“Do you know where we can find Alpha Abel?” Joanna’s voice was a low whisper, barely audible, the tremor in it betraying her fear.She was terrified of the unknown, of the new turn her life was about to take. Every step forward felt like walking on thin ice, the future a vast, uncertain expanse. All the weeks she had spent in Latin America with Clyde, hidden away from the world, had been the closest she had come to happiness in her new life.They had been a bubble of warmth and laughter, a haven from the upcoming storm in her life. But now, that bubble had burst, and she was being forced to confront the past. The prospect of meeting Alpha Abel, the unknown effect he would have on her, the idea of living with him, threatened to overwhelm her, to push her over the edge of sanity.Janice, sensing Joanna’s distress, placed a comforting hand on her arm.“Woodland Pack is located in upstate New York, a few hours’ drive from the Moonlight Seekers’ territory,” she explained gently.“I don’t k
“What is the occasion you needed such elegant dresses?” Elena asked, her eyes twinkling with genuine interest.She admired the rich fabric and delicate details of the gowns Joanna and Janice had chosen.“The receptionist mentioned there’s a Happy Hour tonight,” Joanna explained. “We just arrived at the hotel an hour ago and, well, we didn’t exactly pack for a fancy evening out. So, we decided a little retail therapy was in order.” She offered a small, self-deprecating smile.Elena’s smile widened, becoming even more inviting.“You’ve come to the right place,” she assured them, gesturing around the boutique with a graceful sweep of her hand. “The dresses here are exclusive. There’s absolutely no chance of seeing another woman wearing the same design.”She chuckled, a warm, melodious sound. “That’s every woman’s worst nightmare, isn’t it? Showing up in the same outfit as someone else.”The woman’s aura was so warm and infectious that Joanna began to feel surprisingly com
“Alpha, the target is in. We’ll meet her later.”Elena enthusiastically informed her Alpha in the mind link, her voice buzzing with barely contained excitement. She herself couldn’t quite believe that the woman she had recognized in the boutique, the woman with the hauntingly familiar silver eyes, was the one they had been searching for these past weeks.The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, the woman she briefly encountered beside her Alpha that day in the pack and also the way she carried herself with a quiet strength that belied her apparent fragility.It was without doubt, Joanna.Alpha Abel felt a surge of adrenaline, a thrill of expectation that sent a shiver down his spine. He quickly pieced together the events of the past few weeks, the frustrating delays and misdirection. Soon he realized that his colleague from the Moonlight Seekers pack had deliberately stalled him, costing him precious days. Then there was the misleading information, the wild goose c
“I want to see our mate,” Hex, Alpha Abel’s wolf, growled insistently, the words rumbling deep within Abel’s mind.He longed to hold Joanna again, to feel the warmth of her body against his after so long. All he wanted was to reassure her that everything would be alright, that she didn’t have to worry about anything. He would take care of her, protect her from any harm. The need to be near her was a burning ache within him. “In a few hours, you’ll have every chance to admire her,” Abel pointed out. “Let’s go back to our room and get some rest ourselves. I’m sure this is going to be a long evening. I won’t let her go away easily after searching for her this long.” “Rest?” the wolf growled again, this time with a sharp edge of anger. “Why would I want to sleep when my mate is staying in the same hotel as us? She should be with us, sleeping in our arms. That’s where she belongs.” The primal possessiveness in Hex’s voice was undeniable. Shak
Alpha Abel wrestled with his inner wolf, Hex, who was practically vibrating with impatience.‘I want to see our mate,’ Hex growled, the words echoing in Abel’s mind like a physical demand. “Let’s pay her a visit. Now! ’He yearned to hold Joanna again, to reassure her, to whisper promises of protection and love.’In a few hours, you’ll have every chance to admire her, ’ Abel countered, attempting to maintain a semblance of control. ’Let’s go back to our room and get some rest ourselves. Bet it’s going to be a long evening.’’Sleep? ’ the wolf growled angrily, the word laced with disbelief. ’Why would I want to sleep when my mate is staying in the same hotel as us? She should be here, in our arms. That’s where she belongs. ’Shaking his head, Abel stepped into the elevator, the doors sliding shut, offering a brief respite from Hex’s relentless prodding.’I warn you not to rush her, Hex,’ he threatened. ’She doesn’t remember us. We have to regain her trust. Imposing ourselves will only
Joanna’s Point of ViewMy heart hammered against my ribs, I was nervous as hell.I checked my reflection in the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time. The dark red dress, tight at the bodice and flowing loosely from my hips, flattered my figure. It was Elena’s choice, a woman I wasn’t sure whether to call a friend or simply an acquaintance.“Hey, take it easy, Joanna,” Janice’s soothing voice cut through my anxious thoughts. As a werewolf, she could likely hear the frantic rhythm of my heart. She gently stroked my back, a reassuring touch that calmed my breathing somewhat. Taking my hands in hers, she stood in front of me, her gaze steady and supportive.“You know what?” she suggested. “Let this be a new beginning. You don’t remember him, so think of this as a blind date. If the chemistry is there, build a relationship with the Alpha, honestly and sincerely. He feels the bond with you, and if he’s smart, he’ll give you the space you need to adjust.”It was the unspoken implicat
