SarahI had nothing to lose when I decided to return to the Nightshade pack. The thought of saving my mother was the only thing on my mind. Not my safety, or my freedom.Lucas’ words rang in my head “Your mother is only going to survive tonight if you're by her side.” He had said it so casually but I knew the underlying threat he was trying to pass.He had given me an ultimatum; either I return tonight or my mother dies. The house was eerily quiet as I tiptoed down the stairs and pushed open the front door. The only sound I could hear was that of my heart pounding loudly. With one last look at the old house, I shifted into my wolf form and started my journey to the Nightshade pack. Alpha Orion would understand when he woke up and I was nowhere to be found. Or I hope he does.The night was cool and I savoured it, pounding my paws to the earth as I ran. I neared the gate of Lucas’ mansion and took my human form.There were guards stationed everywhere. It looked like a fortress, every g
AlexisMy eyes kept scanning the papers on the bed. The words ‘Divorce Agreement’ were bodily written on it. I scoffed as I hurriedly glanced through it. So he wasn't joking around.I had woken up to the document lying beside me and it felt like a slap to my face. Did he think he could get rid of me easily? Yesterday he had ordered me to leave the house today, without my son. That would never happen.I flung the papers across the wall and got out of bed, with one destination in mind. I walked to Ryder’s room, anxious to confront him. My eyes fell on the empty bed in the centre of the room. The bed was still made, like no one had spent the night in it. I walked out as quickly as I entered and started searching for him in every room I could find. He must be delusional if he thought I would let him go back to that childless whore. “Where is your Alpha?” I questioned a maid, coming up the stairs. “He hasn't made an appearance this morning, ma'am. No one has seen him since last night,”
Ryder “She insisted on dealing with him alone. There was nothing I could do,” I uttered in frustration, crashing my hand in my hair. “No one is blaming you, Ryder,” Alpha Orion spoke, his calm voice only made me feel worse. After Sarah had dismissed me, I walked away but didn't return to my house. I hid and observed the house from a nearby vantage point. I was waiting to see if Lucas would show up unexpectedly. Instead, it was Sarah who unexpectedly slipped out of the house, almost at the crack of dawn. And I discreetly followed her, keeping a close distance until she entered the Nightshade's premises. Left with nothing else to do at that point, I returned to Alpha Orion’s house. The lights were turned on and the old man was waiting outside. “That knowledge doesn't help me!” I growled at the old man, then reeled my anger in. “I'm sorry. I'm just on edge.” I paced around the small kitchen where we were holding a meeting. I had called Zane and a woman— alpha Orion identifie
Sarah“Do you need any help in there, Mum?” I leaned against the bathroom door, listening to her strained groans.“No, child. I’m almost done,” she responded, her voice frail just like her body.She had insisted on using the toilet, this time without my assistance. I should be happy, she was mobile. But I was not, because, I feared I might be pushing her The bathroom door handle turned, pulling the door open. I stepped back, getting out of the way.“See, it was easier than we had anticipated,” she said with a smile. She draped her hand over my shoulder for support as we walked back to the bed.“If you say so, Mum,” I replied, propping the pillow firmly against her head.“Why do you look so worried? You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be able to walk on my own when you need me. You’ve seen that.”I had told her that we needed to leave here today. But I refused to give her answers when she asked why.I nodded, pulling the blanket over her body. “I know Mum. You don’t have to worry y
RyderThe most difficult part was waiting, but I did. I stayed crouched down, with two dozen men hidden in the woods surrounding Lucas’ mansion. The overhead branches gave us shade and cover. The guards patrolling the woods didn't even catch our scent.We’re waiting for our clue, any moment now. Ava had said we would know when to attack when we heard the screams.But my wolf was restless, pacing inside me. He could sense that Sarah was in danger and there was nothing I could do about it.Then, I heard it. First, it was a faint but unmistakable. It grew louder, screams and growls pierced through the quiet of the woods. The sound was haunting, like a signal we couldn't ignore.I felt a gwaning sensation of dread move through my body like ice. The fact that I couldn't communicate with Sarah through the mind link intensified my feelings./It's time/ I spoke to Zane through the mind link. /Gather the men and lead them. Do you remember Ava’s plan? Stick by it.//Yes, Alpha Ryder/ he respond
SarahMy body recoiled with every step I took, and it felt like torture when I walked. But I had no choice, and I was grateful to be able to walk. And breathe clean air.I tried to bury the incident at the back of my mind… I would deal with it later after I had made sure my mum was alright.I peeked at Ryder walking silently beside me. his skin was charred from the fire… That should hurt, all those blisters on him... But he gave away no sign that he was in pain.Abruptly, he stopped walking and tilted his head high, like he was trying to catch something in the air.“What’s wrong?” I asked confused, stopping beside him and scanning the area for what had caught his attention.“Rogues!” he screamed, and suddenly I could smell them. “What are they doing here?” I whispered, stepping behind him. “They are hardly ever seen around—”The words died in my mouth as I heard a whooshing sound and something stuck Ryder’s neck. My eyes fell on the arrow-shaped needle lodged in his neck.“Run, Sarah
Lucas“Where is she? Have you seen her?” I asked Lia as I waded through the crowd huddled together away from the burning house.“Who?” her voice sounded parched, as she fell in line behind me.“Sarah, you dumbass! Have you seen her?”She had gotten out with her mother and left me to burn. Sweet, naive Sarah has become a monster. And I wanted nothing more than to show her how monsters played.“No, I haven't. And frankly, I don't care about her right now. Mum had a fall while running out of the house… And her injury isn't healing fast. You've to come take a look.”“Not now, Lisa.” I scanned the crowd, anxious to find Sarah.“Now, Lucas!” she grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks. “Mum needs you now! Not fucking, Sarah!”“Get your hands off me,” I growled, glaring at her.Her hand fell away but she held my gaze. Pain flashed through her eyes, replaced quickly by anger. “You’re worthless,” she hissed before turning and walking away from me. I dismissed Ava’s remark. She was sulking a
SarahI moaned as I shut the door behind me.“Thank you, Nyssa,” I uttered as I grabbed the towel she had left on the bed. My whole body ached from my running.I peeled off my running gears and made my way to the bathroom, clutching the towel. My bath had been prepared and I sank into the hot water, a moan of pleasure escaped my lips.“It’s been so long. I’d almost forgotten how good this feels,” I murmured, feeling the tension melt away from my aching limbs.It had been two days since the rogue attack, and it was the first time I had a moment to myself. My mornings had been consumed with either Ryder or my mother.I had lost a lot of blood trying to save Ryder, and it had drained me. But it felt good, to do something for him, just like he did when he saved me. It shouldn't, but it did.Now, he was doing better, and I felt that I'd repaid my debt. Yet, another concern lingered— Lucas.The news of his pack being overtaken by the council of elders and his new status had been all over th