When Darren stood to address the crowd, a hush fell over the room. He explained the situation in the city, the violence that had erupted, and finally, our proposal to offer sanctuary to those affected—human and werewolf alike.The reaction was immediate. Some voices rose in support, but many more sh
AriaWe led the wary and tired refugees into the village, showing them around the temporary shelters, village, and pack house. Humans and werewolves alike eyed each other suspiciously, but that was to be expected. This was a big change for everyone.“There might be more coming,” Bella murmured as we
“Come on,” Darren said, taking my hand. “Let’s join them.”“But you know how I’m a terrible dancer,” I protested halfheartedly.He grinned, already pulling me toward the dancers. “Trust me, I know. But I’ll lead.”And he did, his hand warm at the small of my back as we moved among the others. For a
Aria “You really broke up with your boyfriend on Valentine’s Day? Why?” “He’s married.” I tilted my head back and swallowed the shot of tequila. It burned going down, numbing my senses, but that was exactly what I wanted tonight. “What?!” I sighed, suddenly grateful that the thrumming mu
Aria Now the VIP was staring at me, a questioning glare in his eyes, and I was floundering like some kind of drunk sleaze. “I… I’m so sorry!” I stammered out, taking a staggering step back. “I… I just… I thought you were someone else! It’s dark in here, and I-I didn’t realize—” “Enough.” The V
Aria “I-I’m so sorry about last night. I was drunk, and—” “Lucas. Come.” The man didn’t even look at me as I tried to explain myself—he just snapped his fingers. Laughably, the affectionate husky with eyes that looked an awful lot like his owner’s whined and sat down next to me. “Lucas…” The
Aria “Dear Aria, We are pleased to let you know that your job application to Lunar Labs has been accepted. Are you available to come to our head office for an interview today at 2 PM? Best, Adam (Hiring Manager)” I rubbed my eyes, wondering if what I was reading was a figment of my imagina
Aria & Darren Aria “M-My apologies, Sir.” The interviewer’s previous haughtiness suddenly seemed gone, replaced by an intense eagerness to leave. “I didn’t know it was you who accepted her application. I would never question the Alpha’s decision.” That word—Alpha—stuck with me. This was certai
“Come on,” Darren said, taking my hand. “Let’s join them.”“But you know how I’m a terrible dancer,” I protested halfheartedly.He grinned, already pulling me toward the dancers. “Trust me, I know. But I’ll lead.”And he did, his hand warm at the small of my back as we moved among the others. For a
AriaWe led the wary and tired refugees into the village, showing them around the temporary shelters, village, and pack house. Humans and werewolves alike eyed each other suspiciously, but that was to be expected. This was a big change for everyone.“There might be more coming,” Bella murmured as we
When Darren stood to address the crowd, a hush fell over the room. He explained the situation in the city, the violence that had erupted, and finally, our proposal to offer sanctuary to those affected—human and werewolf alike.The reaction was immediate. Some voices rose in support, but many more sh
AriaThe footage playing on Darren’s laptop made my stomach churn. Lunar Labs had been reduced to smoldering ruins. The lab equipment was smashed, documents scattered and burned, walls blackened by fire.But worst of all were the messages spray-painted across what remained of the walls: “WOLF KILLER
“I was gathering footage for the documentary,” she began. “I wanted some shots of the forest at sunset. My crew had already headed back to the pack, but I stayed behind.” She swallowed hard. “And then I saw a man. A human man.”Darren and I exchanged wary glances. Alfira went on, “He was just... sta
AriaBy the time we reached the pack house, Alfira fading in and out of consciousness in Darren’s arms, the local doctor was already waiting for us at the front door. Darren whisked Alfira inside to be examined, and I followed, Lucas trailing behind me.The infirmary was a small room on the first fl
AriaThe moment I realized Lucas was gone, my heart stopped in my chest. One second, he was laughing with the other kids near the edge of the village square, playing make-believe knights with sticks as swords.And then the next moment, he was nowhere to be seen. My stomach dropped, a cold wave of dr
I found Darren in his study a little while later, his face pale and drawn as he stared at a stack of papers on his desk. He looked up when I entered, and his eyes looked glazed over.“How did it go with the lawyers?” I asked, although I already had a feeling I knew the answer.He sighed and ran a ha
AriaThe morning after the search party, Darren hardly allowed himself time to stir before he was heading straight into his study. He had an appointment for a video call with his lawyers regarding the deportation.I watched him go, feeling even more sorry for him than I did yesterday. A good night’s