Share

A Gathering Storm

Author: Dallas Ryan
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-19 02:55:09

As night fell over the compound, a chill crept into the air, thickening the tension that hung heavy in every corner. The pack was restless, murmurs of uncertainty drifting around the dinner table. Vivi sat with her mates, the shadows lurking just beyond their firelight reminding her of the darkness that threatened them.

Xander’s hand rested protectively on her thigh, grounding her. Kane sat to her left, his brow furrowed in thought, while Dax listened intently to the others. The scent of roasted meat filled the air, but it did little to ease the unease knotting in Vivi's stomach.

“Everyone knows the poachers are still out there,” Dax said, his voice a low growl as he glanced around the table. “We have to shift our approach. Patrols aren’t enough anymore; we need to send a message.” His storm-blue eyes glinted fiercely in the flickering firelight.

Xander nodded, his ice-blue gaze locking onto Dax’s. “What do you propose? Graze the outskirts? Set traps?”

“No. We need to draw them out,”
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   A Secret Revealed

    As they walked back to their shared cabin, the excitement and hope radiating from her mates offered a flickering brightness against the gnawing anxiety that was stirring. The bond between them was charged, weaving their emotions tightly together in a pulsating rhythm.Xander opened the door to their cabin, his posture relaxed but his eyes holding an intensity that hinted at the conversation to come. “You did well today,” he said, his voice soft yet filled with pride. “We’ll make this work.”Kane moved to fill the space beside Xander, interlacing his fingers with Vivi’s, grounding her with his warmth. “But now we need to address what’s been bothering you, Vivi,” he encouraged gently. “You’ve been holding back. Is there something we need to know?”Dax leaned against the wall, his posture shifting from tension to curiosity, his storm-blue eyes searching hers. “We can’t protect you if we don’t know everything, sweetheart.”Vivi’s breath caught in her throat, fear battling with the need to

    Last Updated : 2025-01-19
  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Battle

    Just as she let herself relax into the crowd, a rustling in the trees caught her attention. The laughter and music dulled in her ears as her instincts kicked in, the pulseof danger rising in her chest. She exchanged a glance with Xander, whose ice-blue eyes narrowed, mirroring the caution that wrapped around Vivi like a tightening coil.“Did you see that?” she whispered, her voice almost swallowed by the wind. He nodded, his expression hardening.Before they could move, Dax and Kane approached, their chatter abruptly replaced by tension as they caught sight of their expressions. “What’s wrong?” Dax asked, his voice low, his posture shifting into a defensive stance.“I saw something in the trees,” Vivi replied, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. “Something’s close.”“Everyone needs to stay calm,” Kane said, his dark eyes scanning the perimeter of the clearing. “We have to keep the pack together. We can’t let anyone lose focus.”As if their words were a signal, a low growl reverberated

    Last Updated : 2025-01-20
  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   The War Isn't Over

    The remaining poachers faltered, their bravado shattered by the display of unity and strength. Dax leapt forward, standing over the downed leader, his presence a powerful reminder of the pack's unwavering commitment. “This is your last chance,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Get out while you can, and never come back.”The leader scrambled to his feet, casting a desperate glance at his remaining comrades. With fear flashing in their eyes, the poachers turned and fled into the woods, disappearing into the night as the pack watched, their breathing heavy.“I can’t believe they thought they could challenge us,” Kane said, his voice filled with disbelief. He glanced at Vivi, warmth blooming in his chest. “You were magnificent, love.”Vivi smiled, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. “I couldn’t have done it without you all. We did it together.”As the last echoes of chaos faded into the night, a sense of relief washed over them. The pack members began to cheer, thei

    Last Updated : 2025-01-21
  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Interlude

