The ferry cut through the crystal-clear waters, its sleek hull slicing through the gentle waves with ease. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the island of St. John, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Among the handful of passengers stood Delia, a 23 year old woman with long black hair dancing in the wind, her emerald green eyes filled with hope for the future, her heart heavy with the weight of her past. The journey to St. John had been long and arduous. Delia had boarded planes and boats, traversing vast distances with a single purpose in mind: to find refuge on the tranquil shores of this small island. With each passing moment, the island drew closer, its lush greenery and pristine beaches beckoning to her. Gripping the railing tightly, her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This island wasn’t just an escape—it was an opportunity to flee from the shadows that had unexpectedly returned to haunt her once again. Unw
As Alpha Raphael Donovan, known as Rafe to his closest friends, sat in his office overlooking the sprawling grounds of his mansion, a sense of restlessness gnawed at him. Papers lay scattered across his desk, detailing the various affairs of his pack and Rafe tried to focus on them as he ran his fingers through his thick jet black hair. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was different today. His wolf paced restlessly within him, urging him to seek out the source of their unease. Rafe stood from his desk and stretched to his full height of almost seven feet, his cold silver eyes, scanning the mountain of paperwork. As the leader of the Nightclaw Pack, one of the three largest packs in the area and a member of the Coastal Wolves Alliance, he bore the weight of responsibility on his broad shoulders, ensuring the safety and prosperity of his people amidst the ever-shifting tides of the supernatural world. The Nightclaw Pack’s territory encompassed almost the entire island
It was half-past eight in the morning when Delia started to rouse from her sleep, gently stirring into consciousness. With a languid stretch, she finally woke herself from the sleepy haze and padded her way into the bathroom to get ready for the day. She opted to use the partially walled outdoor shower that offered the expansive view of the bay. As the warm water flowed over and rinsed her tanned skin, Delia closed her eyes and relished the feeling. The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, casting a radiant glow over the bay below. A distant sound of bustling morning activities coupled with roosters crowing echoed through the bay. With a contented sigh, Delia came out of the shower, her skin tingling with the freshness of the morning air. She quickly donned a mint green cotton dress adorned with delicate pink roses. She swiftly blow dried her long black hair and applied a touch of minimal makeup that completed her look, leaving her feeling effortlessly chic and r
Delia spotted Marcus leaning against the sleek black SUV, engrossed in his phone. As she approached, he straightened up, giving her a curt nod of acknowledgment. "Good morning," he greeted in a low rumble before opening the door for her. Delia couldn't help but notice the contrast in size between herself and the men of this island; Marcus, though tall and well built, still seemed smaller compared to Rafe's commanding stature. She chuckled inwardly, feeling like a garden gnome amidst these towering giants. As Delia settled into the passenger seat, she studied Marcus’ profile. His buzz cut and tattoos peeking from under his shirt gave him a dangerous vibe but he had kind brown eyes, which contrasted against his appearance. Breaking into her chain of thoughts Marcus asked, “Where to, Ms. Scott?" His voice gruff but respectful. "You may call me Delia, Marcus," she replied, prompting a grunt of approval from him. Delia requested they head to a phone store, and they set off down the wi
As Rafe hung up the phone with Marcus, he was satisfied knowing where Delia was and what she was doing. Marcus was instructed to provide a report of her whereabouts every hour. His encounter with her earlier that morning had been a tantalizing experience that tested his self control to its limit. When she had opened the front door, her expression a mix of awe and surprise, Rafe couldn't help but marvel at the beauty that greeted him. He was entranced by Delia's mesmerizing green eyes, like emeralds sparkling in the sunlight, and the way her long black hair fell in soft waves, framing her heart-shaped face. Her delicate, straight nose and the slight curve of her plump pink lips were irresistible. He found himself imagining what they might taste like. When he was hit with her alluring scent of fresh mountain snow, his mind screamed “MATE”. After all these years, he could scarcely fathom that his fated had literally found her way to him, to his island and into his property. Alt
