Piper’s POV The night air was thick with celebration. Laughter, music, the scent of roasted meats and sweet honeyed drinks filled the courtyard. And yet, I could barely focus on any of it. Not when Rex was looking at me like that. Like he wanted to devour me whole. I swallowed hard, my body still buzzing from our earlier kiss. I had kissed him. And now, I wasn’t sure if I had made a **huge mistake or if I was already too far gone to turn back. Because the moment his golden eyes locked onto mine, I knew— I was in trouble. I tried to step away from the crowd, to put some distance between us, but Rex was already there. Blocking my path and Towering over me. His heat pressed against my skin, his scent wrapping around me like a wildfire. "Piper," he murmured, his voice rough and thick. I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore the way my stomach tightened. "I need air," I muttered. He smirked. "Then let me join you." "It’s not necessary—" But he was
Piper’s POV My hands **trembled** as I pressed them against my still-healing mark. The mark **he had given me.** The heat of it still **lingered**, the bond humming beneath my skin, tying me to him in a way that **terrified me.** I walked aimlessly through the empty hallways of the packhouse, my breath still **uneven**, my body still **burning.** I had let Rex mark me. I could have stopped him, could have **pushed him away.** But I hadn’t. And that scared me more than anything. Because **now there was no turning back.** I was his. And no matter how much I wanted to **fight it**— Some part of me knew I **belonged to him.** I barely noticed when I reached my bedroom, my fingers shaking as I **closed the door behind me.** My reflection stared back at me from the mirror— Disheveled hair, flushed skin, and **the fresh mark on my shoulder.** Proof that Rex had claimed me. I touched it **lightly**, sucking in a sharp breath as a shiver **rippled through me.**
Kaida’s POV The war had left **scars**—on the pack, on our people, on **us. But tonight, none of that mattered. Because tonight, I was **in Atlas’s arms.** Safe. Wanted. **His. The night air was **cool**, but his body was **warm against mine**, his golden eyes **burning with something deeper than desire. Something **primal. Something **only meant for me. Atlas **pinned me against the wall**, his large hands braced on either side of my head. I should have felt **trapped.** But I didn’t. I felt **devoured. His gaze **swept over me**, taking in every inch of my body as if **memorizing me all over again.** My breath **hitched**, heat **pooling low in my stomach.** "You’re staring," I murmured. Atlas’s lips **curled into a slow, wicked smile. "Can you blame me?" he murmured, his voice **a rough whisper against my skin.** I shivered, my fingers gripping his shirt, **pulling him closer.** His scent—**cedar, smoke, and something uniquely him—**w
Piper’s POV The morning sun filtered through the curtains of my new room, casting warm streaks of light across the soft, oversized bed. I blinked slowly, adjusting to the quiet. I woke up **without fear, without urgency.** No war. No battles. Just **peace.** And yet, my mind was **anything but calm.** Because today, I was being **welcomed into Shadowcrest Pack.** As **Rex’s mate.** The thought alone sent a **wave of nervous energy** through me. Not because I was afraid of them. But because I wasn’t sure I was **ready to belong to someone… or somewhere.** I slid out of bed, padding across the room toward the balcony. The view stretched out before me—**lush green forests, towering mountains, and the sprawling village of Shadowcrest.** It was breathtaking. The pack had once been Kaida’s family’s home. And now, Rex had **given it back.** I still didn’t know how to feel about that. Rex had built **his empire here, claimed these lands as his own
Atlas’s POV The world outside the packhouse was alive with **laughter and celebration.** For the first time in a long time, Crescent Moon was **at peace. The war was behind us, and a new era had begun. But even as my people **danced and drank**, even as Rex formally introduced Piper as his mate and the new Luna of Shadowcrest… My thoughts were elsewhere. Because tonight, I wasn’t thinking about victory or power. I was thinking about **her. Kaida. She stood across the courtyard, deep in conversation with her father and Axel. Her blue eyes sparkled beneath the glow of the lanterns, her lips curved in a soft, knowing smile. She looked **happy. And yet, I could sense it. The lingering doubt. The weight of everything we had fought for. Because Kaida was never meant to be a woman who stayed in one place. She had a family to rebuild, a pack to reclaim.** And yet, she had **chosen me.** The thought sent a strange, **deep ache** through my chest.
