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 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 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 POV The Shadowfang scout’s message that the attack would happen tonight had thrown everything into chaos. Axel and I worked quickly, the minutes slipping through our fingers like grains of sand. I stood in my quarters, staring at the map spread out on the table. Every strategy we’d planned felt fragile under the weight of the scout’s revelation. My mind raced, analyzing every possible outcome. Axel’s voice broke my thoughts. “Kaida, we need to move,” he said, urgency sharpening his tone. “If Shadowfang’s forces are already mobilizing, we don’t have much time. Dad and Atlas need to know what’s happening.” I nodded, inhaling deeply to steady myself. “I’ll contact them through the secure link. You gather the supplies—we leave as soon as we’re ready.” Minutes later, I sat cross-legged on the floor, the small communication stone glowing faintly in my hands. It was our lifeline to my father and Atlas, a magical relic my father had entrusted me with. The first to respon
Atlas’s POV The Crescent Moon packhouse was busy with people going about their business. but the beauty of the morning did little to quell the storm brewing inside me. Kaida’s return had been a glimmer of hope in the chaos of recent weeks, yet I feel guilty for what she and her family had endured. Sitting in my office, I replayed the events of the previous night in my mind: Kaida’s resolve, Axel’s anger, and Alpha Thor’s quiet strength. They had fought battles I should have protected them from, and I couldn’t let them leave again—not after everything. A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called. Kaida entered, her presence like a balm to my frayed nerves. She stood tall, her eyes filled with the fierce determination I had come to admire. “Kaida,” I said, rising from my chair. We walked together to the balcony overlooking the training grounds. The morning air was crisp, carrying the sounds of warriors preparing for another day. “I want you and your fam
Atlas’s POV The night was still, the kind of quiet that felt heavy with unspoken truths. I couldn’t sleep, not when my mind was consumed with thoughts of her. Kaida. She was back where she belonged, yet there was still a distance between us—a space filled with words left unsaid and moments lost to time. I needed to bridge that gap, to remind her of what we once had. Without a second thought, I left my quarters and made my way through the quiet halls. Kaida’s house was at the far end of the packhouse, tucked away in a corner that offered the privacy her family needed . I paused outside her door, the faint sound of her steady breathing reaching my ears. A rush of nervous anticipation coursed through me as I opened the window silently and slipped inside. The room was bathed in soft moonlight, her silhouette peaceful against the bed. For a moment, I simply watched her, the rise and fall of her chest a reminder of everything I had nearly lost. “Atlas,” her voice broke the stillness
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
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
Kaida’s POV The war had left **scars**—on the pack, on our people, on **us. But tonight, none of that mattered. Because tonight, I was **in Atlas’s arms.** Safe. Wanted. **His. The night air was **cool**, but his body was **warm against mine**, his golden eyes **burning with something deeper than desire. Something **primal. Something **only meant for me. Atlas **pinned me against the wall**, his large hands braced on either side of my head. I should have felt **trapped.** But I didn’t. I felt **devoured. His gaze **swept over me**, taking in every inch of my body as if **memorizing me all over again.** My breath **hitched**, heat **pooling low in my stomach.** "You’re staring," I murmured. Atlas’s lips **curled into a slow, wicked smile. "Can you blame me?" he murmured, his voice **a rough whisper against my skin.** I shivered, my fingers gripping his shirt, **pulling him closer.** His scent—**cedar, smoke, and something uniquely him—**w
Piper’s POV The night air was thick with celebration. Laughter, music, the scent of roasted meats and sweet honeyed drinks filled the courtyard. And yet, I could barely focus on any of it. Not when Rex was looking at me like that. Like he wanted to devour me whole. I swallowed hard, my body still buzzing from our earlier kiss. I had kissed him. And now, I wasn’t sure if I had made a **huge mistake or if I was already too far gone to turn back. Because the moment his golden eyes locked onto mine, I knew— I was in trouble. I tried to step away from the crowd, to put some distance between us, but Rex was already there. Blocking my path and Towering over me. His heat pressed against my skin, his scent wrapping around me like a wildfire. "Piper," he murmured, his voice rough and thick. I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore the way my stomach tightened. "I need air," I muttered. He smirked. "Then let me join you." "It’s not necessary—" But he was
Piper’s POV The night air was thick with celebration. Laughter, music, the scent of roasted meats and sweet honeyed drinks filled the courtyard. And yet, I could barely focus on any of it. Not when Rex was looking at me like that. Like he wanted to devour me whole. I swallowed hard, my body still buzzing from our earlier kiss. I had kissed him. And now, I wasn’t sure if I had made a **huge mistake or if I was already too far gone to turn back. Because the moment his golden eyes locked onto mine, I knew— I was in trouble. I tried to step away from the crowd, to put some distance between us, but Rex was already there. Blocking my path and Towering over me. His heat pressed against my skin, his scent wrapping around me like a wildfire. "Piper," he murmured, his voice rough and thick. I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore the way my stomach tightened. "I need air," I muttered. He smirked. "Then let me join you." "It’s not necessary—" But he was
