Alpha Bran's POV"Make sure the dignitaries are settled in," I instruct one of the pack members. The gathering is in full swing, and I'm doing what I always do - managing, overseeing, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. This gathering comes only once in a year; it is the time of the year when wolves from different Packs come together. Deals will be sealed, and we get the time to speak with dignitaries about establishing companies and investing in businesses, which helps in developing the Pack. The gathering tonight, I can say is second to the Full Moon, where all wolves get more strength.The responsibility that comes with leading a Pack is second to none. Tonight is also about strengthening alliances and showing the neighbouring packs that we are strong, united, and capable. Nothing must go wrong.I glance around, seeing how the lanterns glow warmly over the scene. Everything is going as planned.As I move through the crowd, exchanging nods and brief words with some Alpha friends
Talia's POV "Did you just say that to Bran in front of everyone?" Serena, my only friend in the Pack, asks, speaking with a voice that combines unbelief and amusement. She's leaning against a tree, with crossed arms and her brows raised. Nodding, I become aware of how exhausted I feel after what just happened. "I had to, Serena. He left me no choice." My heart is still beating from the encounter."I can't believe you're the same girl who once hid in the kitchen to avoid talking to the butcher's son. Now you're out here, taking on the Alpha?" Serena shakes her head and whistles.I chuckle, though it sounds more like a sigh. "I guess desperate times call for desperate measures," I don't even know what I'm doing anymore, maybe he wasn't going to reject me? I didn't allow him to speak before I cut him off. But I was sure I heard him say he wouldn't take an oversized mate like me. So he was going to reject me. Serena grins and moves closer to me. "Well, the Moon Goddess must've been bor
"Talia, what on earth happened tonight?" my mother questions as soon as I walk through the door. Her voice is sharp, and I instantly feel the tension filling the room. She's standing in the middle of the living room, arms crossed, eyes wide with worry.I sigh, my heart sinking as I realize the news has already reached them. "It's nothing, Mom. Just a rejection from my so-called mate." I respond, tired even to my ears, and I'm too exhausted to care."Nothing?" my father's voice booms behind her, and I flinch involuntarily. "Is that what you call nothing? Being humiliated in front of the entire pack?"Their stares are heavy on me and I can feel their expectation for some explanation. "I didn't ask for this, Dad. It just... happened and I guess there's nothing anyone can do about it."Jackson is sitting on the couch, looking confused. He's been quiet since I walked in, but now he speaks. "But why would Bran do that? You're his mate. Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?""It's complica
Talia's POV"Talia?" my mother calls as she enters my room."Yeah, Mom?" I nod and sit up straight on the floor, wiping my tears.She purses and then comes closer, to sit beside me. "I want you to have this," she says, handing me a small, worn book. "I think it will be helpful." she voices.I take the book from her, and I immediately recognize it. It's my grandmother's recipe book, filled with old, recipes, which each is a memory of love. I happily flip through the pages. "Thanks, Mom," I say."You've always found comfort in cooking. It's time for you to own this book. I remember my mother told me, specifically, that it's yours, and I will see the sign when it's time for you to own it. Now's the time.," she informs, looking right into my eyes and I think I understand what she's trying to communicate. I nod, tracing the faded ink on one of the pages. "It's been a while since I looked at this," I say slowly, having no intention of making anyone else hear me."You used to spend hours in
Talia's POV"Who could that be at this time of the night?" I wonder as I peep through my windows and there is Jason. "What are you doing Jason?" I ask, curious to know why he is outside calling me when he can just come into my room and say whatever he wishes to say. And then I remember Jason always tours the Pack at night, claiming he's learning to hunt like other wolves in the Pack. Dad has always been against this, and that's why he always sneaks out."I need you to come with me. I want to show you something." He says gesturing for me to come out through the window."Are you crazy, Jason? Do you want to get me killed after all I've been through today?" "Trust me, you're not going to die. I'll catch you." He assures sounding sure as if he's truly capable of holding me."I promise I will strangle you if this is not worth it. I swear Jackson. I am no longer a novice to escaping through the windows in my room as that has been my way of escaping to attend night parties of friends with S
Talia's POV Jason and I don't bother looking back to see whose voice we heard. "One, two, three...run," I scream, and we both start to run towards the house."Why are you running, you fools," I hear the voice say, running after us. "Wait up, Talia," the voice stops me in my tracks. "Wait Jason, it's Selena," I announce after confirming she is the one behind the voice we've been running from all this while."What are you doing here, Serena? Why did you startle us like that? I nearly ran mad from fear you know." I yell.Gasping from the race, Serena says, "I didn't mean to do that; I just wanted to announce my presence, I never knew you'd take off like you were trespassers for real," Serena says, trying to catch her breath. "I'm leaving tomorrow," I announce not even thinking about the aftermath of my decision."Tomorrow?" Jason and Selena chorus, surprised at my sudden decision. "Are you serious, Talia? Have you given this a real thought? Where to?""I've made my decision, Selena.
