Our Lycan form moved with an elegant grace, our powerful muscles rippling beneath our sleek fur. I, a beautiful she-wolf, possessed a fur of auburn and gold, accentuated by streaks of white that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. My lithe form glided effortlessly through the forest. Eyes gleaming with a fierce determination and a spark of untamed wildness.
Close behind, Killian, a magnificent alpha male, exuded an undeniable aura of dominance and strength. His fur, a mix of deep ebony and silver-gray, hinted at his lineage and the power he held within. Every movement he made was precise and deliberate, his stature commanding respect and obedience.The leaves crunched under my nimble paws, the vibrant world becoming a blur as i raced through the forest. With each leap over logs and nimble maneuver around tree trunks, the sheer joy of running propelled me forward.My vibrant eyes scanned the horizon, adjusting my course and speed effortlessly with the ever-changing terrain.Yet, I could sense Killian following closely behind. He made no effort to pass me, instead maintaining a steady presence that seemed almost effortless. His breathing remained calm and measured, giving no indication of exertion.Driven by curiosity, i quickened her pace, determined to test the limits of the Alpha behind me. In a matter of seconds, Killian matched me stride effortlessly, the distance between us never wavering.I pushed harder, sprinting faster than before, yet he remained steadfast, showing no signs of falling behind or attempting to surpass me.With each subsequent surge in speed, i marveled at Killain's unwavering speed and agility, however he never bothered to overtake me as though he toying with me.Frustration gripped me as I paced back and forth, my mind consumed with a burning determination. Veering off the beaten path, I sought out rougher terrain, hungering for a physical challenge that matched the turmoil within me.Leaping over a crest, my body adjusted effortlessly to the uneven surface, my claws digging into the soil for traction. With each breath quickening and ragged, I refused to relent, pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion.As I reached the bottom, a gentle stream cut across my path. I splashed across it, the water droplets trailing behind me, fueling my determination. Up the muddy bank I went, my muscles burning with the intensity of my exertion. Surrender was not an option.With an instinctive leap over a pile of brush, I summoned every ounce of strength for one final burst of speed. Little did I know, danger lurked in the shadows, poised to challenge my resolve.Without warning, I felt a forceful push, and my attacker swiftly pinned my hands with his giant, silver hands. Instinctively, I fought back, snapping and rolling in an effort to break free, but he overpowering my resistance effortlessly.In an instant, Killian had me pinned to the ground, his teeth grazing my throat as a display of dominance. Fear coursed through me, intertwining with a strange sense of surrender. I froze, whimpering softly as my body communicated my submission to him. Killian held his position for a moment longer, asserting his command, before releasing his hold and retreating slightly.As if guided by some unspoken understanding, our forms shifted in synchrony, seamlessly transitioning from wolves to humans. Killian's breaths were rapid, evidence of the intensity of our chase, but he appeared far from spent.Conversely, my chest heaved as I desperately drew in oxygen, my lungs starving for nourishment after the grueling exertion. My muscles protested, aching and weary, but beneath the exhaustion glittered a spark of pride."Why did you do that?" I panted, curiosity mixing with gratitude in my voice."There's a leg trap directly ahead of you. A few more yards and you would have stepped in it," he explained, his voice firm but filled with concern. His gaze remained fixed on me, unwavering and protective.Though his intense gaze stirred a different kind of response within me, I pushed those thoughts aside in the face of the imminent danger.I turned my attention to the area he indicated, scanning the ground ahead of me. Sure enough, buried among the carpet of leaves, a glint of steel caught my eye.A shudder passed through me as I thought of the devastation such a trap could bring, memories of my mother's tragic fate echoing in my mind.Impressed by his quick observation skills, I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration."How did he spot it so quickly?" I wondered, my thoughts momentarily distracted from the danger that lay ahead."Scouts reported some traps set by poachers earlier in the morning," Killian explained, his voice carrying a mixture of caution and determination."Stay right here, I'll search and disable them. It isn't safe to venture past this point."I stood, my chin lifted defiantly, a flicker of independence and determination dancing in my eyes. "I'm coming with you," I declared, challenging his attempt to keep me behind."Fine," he conceded, though his voice carried a warning tone. "But stay behind me," he added