Atlas’s POV The sun rose over Crescent Moon, its golden light bathing the bloodstained battlefield** in an eerie glow. For the first time in weeks, the air was silent. No growls. No screams. No sounds of war. Just… silence. And yet, my body remained tense. Because this wasn’t over. Not yet. I stood on the balcony of the packhouse, overlooking the aftermath. **Scattered bodies** of fallen rogues lay across the courtyard, some already being removed by our warriors. The scent of smoke and blood still clung to the wind. Crescent Moon had survived. But at what cost? A part of me should have felt victorious. We had fought. We had won. Silas had been forced to retreat. And yet, as I watched the warriors move through the rubble, tending to the wounded, I didn’t feel victorious. I felt… exhausted. Drained in a way that had **nothing to do with battle wounds. Because Silas was still out there. And deep down, I knew he would return. A warm **hand touched my shoulder**,
Atlas’s POV Silas’s claws **clashed** against mine. He was **faster and stronger than I thought . And worst of all—he was **playing with me.** I could see it in his **silver eyes**, the cruel amusement beneath every dodge, every **calculated strike**. He wasn’t fighting to kill. Not yet. He was **testing me. And that terrified me more than anything. I dodged a sharp swipe aimed at my throat, twisting and landing a solid punch to his ribs. Silas barely **flinched.** Instead, he grinned. “Come on, Atlas. You were raised to be better than this.” I **growled**, shifting into my wolf form, my golden fur **bristling** under the moonlight. Silas followed instantly, his **massive** form shifting—his silver fur **darker**, almost *shadowed.* Then, before I could react— He **lunged.** His fangs **clamped down on my shoulder, pain **exploding** through me as I hit the ground hard. Damn it—**he was faster than me. I roared, kicking him off, blood **dripping** from
Rex’s POV The scent of burning wood and blood filled my lungs as the courtyard erupted into chaos. The welcome party had transformed into a battlefield within minutes, and I knew immediately this wasn’t random. This was coordinated. Planned. My claws sank into the throat of the rogue in front of me, the crunch of bone sharp beneath my grip. I threw the lifeless body aside, my golden eyes scanning the battlefield. Where was Piper? The moment the attack started, my wolf had gone insane, demanding we find her. And when I finally spotted her, A snarl tore through my throat. She was surrounded. Three rogues circled her, their growls **low and taunting. Piper’s emerald dress was torn, the fabric stained with blood some of it hers, most of it theirs.** She stood her ground, her breath heavy but steady. And in one swift movement, she sidestepped, dodging the attack before **plunging her claws into his chest. He dropped like a stone. The other two hesitated.
Kaida’s POV Laughter still echoed through the air as the celebration continued, but my focus was elsewhere. The figure in the shadows had vanished, but the unease in my chest remained. I knew peace wouldn’t last forever. **It never did.** I glanced at Atlas, who was laughing at something Axel had said, his golden eyes alight with happiness. I wanted him to have this. I wanted all of us to have this. But something was coming. And I could feel it like a storm on the horizon. As the party stretched into the late hours of the night, I decided to step away from the crowd, letting the cool night air clear my mind. The packhouse loomed in the distance, lanterns flickering against the walls. And then, just as I reached the gardens— A voice whispered from the darkness. “He’s watching." I froze, my heart slamming against my ribs. Slowly, I turned, my wolf threatening to come out when she sensed danger. "Who’s there?" I demanded, my wolf stirring uneasi
Kaida’s POV As the sky keeps getting darker it felt like **forever, things were peaceful. No wars. No betrayals. No bloodshed. Just **laughter, music, and the promise of a new beginning.** And at the center of it all? **Piper and Rex.** I never thought I’d say this, but… I was **happy for them.** Even though Rex was a possessive, arrogant, hot-headed Alpha who needed serious **social training**, I could tell he **genuinely wanted** to keep Piper by his side. And as much as Piper **pretended to fight it**, I had seen the way she looked at him when she thought no one was watching. As if, despite everything, **she was starting to want him too.** I stood behind Piper in my bedroom, carefully adjusting the fabric of her dress as she stared at herself in the mirror. Her expression was **unreadable**, her hands fidgeting slightly at her sides. "Okay, what’s that face for?" I asked, tilting my head. Piper sighed. "This just feels… weird." I arched a brow. "Weird how
Piper’s POV I had **imagined** what meeting my mate would be like. I thought it would be **soft. A slow, gradual understanding. A connection that bloomed with time, built on mutual respect. I never imagined being **dragged across the packhouse, locked in a room, and pinned against the wall by a furious Alpha with golden eyes burning into mine.** But here we were, caged in the arms of a dangerous alpha. Rex stood so **close**, his body caging me in, his presence **overwhelming**. He was **power and heat**, his golden gaze **blazing with possessiveness**. "You’re not leaving this room," he said, his voice **low, unyielding**. I stared at him, my heart **pounding against my ribs**. “You’re actually insane.” His attention was only on my lips and wonder if he heard what I said. His lips curled into something **dangerous**. “And you’re actually mine.” I sucked in a sharp breath, my hands **flat against his chest** to push him back. He didn’t move.,Not an inch