NoahMy room almost succumbed to darkness, lit only by a flickering lamp that cast weird shadows on the walls. The smell permeating the air was strong, brought by the drops of alcohol spilled all over the floor. Empty bottles were scattered around, a hint of what I had kept myself busy with in my self-confinement. In fact, I had lost count of how many there were and was not sure how many I would keep emptying as I drowned myself in its golden liquid to numb myself.I'm gripping a bottle, taking sips that don't really change anything. The room spins sometimes, making my head spin too. I'm drinking to stop thinking, but it doesn't work. The taste just reminds me of how messed up things are.My face feels all scrunched up, like I'm mad at myself. I can't stop replaying what Jeff told me the night he went back to fetch Carrie from Silverfang, my head a broken record. This bottle's supposed to shut my thoughts up, but it doesn't really.“I’m sorry, Alpha,” Jeff had said, “but Carrie was se
JeffThe morning sun touched my skin as I navigated through the familiar trail toward the Blackmoon office. Today was another day, another chapter in the ongoing saga of Alpha Noah's unending incompetence. The weight of his irresponsibility was a burden I had grown accustomed to bearing, being the Beta and his right-hand man. Yesterday, we were supposed to resolve a critical budget issue that had been lingering for weeks. I had painstakingly prepared the necessary data, organized the reports, and gathered all the required items for him to address the matter. Technically, he just needed to show up and sign some documents, a task I would have been happy to take care of on his behalf if not for the title that had been bestowed upon him. Sadly, there are tasks that only an alpha can handle.But the call I received this morning shattered any hopes I had of thinking that our alpha would change. Noah had once again missed this important meeting, leaving me with yet another mess to clean up
CarrieIn an open space at the center of the pack village, Nancy decided to arrange the cookies and cupcakes I had prepared all night. With the assistance of some omegas, we managed to set up a makeshift stall featuring the treats into which I had invested my time and effort.Thanks to Nancy, I was able to seize this opportunity to connect with the pack. It was her idea, and I am certainly glad I willingly participated in it. She's right; it's about time to make an effort to connect with the people I will soon serve once I emerge as the Luna of the pack someday.Observing the villagers around us, everyone appeared curious, perhaps a bit unsure. Whenever they stole glances our way, I made sure to wave and offer them a warm smile. Some smiled back, while others remained indifferent.Standing beside a table adorned with freshly baked cookies and adorable cupcakes, my heart raced. This was the first instance in which I had the confidence to share my newfound passion for cooking. It's unfo
CarrieInstead of providing clarity, Derek’s answer only fueled my confusion. “Saving Noah? From what?”“From himself,” Derek continued. “Alpha Noah is engaging in a downward spiral. He is drowning himself in alcohol, hardly eating or drinking anything. If this continues, we’re afraid that Blackmoon will lose him. Like literally.”"Wait, hold up!" I said, my brow furrowing as I struggled to keep up with the conversation. "How do I even fit into all this mess?" My words stumbled, and I tried my best to make sense of it all.Now it's Head Warrior Stan's turn to explain things further. "The Alpha believes that only you can help him make sense of things," Stan said. "He said that unless he talks to you and gets closure, he won't be able to find peace within himself.""Me?" I pointed at myself and let out a little chuckle, thinking Stan might be joking. But he didn't show any sign of changing his serious expression. "But Noah and I broke up a long time ago. I've come to terms with the fact
JesseThe setting sun painted the sky in hues of gold and orange as my car sped along the winding road. Impatience gnawed at me as I glanced out of the window, my heart racing with anticipation. I turned my attention to the driver, a friendly tracker with a knowing smile, and asked, "Have we hit Silverfang yet?"His eyes met mine in the rear-view mirror, the smile on his face widening. "Almost there, Alpha. Just a few more minutes."I let out a sigh, my fingers tapping restlessly on the armrest. "Should've just run. This car is making this trip endless."A chuckle rumbled from the driver's throat. His eyes twinkled with amusement, prompting me to ask. “What?”"Nothing, Alpha, I just know the real reason behind your hurry. You’re anxious to be with your mate, don't you?" Rudolph and I share some closeness like brothers, as he has been with me whenever I had a trip outside the pack. No wonder we are both comfortable in discussing some personal matters like this. Heat crept up my cheek
JesseThe next day, I welcomed the morning alone in my dimly lit room. The remnants of our argument from last night still hung heavily in the air. I heaved a sigh, remembering how I had managed to even go to sleep, knowing that my mate was sleeping in another room.I shifted my gaze to the empty space beside me, my hand instinctively reaching out to caress the cool sheets that were once warmed by Carrie's body. The ache in my chest deepened as I registered her absence. It was as if a vital piece of me had been taken away, leaving behind an overwhelming emptiness that I couldn't ignore. It had only been a single night that she was unable to sleep beside me, yet it felt like an eternity already.Drawing in a slow, steadying breath, I sat up, my tousled hair falling into my eyes. I knew I was being stubborn, letting my pride get in the way, but it was so hard to reach out to her first, knowing that my point was valid for not letting her visit her old pack.“Stubbornness will only make yo
