~Axel's POV:I was as angry as a bull when I got back home. How dare those two treat me like I wasn't the alpha of the Manhattan pack. I hadn't expected much from Cana, but Zane, everything about what he did today hit me like a truck. Our packs had been in a no-violence treaty for years. We cooperated and existed like neighboring villages, but now, he had broken that treaty. The bastard had the guts to lay his hand on me and it was all because of Cana. I wasn't sure what type of sorcery she had used on Zane, but I'd be an idiot to sit on my butt and watch her caddy about her wicked plan. "We have to expose her evil deeds and bring her in front of both packs to apologize, only then would she have atoned for the disgrace she caused us today.' My wolf growled and I agreed. That is the best way to handle this situation, I thought as I climbed up the stairs and scoffed as I remembered Zane's words. Yeah right, no Alpha in his right mind would ever accept a mate as useless and weak a
~Cana’s POV:“Alright, now I know I agreed to go along with you, but first, we have to lay down some ground rules,” Pulling out a white piece of paper and grabbing a pen, I took a seat opposite Zane and placed the writing materials on the coffee table in between us. “Ground rules?” He arched his brows and stared at me like I had just said something he never expected to hear from me. “Like what?”“Firstly,” I picked up the pen as I began. “I shall not be forced to do, say, or wear things I am not comfortable with, nor want to do.”After scribbling that down, I paused and glanced in his direction. He nodded once, indicating that he was listening and agreed to my first set of rules. “Secondly,” I resumed writing. “We are not, in any way, shape or form, mates. You’re still betroth, which means whatever it is we have, is just an arrangement. Is that clear?”Zane’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, but he nodded once.“Good. Next, I want a room, preferably the one farthest away from yours
“You!” Callahan hissed and in seconds, I was yanked off the floor by my upper arm. I winced in pain, but Callahan paid no heed and continued.“Who let you in here? How dare you have the guts to step foot in here, huh?”“Let go!” I struggled to free myself, but his grip was firm.“Not until you answer my questions,” He glared down into my eyes with uncalled-for anger and my eyes narrowed. Ever since the first day, I never could understand why he hated me. He saw me for a few seconds and ultimately decided I was a threat to his pack. Now, threat or not, I did not appreciate the way I was being treated. So, ignoring the urge to fight my way out of his grasp like a rogue, I politely asked. “Let go of me, sir. This is highly inappropriate.”Callahan didn’t let go. He only increased the pressure, causing me to cry out in pain, and said the pain was slowly turning into anger, anger that would burst forth at any moment. “Uncle!”Thankfully, Zane’s voice sounded out before that could happ
Cana’s POV: I slept over Zane’s words as he had suggested. Sun down the following day, I made my way towards his room and gently knocked on the door. It only took a few seconds before the door swung open, revealing Zane in a black robe that barely covered his chest and reading glasses. He regarded me for a second, before asking. “Is everything okay?”I quickly averted my gaze from his exposed chest, twiddling with my fingers “Yeah, everything’s fine. I uh…thought about your offer.”“Ah, I see,” Opening his door wider, an obvious invitation into his room, Zane turned around and walked further Into his room. “Come in, let’s discuss more if you want.”I hesitated for a few seconds, before finally following behind him. The scent of his pheromones was stronger, lingering in the air like perfume sprayed fervently. I gulped and felt the pit in my stomach knot funnily, but I decided to ignore it. “So,” He sat opposite me once I had taken my seat, placing his arms on his knees and intertw
Cana’s POV:“A welcoming party?” Zane arched a brow at the new information I had just given him, which had just been given to me by Penelope. I nodded, gathering the files I was meant to turn into H.R.’s office. “Penelope said it’s a ritual, throwing parties for newbies.” I didn’t allow it to show on my face, but the idea of attending a party made me feel excited. I was finally starting a life free of worry, free of the mocking stares of my pack members, and most importantly, free of the fear that haunted me each time I doubted Axel’s love. I breathed out in relief at the thought. God, that type of life sounded blissful and that was the type of life I was going to live starting now. “I’ve never heard of it,” Zane’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I paused and tilted my head in a questioning manner. Was that a joke? Zane had never heard of a party being thrown at his own company. Was he engrossed in his work? Shaking my head, I asked. “What a boss you are.”“So, you’re goin
~Zane’s POV:I stared at the last message Cana had sent. Seated in the driver seat of my car, I glanced up at the location Ashley had sent me, the location where Cana’s party was happening, and wondered if I needed to come here.She seemed to have been having fun, or at least her message said so. So, there wasn’t any danger and any need to be here. Silently, I breathed out a sigh of relief, ready to return home and await Cana’s arrival. But the action was cut short when the sound of the back door, one which I happened to be parked in front of, flew open. It banged against the wall with such force that it instantly grabbed my attention and I was thankful because if it hadn't happened that way, I never would have seen that bastard carrying Cana’s unconscious body out. My heart skipped a beat and anger erupted in the depths of my stomach like blooming flowers. “Hey!” I called out as I stepped out of the car, not even caring to slam the door behind me.Jason, that bastard, froze and
