«THIRD POV»Ryan stepped out of the pack house, his hands in his pockets, trying to clear his head. It was fully morning and the sunlight spread the Dark Howl pack. If one looked closely, one would notice the dark circles in his eyes. He barely slept last night. He had been thinking a lot about Adrian lately. His best friend wasn’t the same. There was a pain in his voice that he tried to hide, but he felt it.Much worse, the enemies had taken over the ruling of the pack. He didn't know the future of the Dark Howl pack anymore. He missed those days when everything was in control when Adrian was still the Alpha. Everything had seemed perfect until now. Just as Ryan reached the stairs, a familiar voice of an elder stopped him.“Ryan,” Marcus said, standing behind him with a smug look on his face.Ryan stiffened but turned around slowly. “Alpha Marcus,” he greeted with forced respect.Marcus grinned wide like an old fox as he took a slow step toward him. “Where’s my lovely nephew?” he
«THIRD POV»With Marcus gone, Ryan’s fists were still clenched when he was about to turn the corner of the pack house. His heart was racing, the air in his lungs thick with rage after what that old Fox had just said. Every bone in his body screamed for a fight, but he knew better. Now wasn’t the time. But then, another block.In front of him was the last person he wanted to see… “Move!” He snapped. Ophelia. She was standing right in front of him, arms crossed on her breasts, eyes narrowed with suspicion. She didn’t even have to speak; her body language alone said it all.“I said move away,” Ryan gritted, frustration bubbling inside of him. He just wanted to be left alone.But she didn't move, her lips twisting. “What do you want?” Ryan growled, clearly not in the mood.But Ophelia didn’t move. Instead, she narrowed her eyes even further, her gaze piercing through him. “Where is Adrian?” she asked, her voice colder than the air around them.Ryan raised an eyebrow, biting back the
—CLARA—The sun burned high above, its heat scorching the dusty ground beneath my boots. My throat was dry, and sweat clung to every inch of my skin like a second layer. Yet I stood tall, refusing to show any sign of weakness. Around me, the rogue warrirors, my warrirors, pushed themselves to the edge under my commands. Muscles strained, bodies dropped into the dirt, and grunts of effort echoed across the training ground. But no one gave up—not today, not under my watch. Because I wasn’t going to let them.I couldn’t.If we were going to survive the war Marcus and the other alphas were planning… if I was going to protect my people, my home, I had to push harder. Train smarter. Build warriors who were not only fierce but unbreakable.My voice rang out over the yard. “Push-ups! No slacking! Do you think Marcus will show mercy because you’re tired? Again!”Their groans only fueled my drive. I didn’t want pity. I wanted strength.Two hours passed, maybe more. My body screamed in exhaust
«CLARA’s POV»“Where is Ophelia now?” I grit and turn to Ravenanna. “Being dragged towards the pack hospital like a sack of potatoes,” my best friend chuckles dryly.I’m not happy to hear about Ophelia.In fact, I’m downright angry.Standing on the training grounds, my eyes still watching my warriors who are resting, I can't push away the anger that boils inside me. My mind keeps drifting back to the news Ravenna just delivered: Ophelia has been caught in one of my traps.My first reaction? I don’t care. Not even a little bit.Ophelia has been a curse in my life for as long as I can remember. She and her mother, Tiara, are the ones who have torn my world apart.I don’t even feel a single ounce of sympathy for her. I don’t care if she’s hurt or even dead. Ophelia is nothing but trouble. Like I said, she and her mother have ruined my life. If anything happens to her, good.But then, my eyes snap to Adrian, who has been standing silently. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem moved by the news
«ADRIAN’S POV»I quickly catch Clara before she can fall, her body limp against mine, and my heart nearly stops when I see the blood pouring from her abdomen. It’s everywhere, staining her clothes, my hands, the tilted floor beneath us.“Clara… don’t… don’t close your eyes,” I beg her, my voice trembling, shaking her shoulders gently… no, roughly too, because I’m panicking. I watch helplessly the way her eyes flutter, opening and closing, like she’s slipping away right in front of me. “A-Adrian…” She gasped painfully, holding me closer, and her face squeezing in pain I wish it was me. “Clara! Stay with me—damn it, don’t you dare close your eyes!” I shout at her. “She’s bleeding!” Brandon gasp with his eyes wide. “Clara!” Lusaka panick, dropping down beside us, his face pale with fear. He touches her cheeks, patting them frantically, his hand trembling as he checks the terrible wound on her abdomen. His lips tighten. “Shit,” he curses, the word punching the air like a gunshot.“W
