Atlas's POV The corridors of the Crescent Moon Pack’s estate were eerily quiet as I made my way to my grandmother’s quarters. The air was heavy, and my chest tightened with every step. Confronting Lady Seraphina wasn’t something I ever took lightly—she was as immovable as the mountains that surrounded our territory. But for Kaida, I had no choice. I knocked once before stepping inside. The room was exactly as I remembered: filled with ornate furniture and the lingering scent of lavender. Lady Seraphina sat by the window, her sharp eyes narrowing as they landed on me. “Atlas,” she greeted coolly, setting down the book she’d been reading. “What brings you here at this hour?” I closed the door behind me, taking a deep breath. “We need to talk, Grandmother.” Her lips twitched into a faint smirk. “I assumed as much. Go on, then.” I straightened, my voice firm. “It’s about Kaida.” Her expression hardened immediately, and she waved a hand dismissively. “Ah, the girl. What of
Atlas’s POV The knock on my office door came just as I was finishing a pile of paperwork. Before I could respond, the door swung open, and in walked Alpha Miguel, his usual easygoing grin plastered across his face. "Atlas, my friend," he said, his tone light, but his sharp eyes immediately assessed me. "You look like a man drowning in his responsibilities." I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "Miguel, I thought we were here for a meeting, not to hear you state the obvious." Miguel chuckled and flopped into the chair across from me, completely at ease. “Lighten up, Atlas. That permanent scowl of yours will scare off your entire pack one day. Well, maybe not Akira—she seems immune to good judgment.” I narrowed my eyes at him, but before I could respond, the door opened again. In sauntered Akira, her presence commanding as always. Without a word, she strode over to me, leaning down to press her lips against mine in a bold, possessive kiss. I froze, caught off guard by her auda
Miguel’s POV Kaida’s home was alive with warmth and laughter. It was nothing like the cold formality I was used to in my pack. Her father, a man of quiet strength, had welcomed me like an old friend, while her brother, Axel, had grinned and clapped me on the back with a camaraderie that felt surprisingly genuine. But it was Kaida who drew me in the most. Her smile was radiant, a blend of mischief and sincerity that made the air feel lighter. She laughed easily, teasing Axel about his footwork during sparring and challenging me to prove my "alpha techniques" were as good as I claimed. “You’ve talked a big, Miguel,” she said, her arms crossed, eyes sparkling. “Let’s see if you can back it up.” “Oh, Kaida,” I drawled, leaning against the wooden post of their training grounds. “You really think I’d embarrass myself in front of you? Prepare to be impressed.” Her brother snorted from behind her. “Don’t let her goad you, Miguel. She’s been itching to show off.” Kaida rolled
Atlas pov I sprinted through the forest in my wolf form, the cool night air slicing through my fur. The pounding of my paws against the earth was a rhythm meant to clear my head, but it did little to quiet the turmoil raging within me. "I won’t forgive you if we lose our mate to that bastard Miguel," Sebastian growled, his voice sharp and unwavering in my mind. I let out a frustrated huff, shaking my head as I pushed forward, leaping over a fallen log. "Sebastian, you’re supposed to be on my side, aren’t you?" "No," he snapped, his tone fierce. "Not when your decisions are leading us to ruin. You’re the one pushing her away, Atlas. You’re the one ignoring the bond we share with Kaida." His words cut deep, sharper than the branches snagging at my fur as I ran. My wolf had been relentless, pushing me to see Kaida, to talk to her, to hold her, and yet I’d resisted. "I’m staying away for a reason," I argued, slowing my pace as guilt seeped into my chest. "When I’m with
Atlas pov "he continued, his gaze steady and piercing. "She has always carried herself with grace, even in the face of adversity. But this? This is different. She's hurting, Atlas. And whether you admit it or not, you're the reason for that pain." I clenched my fists, the guilt pressing down on me. "Alpha Thor, I—" He raised a hand, cutting me off. "I don't need excuses or explanations. What I need is for you to decide if you’re going to step up or step aside. Because Kaida deserves someone who will choose her, without hesitation or fear. Not someone who hides behind excuses about rationality or control." His words stung, but they were laced with truth. I couldn’t deny the turmoil I’d caused—choosing distance over action, allowing doubt to override the bond we shared. "Do you think I don’t see how much you care for her?" Thor's tone softened slightly. "But caring isn't enough. A mate isn't just a title or a feeling. It's a commitment to stand by them, to protect them, to