Talia's POV The night is creeping in, and I'm completely worn out. I've been walking all day, and the second day is about to wrap up. I keep feeling hungry, but the only thing I can find is some tart fruit to snack on. I'm seriously considering heading back home, just to put up with the teasing and everything. I’ll eat well, plus I’ve got a comfy bed waiting for me back home.I haven't seen a single soul since I have been walking. I don't see any towns, clear areas, or even a shabby structure to find some shelter and catch my breath. The woods are getting dangerous as I walk. I was starting to lose it, but there was no turning back; I had to keep moving forward. My stomach keeps growling, and I look all over for something to eat but only find some pine nuts. What options do I have? I eat hungrily and settle under a tree for the night.Morning came in no time, and I continued my journey. Walking a few feet forward, I see a clearing in front. "Looks like a town is ahead," I mutter and
Talia's POV "They're here again," George announces the arrival of the gang, and I immediately figure they're his bullies. My heart beats, even when I haven't seen them, but I brace myself. "Talia, George needs you more than ever now, you can't let him down," I mutter."Stay calm," I pat his back and turn to face the so-called group. "What do you want from him?" I ask slowly coming out of the house. They shift back fearfully. I guess they never expected to see me there. The last boy was about to take off when I grabbed him by his clothes."Tell me one reason why I should not strangle you right now?" My words stop others in their tracks, and they gaze eyes wide, probably trying to see what will become of their friend. "Hun? You're not going to say anything?" The boy shivers in my grips. "Please don't, I beg you, we will never come here again." His hands are pleading for his freedom because he's almost choking from my grip. "Ok, fine. I'll spare you but on one condition. Tell me why
Talia's POVThe page trembles in my grip, my grandmother's handwriting stark against the burnt edges.Come find me.The words whisper through my mind, wrapping around my thoughts like vines. They pull at something deep inside me, something I can't ignore.I barely slept after finding it. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the burned pages at the Misfit Pack ruins, the footprints, the word RUN carved into the tree. And now this? A page nailed to my door, like a message from the grave.I don't know who left it or how they got so close to my quarters undetected. But one thing is certain.This isn't over.Bran insisted I stay inside the palace today, but I can't. I need answers, and I know exactly where to start. I have to visit Mom, she might know something I don't know about this book.*********The morning air is crisp as I walk toward my parents' house. It's one of the quieter places in the Starlight Pack because it's tucked away from the busier training grounds and council chambers.
Talia's POVThe ride back to the Starlight Pack is silent, each one of us's mind racing I'm sure.The wind howls between the trees, and the night sky stretches above us, empty and endless, but my mind is not calm.I lost it.The cookbook-the one thing my grandmother took time to warn me about in my dreams, the one thing that could save us when war comes-is gone. Even though I still wonder how old recipes would do such. Are we gonna be cooking for the enemies? I had never really thought of the usefulness of the book until now that I lost it. Grandma would always warn me not to lose it whenever it was my turn to own it. "You'll pass it to the next generation" she would say.I grip the reins of my horse tightly, my knuckles turning white from the grip. My heart pounds with frustration or, let's say, rage. Not just at the rogues, or wolves or whatever those creatures call themselves, but at myself.I should have known better. I should have protected the book. But who are these creatures?
