Lin was taken aback. What did Hunter’s dad just call her? “Excuse me?” She did not intend to let it slide. And there was no way she would sit there and let her birthright be stripped away! That would just be a spit on her parents' grave that her pack so happened to be celebrating. “You heard me, dear. Now, sit the f*ck down and let the grown-ups do what grown-ups do.” Lin’s heart was beating fast, and she could feel the adrenaline rushing through her veins. She felt angry and disrespected and gosh, she hated it!“Stop talking to me like that,” She tried her best to say in a respectful way. She did not want to come off as a rude outsider, because she already knew that her leaving the pack to live in the city with humans would certainly be the excuse that her people would use against her. “Baby girl, I can talk to you any f*cking w–”Lin did not even wait for him to finish his sentence, she snapped and slapped him across the face. It was after she did it that she fully realized what
Hunter licked his lips and then ran his hand through his blonde hair. He walked close to her and stopped just before reaching the cell. “You ran away for years. You left your parents, your pack, your culture. And for what? To live with humans?” Lin felt a stab of pain in her chest and seeing the look of disgust across Hunter’s face only made it worse. “You don’t understand.” “Lin, your parents died and you didn’t even know! You didn’t find out until a week later!” She felt a hard knot in her throat and a few tears escaped her eyes without her permission. She had already been beating herself up for all that but hearing Hunter say it out loudly, shook her to the core. “Yes, I know. I know that I f*cked up.” Her voice broke. “But it was too much for me. You have to understand that I was way too young and everyone was putting so much on me. Plus, you know it, the pack was not ready for a female alpha. You heard about the riots.” Her voice got firmer at the end. Hunter scoffed. He sho
Lin’s heart was beating so fast that she could literally feel it. Her throat burned due to the councilman’s tight hold around it. And the way he pulled on her hair made her cry. “Roger…” Sarah begged her husband but in a delicate and careful tone. She was trying her best not to upset him.The councilman enjoyed the rush of adrenaline that ran through his veins. He felt powerful and that fed his ego. He ignored his wife and shouted in Lin’s face, “Beg me you, you sl*t!”“I’m sorry…I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Lin cried out the words under her breath as her knees buckled. She was now only being held up by the man. Tears flowed from her eyes freely and it felt like she was going to die.Due to his tight hold around her neck, she could not breathe well. And it was only getting worse. Sweat rolled down her face and pain filled her scalp. “I can’t breathe,” Lin managed to say as she started to panic. “Please…I can’t breathe…” She tried to pry his hands from around her neck but was not strong en
Depression. It is a very slippery and dark slope that could lead to one doing stupid things. Things that they would never consider if they were okay. Lin Boyce, the one next in line to be the female alpha of the pack was now officially a nobody. And not just a nobody, but she also had nobody. She had lost her boyfriend, her parents, her birthright, the respect of her pack, and was now slowly losing her mind. As she lay there on the hard and cold floor, her mind spun. She had never cried in her whole life like how she had cried for the past few hours up to now. To top it all off, she had just been physically, verbally, and emotionally abused by one of the councilmen who was meant to protect her. If not for his wife, who knows? She could have died right in that basement. Her phone suddenly started ringing and she released a shaky breath before reaching for it. Her head was pounding and the pain that surrounded her neck was only getting worse. When she glanced at the screen, she sa
Maybe it was the fact that his dad had always treated him and his mom like crap. But at that very moment, Hunter felt like going down to one of the security rooms and getting a pistol so he could put a cold metal in the man’s head. There was not a month that would go by that he or his mom would not get a bruise or wound from that man. They had to be perfect for him, or else they would pay. Even the smallest mistakes were punished. Sometimes, Hunter wished that he and his mom would have just left in poverty and lowliness, rather than accepting to come and live with his dad. The man was a monster. “Why did he hit you?” He asked as he tried his best to deal with the anger that kept building in him. He had an online therapist that helped him with his anger issues but to be honest, he did not think that it was working. Because he was angry almost all the time. Except recently…when Lin walked into his life. Yes, he still got triggered, but not as much as before. He actually forgot abo
