Ruby POVThe wasteland stretched endlessly before us, a barren expanse of cracked earth and jagged rocks, where the sky bled in perpetual twilight, neither fully day nor night. The air was thick with dust, swirling in lazy spirals as the wind whispered through the skeletal remains of trees that had long forgotten what it was to bloom. This land mirrored the emptiness inside me, both twisted by a past that could never be undone.But as we walked, something strange began to happen. The ground beneath our feet, once dry and lifeless, began to soften. Patches of thick, dark grass pushed through the cracks like stubborn survivors. Delicate white flowers dotted the landscape, their petals unfurling to greet the rare shafts of light that pierced the gloom. It felt like stepping into a forgotten dream, a memory of a world that had once known life."It's the gold," Sebastian murmured. "It's bringing this place back to life."I looked around, and despite the weight of despair clinging to me, I
Gabe POVMy dream was vivid, more real than anything I had ever experienced. I stood in the middle of a forest, but it wasn't the wasteland I knew. This place was untouched by the dark war, alive with lush greenery, the air thick with the scent of pine and fresh earth. Light filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow that felt almost too perfect, too serene. Then I saw her, Ruby, but not the Ruby I knew. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, swaying gently with each step she took. Her eyes were wide, innocent, and filled with a softness that made my chest ache. There was no hardness in her gaze, none of the pain or fear that had come to define the woman I loved. This version of Ruby was untainted, untouched by the horrors we had faced."Ruby?" I called out, my voice sounding small against the vastness of the forest. She turned to me, her lips curving into a soft smile, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe."Gabe," she whispered, her voice light, almost musical. She took a
Gabe POVI rolled off the flimsy bed, my body aching as if the weight of the entire world had pressed down on me. My vision was blurry, and I couldn't tell how much time had passed. The need to find Ruby gnawed at me, an instinct, a compulsion. I had to make sure she was safe. But deep down, I knew. Ruby would always be safest when far away from me.She was always slipping from my grasp, like smoke in the wind, no matter how hard I tried to hold on. And this time, I needed to let her go.I stumbled into the small bathroom, gripping the edges of the sink to keep myself upright. The cracked mirror reflected a man I barely recognized. Splashing cold water on my face, I tried to shake the lingering haze from the dream. Her image, that version of Ruby, her long black hair, those innocent eyes, still haunted me. There was something so perfect about her, something I wanted to know, understand... possess.Ragnar, my wolf, stirred inside me, his voice dripping with resentment. "You let her go,
Sebastian POV"Gabe..." Ruby's voice cracked in a fragile whisper, her body trembling in my arms, drenched in sweat. She clung to that name like a lifeline, a ghost haunting us both."Shhh, Ruby," I murmured, pressing my lips to her forehead. "He's alive. You'll be free of his influence soon, I swear. Take my strength, baby. Please, take everything you need." My voice cracked again, betraying the silent tears I was holding back. My hand stroked her back, a desperate attempt to soothe her. I forced my will into her, willing her to heal, though deep down, I wasn't sure if it was enough.For days, she twisted in bed, the torment of her broken bond with Gabe eating away at her. I watched helplessly as her body fought a battle I couldn't win for her. Her soul was unraveling, torn between the mate she needed and the one who held her now. A truth I'd long tried to ignore but couldn't shake: she needed Gabe, not me. That truth burned.'Mark her, you fool!' Kane's voice roared inside me, a be
Sebastian POVI trudge up the stairs, grocery in hand and a weight of despair hung heavy over my shoulders. Everything I've done this last week did nothing to help Ruby or this town. 'Claim her!' Kane whispered repeatedly in my soul. I growled, the dark anger inside me echoing through the corridor. I should claim her! She is mine, always has been! I closed my eyes as I walked up the last few steps. The power inside me swirling, banging at my chest, persisting I release it all. I had to check on Ruby then let Kane go for a run. He was too restless inside me, a burn that itched to be free. I was afraid to give him too much control but locking him away was doing more harm than good. I almost slept with Sylvia three times this past week too. She was constantly throwing herself at me, offering to help her Alpha anyway I needed. She didn't know the bond I had to Ruby though. I was an Alpha in love with someone else's mate. I wasn't an Alpha at all.Just as reached for the door knob somet
Ruby POVI had no idea how much time had passed; my mind moved in and out of consciousness, my body flaming with pain, then freezing in despair. Gabe's rejection was brutal, unwavering, and relentless inside me. I understood why many took their lives to relieve themselves of this constant torture.But I had Sebastian, the one constant good in my life. He held me often, whispered sweet nothings in my ear, poured his Alpha aura into me. My body needed him, my soul begging for the medicine he offered. When I woke, alone and achy, I missed his touch as much as Gabe's. I tried bathing in ice, but it did little to relieve the pressure inside me. I needed a reprieve, and there was only one who could offer it.I don't know what came over me, but the second I caught Sebastian's scent, he was all I could think of. His body to mine, his seed inside me; I needed him as mine. I knew it was wrong, manipulative, and cruel, but I had to use him. I had to have him before my body completely shut down.
