LISA’S POVAs dawn broke, I stirred from my uneasy slumber. The chill of the stone floor still clung painfully to my skin. Jonas was already awake; his mood was surprisingly cheerful compared to the previous night.His voice, usually as cold as the floor I slept on, had a warmth to it that morning. I found myself questioning if this was a newfound kindness or just another one of his twisted games.“Did you sleep well?” Jonas asked, his eyes meeting mine on the floor. I nodded in response, but my heart echoed a different emotion.How could one sleep peacefully on a bed of cold, hard stone? The memory of my soft bed back in the village seemed like a distant dream.My gaze traveled through the open window and towards the clear sky. I found myself wondering how Jax and Max were faring and if they missed me as much as I missed them.Tears threaten to spill from my eyes. I blink them away, quietly swearing to myself to escape this tangled mess named Jonas.“Are you hungry?” His eyes narrowe
LISA’S POV“Are you ready?” Jonas asked, his voice dripping with malice. He towered over me, his dark attire contrasting with my silver gown in the early morning light. I felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter.I nodded, paralyzed by his close proximity. His smile was cruel and twisted, making my skin crawl. He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my face, as he uttered his next words. “Good, Lisa. Very good.”"What are you doing?" I whispered, trying to sound brave but failing miserably as he continued to hover around my face.“Kiss me, Lisa.” His voice rumbled.“Please, Jonas, don’t do this,” I begged. My voice trembled as I tried to back away from him, but his grip was firm, making escape impossible. He ignored my plea, his hand snaking around my waist and pulling me closer to him. I could feel the stiff bulge in his pants as he continued to press himself against me."You're mine, Lisa," he whispered, his lips hovering over mine.I felt my heart hammering in my chest, lo
ASHER’S POVI returned to the pack house. The familiar faces of my pack members, already immersed in their daily tasks, greeted me. Their presence was a comforting constant in the whirlwind of emotions that was my life.I nodded at them, acknowledging their respect and loyalty, and then made my way to my room. I needed some time to myself to sort out the mess in my head and heart.I hoped that a shower and a change of clothes would wash away the traces of the night, the memories of Lisa, and the doubts of Jonas.My footsteps echoed in the hallway, a hurried rhythm that matched the pounding of my heart. As I neared my room, Scarlett appeared, her sudden presence catching me off guard. The moment Scarlett saw me coming, she walked towards me.I had no intention of stopping, but her hand reached out to take hold of my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.“What is it, Scarlett?” I ask myself, trying to pry her hands that are tightly wrapped around my wrist.“Please don’t push me away. I under
LISA’S POVThe uncanny resemblance between Kiara and me was like staring into a mirror that reflected not just my face but also my soul. It was as if we were two drops of water in the same ocean, indistinguishable from one another. This revelation sent a shiver down my spine, causing me to question the very fabric of my existence. My past was a blank canvas, tainted solely by the vivid memory of a horseback riding accident that had erased my memories.I hurried down the stone hallway, its dampness and darkness chilling my bones. My mind was a whirlwind of questions. Had my brothers deceived me? Was I a twin at birth? The questions echoed in my mind like a haunting melody, growing louder with each passing second.Suddenly, I froze. My heart pounded so hard that I could hear it in my ears as I remembered the stolen kiss with Asher in his chambers. I felt my face flush, remembering the feel of his lips against mine. He had kissed me, thinking I was her, and I had kissed him back. I had
ASHER’S POV"Lisa, wait!" I called out as I watched her run away from me. She didn't stop or look back. She vanished through the door, leaving me alone and confused.We had just kissed, and it had been the most amazing kiss of my life. Her lips were soft and sweet, and her tongue was playful and teasing. She had kissed me back with passion and fervor, as if she felt the same way I did. But then she had pulled away, her eyes wide and scared, and she had fled from me without a word.Why? What had I done wrong? Was it that she didn’t want me? Or was it that she didn’t feel the connection between us? I could have sworn she had responded to every singe one of my demands.I couldn’t let her go. I had to find her, talk to her, and make her understand. I pushed my way through the door, following the trail of her scent and the glint of her golden hair. I caught a glimpse of her as she turned a corner, only to be met by the sight of Scarlett.Scarlett. I am certain that she despised Kiara and d
LISA’S POV"Carelessness is a luxury we can't afford." Jonas's voice cut through the silence like a knife later that night, making me flinch. He glared at me with cold fury, his eyes piercing my soul. "Especially not when it comes to Scarlett."I lowered my head, unable to meet his gaze. A surge of guilt and anger washed over me—conflicting emotions that tore at my composure. I was aware of my mistake, yet I felt I didn’t deserve his wrath."I'm sorry," I whispered, hoping he would forgive me. "It won't happen again."He sighed, his face softening a bit. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration. "Look, I know you didn't mean to cause trouble, but you have to be more careful. You don't understand how delicate our situation is. We're walking on a tightrope here, and any slip could send us tumbling down."I nodded, feeling the pressure of his words. I knew he was right, but it was hard to accept. I wanted to live freely and go back to my brothers, but I couldn't.I had to