CarrieJesse's hand in mine was an anchor of comfort as we walked together toward the eastern border. His grip was firm, as if he were afraid to let go. It was as if releasing me might shatter something fragile between us that could no longer be fixed afterward.I stole a glance at him, catching his eyes on me. There was a mix of determination and reluctance in his gaze, a silent admission that he didn't want this moment to come. I squeezed his hand gently, trying to convey all the emotions that words couldn't capture."Carrie," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of apprehension.I turned toward him, my heart skipping a beat at the sound of my name on his lips. "Hmmm?"His fingers tightened around mine as if he needed the physical connection to find the courage for his following words. "I love you."A small smile tugged at my lips, mirroring his own bittersweet smile. "I love you too. You know that, right?”He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. I leaned in closer, my forehead
Carrie"We're here, Miss Carrie. Forgive me, but I can no longer accompany you inside.""It's okay. Thank you," I uttered. The tracker bowed his head one last time before walking away. Meanwhile, I stared at the Blackmoon pack house, remembering a figment of my past engraved into it.Stepping onto the familiar grounds of this house sent a whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. Nervous anticipation mingled with a pang of nostalgia, creating a bittersweet feeling that I struggled to navigate. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I braced myself for the encounter ahead.I knocked on the door, my heart still racing in my chest. An omega swung the door open. Recognition was written all over her face."Miss Carrie? It’s been so long," she greeted. I rewarded it with a gentle wave as she invited me inside."Thank goodness you're here. Ever since you and the alpha broke up, everything here became a mess," she commented. But I didn’t say anything and just let her do th
Jesse I was preparing everything for Liam. The time had come for him to return to Blackmoon after spending some time with me in Silverfang. As I gathered his things, a touch of melancholy washed over me. Our time together had been an incredible experience, and now it was coming to an end. "Make sure you don't forget anything," I reminded him. Liam nodded, a bright smile on his face. It had been two years since our battle with Corey, and we had all returned to our peaceful lives. My life had transformed into a colorful and joyous one since Liam had entered it. Carrie had finally agreed to let me be part of their lives as a co-parent with Liam. I had been making up for lost time and bonding with my son, and even the Silverfang pack celebrated his arrival the first time he set foot here. Jerick, although he hadn't forgiven me completely, was now civil and warmer with me. He had expressed his approval of me being in Liam's life despite everything that had happened between our packs, an
CarrieAs Jesse and I approached each other, a hush fell over the crowd, as if the world had suddenly paused. The air was filled with anticipation, and my heart raced with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. I called out to my son, who was now by my side, and he gladly approached me.Tears welled up in my eyes as I rushed towards him, and we held each other in a tight, heartfelt hug. My hands instinctively ran through his soft, tousled hair, and I caressed his face with an overwhelming sense of joy and relief. The emotions surged through me like a tidal wave.Liam looked up at me with a hint of concern in his innocent eyes, his small voice breaking the silence. "What's wrong, mommy?"I couldn't contain my tears, but they were tears of happiness, and a warm smile graced my face. "Mommy is just happy to see you again, sweetheart. I love you with all my heart. You know that, right?"Liam's face lit up with a bright, contagious smile, and he wrapped his little arms around me, declari
Jesse"Liam, wake up, please!" I cried out, my voice filled with desperation. Skull Valley loomed in the darkness around us, an eerie silence in the night. Liam lay motionless under the night sky. He didn't respond to my pleas. I tried to rouse him gently, tapping his cheeks, but his eyes remained closed. Panic and fear consumed me, and every passing second only deepened the dread in my heart."Liam!" I shouted, my voice trembling with raw emotion. My mind swirled with a torrent of terrifying possibilities, and I couldn't bear the thought of a future without my son. I shook him, holding onto his lifeless form, pleading with him to awaken, but he remained unresponsive. Desperation welled within me, and my cries grew more frantic, echoing through the desolate night."No... no... my son... wake up..." The words quivered on my lips, mirroring the unbearable agony that had taken hold of my soul.I looked around, feeling utterly helpless. Tears streamed down my cheeks, obscuring my vision a
