Evelyn’s povWhen I woke, the world was muted, hazy around the edges, as though I were emerging from a thick fog. The sharp ache in my body was overwhelming, radiating from my abdomen and seeping into every nerve. My lids fluttered open, and the dim light of the room filtered in, casting long shadows on the walls.The first thing I saw was Gaius, seated at my bedside. His hand clasped mine tightly, as if letting go would cause me to slip away. His face was pale, his eyes red-rimmed, his usual controlled demeanor replaced by an expression I’d rarely seen on him: anguish.“Evelyn,” he breathed, his voice breaking with relief. “Thank the moon.”I tried to speak, but my throat was dry, and my lips felt cracked. “What… what happened?” I managed to rasp, the words scratching painfully as they left me.“You were poisoned,” Gaius said, his voice low but laced with fury. His eyes darkened as he spoke the word, and his jaw tightened as though he was forcing himself to remain calm.The memory of
Evelyn's pov“Evelyn, you need to eat something,” Gaius said softly, his voice filled with worry as he knelt beside me. His hand reached for mine, but I pulled it back, squeezing further into myself on the couch. The blanket wrapped around my shoulders felt like the only thing keeping me together.“I’m not hungry,” I muttered, my voice low.“You’ve been saying that for days,” he cut in, his tone strict now, though not unkind. “You can’t keep doing this. Your body needs—”“My body needs nothing,” I interrupted, my voice sharp as my gaze finally met his. “What’s the point, Gaius? Why does it even matter?”He flinched, but instead of arguing, he moved closer, his green eyes searching mine. “It matters because you matter, Evelyn. Don’t you see that? I can’t lose you too.”My throat tightened, the weight of his words settling over me like a heavy wood. “You deserve better than this,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Better than me. I couldn’t even…”“Stop,” he said firmly, cutting me o
Evelyn’s povThe room was buried in silence, heavy and suffocating. Gaius’s words lingered in the air, his promise to protect me from losing more piercing through the grief that took over my mind.But it wasn’t enough. Nothing about this felt enough.I stood abruptly, the blanket falling from my shoulders. “I can’t do this,” I said, my voice shaking with barely contained rage.“Evelyn,” Gaius started, rising to meet me, his tone cautious.“No,” I cut him off, walking towards the window, the frustration in my chest itching to be let out. “Sitting here, mourning, letting them walk away with everything they’ve taken from us—it’s not enough. It’s not me.”“You’re grieving,” he said softly, moving closer.I turned to face him, my wolf stirring beneath my skin. “And I’ll grieve later. But not now. Not while Clara’s standing there beside Roman like she’s untouchable. Not while the Council of Elders protects them and refuses to see the truth. They think they’ve won, Gaius. They think I’ll fa
“Evelyn, I need you to listen to me,” Gaius said, his voice low but steady, cutting through the anger consuming me. His green eyes fixed on mine, unwavering, even as my wolf bared her teeth and snarled in warning.“I can’t,” I gasped, my voice broken, almost unrecognizable. The primal force inside me surged, raw and uncontrollable, drowning out reason. My claws flexed, slicing the air as I took an instinctive step back.“You can,” Gaius cut in, stepping closer, his movements deliberate, calm. “You’re stronger than this, Evelyn. Look at me. I’m right here.”A guttural growl erupted from my throat, and before I could stop myself, I lunged. My wolf moved with blind fury, her grief a palpable force driving her.Gaius was ready. He stepped to his sides swiftly, catching my wrists mid way. His grip was strong but not harsh, a steady counter to the wildness consuming me.“Evelyn, stop!” he barked, his Alpha tone cutting through the haze like a sharp blade.But my wolf wasn’t ready to stop. S
“Gaius, look at this,” I whispered, my hands trembling as I held the red envelope out to himMy voice felt too loud in the silence of our room, my heart pounding uneasily.He took it from me, his green eyes stretching as he read the words scrawled across the paper. “Watch your back,” he murmured, the tension in his jaw evident as he set the note down.“Who would send this?” I asked, struggling to keep the fear hidden from my voice.“I don’t know,” he said, his voice tight. He reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. “But I will find out. No one dares threatens you, Evelyn.”“I can’t ignore this,” I said, pulling away to walk around the room. My wolf stirred uneasily underneath my skin, her instincts on high alert. “What if it’s connected to the orphanage? To the children?”Gaius frowned, his gaze following me. “You think this has something to do with the children?”“It has to,” I said, turning to face him. “The letters were from the kids. Someone made them write them—someone who wan
“Is that him?” I whispered, my breath heavy as I pointed to the lean figure on the screen. My pulse raced as the image of a tall man with a beard came into view.Zack leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the footage. “Wait a second…” He paused the video, freezing the frame on the man’s face as he roamed outside the orphanage gates.Gaius, who had entered silently moments before, crossed his arms and looked over the laptop. “Zoom in,” he ordered, his voice tense.“It’ll lose clarity,” Zack replied, though he did as instructed.The graphics blurred slightly, but the man’s features remained recognisable enough—sharp cheekbones, a scruffy beard, and eyes that seemed to move nervously around him.“I know him,” Gaius said suddenly, his voice sharp.My stomach twisted. “Who is he?”“He worked at one of the factories,” Gaius explained, his expression dark. “The one that Cyrus had blown up. He survived the blast but disappeared shortly after. We assumed he fled.”My heart sank as