LISA’S POVSeeing the confusion in my eyes, Jonas proceeded to explain. He told me that being chosen as his mate was the highest honor he could bestow. He described it as a sacred ritual, a bond that would forever unite us.According to him, it was the only way to shield me from the lurking dangers in the shadows. It was also his unique method of claiming me as his own, completely and irrevocably.“Come on, Lisa. You should be grateful for this privilege. This could be the best thing that ever happens to you.”I stared at him, an uproar of emotions churning within me. I felt trapped, cornered, and utterly helpless. I yearned to scream at him, to flee, to resist. Yet, I knew it was all in vain. I was acutely aware that he had sealed my fate long before his intentions were laid bare.I knew escape was impossible, but that didn’t mean I would let him ruin my life with his selfish plans. I tried to jerk away from his iron grip, but Jonas held me fast, his eyes boring into mine with a pred
ASHER’S POVIn the privacy of my room, I found myself pacing like a caged beast, each step echoing my growing restlessness. I had managed to deter my brother Jonas from claiming Lisa as his mate, but the ticking clock of uncertainty gnawed at me.How long had it been before he sought the council’s permission? The idea that Jonas might possess knowledge about Lisa that I lacked was a persistent thorn in my side, continually pricking my curiosity. Moreover, the fact that she bore an uncanny resemblance to Kiara only served to further fuel the fire of my imagination.She possessed the same delicate features, yet she was not Kiara, not my mate. I found myself at a loss, uncertain of how to approach Lisa under the hawk-like surveillance of Jonas. It was as if he kept her under lock and key, a precious gem hidden from prying eyes. His possessiveness was palpable, as though he feared someone might uncover the truth or snatch her away from him.But who could blame him? She was a rare beauty,
Kiara’s POVA Year LaterA year has gone by so quickly, and a lot has changed around the pack. Most of the changes were good ones, especially with the arrival of our son, Leon.Asher decided to name our son Leon after his late father, the former Alpha. Leon is a cute little boy; he has Asher's blue eyes and cheeks but my smile.I didn't think I would be capable of loving anyone more than I already loved Asher, but Leon came after nine months of growing within me and stole all my love. Asher doesn't mind that he has because he has his love as well.I gazed lovingly at my little family, feeling my heart swell with pride and happiness. Asher, my mate, was playing with our son Leon, tickling his belly and making him giggle uncontrollably.Leon was still a baby, only four months old, and couldn't speak yet, but he could convey so much joy and excitement with his coos and babbles."Ga ga ga!" Leon squealed, reaching up to grab Asher's hair.Asher chuckled, gently untangling his hair from Le
Kiara’s POVThe Hunting Festival was finally here. Asher and I, dressed in our hunting attire, walked side by side to the village square. The full moon cast a silver glow over the village, and the air was electric with excitement.We had been preparing for this night for weeks, and I could feel the anticipation building inside me. As we reached the square, Asher raised his hands, and the chatter of the pack members died down.“Friends, family, and fellow pack members," he began, his voice clear and strong. "Tonight, we gather for the ancient tradition of the Hunting Festival. Remember, the rules are simple: no cheating, no harming fellow pack members, and respect for the prey."He paused, surveying the crowd with a stern expression. "We hunt for food, for survival, and for the thrill of the chase. Let us honor our ancestors and the land we call home."With a nod, Asher declared, "The Hunting Festival is now open! May the best hunters win, and may the spirits of the land guide us."The
Kiara's POVThree months had passed since the darkness that had haunted our pack for so long was finally vanquished. The memory of Jonas' death still lingered, but Asher had come to terms with his actions, and the pack was once again at peace. The night crawlers, those terrifying creatures that had terrorized us for so long, had disappeared as suddenly as they had appeared—a clear sign that Tacha's evil influence was truly gone.As I walked through the pack's village, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and hope. Our pack was thriving once more, and Asher's leadership was stronger than ever. As for me, I had never been happier. Asher and I were building a life together, and the future looked brighter than ever.But amidst all this joy, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. My brothers, Jax and Max, were preparing to leave the village, returning to their family farm to start a new chapter in their lives. No matter how much I tried to convince them to stay, they just couldn’
