IRIS'S POVJUNE'S BURIAL CEREMONYThe sky was overcast, fitting for the sameness of the day. Clouds hung low and heavy, as if they too were mourning the loss of June.The air was thick with grief as I stood at the center of the pack, surrounded by my people, watching as June’s body was lowered into the earth. The ritual had begun hours ago, but time had blurred into one long, painful stretch. Every word, every tear shed, felt like a stab to the heart.The pack’s burial grounds were sacred, nestled deep in the forest where the trees grew tall and ancient. It was a place of both reverence and sorrow, where countless generations had come to say goodbye to their loved ones. Now, it was where I had to say goodbye to June.I had seen a lot of loss in my life—too much, perhaps—but nothing had prepared me for this. June wasn’t just a friend or an ally; she was family. She had been my constant through every storm, every battle. And now, she was gone because of Rhys.I closed my eyes, trying to
IRIS'S POVCAPTURED TRAITORJerry walked beside me in silence, not pushing, not asking questions, just being there. And for that, I was grateful. I didn’t have the energy to explain how much I was hurting, how much I wanted to scream and break down, but there wasn’t time for that. Not yet.As we approached the edge of the pack’s territory, Leon was already there, waiting with a few other pack members. They all looked grim, their eyes filled with the same determination I felt. The loss of June was heavy in the air, but so was the need for action. They understood what needed to be done."I’ve got a team ready to go," Leon said quietly, his voice steady but laced with tension. "We’ll track him down, surround him. Once we have him cornered, we’ll make sure there’s no escape."I nodded, my mind already forming the plan. Rhys thought he could get away with his betrayal, that he could hide in the shadows and avoid facing the consequences. But he was wrong. He had to pay for what he’d done—to
IRIS'S POVWORRIEDI trusted you," I said, stepping closer. "We all did. And you betrayed that trust in the worst way possible. You’ve torn this pack apart, and now you want to stand here and act like I’m the problem?"Rhys’s lips curled into a cruel smile. "You were always too weak to lead. That’s why this pack is falling apart, Iris. Because you’re not strong enough to hold it together."I felt a surge of rage rise up in me, but I forced myself to stay calm. "This pack isn’t falling apart, Rhys. We’re stronger than you think. And we’ll be stronger once you’re gone."I nodded to Leon, and he stepped forward, his hand gripping the back of Rhys’s neck as he forced him to his knees. Rhys struggled again, but Leon’s hold was ironclad. The pack circled around us, their eyes glowing with anger and anticipation. They were ready for this, just as much as I was."Last chance, Rhys," I said, my voice low and deadly. "Tell me why you did it. Why betray us? Why kill June?"Rhys’s eyes locked ont
IRIS'S POVURGENT MEET UPJerry tensed at the mention of the curse, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Iris, it’s complicated."Complicated. That’s what people said when they didn’t want to explain something, when they thought the truth would be too much to handle. And I was sick of it.For a moment, I thought he might crack, might tell me where Gavin really was. But instead, Jerry just shook his head, his expression softening slightly. "I’m not lying to you, Iris. Gavin’s trying to make things right, but you need to trust him. He’ll come back when it’s time."I stared at him, frustration and worry building in my chest. I’d pushed Gavin away, but that didn’t mean I wanted him out of my life completely. I needed to know he was okay, especially with everything happening in the pack. I needed to know what was going on, even if I wasn’t ready to face him yet.But Jerry wasn’t going to give me the answers I wanted. Not tonight."Fine," I muttered, stepping back. "But if something happens
GAVIN'S POVHARD CHOICEThe journey to Thalia’s lair had been nothing short of gruelling. The forest had grown darker with each passing mile, the trees taller and more menacing as if the earth itself wanted to warn us away.We had trekked through unforgiving terrain, pushing past exhaustion, all the while feeling the weight of what we were about to face.My father walked ahead, silent and focused, while the pack officials, two of my most trusted warriors, moved like shadows beside me.It had been days since I’d last spoken to Iris. Days since she’d told me to stay away, and though I had respected her wishes, the distance gnawed at me.The silence felt suffocating, and yet, here I was, miles away, chasing the only lead that might save us both.Thalia, the witch who cursed me was the key to breaking this spell. Or at least, that’s what I hoped.“We’re close,” my father said, his voice low as he scanned the path ahead. His keen senses were on high alert, as were mine. The air here felt d
IRIS'S POVCLUELESSI walked through the Blue Moon pack house early the next morning, my mind still clouded with exhaustion. The weight of everything happening felt heavier with each step.Today, I was set to meet with Gavin’s mother, and although I wasn’t ready to confront her, the gnawing need for answers pushed me forward.It didn’t sit right with me, the way she had kept Gavin’s curse a secret all these years. I knew she had her reasons, but that didn’t erase the fact that he was out there, dealing with something far bigger than either of us.How could she keep such a secret from her own son, or me, for that matter?As I reached the entrance to her home, the door was already open, and the comforting smell of breakfast filled the air. A faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips. She always had a way of making everything feel warm, even in the midst of chaos.“Iris, dear,” her voice called out from the kitchen, “come in, I’ve prepared some breakfast for us.”I hesitated for a mome