Gabe POVLeaving the ruins of my homeland, I felt an odd sense of ease. The betrayal, the ashes of everything I once knew, it was all behind me now. My mother's dark plans were crumbling, and with the bag of gold crystal dust strapped to my back, I had the means to end this once and for all. It wasn't a flawless plan, but it didn't have to be. I'd make it work.I accepted that I'd probably never be with Ruby again. She was lost to me. I knew that. Our bond severed the moment I let her go. But that didn't mean I'd give up on saving her. I couldn't.The wasteland stretched before me like a graveyard. The earth cracked, dying patches of green fighting to survive. My pack trailed behind, moving like shadows. Lost. Silent. Finally, I stopped and turned. "Why are you still following me?"One of them, his face as empty as the land, answered, "To protect our Alpha. We're at your service."My service, I thought bitterly. As if I wasn't unraveling myself, bit by bit."Did Hailey order you to f
Sebastian POV"Are you sure about this?" My voice was tight, holding onto Ruby's hand like it was the last solid thing in a world full of chaos. She lay strapped to a long wooden table, her body tense but her gaze steady."Yes, Sebastian. I have to try. It's not just about having both eyes again, although that should be enough. There's magic in it, magic Katherine wanted. I need it back as part of me." Her one visible eye glistened with unshed tears, the red cloth still wound tightly around the other.I shook my head, the anxiety gnawing at me. "We need to get home, Ruby. We need to be at full strength. For all we know, this fog could've spread to the South, past the wall my parents thought would keep us safe.""And we will. If I get too weak, your magical dick will revive me." She winked with her one eye, smirking, but the crude joke barely registered through the knot of dread in my chest.That night. The night we finally became "one" in this timeline... it didn't feel like the momen
Ruby POVThe moment their canines left my neck, everything inside me snapped into place. The bond, the one I had waited for my whole life, finally completed itself, like a string pulled taut and then gently released, humming with energy. It was more than just a connection; it was a merging of souls. I felt Gabe and Sebastian inside me, their love, their power, and their wolves. It was so wild and untamed, settling deep into my spirit like missing pieces.Then I felt Scarlet. She surged through me, fierce and powerful, filling every inch of my body. I hadn't felt her like this in so long. I gasped, feeling her strength, her desire to protect, her joy at being whole again."Scarlet?" I called out, feeling her presence entwined with mine."I'm here, Ruby. We're one again, truly one." Her strong and comforting voice echoed inside my mind. There was no more fear or separation, only us, two halves of the same soul reunited. But there's something more, something pushing against us. Do you fe
Sebastian POV"We will always be together, Ruby." I kissed her slowly, Gabe's hands running up and down my back and then I felt his tongue between ours and smiled. "Always." Gabe whispered, kissing her along side me, our tongues all mingling as we shared her together, taking turns with her lips."You two are so overwhelming, and I love it. I love you." Ruby barely got the words out as we sat all tangled together. "It's time." She whined, turning her body on top of me. Her back rested to my chest, and her hands separate her cheeks so my tip teased the brim of her ass. I needed to feel her, every day, I needed to be inside her. "Goddess, you know how to handle two mates perfectly, little girl." I kissed her neck, my hand holding my cock as she slowly sank down, jolting and moaning as I stretched her walls more and more."Beautiful, little wolf." Gabe pinched her chin, kissing her as my lips peppered her neck. "Take me at the same time, please, Alpha." She begged Gabe. We both let out
Gabe POVI ran through the woods, chasing my wife's scent, the moon high in the sky guiding me toward her. I knew exactly where she was heading. It was almost time, but first, a little fun.I shifted into Ragnar, letting my wolf take over, his paws pounding the earth as we hunted. It had been three days since I last touched her, and apart from the quickie Sebastian and I just had, I haven't felt a release in too long. I was saving everything for tonight, and the anticipation was driving me wild.Ragnar halted as we reached the hill overlooking the lake. Ruby stood there, barefoot in a small white dress, her head slightly turned, already sensing me. She giggled, sliding one strap off her shoulder, teasing me as she undressed.I heard footsteps and growls approaching, Sebastian was closing in. Ragnar lifted his head to the moon, praying and cursing Lupa to make this night something other than the nightmare we feared. As I howled into the sky, I made a silent vow: if they took my mate fr
