Cherry “Darling, all my friends are here,” he said. “There are preternatural areas in Berlin, too,” I said brightly. “The Mitte District is the main one with many witches and warlocks trading there. And I’ve met a few shifters hanging out in the area too.” The area was where I’d gone to find the scent blocker for Fern. I knew my dad wouldn’t cope well adjusting to spending too much time in human society, so I wanted him to know that Berlin had a thriving preternatural community too. “I’ve still got my work here with the pack, love,” My dad continued. “And I don’t think another pack would hire an old codger like me,” he said. I kicked myself for not being considerate about how much it would mean relocating. My father had worked for the Starsmoon Pack his whole life. He was in his late fifties now, and I had to admit relocating cities for him meant starting over completely, with friends, home, and work. But the truth was I had to tell my dad about Fern because sitting around with bo
CherryMy gaze tracked over Dylan’s tall, muscular body. Dressed in black trousers and a dark blue shirt, he looked as gorgeous as I remembered. But my memories hadn’t prepared me fully for how arresting his rugged handsomeness was. I noticed his strong jaw and proud forehead were even more evident now that he wore his hair shorter.In danger of staring at him too long, I was pleased I had something I needed to do. My dad had reminded me about the pack custom I’d forgotten: giving a gift to the new Alpha. It was customary on first seeing the new Alpha of the pack to bestow something homemade on him. When I’d arrived at my dad’s house, I’d been flustered at the thought of having nothing homemade other than the dresses I’d packed. None of which were exactly appropriate for Dylan.But my dad had come to the rescue by giving me a bottle of his homemade wine. Something that was in the tote bag on the kitchen counter in front of me.I stepped towards Dylan and gifted him the bottle. “For th
CherryFinally, I said, “That’s you all done, Lucy.” I resolved that I’d happily bear any number of fittings with my high-maintenance celeb clients instead of fittings with Dylan’s mate.With the she-devil done, Lucy slipped her heels back on before ushering Dylan over to me.As she did so, she commented amusedly, “Lord, you two look so funny. You managed to reach me, Cherry, but I don’t know how you’re going to get Dylan’s measurements.”I knew she was making a dig about Dylan and me being an ill-fitting couple, but I simply commented, “Don’t worry, I know all the tricks of the trade. A client like Dylan requires specialist equipment.” Moving a dining chair from the edge of the room, I stood on it so that I could reach Dylan’s neck easily.I felt Lucy’s gaze lingering on me, but as I settled steadily into the rhythm of measuring Dylan’s shoulders, she grew bored. She retreated to the desk where her mate had sat before, and her attention fell to her phone screen.A smile threatened as
Cherry I snuck out the front door almost as soon as I returned downstairs. Only a quick goodbye to Heather and Chris detained me. Bert seemed to realize my need to get out of there and, thankfully, followed me out. When we climbed into his truck, he was mercifully quiet, too, not taxing me with talk. Just as well, given that my head was so full of Dylan’s words, I doubted I’d be able to form one coherent sentence. I kept seeing his furrowed brow as he confessed to me that he wasn’t happy. My breath had hitched in my chest to witness the familiar tension thrumming through his body at being cornered. My heart ached for him as he told me he’d agreed to this match with Lucy only out of a sense of duty. Part of me was infuriated at his disclosure, too because I had thought that by walking away and freeing him from a mate he hadn’t chosen, he’d have found happiness. Confusion whipped through me. But he hadn’t. He seemed even more at war with himself than when we had been together. When
Dylan Her suspicious look slowly faded away, and with a gentle smile, she said, “Mine too, Dylan, but… will your wolf behave himself if I take the last two measurements I need?” I huffed a laugh, wanting to reassure her more than I wanted to touch her. “I promise he’ll behave.” Stepping forward, she kneeled down in front of me, measuring the width of my thigh, then my knee. I’d fantasized about Cherry so much over the years, wondering what I’d say to her if I found myself with an opportunity like this one. But, excruciatingly, now that she was actually here, I was hopelessly tongue-tied. It didn’t help that my wolf that I’d just promised would behave, rumbled with approval at Cherry’s position, kneeling in front of me. The Alpha beast in me wanted to dominate the beautiful creature in front of me. The urge to push her down on the floor and take her in my arms was in danger of overshadowing my rational mind. The hunter within me seemed to creep up and down in
