Alpha Henry's POV I paced back and forth, my frustration mounting with every step. Serena should have returned by now. "Where is she?" I muttered under my breath, my voice low but sharp. My beta, Marcus, stood by the door, his arms crossed. "She’s late," Marcus said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Obviously," I snapped, shooting him a glare. "I sent her for a simple task, and she’s not back. What could be taking her so long?" Marcus hesitated before speaking. "Maybe the rogues didn’t take kindly to her showing up. Or maybe…" "Maybe what?" I demanded, stopping in my tracks to face him. "Maybe she’s been captured," Marcus said bluntly. The thought made my jaw tighten, though not out of concern for Serena. She was carrying my heir—my future. If anything happened to her, the child might be at risk. That was all that mattered. "Captured?" I scoffed, waving the idea away. "Tesla wouldn’t harm her. Not if she’s smart. She knows what’s at stake." "Tesla isn’t the only one in rogue territ
Kael’s POVThe sun already up. I stretched, the muscles in my back flexing as I stood, shirtless, at the edge of the bed. The morning chill bit at my skin, but I didn’t mind. The ache in my bones from years of hardship was a constant companion—a reminder of the life I lived.As I inhaled deeply, a familiar scent reached me. Warm, earthy, with a hint of lavender. Tesla.My brows furrowed. She wasn’t a prisoner, not technically, but she had far more freedom than anyone in rogue territory should have. That unsettled me. Prisoners didn’t wander around freely, and they didn’t spark curiosity in me the way she did. But she was here for a purpose—until I found something to use against Henry. Nothing more.Before I could delve deeper into my thoughts, her voice broke through the silence.“You should stretch more often,” Tesla said, her tone light but her eyes trailing over me, lingering a moment too long.I turned sharply to find her leaning against the doorframe, her lips curved into a fain
Tesla’s POVI paced the small room, my thoughts a tangled mess. Had I pushed too far? Kael’s anger was fierce, his words sharp and cold, but underneath it all, I thought I’d seen something else. Pain.But what if I was wrong? What if my curiosity was crossing boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed?I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Maybe I should apologize. Kael was ruthless, but he wasn’t unreasonable—or so I hoped. If I didn’t at least try to mend things, this tense dynamic between us would only get worse.Decision made, I stepped out into the hallway. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth, but my heart pounded as I approached Kael’s quarters.Before I could reach his door, I saw him standing at the end of the hall, his posture rigid, his eyes fixed on something—or someone. Following his gaze, I spotted Serena. She was crouched near a side room, her movements calculated and quiet.Kael’s expression was unreadable, but the tension radiating from him was p
Kael’s POVI sat in the room, the silence oppressive, my posture rigid as I watched him. The man before me was no ordinary figure in my life. He wasn’t just my mentor; he was the one who took my sister and me in when we had nothing, when everything had been stripped away. He’d forged me into the person I was today, someone capable of standing tall even in the face of overwhelming odds.His presence commanded respect. His dark eyes assessed me as if peeling back the layers of my soul. Finally, he broke the silence, his deep voice calm yet pointed.“I remember the day I found you, Kael. You were just a boy then, barely holding it together. But your eyes…” He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. “Your eyes were full of fire. Revenge. That was what drove you, wasn’t it?”I nodded, unsure where this was going. “Yes, sir.”“I expected that fire to grow every day,” he continued, his gaze sharp. “But now, I’m not so sure. You’ve changed, Kael. Haven’t you?”“Respectfully,
Tesla’s POVKael’s footsteps echoed as he walked away, his parting words ringing in my ears.“Stay here. Don’t go anywhere until I say.”I watched him disappear through the door, his rigid posture betraying no emotion. I sighed heavily, crossing my arms as I stared at the now-closed door.“What just happened?” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. Kael was an enigma, wrapped in a storm of contradictions. He’d just defied the one man who seemed to hold ultimate power over him—for me. Why?I slumped into one of the room’s plush chairs, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. “I guess I don’t know him as well as I thought,” I murmured.My gaze wandered, landing on the rows of books lining the walls. A small laugh escaped me as I got up and approached the shelves. “Books, books, and more books. Seriously, Kael? Is this what you do all day? How boring.”I ran my fingers over the spines, half expecting to find something mundane, maybe a dusty old guide on ancient battle strategies. I
Alpha Henry povThe cool night air hit me as I stepped out of the meeting room, the lingering tension from hours of negotiation still coiling in my chest. I pulled a cigarette from my pocket, lighting it with a sharp flick of my wrist. The first drag was calming, the smoke curling around me like a trusted ally.“Alpha.”I turned to see Jared approaching, his expression serious. He didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “We’ve got the message. Confirmation on the rogue camp.”“Go on,” I said, exhaling smoke.“They’ll be celebrating the Moon Festival tomorrow night,” Jared continued. “Their defenses will be down. The informant says it’s the perfect time to strike.”I took another drag, my mind already working through the possibilities. “And the secret entrance?”“It’s real. Hidden by the east side of the forest, near the cliffs. We can get in without alerting the perimeter guards.”I smirked, the thought of finally crushing those rogues stirring a dark satisfaction in me. “Good. Tell