Alpha Abel’s Point of View As soon as my mate stepped out of the elevator, her scent washed over me, a wave of pure sensory bliss.That delicious vanilla, mingled with the delicate fragrance of fresh morning dew, conquered my senses, turning my world upside down. She was breathtaking in that red dress, a garment I knew Elena had chosen for her. My secretary certainly had good taste, although I was surprised that Joanna needed assistance in the boutique.Women, to my knowledge, were usually sophisticated shopaholics, their appreciation for an item increasing proportionally to the price tag and the willingness of someone else to foot the exorbitant bill.But not my Joanna. My mate was different.Elena’s investigation reports indicated that she came from a simple background. Joanna was adopted by a lower-middle-class couple who now live comfortably off the salary she gratefully transferred to them. The Mancinis had essentially taken over her entire life,
The moment we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a wave of laughter and music.The place was packed, buzzing with chattering voices and the sound of clinking glasses. Just perfect. The crowd offered a convenient excuse to stay close to Joanna and subtly breathe in her intoxicating scent. It had lodged itself into my subconscious, igniting a deep-seated longing within me.I spotted a high table tucked away in a quieter corner, a perfect retreat from the bustling crowd. I gently guided Joanna towards it, my hand resting lightly on the small of her back, the warmth of her skin radiating through the thin fabric of her dress. The others trailing slightly behind.Once a waitress took our drink orders, Elena initiated the conversation.“Joanna, it was pure coincidence that I recognized you in the boutique,” she began casually. “We arrived here a few weeks ago after leaving the Moonlight Seekers. But we couldn’t find you there and were already on our way back to our pack. What brough
Twenty years later... "Come on, Clyde, the boys could arrive at any moment. Why are you dawdling today?"Queen Joanna expressed her irritation at her mate's sluggishness, who seemed in no rush to welcome their sons.The Princes had spent two years in Latin America, undergoing rigorous training alongside the sons of Joyce, Alira, Alia, Elena, and Janice. The younger generation had received basic combat and strategy training, a biannual rite of passage overseen by the Council, while the older ones immersed themselves in advanced studies of logistics, business, and management. Among them was Crown Prince Joachim-Georg, his return eagerly awaited. His triplet sisters, however, remained in the Kingdom, much to their displeasure.The eldest, Princess Ciciane Taylor Mariam, had made such a fuss that Clyde had no choice but to allow her to take martial arts training under Chief Warrior Rubio. This girl was a true rebel, known in many packs as the "warrior Princess of trouble."However, she w
As if he had been waiting for this precise cue for an eternity, Xin surfaced, taking over from his human.Clyde's head took on a shape as if carved from wood, the golden fur shimmering as it manifested on his face. Possessively, he cradled Joanna’s face in his hands, lifting it toward him and kissing every inch of it, a fervent declaration of his love.Caught off guard by the strong, untamed power that enveloped her, Era stiffened, her senses reeling. She closed her eyes, savoring the intoxicating rush flowing through her, a wave of pure, unadulterated energy.“No need to panic, love,” Xin whispered to her, his voice a soothing balm against her surging anxiety. “I have never given you reason to doubt me. What is this?” Era leaned against his chest, surrendering to his silent, persuasive power, her resistance melting away like snow in the summer sun.“Joanna is insecure,” she confided in a low murmur, a confession whispered on the edge of a sigh. “She fears that a fated mate might sudd
As they stood before the grand, imposing doors of the Palace, Butler Clark came before them, his presence as steady as the ancient stones of the building itself.Clark was the same age as Alpha Maceo, but unlike the Alpha, who retained a youthful vigor, the signs of aging were etched deeply into the butler's face, revealing his years of service and loyal duty. Moreover, the butler was not as athletically built, nor did he move with the same fluid grace as Maceo.“Alpha, are you here to speak with the King?” he asked the visitor icy calm, his tone devoid of any warmth. “Please, follow me, the family is on the back terrace, enjoying a moment of respite now that Queen Joanna needs her strength.”Before the Alpha could offer a reply, Clark turned on his heel, clearly expecting the pair to follow him without question.The Alpha and his granddaughter exchanged a surprised glance, before stepping into the grand foyer. They walked through a long, winding corridor, passing a bustling, fragrant
