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
I stormed down the hallway, my steps echoing off the walls as I ignored the curious stares of pack members lingering nearby. Their eyes followed me, heavy with unspoken questions, but I didn’t care. My emotions were a storm threatening to consume me, and I wasn’t about to let anyone stand in my way. The entrance to Atlas’s office loomed ahead, guarded by two towering wolves in their human forms. They straightened as I approached, their eyes sharp with suspicion. But before I could even reach them, an intoxicating scent hit me, stopping me in my tracks. It was a mix of cedarwood and smoke, warm and wild, and it sent a shiver through my entire body. Selene stirred inside me, her voice a low growl of recognition. “Mate,” she whispered, her tone a mix of triumph and longing. My heart pounded. I knew it. I had suspected it for days, maybe even weeks, but this confirmed everything. My suspicions weren’t just paranoia—they were truth. I squared my shoulders and walked up to the gua
Kaida’s POV Returning to Blood Moon territory felt like walking into a den of vipers, every step a reminder of the danger lurking in every shadow. Miguel’s calculated words from the mission briefing played on repeat in my mind, but this time, I wasn’t the naive pawn he thought I was. Axel and I had taken a detour to warn Atlas and set plans into motion. Now, we had to play our roles perfectly, or everything would crumble. The tension in the packhouse grew heavier when I arrived. Miguel was waiting in the war room, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as I entered. “Kaida,” he said smoothly. “Welcome back. How was the mission?” “It went well,” I replied, keeping my tone even. “We gathered the information you needed. Crescent Moon’s patrols are predictable, and their defenses are focused on their southern border.” Miguel’s eyes glinted with satisfaction. “Good work. You’ve proven yourself once again.” His praise felt like poison, but I forced a small smile. “I’m just doing my part.
Kaida’s POVThe night air was thick with tension as I paced my quarters in the Blood Moon packhouse, Miguel’s words from earlier echoing in my mind. He had tasked me with leading a mission into Crescent Moon pack to gather intelligence on their defenses—a mission that felt more like a trap the more I thought about it.Miguel’s calculated gaze and smooth tone haunted me, but the stakes were too high to refuse. If I didn’t play along, it would tip him off. And I couldn’t risk that.I glanced at Axel, who sat silently on the edge of my bed. His jaw was tight, his eyes dark with worry.“We both know this mission isn’t what it seems,” I said finally, breaking the silence.Axel looked up, his expression grim. “Of course, it’s not. Miguel doesn’t trust anyone, least of all you. This is a test, Kaida. And if he thinks you’ve failed, he’ll make sure you don’t come back.”“I know,” I said quietly, crossing my arms. “That’s why we’re not playing by his rules.”Axel frowned, setting his blade asi
Kaida’s povEvery smile, every nod, every carefully timed agreement brought me closer to the truth he was so desperate to conceal. But the deeper I dug, the more twisted the web became. Miguel wasn’t just focused on exploiting my powers. He was preparing for something bigger—something that involved more than just Blood Moon and Crescent Moon packs. It started with subtle changes. More rogues appearing near our borders, strange shipments arriving under cover of night, and Miguel spending hours locked away in his office with his most trusted warriors. And then I overheard something that changed everything. A Meeting in the Shadows It was late, the packhouse shrouded in darkness, when I crept toward the storage shed near the southern border. I had seen Miguel and two warriors enter earlier, their movements careful and deliberate. The faint murmur of voices drifted through the cracks in the wooden walls as I crouched nearby, my heart pounding in my chest. “…delivered last night,”
Kaida’s POV The days following my return to Blood Moon pack were a dance of deception. Miguel had grown more attentive, always pulling me into discussions about the pack’s defenses or watching me during training sessions with an intensity that set my nerves on edge. I couldn’t afford to slip. Not now. Every smile, every nod, every carefully chosen word was part of a performance, one I couldn’t allow Miguel to see through. He thought he had me fooled, that I trusted him. Little did he know, I was here to uncover every piece of his twisted plan. One morning, after a particularly grueling sparring session, Miguel approached me on the training grounds. His sharp eyes scanned me as I wiped the sweat from my brow. “You’re impressive, Kaida,” he said, his voice smooth. I straightened, forcing a polite smile. “Thank you, Alpha.” Miguel stepped closer, his tone shifting. “I’ve been thinking about your role here. You’ve proven yourself time and again. The pack respects you, and I believ