As the winding road stretched out before them, Rafe’s knuckles whitened against the firm grip of the steering wheel. Each curve, each twist, seemed to mirror the tension coiled within him. Ethan, seated beside him, mirrored his unease, his gaze flitting between the passing scenery and Rafe’s rigid profile. Ping! Rafe’s phone chimed with an incoming message, breaking the heavy silence. “Check that,” Rafe instructed, his voice tight. Ethan glanced at the screen, his eyes scanning the message quickly. “It’s Marcus. He found her. She was at a cafe.” A collective sigh filled the air and Rafe’s foot eased off the accelerator, the car slowing down as they drew nearer to town. Once they reached their destination, Rafe parked the Defender and both him and Ethan set about locating Delia and Marcus. “There,” Ethan pointed ahead, his voice strained with anticipation. “I see them.” Rafe’s gaze followed Ethan’s outstretched finger, locking onto the figures of Marcus and Delia. With a nod o
As Ethan led Rafe and Delia through the sandy terrain, the crackling warmth of the bonfire welcomed them. The flames danced in the night, casting an enchanting glow over the gathering. People were scattered around the fire, some seated on logs while others stood, their faces illuminated by the flickering light. Delia's was in awe as she took in the scene before her. There were some people venturing into the water for an evening swim, their laughter mingling with the sound of the waves. Nearby, a makeshift tiki bar served up a colorful array of island cocktails, the clinking of glasses and lively chatter adding to the festive atmosphere. Seeing Delia flanked by Rafe and Ethan, she garnered curious glances from people around her. They nodded respectfully to Rafe and Ethan and their gazes lingered on Delia with a mixture of intrigue and speculation. Ethan led them to a trio of individuals, Delia's gaze flickered between Marcus and the two unfamiliar faces. One was a beautiful woman
As Rafe’s lips met Delia’s, time seemed to stand still. The sensation of his touch was electric, eliciting an unbidden moan from deep within her. She could feel the warmth of his breadth mingling with hers, creating an intimate connection that ignited her body on fire. She thought he smelled like the ocean after a storm, a fresh and invigorating sent that stirred something deep within her soul. Rafe deepened the kiss, melding his lips with hers, relishing in the taste and scent of his mate - fresh mountain snow, crisp and clean, with a hint of something sweet and alluring underneath. Their lips moved together in perfect harmony and he explored every contour of her mouth, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. Rafe's hands slowly trailed down Delia's back, drawing her closer, while Delia's fingers tangled in Rafe's thick dark hair, tugging lightly. They lost themselves in the heat of their passion, their bodies entwined, the world fading away until there was only the
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
Aria stepped into Rafe’s dimly lit bedroom, careful to keep her steps light as she made her way toward his bedside. The room smelled faintly of herbs and antiseptic, a reminder of how weakened her once invincible brother had become. It hurt to see him like this—pale, resting against the pillows with dark circles under his eyes. He had always been the strongest person she knew, the one who had shouldered the weight of the pack, their family, and most importantly, her. Ever since they lost their parents, Rafe had done everything in his power to make sure she never lacked for anything, even when he carried his own burdens in silence. Seeing him vulnerable like this made her chest ache. She pulled a chair close and sat beside him, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. Then, as if sensing her presence, Rafe stirred. His silver eyes fluttered open, slightly unfocused at first, before they found hers. A weak, familiar smile touched his lips. “Hey, kid. Where have you been?