Atlas’s POV Kaida was **everything the storm and the calm. The fire and the ice. The air between us was **thick with heat**, the soft glow of the moon casting shadows across her bare skin. Her breath was uneven, her lips **slightly swollen from my kisses**, her blue eyes dark with need.** I had always known she was **beautiful But like this? With her body **pressed against mine**, her skin **flushed**, her fingers **trailing over my chest as if memorizing every inch of me**? She was deadly. And she had **no idea what she was doing to me. Kaida’s fingers **traced down my stomach, her touch barely there, her nails dragging lightly across my skin. She smirked when I **sucked in a sharp breath.** "Careful," I murmured, my voice **hoarse, thick.** She tilted her head, feigning **innocence.** "Or what?" I growled, flipping us so that she was **beneath me**, her gasp soft as her back met the sheets. I ran my nose along the curve of her throat, inhaling h
Kaida’s POV The sound of drums echoed through Crescent Moon’s packhouse, a steady, **thunderous rhythm** that sent **anticipation thrumming through my veins. The air was thick with **the scent of burning incense and fresh roses**, mixing with the faint metallic tang of weapons that still lined the warriors’ belts. Tonight wasn’t just any celebration. Tonight, Atlas was introducing me to his pack officially as the Luna and his mate. My breath came a little too fast. I had fought in battles, **killed my enemies, reclaimed my power and yet, standing behind the doors of the grand hall, waiting to be called forward— I felt something I never had before. I was feeling Nervous. A soft **hand touched mine**, grounding me. I turned to find **Piper standing beside me**, her emerald dress shimmering under the candlelight. "You’re overthinking," she murmured. I exhaled sharply. "Is it that obvious?" She smirked. "Only because I know you too well." I huffed, sha
Kaida’s POV The celebration was still in full swing, but my focus had shifted. Not on the music, the laughter, or the feast that stretched before us. Not on the warriors drinking and howling in excitement. Not on the murmurs of approval from pack members as they welcomed me as their **Luna.** No. My focus was on him. On Atlas The man who had given me his name, his pack and his world. And tonight—he was giving me something even more, Forever. Atlas’s golden eyes never left me as he guided me away from the crowded hall, his grip firm, possessive. Each step we took was slow, deliberate—**like we were walking toward something inevitable.** The moment we reached his quarters, he pushed the door open, guiding me inside. The air was warm, scented with woodsmoke and something uniquely him. The fire in the hearth flickered, casting shadows across the walls. He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. Then, finally, he spoke. "Are you ready for th
Kaida’s POV** The crimson glow of dawn spilled over the treetops, casting long shadows through the dense forest. The chilling words from the letter still echoed in my mind. **She’s still watching.** Seren. Akira’s sister was out there, lurking beneath the cover of night. Waiting. Watching. A ghost clinging to the edges of our fragile peace. I clenched the parchment tighter in my hands, feeling the weight of the threat pressing against my chest. I knew what would come next. She wouldn’t stop until blood had been spilled—mine, Akira’s, or anyone who stood in her way. The packhouse stirred with life as the sun rose higher, warriors sharpening blades and reinforcing the outer walls. The air was heavy with anticipation. They sensed what was coming, even if no one dared speak it aloud. Atlas stood at the edge of the clearing, his golden eyes flicking toward the forest with every breath. His protective instincts surged through the bond between us—strong, unwavering. “She’s
Kaida’s POVThe first rogue lunged, its yellow eyes flashing in the dim light. The scent of damp earth and blood filled the clearing as Atlas’s wolf met the attack midair, a snarl ripping through the night. The battle erupted around us—claws slashing, teeth snapping. My heart pounded against my ribs, but I forced myself to stay **steady**. I had led them here. Now I had to **survive.** Akira was at my side, her breath ragged, eyes flicking through the shadows. I felt every wolf watching her—waiting for her to turn against us. But she didn’t. Not yet. “Hold the line!” I shouted, my voice cutting through the chaos. Crescent Moon warriors moved as one, forming a protective ring around the packhouse. Every muscle in my body screamed to fight—to prove I could protect them. But I couldn’t lose sight of what this battle was really about. Gregor. I scanned the clearing, searching the shadows for his yellow eyes. My claws curled at my sides, aching for revenge. Atlas’s
Kaida’s POVThe crimson letters glared back at me from the parchment in my trembling hands. The words, carved in jagged strokes, echoed through my mind like a curse. *You spared one. But mercy always has a price.* The message smelled of blood—fresh, sharp, and deliberate. Whoever had sent it wanted me to know they were close. Behind me, Atlas’s breath fanned hot against my neck, his golden eyes fixed on the letter. His wolf’s growl rumbled low in his chest, vibrating through the tense silence of the room. “This is a threat,” he snarled, his voice dangerously low. I swallowed hard, folding the parchment slowly. My fingers trembled, but I forced them steady. “It’s a promise.” Atlas’s growl deepened, his wolf brushing dangerously close to the surface. “You should have killed her, Kaida.” His words sliced through me sharper than any blade, but I refused to flinch. “I know.” I stood at the center of the war room, the map of Shadowcrest spread across the table. The fli
