XENIA'S POV
I've never been a strong religion fanatic, infact I'll describe myself as an atheist. I don't believe in God or any spiritual entity. I believe that humans have full control of whatever happens in their lives and that only us can decide our fate. A good decision brings a positive outcome and a bad one brings a negative outcome too. It's another major reason I moved from my mom and Sherman oaks, ever since I was little, I felt like I was been pushed to believe in something, but not only that, I felt my mom was using religion as an excuse to run away from something, like a daunting past. That was also the emotion she gave whenever I brought up dad. I knew I didn't look like mom; she was of average height, approximately 5'3 and had a thick body shape whereas I was 5'8 with a slender runway model like figure, mom had auburn hair with blue eyes while I had hazel eyes with black hair, so you can imagine why I wanted to know about dad. There was not one photograph of him while growing up and after the last encounter I had with mom when I brought him up, I decided to let go of the topic.
Even when I tried asking her of our origin, she just kept saying we were from Sherman oaks but deep down, I somewhat knew that there was a lot of truth she was omitting. Our last quarrel happened the day before I moved to New York and till today I feel insanely guilty, not because of anything else but that was the last time I saw her. She died five days after of cardiac arrest and it's haunts my conscience knowing what my last word to her was. After the funeral, I packed what we had and moved back and I haven't touched her stuff since then.
Not until today tho, when I felt a sudden urge to go through them, perhaps to search for answers to the trance I had last night.
KALEB'S POV
"Nenyia, it's been about three days since we did the ritual, yet no word from her", I said to the oldest woman in our pack who also happens to be a spiritualist. "Don't fret Kaleb, she's gotten the message wherever she is and it's only a matter of time before she's drawn to come, no mate can ever resist the call", she replied, her hand on my shoulder.
I've been Alpha of the pack for a year now and as custom demands, I need to sire a heir, but not just with anyone. Every wolf is connected and bonded with a kin, a human kin with whom we bear children with. A wolf and a wolf cannot sire a child as the child would turn out to be a bloodlust killer, thus, we need the gene of a human to calm that bloodlust, however, we can't just go and pick any human we fancy, our mates have already been chosen by the moon gods from their birth, and when we attain the age of Senery, the ritual is conducted to draw our mate to us from wherever they may be.
The last time we had such ritual was for Cainry, and a day after, his mate, Ihinnya came to our den and now she's with child.
Now one can wonder why my worries are at peak. Our kind started dwindling ever since the Wolf hunters began abducting most of our kind and our sole purpose is to protect the wildlife humans are trying so hard to destroy, if we go extinct, then the whole cause is lost. Not under my watch as Alpha will I let that happen, Never.
XENIA'S POV
The last time I felt this shocked was the day I started seeing my menses as a teenager, believe me, it was a very spectacular experience.
Suffice to say, after the first day of that trance, I've kept on having strange dreams and a recurring pull to travel. The last dream I had this night; I was at a waterfall in the woods, wearing animal skin two piece about diving into the water with an approximately 6'5 brown skin tan man, he had the most amazing smile and was drop down gorgeous in a manly way, he took my hand and I looked into his light brown eyes and then we jumped from the cliff straight into the water. I never felt so happy as I did with him as we began kissing which even though it was a dream, it felt like it was ordained from the beginning of time, "I want you to be mine Xenia", he whispered huskily in my ear and it sent shivers down my spine. There was no way I could say no to this man, it was almost impossible, he made me feel a certain way that I hadn't felt before, I nodded and pulled him in for another kiss and then I woke up and looked around me to see I was still in Bradshaw's apartment and he was sleeping beside me.
This was the last straw, even though it was a dream, I knew instantly that what I felt in that dream, I haven't felt it all the time I was with Bradshaw or any other man in my life and somehow, I had this realization that the dream was real, that he was real and I wasn't going to rest until I found him. I was going to go to the ends of the earth to meet him.
Like someone under a spell, I began to pack few of my things, this was the resolution and confirmation I needed after finding out where my mom was from and somehow I knew that if I followed that clue, it was going to lead me straight to this mysterious man. Even as I packed, I kept on hearing his voice, beckoning unto me, asking me to come and be his. The price I was willing to pay seemed expensive, but it was one I was full minded going to take on, Bradshaw, my life in New York, my new job as Junior Designer at Monique's, all of these suddenly seemed like figments in the air and Maine was where my mind was focused on.