firmly, his gaze locking onto mine as if to emphasize the importance of his words.Killian quickly located a sturdy stick, his movements deliberate and calculated. With precision, he pressed the stick against the trigger of the trap, disabling it carefully. I watched, filled with admiration for his skill and strength.It was an older model, with sharp metal teeth designed to dig into the flesh of any creature unfortunate enough to step in it.My heart skipped a beat as the trap sprang shut, snapping the stick in two. Swallowing hard, I couldn't help but shudder at the thought of the pain that would have awaited me had my leg been caught in such a device.For the next half hour, we scoured the edge of the property, our eyes vigilant and senses heightened. Together, we uncovered four more hidden traps, each one carefully marked by Killian to ensure the safety of our pack.Concealing them beneath a bed of brush, he displayed both caution and purpose, his determination unwavering.With a deep sense of appreciation, I reached out to touch Killian's arm as he rose from his task. "Thank you," I said, my voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and relief."For what?" Killian asked, a genuine curiosity in his voice.I held his gaze, my eyes reflecting the depths of my gratitude. "For stopping me earlier. If I had stepped into one of those traps, it could have been... painful. You saved me."Killian's gaze softened, his eyes locked with mine. "You don't have to thank me," he responded, his voice tender yet resolute. "It is my duty to protect you. I would cherish your life over mine in a heartbeat."His words and the intensity behind them caused my heart to skip a beat. I had always suspected that our bond ran deeper than mere friendship, but hearing it voiced brought a warmth to my soul that I couldn't quite put into words.A shy smile curved my lips as I nodded, unable to find the right words to express the gratitude and relief filling me."We should get going," Killian said, his voice bringing me back to the present. He shifted into his silver lycan form, and I followed suit, matching his transformation.With Killian leading the way, we made our way back to the edge of the woods, leaving behind the treacherous traps that threatened our pack.Upon reaching the cabin, we temporarily parted ways as i headed straight to the bathroom while Killian went to inform my father of the dangers we had encountered.Anticipation and fatigue mingled within me as I shed my clothes and turned on the shower, adjusting the water to the perfect temperature.As the lukewarm water cascaded down on me, I closed my eyes and allowed my thoughts to drift back to the events of the morning.Killian had shown not only politeness but genuine kindness, prioritizing my safety above all else. The way he had saved me from the treacherous trap sparked a sense of admiration and trust within me, deepening our bond even further.However, thoughts of Stephan danced on the edges of my mind, stirring a mix of emotions. Killian's reaction to him had been intriguing, a trace of protectiveness, jealousy, and possessiveness lacing his actions and words. It made me question the true nature of his feelings towards me."Could he truly be in love with me?" I wondered, my heart aching with uncertainty. With a deep breath, I turned off the water and reached for a plush towel, carefully wrapping it around myself.Sinking onto the bed, I curled up into a ball, my emotions swirling until I succumbed to the exhaustion, finally falling into a peaceful sleep.I stirred from a deep slumber, my eyes fluttering open to a previously unfamiliar room. Momentary confusion clouded my thoughts as i attempted to grasp my surroundings.Where am I?, It took a moment for reality to set in, i was in a cabin, sharing it with my new mate, Killian. The memories of the past twenty-four hours flooded back, their connection no longer just a figment of my imagination.Allowing my head to sink back onto the soft pillow, I silently observed Kilian as he dressed. A sense of awe washed over me as my eyes absorbed the sight of his well-toned sexy physique, each muscle rippling across his back and his defined buttocks.His legs, strong and sturdy, provided further evidence of his physical prowess. Just as my gaze traveled downward, he turned, catching me watching him.A small seductive smile of mischief played on his lips as he acknowledged my sly stare. "You can do more than just watch, I won't mind," my cheeks heated up at his words,"I see you're awake,""Mhmm,"
I couldn't help but smile at Jace's playful comment, a hint of wistfulness in my expression. "You'll have to find someone else to annoy now," I teased, my voice tinged with a touch of sadness.Jace chuckled and ruffled my hair affectionately one last time. "Don't worry, I'll manage. But seriously, Hailey, you've grown into such a remarkable young woman. I'm proud of you, and I know you'll do great things in your new pack."His words warmed my heart, reminding me of the bond we had formed over the years. Jace had been like a fun-loving uncle, always there to lend an ear or engage in a silly prank.His presence had brought joy and laughter to my life, and I would miss his carefree spirit.As I pulled away from Jace's embrace, I turned to face Lily, my eyes brimming with gratitude."And you, Lily," I said softly, my voice filled with emotion, "thank you for everything. You've been more than just a caretaker to me and my siblings. You've been our rock, our guiding light."Tears glistened