Kaida's POV A day to my birthday, and I was happier than I’d been in weeks. There was an inexplicable joy bubbling within me, a lightness that kept me smiling at even the smallest things. Everyone noticed it—my parents, my brother, even the patrol guards who caught me humming on my way to training. But no matter how bright this happiness felt, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. My mysterious lover, the one who’d visited me at night, hadn’t come to me in days. And then there was Atlas. He’d locked himself away in his study for days, avoiding everyone—including me. I tried not to let it bother me, but my heart ached with the longing to see him, to make sure he was okay. But I couldn’t. Not now. I already had enough going on in my life without adding Atlas’s avoidance to the mix. I sighed and turned to the window, letting the gentle evening breeze soothe my mind. Then, I heard it. “Kaida.” A soft, beautiful voice called my name. “Kaida,” it said again,
Kaida's POV The moon hung high above us, casting its silvery glow across the forest as we sprinted through the trees. My heart pounded in sync with the rhythm of my paws hitting the earth, and I never wanted this night to end. The wind rushed past me, carrying the scent of pine and earth, mingling with the exhilaration coursing through my veins. Every muscle in my body felt alive, humming with power, as though the wolf inside me had always been waiting for this moment. I glanced to my side and saw my father, his massive silver form a blur of strength and grace as he ran ahead of me. My brother flanked me on the other side, his big frame darting through the underbrush with ease. Together, we were a pack, bound by blood and now by something even deeper—a connection I had only just begun to understand. As the clock ticked toward midnight, I slowed my pace. A soft, familiar voice echoed in my mind, warm and comforting. “Happy birthday, Kaida.” I stumbled slightly, startled at
Kaida's pov The next morning was perfect, almost suspiciously so. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. My friends greeted me with warm hugs, wide smiles, and endless streams of “Happy Birthday!” It was hard not to get swept up in their enthusiasm. By lunchtime, I was glowing—though it wasn’t just the birthday wishes keeping the smile on my face. There was something more, something I couldn’t stop thinking about: the message from my mysterious mate. I sat down at our usual table with Piper, my best friend and perpetual source of chaos. She immediately slid her tray next to mine, her sharp green eyes narrowing as she studied me. “You’ve been smiling like a lovestruck idiot all day,” she said, raising an eyebrow as she bit into her sandwich. “Is it just because today’s your birthday, or is there something you’re not telling me?” I tried to school my expression, but the grin I’d been holding back broke free anyway. I shook my head, p
Kaida’s POV The words had echoed in my head all night, refusing to let me sleep. Who was he? How had he gathered warriors who had once belonged to my father’s pack? And—most importantly—why did they follow him instead of seeking me out? The questions burned in my mind long after my father had dismissed us from his study. Atlas had walked me back to my room, his expression dark with thought. He hadn’t said much, but I could tell his mind was working just as hard as mine. But right now, I didn’t want to think about war. I didn’t want to think about the past or the battles still to come. I wanted this moment. And I wanted him. Moonlit Confessions I leaned against the doorframe of my room, crossing my arms. “So. Are you sneaking in again tonight?” Atlas smirked, stepping closer, his golden eyes gleaming. “Would it ruin the fun if I just walked in through the door?” I tilted my head, pretending to think. “Maybe. But you’re still not supposed to be in here, according to my very
Kaida’s POV For the first time in what felt like forever, there was peace. Crescent Moon was rebuilding, the scent of fresh timber replacing the lingering traces of war. Warriors trained, but there was no urgency—no desperation, no looming threat of attack. The land breathed again, and so did we. I stayed with my father and Axel in a house just outside the main packhouse. It was simple but warm, filled with quiet laughter and shared meals. We were happy—almost as if the war had never happened. Almost. But there were still moments when I woke in the middle of the night, my body tense, my instincts screaming at me to be ready to fight. Even in peace, I wasn’t sure I knew how to rest. And apparently, neither did Atlas. The first time he sneaked into my room after the war, I nearly stabbed him. Tonight, I knew better. I heard the quiet creak of my window, the soft sound of boots landing on the wooden floor. I kept my breathing steady, pretending to be asleep as he moved closer.
Atlas’s POVThe scent of blood was everywhere. It clung to the air, thick and suffocating, a cruel reminder of the battle we had fought. Of the war we had won.But none of it mattered.Not when Kaida lay in my arms, her breathing shallow, her skin growing colder with every passing second.I pressed my hand against the wound in her side, trying to stop the bleeding. My heart pounded, my wolf howling in my mind, demanding I do something—anything—to keep her here.“Stay with me, Kaida,” I pleaded, my voice raw. “You promised. You promised me.”She let out a weak chuckle, but it came out as more of a rasp. “I don’t… remember that.”I clenched my jaw, forcing down the panic clawing at my throat. “Then promise me now.”Her eyelids fluttered, her lips twitching in what might have been a smirk. “So demanding.”“Kaida.” My grip on her tightened. “I can’t lose you.”Her fingers brushed against my cheek, smearing her own blood against my skin. “You won’t,” she whispered.Then her body went limp.