Asher’s POVThe days in the clinic passed slowly, each one a blur of pain, healing, and the constant presence of Kiara. Her unwavering support was a balm to my soul, but there was a darkness within me that even she couldn’t fully reach.I could see the worry in her eyes, the way she watched me as if afraid I’d slip away—not just physically, but emotionally.But I kept up a strong front. I was the Alpha, after all. My pack needed me to be strong, to lead them without showing any form of weakness. Yet, every time I closed my eyes, I saw Jonas’s lifeless face, felt the weight of the decision I’d made.One evening, after everyone had left and the clinic was quiet, Kiara curled up beside me on the bed, her head resting on my chest. I could feel the steady rise and fall of her breathing, the warmth of her body against mine. It was comforting, a reminder that I wasn’t alone, even if it felt that way sometimes.“Asher,” she whispered into the darkness, her voice barely above a breath. “You kn
**Asher’s POV**The world around me was a blur of pain and shadows. I drifted in and out of consciousness, my body heavy and unresponsive. Every breath was a struggle, each one reminding me of the fight I’d just endured, of the choices I’d made—choices that would haunt me forever.But through the haze, one thing remained constant: Kiara. Her presence was an anchor, keeping me grounded in the world of the living. I could feel her hand in mine, warm and steady, as if she were pouring her strength into me, willing me to stay with her. I fought to open my eyes, to see her, to reassure her that I was still here. When I finally managed to crack them open, the first thing I saw was her face, close to mine, her expression a mixture of exhaustion and fierce determination. Even in her weariness, she was beautiful—more beautiful than I could have ever imagined."Kiara," I whispered, my voice barely audible, but she heard me. She always did. Her eyes softened, and she leaned closer, her touch g
Kiara’s POVJax and Max stopped their antics, grinning at each other in triumph. "That was awesome!" Max exclaimed.But I just growled, my eyes fixed on Tacha. "You're not controlling me anymore," I snarled. "It's time to put an end to this."Tacha sneered, but I could see the fear lurking in her eyes. She knew she was beaten.I charged forward, my wolf form propelling me toward Tacha with lightning speed. My claws extended, ready to strike, and my teeth bared, prepared to sink into her flesh.Tacha tried to defend herself, but I was too fast. I pinned her to the ground, my claws digging deep into her shoulders, and my teeth sank into her arm.She screamed in pain, trying to struggle free, but I held tight. I could feel her dark magic coursing through her veins, trying to break free, but I was determined to stop her.With a fierce growl, I bit down harder, my teeth sinking deeper into her flesh and tearing off both her arms. Tacha's eyes widened in agony, and she let out a deafening s
Kiara’s POVAs I stood there, the dagger still clutched in my hand, a wave of horror washed over me. What had I done? Asher, my love, my mate, lay motionless on the ground, a victim of my own hand. Tacha’s cackling laughter echoed in my mind, and I knew I was still under her control. But a spark within me refused to be extinguished. I remembered Asher’s words, his love, his trust in me. With a surge of adrenaline, I fought back against Tacha’s control. It was like trying to break free from chains, but I gritted my teeth and focused on Asher’s face. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, I felt Tacha’s grip on my mind loosen. I took a step back, the dagger slipping from my fingers. “Asher,” I whispered, my voice shaking. I dropped to my knees beside him, cradling his head in my lap. His eyes flickered open again, and he gazed up at me, pain and confusion etched on his face. “Kiara?” he whispered. I nodded, tears streaming down my face. “I’m so sorry, Asher. I couldn’t stop her.” A
Asher’s POV"Alright, let's go over the whole plan one more time," I said, scanning the room, locking eyes with each person present."Jax and Max, you two will create a diversion at the front entrance. Jonas, you're with me. We'll sneak in through the back and grab her. Kiara, you're our ace in the hole. Once we've got her, you'll take care of the rest."I turned to Jonas, who stood with his arms crossed, his face completely expressionless. His demeanor was suspicious, and I clenched my hands into fists."Jonas, I mean it," I warned. "I don't want to see even a hint of betrayal. You're with us, or you're against us. And if you're against us, I won't hesitate to end you."Jonas didn’t flinch; his expression remained bland and relaxed, almost as if he was bored."I'm with you, Asher," he said flatly. "Don't worry about me."I narrowed my eyes, trying to read him. But there was nothing to read. He was a blank slate, making it even more irritating to look at him."Good," I said finally. "
Asher’s POVKiara's voice was a mixture of disbelief and anger. "You let him out? Asher, he’s dangerous! He’s the reason we’re in this mess in the first place.""I know," I said, my voice steady. "But he has information we need. If we’re going to stop Tacha, we need to know everything he knows. I’ll make sure he doesn’t cause any more harm."Kiara shook her head, frustration evident in her eyes. "I can’t believe you trusted him. What if he’s doing all this just to lead us into another trap?""I don’t trust him," I clarified. "But I need him. We need him. And I’ll be watching him closely."Kiara sighed, her expression softening slightly. "Alright, Asher. I trust you. But please, be careful.""I will," I promised, squeezing her hand. "We’ll get through this together."Kiara nodded, though worry still lingered in her eyes. "What’s the plan?""I’m going to meet with Jonas again," I said. "Get more details about the ritual and the spell. In the meantime, I need you to stay safe. Stay here