Alpha Kael’s POVThe Moon Festival, every year, the same reminder of what I lost. I hated it. The songs, the laughter—it all felt so wrong. They celebrated what I couldn't hold onto anymore.I walked away from the festivities, my steps heavy, the weight of the memories pulling me toward the old burial ground on the edge of the pack's territory. The moonlight was brighter here, almost taunting, reminding me of that night.I dropped a single white flower at the stone marker, the one that had my sister’s name etched into it. I felt the pain twist in my chest as the memories flooded in. Her laughter. Her tiny hands gripping mine as we ran through the fields, her voice calling my name.“Kael…”I froze, hearing the voice behind me. It was too familiar. A soft step, like someone trying to be quiet, but I knew. I turned around slowly, locking eyes with Tesla.“Following me again?” My voice was sharper than I meant it to be, but I didn’t care. She shouldn’t be here. “You shouldn’t be here.”Sh
Tesla’s POVKael was dying, and it was my fault.I stood by his bed, watching him struggle to breathe, his chest rising and falling in uneven jerks. His skin was pale, his body trembling with shivers. I clenched my fists to stop them from shaking. They said the doctor was on his way, but he wasn’t here yet, and Kael didn’t have time.Serena’s voice broke the silence. “The doctor will be here soon.”“Soon isn’t good enough,” I snapped, my voice cracking. “Look at him, Serena! He’s burning up!”Her face stayed calm, though her eyes darted to Kael. “He’s strong. He’ll hold on.”“Strong?” I turned to face her fully, my anger barely controlled. “He’s in this state because of me. He was protecting me!”Serena’s gaze hardened. “This isn’t the time for blame, Tesla. Focus on helping him.”I swallowed hard and turned back to Kael. His face was pale, his lips dry, but even in his weakened state, his grip tightened when I reached for his hand.“Kael…” I whispered, leaning closer. “Why did you do
Kael’s POVThe green smoke wrapped around me like a serpent, tightening its grip as the memories flooded back. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe.My father, chained to a post, his face bloodied and broken, his eyes hollow with despair.“You’re no son of mine,” he had spat, even as the pack’s enforcers dragged him to his death.“Father—!” my younger self had cried, reaching for him, but the guards held me back.Then my mother, frail and trembling, shielding me with her body when the Alpha decreed that we were traitors. Her screams, her blood pooling beneath her as they tore her apart, haunted me.“You’ll be strong, Kael,” she had whispered with her last breath. “Stronger than all of them.”And my sister, sweet, innocent Maya. The fever had consumed her, but no one came to help. They left us to rot in the shadows, cast out like garbage. I had held her in my arms, her tiny body growing colder as she whispered my name.“Don’t leave me,” I had begged her, my tears soaking her pale face.
Kael’s POVThe green smoke wrapped around me like a serpent, tightening its grip as the memories flooded back. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe.My father, chained to a post, his face bloodied and broken, his eyes hollow with despair.“You’re no son of mine,” he had spat, even as the pack’s enforcers dragged him to his death.“Father—!” my younger self had cried, reaching for him, but the guards held me back.Then my mother, frail and trembling, shielding me with her body when the Alpha decreed that we were traitors. Her screams, her blood pooling beneath her as they tore her apart, haunted me.“You’ll be strong, Kael,” she had whispered with her last breath. “Stronger than all of them.”And my sister, sweet, innocent Maya. The fever had consumed her, but no one came to help. They left us to rot in the shadows, cast out like garbage. I had held her in my arms, her tiny body growing colder as she whispered my name.“Don’t leave me,” I had begged her, my tears soaking her pale face.
Tesla’s POVThe snarls echoed through the clearing, low and guttural, vibrating through the earth beneath my feet. Kael’s wolf had pinned Henry to the ground, claws digging into his chest. Blood seeped from the shallow cuts, but Henry didn’t cry out. His face was pale, his jaw clenched as he fought to keep breathing.“Kael, stop!” I called out, my voice trembling.His massive head turned toward me, golden eyes burning with fury, his teeth bared in a snarl. The sight of him—so wild, so consumed by rage—sent a shiver through me, but I didn’t back away. I couldn’t.I stepped closer, my hands trembling at my sides. “You don’t want to do this,” I said, forcing my voice to steady. “This isn’t you, Kael.”He growled, the sound deep and menacing, but his eyes flicked to mine, just for a moment. A flicker of recognition.“Tesla,” he growled, my name rumbling in his throat.“Yes, it’s me,” I said softly. I took another step, my heart pounding so loudly I thought he might hear it. “You don’t hav
Kael’s POVThe green smoke wrapped around me like a serpent, tightening its grip as the memories flooded back. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe.My father, chained to a post, his face bloodied and broken, his eyes hollow with despair.“You’re no son of mine,” he had spat, even as the pack’s enforcers dragged him to his death.“Father—!” my younger self had cried, reaching for him, but the guards held me back.Then my mother, frail and trembling, shielding me with her body when the Alpha decreed that we were traitors. Her screams, her blood pooling beneath her as they tore her apart, haunted me.“You’ll be strong, Kael,” she had whispered with her last breath. “Stronger than all of them.”And my sister, sweet, innocent Maya. The fever had consumed her, but no one came to help. They left us to rot in the shadows, cast out like garbage. I had held her in my arms, her tiny body growing colder as she whispered my name.“Don’t leave me,” I had begged her, my tears soaking her pale face.