Sebastian POVAfter our wedding, everyone gathered in the center of town for a grand celebration, honoring not only our union but also Ruby's birthday. Each street was decorated with a different theme: one for the wedding, another for a baby shower, one for Ruby's birthday, and finally, a street celebrating the world's next Alphas and Luna.I wasn't sure if my mom had planned it all to get the celebrations out of the way, fearing Ruby might not survive the night. Or if maybe she was worried about herself. Over the past week, my mom had aged drastically, her hair had turned grey, and her skin had become fragile. Losing Athena had taken a heavy toll on her body, and I could see the fear in my fathers' eyes that they might lose her sooner than expected."She'll be here for a long time. Have faith," Ruby's soft voice came from behind me as she wrapped her arms around my waist."Yeah, I'm trying." I turned and pulled her into my arms, leaning down to steal a kiss. She had lost her heels an
Ruby POVI did it! Somehow, I had everything I ever wanted. I looked over at my family; my mom, held by my dad as she cried, my two sisters, with whom I was just beginning to form a real relationship, and Sheila, who somehow felt more like a twin to me. Her mate had finally returned, after walking through war and hell to find her, and now, he held her tightly in his arms. We shared a brief glance, a silent understanding that the one thing we all needed was love. Whether it came from a lover, a friend, or family, it didn't matter. We just needed to feel connected, to belong. And now, we had that."We will always do right by you, Ruby," Sebastian vowed, drawing my focus back to where I stood with my two mates. We had an entire world ahead of us, but right here, in this moment, they were all I needed."We will always protect and defend our Luna," Gabe added, his voice strong and certain."We will love and cherish every moment you're by our side," Sebastian continued."And we will fulfill
Gabe POVI stood before the Southern Pack, with members of my own pack mixed in among the crowd below. My nerves were on edge as the weight of my new reality crashed down on me. I was about to become Alpha of them all. For so long, I thought my purpose was to break the world and rebuild it alongside my father, Dietus. But I had been wrong.I was meant to rebuild, yes, but not through destruction. My mother was gone. Lupa and Dietus were gone. The past no longer held me down. Now, it was just me, a man in love with two incredible people, ready to embrace the new life we would make together.To my surprise, every pack member seemed to rejoice for us. They were welcoming of our union, and accepting of the shared Alpha role Sebastian and I planned to take. It had never been done before, two Alphas, mates, leading together, but we were one soul divided at birth, and now we would spend eternity as a whole."We hope you all join us for the celebrations," I concluded my speech, taking Sebasti
Ruby POVI couldn't believe I was awake and alive. My hands roamed over my Alphas that squished my small body between them. I really thought I was dying last night, but then it hit me. I was in a crazy, painful heat because they had marked each other. I never wanted to feel that pain again, but I had to admit it was worth it. I felt them so much more connected now, and we had amazing sex. 'Take them again.' Scarlet begged.'We have to get home. No more sex until after our wedding Scarlet.' I said, gently lifting from the bed. Sebastian moved over and pulled Gabe into his arms. Scarlet and I both whined looking over them.'Why deny ourselves all that?' She purred, watching our Alpha's hands roam all over the other's body. 'They will wake up super horny, and once they see the marks they left on me, it will drive them crazy. Last night was too close of a call. If they mark me before the full moon it all falls apart.''You don't know that.' Scarlet whined as I dressed quickly, sneaking
Sebastian POV"That was the best sex I ever had. I think that was better than knotting." I wiped the sweat from my forehead as Ruby completely passed out in Gabe's arms."She wears out quickly." He chuckled, picking her up to bring to the bathroom. I heard the bath running and chuckled as I looked down at my dick. "How are you hard again?" I asked. There was no pleasing him. I stomped my way to the bathroom, watching Gabe gently wash Ruby's body in a warm bath. His fingers played with her breast, right over my mark. I loved claiming that body and I think even after I mark her on her neck, I'll still bite the shit out of her."Stand up!" I ordered him."What?" He laughed looking behind me. "Oh! I see." He stood slowly, hands running over his body to tease me. "Bend over right there and take my dick like a good Alpha." I demanded, jerking off as I watched both my mates."I knew we would have a long night." Gabe chuckled, hands grabbing the side of the tub as he wiggled that ass to me
Ruby POV"Ruby? What's wrong!" Gabe shouted at me, barreling through the door and scooping me right in his arms. I crawled into a tight ball in his lap, the pain inside me ten folds, but slowly embedding away with his touch."Don't let me go." I pleaded. "Please, don't let me go.""What's wrong with her?" Sebastian was at my side, brushing my hair from my face when something burst inside me. "We shouldn't had left her alone!" Gabe growled at Sebastian. "We are so sorry, Ruby. We won't ever leave you again." Sebastian had so much worry in his eyes. "We should mark her! We fucked up by marking each other and now she is in some weird heat that is killing her." Gabe looked to Sebastian and I glanced at his neck. A purr rumbled through me as I glanced at Sebastian, a mark clearly printed there. They did it! They were one. "Just shut up and fuck me! Both of you!" I yelled at them, grabbing Sebastian chest and pushing him on his back. "Gabe! Get behind me. Fuck me, fill me, and do it fa