MARRYLEN'S POV Working for Maine's Forestry Research and Wildlife Maintainance Team has never been so hectic as it has been for the past six years now when the department I work in Beddington, Washington County for, discovered a new threat in the woods and ever since then, I, Idara and Foxlee were charged with hunting this threat down, with me leading the team. The perks of it, I get this sweet laboratory equipped with state of art technology and this sweet cabin so I can't complain much. Plus, we also get days off to chill in the town. Beddington is a small town with a population of about 250 people, which is why everyone knows everyone. Saturday evening is usually one of my best days mainly because I get to go to DeDeon's Bar and have a nice time with Idara especially, we've been best of friends ever since the first day we were recruited, she's the only one I've ever had feelings for although I don't want to let her know so as not to ruin our friendship.Idara had asked that
XENIA'S POV"Leave her alone, Marrylen", it was him, the same voice and face I saw every night in my dreams, now standing here before me in the flesh.Ok, what sort of sorcery is this? How is that someone I saw continually in my dreams actually existed in real life, not that I've seen or met him before elsewhere, the major thing being that he looks and sounds exactly the same. If I had confided my dreams to someone, they'll certainly say I'm crazy, but here I am, staring into those brown eyes as they bore into mine also. It was the lady who I guess her name is Marrylen that broke the silence, "And why would I do such Kaleb?", She asked him… Kaleb, Kaleb, even his name sounded so perfect, like it was made for him, with the way they spoke, it seemed like they were acquainted with each other, then again, Beddington is a small town so I guess everyone knows everyone.Instead of responding to her question, he turns and look at me, "Finally, Xenia, you've come to me", he says and I'm shock
XENIA'S POV So now I was fully aware of the reasons my mom left Beddington. Yes, it still seemed strange and sort of archaic to me that bethrotal is something that still exists in this modern age and time.Whoever this Alpha might be, what is the guarantee that I'm going to love him because I can't be with someone I'm not in love with, and also, at one point in time, I was sure about everything, my life, my career, my future with Bradshaw and now everything just collapsed in one swoop. Moreover, the way I felt drawn to Kaleb is like no other person I've Loved before or Marrylen, the kind lady who tried to help me, whom I felt a bond with too, will I be able to pursue my feelings for them or would I all dump it for this Alpha. All these thoughts filled my mind that I didn't notice it was daybreak. "What would you like to eat, Xenia? I don't really have much but I could do a quick run to the grocery store", my uncle said as I stepped into the living room. "No, it's okay, I'll have a
MARRYLEN'S POV At this point, I wanted to shun Kaleb; the way he barges in, even though he's an Alpha and with all the dominance towards humans, there's still something known as politeness which he lacks.Also, the way he commands Xenia to do certain things and how she goes with it without resistance is appalling.I've been studying werewolves ever since I was put in charge of my department, and something looks amiss here. The way Kaleb commands Xenia, the way she shows little or no clap back, and even with the little she told me about her life in New York and her sudden pull to return home, it can only mean one thing… Why didn't I catch onto it earlier? That's the only sensible explanation for this scenario. Back to the bar where He'd just asked her to come with him, she looks at me, smiles apologetically, and leaves with him. Like she just went with him, a woman I'm still trying to woo just stood up and left with Kaleb. Is it that she's not into girls or hasn't noticed the blari
XENIA'S POV "She's not supposed to do that, wake up my kin", I hear Kaleb call out to me in the darkness and my eyes flutter open. Disdain fills the eyes of the other members of the pack and to be honest, I have no idea why they'll keep their faces like that, it's not like what happened was purposely caused by me. Maybe if I grew up in Beddington or Maine especially, I'll have a better idea of what is supposed to happen at the bonding ceremony, so boo hoo. However, I feel what went on was something I couldn't control, first of all, why did I feel Marrylen's presence at the same time as Kaleb's, what connection do I have with both of them? "Where am I?", I ask the many pair of eyes staring down at me, and I try to stand up as Kaleb makes me rest on the bed which I'm very surprised is as soft as it is, "Rest my love, everyone Get Out, give her room", he says as people begin to dispatch from the room one by one. "Why did that happen to me, Kaleb?", I asked him as soon as the room was
XENIA'S POV The tension in the air was almost palpable as I walked out of the cave. After the encounter with Tochex and Octavyous, my mind felt like it was spinning. I knew that joining this pack wouldn't be a walk in the park, but the hostility I encountered from them felt like more than just skepticism—it felt personal, like I wasn't welcome in their world. I needed a moment to myself, a moment to just take a breath and process everything that had happened. The bonding ceremony, the power surge that left me unconscious, and now the stares and sneers of the pack members. It was like everything was happening too quickly, leaving me feeling completely overwhelmed. Kaleb had left me alone to rest, but I couldn’t just sit there anymore. I needed to understand what was going on. I wandered outside, feeling the cool breeze against my skin, trying to clear my mind. There was something about this place that both terrified and intrigued me. The mystery of it all, the way I was connected to
