I was ready to move in. But just as we were about to execute our plan, a loud crash echoed through the warehouse. The sound sent a shiver down my spine. "What was that?" I whispered to Rachel, my eyes scanning the rooftop. Rachel's expression turned grim. "I think we've got a problem." A figure emerged from the shadows, a figure that didn't belong to our group. It was a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes and a menacing grin. "Ah-ah looks like we've got some unwanted guests," he drawled, his voice dripping with malice. My instincts screamed a warning. This was not part of our plan. The rogue group was about to get a lot more complicated. "Who are you?" Rachel demanded, her hand on her gun. The stranger smiled again. "I'm just here for the party. You're just in time to join us." My grip on my gun tightened. This was not what we were expecting. Who was this guy? And what did he want? "Let's play nice," I suggested, my voice low and even. "We're here to stop
Carrie’s POV I woke up with a start, my heart racing and my sheets soaked with sweat. The dream had been vivid, and I could still feel the panic and fear coursing through my veins. My brother, Luke, was in danger, and I could feel it like a weight in my chest. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and trying to shake off the lingering feelings of dread. But as I looked around my darkened room, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. I glanced at the clock on my bedside table - it was 2:45 AM. I knew that he was still in the city, on a mission to deal with the rogue wolves who had been causing trouble in the packs. Our parents had sent him there to help resolve the situation, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. I knew that I should have been allowed to go with him. I could have helped him, and we would have protected each other like we had all our lives. My parents were far too protective of me, and it drove me insane. I threw off my covers and exited th
Carrie’s POV As I emerged on the other side, I felt excitement and a sense of trepidation. I had never attempted to travel through a portal before, and the experience was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The air was thick with the scent of human city, and I could hear the distant hum of cars and sirens.I took a deep breath, trying to get my bearings. I knew that Luke was somewhere in the city, and I had to find him.“Luke! I found you, thank goddess.” I yelled. I felt a surge of relief wash over me as I approached him. He looked up as I approached, his eyes locking onto mine with a mixture of surprise and concern."Carrie," he said softly. "What are you doing here? How did you get here?" he grabbed me and hugged me tightly. I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I made a portal," I said proudly. "Maya taught me how to do it. And here I am. I'm here to take you home with me.” Luke's expression turned serious. "Do our parents know you are here? It would be best if yo
Carrie’s POV I slowly opened my eyes, trying to remember what had happened. I was lying on the ground, my head throbbing with pain. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me. I fell back down, groaning.As I lay there, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I struggled to get up again, but this time, I managed to sit up. I looked around, trying to get my bearings. I was in a dense forest surrounded by towering trees. The sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dappled shadows on the ground.I saw a figure approaching, a tall and lean man with piercing blue eyes and a strong jawline. He had grabbed me earlier and pulled me away from the rogue wolves."Who are you?" I demanded, trying to sound braver than I felt."My name is Ryder," he said, his voice calm and soothing. "I'm here to help you. Drink this. It would help if you kept your energy. What's your name?”I eyed him warily. "It’s Carrie. Why should I trust you?" I asked.Ryder smiled. "Because I'm not goin
Carrie’s POV As we stepped through the portal, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with nerves. I was taking a massive risk by returning Ryder to my pack, but I had no choice. We had to warn them about the rogue wolves, and I knew that Ryder was the only one who could help us. As we emerged on the other side, I saw my parents looking shocked at my sudden appearance. They were looking at Ryder with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. I could feel their eyes on him, sizing him up. "Welcome back," my mother said, her voice stern. "I see you've brought a...friend." I nodded, feeling a sense of pride wash over me. "This is Ryder," I said. "He's my mate." “Your mate?” my father hollered in disbelief whilst my mother shook her head. “No. How do you know he is your mate? Have you marked her?” she growled and yanked my arm, pulling me from Ryder and inspecting my neck. When she saw nothing there, she loosened her grip on me and turned to my father, who was still glaring at Ryder.
Luke’s POV How could my sister possibly risk her life coming here? I understood she was worried and wanted to look out for me, but I could not allow her to be involved. I wanted to know she was safe at home. My parents would never have allowed Carrie out here. It was a crazy place. Me and Rachel had escaped the warehouse in the nick of time. We could only trust each other, and I was determined to look after her. Something drew me to her, and I could not be far from her. We hadn't known each other long, and already I felt so profoundly towards her. I fixed myself a drink quietly and let my thoughts run wild as I recalled the look on Carrie’s face when she saw me, and I told her she couldn't stay here.I rubbed the side of my head as a pain shot through me, and I realised it was my father trying to link me through our minds. I assumed he was looking for an update, but he sounded panicked. “Luke. You have to come back. Your sister has found her mate, and we need you here.” My sister
Carrie’s POV “Please give me a moment with my daughter.” my mother said, dragging me away from Ryder and prying eyes.“You cannot accept him as your mate, Carrie.” she insisted, and I felt my blood boil through my veins. Was she being serious? The moon goddess had paired me with Ryder for a reason! How could she expect me to ignore that? I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down, but my mind was racing with thoughts of Ryder and the danger he was in. I knew my parents were trying to protect me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that they didn't understand.“Carrie, your mother is correct. We don't know him at all. He could be anyone.” my father agreed with my mother. Not that I could expect anything different since they never disagreed over anything. "MOTHER, FATHER! Please," I said, trying to reason with them. "Ryder is trying to help us. He's willing to put his life on the line to protect us. He knows what he is talking about. Why won't you give him a chance? Can you not
Carrie’s POV I could feel the weight of my parents' disapproval bearing down on me as we walked away from them. I knew they would never understand me, never accept Ryder as my mate. But I didn't care. I was done being controlled, done being told what to do and who to be with. Ryder squeezed my hand, his grip tight and reassuring. "We'll figure it out," he said, his voice low and steady. "We'll find a way to stop the rogue wolves and ensure you're safe." I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. We would do it, no matter what my parents said or did. We would find a way to make this work. As we walked, the trees seemed to grow taller and darker around us, casting long shadows across the forest floor. I could feel the moon rising above us, its light casting an otherworldly glow over everything. "Where are we going?" Ryder asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I don't know," I admitted. "I just know I can't go back there. Not now." Ryd