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 As I stormed out of Atlas’s office, fury burning in my veins, the last person I wanted to see was standing at the entrance: Akira. She was fuming, her arms crossed as the guards blocked her path. “And why did you let her into the alpha’s office but dare to block my path?” she snapped, her sharp voice cutting through the tension. “You do realize I will soon be the Luna of this pack, right?” The guards didn’t even flinch. Their silence only seemed to fuel her anger, her face twisting in frustration. Then her cold eyes landed on me. “Kaida,” she spat, her tone dripping with venom, “what exactly were you doing in the alpha’s office?” I met her glare with one of my own, refusing to be intimidated. “I don’t answer to losers like you,” I said, my voice as sharp as hers. Her lips parted in shock for a moment before snapping shut, her nostrils flaring. “But,” I added, a wicked smirk tugging at my lips, “since you’re so curious—and clearly it’s killing you—I went to see
Kaida's POv I stood frozen, watching Atlas disappear into the shadows. His words echoed in my mind, but they brought no comfort. “I’ll fix this.” What did that even mean? How could he fix something that he was still breaking with every moment of hesitation, every ounce of silence that let Akira hold her place at his side? Selene growled within me, her voice low and angry. “He walks away again. Always walking away. We should fight. We should demand more.” But what was there to fight for if he wouldn’t fight for me? My chest ached, the weight of rejection heavier than ever. I turned back toward the pack grounds, my steps slower now, my anger cooling into something far more dangerous—painful resignation. Piper was waiting for me near the training field, leaning casually against a tree. She straightened when she saw me approach, her sharp eyes scanning my face. “Well?” she asked, her tone cautious but curious. I shook my head, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Same story, differe
Atlas’s POV From the moment I stepped into the club, I regretted coming. The flashing lights and pounding music made my wolf restless, but it wasn’t the chaos of the crowd that set me on edge—it was her. Kaida. She stood in the center of the room, radiant and breathtaking as ever, her laughter cutting through the noise like a melody meant just for me. But she wasn’t alone. Miguel. The sight of him standing so close to her, his hand casually brushing her arm, made my blood boil. My wolf growled low and menacing, pacing within me like a caged beast. “He’s touching her. He’s too close. Do something!” But I couldn’t. Not here. Not now. I stayed in the shadows, watching as she laughed at something he said, her smile wide and genuine. It should have been me making her laugh like that. Me standing beside her, celebrating her birthday the way she deserved. Instead, I’d spent months pushing her away, and now someone else was filling the void I’d created. When she leaned into
Atlas pov The moon hung high in the sky as I sat in my truck, staring at the empty road in front of me. I couldn’t bring myself to go home, to let the night end with Kaida’s anger lingering between us. My wolf was restless, growling low in my chest, urging me to do something. I found myself driving instead, the familiar path to her house burned into my memory. I didn’t think, didn’t second-guess myself. I just knew I couldn’t let the night end without seeing her. When I pulled up outside her window, I climbed up the way I always used to, the memory coming back easily. Her room was dim, the soft glow of moonlight spilling across her face as she lay sleeping. For a moment, I just stood there, watching her. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful, and my chest tightened at the thought of everything I’d done to hurt her. I didn’t cover my face this time. I didn’t come here to hide. I moved closer, my heart pounding as I lowered myself onto the bed beside her. I leaned down, brushin
Atlas's POV Kaida deserved better. And from this moment forward, I would make damn sure I was the mate she needed me to be. Kaida stayed beneath me for a moment longer, her breath coming in shallow, uneven waves. Her fiery spirit was still there, burning just beneath the surface, but I could see the flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. It was rare to see her like this, raw and open, and it made my chest tighten in a way I wasn’t used to. “I’m holding on to that, Atlas,” she said finally, her voice quiet but unwavering. “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I replied, my voice low but firm. I released her wrists, watching as she sat up slowly. The heat between us hadn’t disappeared—it still simmered. Kaida swung her legs over the side of the bed, her back to me as she ran a hand through her hair. “This isn’t just about us, Atlas,” she said, her tone more composed now. “It’s about everything. Your pack, Akira, your inability to stand up to the people controlling you.” Her wor
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