MARRYLEN'S POVThe sun was beginning to dip below the horizon when I got Xenia's call. I could hear the tension in her voice, something fragile and desperate beneath the surface. She wanted to meet, and there was an urgency in her tone that made me drop everything and head to the clearing we had agreed upon.When I arrived, Xenia was already there, pacing back and forth, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her expression was a mix of confusion, fear, and something else—determination. The sight of her like that made my heart clench. I approached slowly, careful not to startle her."Xenia," I called gently, and her head snapped up, her eyes locking onto mine. The relief that washed over her face was palpable, and she immediately came toward me."Marrylen, I—I don't know what's happening to me," she said, her voice cracking slightly. She stopped just a foot away from me, her eyes searching mine. "Kaleb told me not to trust you. He said you're dangerous, that you're trying to interfe
XENIA'S POVThe next morning, I woke up feeling like I was at the center of a storm. My head pounded, thoughts tangled with emotions as I replayed my conversation with Marrylen over and over again. The warmth of her embrace, her words reassuring me that I wasn't alone, were like a lifeline—and yet, they only made everything more confusing.I couldn't help but think about Kaleb. The intensity in his eyes when he spoke to me, the way he insisted that our bond was sacred—it made me feel both cherished and trapped at the same time. It was as if I was being torn between two opposing forces, and I wasn't sure which direction to take.I knew I had to confront Kaleb again. I needed answers, and I needed to see if what Marrylen said was true—if Kaleb was truly trying to control me, or if there was something more beneath the surface. I had to face him, not as his mate, but as someone who deserved the truth.When I made my way back to the pack's territory, I could feel the weight of the stares o
KALEB RETURNS - THE CONFRONTATION WITH OCTAVYOUSThe sky was a muted gray, the sun hidden behind thick clouds as Kaleb and his crew approached the pack's territory. They moved swiftly, their eyes focused, their senses heightened. The air was charged with tension, the anticipation of what lay ahead weighing heavily on each of them. Kaleb's heart pounded in his chest, his mind focused on one thing—taking back his pack from Octavyous.They reached the edge of the territory, the familiar scent of the pack filling Kaleb's senses. He paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked ahead, his gaze focused on the heart of the camp. He could feel the presence of his pack members, their emotions a mix of fear and uncertainty. It fueled his resolve, his determination to end this once and for all.Cainry moved up beside him, his eyes meeting Kaleb's. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice low but steady.Kaleb nodded, his jaw tightening. "Let's do this," he said, his voice filled with determination. He too
STRAYS' POV - THE REAL PLANSThe stray camp was hidden deep within the forest, far from the watchful eyes of the pack. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint rustle of leaves, the shadows of the towering trees casting a dark blanket over their camp. The strays moved silently, their bodies tense, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. They were always on guard, always prepared for the possibility of an attack.In the center of the camp, a group of the strays had gathered, their voices low, their faces shadowed by the flickering light of a small fire. At the head of the group stood Marcus, the leader of the strays, his eyes cold and calculating as he looked at the others. His expression was one of determination, his jaw clenched as he spoke."We can't keep waiting," Marcus said, his voice low but filled with authority. "We've been hiding in the shadows for too long. It's time we made our move. The pack is vulnerable, and their so-called Alpha, Octavyous
PACK'S POVBack at the pack, the atmosphere was tense, the air filled with whispers and murmurs of dissent. Octavyous had taken control after Kaleb's disappearance, and his rule was harsh, unforgiving. He had declared himself Alpha, but not everyone accepted him. The pack members were loyal to Kaleb, and his sudden absence had left a void that Octavyous was all too eager to fill.It didn't take long for the cracks in his leadership to show. Octavyous was ruthless, his commands absolute, and he had little regard for the well-being of the pack. He ruled with an iron fist, demanding obedience without offering the care and protection that an Alpha should provide. The fear among the pack members was palpable, but so was the anger, the resentment building just beneath the surface.One of the most troubling aspects of Octavyous' rule was his treatment of the female members. He had begun calling them to his bed at night, one after another, without regard for whether they had mates or not. It