Cherry But the banquet hall had been cleared of its huge table, leaving rows and rows of seats, and an aisle between them, up to a stage. Behind the stage, the huge balcony, open to the blue sky, provided a beautiful backdrop. The different décor and the fact that lots of my old friends surrounded me with merry chatter distracted me from the past. Bert went up nearer the stage, taking a seat in the front row, but I chose to stay nearer the back of the room, determined to keep out of the limelight. At the rear of the room here, another balcony lay open. A welcome breeze dampened the heat caused by the large gathering and the mild day. When the old Alpha walked into the room and down the aisle, the pack stilled, and we all took our seats. Heather came next, the old Alpha and Luna, turning to look at us all from the stage. My heart tripped over itself as Dylan strode down the aisle next. In a tuxedo, he was devastatingly handsome, but I recognized the power and presence he exuded too
Dylan I felt my wolf seize control of me. Since being named Alpha, it has dominated me even more. And it knew what was best for me. And for the pack. On an instinctual level, it understood what we needed. Lucy might be the daughter of an Alpha, and her bloodline, the ability to produce a powerful heir, but she wasn’t my mate. The pack would only be truly strong if we followed the true will of Nuu-Chah. As Alpha, the Moon God’s guidance had cut through my uncertainty as surely as a full moon the darkness. I suddenly understood how vital it was that I sated my wolf and me. My pack and I would only be strong if I claimed the mate and Luna I’d always been destined to have. Cherry. My shoulders stiffened as I turned to my father. “My relationship with Lucy is unstable. We need to talk about the future Luna of the pack more, Father,” I declared, a new level of confidence coating my every word. I was the Alpha of Starsmoon. My father had to yield to my command now. My father’s face grew
Cherry My mind kept cycling over her words, trying to make sense of her rejection, but everything within me kept returning to her heated kiss and the humming satisfaction I sensed from her wolf. I couldn’t fathom what had just happened. Why had she rejected me again? My weary gaze fell upon the bar that had been set up out here on the balcony. Clearly, for celebratory drinks after my ascension ceremony, but it was a commiseration drink I needed now—a long one. I strode over to the table, picked up a bottle of red wine, and a sense of Deja-vu rippled over me. I thought of how familiar this chain of events seemed. Why did it feel as if my Luna was determined to destroy me when all I wanted to do was love her? With a bitter toast to my mate, I raised the bottle and swigged. As the wine soured on my tongue, my thoughts darkened. The first act my pack had witnessed me try to accomplish, to claim my mate, had failed. But then, Cherry’s sincere voice haunted me: “The fact that you’re putt
Fern's PerspectiveMy heart skipped a beat, and I immediately opened my eyes."...Fern..."His voice was faint, like the wind, yet it pierced my ears clearly. I jerked my head up to meet a pair of long-lost eyes.In an instant, my world collapsed.I threw myself into his arms, tears spilling uncontrollably, and finally let out a sob.—You're back."You're awake!" I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I nearly cried out, my tears already slipping down my cheeks.The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, a weak but warm smile forming. "Why... are you crying?""You were unconscious for so long... I thought..." I covered my mouth, unable to stop the sobs. All the strength drained from me in that moment, and I could no longer hold back. I jumped into his arms."I'm here..." he murmured weakly, gently stroking my back. "I'm back..."Giovanni's awakening shocked everyone. The pack received
Fern's PerspectiveHe's such a proud man. He's given so much to protect Daniel and me. He wouldn't just give up, would he?I forced myself to calm down, taking a deep breath before lifting my head with resolve."I want to see him."The hospital room was unnervingly quiet.He lay on the clean, white hospital bed, his face pale and bloodless. His chest rose and fell slowly, heavily. His once strong and powerful body was now covered in gauze and medical instruments, losing its former majesty.I slowly walked toward him, reached out, and gently held his hand. It was still warm, which reassured me, if only slightly."Can you hear me?" I murmured, my voice so soft it almost seemed to be swallowed by the wind.There was no response.I pressed my lips together, tears welling up in my eyes."You asked me to forgive you before, and I promised… so you can't just leave me like this." I choked out, my v
Fern's PerspectiveI rushed to catch up with Daniel in my arms, my heart pounding wildly, terrified beyond measure.He can't be okay… He can't be okay…The light in the hallway was dim and cold.Giovanni was wheeled into the emergency room, and the door slammed shut in front of me. I stood there, frozen, as if I had lost all strength."Mommy…" Daniel sobbed, tugging at my hand. Only then did I slowly snap back to reality, pulling him close and gently patting his back to soothe him. But my own body trembled slightly.Would he wake up?Would he open his eyes and look at me?I held Daniel tightly, my nails digging into my palms as I forced myself to stay calm. I can't break down. I can't let myself fall apart. But—"Fern," Tobias's voice rang out. He stood in the doorway of the emergency room, his gaze heavy with unspoken emotions."He…" My voice cracked. "He's going
