Lucas’s pov The words hit me like a physical blow. "We’re under attack." Elena's voice, though laced with urgency, was strangely calm. My blood turned to ice. How did she know? Chloe hadn’t even made her move yet, the plan still in the beginning stages of whispered promises and secret meetings.“An attack?” I whispered shakily.What have I done?My gaze flickered to Oliver, "Lucas," he barked, his eyes narrowed, "have you received any news from the border? Any signs of trouble?"I felt like I was standing at gunpoint. My loyalty to the pack, ingrained since birth, was locked in mortal combat with my consuming quest for the truth about my father. For years, I’d been told he died bravely, defending our territory. But the story Chloe gave and the picture… they all pointed to a different narrative, a darker truth that everyone was desperate to keep buried.Chloe, with her venomous charm and promise of unveiling those secrets, had offered me the key. But that key came with a price: betray
Elena’s povThe air in the room was thick with unspoken tension. Lucas’s face, was like an open book etched with a worry that mirrored my own. He couldn’t meet my gaze so it was obvious that he had done something with Chloe. Even though he promised not to."Tell me," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "Tell me about Chloe. About this deal."He hesitated, his jaw working. He ran a hand through his dark hair, a nervous habit I knew well. Finally, he met my gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of shame and desperation."Chloe… she wants to take over the pack. She’s been planning it for months, maybe even longer."My breath hitched. I knew Chloe was up to something but taking over the pack?"Take over? How?"He shifted his weight, the movement betraying his unease. "She... she has contacts. Connections to the Blue Moon pack."The Blue Moon pack. Our rivals. Enemies, even. A cold dread started to seep into my bones. "And what's your part in all of this?" I ask
Elena’s povMy fingers trembled as I tried to smooth out the imaginary wrinkles on the already ruined wedding dress, my mind racing with possible reasons as to why Beauty would betray me. Beauty, my supposed best friend, could’ve been the one that ruined the dress but why would she do that to me?I was still reeling, the betrayal a sharp, stinging wound that refused to heal. How could she? Why would she?The sounds of hurried footsteps and raised voices drifted from outside my room, a grim reminder that the ruined dress was the least of my worries. Chloe was on the attack but no one except Lucas and a few others knew for a fact that she was behind it.I had to do something. Sitting here, wallowing in my heartbreak, felt like a betrayal of its own. I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the ache in my heart and the nagging doubt that whispered, "Something was not right." I slammed the door open and marched into the chaotic hallway."Elena, what are you doing?" Lucas intercepted me, his
Oliver’s povThe air in the main house thrummed with suppressed rage. My rage. It crackled around me like static electricity, making the pack members uneasy. Spies. Fucking spies. They'd infiltrated our territory, slithered amongst us, and I hadn't caught a whiff of them until it was almost too late."I want every inch of pack land searched," I roared, my voice echoing off the stone walls. “Every shadow, every cave, every forgotten trail. If you find anyone suspicious, anyone who can't give a damn good reason for being here, bring them to me. Immediately."The pack warriors, their faces grim, dispersed with a flurry of murmured acknowledgements. My blood ran hot with fury and a sickening dose of self-reproach. How could I, the Alpha, have allowed this to happen? My responsibility was to protect our people, and I had failed. The door creaked open and Lucas entered. He avoided my gaze, shuffling his feet. The scent of the forest clung to him, usually a calming aroma, but today it only
Lucas’s povThe wind whipped at my face, carrying the scent of damp earth, a familiar aroma that usually brought a sense of peace. Tonight, it was just another reminder of the land I was sworn to protect, a land that was teetering on the brink of war. The air crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on. Oliver’s order echoed in my mind. How could I stay away from Elena. Easy for him to say. He was the Alpha. He had her. I was just a soldier, a silent observer of his happiness. The wedding postponement came as a relief, a temporary reprieve from the gut-wrenching reality of watching her walk down the aisle towards another man. But it also meant the threat was real, the enemy close.I shifted my weight, the gravel crunching under my boots. Spies. A looming war. All because of Elena and her bond with Oliver. Then I saw her. Chloe.She stalked towards me, a predator in human form. Her eyes, usually a cold, calculating, were burning with fury. “Lucas.” Her voice dripped with venom,
Elena’s povThe silk of the ruined wedding dress still clung to the inside of my eyelids, a phantom weight pressing down on my chest. What was supposed to be the happiest day of my life had crumbled into ash. Oliver had banned Lucas from being close to me, all because of a possessive jealousy that gnawed at him. Beauty on the other hand was nowhere to be found ever since the attack on the pack. I hadn't seen either of them since.I considered going to Oliver’s room but something in me told me that he equally needed the space. After all he was the Alpha and his pack was in danger.Strange people were within our borders. Possible threats to the life of the pack members and the future of the pack. The worst part is his own sister’s involvement in the entire attack.We all needed space to digest this brewing war.I needed to breathe, to escape the suffocating confines of the pack mansion, where every whispered conversation, every sympathetic glance, felt like a fresh wound. My plan was s