XENIA'S POVThe days had been long since we left the pack. Marrylen and I had been on the run, constantly looking over our shoulders, never staying in one place for too long. Octavyous' threats still echoed in my mind, and I knew that he wouldn't rest until he had total control. But we weren't going to make it easy for him.It was during one of those restless nights that the dream came. Nenyia appeared to me, her presence serene, her voice gentle. She was standing in a clearing, her eyes filled with warmth and kindness. "Xenia," she said, her voice echoing in the quiet of my mind, "You must find Kaleb. He needs you now more than ever."I reached out to her, my heart pounding. "Where is he?" I asked, my voice trembling. "How can I find him?"Nenyia smiled, her eyes filled with a sadness that broke my heart. "Follow the bond," she said. "It will lead you to him. You are stronger than you know, Xenia. Trust in yourself, trust in the love you share. It will guide you."When I woke, my hea
XENIA'S POVThe news of Kaleb's disappearance had hit us like a storm. Marrylen and I had only just returned to Beddington when we were summoned to meet with Octavyous. The moment we heard his name, a feeling of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. There was something dark about the way his power had grown, and as we approached the camp, that unease only intensified.Octavyous stood at the center of the clearing, his presence commanding, his eyes cold as he looked at me. The pack was quiet, the tension in the air almost suffocating. He had taken control, that much was clear, but it was the way everyone seemed to be on edge that made my skin crawl."Xenia," he called out, his voice hard. "Step forward."I exchanged a glance with Marrylen, her eyes filled with worry, but I nodded and stepped toward him, my heart pounding in my chest. There was something dangerous in his gaze, a glint of something that made my instincts scream to run, but I held my ground."Kaleb is gone," Octavyous
KALEB'S POVThe moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the forest as Octavyous and I moved through the dense undergrowth. The silence of the night was broken only by the crunch of leaves beneath our boots and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. The weight of the mission hung heavy between us, and I could feel the tension in the air—thicker than usual, almost as if it were trying to suffocate me.Octavyous led the way, his movements confident, almost too confident. Something about the way he carried himself tonight felt off, but I pushed the thought away, focusing on the task at hand. We were here to scout for the stray werewolves, to determine their numbers, and assess the threat they posed. The pack was counting on us, and I wasn't about to let them down.We had been walking for over an hour when Octavyous suddenly stopped, his head tilting to the side as if he had heard something. I paused, my senses on high alert, scanning the dark woods around us. There was no
KALEB'S POVThe campfire crackled as the pack gathered around, the air thick with tension. The news had spread quickly—stray werewolves had been spotted near the border of our territory. It had been years since we'd dealt with them, but their presence was unmistakable. A scent carried by the wind, the feeling of being watched—it was clear that they were back.These weren't just any werewolves. They were rogues, a pack of strays that had been a thorn in our side for generations. My father had fought them off when they first tried to claim our territory years ago, and he had managed to defeat most of them. But some had survived, and they had always been a looming threat, waiting for their chance to strike again.The tension was palpable as I stood before the pack, the flames casting flickering shadows across their faces. Nenyia was by my side, her expression calm but her eyes sharp as she scanned the group. To my right, Tochex stood, her eyes blazing with anger, her body tense as if rea
XENIA'S POVThe warmth of Kaleb's embrace was all-consuming, and for a moment, I felt completely at peace. But then, just as suddenly as the bond had settled, I felt something shift inside me. My vision blurred, the world around me fading away until all I could see was darkness. My body felt light, as if I were floating, and a strange, powerful energy began to surge through me.I heard voices, distant and muffled, and I struggled to understand what was happening. Kaleb's arms were no longer around me—I could no longer feel his presence. Instead, there was a new sensation, a warmth that seemed to come from somewhere deep inside me, pulling me in a different direction.I blinked, my vision slowly coming back into focus, and I saw Marrylen standing before me. Her eyes were wide with shock, her mouth slightly open, and I could feel the connection between us—the same kind of energy I had felt with Kaleb. It was strong, undeniable, wrapping around the two of us like an invisible tether.Mar
MARRYLEN'S POVThe air was heavy with tension. I could feel it as soon as Xenia and I finished, the satisfaction of our intimacy fading into a quiet, lingering unease. She hadn’t said a word about Kaleb being there, but I knew she was aware of him. She’d looked right at him, made sure he saw everything, and I knew that there was more to this than just us. It was about him too—about the pain he had caused her and the pain she was determined to make him feel.I watched as Xenia lay back against the pillow, her eyes closing for a moment, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. There was a hardness to her expression, something cold that hadn't been there before, and it made my heart ache. I wanted her to look at me the way she had just moments ago—with warmth, with desire—but now her gaze was distant, as though her mind was somewhere else entirely.“Xenia?” I whispered, reaching out to touch her arm, my fingers brushing against her skin. “Are you okay?”She opened her eyes,