IRIS'S POVPOISONEDI stared at the message for a moment before hitting send, my stomach twisting. I wanted to hear from him, needed to hear from him, but nothing. Silence.Cursing under my breath, I tried to steady myself. It wasn’t like him to ignore me, especially after everything. He would want to be here.I scrolled through my contacts and found Jerry’s number, my finger hovering over it for a moment. He’d been evasive last night, but maybe now he’d give me something—anything—about where Gavin was or what he was doing.The phone rang once before Jerry’s voice came through the line. “Iris? What’s going on?”“It’s Gavin’s mother,” I blurted out, my voice thick with worry. “She’s in the hospital. It’s bad, Jerry. I’ve tried calling Gavin, I’ve texted him, but there’s no response. I don’t know what to do.”Jerry was quiet for a moment, and I could hear the gears turning in his head. “Iris, stay calm. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Don’t worry, okay? I’ll find out what’s going on.”“
IRIS'S POVREGRETS“What?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I felt like the floor had just dropped out from beneath me.Jerry tensed beside me, his fists clenching. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice sharp, like he was holding back his own surge of shock.The doctor nodded gravely. “We’re certain. The substance is a slow-acting toxin, likely ingested. It’s not one we commonly see, but it’s known to cause symptoms like the ones your mother experienced. The good news is that we caught it early, and we’re treating her to flush the poison from her system. She’s not out of the woods yet, but we’re optimistic.”I couldn’t process it. Poison? Who would do something like that to Gavin’s mother? My mind raced, searching for answers, but all I found was more confusion.“Do you know how long she’s been exposed to this?” Jerry asked, his voice strained.“It’s hard to say,” the doctor replied. “But based on the amount in her system, it’s likely been building up over days, maybe even weeks.”
*NO POV* HAPPY EVER AFTER The next morning dawned clear and bright, the warmth of sunlight filling the hospital room where Gavin’s mother, Mrs. Russell, lay resting. Gavin, Iris, and the kids entered, greeted by her gentle smile. Lyra and Logan rushed to their grandmother’s side, their laughter filling the room as they shared stories of their bravery, their voices animated and full of life. Mrs. Russell’s laughter was a soft sound, joyful and content as she listened to her grandchildren, her heart brimming with pride and relief. Iris watched the scene with a smile, holding Gavin’s hand as they stood by. It was a moment of family, of love, and of hope, one she’d longed for but hadn’t allowed herself to truly believe could happen. And now, it was here. The threat of Tyler was gone, and they could finally start to heal, to rebuild, and to look forward without the shadow of fear hanging over them. Just as they were leaving the hospital, Iris’s phone buzzed, and she saw her father’s
GAVIN'S POV BATTLE WON Night had come and the moon shone on the war ground. It was cool and dark, and the clearing was quiet before the storm. Iris and I alongside Iris's father, took our wolf forms, our muscles tense, eyes gleaming with fury and determination. Tyler’s rogue wolves surrounded us, an overwhelming number against only three, but that didn’t matter. We were here to end this, and they would do it together. Tyler, towering and ruthless, commanded his wolves forward, sneering with a dark pleasure as the ambush ensued. The fight was brutal, claws tearing into flesh, growls echoing through the trees, and the thick scent of blood filling the air. Each wolf knew their place in this battle, and none were willing to give an inch. Iris fought with the strength of every wrong she’d suffered, every harm Tyler had caused. She had only just discovered that this twisted man was her stepbrother, a revelation that was almost incomprehensible. But the bond of blood didn’t erase his
JERRY'S POV SAVED The dim corridors seemed endless, but Helen and I kept moving, pushing through each door, each obstacle, with only one thought in our minds—finding Lyra and Logan. The scent trail was faint but clear enough for us to follow, mixed with the reek of rogues we’d taken down along the way. My hands were still shaking from adrenaline as we moved swiftly through this maze, hearts pounding. Just then, we caught sight of a room ahead, voices muffled behind the thick door. I motioned for Helen to stay quiet as we moved closer, pressing my ear against the door. I heard a voice, shrill and taunting, and my blood ran cold as it registered. It couldn’t be… Ciara. She was supposed to be dead, lost in the flames at the station. Yet, there she was, alive, and from the sound of it, taking pleasure in tormenting Gavin’s kids. My jaw clenched, a mix of rage and shock roiling inside me. “Jerry… is that…?” Helen’s voice was barely a whisper, her expression as horrified as mine. “Y
