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Ch. 28 Convergence

Penulis: Cara Anderson
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-30 10:47:05
Finley

I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. Dark circles shadow my eyes, evidence of the sleepless night and emotional upheaval. In a few hours, representatives from the neighboring packs will arrive to discuss the attack. Including Mountain Ridge. Including Dane.

And Glass Lake. Including Liam.

The thought sends a fresh wave of anxiety through me. How am I supposed to face both of them at once? Both mates who rejected me, though in very different ways.

"You look like hell," Tara says bluntly, leaning against the doorframe of my bathroom.

"Thanks. That's exactly what I needed to hear."

She shrugs, unapologetic. "Just saying what your council won't. You need sleep, Fin."

"What I need is to get through this meeting without falling apart." I splash cold water on my face, hoping it will erase some of the exhaustion. It doesn't. "Any update on the messengers?"

"Glass Lake's delegation left at dawn. They should be here within the h
Cara Anderson

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  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 29 Avoidance

    FinleyI feel Liam's presence like a physical thing, his scent, his energy impossible to ignore even as I lead them toward the conference room. Nova stirs restlessly, confused by the dual pull of two mates in such close proximity. Especially after Dane's betrayal, which has left the bond raw and aching."We've set up in the main conference room," I explain, keeping my voice professionally neutral. "The artifacts from the attack site are there for examination, along with the witness statements we've been able to gather.""Witness statements?" Kaden asks. "I thought there was only one survivor conscious?""Sierra woke briefly this morning," I explain. "She didn't see much, but what she did see aligns with Michael's account. Something about shapes that weren't right. Eyes where they shouldn't be.""Sounds like delirium from trauma," Dane suggests, falling into step beside me as if he has every right to be there. As if he hadn't been caught in a lie just hours ago.I maintain a careful dis

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-30
  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 30 Traces

    FinleyThe eastern forest is quiet this afternoon, too quiet. Even the birds seem subdued, as if sensing something unnatural lingers here. I lead the way along the patrol route, hyperaware of Liam following a few steps behind. His scent carries on the breeze—rainwater and cedar—stirring memories I've tried hard to suppress."The attack happened just ahead," I say, keeping my voice professionally detached. "Near the boundary creek."Liam nods, his expression focused as he scans our surroundings. For all the personal awkwardness between us, I can't deny he's good at this—observant, methodical, the consummate Beta."The initial investigation team said they found blood here," I continue, stopping at a small clearing. Yellow evidence markers still dot the area, placed by Bradley's team three nights ago. "James died here. Sierra and Michael were found wounded about twenty yards in that direction."Liam crouches, examining the ground where the markers indicate blood was found. "The report men

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01
  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 31 Close Encounter

    FinleyThe opening is a tight squeeze, requiring me to turn sideways and inch through carefully. The stone is cold against my back, the air flowing from within carrying a strange, metallic scent that makes Nova bristle with unease. After a few claustrophobic moments, the passage widens into what appears to be a natural cave system, the ceiling rising high enough to stand comfortably.Liam follows close behind, his presence surprisingly reassuring in the oppressive darkness. The flashlight beam seems swallowed by the blackness, illuminating only a small portion of our surroundings at a time."This goes deeper than I expected," I murmur, sweeping the light across rough stone walls that show signs of both natural formation and deliberate carve-outs. "And I don't think we're the first to find it."Liam moves to examine markings on the nearest wall—symbols similar to those found at the attack site, but more elaborate, more numerous. "Definitely not. These markings are extensive. Recent too,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01
  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 32 Divided Loyalties

