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Kaida’s pov I feigned confusion, playing dumb as best I could. “What are you talking about, Piper?” Her eyes lit up with amusement, and she leaned closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a juicy secret. “Don’t play coy with me, Kaida. The alpha hasn’t taken his eyes off you since we got here. Seriously, it’s like he’s trying to set you on fire with that stare of his.” I shrugged, hoping to deflect. “I don’t know, Piper. He’s the alpha. He can do whatever he pleases. Maybe he’s just bored.” Piper’s brow arched, her expression growing sharper. “No, Kaida. Don’t try to outsmart me; I’m your best friend, remember? You’ve been avoiding eye contact with him all day like he’s Medusa or something. Spill. What’s going on?” Her words made me freeze for a moment, my mind scrambling for a response. I wanted to tell her everything—the strange pull I felt when Atlas looked at me, the way his gaze seemed to strip away my defences, and the haunting memories of my mysterious lover. Bu
Kaida's pov The rest of the day passed in a haze. I couldn’t stop replaying the moment in the restroom—the way Atlas’s kiss had set me on fire and how my slap had barely fazed him. His words haunted me: “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it, Kaida.” I hated how much truth there was in that statement. As the final bell rang, I gathered my things, ready to bolt from the school and away from the chaos of my emotions. But as I stepped into the courtyard, I froze. Standing by the school gates was Alpha Miguel, his tall figure unmistakable, his aura commanding as ever. Miguel. The sight of him made my breath catch. He leaned casually against his sleek black car, dressed impeccably as usual, his dark eyes scanning the crowd. When he spotted me, his lips curved into a warm, confident smile that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “Kaida!” he called, his deep voice cutting through the noise around us. Every head in the vicinity turned, and whispers began to spread like w
Kaida’s pov The sparring session began in full swing, and the warriors paired off to test their skills. I was quick to find my footing, slipping into the focused mindset that training demanded. Every move, every strike, was deliberate and controlled. I’d just finished pinning one of the senior warriors when I noticed Miguel standing off to the side, arms crossed, watching me with an expression that could only be described as pure awe. His lips curved into a grin as I straightened, brushing dirt off my hands. “Kaida, you didn’t tell me you were this lethal,” he called out, his voice loud enough to turn a few heads. I shot him a pointed look, heat creeping up my neck. “I’m just doing my job, Miguel.” “Your job?” He laughed, clearly enjoying himself. “No, this is a performance. I should be charging admission!” His playful tone earned a few chuckles from the onlookers, but I ignored the attention, turning my focus back to the next opponent. Miguel didn’t let up, though.
Kaida's pov As the crowd began to disperse, the buzz of excitement still hanging in the air, Atlas turned his attention to Miguel. His movements were deliberate, his expression unreadable, but the tension radiating from him was palpable. Miguel, ever the picture of calm confidence, noticed Atlas approaching and smirked knowingly, leaning casually against a nearby tree. "Alpha Miguel," Atlas said, his voice low but firm. “We need to talk.” Miguel raised an eyebrow, the grin never leaving his face. “Oh? And what could be so important, Alpha Atlas, that you can’t say it in front of everyone?” The warriors nearby began to slow their movements, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Though they didn’t linger outright, many stayed within earshot, their curiosity piqued. Atlas stepped closer, his tone dropping even lower, meant only for Miguel. “I’ll make this clear: stay away from Kaida.” Miguel laughed, a sound that carried just enough volume to draw more attention. “Stay away f
Kaida’s pov The afternoon sun blazed over the training grounds as I finished stacking the last of the practice weapons. I had just started to walk back toward the pack house when Akira stormed toward me, her face twisted in anger. Her usually perfect composure was nowhere to be found, and her steps were as fiery as her expression. “Kaida!” she snapped, her voice cutting through the chatter of nearby warriors. Heads turned, and conversations halted as everyone watched her approach me with unmistakable fury. I stopped in my tracks, my instincts immediately on high alert. “Akira,” I said, my voice steady, though my stomach churned. “What’s this about?” She didn’t bother with pleasantries, her finger jabbing toward me as she closed the distance. “This is about *you*,” she hissed. “About how you’ve managed to ruin everything.” I frowned, crossing my arms defensively. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Don’t play dumb with me!” Akira snapped, her tone dripping wit
The return of Alpha Atlas’s grandmother, Lady Seraphina, caused quite a stir within the pack. Known for her formidable reputation and traditional views, Lady Seraphina was a figure of authority and respect. Her presence alone seemed to weigh heavily on everyone, including me, though I hadn’t even met her yet. Rumors spread quickly, as they always did, and I soon heard the whispers: Akira had been the one to convince Lady Seraphina to return. She had portrayed herself as the perfect Luna candidate—a strong, capable woman who could lead alongside Atlas. Worse, I heard my name tangled in the stories Akira had spun. “She seduced both Atlas and Miguel,” one pack member whispered to another as I walked past. “Can you believe it? No wonder the alphas are at odds. A girl like that has no place here.” “It’s disgraceful,” someone else murmured. “Lady Seraphina won’t tolerate it, that’s for sure.” The weight of their words bore down on me, and no matter how hard I tried to ignore them, the
