IRIS'S POVA STALKERI took a deep breath, centering myself. We were in this fight together, and I wouldn’t let the weight of fear or the unknown slow us down. Helen was family, and no one harmed our family without facing the full strength of the pack.“Gavin, let’s go back to Helen’s place,” I suggested, thinking out loud. “Maybe there’s something we missed. Something only we would recognize as significant.”He nodded, his expression set. “Agreed. The others have combed through it, but we might see things differently.” He squeezed my hand gently before we set off.As we arrived at Helen’s home, the silence felt heavier than usual. I took in the surroundings with a sharper focus, trying to catch any lingering scent, any flicker of movement, anything unusual.Gavin moved beside me, his eyes scanning the rooms with the same intensity.We combed through her belongings, noting little details we’d overlooked before. Her favourite mug, her book open on the nightstand, her coat still hanging
IRIS'S POVFLASH ATTACKERAfter what felt like an eternity, the trail opened up into a small clearing. My eyes scanned the area, looking for any sign of Helen, any hint that she had been here. And then I saw it, a piece of cloth snagged on a thorn bush, the same colour as the shirt she’d been wearing.I held it up to Gavin, feeling a surge of hope. “She was here. We’re close.”Gavin’s gaze sharpened. “Then let’s move fast. She could still be nearby.”As we pressed forward, I felt a renewed strength, a fierce resolve that nothing and no one would stand in our way. Whoever had taken Helen was about to face a storm they couldn’t begin to imagine.We’d finally found something, a shred of Helen’s shirt snagged on a thorn bush at the pack’s boundary. I held the torn fabric in my hand, feeling the weight of it settle over me. She was close. I looked at Gavin, who nodded, understanding my thoughts without words."She’s here, somewhere," I whispered, mostly to myself.Jerry, who had been relen
IRIS'S POVSHELTER IN THE FORESTThere was a deadly certainty in his voice that made my skin crawl. I wanted to argue, to tell him I could handle it, but I knew he was right. The thing that had attacked was intelligent, cunning, and it wouldn’t stop until it got what it wanted, whatever that might be.A low growl from the shadows reminded me that we weren’t alone. Jerry straightened, his eyes sharp and vigilant. “We need to regroup. This thing knows the forest, and it’s toying with us.”Gavin helped me to my feet, his hand never leaving mine.“We’ll get back to the pack and bring reinforcements,” he murmured, his voice soft but unyielding. “We’re not leaving this forest until we find Helen and deal with whatever that was.”But I could sense his hesitation, the unspoken fear that maybe we were walking straight into a trap. I squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip, and forced a reassuring smile.We moved cautiously, every step measured as we kept our senses alert
JERRY'S POVFORESTI sat cross-legged near the dying embers of the fire, watching Gavin and Iris as they slept. The way Gavin had settled her into his lap, his strong arms wrapped protectively around her, filled me with a strange mix of admiration and concern.It was hard to believe how far we had all come, and yet here we were, stuck in the middle of a dark forest with the weight of the world on our shoulders. I wanted to look away, to let the exhaustion pull me under, but I couldn’t tear my gaze from them.Gavin had insisted we take turns keeping watch, but I disagreed. He was my boss, my friend, and I couldn’t let him push himself too hard, especially not now.He needed to rest, and I’d be damned if I let anything happen to them on my watch. The least I could do was keep my eyes open and my mind alert.The flames flickered, casting long shadows that danced across the trees surrounding us. I poked at the fire, trying to coax it back to life. It was too quiet here, too easy to let my
Jerry’s POVDEFEATED BEASTThe crackling of the fire filled the silence after the rogue wolf had retreated into the shadows. I stood there, panting, adrenaline still coursing through my veins, my senses heightened from the fight.But as the tension began to fade, something unusual caught my eye. The wolf we had just fought wasn’t just gone; it was… changing.I blinked, disbelief washing over me as the shadowy form on the ground shifted, limbs contorting as the wolf transformed into a human.The man lay there, chest heaving, and I could hardly believe my eyes. What had just happened? This wasn’t the first time I had encountered a wolf shifting, but this one had fought us with all the ferocity of a predator. I stepped closer, my heart pounding with confusion.“Is he… alive?” I asked, glancing back at Gavin, who was still on edge, eyes darting toward the dark trees that surrounded us. Gavin moved cautiously toward the man, his expression a mix of wariness and curiosity.“Let’s check,” he
JERRY'S POVA TRAILI drifted into a restless sleep, visions of dark woods and howling wolves invading my dreams. In my subconscious, Helen’s face floated before me, a blend of fear and hope.But just as I reached out to comfort her, the image shifted, replaced by shadows that loomed, threatening to swallow us whole.A sudden rustle broke through the veil of sleep, and I jerked awake, heart pounding in my chest. The fire had dimmed, the orange glow casting long shadows across our small campsite. I glanced over at Gavin, who sat up straight, his gaze locked on the man we had tied to the tree.“Did you hear that?” Gavin whispered, voice tense. I strained my ears, listening intently. The forest felt alive, each crackle of branches and rustle of leaves amplified in the stillness.“Yeah,” I replied, my senses on high alert. “What was it?”The man we had captured stirred slightly, mumbling incoherently, but it was the low growl from the shadows that had both of us on edge.Gavin’s eyes narr
IRIS'S POV STILL SEARCHING The warmth from the fire helped, but the pain was still relentless, gnawing at my arm and leg. I tried to stay focused, to keep my mind sharp, but exhaustion weighed me down. Gavin’s arms around me and the steady crackle of the fire were the only things grounding me in that moment, keeping me from drifting too far into the pain. "Are you comfortable?" Gavin whispered, his breath warm against my ear. I nodded slightly, leaning into him. "I’ll be fine," I replied, even though I wasn’t quite sure of it myself. But I didn’t want him to worry more than he already did. He brushed a strand of hair from my face, tucking it gently behind my ear. "You don’t have to be strong all the time, Iris." His words hit me harder than I’d expected. The truth was, I was exhausted, of always having to fight, of constantly being on edge, watching for the next threat, the next betrayal. And now, Helen was missing, taken somewhere we couldn’t reach her. The fear and guilt twis
IRIS'S POV UNINVITED GUEST His words settled over me, comforting and yet stirring that familiar frustration, my need to be strong, to be capable, especially now. But as he watched me, his presence steady, I felt that wall breaking down, if only for a moment. The snap of a twig announced Jerry’s return, and he set down a bundle of branches by the clearing, stacking them into a small pile. The spark and crackle of flames followed soon after, bringing a welcome warmth into the chilly night. “We’ll rest here,” Jerry said, glancing between Gavin and me. “Just for a little while. Enough to let the bleeding stop.” I sighed, leaning back against the tree trunk, letting my exhaustion take over for the time being. I watched the fire flicker, shadows dancing around us, and the weight of everything pressed down on me. “I should have seen this coming,” I murmured, barely audible over the crackling flames. Gavin’s brow furrowed. “Iris, this isn’t your fault.” “But it feels like it is. Every
*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