    Liam The council room falls silent as Finley finishes explaining what we found. Her voice remains steady, professional, but I can see the tension in her shoulders, the controlled anger as she describes the hidden cave and Bradley's deliberate omission of crucial evidence."These markings," she continues, passing around photos we took on our phones, "appear designed to mimic witch symbols while being fundamentally different in structure and purpose."I study the faces around the table. Alpha Bennett's expression has darkened progressively throughout our report, his eyes occasionally flicking to Bradley, who maintains a carefully neutral expression. Dane sits opposite me, his attention fixed on Finley with an intensity that makes Storm growl internally. The representatives from River Run exchange troubled glances as they examine the photos.Only Kaden seems unsurprised, having already heard our preliminary report before this formal council meeting. He catches my eye briefly, a silent qu

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-02
  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 33 Fight To Win

    LiamThe council room is tense when I return, the atmosphere charged with barely contained urgency. One look at Finley's face tells me something has happened."What is it?" I ask, slipping into my seat beside Kaden."Another attack," he murmurs. "River Run this time. Three dead."Alpha Bennett stands at the head of the table, his expression grave. "As I was explaining, the situation has escalated. River Run's eastern patrol was ambushed two hours ago using the same methods as our attack. The survivors reported similar descriptions of the assailants.""Three wolves dead, two critically injured," River Run's Alpha adds, his voice tight with controlled rage. "And the same symbols were left at the scene.""This is no longer an isolated incident," Finley states, her earlier professional detachment replaced by fierce determination. "These creatures are executing a coordinated campaign against multiple packs.""And still attempting to frame the witches," I note, scanning the report that's bee

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-03
  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 34 Complication

    Dane I watch as Finley outlines the cave security plan, her fingers tracing routes on the topographical map spread across the table. Even exhausted and angry, she commands the room with a natural authority that makes Summit stir with approval. My wolf hasn't stopped pushing at my control since we arrived at Forest Trails, desperate to reconnect with our mate despite the human complications between us."Two teams," she explains to the assembled warriors. "Alpha team secures the perimeter and entrance. Beta team investigates deeper, looking for additional evidence and any remaining... occupants."Her deliberate avoidance of naming what might be in that cave doesn't escape me. Nobody wants to speculate without certainty, not when the implications could be so disturbing."I'll lead Beta team," she continues. "Liam, you'll coordinate with me. Dane—" her eyes meet mine briefly, cool and professional, "—you'll head Alpha team with four warriors from each pack for perimeter control."It's a t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04
  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 35 More Complications

    Dane"Finley, wait." The words escape before I can reconsider. She pauses, not turning back but listening. "When this mission is done, we need to talk. Really talk.""About what?" Her voice is carefully controlled. "About your engagement to Aria? About the announcement planned for the full moon? Or about how you lied to my face while sharing my heat?"Each question cuts deeper than the last. "About all of it. There are things you don't understand—""I understand perfectly." Now she does turn, green eyes flashing with barely contained anger. "You used me. Whether for pleasure or politics or both, it doesn't matter. You made me believe I was your choice when I was never more than a complication.""That's not true." I step closer, needing her to hear my sincerity despite knowing I've forfeited the right to be believed. "What I feel for you is real. The mate bond is real.""So is your engagement, apparently." Her bitter laugh holds no humor. "Funny how that never came up during those three

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04
  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 36 Revelations

    FinleyThe cave mission yielded more questions than answers. Three hours of meticulous searching uncovered additional ritual sites deeper in the network, more of those disturbing husks, and strange markings that seemed to grow more elaborate the further we ventured. But the creatures themselves—whatever they are—had abandoned their lair, leaving behind only traces of their presence.Now, standing in my father's office at dawn, I'm trying to focus on the witch representative who arrived during our absence, rather than on Liam and Dane's barely contained tension as they flank me on either side."These are not witch markings," Celina Hayes says, examining the photos we've spread across the desk. The Moonstone Coven's emissary is younger than I expected, maybe early thirties, with dark curls and an intensity that reminds me of a hawk tracking prey."They're designed to appear as such," she continues, her finger tracing one of the strange symbols. "But the structure is wrong. The energy flo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-05

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  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 47 Fragile Alliance

