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 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 POV"No, This is a mistake! A wolfless, overweight werewolf can't be my mate."His words hit me hard; Whispers erupt from the crowd, murmurs of disbelief and judgement that swirls me like a storm. But I don't let them see how much it hurts. I don't give him the satisfaction.I square my shoulders, forcing a smile that feels like it's going to crack my face. "Well, Bran, I guess the Moon Goddess has a sense of humour after all," I say, despite the pain running through me. "Too bad she didn't give you one."Everywhere is silent now, shocked by my words. Bran's eyes are turning red from anger. But I hold my ground, refusing to let him see how much I'm breaking inside."Talia," he begins, but I cut him off before he can say more. He was going to reject me anyway."Don't worry, Bran," I say, sarcastically. "I'm sure there's some loophole you can find to get out of this. After all, you can't have someone like me ruining your perfect reputation, right?"The tension in the air is suff
I sigh, poking at the pancakes with my fork. "Why do I even care?" I mumble. "It's not like their opinions matter." But the truth is that no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise, their words always stick to me like glue, making it hard to stop the feeling that I will always be an outsider in my pack, no matter how hard I try to fit in.My last bite of the pancake, I can say, is bitter and, at the same time, sweet. The reason is that it reminds me that breakfast can't last forever. I push the plate away, lean back in my chair, and take a long breath. I returned to my room, looking at myself again through the mirror. This is what I always do, but the mirror never seems to work in my favour. My reflection always stares back at me, showing me a combination of resistance and acceptance. My figure and my curves are fuller than the sleek, toned-bodied of the others. My hair is stubborn and refuses to be tamed, no matter how much I brush or smooth it down. And to make matters w
Talia's POV"Yes, Alpha?" I say, quieter than I intend.He steps closer, narrowing his eyes as he looks me up and down. "I've noticed how you present yourself these days Talia. The way you dress, eat, and carry yourself is not appropriate for someone in our Pack, especially not with the gathering tonight."My throat tightened, and I swallowed hard after hearing his words. Of course, it's about how I look. That has always been everyone's headache."The dignitaries from the neighbouring Packs will be there," he continues, firmly and unkind. "We can't afford any embarrassment, Talia. You need to cushion yourself, understand? Dress properly and eat with restraint. Don't draw any unwanted attention to yourself."If he has a baton, I would prefer he hit me to those words. I knew the pack didn't think much of me, but hearing it plainly from the Alpha himself stings more than I expected. I grip the edge of my plate, and my knuckles turn white."I... I understand," I manage to say, though the
Talia's POVBut it's hard. So dmn hard. And as much as I try to convince myself that I don't care what they think, a part of me does. A part of me wants to be accepted. A part of me wants to have what they have - a place in the Pack, a sense of purpose, and, most of all, a wolf to call my own.But that's not my reality. Eventually, I force myself to get up, brushing the dirt from my jeans. I can't stay out here forever, much as I'd like to. The day is only just beginning, and there are still preparations for tonight - a gathering I'd much rather avoid but one I know I have no choice but to attend.With one last look at the trees, I head back toward the pack, straight to the grocery store, pick some and go back home.On my return, I see the house is already busy with activity. My mother is in full-on preparation mode, flitting about the kitchen as she oversees the final touches for tonight's feast. My father is polishing his boots by the fireplace, while Jackson lays out on the couch,
Talia's POV "Talia, are you ready?" My mother asks through the door, snapping me from my thoughts."Yes, I'm coming," I respond though I hesitate before opening the door. My mind is a blur of thoughts as I walk down the stairs. I can hear the Packs hum and murmur from a distance; the gathering is already starting outside. The air is cooler now, the sun setting, casting shadows across the pack's territory.Jackson is waiting by the door, tapping his foot impatiently. "Took you long enough," he says.I ignore him, keeping my breathing steady as I step outside. The atmosphere is heavy with tension, or maybe that's just me. The pack is already gathered near the large clearing, where lanterns hang from the trees, casting a warm glow over the scene. The sound of laughter and music fills the air, and everyone seems to be in high spirits.But I'm not like everyone else."Stay close, Talia," my father says calmly as he leads toward the gathering. My mother walks beside me, her hand resting on
Talia's POV A warm sensation arises from the back of my neck and flows down my spine. My vision blurs for some time, and when it clears, everywhere becomes clearer. The voices around me fade, and all I can feel is his presence, his energy as if an invisible thread is pulling me toward him.A series of thoughts on my mind. I'm at a point of confusion, but something suddenly stops my confusion, and then I realize I am feeling the mate bond. It's overwhelming as I am feeling a sudden connection to someone I never expected, someone I barely know outside his role as Alpha. My breath seizes, and I struggle to keep my emotions in check as the realization of my feelings becomes clearer. Alpha Bran is my mate.I freeze. This can't be happening. Not now and definitely not with him. My thoughts are bouncing between disbelief and the undeniable bond, about how it's supposed to feel, but nothing could have prepared me for this. I feel dizzy.Jackson's voice snaps me back to reality "Talia, are yo
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