Kaida's pov When Atlas was younger, barely out of his teens, his parents passed, leaving the pack vulnerable. It was my father, Alpha Thor, who had stepped in as an advisor and protector, ensuring that Atlas’s transition to Alpha was swift and unchallenged. My father had been instrumental in securing the alliances and support that kept Atlas’s pack strong during its most vulnerable time. But time was a cruel mistress, and memories faded. Lady Seraphina, blinded by her own selfish ambitions, chose to overlook my father’s sacrifices. Instead, she saw only his fall from power—a man who had lost his pack and his mate, and by extension, a daughter who no longer bore the title of princess. Her preference for Akira became glaringly obvious. Akira, who came from a pack that still held its strength, was a convenient choice. She was polished, poised, and willing to play the role of the perfect Luna contrast to me, with my tarnished family history. --- One evening, as I sat with
Atlas's POV I was standing by the edge of the training grounds, the setting sun casting long shadows across the field. The warriors were dispersing, their laughter and chatter filling the air. My focus was elsewhere, lost in a storm of thoughts that had been brewing for days. Kaida. Her name alone stirred something within me—something I couldn’t ignore no matter how hard I tried. The guilt was a constant weight, and yet, I had done nothing to ease it. “Alpha Atlas,” a voice called out, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see Axel approaching, his strides purposeful, his expression hard. There was no trace of the usual camaraderie he showed during training; this was a man on a mission. “Axel,” I greeted, keeping my tone neutral. “What brings you here?” He stopped a few feet away, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. “We need to talk,” he said, his voice low but firm. I nodded, gesturing for him to continue. Axel didn’t mince words. “I know, Atlas. I know
Kaida’s pov In the war room, Atlas stood at the head of the table, his gaze locked on the maps and plans before him. Axel and Jace flanked him, their discussions focused on tracking Logan before he could rebuild. “We have to move quickly,” Jace said. “Logan fled, but we all know he’ll regroup. Shadowfang is still a threat.” Atlas nodded. “We’ll gather our scouts and—” The heavy slam of the war room door interrupted him, and a sharp voice cut through the room like a blade. “Atlas!” We turned as Lady Seraphina entered, her imposing presence silencing the room. Her silver hair gleamed under the lantern light, and her piercing blue eyes held a fury I wasn’t prepared for. “Grandma,” Atlas said, stepping forward. “This isn’t a good time—” “Be silent,” she snapped, her tone brooking no argument. “I’ve had enough of this madness.” Her gaze landed on me, and her lips curled into a sneer. “And you. This is all you're doing.” Her words hit like a slap, and I felt my claws flex instinc
Kaida’s POV The battlefield was a chaotic storm of snarls, growls, and the clash of blades. Crescent Moon warriors fought with ferocity, meeting Logan’s forces head-on at the eastern border. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the cries of wolves locked in combat. Atlas’s voice carried over the noise as he commanded the warriors, his presence a pillar of strength. But despite our efforts, Logan’s forces pressed hard, their numbers relentless. “We’re holding,” Axel shouted, cutting through a rogue with a swift strike. “But not for long!” My chest burned with frustration. This fight was dragging on, and every second cost us more lives. Logan’s pack was too coordinated, their tactics too precise. Then I saw him—Alpha Logan. He stood at the edge of the battle, barking orders to his warriors, his presence like a shadow over the battlefield. My vision tunneled. I could feel the fury rising within me, an unrelenting force that burned brighter with every passing mome
Kaida’s POV The packhouse was alive with tension the morning after the attack on Oakwood’s territory. Warriors moved with purpose, sharpening blades, mending armor, and exchanging whispers about the success of our ambush. Despite the lingering adrenaline, I knew this was only a temporary victory. Atlas stood at the war room table, his hands braced against the map spread before him. His expression was unreadable, but the furrow in his brow betrayed his thoughts. “They’ll retaliate,” he said, his voice steady but edged with determination. I nodded, stepping closer. “And they’ll come at us harder. Logan won’t let this go unanswered.” Atlas looked up, his eyes locking with mine. “We need to prepare for the next move. I want to hit them again before they can regroup.” I hesitated. “Another attack? So soon?” “Yes,” Atlas said firmly. “We have the momentum. If we wait, they’ll rebuild, and Logan will use this time to strengthen his alliances.” I couldn’t argue with his logic. Striki