Lin could feel a knot in her throat. She wanted to defend herself so badly but she decided to let Hunter finish before doing that. “I am sorry for what I did,” She managed to say even though it was hard for her. “Are you really? Are you honestly sorry that you ran away? Because if your parents would have not had died, you would have still been living in the city with the humans.” He frowned tightly. She could not argue with that. It was spot on. It was true. Because even though she had found out that Robert had been cheating on her and was very heartbroken, she still had no plans of returning to her pack. It was because of No User. He was the one that made her come back. He was very convincing, and the icing on the cake was her parent’s death. “No, you’re right.” Lin flipped her hair a bit. “I’m not sorry,” She said to him honestly. Her honesty was brutal but it was better to say the truth than to lie to his face. That would be worse. Hunter scoffed and stood to his feet. “You ha
Hunter felt sorry for Lin, and a bit guilty for how he had snapped at her earlier in the basement. He just assumed instead of talking to her. And now he had only just added to her broken heart. “Look.” He sighed as he gestured for her to give him her hand. When she did, he said in a gentle tone, “You’re not cursed. And it’s definitely not your fault that your world seems to be crumbling down.”Lin enjoyed the guy’s calloused hand around her small and fragile one. It somehow made her feel seen, and safe. “Then who’s fault could it be?” She smiled sadly. “I really want to know.” Her voice was breathy. Hunter shook his head weakly. “Your parents’s death is not your fault. You being bullied was not your fault. Your not being able to wolf out is also not your fault. And your boyfriend cheating on you is most definitely not your fault, Lin,” He assured her as he continued to rub his thumb over her hand, keeping a comfortable grip.Lin released a breath and nodded. “Yeah.” Her voice was qu
Hunter did not like when people saw him this way; when people saw him being emotional or vulnerable. He liked to be seen as powerful and as a man with a heart of stone. But when he was with Lin, it was different. He felt like he could tell her anything and that made him feel so liberated. He enjoyed it. “But enough about me, let’s talk about you. Your boyfriend, is he sorry for what he did to you?”Lin also felt very comfortable talking to Hunter, especially considering that the guy had just opened up to her about his ex cheating too. And his case seemed worse because it was with his dad. “Uh…yeah? I think he is, or at least I’d like to believe that. He called me a lot not and swears that he will be better but I just can’t take the image of him and my best friend walking out of the bathroom literally naked together.”Hunter scoffed lowly. “I know the feeling. And it’s very sh*tty. I am so sorry about that, Lin.” He flashed her a comforting smile before breaking eye contact with her
The peaceful years that followed allowed Lin and Hunter to witness the pack's growth and the positive impact they had on both the mystical and human communities. The once-divergent paths of the supernatural and human realms had merged into a tapestry of coexistence, woven by the strong leadership and unwavering unity Lin and Hunter had cultivated.The pack, now a symbol of harmony and cooperation, expanded its influence, becoming a beacon for other supernatural beings seeking refuge and understanding. Lin and Hunter's home became a place where differences were celebrated, not feared, and alliances were forged, strengthening the bond between the mystical and human worlds.Despite the challenges they faced along the way, Lin and Hunter's connection remained steadfast. The diamond stone, a constant reminder of their shared vision, radiated with an otherworldly glow, symbolizing the strength they drew from one another. Their love had transcended the boundaries of their roles as alphas, in
In the aftermath of the battle, the pack gathered around Lin, their eyes filled with gratitude and trust. The victory had come at a cost, and Lin couldn't shake the feeling that her choices had consequences beyond the supernatural realm. As she turned to address her boyfriend, the pack watched the unfolding scene with a mix of curiosity and concern.Lin's boyfriend stepped forward, his expression a blend of confusion and worry. "Lin, what is all this? I saw... I saw things that I can't explain. Wolves, magic, and that ominous figure. What's happening?"Lin took a deep breath, knowing that explaining her supernatural life to someone outside the pack was a delicate task. "I never meant to keep this from you, but there are things beyond our understanding. The pack and I, we're connected by something more than just friendship. It's a bond that goes beyond the ordinary."Her boyfriend struggled to comprehend the revelation, glancing at the pack, who observed in silence. "Connected? Wolves?
