”“Maybe a member of the StoneClaw pack. I can’t seem to find any of their members here in this meeting!”The Alphas and ministers’ whispers grew louder, their unease palpable. I couldn’t help but stare at the lone figure standing in the center of the open space. He looked like he would collapse at any moment. The tension was suffocating, and the air seemed to grow heavier with every passing second. “Enough!” Pyra’s sharp voice sliced through the noise, silencing the crowd instantly. Her fiery eyes swept over the gathered crowd, daring anyone to speak out of turn. Her presence was magnetic, and for a moment, I could only watch as she took several steps forward, her expression unreadable. “This is no time for ba
CHAPTER 125: Steven StoneClaw Pyra’s POV: The sound of tires screeching and footsteps coming from miles away reached my ears. The Alphas and their ministers are arriving, their commanding presence already thickening the air of the arena. From the shadows of the private chamber overlooking the gathering, I glanced down at the tables and chairs arranged with military precision. One by one, they began to take their seats, their expressions a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and barely veiled arrogance. But my duties are first to my children. My arms cradled one of my triplets as Lior stirred against me, his tiny hands curling against my chest as I adjusted his position for better sucking. The soft tug of his latch grounded me, reminding me that I was now more than just an ordinary girl, nor even the Queen of Alphas; I was something more. I was a mother. Lior’s bright, crimson, curious eyes fluttered open briefly, and I brushed a kiss against his soft forehead. “Drink your fill, my b