Lucas’s povI needed to see Elena. Just to know she was alright. I hadn’t seen her since the war ended and I knew she was asleep but I just wanted to check up on her. My feet carried me through the narrow corridors of the pack house. For a second, I wondered if I should meet her.What right did I have to intrude? She was probably sleeping soundly, and I was just being…pathetic.But then I remembered the way she’d looked before we parted ways, the vulnerability in her eyes. I convinced myself that I was just being a good friend, that anyone would do the same. With a deep breath, I reached her door.My hand hovered, knuckles almost touching the rough wood, when I heard voices inside. Elena’s voice, soft and laced with a bit of worry, that tugged at my heart, and then Oliver’s, smooth and reassuring.I froze.“.. and I’m going to replan our wedding,” I heard Oliver say.“Really?" Elena asked excitedly He chuckled. "Of course. I wasn't just going to let them ruin everything.""I want it
Beauty’s povThe aroma of warm bread and roasted vegetables filled the small safe house. I adjusted the plates in my hands. Inside were the lunches I’d prepared for Nate, Lucas, and my younger sister, Sam. They were all huddled in the common room, their laughter a fragile melody against the backdrop of rebuilding."Be careful, Beauty," Mabel called from the small kitchen. She was one of the older women of the pack, her face etched with worry but her hands always busy, as she helped out in the kitchen."I will, Mabel," I assured her, offering a reassuring smile.The safe house was a temporary refuge for Nate and Sam in the meantime. As I approached the common room, I could hear Nate's excited voice telling a story, probably about his brother because that’s all he would talk about. And Sam… my heart ached for Sam, who had witnessed more than any child should.I pushed open the door, announcing my arrival with a cheerful, "Lunch is served!"The children erupted in cheers, momentarily fo
Elena’s povThe pack house smelt like flowers and baked food. Contrast to the brooding air from the past few weeks before and after the war, the air now was lively and filled with joy. Today, even the familiar scent couldn't calm the fluttering butterflies in my stomach. Today was the day. Oliver and I were finally getting married.It was a small affair, just the pack. After everything we’d been through, a big celebration felt wrong. It was better to have a small affair. We needed something intimate, something real.Our pack house buzzed with activity. Laughter echoed from the kitchen as Beauty, the queen of the kitchen, prepared a feast fit for a king, or in our case, an Alpha. Daniel, bless his meticulous heart, was outside, arranging flowers and ensuring the perimeter was secure. He took his role very seriously, even the security was tight.I wandered through the bustling rooms, a smile plastered on my face. I should be ecstatic. I was ecstatic. I was marrying the man I loved, a st
Lucas’s povThe sun shone through the thick leaves of Willow Woods, painting shifting patterns on the forest floor. Nate was a blur of energy, chasing butterflies with a net almost as big as himself. His giggles echoed through the trees, light and carefree. I watched him, my heart both full and aching.It was almost Oliver and Elena’s wedding, a huge event for the Full Moon pack. The pack house would be buzzing with excitement, decorations, and the scent of flowers and food. Happiness filled the air, but I knew that part of me would never feel at peace because of the choice I made.I told myself I'd made the right choice. Sacrificing my affection for Elena was the right thing to do. I couldn’t come between them with my ones sided feelings.Nate finally managed to trap a butterfly in his hands. His face lit up like a sun as he turned to run back to me, his small legs pumping. He almost tripped over a root, but I was quick. I scooped him up, the butterfly fluttering weakly in his hands.
Elena’s povThe sun was shining, making the forest feel warm and bright. It was my wedding day. A day most girls dream about, and I was standing here, ready to become Luna of the Full Moon Pack.Everything looked beautiful. We weren't inside a big wedding hall like we planned for the first wedding. Instead the garden was beautifully decorated and had a small crowd. There were flowers everywhere - wildflowers in shades of white, blue, and purple. They were woven into styles that hung from the trees and decorated the simple wooden benches where the pack members sat.My dress wasn’t fancy. It was made of soft, white material that flowed to the ground. It had delicate lace sleeves and a simple belt made of braided silver. Beauty and I found it in the mall. I felt… pretty. But more than that, I felt the weight of what was about to happen.The music started. It was a slow, gentle melody played on flutes and drums. I took a deep breath and started to walk down the aisle. I looked at Oliver,
Chloe’s povThe rhythmic sound of music and the loud, annoying laughter drifted down from above, mocking me. They were celebrating. He was celebrating. My own brother, Oliver, was celebrating his wedding. And I was rotting in the pack’s private dungeon.Numbness warred with a white-hot rage that threatened to consume me. I hugged myself, the cold stone seeping into my bones, mirroring the chill in my heart. How could he? How could he do this to me? To us?The heavy iron door at the end of the narrow corridor groaned open, shattering the stillness. I didn't even bother to look up. "Piss off!" I snarled, my voice raw from disuse and despair. "Leave me alone.""Chloe?"The voice was familiar, laced with a cautious hope. I lifted my head, my eyes struggling to adjust to the light spilling in from the hallway. Standing there, framed by the doorway, was Jax. Jax, from the Blue Moon pack. Jax, who I thought was…"Jax? How...? You're alive?" I croaked, scrambling back against the wall. "But..