The truck rolled to a halt in front of and expansive, luxurious two-story house with a charming wrap-around porch. Nestled within a vast wooded lot, towering trees surrounded the property on three sides."It's huge," I exclaimed with wide eyes, fixing my beautiful brown hair in place to appear presentable.It's going to be fine, it's going to be fine!" I muttered to calm my nerves.As Killian gracefully exited the vehicle, the front door swung open, and a wave of people poured out, calling out his name and enveloping him in warm hugs.I observed the lively scene from the truck, realizing it would take some time before Killian could join me. Gently, I stepped out of the cab alone, apprehensively lingering by the vehicle, uncertain of my next move.Suddenly, Killian glanced up, his eyes meeting mine, and he swiftly made his way toward me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders for comfort."Don't be nervous," he whispered in my ear."Everyone is eager to meet you."I nodded, taking a deep
Reaching the top of the staircase, I glanced down the dimly lit hallway and made the choice to follow Killian to the left. He led me towards a pair of imposing doors at the end of the corridor, his touch gentle yet reassuring."These are our rooms up here. Given how bustling the house usually is, I prefer to have my own private space. There's a bedroom, a bath, and a cozy sitting room reserved for members of the pack," he explained, his voice laced with a warm smile as he swung open the doors, inviting me inside.As I stepped into the room, sunlight flooded in from the windows, casting a golden glow across the space. It was far larger and brighter than I had imagined, with a king-sized bed occupying one side and a spacious closet dominating the other.Through an open doorway, I caught a glimpse of a sitting area, complete with a crackling fireplace and inviting couch. Another door hinted at a lavish bathroom.I couldn't help but be impressed. Killian's pack seemed to be quite well-off
Deciding I couldn't wait any longer, I squared my shoulders and mustered up courage as I left the bedroom suite. It seemed that Killian had abandoned me for some reason, and now it was up to me to find my place in this house.The hallway felt eerily silent, but the comforting melodies of voices and the mouthwatering aroma of food beckoned me from below. Without hesitation, I followed the alluring scents of roast beef and fresh-baked cookies, my empty stomach grumbling in agreement.The idea of satisfying my hunger overshadowed any thoughts of finding Killian amidst the crowd.As I traced the delicious scents, the nerves began to flutter in my stomach, reminding me of the uncertainty that awaited me behind the kitchen door. Inhaling deeply, I steadied my racing heart and summoned the resolve to step into the unknown.The moment I entered, a wave of brightness enveloped me, just as it had in every room of this house. The architecture seamlessly blended the outdoors with the indoors, gra
By the time dinner was ready, Killian still hadn't appeared. I felt a pang of abandonment, the room spinning around me.Linda sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. "Hailey," she said, addressing me directly, "would you mind going to the office and fetching the men? They're so engrossed in their work, they'll never come out on their own."I hesitated, not eager to venture into the unknown territory of the office. However, I didn't want to appear weak or uncooperative, so I agreed. "Okay," I replied, trying to sound confident. "Can you point me in the right direction?"Christine, the former Alpha's mate, gasped in surprise. "You mean Killian hasn't even shown you around the house yet?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.I flushed, feeling a surge of embarrassment. "He planned to," I mumbled, stuffing my hands into my pockets."That man!" Killian huffed, her lips pursed in disapproval. "He's always so consumed by his work. I'll have to have a word with him about his priorit
"Yes, mother," he replied with mocking subservience.Christine threw a roll at him, which he promptly caught and bit into. "Thank you. How did you know I wanted more?" Christine scowled at him and the others burst out laughing.As Killian playfully caught the roll Christine threw at him, a chuckle escaped my lips. Their teasing banter exuded a sense of closeness and comfort, making me feel more at ease in this new environment.The rest of the meal unfolded in a relaxed and pleasant manner, gradually easing my initial apprehension around my new packmates.Even Killian, who had initially seemed intimidating, started to appear more approachable.His gentle teasing and his laughter in response to my witty comebacks were refreshing, and I found myself enjoying his company. He was simply beautiful and charming.Dessert was being served when the phone's shrill ring shattered the room's tranquility. Romeo, excusing himself to answer it, returned with a grave expression."Killian, we have a pr