    Kane paced the living room of their cabin, his dark eyes flashing with barely contained worry. Dax watched him from the couch, his storm-blue eyes warm with understanding.Ever since Xander had dragged a protesting Vivi out the door to meet with Kelda and the other pack members, Kane had been a wreck. Vivi's earlier confession about meeting with the Broker alone weighed heavily on him and the ensuing battle had made things worse. Even with her power on full display Kane couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen to her."You're going to wear down the floorboards if you keep that up," Dax said mildly, patting the spot next to him on the couch. "Dwelling on worst-case scenarios doesn't do either of us any good. We have to trust Xander and focus on being here for Vivi when she gets back."Dax sat next to him and opened his arms. "Come. Let me help take your mind off things.""I hate this," Kane growled, resting his forehead against Dax's broad chest. "Hate her

    Last Updated : 2025-01-21
  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Renewed

    As Vivi followed Xander back to the cabin, a sense of unease coiled in the pit of her stomach. The news he had shared - about the poachers potentially regrouping - only added to the weight of the Broker's looming threat. Xander's hand was a steady presence at the small of her back, guiding her forward with a reassuring touch. She could feel the tension in his body, the protectiveness radiating from him in waves. It was comforting, but also a stark reminder of the dangers they faced.When they entered the cabin, Vivi's eyes immediately sought out Kane and Dax. The two men were tangled together on the couch, their expressions softening as they sensed her and Xander's approach. The bond between them pulsed with a soothing warmth, a reminder that she wasn't alone."What's happening?" Kane asked, his dark eyes shining with concern as he disentangled himself from Dax.Xander's jaw tightened. "The poachers may be regrouping. Liam's pack has agreed to lend their support, but we need to be re

    Last Updated : 2025-01-22
  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   A New Alliance

    The freed wolves were a mix of weary resignation and guarded hope as they gathered around the fire, their eyes darting between the members of Vivi's pack. Kelda moved among them, her gentle presence and soothing touch easing their lingering tension.Xander stood at the head of the group, his ice-blue eyes scanning the faces before him. "Welcome," he said, his voice calm and measured. "You've been through a terrible ordeal, but you're safe now. We're here to help you heal and recover."One of the wolves, a woman with silver-streaked hair, stepped forward. "Thank you," she said, her voice rough with emotion. "We thought we were lost, that we'd never be free of their control. But you... you saved us."Vivi felt a swell of pride at the woman's words, the bond between her and her mates thrumming with a renewed sense of purpose. "We're just glad you're safe," she said, moving to stand beside Xander. "We know what it's like to have your freedom taken from you. But now, you're part of our pac

    Last Updated : 2025-01-22
  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Suspicions Begin

    In the days that followed, the newly expanded pack settled into a routine, with the freed wolves seamlessly integrating themselves into the daily life of the compound. Vivi watched with a sense of pride as they found their footing, their initial wariness slowly giving way to a growing sense of belonging.Ava, in particular, had become a constant presence at Vivi's side, her calm demeanor and keen insights proving invaluable as they navigated the challenges of their newfound alliance. Vivi found herself drawn to the other woman, her curiosity piqued by the subtle power that seemed to emanate from her.As they walked the perimeter of the compound together, Ava turned to Vivi, her green eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "So, Vivi, tell me – what do you know of the Starfire?"Vivi felt a jolt of surprise at the unexpected question, her steps faltering momentarily. "The Starfire?" she echoed, her brow furrowing. "Well, I know it's a powerful force, one that's connected to me in a way

    Last Updated : 2025-01-24
  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Turning of Trust

    Later, as they retreated to the privacy of their cabin, Vivi broached the subject with her mates, her voice laced with concern."Did you notice the way Ava was looking at Xander tonight?" she asked, her brow furrowed.Kane and Dax exchanged a glance, their expressions guarded."We noticed," Kane replied, his dark eyes somber. "It wasn't just Xander, either. There were moments when she seemed... fixated on all of us."Dax nodded, his storm-blue eyes narrowed. "It's almost like she's sizing us up, trying to figure out our weaknesses."Xander's jaw tightened, his ice-blue gaze hardening. "Whatever her game is, we can't let our guard down. We need to be prepared for anything."As they huddled together, the bond between them thrumming with a mixture of wariness and determination, Vivi couldn't shake the feeling that they were teetering on the edge of something momentous, a shift in the delicate balance of power that had existed within their pack.Ava's true motivations remained shrouded in