Kaida’s POV The morning after my secret meeting with Atlas, I stood on the edge of Crescent Moon pack territory, gazing out at the forest that separated me from Blood Moon. My chest felt heavy, torn between the desire to stay by Atlas’s side and the dangerous mission ahead. “You don’t have to do this,” Atlas said behind me, his voice low but firm. I turned to face him, his golden eyes filled with concern. “Yes, I do. If Miguel and Akira think I’m oblivious, they’ll continue their game—and that’s when we’ll strike.” Atlas stepped closer, cupping my face in his hands. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. I can’t lose you, Kaida.” I placed my hand over his, my heart aching. “You won’t lose me. I swear.” He nodded reluctantly, his jaw tightening. “I’ll be watching. The moment you need me, I’ll be there.” With one last look, I turned and disappeared into the trees, the weight of our plan settling over me like a cloak. By the time I arrived at Blood Moon pack, the sun was h
Atlas's pov I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the faint glow of the crescent moon outside my window. Sleep had become a distant memory. Crescent Moon pack had grown restless under my leadership. Akira’s betrayal, the rogue attacks, and the whispers of Kaida’s name in every corner of my mind made it impossible to find peace. A faint creak pulled me from my thoughts. My muscles tensed as my eyes flicked to the door. It wasn’t unusual for wolves to seek me out at odd hours, but something about this felt different. The scent hit me before I saw her—wildflowers and the crispness of the forest after rain. My heart skipped a beat. “Kaida,” I whispered, my voice filled with disbelief as she slipped into the room. She shut the door quietly behind her, her gaze meeting mine with an intensity that sent a jolt through my chest. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you here again,” I said, rising from the bed. Kaida smiled softly, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. “I figure
Kaida’s POV The moonlight spilled into the quiet corridors of the Blood Moon packhouse,The restless energy swirling inside me wouldn’t let me sleep, so I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. As I moved through the dim hallways, my footsteps light, I caught the faint sound of voices. I paused, my ears pricking at the low tones coming from Miguel’s office. The door was slightly ajar, and though instinct told me to walk away, curiosity won. I stepped closer, pressing myself against the wall near the door, careful not to make a sound. “I don’t care how long it takes, Miguel,” Akira’s voice hissed, sharp with frustration. “Kaida needs to be dealt with. She’s stronger than we thought, and if we don’t act soon, she’ll become a problem for both of us.” My breath caught in my throat. Akira? She was in Blood Moon pack territory? “Patience,” Miguel replied, his tone calm and calculating. “Kaida is valuable. She trusts me more each day, and when the time is right, I’ll use tha
Kaida’s POV The tension in the room was palpable as I paced back and forth, my boots echoing on the wooden floor of the guesthouse. Axel sat on the edge of a worn armchair, his jaw clenched and arms crossed. Our father, Alpha Thor, leaned against the windowsill, his face shadowed with worry. “You’ve always said that Blood Moon pack wasn’t home,” I began, turning to face him. “That it was only temporary. Well, it’s time to take back what’s ours.” My father’s expression hardened, the weight of old memories settling in his gaze. “Kaida, you don’t understand. That battle wasn’t just about power. It was personal. I lost friends, family—everything. I won’t lose the two of you too.” Axel stood, his fists tightening at his sides. “And what are we supposed to do, Dad? Sit here forever and pretend like we’re happy while someone else rules what’s rightfully ours?” Our father sighed heavily, running a hand through his graying hair. “I don’t expect you to understand, but I’ve made my peace w
Kaida’s POV Sleep eluded me as the rogue’s words echoed in my mind: “Ask Akira.” It wasn’t possible—or at least, it shouldn’t have been. She lived in Crescent Moon pack, far from here. What kind of connection could she have to the rogues attacking Blood Moon pack? The question gnawed at me as the first light of dawn broke over the treetops. By the time Axel knocked on my door, I was already dressed and ready for whatever the day might bring. “We need to talk,” he said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. His sharp gaze swept over me, his expression more serious than usual. “What is it?” I asked. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” he admitted, sitting on the edge of my bed. “That rogue… You know something, don’t you?” I hesitated, the weight of the truth pressing down on me. Axel was my brother, my confidant, but the name I had heard carried too many implications. “He mentioned Akira,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. Axel’s eyes widened. “A