Chester's PovThe inky shroud of midnight draped over the forest, casting an impenetrable gloom that only the moon's ethereal glow managed to pierce. I, Chester, a lycan security guard, tread cautiously through the dense labyrinth of trees, my senses heightened to the slightest whisper of the night.The cloak of darkness was heavy, punctuated only by the sliver of moonlight that pierced through the dense canopy of leaves. The air was still, the only sound was the rustle of leaves beneath my boots. I inhaled deeply, the crisp, cool night air filling my lungs.The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation, a symphony of nocturnal creatures providing the only soundtrack to the serene darkness. My heart pounded in my chest, a primal rhythm echoing the anticipation that coursed through my veins.Tonight, I felt an inexplicable unease, a foreboding that lingered like a persistent shadow. Rumors of Lycan hunters patrolling the forest plagued my pack's rest. Killian,
A week later, the world felt a little flatter. The police had finally wrapped up their investigation. It was a random act of violence, they said. Lucy, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. A stupid, pointless loss. The idea that Aldrich wouldn’t be blamed for anything grated on me, but I knew involving him would open a can of worms I wasn’t ready to deal with. It wouldn’t bring Lucy back anyway.We brought her home, to Stump River. The town was in mourning. Armand was a shadow of himself, the twinkle gone from his eyes. He disappeared for days after the service and I wondered if he’d turned into a bear and wandered off to grieve in the woods. Were his emotions as raw when he was in animal form? Or did he spend his time scratching at trees, trying to claw the pain away? When he finally reappeared, he looked haggard, but there was a strange kind of peace in his eyes.Beth and Josh went all out with the newspaper article. Pictures of Lucy, smiling and laughing, filled the pages.
Morning. I reclined in the seat as Viktor slowly drove the car out of the parking garage. We’d talked on and off throughout the night and I’d finally accepted the truth of what he’d been telling me. I was becoming a werewolf. There’d been anger and tears; he’d apologized, even though forcing my transformation hadn’t been intentional. Eventually, I’d come to a sort of numb acceptance of the fact.However, my whole life was changing now. I wasn’t just Adriana Watson, waitress and journalism student. Now I was Adriana Watson, secret werewolf. From what I could gather from Viktor's ‘crash course in wolves,’ they were social creatures and lived in packs. There was an Alpha who kept everyone in line and made the important decisions, though pack meetings were held to discuss options. Full moons were a time to party and, if you were new to the whole werewolf thing like me, you had no control and transformed once a month. Older wolves could fight the effects if they wished, though most didn’
My heart pounded like a trapped animal as the lycans closed in, their red eyes burning into me. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. These creatures were straight out of a nightmare."Adriana, get behind me," my voice was frantic as I shoved her aside, preparing to shift."Vik..." she whispered, clinging to my arm."Don't worry, Everything will be alright, just need to handle a few stray dogs that's all" I managed a reassuring smile, and then I charged. A towering black wolf replaced me, my fur bristling with tension.The air was thick with the metallic taste of blood and the sharp scent of fear. My senses were on high alert, every hair on my body standing on end. Dozens of pairs of eyes, glowing like embers, focused on me. A massive red lycan charged, but I was faster, slipping beneath its snapping jaws. I countered with a swift attack, his teeth sinking into the lycan's flesh.A deafening howl filled the cavern as the red lycan bucked me off, sending me crashing into the cold, damp
Adriana's povThe metallic tang of blood filled the air, thick and suffocating. Viktor and I stood frozen, our gazes glued to Aldrich's lifeless body slumped on the floor. A single, neat bullet hole marred his forehead. What the hell just happened?The echo of Mr. Greyson's voice shattered the stunned silence. "A pleasure to finally meet you both, Miss Watson and Viktor Donovan... or should I say Viktor Dominique?"My head snapped towards Viktor, relief flooding my chest at his presence. According to him, he was some kind of werewolf. Maybe, just maybe, with him by my side, I had a fighting chance.A nagging worry gnawed at me. If what Viktor said was true, then did that mean I wasn't entirely human? I shoved the thought aside. This wasn't the time to unravel my existential crisis. Getting out of this place alive was priority number one. Viktor could explain everything later.Viktor narrowed his eyes at Greyson, his voice laced with suspicion. "How'd you figure out my real name?"Grey