~Cana’s POV:The first time I woke, it was to the feeling of scorching heat, traveling at an excruciatingly slow pace across my body. My throat was dry and thirsted for something I had never tasted. What it was, even I didn’t know. But I tried my best to pull my mind away from the thirst, stirring in the bed below me and trying to focus on prying the suffocating attire off my body. Voice, or rather, a voice, reached my ear. It sounded distant, but familiar nonetheless. The space beside me dipped, I wanted to open my eyes, but couldn’t bring my body to do so. Hands, gentle and comforting, ran themselves through my hair, and I felt myself being pulled against a cold surface. It was comforting, enough to get the fire in me dying down slowly.Coupled with the sweet smell that invaded my nostrils, I couldn’t fight against the sudden sleepiness and soon found myself drifting off, again.The second time I woke, the feeling was much more different. I felt less heated, but I guessed that c
~Cana’s POV:My sleep was peaceful, accompanied by the sound of birds chirping and a distinct hum in the distance. Slowly, I stirred in bed, taking my time before I peeled my eyes open. When I did, I was welcomed by the sight of a familiar bedroom, one belonging to Zane. I quickly recalled how I had come to his room and how he had graciously offered his bed to me, while he slept on the couch. I chuckled, lightly. Seemed like chivalry wasn’t all that dead. The sound of the bathroom door opening drew my attention away from the empty chair. I glanced in the direction of the bathroom and got my first shock of the day. Zane stepped out, wearing nothing but grey joggers and a hand towel placed around his neck. His hair was still damp and clung to his face. The scent of his bath mist mixed with the subtle scent of his pheromone, smelt heavenly. If I didn’t know my place in this situation, I would have drooled like a mad dog. “Oh, Cana,” Zane finally noticed that I had woken up after a
The soft morning sun filtered through the curtains of their modest home in Ashbrook, painting the walls with warm hues of gold and pink. Cana stirred awake, the sound of tiny footsteps pattering down the hallway pulling her from her dreams. A soft giggle followed—a giggle she could recognize anywhere.Cana smiled and turned toward Zane, who was still fast asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. She reached over to nudge him.“Your daughter is up,” she whispered.Zane groaned but smiled, keeping his eyes closed. “Our daughter,” he corrected, but he didn’t make any effort to move.Cana chuckled and threw the blanket off. “Fine, I’ll get her. But you’re on pancake duty.”That got him to open one eye. “Deal.”As Cana walked toward the living room, she found Peace sitting in the middle of the floor, surrounded by her stuffed animals. She had one of her birthday presents—a small toy piano—in front of her and was pressing random keys, creating a chaotic but delightful melody.“Good morning, m
EpilogueThe soft hum of laughter and the gentle clinking of glasses filled the air as a warm breeze swept through the backyard. The space was alive with celebration, a reflection of a life rebuilt from the ashes of chaos and pain. Cana adjusted the balloons on the arch for what felt like the tenth time, ensuring they were perfect. She stepped back to admire her handiwork and smiled as her gaze landed on Zane, who had their daughter, Peace, perched high on his shoulders.Peace squealed with uncontainable delight, her tiny hands gripping her father’s thick black hair as he prowled around like a pretend wolf.“Rarrrr! The big bad wolf is coming for you!” Zane growled playfully, eliciting another round of giggles from his daughter.“You’re spoiling her,” Cana teased from across the yard, her tone light and affectionate.Zane looked over, his mischievous grin softening. “She deserves to be spoiled, especially today.”Cana chuckled and shook her head. She loved seeing Zane like this, care
The house was eerily quiet as Cana stood in the middle of the living room, a half-packed box of belongings at her feet. The walls that once bore memories of battles, fleeting moments of laughter, and unshakable grief now felt foreign to her.Her fingers rested there as Zane entered the room, his arms full of folded clothes. He set them down on the couch and studied her face.“You sure about this?” he asked softly, breaking the silence.Cana nodded. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”Zane sighed, leaning back against the couch. “I’ll miss this place, you know. Not everything that happened here, but the good parts. It was home for a while.”“Home isn’t a place, Zane,” Cana replied, her voice steadier now. “It’s us. Wherever we go, that’s home.”Zane smiled at her, but there was a trace of sadness in his expression. He knew leaving the pack was necessary, but it didn’t make saying goodbye any easier.Lionel appeared in the doorway, his ever-present smirk subdued for once. He held a