Kaida’s POVThe moon hung high over **Shadowcrest**, casting cold silver light through the cracks in the packhouse walls. The scouts' message echoed in my mind like a haunting whisper. **Gregor… traitor.** I stood at the war table, my fingers tracing the map spread beneath flickering candlelight. The northern ridge was marked in red—where the rogues had been spotted gathering. The betrayal cut deeper than any wound I had ever endured. Atlas paced behind me, his golden eyes **dark and unreadable.** His wolf was close—too close—but he kept his rage bottled beneath the surface. Axel leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his sharp blue gaze flicking between us. “We trusted him,” Axel said bitterly. “He fought with us. He bled for us.” I swallowed hard, the betrayal pressing heavy on my chest. “He’s bleeding for someone else now.” Atlas’s low growl rumbled through the room, shaking the air around us. His fists clenched at his sides, the veins in his arms pulsing beneath hi
Kaida’s POVThe sun was barely above the horizon when the whispers started again. The wolves of Shadowcrest watched Akira’s every step—**waiting for her to snap.** I felt their eyes following us as I led Akira toward the packhouse. Their doubt clung to the air like smoke, thick and suffocating. Atlas walked a few steps behind, his golden eyes never leaving Akira’s back. His wolf prowled just beneath the surface, barely contained. I couldn't blame him. I wasn’t sure if I trusted her either. The courtyard was crowded as wolves gathered to rebuild what the last battle had stolen from them. They paused as we passed, their whispered suspicions prickling at the edge of my hearing. “She should have killed her.” “Mercy will get us all killed.” “She’s protecting a traitor.” I clenched my fists, forcing myself to keep walking. They didn’t understand. They saw mercy as **weakness.** But I saw something they couldn’t—**a chance to break the cycle.** Akira’s head remained
Kaida’s POV** The moon hung heavy in the sky, casting silver streaks over the dense forest. Each breath I took tasted of cold earth and lingering tension. The message Akira had left behind weighed on my heart, and now I stood face-to-face with her beneath the canopy of stars. Her dark eyes flickered with hatred—sharp, dangerous, but beneath it all, **broken.** "You should have killed me when you had the chance," she hissed, her voice as brittle as the wind that whistled through the trees. I felt Atlas’s presence behind me, his wolf pacing just beneath his skin, ready to tear through anyone who threatened me. His golden eyes burned into Akira, but he stayed back—**letting me lead this fight.** I clenched my fists, my claws digging into my palms. "I spared you because I know what revenge does to a soul," I said, keeping my voice steady. Akira’s bitter smile twisted across her lips. "And what has mercy done for you, Luna? Made you weak?" Her words cut deep, slicing thro
Kaida’s POV The message burned in my hands—its jagged letters carved into the parchment like a scar that refused to fade. *You should have killed me when you had the chance.* Akira’s voice echoed in my head, a chilling reminder that mercy always came with a price. Atlas’s warm breath fanned against my neck as he read the message over my shoulder. His golden eyes darkened, his wolf stirring beneath the surface. “She’s taunting you,” he growled, his fingers brushing against mine to take the letter. I clenched my jaw, trying to steady the tremble in my hands. “She’s waiting.” Atlas’s muscles tensed behind me, his chest rising and falling with slow, controlled breaths. “Then let her wait,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. I wanted to believe him—to pretend that Akira’s words were nothing more than hollow threats. But I couldn’t. Not when I had seen the **hatred in her eyes.** Not when I had spared her life—**twice.** I paced the length of the council chambe
Kaida’s POVThe morning sun spilled over Shadowcrest, casting warm streaks of gold across the rebuilding village. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, mixing with the distant crackle of fires as warriors repaired the damaged walls. The world outside seemed to be stitching itself back together… But inside, I still felt like I was balancing on the edge of **something fragile.** Atlas’s arm rested around my waist, his golden eyes scanning the horizon as if he expected the shadows to rise again. He hadn’t let me out of his sight since we returned. Part of me wanted to push him away—prove that I could stand on my own. But another part—the part I hated admitting even to myself—**needed him close.** “You’re watching me again,” I murmured, breaking the silence. Atlas’s fingers tightened on my hip. “You almost died, Kaida.” I glanced up, meeting the storm brewing behind his gaze. “I’m still here.” His jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned d
Kaida’s POV The sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as the news of the rogue camp settled over Shadowcrest like a dark cloud. The air felt **thicker**, every breath weighted with the knowledge that our **peace was temporary. Atlas’s fingers remained wrapped around mine, his grip firm as if he feared I might disappear if he let go. I had spared Akira. Now she was waiting—building something in the shadows. I wanted to believe that mercy had been the right choice. But mercy didn’t stop a blade from finding your heart. I stood beside Axel and Atlas in the war room, the map of our borders spread across the table. Small black markers dotted the northern ridge—**rogue sightings reported by scouts.** “She's gathering more wolves,” Axel murmured, his blue eyes sharp. “It’s only a matter of time before she attacks.” Atlas’s jaw clenched beside me, his golden eyes never leaving the map. “She’s testing us,” he said coldly. “Waiting to see if we’ll come for her… or let her