Viktor's povFollowing a hunch, I hailed a cab and rattled off the address for Greyson's estate. The city was a chaotic mess, a constant symphony of honking horns and shouted insults. I tuned it out, my gut churning with worry. My wolf whined its primal need to find Adriana, to know she was safe.The thought of her alone, grappling with the Change with no guidance, tore at me. Would her body and mind accept this forced transformation? Or would she fight it, a resistance that could be fatal according to Nadia? The icy grip of fear tightened around my heart.But then, a chilling logic surfaced. If she'd spilled the secret, if the wolves knew, she was already a dead woman walking. Was a swift death from the Change preferable to one at my hand? Could I even look her in the eye, deliver the killing blow?Alpha. Duty. The words echoed in my head, hollow and meaningless. Images of Adriana flooded my mind her warm brown eyes, the defiant lift of her chin, the way she'd make me laugh with her
Panic clawed at my throat as Lucy's ragged breaths became uneven. Her pale face, framed by blood-soaked blonde hair, sent a jolt of fear through me. My fingers trembled as I brushed her cheek, whispering her name, but there was no response. A string of curses ripped from my lips. This wasn't right. She shouldn't be hurt, possibly dying. This wasn't her mess. Lucy was pure sunshine, always radiating warmth and kindness. Guilt gnawed at me, reminding me of her playful teasing, the way she'd sashay around with a tray of drinks and a witty comment on her lips. I blinked back the moisture stinging my eyes. Steeling myself, I rose. Moving to the sofa, I sniffed where the unknown male's scent lingered. A scent and a maybe-name –l meager scraps of evidence in a city this size. The scent would be impossible to track, and "Greyson" meant nothing to me. What the hell was I supposed to do? Sirens wailed in the distance, a sharp reminder of the need to leave. Being caught at a crime scene would
The door suddenly opened and I was forced to abandon my conflicted thoughts. Jumping to my feet, I turned to face an obviously surprised Lucy. “Viktor, what are you doing here?” “Hi, Lucy. I… um… ” She walked up to me and kissed my cheek, before moving to take her coat off. “Never mind. I know the truth." “You do?” He stiffened, assuming the worst. “Of course. You’re sorry for your fight with Ria and came here to make up.” “Uh… Right. That’s it.” I latched onto the lifeline she’d unknowingly handed to me. “I’m here to make things right.” Lucy nodded, glancing at Adriana lying on the sofa, her face quickly changing from a happy to grin to real concern. “Oh, is she sick again?” “Yeah. She fainted coming into the building and I carried her up here. She has a fever. I was just going to give her an aspirin." “I’ll get some from the medicine cabinet.” Lucy turned to go. “No. I already checked. There isn’t any. Um… why don’t you sit with her and I’ll go to the store.” I f
I didn't know where she was. Just be quiet, I ordered myself, clenching my jaw. Creeping past the doorway, I peeked into the first room the bedroom. Clothes were strewn everywhere, a mishmash of Lucy's floral patterns and my own dark t-shirts. Her scent lingered, a familiar mix of lavender and something distinctly... her. The bathroom was empty, the towels abandoned in a heap. Back in the living area, a few papers lay scattered on the counter. Junk mail, bills, nothing interesting. But then aha! On a nearby table, Adriana laptop glowed, left open. Sitting down, I scanned the screen, my stomach tightening. My name stared back at me, bold and accusing, next to a picture file I knew for a fact I'd deleted. That little...! Somehow, she'd gotten more copies. Fury surged through me as I clicked on the document titled with my name. The more I read, the deeper my scowl became. By the time I reached the final paragraphs, I wanted to hurl the damn machine across the room. There it was, in bl
“Are you sure you’ll be all right?” Lucy stared at me with a frown. “You still don’t look so good.” We were leaning against the kitchen counter sipping coffee and preparing to start our day. I, however reluctantly, had to head off to meet with Aldrich, while Lucy was going to spend the morning taking a bus tour of the city that I had recommended. Rolling my eyes, I reassured Lucy, yet again. "Honestly, I'm fine. The fever broke last night. My arm's not as sore. It's just a lack of sleep and nerves over this meeting that are making me look less than prime. I'll go see Aldrich and give him this report while you take a tour of the city. Then we'll meet back here for lunch and go shopping." "Why don't you just e-mail the report and come with me?" I sighed. "I wish, but Aldrich hates e-mail. He wants face to face contact. I think he likes to watch people squirm." Seeing Lucy's concerned expression, I added a light laugh. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." "Well… if you're sure." "Go." I