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
Atlas's pov I woke up feeling strangely energetic and unusually happy. A lightness filled my chest, and for once, the burdens of my complicated relationship with Atlas felt less heavy. As I stretched and climbed out of bed and headed downstairs, my brother’s teasing voice cut through the quiet morning. “Well, someone’s in a good mood,” he said with a smirk as I entered the kitchen. Before I could respond, my dad, who was seated at the table with a steaming mug of coffee, chimed in. “Of course she is. She had a visitor last night.” His words stopped me dead in my tracks, and I turned to him, wide-eyed. “Dad!” I shrieked, the embarrassment flooding my face as I realized what he was hinting at. My dad’s grin widened as he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying himself. “What? You think I don’t know Atlas has been sneaking into your room at night like a thief?” I gasped, heat rushing to my cheeks. “Dad!” My brother, now fully intrigued, looked between us, his expression
Atlas pov The conversation with Kaida left me feeling lighter yet more determined than I’d ever felt before. Her words echoed in my mind as I drove back to the pack house, the resolve in my chest growing stronger with every passing moment. She needed me to prove myself, to take action, and that’s exactly what I was going to do. I wasn’t going to hide behind excuses or let anyone—anyone—dictate my choices anymore. The moment I stepped into the pack house, I made an announcement, my voice ringing with authority. “I want all pack members in the main hall in ten minutes,” I commanded. There was a flurry of movement as my pack members hurried to follow my order, their curious whispers filling the air. It wasn’t often I called an unscheduled meeting, but this wasn’t just any meeting. This was the start of reclaiming what was mine. As I made my way to the main hall, my grandmother appeared, her sharp gaze locking onto me. “What is the meaning of this, Atlas?” she asked, her tone
Atlas' Pov The shock was immediate, rippling through the pack like a thunderclap. Murmurs erupted from every corner, disbelief etched on the faces of my pack members. Even I was momentarily stunned, her words hitting me like a physical blow. My jaw tightened as I tried to process what she had just claimed. “Akira…” I started, my voice low but firm, trying to regain control of the situation. “What are you talking about?” She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with triumph as if she had planned this moment to perfection. “You heard me,” she said boldly. “I’m carrying your child, and now you’re announcing to the entire pack that I’m not your Luna? That I mean nothing to you?” The pack’s murmurs grew louder, the tension in the air nearly unbearable. I could see the mix of confusion, anger, and judgment in their eyes. They didn’t know what to believe, and for a brief moment, I felt the pressure of their expectations weighing heavily on me. “Enough!” I growled, silencing the room w
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