Elena’s povThe morning sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as I made my way towards Beauty's room. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the fragile hope I still clung to. Maybe I was mistaken. Maybe it was a dirty joke. But all the excuses I tried to make up for her still didn’t add up.Last night's overheard conversation replayed in my mind, each whispered word a fresh wound. Beauty, my best friend, conspiring about my ruined wedding dress. The thought was like a poisoned knife, twisting and poisoning the bond we shared.I found her near her window, sunlight illuminating her face in a way that only emphasized her nervousness. Her fingers twisted in the fabric of her gown, and she avoided my gaze. "Beauty," I began, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to appear composed. "I need to ask you something about last night."Her eyes darted up to meet mine, wide and filled with a fear she couldn't quite hide. "Last night? What about it?""I... I overh
Elena’s povThe moon, a sliver of silver in the black sky, cast long shadows across Oliver’s bed. Oliver’s arm lay heavy across my waist, a comforting weight after we finally talked things out. Reconciliation was a fragile thing, a carefully tended bloom after a harsh winter. We lay in comfortable silence, the kind that only comes after words have been exhausted, forgiveness granted, and trust stronger than ever.."Any word on the spies?" I finally asked the question with a soft murmur in the quiet room. The phantom chill of the attack still clung to me, a constant reminder of the vulnerability of our kingdom, of Oliver's pack, of us.The thought that there were people lurking around the kingdom and they could attack at any time.His arm tightened slightly. "Still searching. They vanished into thin air. My best trackers are on it, but they're like shadows, elusive and dangerous." A frown etched itself onto his brow, a familiar sign of the burden he carried. Being Alpha was a heavy man
Third person povEdgar carefully tilted Elena's head back. His movements were precise, honed by years of experience. He gently pried her mouth open, the action delicate despite the urgency that permeated the room. A shimmering, transparent liquid flowed from the cup into her unresisting throat. The resurrection potion, a concoction of rare herbs and forgotten magic, was their last hope.He straightened, a weariness etched on his face. He turned to Oliver and Lucas, their faces pale with grief and worry. "I have done all I can," he said, his voice raspy. "The potion is powerful, but it is Elena who must fight now. She must choose to return." He offered a small, sad smile. "I will leave you with her."The healer shuffled out of the room, leaving Oliver and Lucas to their wait. The weight of the moment settled heavily upon them. The perspective shifted, the darkness giving way to a strange, ethereal light.Elena found herself standing in a vast, open space. To her left stood a group of e
Oliver’s povThe scent of blood and herbs hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of my unconscious mate beside me. My stomach churned. Elena lay still on our bed, her usually vibrant face pale and marred with cuts. Another healer, a young woman from our pack, dabbed at a gash on Elena’s arm. But it was no use. Elena was still unresponsive. Unconscious. My heart hammered against my ribs.I had been sitting vigil by her side for what felt like an eternity, whispering reassurances I tried to believe in myself. Every so often, I reached out to brush a strand of dark hair from her face, my fingers trembling.The door creaked open, and I shot up, my muscles tensing. Lucas stood there, his face etched with exhaustion but his eyes holding a flicker of hope.“Lucas! Did you find anything?” I demanded, my voice hoarse.He nodded, stepping inside. “I think… I think I found something. In the old woman’s cabin. It was still… vacant.”“What? What did you find?” The healer glanced up, her brow fu
Lucas’s povI gripped the worn leather of the book tighter as I hurried across the training grounds. The Full Moon pack house loomed in the distance, a welcome sight after my run through the dense woods. My heart pounded, a mixture of hope and anxiety churning in my gut. This book, this fragile collection of ancient knowledge I’d found in the old woman’s cabin, could be the key to everything.I passed the bustling pack house and headed straight for the medical center, a small building on the edge of the village. The air inside smelled of herbs and antiseptic, a stark contrast to the earthy scent of the forest. I found Edgar, our oldest and most respected healer, hunched over a mortar and pestle, grinding something that smells vaguely of lavender.“Edgar,” I said, my voice rough from disuse.He looked up, his wrinkled face crinkling into a smile. “Lucas. You need treatment. I should get my assistant.”“It’s not important. I need you to look at something.” I said instead.“And what’s th