Evelyn's pov.“They’re working with the Shadow.” The words came out from Victor's cracked lips, his voice trembling as though he could barely speak them out loud. His eyes scanned around the dim room, his shoulders slumping in defeat, but Gaius's presence, standing tall in front of him, seemed to suffocate any hope he might have had left. It's obvious that the man was nothing more than a pawn, but he had information we needed.Gaius’s gaze never shifted from him, it kept lingering, his green eyes sharp and unforgiving. "The Shadow?" he repeated, his voice low, filled with a dangerous tone. "Explain yourself."I stood off to the side, my arms folded tightly across my chest, anger still boiling inside of me. I couldn’t let it show—I needed to remain focused. But everything in me wanted to scream, to hit something, to make this man tell us everything we needed to know right this moment. The image of Clara's smug face from the television screen still ached in my mind, the fury rising onc
Gauis “This is a waste of time,” I muttered under my breath, adjusting the cuffs of my suit jacket as I stepped into the grand ballroom. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the faint smell of power—a heady mix that set my wolf on edge.“It’s necessary,” Zack replied quietly at my side, his gaze scanning the crowd. “You know that.”Necessary didn’t mean I had to like it. The Iris Ball was nothing more than a display of wealth and self-importance for the Council of Elders, a thinly veiled excuse for them to flaunt their power and connections. But tonight, I had a purpose.The room was grand, its high ceilings adorned with glittering chandeliers and decors that screamed excess. Council members, pack leaders, and influential figures from across the territories mingled in groups, their laughter and conversations a low hum beneath the orchestral music.My wolf growled softly, uneasy with the crowd. I rolled my shoulders, forcing myself to relax as I moved deeper into
EvelynThe pain came in waves, sharp and relentless. My breathing was shallow as I clung to Gaius’s hand, his steady presence the only thing keeping me grounded. I had prepared for this moment—or at least I thought I had. But nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming pressure, the way my body felt like it was tearing apart.“Breathe, Evelyn,” Gaius said softly, his voice calm but firm. “You’ve got this.”I nodded, though the words felt distant. Another contraction hit, and I cried out, my wolf stirring restlessly inside me.Grace entered the room, followed by the midwife, a kind but no-nonsense woman named Marion. She took one look at me and started giving instructions, her voice steady and reassuring.“You’re doing great, Evelyn,” Marion said, kneeling by the bed. “But the baby isn’t in the right position yet. It might take some time.”I groaned, my grip on Gaius’s hand tightening. “I don’t know if I can do this,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face.“Yes, you can,” G
EvelynThe ride back to the pack was quiet. Gaius sat beside me, his hand resting on my knee, a comforting weight in the stillness. I leaned my head against the window, watching the trees blur past. My mind wandered, replaying the confrontation with Roman.His words didn’t haunt me the way I thought they might. Instead, I felt a strange calm, like I’d closed the door on a part of my life that had long held me captive. I wasn’t afraid of him anymore. He couldn’t hurt me now.Gaius’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “You’ve been quiet,” he said softly, glancing at me.I turned to him, offering a small smile. “Just thinking.”“About Roman?” he asked, his tone careful.I nodded. “He’s bitter. Angry. But he’s nothing now. Just a shadow of what he used to be.”Gaius squeezed my knee gently. “You’re stronger than him, Evelyn. You always were.”His words warmed me, and I placed my hand over his. “Thank you,” I said softly.The pack house came into view, its familiar structure a welcome si
EvelynI stood barefoot on the sand, the turquoise waves lapping at the shore. Gaius walked up behind me, his arms circling my waist as he pulled me against his chest. “What are you thinking about?” he asked, his voice low and comforting.I smiled, leaning into him. “I was just trying to remember the last time I felt this peaceful.”He kissed the top of my head. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”“It feels like a lifetime ago,” I admitted.Our honeymoon had been nothing short of magical. After everything we had been through—the battles, the loss, the constant chase of Cyrus’s shadow—this felt like a dream. We had traveled to a secluded island, a place untouched by war or worry, where the only sounds were the waves and the laughter of the locals.For the past few days, we had let ourselves forget about the rest of the world. We’d explored hidden waterfalls, hiked through lush jungles, and shared quiet meals by candlelight. It felt like we were rediscovering each other, peeling back th