Lucas’s povThe teacup felt fragile in my hand, its delicate cup a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside me. Helen had offered it with a soft smile, a gesture of peace I couldn't return. The hot liquid tasted like ash in my mouth.Across the small, sun-drenched living room, my father shifted uncomfortably. He was a large man, his shoulders broad and powerful, even more so in his wolf form from the pictures. But now, he looked…small. Almost apologetic. He kept trying to catch my eye, a yearning for connection plain on his face. I refused to meet his gaze."Lucas," he began, his voice rough, unused to speaking to me after all these years. "I...I wanted to say I'm sorry. For not reaching out after I was captured by the Blue Moon pack. I should have been there."My grip tightened on the teacup. “I don’t care anymore,” I bit out, the words sharper than intended. The truth was, I cared a lot. Every damned day. But showing it, showing him any vulnerability, felt like giving him a reas
Elena’s povThe last of the loud laughter and celebratory cheers finally faded. Our wedding party was officially over. Oliver, my husband now, led me by the hand through the winding corridors of the pack house, his grip warm and reassuring. We finally arrived at our room, specially decorated with flowers and soft lighting. I couldn't help but smile.He closed the door gently, turning to face me, his eyes crinkling at the corners with affection. He reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of my cheek. "Finally, we're alone," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.I leaned into his touch, my heart pounding a happy rhythm against my ribs. "It feels like a dream," I whispered back.A small table was filled with some warm rolls and fruit, and two glasses filled with wine. It was a simple, intimate scene, perfect after the whirlwind of the day. I reminded myself to thank Beauty later because it looked like her set up.Oliver kicked the door shut with his foot, his brown eyes sparkling
Oliver’s povThe wind whipped past my ears as I ran, my paws pounding against the earth. I shifted back to human form just before I reached the edge of Full Moon territory, grabbing the clothes I usually stashed there for the days I went out running and needed to shift. The shift was always jarring, a sharp reminder of the duality that lived within me. But tonight, the physical discomfort was nothing compared to the weight in my heart.Why Lucas? That was the question that kept clawing at me. Why was Lucas the one who had to have the vision? The vision of how to save my Elena. It should have been me. I was hers, Elena's mate, and the right person to save her. I shook my head. I tried to focus on the issue at hand. I need to save my people.My steps slowed as I approached the main clearing. The air felt heavy, lifeless. Daniel and Beauty met me at the edge, their faces etched with worry."Oliver," Beauty’s voice was strained. "It's worse than we thought. They're...empty. Basically she
Third person pov Lucas and Oliver sat stiffly on the wooden chairs in the meditation room of Willow’s temple. The air hung heavy with the scent of incense and old stone. They had been there for a long while and it felt like an eternity, waiting for Willow, the goddess, to give them some sort of guidance or help.Lucas shifted in his seat, the leather of his jacket creaking softly. He glanced at Oliver, whose face was a mask of strong determination. Lucas wasn't so good at patience. He was a man of action, a protector. This waiting felt useless, like a waste of precious time.Oliver, sensing his friend's restlessness, offered a small, almost unnoticeable nod. He understood. Tension had been simmering within the Full Moon pack for a while now. Sickness was spreading, weakening even the strongest wolves. And Elena, the Luna of the pack, Oliver's Mate and Lucas’s friend was in grave danger. Fear filled them both. But each tried to keep a strong front.Just as Lucas was about to break th
Chloe’s povAs we made our way through the forest, my mind raced with worry. Betrayal had a way of souring even the simplest things. As I watched my people being struck with sickness yet I couldn’t do anything to help them without hiding like a criminal. All I wanted was to rule my pack, to lead them rightly but seeing them almost dead changed something in me and I was determined to get help for them.Jax walked beside me, his jaw tight, his senses clearly on high alert. We were searching for him – the magician, the source of the curse that was slowly strangling the Full Moon pack. We needed to find him, to bargain, to do whatever it took to save my pack, even if it meant aligning ourselves with him and sacrificing Oliver, my brother and that rogue, Elena."He has to be somewhere around here," Jax muttered, his eyes scanning the dense trees. "The energy feels strong. Plus we have been walking for hours. It has to be somewhere here."I nodded, trying to ignore the guilt that gnawed at