Back in St. John, Rafe sat in the backseat, his head leaning against the window, his body still weak from the effects of the wolfsbane. His sharp silver eyes, though dulled with exhaustion, flickered with an unreadable emotion as he gazed out at the passing scenery. The doctor had ordered complete bed rest for the next week, but Rafe had insisted on returning home as soon as he was stable enough to be moved.Alex sat beside him, tense and silent. Ethan was still in the hospital in critical condition, and Alex’s mind was weighed down with everything that had happened. The pack was in disarray, their Alpha was injured, and the only person who could possibly bring Rafe back to his full strength quickly—Delia—was gone.And now, Rafe didn’t even remember her.Natasha sat on Rafe’s other side, her fingers occasionally brushing against his arm in small, possessive gestures. She had barely left his side since he regained consciousness, playing the role of the devoted fiancée. Alex still did
The first thing Delia became aware of was pain. A deep, burning ache that radiated from her leg, spreading through every inch of her body like molten fire. It was sharp, relentless—a cruel reminder that she was still alive. Every nerve felt raw, every muscle weak, as though she had been trampled underfoot and left for dead. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, blinking rapidly against the dim lighting of the room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic. A rhythmic beeping filled the otherwise silent space, and it took her a moment to register that it was the sound of a heart monitor. Her heart. She was lying in an unfamiliar bed, strapped up to IV drips and medical monitors, her wrist connected to a heart rate machine that quickened the moment she tried to move. She tried to shift, to sit up, but the moment she moved, agony exploded in her leg. A white-hot pain shot up from the wound, searing through her nerves like lightning. A strangled gasp escaped her lips, her fingers clutchi
Alex turned to Natasha sharply, his patience wearing dangerously thin. His voice came out low, barely contained. “What the hell is going on, Natasha?” His eyes burned with frustration. “Why did you just refer to Delia as some new maid?” Natasha met his glare with an impassive expression, but there was a flicker of something—calculation—behind her striking blue eyes. “Lower your voice, Alex,” she chided, glancing around the hallway as if worried someone might overhear them. “Rafe’s still recovering, and the last thing he needs is unnecessary stress.” Alex stepped closer, his imposing height overshadowing her, but Natasha stood her ground. “Unnecessary stress?” he repeated, incredulous. “Delia is missing! Kidnapped by rogue pirates! And now you’re acting like she doesn’t exist?” Natasha let out a slow breath, as if dealing with a child who didn’t understand reason. “No, Alex. I’m acting like someone who actually cares about this pack’s survival.” Alex’s fingers curled into
Alex stood in his office, staring out the large window, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The moonlight cast long shadows across the pack lands, and everything looked deceptively peaceful.But his mind was anything but at peace.Natasha’s words kept replaying in his head. You need me. The pack needs me.Damn her.A sharp ring shattered the silence, and Alex turned swiftly, his jaw tightening before he reached for his phone. He didn’t recognize the number at first, but as soon as he answered, a familiar, breathless voice came through the line.“Alex?”He exhaled, shoulders easing just slightly. “Aria.”“Thank God I’ve reached you.” Her voice was laced with worry. “Marcus told me what happened, and I just—I couldn’t believe it. Is it true? About the attack? Rafe and Ethan…and Delia missing?”Alex rubbed a hand down his face, the weight of everything settling deeper into his bones.“Yeah, kid,” he said, voice rough. “It’s true. Things are…not great here.”There was a beat of silenc
The scent of blood lingered in the air as Alex strode down the hospital corridors, his mind racing. The sterile white walls and the faint beeping of monitors did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside him. Rafe was still unconscious, his body fighting against the potent wolfsbane that had nearly killed him.And now, Delia was gone.Alex gritted his teeth, his hands clenching at his sides as he paced near Rafe’s room.Shortly after bringing Rafe and the injured warriors to the hospital, his head had snapped up at the sudden intrusion of a mind link.Ethan.His voice had been weak, barely a whisper in Alex’s mind.“Rogues… ambushed… Delia… I—”And then nothing.Alex had bolted. He barely had time to gather Marcus and a few other warriors before they rushed out.When they arrived, the scene was worse than he imagined.Ethan lay crumpled on the side of the road, a pool of blood beneath him. His throat had been slashed wide open, his breathing ragged and barely there. His usually strong
Once Simon was back on his battleship with an unconscious Delia in his arms, he moved swiftly through the deck, his boots thudding against the wooden planks. His grip on her was firm but careful, mindful of her injuries.He pushed through the infirmary doors, his voice cutting through the tense air.“Get the doctor. Now.”The nurses jumped into action, one of them sprinting down the corridor while Simon gently laid Delia onto an empty cot. She looked fragile under the harsh medical lights, her skin pale beneath the soot and grime. His jaw clenched. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.Within a minute, the doctor arrived and he wasted no time, kneeling beside Delia and inspecting her wounds.“Her leg is badly injured,” Simon muttered, his voice tight.The doctor worked quickly, his hands moving over Delia’s body with practiced efficiency. After a thorough check, he turned to a nurse. “Put her on oxygen. She’s weakened and has inhale a lot of smoke. If we don’t stabilize her soon