GAVIN'S POV The walls of the cell pressed in on me, cold and unyielding, as Jerry and I worked tirelessly to remove the device clamped around our necks. Every time I twisted my fingers around its edges, a fresh surge of anger rushed through me, fueling me to keep trying even though the damn thing wouldn’t budge. I needed to get to Iris and the kids. I couldn’t stand the thought of them in danger, held somewhere in this hellish place by people who’d already done so much damage. Jerry, sweating and grimacing, glanced at me, and I could see the same desperation in his eyes. “We’ve got to get these off if we’re going to get anywhere.” “Tell me something I don’t know,” I muttered, forcing another yank at the device. My mind raced, trying to figure out how I’d get to Iris, how we’d find Logan and Lyra. The thought of Ciara, of her twisted satisfaction if she succeeded in hurting them, made my fists clench until my knuckles ached. Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down th
IRIS'S POV MY STEPBROTHER IS THE DEVIL The sharp sting of pain sliced through my head as I staggered forward, clutching the back of my skull where a rogue’s first had landed hard. My vision swam, but I forced myself to stay focused. I had to get to Logan and Lyra. I’d seen Ciara pulling them toward a waiting car, but this ambush by her pack of rogues was forcing me into a fight, wasting precious seconds. I planted my feet, fists raised, and fought back. With each punch, kick, and dodge, the fiery need to protect my children fueled my every move. One of the rogues lunged at me, but I ducked and drove my fist into his ribs, hearing him grunt in pain. But there were too many of them. I knew I couldn’t last long. Just as I managed to kick another rogue back, I heard someone calling my name. My blood ran cold as I glanced over my shoulder, spotting my father. He’d followed me, and now he was calling out, looking stunned to see me in this fight. For a heartbeat, I was caught off guard
IRIS'S POV CIARA'S NOT DEAD As I pulled away from the hospital, the fleeting moments of joy faded, replaced by a creeping sense of unease. Just as I rounded the corner toward the ice cream shop, a familiar car pulled into the hospital parking lot. My heart sank as I recognized my father’s imposing figure stepping out of the vehicle. He spotted me immediately, his face set in that stern expression I knew all too well. The last thing I wanted right now was to deal with him, not when I was finally trying to focus on my kids and my own peace of mind. I took a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm as he approached. “Iris!” he called, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. I hesitated, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. I didn’t want to hear what he had to say. I knew it would only lead to discussions about the pack, expectations, and everything I was trying to escape. “Dad, I really don’t have time right now,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. “This is impor
IRIS'S POV GRANDMA'S IS WELL AGAIN I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles white as I navigated the winding roads leading to the hospital. Lyra and Logan chartered excitedly in the backseat, their youthful energy a stark contrast to the heaviness in my heart. As much as I tried to focus on their laughter, my mind was consumed with worry for Gavin, Helen, and Jerry. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow inside the car, but I felt none of its warmth. My fingers tapped anxiously against the leather of the steering wheel as I tried to push away the nagging thoughts swirling in my mind. They should have answered by now. Where were they? Had they found Helen? With each passing moment, my anxiety deepened. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. I had insisted that Gavin stay behind to focus on the search for Helen, but I had a sinking feeling that he was in danger, too. The thought of anything happening to him made my stomach
HELEN'S POV FIESTY LITTLE HELEN As I was pulled down the hallway, I turned back, my eyes searching for a glimpse of my friends. “Gavin! Jerry!” I shouted, straining against the rogue’s grip. “Don’t worry about me! I’ll find a way out!” But the rogues only tightened their hold, their expressions cold and unfeeling. “Save your breath,” one of them sneered. “You’ll need it for later.” We turned a corner, and the corridor opened up into a lavishly appointed bedroom, a stark contrast to the sterile environment I had just left. The walls were draped in deep crimson, adorned with elaborate tapestries that seemed to watch me as I was thrust inside. The plush furnishings and decadent decor felt like a mockery of the grim reality I faced. The Boss stepped in behind me, his presence suffocating as he surveyed the room. “Welcome to my humble abode, Helen,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “I trust you’ll find it… comfortable.” I fought against the rogues as they pushed me forward, fear cl
HELEN'S POV As I stood in the oppressive darkness of the chamber, the tension in the air thickened like a tangible force. The Boss's gaze was piercing, and his smile seemed to carry the weight of impending doom. I could feel every heartbeat echoing in my ears, a reminder that I had to remain resolute, even as fear threatened to wrap around my throat like a vice. "What do you want from me?" I asked, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the tremor in my hands. The Boss stepped closer, his presence looming like a shadow stretching across the floor. "You are here because I have an interest in your little pack and Luna's precious alliances. You see, Helen, it’s not just about capturing Iris. It’s about breaking her spirit, dismantling everything she holds dear." His tone was smooth, almost persuasive, as if he believed I would crumble under his words. I shook my head, anger flaring within me. "You’re wrong if you think you can use me to get to her. You don't know her at all. She