Hunter's mom, the Luna, exchanged a knowing glance with her mate, then turned to Lin with a compassionate expression. "Lin, sometimes the path to redemption is challenging. But if you truly believe that returning willingly is the key to breaking the curse, then we support you."Hunter's dad, though still skeptical, added, "But remember, your actions will determine whether the pack can trust you again. This is your chance to make amends, not just for yourself but for the entire pack."Lin nodded, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you. I won't let you down."The Reaper, sensing the shift in dynamics, grinned maliciously. "So, the little she-wolf chooses to play hero. Let's see how well you dance to my tune."As Lin walked away with determination, The Reaper's laughter echoed behind her. The pack, unsure of what to make of this development, watched with a mix of hope and anxiety.Back at the pack's home, Lin faced the challenge of regaining the trust she had lost. Conversations with pack mem
In a secluded corner of the pack's territory, Lin found herself face-to-face with Hunter's dad and mom, the temporary alpha and Luna. The air was thick with tension as they prepared to discuss Lin's sudden return and the pressing issues that had gripped the pack in her absence.Hunter's dad, his expression a mix of sternness and disappointment, began the conversation with a direct question. "Lin, your return has stirred both intrigue and skepticism. What brings you back, and can we trust that history won't repeat itself?"Lin took a deep breath, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I left without explanation, and for that, I'm truly sorry. But I can't stand by while The Reaper's influence grows, and Hunter's fate remains uncertain. I need your help to confront him and unravel the truth."However, before Lin could delve further into her reasons, Hunter's dad interjected with a harsh tone. "This isn't the first time you've abandoned the pack without a word. Leaving abruptly seem
Despite her attempts to find closure, Lin's mind was clouded by an inexplicable haze. As she contemplated reaching out to Hunter, she suddenly remembered that he was placed in the magical jar by The Reaper—a crucial detail she had inexplicably kept forgetting. The revelation added a new layer of urgency and complexity to her quest for resolution.The following day, as the sun painted the sky with hues of dawn, Lin found herself fueled by a newfound determination. Ignoring her CEO boyfriend's well-intentioned advice to rest, she decided to dive back into work, seeking refuge in the familiar rhythms of her professional life.The CEO, concerned for Lin's well-being, urged her to reconsider. "Lin, you need time to heal. Going back to work may not be the best idea right now. Take a moment to breathe and focus on yourself."However, Lin's restlessness overpowered the well-meaning advice. The silence of the house, once stifling, now echoed with a sense of purpose. She yearned for the distrac
As Lin stood before the council, seeking permission to end her quest and return to the human territory, the atmosphere was tense. The Alpha, after a brief deliberation, acknowledged Lin's decision. "Your loyalty lies with the pack, but the path of the quest is not for everyone. You have our permission to return, but be aware that the balance has shifted, and there may be consequences." As Lin left the council gathering, whispers and uncertain glances followed her. The pack members, unsure of the repercussions, couldn't shake the feeling that their destinies had been altered. Unbeknownst to them, The Reaper observed from the shadows, a sinister grin etched on his face. Lin's return had served his purpose, and his influence continued to infiltrate the pack's fate. Meanwhile, Hunter remained trapped in the magical jar, unaware of the council's decision. The ancient inscription on the jar glowed faintly, teasing at the cryptic riddle that held the key to his freedom. The Reaper, having a
The Reaper knew of his power, he knew that Hunter was nothing compared to him. He had defeated greater foes and saw the guy as nothing but a waste of time. Who he truly wanted was Lin, the she-wolf. He wanted her out of the quest, but not the way she had chosen. He wanted to be the one to guide her back to the pack, claming the victory of being the one to cause her to surrender. Working with Hunter’s father was difficult, because the man was so arrogant and felt like he had so much power. But The Reaper knew that returning thee she-wolf back would kickstart his true plans for the pack!But first’s thing first was dealing with Hunter. “Give up, little boy.” He was suspended in the air by his dark powers. “You saw how I dealt with your friends back in the Dark Valley, play with me and I will crush you in seconds.”Hunter, despite being held in the grip of The Reaper's dark powers, refused to show fear. His eyes glowed with determination as he retorted, "I won't let you harm Lin or any
Hunter stood there, stunned and heartbroken, as the weight of Lin's decision sank in. The Reaper, reveling in the chaos he had sown, continued to taunt them.“Well, isn’t this just a delightful turn of events?” The Reaper gloated, circling around the couple. “A rejected mate and a broken duo. I must say, I didn’t expect this level of drama when I decided to confront you two.”Hunter, struggling to process the abrupt end to their bond, glared at The Reaper with a mix of anger and pain. Lin, on the other hand, tried to maintain a stoic facade, but her eyes betrayed a sense of regret and sorrow.“Let’s make a deal, shall we?” The Reaper proposed, savoring the tension in the air. “Surrender, and I’ll ensure that you both leave this quest unharmed. I might even throw in a little bonus, like erasing the memories of your failed attempt from your minds.”Hunter, his emotions spiraling out of control, clenched his fists. “I’ll never surrender to the likes of you. You can't break us that easily
Standing before The Reaper, Lin and Hunter rehearsed all that they had learned from Kai and Stereo. But still, it did not seem enough as they stood in front of the guy. “I tried, Lin. I really tried,” The Reaper started. “I tried to help you. I gave you so many chances to live yet you chose to die. You had the choice to quit this stupid quest and go back to the human territory; to go back to your ex that is still madly in love with you, but no, no, no.” He chuckled. “You decided to stay on a quest that ensured death. And for what? Because you want to be the Alpha of the pack? Is that even what you want?” He continued, playing with her mind with nothing but the truth. “Don’t listen to him, he plays with your mind, that’s what he does,” Hunter cautioned the she-wolf, looking around carefully in case there were any hidden traps waiting for them. “I know, but…” She replied in a low breathy way. She knew that she did not really want to be the Alpha of the pack. She had no desire for th