Jesse I followed Ex-Beta Corey's instructions and arrived at Skull Valley alone, determined to do everything to save Liam. I knew the risks of facing Corey and his rogue army, but I had no choice. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination as I ventured deeper into the desolate valley. The moon hung low in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the rocky terrain. I had to navigate carefully to avoid any unwanted confrontations. The wind rustled through the dry grass, and a chill ran down my spine, making me feel more vulnerable than ever. Finally, I spotted Corey standing near a gnarled tree, holding Liam tightly. Our eyes locked, and a tense silence hung in the air. “Mr. Morris!” Liam shouted, making Corey twitch slightly on his side, silencing him with a tightened grip. I clenched my fist seeing this. “Don’t you dare hurt him!” I shouted back. “I did your bidding. Now, release the boy at once and face me!” Corey shouted with a smirk, "You're a fool, Jesse. Coming
JesseThe day had come for me to face Corey. I stood before the mirror, adjusting my shirt, trying to steady my nerves. I'd been in many battles before, but this one was unlike any other. This time, I had to confront my enemy with an unknown disadvantage, and I needed to find a way to succeed, or else I would lose my son before he even knew I existed.We had decided to stay in the Astoria pack until the day of the confrontation. I was in the room that Alpha Christian had provided as my temporary chambers, mentally preparing for the impending war. Running away was not an option this time.As I tried to gather my thoughts and find the courage I needed, I heard a gentle knock on the door. I knew my mother had come to check on me by her gentle voice. She had been trying to engage me in conversation, sensing the weight of the situation, but my mind was preoccupied, and I had ignored her repeated attempts.She entered the room with some supplies for my journey, her concern and love evident
CarrieThe tension in the room was palpable, like an invisible storm cloud hanging heavily in the air. As the troops wisely decided to make their exit, their footsteps echoed in the silence, and the atmosphere grew even more charged. Alpha Christian and Jerick left as well, their absence leaving us alone to confront the emotional turmoil that had long been simmering beneath the surface.Nancy hesitated, her eyes brimming with tears. An unspoken concern was etched across her face, a deep worry for what might transpire in the room. However, her reluctance to leave was overridden by my firm determination. I could feel her trepidation, her desire to stay and protect, but this was the moment for Jesse and me alone."I think this is the time for Jesse and me to face our past," I finally broke the silence, my voice quivering with a mixture of resolve and anxiety."But, Carrie—"I locked eyes with her, silently pleading for her to trust my judgment. I knew that what needed to be said, what ne
JesseI asked the question, desperate for an answer that Carrie wasn't giving. Frustration boiled inside me, and I raised my voice, demanding the truth from her."Answer me, Carrie! And don't you dare lie to me! IS LIAM MY SON?!"But all I got from Carrie were sobs and heavy breaths, and I needed answers urgently. As I leaned closer to her, a strange sensation began to infiltrate my mind. It felt as if an invisible hand was delving into the recesses of my thoughts, attempting to convey a message. This eerie and disconcerting sensation hinted at a presence trying to communicate with me, yet its source remained unclear. It dawned on me that it was a connection attempting to breach the boundaries of my consciousness, and the realization hit me like a thunderbolt. It was a mindlink, a rare skill possessed only by high-ranking wolves."A mindlink," I muttered, and the others in the woods exchanged glances. Gene pointed out that it might be Corey.Without wasting a moment, I shouted urgentl
CarrieMy heart sank like a heavy stone in my chest, aching for the reunion with my son, Liam. Panic overcame me, rendering me utterly helpless and frozen in time. My mind conjured the most terrifying scenarios, and I couldn't shake the paralyzing fear of losing him at any moment. I clutched my chest, desperately trying to calm my racing heart and regain some semblance of control. I attempted to convince myself that my son was okay and that nothing bad would happen to him. But who was I kidding? Liam and his friend had been kidnapped by an unknown wolf, and the likelihood of him being hurt in the process was a one-in-a-million possibility.“Liam! Liam! Where are you, sweety? It’s Mommy! Liam!”Desperation consumed me as I called out Liam's name in the woods. The thought of Liam being alone and vulnerable in an unfamiliar place tore at my soul. Every passing second felt like an eternity, and all I longed for was to see his sweet face again, to hold him close and assure him that everyth
Jesse"Now, could you please explain how the best werewolf school on the continent allowed two kids to go missing without a trace?"I could sense Jerick's frustration as he made his sarcastic remarks. His face revealed his feelings. Like the rest of us, he too demanded answers regarding the disappearance of Liam and Jaxon.Alpha Christian heaved a sigh, composed himself, and began to calmly explain what had happened."The report is based on our only witness, Carl, one of the freshmen here at Lycan Academy and a friend of Liam and Jaxon. He was the last person Liam and Jaxon were seen with before they went missing.""Another kid was involved?" Gene remarked, his voice tinged with surprise. Alpha Christian continued his story.As Alpha Christian spoke, his tone grew more somber, and he gazed out the window. His eyes reflected the weight of the situation. The room itself seemed to darken as he continued his story."According to Carl, they were strolling around the campus after class. Jax