«ADRIAN’S POV»I meet his glare, his eyes full of fury and grief, and for a second, I don’t recognize myself. The man I used to be would’ve fought him, would’ve claimed what he thought was his.But now…“I’m not here to take her, Lusaka,” I grind out, my voice rough, my throat tight. “I just… I need her alive.”The rogue king scoffs bitterly. “You didn’t care about that before, did you? Back when you left her bleeding the first time.”His words are a blade in my chest. I stagger back a step, guilt heavier than anything I’ve carried before.“I made mistakes,” I admit hoarsely, my voice breaking, “I made the worst fucking mistake of my life. And I’ll regret it until the day I die. But don’t you dare think I don’t want her breathing right now.”Brandon curses again, working faster as he checks her pulse frantically. “Come on, Clara… stay with us, girl. Don’t give up now.”I can’t take it.I move closer, just a step —Magnus howling, desperate to touch her, to feel her heartbeat, to know s
«ADRIAN’S POV»I glared at her. “Not interested, Jasmine.”She threw her head back and laughed, eyes twinkling as she rested her elbow on the bar, eyes never leaving mine.“Why Alpha Adrian?” She drawled, trying to act sexy enough to tempt me. I gave her a sharp glance, my voice flat. “How do you know me?”She shrugged, taking a sip. “Everyone knows who you are. The big bad Alpha. Killer of kings. Breaker of rules. Heard a lot about you.”I huffed, downing the rest of my drink. “Well… ‘they’ clearly don’t know shit.”Jasmine leaned in again flirtingly, her perfume too strong it gave me a headache. “I dunno… you look exactly like the stories say. All brooding, dark, and tragic.” She grinned playfully. “But… I see it in your eyes. You’re not as heartless as they think.”I scoffed, motioning at the bartender for another drink. “Don’t pretend you know me.”She raised a brow. “I don’t have to. It’s obvious. Men don’t drink like that for no reason.” She tipped her head at me with curious
«ADRIAN’S POV»The first thing that hit me was the headache. A splitting pain that made me groan deeply, my hand instinctively going to my head. The bright ray of morning streamed through the car windows, making the space feel like it was spinning. I slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the harsh light, only to be greeted by a bare naked image that froze me in place. What the fuck?I was half-naked, sprawled across the front seat of my car, my hairy chest exposed and covered in sweat. Turning my neck beside me, a woman lay there, her hand resting boldly on my chest. A soft, content smile played on her lips as if we were some kind of lovers. I could barely breathe as my mind raced to understand what had happened… Fuck! The reality of the situation slammed into me like a freight train. What the hell was going on?“Hey!” I growled in disbelief, pushing her away with more force than I meant. Her body jerked as she fell to the other side of the car, a surprised cry escaping her
«CLARA’S POV»Adrian ran after Ophelia, but she had already disappeared out of sight. He rounded a corner just in time and spotted her running into a room that didn’t belong to her. In the blink of an eye, Adrian reached the door and tried to open it, but it was locked from the inside. "Ophelia, open the door!" His fists pounded hard on the door, his voice commanding. There was no answer. He raised his hand, ready to break the door down if he had to. But then, he heard her voice from inside, stopping him halfway. "I’m fine, Adrian… just… just go," Ophelia said weakly. But Adrian could tell she was pretending. Her voice sounded strained, too low and forced. "Last chance. Are you hurt?" He asked one last time. Truth was, Adrian didn’t care about Ophelia’s feelings. He didn’t actually care. Not after everything she’d done to Clara. But he needed answers. Earlier he'd asked Clara to forgive Ophelia only because he wanted to handle her himself. Back then in the garden
«CLARA’S POV»"Clara, we already sorted out our issues. Can't you let Ophelia go?" Adrian turned and pleaded on Ophelia’s behalf. His voice was calm, but it only made my blood boil hotter. Ha! So now he’s protecting her? Of course he is. I was stupid to ever think he cared about me. All this time, he was just playing games. I laughed bitterly inside."No, I won’t let her off!" I snapped, stepping closer, daring him to try and stop me.Ophelia whimpered and hid behind Adrian, clutching his shirt like a scared pup. She started talking in her low, pitiful voice, pretending to be sorry.”It’s okay, Adrian," she said in a fake, trembling voice. "If Clara wants to punish me, I’ll accept it. I was the one who acted blindly and hurt her… I... deserve it"Pathetic. Her act didn’t fool me. She wasn’t sorry. She was just scared—scared of what I’d do now that I wasn’t holding back anymore. Too bad for her. I was done playing nice! “Clara, let her go,” Adrian said again, looking at me se
«CLARA’S POV»The garden was deadly silent… until it wasn’t. Gasps erupted around us, loud and disbelieving, as Adrian’s lips crashed against mine in front of everyone. For a moment, I couldn’t move. My body was frozen, my mind reeling. Adrian’s lips had been on mine—warm, demanding, and achingly familiar. Against my will, my heart had leapt, my traitorous body responding before my thoughts could catch up. For one terrifying, exhilarating moment, I forgot everything. The betrayal. The resentment. The pain. There was only him—the warmth of his mouth, the familiar scent of his skin, the way my body responded before my mind could catch up. I hated that part of me… the part that wanted more. My body, without permission, reacted to him. The kiss had me paralyzed. His lips now become rough and desperate against mine, grounding me in place, making my stupid heart react when it shouldn’t have.A small, traitorous part of me even wanted him not to stop. Then reality came rushing back.