    Finley"They're trying to release the Void Walkers? Using our blood?" Liam asks, falling easily back into our earlier discussion despite his obvious desire to talk about “us.”"The three of us specifically," I confirm, gratefully taking the out. "Our bloodlines apparently connect to the original sealing somehow. Bennett, Stone, Parker. Three aspects of power that, when combined correctly, either reinforce the prison or break it.""Which explains why they're targeting us individually. And why Celina needed both you and Parker for the healing ritual." His gaze drops briefly to his chest where the wounds are still visible beneath his thin t-shirt. "I don't remember much of that, but I felt... something. When the three of us were connected."The memory of that perfect triangular energy circuit sends warmth through me that I try to suppress. "Our bloodlines recognizing each other.""More than that." His eyes meet mine directly now, all pretense of casual conversation gone. "It felt right, F

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 46 Redirection

    Finley"Are you sure about this arrangement?" Dad asks, his voice low as we stand outside the secure wing where Liam is recovering. "All three of you in such close proximity, given the... situation?"I maintain a neutral expression despite the awkwardness of discussing my love life with my father. "It's the most practical solution. If our bloodlines are what these creatures are targeting, we need to maintain a unified defense.""Practical," he repeats, a hint of skepticism in his tone. "And the emotional aspects?""Are secondary," I finish firmly. "We're all adults, Dad. We can handle complicated feelings while focusing on the crisis at hand."He studies me for a moment, parental concern warring with Alpha pragmatism. "Dane Parker made a significant public declaration today. One that will have lasting consequences for all involved.""I'm aware." I keep my voice steady despite Nova's restless stirring at the mention of Dane's name. "But one declaration doesn't erase past actions. Trust

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 45 Direction

    Dane Suddenly, my decision solidifies and I feel a perfect peace settle over me. I know what I have to do. What I should have done weeks ago, when I first recognized Finley as my mate. What I've been too cowardly, too bound by obligation, to admit even to myself."There will be no announcement ceremony tomorrow," I say, my voice carrying clearly to everyone gathered.Aria's perfect composure slips, confusion creasing her brow. "What?""I cannot and will not proceed with the arranged mating," I continue, addressing not just Aria but the gathered wolves, and by extension, my father. "I respect Silver Creek and the alliance our packs have built. But I cannot enter a mating bond that contradicts the Moon Goddess's will.""You can't be serious," Aria hisses under her breath. "This arrangement has been years in development. Both our packs have invested everything in this alliance.""I am entirely serious." I maintain steady eye contact, owing her that much respect. "And I apologize for the

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 44 Only Chance

    Dane As I leave Alpha Bennett’s office, my phone vibrates with an incoming call. Father. Again. The twelfth call in as many hours. I've been avoiding him since returning to Forest Trails, knowing each conversation will just tighten the trap around me. But I can't delay the inevitable forever.I answer as I step outside, the afternoon sun offering no warmth against the chill of impending confrontation. "Father.""Where are you?" His voice is controlled but cold, tension vibrating beneath the surface. "The Silver Creek delegation has arrived. Aria is asking for you. The ceremonial preparations cannot proceed without your presence.""I'm at Forest Trails," I reply, keeping my tone neutral despite Summit's growing agitation. "There have been developments. Critical information about the entities attacking multiple packs.""Whatever territorial disputes Forest Trails is experiencing are their concern, not ours." His dismissal is absolute. "Your duty is to Mountain Ridge. To our alliance wit

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 43 Turning Point

    DaneThe energy from the ritual still pulses through my veins as I make my way to Alpha Bennett's office. That moment of connection—Finley, Liam, and me forming a perfect circuit of power—has left Summit restless and contemplative. It felt right in a way I'm not prepared to examine too closely.But I don't have the luxury of dwelling on it. Not with what I discovered in the Mountain Ridge archives. Not with what's coming.Alpha Bennett looks up as I enter, the strain of recent days evident in the new lines around his eyes. "Enforcer Parker. Welcome back. I understand we have you to thank for assisting with Liam's healing."I don’t miss the way he takes every opportunity to use my current title to demean me the same way my father deos by insisting I work fro him. Assholes, both of them. Though now, with Finley in the picture, I’m no longer sure Alpha is a role I’m destined for. "I did what was necessary," I reply, standing at formal attention. "But that's not why I'm here."His express