    Last Updated : 2025-01-25

Latest chapter

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   The Silver Councilor

    The air crackled with tension as we gathered at the northern border of our territory. Dawn had barely broken, casting long shadows across the frost-covered ground. Our scouts had confirmed what we already knew in our hearts—the High Council's forces were approaching, and they weren't coming to negotiate.Eowyn stood beside me, her silver eyes scanning the treeline with predatory focus. The training session yesterday had unlocked something in her—not just greater control over her abilities, but a sense of purpose that straightened her spine and hardened her resolve."They'll come from the east," she said quietly. "It's their preferred strategy—attack where the sun blinds the defenders."Xander nodded, taking her intelligence seriously. "Kane, reinforce the eastern perimeter. Double the guards and set the traps we prepared."Kane moved immediately, gathering a group of our strongest fighters. His tactical mind was already working, adapting our defense plans to incorporate Eowyn's insigh

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Silver Bonds

    Morning light streamed through the windows, casting golden patterns across the floor as I made my way to the east wing. Sleep had come fitfully, my dreams filled with silver eyes and shadowy pursuers. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders—not just for my pack, my mates, but now for Eowyn too.I found her where Kelda had left her, in a small but comfortable room overlooking the forest. She stood by the window, her posture rigid, alert, like a wild animal ready to flee at the slightest provocation. Her dark hair fell in waves down her back, and her silver eyes reflected the morning light like polished mirrors."Did you sleep?" I asked, keeping my voice gentle.She turned, acknowledging my presence with a slight nod. "A little."I stepped into the room, noting how she subtly shifted her stance—not retreating, but preparing. Always preparing. The Council had trained her well."Are you hungry? We have breakfast ready downstairs."A flicker of something—surprise, perh

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Eowyn

    The forest blurred around us as we fled, branches whipping past our faces, the sounds of pursuit gradually fading behind us. My lungs burned with exertion, but adrenaline kept me moving forward, my hand still firmly clasped around the other Starfire's wrist. Her silver eyes were wide with a mixture of fear and determination, her power crackling around her like static electricity.When we finally reached the edge of our territory, where our wards would offer some protection, I slowed to a stop, gasping for breath. My mates formed a protective circle around us, their senses still alert for any sign of pursuit."I think we lost them," Kane said, his voice low as he scanned the treeline.Xander nodded, his golden eyes never leaving the silver-eyed woman beside me. "For now."The other Starfire pulled her hand from my grasp, taking a step back as she assessed each of us warily. Her gaze lingered on Ronan, distrust evident in the tightening of her jaw."You're safe here," I told her gently.

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Silver Eyes

    ViviWith my mates surrounding me, the strength of our bond enveloping me in an embrace of warmth and safety, I plunged into the depths of the connection, determined to find the other Starfire, to forge an alliance that could reshape our fate.The collective power surged as I opened my eyes, meeting the determined gazes of my mates. "I'm ready. Let's find them."Together, we ventured out into the forest, the cool air tingling with the promise of what lay ahead. The scent of damp earth and pine filled my lungs, grounding me as we moved deeper into the dense woodland. Fallen leaves crunched softly beneath our boots, their brittle edges whispering secrets of the past with every step. The towering trees stretched high above, their thick canopies filtering the moonlight into scattered, silvery beams that danced across the forest floor. A faint mist curled around the undergrowth, clinging to our legs as if reluctant to let us pass. The distant hoot of an owl echoed through the stillness, b