Kaida’s POVWarriors clashed in the streets, bodies littering the once-proud land. Fires burned along the packhouse walls, their glow illuminating the battlefield in eerie shades of orange and red. At the center of the chaos stood Miguel, his dark eyes locked onto mine, his smirk as infuriating as ever. “You’re free,” he mused, tilting his head. “I was wondering when they’d realize locking you up was a mistake.” I rolled my shoulders, the heat of my power coiling beneath my skin like a living thing. “You think I’m here to thank you?” He let out a low chuckle. “No. But I do think you’re here to destroy them.” His gaze flickered toward the Crescent Moon warriors desperately holding their ground against his men. “And I have to admit, I’m curious—will you fight with them? Or will you finally embrace what you were born to be?” I clenched my fists. “And what exactly do you think I was born to be?” Miguel stepped closer, his smirk never fading. “Something greater than an obedient litt
Kaida’s POV The warriors of Crescent Moon stood in formation, their armor gleaming under the pale glow of the moon. The plan was simple—strike Miguel before he could move against us. We had been preparing for weeks, gathering intelligence, strengthening alliances, and setting traps. This was our moment. But something felt wrong. I could sense it deep in my bones, a shift in the atmosphere. My instincts screamed at me, warning me that danger lurked not from the enemy outside our borders—but from within. I should have listened I was standing with Atlas in the war room, our strategy finalized, when the doors slammed open. Lady Seraphina strode in, her silver hair cascading down her shoulders, her expression cold as steel. Behind her stood several of Crescent Moon’s highest-ranking warriors, including the Elders. My stomach twisted. This wasn’t good. Atlas tensed beside me. “What is this?” he demanded. Seraphina’s icy gaze flicked to me before landing back on him.
Atlas’s POV The air was thick with tension, the weight of what was to come pressing heavily on my shoulders. I sat at the head of the war table, staring at the map spread before us. Kaida stood beside me, her eyes sharp with determination. Across from us, her father, Dominic, and her brother, Axel, exchanged knowing glances. Miguel’s threat still lingered in my mind, his words burned into my memory. "You can rebuild all you want. But we will burn it down again." He thought he had the upper hand. He thought we were weak. But he had no idea what was coming for him. Kaida’s voice was steady as she traced a path along the map. “Miguel expects us to retaliate immediately. He thinks we’ll storm his territory in anger, desperate for revenge.” Axel nodded, arms crossed. “Which is exactly why we won’t.” Thor leaned forward, studying the map. “We’ll strike when they least expect it. But first, we gather intelligence. We need to know their numbers, their weaknesses, and any potential a
Atlas’s POV The scent of ash and blood still lingered in the air, a painful reminder of everything we had lost. The warriors had done their best to clear the wreckage, to patch up the wounded, but no amount of effort could erase the devastation that had swept through our home. I stood on the balcony of the temporary packhouse, watching Kaida from afar. She was tireless. Unyielding. A force of nature in her own right. In the days following the battle, she had worked harder than anyone, overseeing the rebuilding efforts, tending to the injured, ensuring that no task was left undone. She didn’t complain, didn’t falter. But I saw the weight she carried. I saw the exhaustion she tried to hide, the way her shoulders stiffened whenever she thought no one was looking. Kaida had stayed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that part of her was already gone. And I needed to know—where did that leave us? I found her near the remains of the old war room, kneeling on the ground with a
Kaida’s POV The air was thick with the scent of blood, ash, and loss as I moved through the remnants of Crescent Moon’s territory. The battle had ended, but the war was far from over. The injured were being tended to, families were mourning their dead, and despite the destruction, life carried on. I should have left already. But there was still one more thing I needed to do. I searched for them—my family, the only ones I had left. Axel and my father. They had fought alongside Atlas’s warriors, protecting the Crescent Moon Pack even when they didn’t have to. But now that the battle was over, I needed them to leave with me. I couldn’t stay here. Not after everything. Not after the pack had lost so much because of me. I found them near the eastern field, where many of the warriors had gathered to rest and recover. Axel stood tall, his face grim as he spoke to one of the Crescent Moon warriors, helping coordinate supplies. Our father, Alpha Thor, sat nearby, his sharp eyes assess
Kaida’s POV Smoke filled the air, thick and suffocating. The once-proud Crescent Moon Packhouse stood in ruins, its walls crumbling, the banners of our ancestors torn and stained with blood. The scent of burning wood mixed with the metallic tang of war, and all around me, wolves lay injured, their bodies battered and broken. This was my fault. I clenched my fists as I stepped over the fallen debris, my chest tight with regret. I had come back here thinking I could make a difference. That I could fight for a pack that never truly saw me as one of them. But instead, I had led destruction right to their doorstep. Logan. Miguel. Akira. They had all used me as a pawn in their twisted game, and now the ones suffering for it were the very wolves I had tried to protect. I had to find Atlas. I searched the battlefield, dodging fallen beams and sidestepping unconscious warriors as I moved through the wreckage. Every step made my heart pound harder, the weight of my decisions pressing dow