Henry’s POVI staggered to my feet, my breath rasping in my throat as Marcus barreled toward Tesla and the baby. My heart pounded as Tesla screamed, shielding the child with her body."Kael!" I shouted, my voice hoarse.Kael didn’t need my warning. In a blur of silver, his wolf lunged. The two collided mid-air with a bone-rattling thud, their growls reverberating through the chamber. Marcus's claws swiped wildly, but Kael was faster, more precise.They tumbled to the ground, a tangled mass of fur and fury. I couldn’t tell who had the upper hand as they snapped and clawed at each other, but then Marcus let out a guttural snarl before slumping. Kael's powerful jaws had clamped down on his shoulder, and with a sharp twist, Marcus collapsed—unmoving.It was over. Finally, it was over.I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, sinking to my knees. Kael’s wolf rose, his silver fur matted with blood. He shook his head, his piercing gaze scanning the room as if searching for anoth
Henry’s POVMarcus’s massive paw pressed against my throat, cutting off my air as I struggled beneath him. His crimson eyes gleamed with triumph, his voice rumbling with satisfaction.“You thought you could control me?” Marcus sneered, leaning closer. “You’re nothing, Henry. No one can match me. No one.”I clawed at his arm, gasping, but his strength was overwhelming. My vision blurred, and I felt my wolf cowering within me, retreating.“All the territories,” Marcus continued, his voice cold and calculating, “will fall under my rule. Your petty little packs will bow, or they’ll burn. Starting with you.”Suddenly, a howl echoed through the chamber, cutting through Marcus’s gloating. His head snapped up, and he released me, allowing me to collapse to the ground, coughing and gasping for air.He turned toward the source of the sound, his lips curling into a mocking grin. “Well, well,” Marcus said, his tone laced with amusement. “Kael’s wolf. You’ve claimed it back, have you?”I followed
Henry’s POVI leaned against the cold stone wall, the cries of the infant echoing through the room like a sweet melody of triumph. The scent of blood and despair lingered in the air, thick and intoxicating. It was over. Finally, after all the scheming, after all the sacrifices, I had the child. The ultimate weapon.Tesla stirred on the cot beside me, her lashes fluttering as she began to wake. I crouched down, waiting for the moment her eyes opened.“Ah, Tesla,” I murmured as she blinked in confusion, her disorientation palpable. “Welcome back to the land of the living.”Her gaze darted around the room, and I saw it—the moment she realized where she was. Then, her eyes landed on me. Hatred. Fear. A dash of sorrow. It was all there, written across her face.“Where is he?” she whispered, her voice hoarse.I grinned, savoring the question. “Oh, Kael? Right there.”Her head whipped around, and her breath hitched as she saw him. Kael stood at the far end of the room, his arms tied behind h
Kael's POV I tightened my grip on Jarek’s arm as we crouched behind the cluster of crates. Marcus’s massive wolf form prowled through the ruined alley, his growls reverberating through the air like a storm about to break. Jarek’s breathing was ragged, his fear evident as he glanced toward the hospital in the distance. “We can’t keep hiding,” Jarek whispered, his voice barely audible over Marcus’s snarls. “He’ll find us.” I nodded, my mind racing. There was only one way out of this, and it wasn’t one we could both take together. “Listen to me,” I said, keeping my voice calm despite the chaos. “You’re going to run to the hospital. Now. I’ll distract him.” Jarek’s eyes widened in disbelief. “No! Are you insane? He’ll kill you!” “Jarek,” I snapped, grabbing his shoulders and forcing him to look at me. “I’ve faced worse than Marcus. I can handle this. But if you stay here, we both die. You need to go.” He shook his head, his resolve wavering. “I can’t just leave you here—” “Yes, you
Tesla's POVMy lungs burned as Ana and I sprinted through the narrow hallway, her grip on the baby firm yet protective. The service exit Serena had mentioned was in sight, but the echo of heavy boots and snarling voices behind us reminded me that Henry wouldn’t let us escape so easily.“Faster, Ana,” I urged, my voice hoarse with desperation.“I’m trying!” she hissed, the baby starting to fuss in her arms.We burst into the dimly lit alley, but the moment we did, Henry’s imposing figure materialized from the shadows ahead, blocking our path. His smirk was sinister, his presence suffocating.“Going somewhere?” he drawled, tilting his head mockingly.Ana stumbled to a halt, clutching the baby closer to her chest. “Stay back!” she spat, her voice trembling but determined.Henry ignored her, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto me. “Tesla, Tesla… running doesn’t suit you. It’s pathetic, really.”I stepped in front of Ana and the baby, my body trembling but my resolve unshaken. “Leave th