Kaida’s POV The air was sharp with the scent of pine and damp earth as we moved silently through Oakwood’s territory. Each step brought us closer to Alpha Logan’s camp. I tightened my grip on the blade strapped to my thigh, my heartbeat steady despite the tension thrumming through the group. Atlas led the charge, his movements silent and deliberate. “Stay sharp,” he murmured, his voice low but firm. “This needs to be fast and clean. No mistakes.” I nodded, signaling to Axel, who flanked my left. Our target was Logan’s supply depot—a critical weak point. If we could destroy it, we’d cut off their resources and weaken their forces. The southern entrance was poorly guarded, just as our scouts had reported. Two guards patrolled lazily, their attention more on the quiet night than on potential threats. Axel signaled to me. I nodded, crouching low as we crept forward. In one synchronized motion, Axel and I dispatched the guards, their bodies crumpling silently to the ground. “
Akira’s POV The following morning, the Oakwood packhouse buzzed with activity. My father, Alpha Logan, had summoned his lieutenants for a final strategy meeting. As Miguel and I entered the council chamber, the tension was palpable. Alpha Logan stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding. His icy gaze swept over the room before landing on me. “Akira,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Do you and Miguel have any updates to share?” Miguel took his seat beside me, his confidence radiating like a shield. “Crescent Moon is making moves to rally neighboring packs. Atlas is trying to shore up his defenses, but it’s a desperate play.” My father’s expression hardened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Desperation makes wolves reckless. We must use that to our advantage.” I leaned forward, my tone sharp. “Atlas is predictable. He’ll focus on defense, but he’ll also try to protect Kaida at all costs. She’s his weakness.” Logan smirked, nodding in approval. “And we will exp
Akira’s POV The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the lavish room in my father’s packhouse, casting flickering shadows on the walls. I stood by the window, looking out at the sprawling territory of Oakwood Pack. My mind raced with plans, alliances, and strategies, but the satisfaction of knowing that Crescent Moon’s destruction was imminent brought a smile to my lips. “Deep in thought?” Miguel’s deep voice broke through the silence. I turned to see him leaning against the doorway, his dark eyes studying me with a mix of amusement and desire. “Always,” I replied, walking toward him. “You know how I am. There’s always a plot brewing.” Miguel smirked, stepping forward to close the distance between us. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “That’s what I love about you, Akira. You’re relentless. Ruthless.” “And you love that, don’t you?” I teased, my voice dripping with mock sweetness. “Among other things,” he murmured, his voice low and suggestive. We moved
Atlas’s POV Despite the looming threat, I found myself drawn to Kaida’s quiet strength. She carried herself with a grace that belied the storm raging within her, and it was impossible not to admire the fire in her eyes. I watched her from the training grounds as she sparred with Axel. Her movements were sharp, her strikes precise, but there was a ferocity in her that felt different tonight—like she was fighting ghosts only she could see. “She’s impressive,” Jace said, stepping up beside me. “She’s more than that,” I replied, my voice soft but certain. “She’s the heart of this pack.” Jace nodded, but his expression was grim. “She’s also a target, Atlas. Logan and Akira won’t stop until they’ve destroyed her.” “They’ll have to go through me first,” I said, my jaw tightening. Later that evening, I found Kaida sitting by the river, her legs dangling over the edge of the dock. The moonlight danced across the water, casting a soft glow on her features. I approached quietly, not wan
Atlas’s POV I stood at the head of the war table in the strategy room, Kaida by my side. Her sharp eyes scanned the maps and notes scattered across the surface. Axel, Alex, and my beta, Jace, surrounded us, their expressions grim. “We need allies,” Jace said, breaking the silence. “We can’t hold against those numbers alone.” “I’ve already sent word to the neighboring packs,” I replied. “But we don’t know if they’ll answer in time.” Kaida frowned, tapping her fingers against the edge of the table. “Logan’s alliances aren’t built on trust—they’re built on fear and power. If we can disrupt his forces and sow doubt among his allies, we might be able to turn the tide.” Alex nodded, his voice cautious. “Logan’s strength lies in his ability to intimidate. If we expose his weaknesses, his allies might think twice about following him into battle.” “And what about Akira?” Axel asked, his tone laced with anger. “She’s not just another pawn in Logan’s game. She’s dangerous, and she k
Atlas’s POV The pack meeting was tense. Kaida and I stood side by side before the Crescent Moon wolves, the weight of our decisions bearing down on us. The news of Akira’s disappearance had spread, sparking whispers and unease among the ranks. “We face enemies who know our weaknesses and are not afraid to exploit them,” I said, my voice firm as I addressed the pack. “But we also stand stronger than we’ve ever been. With Kaida’s return, our unity is our greatest weapon.” The pack’s response was a resounding howl of approval, but beneath their enthusiasm, I saw the flickers of doubt and fear. They trusted me, but trust wasn’t enough. Kaida stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. “We know Akira has gone to her father, Alpha Logan, and that Shadowfang and Miguel are still in play. They’re rallying forces, but so are we. Together, we will not just defend Crescent Moon—we will destroy the threats against us.” Her words sparked something in the pack, a fierce determination that