Elena’s povI tugged on the ropes that held my hands and feet in tact and it was still as tight as ever. The magician wasn’t back yet and I knew that had to be my chance.The flickering candlelight cast long, dancing shadows, making the already unsettling scene even more terrifying. I strained against the thick rope binding my wrists to each other, the coarse fibers biting into my skin. My ankles were similarly secured. I had to get free.My mind raced. How long have I been here? How many hours? It felt like an eternity. I writhed against the ropes again, a desperate, futile effort. Tears welled in my eyes. Then, a memory flickered in my mind – the dungeon lock. It was a lock that didn’t have a space for a key. I had been too weak to think much of it, but somehow, focusing my energy, I had managed to unlock it. It was a faint connection to the power I didn’t know I had, a sliver of power that hadn't been completely suppressed. Maybe…just maybe…Taking a deep breath, I concentrated o
Oliver’s povLucas and I were heading to the elven village, a place filled with mystery and whispers of ancient magic. The thought of Elena being in more danger every second scared me even more, and the weight of that responsibility felt like a physical burden.Lucas moved boldly ahead. He'd been to the village once before, with Elena, to visit Willow's temple. I envied his ease. He'd known Elena more, seen her laugh more freely, shared experiences I was just beginning to build. I was the mate, the destined partner, but sometimes I felt like I was playing catch-up.As we finally reached the village, the air here hummed with a subtle energy, a palpable sense of magic that tickled my skin.Lucas smiled. "There she is!" He gestured towards a young elven girl standing near the entrance to the temple, her eyes wide and bright. She couldn't have been older than ten, with hair tied up and decorated with flowers and a dress woven from a strange material."Hello!" Lucas called, his voice warm.
Chloe’s povThe stench of sickness hung heavy in the air. I could see the paleness of their faces, the feverish glint in their eyes – the curse was eating them alive. My pack. The pack I wanted to lead."We have to help them, Jax," I pleaded, my voice barely a whisper against the rising wind. My throat felt tight, choked with helplessness. "I can't just stand here and watch them die."Jax's grip on my arm tightened, pulling me further into the shadows of the alleyway. His eyes scanned the street, sharp and alert. "Chloe, we talked about this. We're wanted here. Walking around like this is a death wish.""But-"He cut me off, his voice firm, but laced with a hint of desperation. "No buts, Chloe. Look."He nodded subtly towards the main street. Emerging from the pack house, a group of soldiers, clad in dark leather armor, marched in formation. Their faces were grim, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords."There they are," Jax said, his voice low. "They're might be looking fo
Oliver's POVThe scent was gone. Wiped clean. I snarled, frustration clawing at my throat. Elena had been here, I knew it. The lingering sweetness of her soap, the faint air of her own unique scent – it had all been so clear just moments ago. But now? Nothing. Scattered, like dust in the wind.“Damn it!” I roared, kicking at a fallen log. The wood splintered under my force, a small satisfaction in the face of this overwhelming helplessness.Lucas placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me. “Easy, Oliver. We’ll find her.”I shook my head, running a hand through my already dishevelled hair. “They knew we were coming. They scattered her scent, covered their tracks. This isn't some amateur kidnapper, Lucas. Whoever took Elena is smart, organized.”"But how? How could they have anticipated us?" Lucas muttered, his brow furrowed in thought.I paced back and forth, my wolf instincts screaming at me. I could feel Elena’s presence, a faint echo in the forest's heartbeat. She was clos
Elena’s pov“Tell me one thing," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "If I take off the chain, will you let me go if I don’t like what you have to say?"He chuckled, the sound devoid of any warmth. "I am a man of deals, Elena. I tell you all, and you get to leave after. But I will not force you to do anything else. Do we have an agreement?"It was a gamble, a desperate one. But I could not ignore a chance to save my people."Fine," I said, my voice stronger this time, laced with steely resolve. "We have an agreement."Something in me gnawed at me. This man, this magician didn’t seem like he was going to let me go. Was I going to trust the words of a man who didn’t waste any time in abducting me? A man who cursed an entire pack of innocent werewolves for whatever reason. My head pounded feverishly as it crossed my mind that I would regret my choice.The second I pulled the Moon Chain off my neck. I was slammed to the wall by an invisible force. My throat began to tighten and I could bar
Beauty’s povThe weight of it all crashed down on me, a physical blow that stole the air from my lungs and the strength from my legs. I crumpled to the floor, the carpet of the pack house doing little to cushion the impact. Daniel was by my side in an instant, his strong arms wrapping around me."Beauty! What is it? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern."The healers... the sickness..." I choked, unable to form clear sentences.A cluster of healers stood near the entrance of the pack house, their faces etched with despair. They had rushed in, interrupting our already tense planning session. Oliver and Lucas were still gone, they were in search of Elena. Daniel and I were doing our best to hold the pack together in their absence, but it felt like our efforts were going down the drain."They're... freezing up," one of the healers, a young woman named Sarah, managed to say. "Even the warmth of the fire isn't helping. They can barely move… they’re almost lifeless. All they