GaiusThe room was suffocatingly silent as I stood before the council, their faces cold and unyielding. The weight of their judgment hung heavy in the air. My gaze flicked to Evelyn, seated in the corner, her hands clenched into fists on her lap. I could see the storm brewing in her eyes. She didn’t agree with this, and she wasn’t about to stay silent. “Alpha Gaius,” one of the elders said, his voice sharp and commanding. “You have been found guilty of breaching the pack’s rules—rules that keep order and safety within our community. Do you have anything to say in your defense before we pass judgment?” I swallowed hard. My voice felt trapped in my throat, but I forced it out. “I didn’t break those rules out of rebellion. I did what I thought was right. If that makes me guilty, so be it, but I won’t apologize for protecting myself.” Alpha Trey, sitting smugly at the head of the council, let out a low growl of disdain. “Protecting yourself? From what? Accountability? The rules are t
EvelynI avoided his eyes, my fingers nervously twisting the hem of my shirt. The tension in the room was thick, suffocating almost, as Gaius leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. His presence was commanding, a mixture of frustration and concern etched across his features."Evelyn," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "You’re avoiding me again. I just want to talk.""There's nothing to talk about," I muttered, turning away, pretending to busy myself with the books stacked on the shelf. My hands trembled slightly as I tried to steady my breathing. I knew this conversation was inevitable, but I wasn’t ready to face it—or him.He wasn’t deterred. "Don't do that. Don’t shut me out. I deserve to know what’s going on, don’t you think?" His voice softened, a flicker of hurt breaking through the resolve in his tone."Especially after everything that happened."I froze, my fingers gripping the edge of the shelf tightly. A wave of guilt washed over me, raw and unrele
EvelynThe dream came in flashes, vivid and warm, like sunlight filtering through the canopy of an endless forest. I was a child again, my tiny hand wrapped securely in my mother's. Her laughter filled the air, light and melodic, as she swung me around, her golden hair glowing like a halo in the sunlight."Evelyn, my star," she said, her voice a soothing lullaby. "Always remember, no matter what, you are loved." The warmth of her touch, the brightness of her smile—it all felt so real. But then, as dreams often do, it turned dark. The laughter faded, the forest seemed to grow colder, and her hand slipped from mine. I called out to her, screaming her name, but she just disappeared into the shadows. The sound of my own voice shattered the dream, dragging me back to reality. I woke up with a start, my chest heaving as I sat up, clutching the blanket like it was a lifeline. My heart pounded erratically, the remnants of the dream still clinging to me like cobwebs.“Evelyn," Gaius’s voice
Evelyn.The moment the doctor’s words sank in, it felt like time fractured. Alpha Gaius’s reaction was immediate and powerful—a burst of joy so raw and unfiltered that it filled every corner of the room. His laughter, rich and deep, echoed in my ears as he pulled me into a hug, his strength wrapping around me like an unshakable fortress.“We’re having a pup,” he said, the words more to himself than to me. His voice trembled slightly, betraying just how much this meant to him.I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.Instead, I nodded, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. Inside, a storm raged. This wasn’t joy; this was terror. A new life was growing within me, utterly defenseless and entirely dependent on me. And I wasn’t sure I could protect them—not from the world, and certainly not from myself.When Alpha Gaius finally released me, his hands stayed on my shoulders, his golden eyes searching mine. “Evelyn, this is incredible,” he said, his voice brimming with wonder. “You’re giving
Evelyn. The sun spilled through the tall windows, gilding the corners of the room in soft gold as I paced the length of it. My restless steps mirrored the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind. Alpha Gaius was out again, attending to the unending needs of the pack, and I was left to wrestle with the weight of my new reality.I pressed my palm against my stomach, a subconscious gesture. The life growing within me was a fragile miracle, a tiny thread that tethered me to the future, yet it filled me with fear. Could I truly protect it? Could I protect myself?The memories of my recent shifts haunted me. The raw power, the uncontrollable rage—it all felt foreign, as though I had become a stranger within my own body. Alpha Gaius had promised to help me understand it, to be there for me, but deep down, I couldn't shake the gnawing guilt. How long would I lean on him? On everyone?My gaze shifted to the clock. There was little time left before my arranged meeting. I grabbed my shawl, wrapping it
Evelyn. The sun spilled through the tall windows, gilding the corners of the room in soft gold as I paced the length of it. My restless steps mirrored the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind. Alpha Gaius was out again, attending to the unending needs of the pack, and I was left to wrestle with the weight of my new reality.I pressed my palm against my stomach, a subconscious gesture. The life growing within me was a fragile miracle, a tiny thread that tethered me to the future, yet it filled me with fear. Could I truly protect it? Could I protect myself?The memories of my recent shifts haunted me. The raw power, the uncontrollable rage—it all felt foreign, as though I had become a stranger within my own body. Alpha Gaius had promised to help me understand it, to be there for me, but deep down, I couldn't shake the gnawing guilt. How long would I lean on him? On everyone?My gaze shifted to the clock. There was little time left before my arranged meeting. I grabbed my shawl, wrapping it