«CLARA’S POV»It was a fresh morning, I sit in the garden for breakfast with Savanna, Ravenanna, and Brandon. Sweet roses smell in the air, but I still feel trapped in my chest. The last few days have been too much and worse, I keep remembering the image of Adrian and Jasmine kissing, and it hurts me.I hated it. I hated he always affected me this much. Why? Why can't I seem to forget this man? For a moment, the atmosphere suddenly turns quiet. Savanna and Brandon stop speaking, and I threw a look at them, raising my brow, silently asking them what’s wrong.But none could answer. They could only lower their eyes in unease and apprehension. Then Ravenanna leans forward, anger swimming on her face. “What is he doing here?! Don't tell you guys settled the scores last time?” She hisses.What? I frowned. What the hell is she saying? I was confused. So, I followed the directions behind my back where she was pointing. It was then I saw him. Adrian was walking toward us. He was in all
«THIRD POV»She stood still, her face slowly her smile slowly fading.The warm feeling in her chest turned cold and heavy. That was it?That’s why he grabbed her?Her hands shook a little as she stared down at Lusaka. Her heart beat fast, not with love, but with bitterness. She wanted to shout. She wanted to ask why it was always about Clara! But instead, she gave a fake smile, a cold and tight one that it almost hurt her cheek. “Of course,” she said, pretending to be calm. “It’ll be our little secret.”Even though deep inside, it made her blood boil.Lusaka looked at her, his eyes sharp and cold like ice. “Jasmine…” he said slowly, as if warning her.That made her snap.“What?! Huh?!” She yelled, her voice shaking with anger.She picked up the bowl beside the bed and threw it hard. It hit the floor and water splashed everywhere. But she didn’t care. She didn’t even look at it. Her eyes were only on him now, burning with pain and rage.“Lusaka told me to seduce Adrian!” she shouted
«THIRD POV»“Bastard!” Adrian roared, his voice dark and guttural, not entirely human anymore.Without hesitation, his form exploded into his massive black wolf, Magnus, fur shimmering like obsidian, eyes burning like molten gold. Lusaka, in his brown wolf form, lunged toward him in response, snarling ferociously.The clash was violent. Two powerful wolves with too much hatred, too much fury, and too much to lose. They collided with a sickening crash that sent vibrations through the ground, sharp claws slicing the air, fangs gnashing and tearing. The sounds of snarls, snapping jaws, and bone-jarring impacts filled the air, drowning out even Jasmine’s terrified cries. “S-stop!” She shrieked, scrambling backward, tripping over herself as blood sprayed across the floor. Both men pounced violently, wrestled, and slammed each other into the walls, the stones cracking beneath the weight of their savage bodies. Deep fissures split the walls as dust and debris fell like rain.Magnus w
«THIRD POV» After Clara stormed away, Savanna and Ravenanna hurried after her, worried about her. Ravenanna was calling her name frantically as she disappeared around the corner. “Clara, wait!” The tension left behind in the packhouse was suffocating, thick enough to choke the air from anyone who remained.Adrian stood rooted in place, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned bone-white, his chest rising and falling with ragged, furious breaths. His jaw clenched it hurt, his amber eyes burning with a dark rage as they settled on Jasmine.She was trembling now, her face pale and terrified under his lethal glare. Staggering, she took a cautious step back, her lips quivering as if she wanted to speak, to beg, but no words came. Her whole body shook visibly.“You just signed your death warrant!” Adrian snarled lowly, his voice like gravel, rough and sharp. Then he seized Jasmine’s arm roughly, yanking her forward with such force that she gasped aloud and eyes wide with fea
«CLARA’S POV»When I woke up in the hospital ward, the first thing I felt was pain. A dull, throbbing ache that seemed to pulse with every beat of my heart. My belly hurt the most, a sharp, stinging reminder of what Ophelia had done to me. I winced, my hand moving instinctively to the spot where she stabbed me. The bandages were tight, and the skin beneath it felt tender, raw.But thanks to whatever pain relief Brandon had given me, it was bearable. I could breathe without wanting to scream.The last thing I remembered was Adrian catching me just before everything went black. His arms around me, the sound of his voice–panicking, desperate, calling my name. It should’ve been Lusaka in my mind, but it wasn’t. It was Adrian. And when I opened my eyes, hoping—maybe even expecting—to see him sitting beside me, all I found was Lusaka.I don't know why but a wave of disappointment which I hadn't expected hit me. Meanwhile, Lusaka was smiling so wide, his eyes glistening with disbelief as
«ADRIAN’S POV»I was stunned when my eyes landed on Jasmine. She was standing at the doorway of the packhouse entrance, half-hidden in the shadows behind the elder woman like she wanted to disappear. But it was too late, our eyes met. And I saw it. That look. Fear. Guilt. Panic. She was terrified of me. What the hell is she doing here?! My gut twisted. It was then I realized she must be living here, in the rogue packhouse. Only the high ranking wolves gets to live in the packhouse. Does that mean she knows Clara? That was very much possible and I had this foreboding feeling building inside of me. Jasmine wasn’t just some ordinary she-wolf like I once assumed. Fuck! I should’ve known. I should’ve followed my instincts when I first sensed something off about her at the bar last night. But before I could even move toward her, a voice pulled my attention.“Alpha Adrian,” The older woman in front of me spoke, her voice familiar, it was soft and gentle. I took a step closer to her