JONAS POVCold, calculated thoughts raced through my mind as I stood over Lisa’s crumpled form on the floor. The idea of ending her life quickly, offering a swift and merciful death, had initially seemed more appealing.It was a tempting thought, a way to spite Asher, to rip something precious from him just as he had done to me. But as I stood there, a cruel smile playing on my lips, I realized the folly of such a decision.Why should I grant her a swift demise? Why should I deprive myself of the pleasure of witnessing her prolonged suffering, of observing Asher’s heart shatter as he tirelessly searches for her?The thought incites a perverse sense of joy, a dark satisfaction that sends a shiver down my spine. However, before indulging in that, I have a debt to settle. Tacha, the treacherous sorceress, awaits her dues.I cast one last glance at Lisa. Her body was heaving with ragged breaths, her eyes wide with terror. The sight brought a cruel smile to my face once again, a grim satis
ASHER’S POVI rode my horse towards the human village, my heart racing with worry. Lisa was missing, and I had to find her. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape. However, I didn’t care about the beauty of the scene; my only concern was finding my mate and ensuring she was alright.As I approached the village, the scent of humans, their fires, and cooking drifted through the air. I dismounted my horse and approached the village on foot, sniffing around for any sign of Lisa. The villagers stared at me in surprise, but I ignored them, my focus solely on finding my mate.Despite my efforts, I couldn’t catch a scent of her. My heart sank, and a wave of fear washed over me. Could it be that she hadn’t come to the village? Or had something happened to her on the way? I brushed off the thought and approached one of the guards.As I neared, the guard fell into a deep bow as soon as he saw me. “Alpha,” he greeted. “Take me to the Bonnet house," I demanded, my voice firm
LISA’S POVI had been desperately seeking a way to escape before Jonas returned, fearing that he would do far worse than merely take blood from me. Lying on the cold, hard floor, panting, I made a decision. I would reach out to Asher through our telepathic bond, the one connection that might save me.Closing my eyes, I concentrated, willing my mind to merge with Kiara's wolf, just as Asher had taught me. A sharp headache struck me, but I refused to give in. I tried again, and this time, it worked. Initially, it was a faint whisper, indistinguishable from distant thoughts. But then, clarity struck. I was hearing Asher’s thoughts. Desperately, I asked if he could hear me and told him I needed his help.As I communicated with Asher, Jonas burst into the cellar. His sly smile sent chills down my spine. “Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Looks like the little bird is trying to fly away,” he taunted.Summoning all my strength, I pushed myself into a sitting position on the floor. “
Lisa POV I stirred in my sleep, my mind foggy and unclear. But as I slowly opened my eyes, memories came flooding back. I remembered everything - who I was, what had happened that fateful night, and the faces that had remained blurred in my mind yet still haunted me for so long.I was Kiara Anderson, the Luna of the Crimson Pack. That night, I had been on my way to meet Asher, my mate, to discuss our Mating anniversary plans. But Jonas had intercepted me, his voice urgent, informing me that my parents were under attack by rogues and I needed to accompany him immediately.I remembered the fight, the pain, and the betrayal. I had been struck from behind, and as I lay unconscious on the floor, I could hear Jonas instructing the rogues to dispose of my body. I remembered the darkness trying to consume me, and how I fought with every fiber of my being to stay alive.And then, I was thrown down a cliff, left to die. But fate had other plans. I woke up in a warm room, surrounded by stranger
Lisa/Kiara’s POV “Ready?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement as soon as I got dressed in a simple sun dress, my hair styled in a loose bun.I nodded, my heart pounding with anticipation. “Let’s do this,” I declared, my voice firm.Asher chuckled and extended his hand. “Come on, Kiara. Your surprise awaits.”We strolled down the hallway, hand in hand, the morning sun casting a warm glow through the windows. I remembered the countless times I had run through this hall with Asher in pursuit. It felt like only yesterday, yet also a lifetime ago.I tightened my grip on his muscular arm as we neared the last landing, only to freeze in my tracks. My gaze was fixed on the two figures seated at the breakfast table.Max and Jax, my brothers, whom I thought I’d never see again, were right there. My mind was a whirlwind of questions. How did they get here? Why were they with Asher? Was this some kind of dream or hallucination?Asher’s grip on my hand tightened, as if sensing my shock a
Asher's POVWatching Kiara walk away with determination etched in every step she took, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of pride and concern. She was strong, fiercely independent, qualities that had drawn me to her from the very moment we met. But her resolve now, as Luna of the Crimson Pack, was something entirely new and inspiring.I stood in the quiet pathway, my mind replaying the events of the past few hours. The reunion with Max and Jax had been emotional, prove to Kiara’s resilience and the bonds of family. Their presence was a gift she hadn’t expected, but one that filled her heart with gratitude.The breakfast had been joyful, laughter and stories weaving through the air like threads binding us closer together. Kiara’s smile had lit up the room, her happiness noticeable as she embraced her brothers after so long apart.And then, the unveiling of the pack monument—the culmination of months of planning and anticipation. Seeing Kiara’s reaction, her tears of joy, had made ever
LIARA/ KIARA’S POV Walking back to the house with Asher by my side, I felt fear tighten its cold grip around my heart. Jonas’s cryptic warnings echoed in my mind, each word a haunting reminder of unseen dangers lurking in the shadows.My thoughts were a tangled web of suspicion and anxiety as I fell asleep that night in his arms. Who was orchestrating this chaos? Who could wield such influence over Jonas, a man who wouldn’t hesitate to betray his own brother, Asher? I had many questions but few answers.The fear of the unknown gnawed at me, but I knew I couldn’t afford to show any weakness. Not now, when life had given me a second chance.The next morning, after breakfast, I walked into our living quarters to find Asher greeting me with a warm smile, his eyes shining with mischief. My eyes narrowed as I ventured further into the room.“What’s going on?”“Kiara, I have a surprise for you,” he said, his voice barely containing his enthusiasm. “I’m throwing a party in your honor tonight
ASHER’S POVAs the evening drew to a close, Kiara and I bid farewell to her parents, our hearts heavy with the bittersweet pang of parting.“We’ll see you at the party later,” Kiara said, her voice soft but filled with warmth. Her parents’ eyes lit up with pride and joy at the invitation.“Of course, we wouldn’t miss it for the world,” her mother replied, embracing Kiara tightly. I watched as Kiara’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears of happiness, the sight of her so content filling my heart with warmth.As I helped Kiara mount her horse, our fingers brushed in a fleeting moment of intimacy. “Ready to go?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Kiara nodded, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of love and gratitude. “Yes, let’s head back.”We set off towards the pack house, the ride quiet except for the rhythmic clopping of the horses’ hooves against the cobblestone path, a soothing lullaby in the stillness of the night. The silence between us was comfortable, each of us lost in ou
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