Evelyn. The study was quieter than usual, but the tension in the air was deafening. I sat at my desk, staring at the ledger in front of me. It was a detailed breakdown of the fine imposed by the council, and it was damning. Every column of numbers chipped away at my patience, but the real damage was in the final total.Paying this fine would cripple us. I leaned back in my chair, dragging a hand down my face. I wasn’t just furious; I was helpless. The council's judgment hadn’t been about fairness—it was a calculated move by Alpha Cyrus, and I could almost hear his smug laughter echoing in my mind. This wasn’t just a fine; it was a weapon aimed at my pack.“Gaius?” Evelyn’s soft voice broke through my thoughts.I glanced up. She stood near the doorway, hesitant but determined. She was good at that—reading the room, knowing when I needed space and when I needed her. Right now, I wasn’t sure what I needed.“Come in,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended.She stepped forward cautious
Gaius POVThe council’s decree echoed in my mind like a judge’s gavel slamming down on my pack’s fate. A fine of that magnitude wasn’t just crippling—it was calculated, designed to grind us into the ground. Every resource we diverted to pay it would leave our borders weakened, our people vulnerable. Vulnerable to whom? That answer was easy.Cyrus.The morning air bit at my skin as I mounted my motorcycle, Beta Zack and Gamma Dan on either side, their own engines roaring to life. The packhouse shrank in the distance, but my resolve grew stronger with every mile. I hadn’t told Evelyn where I was going. Not because I doubted her strength but because I refused to add to the weight she was already carrying. I could still see the way her hands trembled when she thought I wasn’t looking. How she absentmindedly touched her stomach as though to shield our unborn child from the storm brewing around us.This wasn’t just about protecting my pack anymore. It was about securing a future for my fam
Evelyn's povThe scent was unmistakable. As soon as I opened my eyes, it hit me—the rich, comforting smell of the meals my mother used to make. It was a blend of herbs, spices, and something warm and hearty, familiar and safe. I could almost hear her humming in the kitchen, the sound that always seemed to follow the delicious aroma of her cooking. For a moment, I thought I had drifted back in time, back to when everything was simpler, when my biggest concern was running through the halls of the packhouse with my siblings, laughing and carefree.I rose slowly from bed, the lingering warmth of the covers against my skin making me want to sink back into them. But the smell pulled me out of my stupor, and I couldn’t resist. I slipped into my slippers and walked quietly down the hall, following the scent like a trail.When I entered the kitchen, my steps faltered. There, standing at the stove, was Clara. She was stirring something in a pot, her focus completely on the task at hand. I co
Evelyn's pov.The day felt heavy, as though the weight of everything I’d been struggling with had finally caught up to me.My steps were slow as I made my way through the corridors of the packhouse, my hand resting on my stomach. The baby inside me had grown stronger, more active, and yet I could feel the toll it was taking on my body.I’d been so caught up in the chaos of everything around me—Roman, my father, Gaius, and the constant pressure of the pack—that I hadn’t taken the time to care for myself.Today, I was going for my checkup, and I could only hope that the doctor would have some good news.Gaius walked beside me, his presence a constant source of comfort. His hand brushed against mine every now and then, a subtle reminder that no matter what was happening around us, I wasn’t alone.“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice low and concerned.“I’m fine,” I said, though my words didn’t feel as convincing as I wanted them to. “Just tired.”“You need to rest more,” he said,
Evelyn’s P.o.vThe weight of uncertainty hung heavy over the room. Gaius, Lisa, Adam, and I sat in the study, the air thick with tension as we tried to piece together our next move. My father’s whereabouts—or what Roman believed to be his fate—loomed over every word spoken.“We need to consider the possibility that Cyrus has him,” I said, breaking the silence. My voice trembled slightly, but I forced myself to speak clearly. “If Roman isn’t lying, and if my father’s not dead, there’s no one else who would go to such lengths to keep him hidden.”Lisa nodded thoughtfully, her gaze sharp as she exchanged a glance with Adam. “It would make sense,” she said, tapping her fingers against the armrest of her chair. “Cyrus would gain leverage over you that way. And we know he doesn’t shy away from using people as pawns.”Adam leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “If Cyrus does have him, we need proof before we act. Otherwise, we’re walking into a trap.”“I know that,” I replied, try