"What did you say?" Alpha Maceo of the Falcon Crest pack thundered, his voice reverberating through the sterile confines of the Royal doctor's office. "Man, run the tests again! This… this cannot be true!"His face, normally a picture of composure and quiet strength, was now flushed crimson, a mask of disbelief and rising fury. He glared at Doctor Andrew, who sat calmly across the polished mahogany desk, his expression carefully neutral. Andrew held out the thin sheets of paper with the results.He read the conclusions aloud, his voice steady, each word a hammer blow to Maceo's bewildered mind, shattering the carefully constructed facade of his reality."Alpha, these are simple English words, and I assure you, I read them correctly," Doctor Andrew sighed, his eyes reflecting a quiet understanding of the turmoil raging within the older man. "And I assure you, I have run these tests five times. I could hardly believe it myself. But your wolf knows the truth. During the collaboration to
Nervously Sybille stepped into her new mate's apartment.Even though they had spent hours together in the vehicle returning to the pack, he had barely spoken to her. Kenrick had worked on his iPad the entire trip. He checked news channels reporting on events in the Kingdom and Woodland. He was meticulous, his brow furrowed in concentration.His phone also constantly buzzed and vibrated.His colleagues worldwide wanted his personal account of the events surrounding Alpha Abel and the Royals. He answered them with clipped, precise words, his voice a low rumble.Although he always treated her respectfully, she could clearly feel his underlying power.Kenrick was definitely Alpha material. His dominance and confidence radiated from him. The intense look in his eyes demanded obedience. His strong grip on her hand, when he did touch her, revealed his inner strength.Sybille knew she should not underestimate him.She had not interacted much with him before. Her attention was constantly focus
In Woodland, a convoy of vehicles, somber and silent, rolled to a halt before the imposing, massive gates.Three vehicles peeled away from the main group, one of them a hearse carrying the body of the fallen Alpha Abel. A lone warrior approached the lead vehicle, where Kenrick sat in the back with Sybille.As the guard drew closer, he inhaled deeply, his senses sharp, and his eyes widened in shock."Alpha Kenrick," he stammered, disbelief thick in his voice. "We received no word of your arrival. We knew Alpha Abel was defeated since the pack link with him was severed, but the circumstances were shrouded in rumors."The warrior sprinted back towards the gates and pressed a button.The heavy gates began to slide open, granting the cars access to the pack lands. He sent an alert through the mind link, informing the pack of Kenrick's sudden arrival.A flurry of activity erupted within the packhouse.There was no time for formal celebrations or to prepare a grand welcome. Everyone rushed t
“Clyde,” Joanna murmured weak as she slowly opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his.The Crown Prince, his face carved in relief and overflowing with joy, kissed her all over her face as his heart is overflowing with gratitude. The past few minutes had been a terrifying ordeal for the entire family, a roller coaster of emotions that had left them breathless.“Yes, I’m here with you,” Clyde beamed emotionally. “You scared the hell out of me, my love. What would become of me without you by my side? If you ever decide to leave, don’t forget to take me with you, this life is nothing without you.”Joanna smiled, her eyes filled with a deep, unwavering love.With difficulty, she lifted her hand to stroke his face, her touch feather-light, her eyes shining with an affection that transcended words.“Will you mark me now? Make me your legal wife and my werewolf mate?”The Crown Prince laughed, a sound of pure, unadulterated relief, and pulled her tightly against him, his tears glistening in the
Crown Prince Clyde stood at the head of the large Council Board table, his posture rigid as the hall began to fill with spectators, their eyes eager and whispers buzzing with anticipation.Everyone was curious about the recent, chaotic events, and it was crucial to provide clear explanations, to dispel the confusion that hung heavily in the air. Once everyone had taken their seats and the Royals stood at some distance in front of him, Clyde addressed the attendees, his voice resonating with a solemn gravity.“As you all know, my wife, Joanna, was the fated mate of Alpha Abel,” he stated the obvious. “With his death, the bond was broken, not only with the marked mate but also with my wife. But Joanna is human, and she carries my twin pups, which adds an immense burden to her already fragile state.”He paused, letting his words sink in, as he heard gasps of shock ripple through the room.Some whispered among themselves, their voices laced with accusation, blaming him for what had happen
"Jace, I can’t bear to lose her," the Crown Prince softly growled with anguish, as he leaned heavily against the cold, sterile wall outside the ward where Joanna was being examined.His knuckles were white, his body trembling with suppressed terror."What could have caused all this? Was it the breaking of the bond with Alpha Abel?""I believe so. Sybille went through the same experience, but her Lycan helped her through it," the Secretary replied gravely. "Joanna is only half-transformed, and her wolf is still too weak. And the pups, man, this is dire."Fifteen agonizing minutes later, the doctor emerged from the examination room, his face a mask of grim concern, his shoulders slumped with a heavy weariness. Clyde and Jace rushed towards him, their hearts pounding with dread. The doctor's posture alone spoke volumes, painting a bleak picture."Doctor, my wife…" the Crown Prince stammered with fear. "Will she be okay? I beg you, do everything in your power to save her. Joanna must reco