As Max's eyes crinkled at the corners, Ava's heart skipped another beat. She was lost in his gaze, unable to look away. But before she could muster a reply, Becca intervened."Ava, we really should get going," Becca said, her voice laced with a hint of urgency. "We have guests arriving at the lodging house soon, and we still need to prepare the rooms."Ava hesitated, reluctant to tear her gaze away from Max. But Becca's firm grip on her arm gently tugged her away."It was lovely meeting you, Max," Becca said with a warm smile. "Perhaps we'll see you around town?"Max nodded, his eyes still locked on Ava. "I'd like that."As Becca dragged Ava away, she whispered, "What's gotten into you? You were practically swooning!"Ava's cheeks flushed. "I don't know...there's just something about him."Becca raised an eyebrow. "I'll say. Let's get out of here before you get too caught up. We have work to do, and I need your help to get everything ready."Ava nodded, still feeling Max's gaze on her
As Sebastian walked away from Lila's parents’ house at the capital, the cool night air carried the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass. He breathed deeply, trying to shake off the lingering sense of connection he felt with Lila.His inner wolf, Lois, stirred, sensing Sebastian's turmoil. "What's bothering you, Sebastian? You seemed to enjoy Lila's company."Sebastian's thoughts were a jumble of emotions. "I did, Lois. But I don't want to lead her on. I care about her as a friend, but I don't feel that spark."Lois's voice was low and thoughtful. "Are you certain, Sebastian? Your heart rate increased when she smiled at you. And your eyes lingered on hers a little too long."Sebastian's footsteps slowed as he considered Lois's words. "Maybe I'm just being cautious. I don't want to risk our friendship by trying something romantic."Lois's tone turned playful. "Ah, but what if that's exactly what you need, Sebastian? A little risk to shake things up?"Sebastian chuckled, shaking
Sebastian's eyes remained locked on the mysterious figure, his mind racing with questions. Who were they? What brought them to Wetcreek? And why did their gaze seem to hold a deep connection?As the pack members dispersed, the stranger stepped forward, their movements fluid and graceful. Sebastian's inner wolf, Lois, growled softly, sensing his unease."Who are you?" Sebastian asked, his voice firm but polite.The stranger's eyes never left his as they approached. "My name is Aria," they replied, their voice husky and confident. "I've come seeking refuge with the Prime Pack."Sebastian's instincts prickled. There was something about Aria that didn't quite add up. "What makes you think we'll offer you refuge?" he asked, his tone neutral.Aria's smile was enigmatic. "Let's just say I have a feeling about this pack. And about you, Sebastian."Lois snarled softly, sensing the undercurrents. Sebastian's heart raced as he tried to process Aria's words. What did they mean? And why did he fee
Lila stepped out into the crisp morning air, feeling the warm sun on her skin and the gentle breeze rustling her hair. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass. Her wolf, Willow, stirred within her, sensing her determination."Today's the day, Willow," Lila said, her voice filled with resolve. "We're going to start working on ourselves, becoming the best version of us. No more pining after Sebastian, no more feeling sorry for ourselves."Willow's presence grew stronger, her energy coursing through Lila's veins like a river of moonlight. The name Willow suited Lila's gentle and adaptable nature, reflecting her ability to bend and grow in the face of challenges."I know, I know," Lila said, smiling. "It won't be easy. But we can do this. We'll focus on our strengths, our passions. We'll cultivate kindness, empathy, and compassion. We'll become the person Sebastian can't help but notice."As she walked through the forest, the scent of pine and ea
Lila's eyes rose, her gaze lifting to the darkness beyond the firelight. She knew she had a long way to go, but she was ready to start anew, to forge connections with others and build a life that wasn't centered around one person. Willow's presence surged, a wave of support and encouragement that carried Lila forward into the unknown.Lila's thoughts turned to Julia, Sebastian's first fated mate, and her eyes dropped in shame. She remembered the way she had threatened Julia, trying to intimidate her into giving up her claim on Sebastian. Lila's actions had been driven by desperation and a desire to eliminate any competition for Sebastian's heart."I was so cruel," Lila whispered, her voice barely audible. "I threatened Julia, tried to scare her away. I was willing to do whatever it took to get what I wanted."Willow's presence stirred within her, a gentle reminder of the harm she had caused. Lila felt a pang of regret and sorrow, knowing that her actions had hurt Julia and damaged the
As Sebastian departed rom Bloodmoon pack, Colton's anxiety lingered, his chest tight with worry. He paced back and forth in front of the den, his feet scraping against the dry earth. The scent of damp soil and decaying leaves filled his nostrils, a stark contrast to the sweet aroma of Ava's presence.Colton's eyes darted towards the trees, his gaze searching for any sign of Ava's return. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs made him jump, his heart racing with anticipation. But it was just a stray rabbit, its brown fur blending into the underbrush.He let out a deep sigh, his breath misting in the cool evening air. The sky was painted with hues of crimson and gold, a beautiful sunset that seemed mocking in its tranquility. Colton's mind was a whirlwind of emotions - fear, worry, and a deep longing to be reunited with Ava.He stopped pacing and closed his eyes, recalling the memory of Ava's touch, her smile, and her laughter. The sound of her voice echoed in his mind, a gentle
The day after her arrival from the capital, Lila stood in the grand foyer of her villa, her heart racing with anticipation and nerves. She had summoned Julia and Sydney, Sebastian's previous mates, to her home, knowing that this meeting would be a crucial step towards making amends. She had ordered good food to be prepared for them. She would do everything in her capacity to make up for the time and things they had lost. If not for her brutal interference, one of these she wolves would have become Mrs. Denizens and given birth to some pups for Sebastian by now. But her blind love and desperate desire for Sebastian had severed their divine bonds to him. She would make up for everything, today.As the doorbell rang, Lila took a deep breath and made her way to the entrance. She opened the door to find Julia and Sydney standing on her porch, their expressions wary but curious."Please, come in," Lila said, stepping aside to allow them to enter.As they entered the foyer, Lila couldn't he
Colton's mind raced with conflicting emotions as he paced beneath the moonlit sky. The weight of his pack's fate rested on his shoulders, and the failed ritual still lingered in his thoughts like an open wound.Ava's absence gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his pack's transgression. He couldn't shake the feeling that she held the key to their redemption."Should I go to Sebastian's Prime pack?" he thought, his inner turmoil intensifying. "Maybe she's there, waiting for me to find her."But doubts crept in, like shadows in the night. "What if she's not? What if Sebastian refuses to help me?"Colton's heart felt heavy, his thoughts a jumbled mix of hope and despair. He knew he couldn't give up, not yet. The curse still lingered, a dark specter haunting his pack."I'll go to Prime pack," he decided, his resolve strengthening. "I'll find Ava, no matter what it takes."But for now, he just stood there, lost in his thoughts, the moon casting an uncertain glow over his troubled face.A