Marcus POVThe air in the chamber crackled with tension, as if the very walls could sense the turmoil unfolding around us. I had spent too long preparing for this moment. The ritual, Tesla’s sacrifice, everything. It was supposed to be clean, controlled. But now, everything felt like it was slipping through my fingers, the power of the child an uncontrollable storm.I barely heard the knock at the door. It wasn’t the sound of an intruder, but of a messenger, and I was already too far gone in my thoughts to notice the difference. Still, I couldn’t ignore the urgency in his voice as he rushed inside.“Lord Marcus!” The messenger gasped, out of breath. “They’re coming. The enemy. They’ve crossed the border.”I froze. My pulse quickened, and for a brief moment, the swirling magic in the room faded from my focus. Enemies? It didn’t make sense. The city was fortified, its defenses unbreachable. And yet, here we were, being attacked in the middle of everything.“Who dares?” My voice was cold
Marcus POV but before I could finish him off, he managed to break free with a violent thrash, his claws slashing through my side, just grazing me. I recoiled, blood seeping from the wound, but the pain only fueled my rage.I growled, my eyes locking onto his. This wasn’t just a fight—it was a statement. A statement that I was the alpha. I was the one in control, and no one—not even Henry—could take that from me.“You’re finished,” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.With a final surge of power, I tackled him to the ground once more, pinning him beneath me. He was no longer fighting back, his body trembling with the effort to stay conscious. I had him. There was no escaping it now.“You will never take anything from me,” I whispered, my breath hot against his ear. “Not now. Not ever.”The moment my claws dug into Henry's throat, I felt the rush of power surge through me, and it was intoxicating. His struggles weakened with each passing second, and I could hear the ragged breaths te
Kael’s POVThe air grew heavy, thick with the tension of a fight that had gone on for far too long. Marcus was on the ground, blood staining his fur, his breaths shallow but defiant. Henry and I stood over him, panting but resolute. Victory was within our grasp, yet I couldn’t shake the sense that it wasn’t over. Not yet.Just as I prepared to deliver the final blow, the world shifted. The sun, bright and unyielding, dimmed. Shadows stretched across the battlefield, and within moments, the day plunged into darkness. A solar eclipse.A piercing cry broke through the unnatural silence—a baby’s cry, sharp and filled with a power that made my fur stand on end.Marcus, beaten and bloodied, began to laugh—a low, menacing chuckle that sent chills down my spine. He shifted back into his human form, his dark eyes gleaming with something that could only be described as madness.“Yes,” he hissed, rising to his knees despite the weight of his injuries. “Yes! It’s happening. Finally, it’s happenin
Marcus’s fury was palpable. “Cowards!” he roared at his men. “You dare betray me? After everything I’ve done for you?”One of his soldiers, a burly man with a scar running down his face, stepped forward. “We followed you because we believed in your strength, Marcus. But now? Now we see you for what you are—a man blinded by his own arrogance.”Marcus’s face contorted with rage, but before he could respond, the baby’s cry echoed again, louder and more insistent.“What is that?” Henry demanded, his eyes darting toward the direction of the sound.Marcus’s lips curled into a sinister smile. “That,” he said, his voice trembling with excitement, “is the future. My future. And no matter what you do, you cannot stop it.”I stepped forward, my gaze locked onto his. “You’re wrong, Marcus. We can and we will. Whatever dark power you’ve unleashed, we’ll find a way to stop it.”He laughed again, but it was weaker now, his injuries catching up with him. “You’re a fool, Kael. Always have been. Always
Tesla's POVThe heat woke me. It wasn’t scorching, but it was stifling enough to make me stir. My eyelids felt heavy, and my limbs ached as I shifted on the soft surface beneath me. For a moment, I thought I was still in the labor room. Hadn’t I just given birth?My heart jumped at the thought. The baby. I had given birth before the pain overtook me and darkness swallowed me whole.I forced myself upright, the ache in my body protesting every movement. The room was dimly lit, with a faint flicker of firelight dancing on the walls. It smelled of herbs and something earthy, unfamiliar. My surroundings were sparse but cozy. Then I heard it—the soft clicking of pots and the faintest coo of a baby.My baby.I turned my head toward the sound and froze. Kael.He stood by the fire, cradling the baby in his arms. His movements were gentle, deliberate, as though he feared the slightest wrong step might harm the tiny life in his hold. The sight struck something deep within me. Kael, the hardened
“You’re a stubborn little thing,” I murmured, my voice softer now. She gurgled in response, her laughter fading into soft coos.I sat beside the makeshift cradle, watching her slowly drift off to sleep. Something in my chest tightened, an unfamiliar ache that made it hard to breathe.“Guess we’re stuck with each other, huh?” I whispered.The sound of a saw cutting through wood snapped me back to the present. I reached the factory gates and nodded at one of the workers as I entered. The men here were rough, their lives shaped by hard labor and harder circumstances. But they didn’t ask questions, and that was exactly what I needed.I swung the axe off my shoulder and got to work, each strike a release for the thoughts swirling in my mind. Tesla was probably awake by now, maybe even glaring at me for keeping her in the dark. She didn’t trust me, not fully, and I didn’t blame her.Then there was the child. Henry’s blood. That fact gnawed at me like a thorn in my side. Protecting her felt
Kael’s POVI couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly as I watched Tesla agree to come along with me to the festival. I never really expected her to go along with it so easily. But here we were, heading into unknown territory, trying to act like a married couple. I had to admit, it felt strange even pretending. The idea of being publicly recognized as a husband was a role I never envisioned for myself, but now it was real. And now, more than ever, I needed to make sure we pulled it off smoothly.After washing the dishes, I noticed Tesla was ready, her hair tied back neatly, and the baby nestled comfortably in her arms. The morning light made her look calm, yet determined, as if she had already accepted the role she was thrust into. I grabbed my cloak and made sure my axe was within reach, though I’d prefer not to show it off in front of everyone.As we stepped out of the house, I took a deep breath of the crisp air. There was a hint of excitement in the atmosphere, the kind that only a fest
“Competition?” I replied, raising an eyebrow. I was still trying to make sense of everything that was happening. Between pretending to be married and navigating this strange human festival, I wasn’t sure where things were heading.Jarek gave me a playful shove. “Oh, come on, man! You can’t be serious. You must’ve heard about the Couples’ Contest!”I glanced over at Tesla, who had a confused look on her face. She shook her head lightly, equally clueless.“The what?” I asked, now more curious than ever.Before Jarek could answer, the booming voice of an announcer echoed through the street, cutting through the laughter and music.“All couples, please get ready! The Couples’ Contest is about to begin!” the announcer shouted, sending a ripple of excitement through the crowd.I turned back to Jarek, my confusion deepening. “What contest?”Jarek grinned widely, his excitement palpable. “Oh, it’s a fun one! The males have to carry their wives—” he gave Tesla a teasing glance “—and walk barefo
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