Evelyn’s P.o.vThe silence between Gaius and me stretched long and thin as the car sped away from my father’s packhouse. I couldn’t shake Clara’s words, her hesitant voice playing on a loop in my mind.He’s not coming back. Roman thinks he’s dead.No matter how many times I replayed it, I couldn’t accept it. My father—dead? No. It wasn’t possible. He was too strong, too clever to be taken down so easily. But the doubt wormed its way into my thoughts, gnawing at my resolve.Gaius’s steady grip on the wheel was the only anchor keeping me tethered to the moment. I could feel his glances, the weight of his concern, but I didn’t have the energy to meet his gaze. Instead, I stared out the window at the passing trees, their green blur doing little to distract me from the storm in my chest.“Evelyn,” Gaius said softly, his voice cutting through the hum of the engine.“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said flatly, not looking at him.“You’re not fooling anyone,” he replied, his tone gentle bu
Evelyn's P.o.vThe air in the packhouse was suffocating. My wolf moved uneasy beneath my skin, her unease mirroring my own as Roman stood before me, his expression a mixture of defiance and barely concealed fear. His hands were clenched at his sides, his jaw tight, but his eyes betrayed him. “I told you,” he said, his voice wavering despite his attempt at control, “I don’t know where Father is.” “Liar,” I said, taking a step closer. My voice was steady, but inside, my anger simmered, threatening to boil over. “You’re hiding something, Roman. Just tell me the truth.” “I’m not hiding anything!” he snapped, though his gaze darted to Gaius, who stood at my side, silent and imposing. Gaius didn’t speak, but his presence alone was enough to make Roman flinch. I narrowed my eyes, my wolf growling low in my chest. “Do you think I’m stupid? Do you think I don’t see through you? I know you know something. Stop wasting my time.” Roman’s lips pressed into a thin line, and he took a st
The faint glow of moonlight spilled through the window, casting a soft, silvery light over the room. I stirred, shifting restlessly against the sheets, my body heavy with exhaustion but my mind refusing to quiet. For days now, the nightmares had plagued me, leaving me weak and anxious.A low, soothing hum filled the room—a sound I realized came from Gaius. His arms were wrapped securely around me, his warmth seeping into my chilled skin.“Evelyn,” he murmured, his voice a deep rumble against my ear. “You’re safe. Just breathe.”I clung to him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as I tried to ground myself. The echo of the nightmare still lingered, a shadow at the edges of my mind, but his presence was a balm against the fear.“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice hoarse.“There’s nothing to apologize for,” he replied firmly. “You’ve been through so much. It’s no wonder your mind is restless.”I nodded weakly, the lump in my throat too thick to speak. Gaius shifted, his hand
Gaius’s POVThe council chamber was unbearably stifling, despite the faint breeze filtering through the high windows. My knuckles pressed against the smooth surface of the table as I locked eyes with the lead councilor. His expression remained neutral—too neutral—and I already knew what was coming.“After careful deliberation,” he began, his voice steady but devoid of any urgency, “the recording you provided has been deemed irrelevant to this case.”The words hit me like a cold slap, though I kept my expression steady. My wolf growled faintly in the back of my mind, mirroring the frustration boiling in my chest.“Councilor,” I said, my voice measured, though it took effort to maintain, “that recording exposes Cyrus for the manipulative liar he is. How can you possibly call it irrelevant?”A murmur swept through the chamber. Some of the other councilors exchanged uneasy glances, but the lead councilor remained unperturbed.“The recording lacks sufficient context,” he replied, folding h
Evelyn’s POVThe court hall was packed to the brim. The tension in the air was thick enough to taste, a mix of hushed conversations and the occasional snap of a camera shutter. I sat in the gallery, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, trying to ignore the whispers behind me.“Do you think Cyrus will get away with it?”“I heard he’s bribed half the council already.”“Gaius won’t back down. He’s not that kind of Alpha.”My wolf stirred uneasily, sensing the waves of doubt. Despite my faith in Gaius, I couldn’t shake the fear that Cyrus might wriggle out of this, just as he had with so many other schemes.The wooden doors at the back of the courtroom creaked open, and a ripple of murmurs spread through the room as Gaius entered, his presence commanding as ever. He didn’t glance at anyone, his piercing green eyes fixed straight ahead as he strode to his place. He looked calm, collected, but I could see the tightness in his jaw, the way his fingers flexed slightly as he adjusted his suit j
Cyrus’s POVThe sun streamed through the towering windows of my office, bathing the room in a golden glow. But its warmth did nothing to ease the chill running through me. My fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished wood of my desk, the sound sharp and precise, as I waited for the call.I had built this empire brick by brick, crushed every rival in my path, and climbed higher than anyone dared to imagine. Yet here I was, waiting for the Council of Elders to call me. My patience was wearing thin.The sharp buzz of my phone cut through the silence, and I snatched it up immediately. The screen displayed a single name: Council of Elders.I pressed the phone to my ear. “This had better be good,” I said, my voice cold and clipped.“Alpha Cyrus,” came a measured voice on the other end. It was one of the Council’s representatives—no doubt chosen for their ability to speak without emotion, to remain neutral. “The Council has reviewed the ongoing situation with Alpha Gaius Hartwood and