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 42 Triad

    FinleyTo my surprise, Storm responds—not with submission, but with recognition. Wolf to wolf, Alpha to Beta. The grip on my wrist eases slightly, though Liam's eyes remain that uncanny blue."Finley," Celina directs, "remind him of pack bonds. Of human connections. His wolf is fighting, but his human needs anchoring."I lean closer, maintaining our healing circle while meeting Storm's gaze directly. "Liam, I know you can hear me. Hold on to Storm, but don't let him take over. Remember who you are. Glass Lake’s Beta. Kaden's second. The pack needs you. We need you."Something flickers in those wolf-blue eyes—recognition, determination, the human fighting to resurface. The black veins across his chest pulse once more, then begin to recede, the unnatural darkness gradually giving way to normal wound coloration.Celina's chanting reaches a crescendo. A final pulse of energy flows through our circle—from my connection to the territory, through Liam's wounded body, through Dane's stabilizin

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 41 Poison

    Finley"His temperature's still rising," I tell Celina, pressing a cold cloth to Liam's forehead. His skin burns beneath my touch, unnaturally hot even for a wolf's naturally elevated body temperature. The wounds across his chest have turned an alarming shade of black at the edges, dark veins spreading outward like poisonous roots seeking deeper soil.The witch examines the progression with supernatural focus, her fingers hovering just above the damaged tissue. "The containment spell is slowing it, but not stopping it. This isn't ordinary venom.""Can you help him?" My voice remains steady despite the fear clawing at my insides. Nova whines anxiously, distressed by Storm's weakening presence.Celina's expression is grave as she meets my eyes. "The poison is targeting his human side directly, trying to separate it from his wolf. If we don't stabilize it soon..."She doesn't finish the sentence. She doesn't need to. I've seen what happens when a wolf's nature fractures. It’s rare, but it

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 40 Battle Lines

    LiamAs the sounds of combat intensify outside, I move to the tactical display, tracking our defensive positions. The creatures are attacking with unexpected coordination, probing for weaknesses rather than committing fully at any one point."They're testing us," I realize aloud. "Looking for gaps in our defense.""Or creating a diversion," Finley suggests, studying the pattern. "The heaviest assault is north, but their numbers are thinner than expected for a full attack."She's right again. This feels like a feint, a distraction from their true objective. But what—A scream from the adjacent corridor interrupts my thought. Not a battle cry, but pure terror. Finley and I move simultaneously, rushing toward the sound with several warriors behind us.We find a young pack member crumpled against the wall, blood pooling beneath him from a wound to his throat. Nearby, a door stands open that should have been secured—the entrance to the records room where we've been storing all evidence coll

  • Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story   Ch. 39 New Arrivals

    Liam"They knew the patrol signs," adds another team member, a Mountain Ridge enforcer, as we try to sort through the chaos before us. "They even responded correctly to the challenge phrases. We had no reason to suspect them until they were within striking distance."Alpha Bennett's expression darkens. "Gather the team leaders. Now. If they're mimicking pack members, we need new identification protocols immediately."As the command center explodes into activity, I catch Finley's gaze across the room. The same realization passes between us—if these creatures can convincingly pass as wolves, no one is safe. Trust, the foundation of pack life, has become a vulnerability."What do you need me to do?" Ryleigh asks, pulling me back to the immediate crisis."Find Kaden," I tell her. "Tell him to implement security protocol Delta. Then report to Finley for evacuation acceleration."She nods sharply and moves off without hesitation, all personal history temporarily set aside in the face of imme

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