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the forest that stretched beyond the small town Cana and Zane had called home. The evening breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and damp earth. Cana sat on the back porch of their cabin, a blanket draped over her shoulders, her hands cradling a steaming mug of tea. Zane leaned against the railing, his arms crossed over his chest, his sharp eyes fixed on the setting sun.Now that Axel is behind bars for the first time in what felt like years, there was silence. No battles, no cries for help, no looming threats. And yet, the quiet carried its weight.“You’ve been quiet,” Cana said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft but carried a trace of concern.Zane turned to her, his expression unreadable. “Just thinking.”“About?”He hesitated for a moment, then pushed off the railing and sat down beside her. “About us. About what comes next.”Cana frowned, setting her mug down on the smal
Cana stirred awake, her body aching and her mind clouded with fragmented memories. The last thing she recalled was the overwhelming rush of power coursing through her veins, her hands shifting into claws, and her body morphing into something primal. She felt the pull of the wolf—a force so ancient and raw that it left her trembling. The familiar scent of cedar and leather told her she was in Zane’s cabin.Her eyes fluttered open to see Zane sitting beside her bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his face etched with worry. His knuckles were bruised, his clothes torn, but his relief was palpable as their gazes met.“You’re awake,” he said softly, his voice heavy with emotion.“What happened?” Cana croaked, her throat dry. She winced as she tried to sit up, every muscle in her body screaming in protest.Zane reached for a glass of water on the bedside table and handed it to her. “You shifted, Cana. Fully. Into a wolf.”The words hung in the air, and Cana’s heart raced. She clutched the
Seven Months AgoThe cell was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of rust and despair. Ashley sat slumped against the cold metal wall, her wrists shackled and her expression weary but defiant. She heard footsteps echoing through the corridor and turned her gaze toward the source. Lionel stepped into view, a sly smile curling his lips.“What do you want now?” Ashley snapped, her voice dripping with disdain.Lionel leaned against the bars of her cell, his posture relaxed but his eyes calculating. “You’re the one who replicated wolfsbane,” he began. “What was your intention?”Ashley snorted. “I had no intention. I was just following Jeremy’s orders.”Lionel tilted his head, his smirk unfaltering. “And now that he’s gone? What’s the plan?”Ashley’s lips twitched in a mock smile. “I’ll think about that part when I’m free of these chains.”Lionel chuckled, a low, almost sinister sound. “You know, we don’t necessarily have to be enemies here.”Ashley narrowed her eyes. “What’s that suppo
Axel stormed into his house, his mind swirling with anger and disbelief. The Elders had banished him, taking everything from him without a second thought. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep his temper in check, but it was impossible. Everything he had worked for, every plan he had carefully laid out, seemed to be crumbling beneath his feet.“Just wait,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll make them all pay. But first, Zane... you will finally pay for always standing in my way.”The next morning, Axel woke to a loud knock on his door. His head was pounding, and his frustration hadn’t waned in the least. He trudged to the door, swinging it open to reveal three figures standing in his doorway: Lionel, Larz, and Akam.They exchanged brief greetings before stepping inside. Axel didn’t bother with pleasantries; his mind was focused solely on one thing.“So, tell us, Axel,” Lionel asked, his voice calm but curious. “Why the rush to kill Zane?”Axel clenched his fists,
The air in the dimly lit room was thick with tension. Five Elders, each radiating authority, sat in a semicircle as Axel stood before them. His expression was calm, almost smug, as he prepared to deliver what he believed was a triumphant announcement."My Elders," Axel began, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of pride. "I bring good news. I will soon have an heir."The room remained silent for a moment, the Elders exchanging glances. Finally, one spoke. "Why tell us this?"Axel straightened, confidence surging through him. "Because I want to lead my pack again. An heir solidifies my claim to the title of Alpha."A scoff broke the silence. Another Elder, his eyes sharp and unforgiving, leaned forward. "Even after killing your kind? One of your pack?"Axel's confidence faltered, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. How did they know? He wondered, his mind racing."How did you find out?" Axel asked, unable to hide the shock in his voice."That doesn't concern you," the Elder snapp
Cana hadn’t expected Axel to find her so quickly. She had chosen this small, nondescript motel for exactly that reason—to be far enough from the chaos of her past life to be safe, to think, and to plan. But the moment she heard the knock on her door, her stomach sank. She didn’t have to look through the peephole to know who it was.The deep, almost predatory knock sounded again, and with it came the familiar sense of dread that always seemed to follow Axel. She’d seen his manipulations, his lies, his promises. She knew what he was capable of—what he was still capable of, and she couldn’t afford to be caught off guard.Cana opened the door, and there he was, standing in the hallway with a smug smile that made her stomach twist with disgust. Axel, the man who had once been everything to her, was now a reminder of all the worst decisions she had made. His eyes gleamed with that same cold, calculating look that always came right before he dropped the hammer. The same look that had broken