Fern's PerspectiveHe should have been unconscious, but in that moment, he was like a demon returning from hell, furiously tearing through every enemy in his path. His body was still drenched in blood, with deep gashes on his back, exposing bone, yet he ignored the pain and ran toward me with single-minded determination.My heart raced in my chest, and once again, tears slipped down my face."Fern—!"He roared, throwing the last of the black-clad men aside and enveloping me in his arms. In that instant, it was as if I had truly come to life.But before we could catch our breath, Elena's laughter echoed in our ears."You really moved me, but…"She slowly raised the remote control in her hand, her eyes gleaming with twisted malice. "The game ends here."My pupils dilated in horror."Bomb countdown activated."Red lights blinked to life, and a sharp alarm blared from inside the warehouse
Fern's Perspective"Spare them..." His voice was low and raspy, as if the breath had been squeezed from deep within his throat—fragile yet firm.Elena laughed softly, her dagger at some point in her hand. The sharp tip of the blade gently slid down his cheek, leaving a fresh trail of blood on his already scarred skin. She leaned in close to him, whispering in his ear, "You really make me sick to my stomach, to have fallen this low. Didn't you always despise me? What now?"He didn't respond. He just opened his gray-blue eyes and gazed deeply into mine.My heart trembled.He was saying goodbye."No!" I struggled desperately, attempting in vain to rush toward him. But the man in black behind me held me down in an unrelenting grip, a cold gun barrel pressed against my back.Elena stood and turned to the henchman beside her, her tone chillingly calm. "Show him what humiliation truly means."Before I could reac
Fern's PerspectiveThe pungent stench of blood filled the entire warehouse, mixing with the rusty scent in the damp air, creating a nauseating atmosphere. My hands were bound behind my back, my knees sunk deep into the cold concrete floor, and my body had grown numb from the prolonged position. But the pain in my heart was unbearable, as if it were being scorched by an unrelenting fire, so intense that it stole my breath.Elena stood nearby, her heels echoing sharply on the ground like the bells of a death knell. She smiled, her narrow eyes glinting with the playful satisfaction of a victor, while several black-clad bodyguards behind her held Daniel down in a deadly grip. His mouth was gagged, and his eyes were wide with terror.But my gaze was fixed on the man before me—him, my MATE, my Alpha, the man I thought I'd never forgive in my life. Yet here he was, kneeling before Elena.I had never seen him so disheveled.His black
Fern's PerspectiveHowever, at that very moment, a loud bang shattered my thoughts—"BANG!" The warehouse door was viciously kicked open, sending dust flying and filling the air with a pungent, decaying smell. I instinctively opened my eyes, only to see a tall figure step through the doorway, standing frozen in the intersection of light and shadow, as if emerging from hell, radiating an unmissable aura.That figure was all too familiar to me—it was Giovanni.My heart skipped a beat, overwhelmed with a mix of surprise and pain. I hadn't expected Giovanni to be here, and even though I had long accepted that there was no going back to the past between us, seeing him in front of me still made my heart race and left me momentarily breathless.Elena clearly hadn't anticipated this turn of events either. My face immediately darkened, my gaze fixed on Giovanni like a viper's, and I drew a pitch-black pistol, aiming it menacingly at my
Fern's PerspectiveNight had fallen, and the air felt heavy with humidity, making it suffocating and uncomfortable. My heart raced faster than usual, and every step I took felt like it weighed a ton. My grip on the car keys tightened, and my eyes locked on the deserted warehouse ahead. I knew instinctively that nothing was going to be easy tonight, but there was no turning back. I didn't even let myself consider it.I tightened the collar of my jacket and took a deep breath, feeling a wave of suffocating pressure. Daniel's silhouette kept haunting my thoughts—the one closest to my bloodline, the one child who still didn't know who he truly was. I instinctively knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I couldn't allow Daniel to be harmed.The doors to the warehouse were closed, and a disconcerting silence hung in the air. I knew Elena had anticipated my arrival. As I approached the door, I gazed at the faded iron gate, hearing the bea
Fern's PerspectiveThere was a strange tension in the air when I got home. The moment I opened the door, a gust of icy wind hit my face. The house seemed unnaturally quiet, and the air felt thick and heavy. I couldn't shake the growing sense of unease rising in my chest.The place was a mess. Papers were scattered across the table, a few books had been knocked off the bookshelf, and shoes and clothes were strewn across the floor, suggesting that something had happened here. My heart sank as I quickly scanned the room, my eyes darting to every corner of the living room, searching for the one person I was most familiar with—my son, Daniel."Daniel?" I called out, my voice sounding weak as it echoed through the empty house, but there was no answer. My heart began to race, and my brow furrowed as I hurried through each room, checking every detail. The kitchen, the bedrooms, the bathrooms—everywhere was empty. There was no sign of Daniel.