EvelynThe days after the healer’s news were filled with quiet worry. At first, I thought I was just exhausted from everything we’d been through—the battles, the losses, the rebuilding. But my body felt heavier with each passing day, and the symptoms only grew worse.Gaius barely left my side, his eyes constantly flicking to me with a worry he tried to hide. But I could feel it in his touch, in the way his hand would linger on mine, or how he’d wrap an arm around me as if afraid I might disappear.“You need to rest,” he told me for the hundredth time as I sat on the couch one afternoon, my head resting against his shoulder.“I am resting,” I said, though the ache in my body made it clear that rest alone wasn’t enough.“We’re seeing the healer again,” he said firmly. “Something isn’t right.”I didn’t argue. I didn’t have the energy to.The healer, an older man with kind eyes and steady hands, greeted us warmly when we arrived. But as he examined me, his expression grew serious. He did
EvelynThe land was quiet, the chaos of the fight replaced by an eerie stillness. It was over. Cyrus was gone, and his reign of terror had ended.But as I walked through the remains of the battlefield, the weight of everything we’d lost pressed heavily on my chest. Those that died were being gathered, their bodies lined carefully, as survivors worked tirelessly to restore some semblance of order. I spotted Gaius in the distance, directing soldiers and healers with the same calm authority that had always been his strength. Even from here, I could see the exhaustion etched into his features, but he didn’t falter. He turned as I approached, his eyes softening when they met mine. “Evelyn,” he said, stepping closer. His hand rested gently on my arm, his touch grounding me. “You shouldn’t be out here. You need to rest.”“I’m fine,” I said, though the truth was far from it. My body ached in ways I didn’t fully understand, and every step felt heavier than the last. But I couldn’t sit idl
GaiusThe battlefield was eerily quiet. Smoke curled in thin tendrils from scattered fires, and the once deafening sounds of battle had faded into an uneasy silence. Around us, Cyrus’s forces lay defeated, either dead or having fled into the shadows. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, it seemed like we might actually win.But Cyrus wasn’t done.He stood alone in the clearing, his once-pristine black coat torn and bloodstained, but his stance was still defiant. His smirk, cruel and venomous, clung stubbornly to his face as though he knew something we didn’t.I tightened my grip on my blade, my wolf pacing restlessly inside me. “It’s over, Cyrus,” I said, stepping forward. “Your army is gone. Surrender now, and maybe we’ll let you live.”His laugh echoed across the field, cold and sharp. “You think I’m afraid of dying, Gaius?” he spat. “You think this is the end for me?”“It is,” I said firmly, my voice calm but unyielding. “You’ve lost everything.”Cyrus took a step forw
GaiusAs I carried Evelyn’s unconscious form through the dense forest. My arms tightened around her as I pushed forward, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and urgency. She felt so fragile in my hold, and the thought of her being hurt clawed at me.Behind me, Raven led the way, limping but determined. Despite her battered appearance, her eyes burned with a fierceness I hadn’t seen in years. She had gathered guards and allies in a makeshift camp deep in the woods—a safe zone where we could regroup and plan our next move against Cyrus.The soft murmurs of voices and the faint glow of campfires appeared ahead. Relief flooded through me. At least we’d reached some measure of safety for the moment.The guards at the perimeter stiffened as we approached, their weapons raised until they recognized us. “Alpha Gaius!” one of them called out, rushing forward.“Clear a path,” I ordered, my voice tight. “She needs care.”They stepped aside without question, their faces etched with concern a
CyrusThe chamber reeked of sweat and blood. My throne, carved from blackened stone, felt harder beneath me as I stared at the rogue kneeling before me. His head was bowed, his body trembling.“How many this time?” I asked, my voice low and steady.The rogue flinched, his fear bleeding into the silence. “Three squads, my Lord,” he stammered. “They... they deserted last night.”I sat back, my fingers curling around the armrests of the throne.“Three squads,” I repeated slowly, “And what did they take with them?”“S-supplies, my Lord,” he whispered, barely able to meet my eyes. “Weapons, food... they stole what they could carry.”My wolf stirred, snarling at the edges of my mind. Traitors. After everything I had done—everything I had sacrificed—this was how they repaid me?“You’re telling me,” I said, rising from my seat, “that a third of my army has turned tail and fled? That they think they can run from me?”The rogue didn’t answer. He didn’t dare.“Look at me,” I commanded, my voic
Evelyn My chest burned with each breath, my muscles aching from the effort of keeping Gaius moving. He leaned heavily on me, his strength waning, but his stubbornness kept him upright.“He’s getting closer,” I said breathlessly, glancing over my shoulder.The warrior loomed in the distance, his enormous frame tearing through trees and underbrush with ease. His glowing green eyes locked on us.Gaius gritted his teeth. “We just need to make it a little farther.”“No, we don’t,” I said, coming to a sudden stop.Gaius staggered as I pulled him to a halt. He turned to me, his face pale and bloodied. “What are you doing?”I straightened, letting go of his arm. “We can’t keep running. You can’t keep running.”“Evelyn, don’t,” he said, shaking his head. “We have to keep moving.”“No,” I said firmly. “We won’t make it. He’ll catch us, and when he does...” My voice trailed off, the words catching in my throat.Gaius’s eyes softened, but only for a moment. Then his jaw set, and he stepped in fr