Talia's POVAn unusual chill goes down my spine realizing something is wrong.I stay frozen in the ruins of the Misfit Pack, my fingers stiffening around the burnt pages of the cookbook. The smell of burned parchment remains in the air, but it's the anxiety settling deep in my bones that gets me on edge.Suddenly, Tiara growls inside my mind, her tone quick and alert."We're being followed."I stiffen, my eyes scouring the forest area beyond the ruins. Shadows creep between the skeletal remains of homes, swaying with the breeze. At first glance, everything appears calm. Extremely still.A thrilling sensation creeps down my spine.Bran approaches, narrowing his bright eyes. "You see that?"I nod, and then with a faint voice I say, "We're not alone."A sudden movement grabs my attention. Suddenly, chaos arises.Figures step out of the shadows, fusing with the night. Rogues. But these aren't just ordinary stray ones looking all around for trouble with the Pack wolves.They act with preci
Talia's POVI keep sensing that something feels a bit off.We're still prepping for the wedding, and Bran keeps insisting we'll find the cookbook after the ceremony, but I can't shake this weird feeling that's lingering like a shadow just out of sight.We're not talking about an ordinary book here that's gone. This is more than the cookbook going missing. This is a warning and I can't turn a blind eye to it."Nothin'," Lyric grumbles, flinging a stack of books away after hours of searching.Jasper lets out a groan. "Do we know if it's here?"Luna lets out a sigh as she wipes down a shelf. "If it is, they did a great job hiding it."We've checked out every nook and cranny in the Starlight Pack's palace-the archives, the storerooms, and even the warriors' barracks but I can't find the cookbook anywhere.Bran leans against the door with his arms crossed, looking at me. "Talia, maybe-""It's not here," I interrupt. I can sense deep down that the book didn't reach the Starlight Pack. I mus
Talia's POVIf I could run from this, I would. Serena, Lyric, Luna, and half the pack's women swarm around me, their energy vibrating at a frequency I can't handle."Gold embroidery or silver?" Serena holds up two delicate fabric swatches.I stare blankly. "For what?"Lyric groans dramatically. "For your wedding, Alpha! You are getting married, remember?"I sigh, rubbing my temples. "I know, but I don't care about embroidery."Serena gasps like I've just declared war. "You don't care? Talia, you're getting mated-officially, publicly, grandly! The details matter!"Luna snickers. "She looks like she's plotting an escape." LunaI glare at them. "Because I am."Lyric waves a hand dismissively. "No way. Bran made us promise not to let you bolt."Of course, he did.Bran is thriving in all of this, greeting guests, making speeches, and enjoying the excitement of the upcoming union. Meanwhile, I'm drowning in dresses.Serena pokes my shoulder. "Come on, Talia. The pack is excited. The warrior
Talia's POV"Alpha!" Serena's voice rings from behind me which distracts me from my routine. What could be the issue? My friends know how much I don't like my routine distracted, so for Serena to push that aside, it only means whatever this is, is worth it."Serena, I'm busy and you know that." I try to remind her."Trust me, Alpha, this is worth your time because it's your sworn duty." She replies grinning like she just won a lottery. Something is fishy, I know it the moment Serena drags me away from my training routine, claiming there's an "urgent meeting" I need to attend."What kind of meeting?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at her as she hauls me through the palace halls.She shrugs dramatically. "Important Alpha stuff. You wouldn't understand."I stop walking. "Serena, I am the Alpha."Serena grins innocently. "Then you need to be there."Before I can argue, Lyric and Luna appear, blocking my path with matching mischievous expressions."What are you two up to?" I ask because the exp
Talia's POVThe fresh morning air buzzes with energy. The Royal Hunt, a long-standing tradition of the Starlight Pack, is starting soon. Now that the Starlight Pack is now the Starfit, it only means we'll participate too. My warriors are ready and so are Bran's.I stand at the hunting grounds' edge, inhaling pine and fresh earth. Warriors from the Starlight Pack and Misfits assemble, stretching, sharpening weapons, or shifting in anticipation.Bran and I will co-lead our first official event today as Alphas. And I'm going to win. I don't know why I'm so sure of winning, something tells me I will.Tiara sparks within me, I think we're on the same page on this. "We are going to crush them."I chuckle to myself. "Absolutely, we are."I sense a warm presence behind me and instantly recognize it. That's the one who wouldn't leave my side for once."Try not to look too excited, Talia," Bran's voice purrs, amusement in his tone. "You'll scare the prey away."I glance over my shoulder at him
Talia's POVThe air hums in anticipation as the Starfit Pack is preparing for the Moon Festival. Yes, Starfit, that is the name I and Bran agreed on to name the two Packs. We figured since we've merged, we should start seeing ourselves as one and it's only right we answer a unique name as a symbol of our unity.Lanterns float in the sky, glowing orbs of soft silver, mimicking the full moon that watches over us. The Starlight Pack's annual Moon Festival is in full swing, and for the first time, the Misfits are part of it in a normal Pack.Laughter fills the courtyard as wolves from both packs come together, bringing the aroma of roasted meats, wines, and sweet pastries. The festival celebrates unity and honours the Moon Goddess, allowing wolves to momentarily escape their struggles.I should be excited.But instead, I'm trapped in my chambers as Lyric will not let me go. I shouldn't have agreed when they volunteered to pick my dress; I agree I'm awful when it comes to picking outfits o
Talia's POVGolden sunlight streams in, filtering through the curtains and illuminating the floor. I wake up slowly, stretching on the soft sheets.Then realization dawns on me.I'm at Bran's palace.Last night's memories make my heart race. The talk and the kiss made me stay when feelings became overwhelming. Not that anything else happened. Bran frustratingly remained respectful, saying goodnight after our intense moment.I feel both grateful and frustrated. He should have escorted me back home, but he didn't and I know he wants me around. We felt so emotional that after saying goodbye to each other last night, we strolled to the gate where I was supposed to go back, but we were lost in talks till I followed him to his chambers.Timid person.Tiara laughs in my thoughts. He's being patient because he values you. That, or he enjoys torturing himself.I grunt while flipping onto my stomach. I'm unsure if I should be impressed or annoyed.A knock interrupts my thoughts, and Bran's deep