Jax’s povThe air in Chloe’s room hung thick with the scent of herbs and worry. I sat on the edge of her bed, my wolf restless beneath my skin. The healer, an older woman with knowing eyes, was just finishing wrapping the last of the bandages around Chloe’s arm. Crimson had seeped through the linen earlier, a testament to how hurt Chloe had been and he couldn’t even protect her“She’ll be alright, you know,” the healer said, her voice low and soothing. “She’s a strong girl. Always has been. She'll wake up soon.” She gathered her things, giving me a knowing look. “Best not to overwhelm her when she does.”Then she was gone, and it was just me and Chloe.I leaned closer, my hand hovering over her scarred skin. Even asleep, the tension lines were etched into her face. My heart clenched. These scars were my fault, in a way. Not directly inflicted by me, but I could’ve insisted on fighting alongside her. I could’ve insisted on staying with her.My loyalty lay with her. Not even my pack but
Lucas’s povThe scent of pine needles and damp earth filled my lungs as I stumbled back towards the cabin. Desperation gnawed at me, a constant, throbbing ache. Elena lay unconscious, her pulse almost fading. She was barely breathing and the fear of losing her wrecked me. Her condition was a testament to the brutal battle with Reed. She had won, she had finally defeated him, but the victory felt empty in the face of her stillness.It ate me up that I swore to protect her with my life yet she did it for us without thinking twice. Risked her life without considering hers.The old woman. She was my only hope. She knew things, secrets tucked away in her mind like she is the only one who had all the answers in the world. At this rate, she did. She had helped her before, guided Elena when she was lost and confused about the visions she was getting. Now, I needed her guidance more than ever.The cabin stood silent and empty, exactly as I had left it previously. Dust danced in the faint sunli
Third person povBeauty paced back and forth, her worry etched on her face. Daniel stood beside her, his own anxiety was thick in the air. They waited outside Chloe’s room, the heavy wooden door a barrier between them and the unknown. The healer, a woman known for being quick with detecting injuries and healing them, had been inside for what felt like an eternity. It was long enough for them to be worried."Who is Jax?" Daniel asked, his voice low. He'd seen the way Jax looked at Chloe, the way Jax was extremely protective of her. Like she was a part of him. There was an intimacy there that bothered him, a closeness he couldn't quite place.Beauty stopped pacing, a shiver running down her spine. "I... I have a bad feeling about him, Daniel. A really bad feeling."Daniel frowned. "What do you mean?""He reminds me of... of the man who threatened me, who forced me to betray Elena and kidnapped Sam." The words were barely a whisper, laced with fear and a familiar self-reproach. "I can’t
Third person pov Reed’s eyes burned with a mixture of fear and resentment. The hate that burned his heart brought him to the realization that this was a lost battle.. His limbs were mangled and he was in so much pain than he could ever realize. He knew Elena had power now, a power strong enough to end him. Her eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and he could practically feel magic radiating from her. He had to act, and act fast. He couldn't let her destroy everything he had built.He couldn’t afford to lose it all.His mind raced, settling on a desperate plan. He began chanting, his voice a low, guttural growl. The words were ancient, dark, and flowed from him like venom. It was a death spell, a last resort he had hoped never to use. But it wasn’t aimed at Elena. Not directly.Oliver and Lucas, still recovering from the earlier fight, stood nearby, their bodies bruised and battered. They were unaware of the danger about to descend upon them. Reed, in his twisted logic, decided that
Jax's POV"Now," Oliver snapped, cutting me off. "I don't care if you're a member of the Blue Moon pack or not, Jax. My sister needs help. Get her to the pack house immediately and this time, try not to return with her even if she insists."He didn’t need to tell me again what to do. His command showed that he truly cared about his sister even after everything.The metallic tang of blood filled my nostrils. Not just any blood, but Chloe's. A low growl rumbled in my chest, a primal protectiveness surging through me. Carefully, gently, I scooped her up and steadied her on my arms. Her body was limp, but her arms instinctively wrapped around my neck, her head finding a resting place against my chest. Each shallow breath she took sent a jolt of fear through me. I hope she was fine.Chloe. Beautiful, fierce Chloe. Even now, covered in grime and blood, she was breathtaking. I risked a glance, admiring the curve of her jaw, the way her blonde hair fell across her face. She acted like she di
Oliver’s povMy ribs screamed with every breath. Lucas wasn’t in much better shape, favoring his left arm and sporting a rapidly swelling eye. Chloe looked like she was in a worse state because she fought in her full wolf form and she hadn’t been in a battle ground in a while. We all watched, battered and bruised, as Elena turned Reed into a human punching bag. It was insane. Just hours ago, Reed was the one with all the power, tossing spells around like they were candy. Beating up all of us like it was nothing. Now? Elena was practically glowing, a whirlwind of raw magic that Reed couldn't even touch.Then I saw him. Jax.He was standing at the edge of the clearing, his face a mask of worry. He was supposed to take Elena back to the pack safely and not bring her back to the very place I asked her not to be in. Now, he was here."Jax!" I croaked, my voice rough and thick. He turned, his eyes landing on me. “What the hell is going on? What happened to Elena? Where did she get all tha