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   A Surprise Connection

    ViviThe compound was abuzz with activity, the impending arrival of the High Council's forces casting an ominous shadow over us. Despite the palpable tension, there was a sense of unity, a collective resolve that was both inspiring and reassuring.Xander was at my side, his protective presence a comforting balm against the chaos around us. His hand was a constant on my back, his touch grounding me as I felt another surge of the Starfire energy roiling within me. It was more intense this time, like a wild beast struggling to break free.Kelda was there, guiding me through a series of exercises designed to harness the unruly energy. The surge subsided gradually, replaced by a sense of calm control. I opened my eyes to find Xander watching me, his expression a mixture of awe and concern."We need to prepare," I told him, my voice steady. "The High Council won't wait for us to be ready."Before anyone could respond to the alarming news, a scout, breathless and wide-eyed, burst into the co

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   An Intimate Moment

    ViviThe morning sun stretched long shadows across the compound, casting an eerie calm over our frantic preparations. The air was thick with tension, a palpable reminder of the High Council's looming threat. The Starfire within me surged unpredictably, its energy pulsing through my veins like a restless beast, demanding attention and control.Xander and I stood side by side, overseeing the placement of new wards and barriers. His presence was a comforting anchor amidst the chaos. "How are you holding up?" he asked, his voice a gentle caress that cut through the tension.I took a deep breath, feeling the power within me threaten to spill over. "It's getting harder to control," I admitted, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "But I'm managing."He reached out, his hand enveloping mine, fingers interlacing with a reassurance that grounded me. In that moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us. His golden eyes locked onto mine, filled with a fierce passion that mirrored my o

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   The Second Starfire

    ViviThe silence that followed Ronan's revelation hung heavy in the air, the weight of his words pressing down on us like a physical force. My mates and I exchanged glances, the shock and disbelief etched clearly on their faces mirroring my own turmoil. The idea of another Starfire, let alone one allied with the High Council, was almost too much to fathom.Xander's voice broke through the quiet, low and controlled, but the tension in his jaw betrayed his inner turmoil. "We need to discuss this. Now."We moved to a more secluded area of the compound, away from prying eyes and ears. The small room was dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls, adding to the gravity of the situation. The air was thick with the scent of burning wax and the unspoken fears that lingered between us.Dax leaned against the wall, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his usual bravado replaced by a simmering anger. "So, let me get this straight. The High Council has another Sta

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   Burn

    Vivi exhaled slowly, willing her body to relax despite the simmering frustration coiled inside her. The training ring was quiet except for the sound of Kelda’s measured footsteps circling her. The elder witch’s sharp gaze tracked every movement, every subtle tremor of hesitation. “Again,” Kelda instructed, voice steady and unrelenting. Vivi swallowed, muscles aching with the effort of holding back—no, not holding back, containing. The fire that lived within her was there, waiting, but it wasn’t bending to her will the way she needed. It churned beneath her skin like a restless tide, too volatile, too uncertain. “I don’t have control over this,” Vivi finally admitted through clenched teeth, her breath coming fast. Kelda arched a brow, unimpressed. “Then you’ll die.” The bluntness of the statement landed like a slap. Vivi’s fingers twitched. She knew Kelda wasn’t saying it to be cruel—only to be truthful. She couldn’t afford to fail. Vivi drew in a slow, steadying breath a

  • Her Wilde Mates: A Reverse Harem Wolf Shifter Romance   A Second Starfire

    The fire flickered, casting restless shadows as the weight of the revelation settled over them. Another Starfire. Trained. Conditioned. And wielded as a weapon by the High Council.Vivi clenched her hands into fists, the burn of her own power simmering beneath her skin. A cold knot of fear curled in her stomach, but she forced herself to stay calm. This was no time for hesitation. Across from her, Xander stood locked in a silent battle of wills with Ronan, his golden eyes smoldering with fury and disbelief. His jaw flexed, his muscles tight as if he were restraining himself from lashing out.No one spoke at first, the weight of what they were facing settling heavily over them. The crackling fire in the hearth was the only sound breaking the suffocating silence.Then Kane exhaled, rolling his shoulders as though shaking off the tension pressing down on them. “We can’t afford to stand here in shock,” he said, his voice steady, unshaken. “If they have a weapon trained against us, time is

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status