Maddie's POV The crescent moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light filtering through the dense canopy of the forest. Maddie’s exile might have put her out of sight, but she was far from powerless. With every passing day, her partnership with Bryce and his rogues grew stronger, their mutual hatred for the Crescent Moon Pack fueling their alliance.This wasn’t just about revenge anymore; it was about dismantling the very foundation of the pack Maddie once called home.Maddie crouched near the rogue encampment’s central fire, her sharp eyes scanning the gathered wolves. They were a motley crew, scarred and hardened by lives spent on the fringes of werewolf society. These were wolves with nothing to lose, and Maddie planned to use their desperation to her advantage.“I’ve given you everything you need,” she said, her voice steady despite the chaotic energy around her. “The patrol schedules, the weak points in their borders, even the pack’s internal divisions. It’s time to act.”Bryce
The atmosphere in the Crescent Moon Pack’s Alpha office was tense. Nicola sat between Dylan and Dean, their protective presence a barrier against the unease curling in her stomach. Damien stood near the window, his sharp eyes scanning the forest beyond as though Maddie’s rogue allies might suddenly materialize.On the other side of the desk, Alpha Gregory - the triplets’ father - sat with his hands folded, his expression unreadable. His silver-streaked hair and the lines on his face bore testament to years of leadership and the weight of his responsibilities.The room was silent except for the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. Finally, Gregory broke the tension.“This situation has spiraled faster than I anticipated,” he said, his deep voice commanding yet calm. His gaze shifted to Damien. “Tell me everything.”Damien turned from the window, his posture rigid with frustration. “Maddie’s not just acting out of spite anymore. She’s working with rogues, possibly leadi
The forest was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves feel amplified. Nicola stood at the edge of the patrol line, her nerves strung as tight as a bowstring. The triplets flanked her, their stances protective and alert. Damien, ever the strategist, surveyed the dense woods with sharp eyes, his jaw set in determination.“We’re close to where the scouts reported rogue activity,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.Dean, the steady anchor, scanned the treetops. “I don’t like this. It’s too quiet. Feels like we’re walking into a trap.”Dylan’s usual lighthearted demeanor was absent as he gripped his blade tightly. “Trap or not, we’re ready. They’re not taking another inch of our territory.”Nicola tried to focus on the bond pulsing between them, a source of warmth and strength. But the unease gnawing at her wouldn’t let up.The attack came without warning. A deafening howl pierced the air, and within seconds, shadows darted from the tre
The trip back to Nicola’s house was quiet, the weight of the evening’s events hanging in the cool night air. The triplets flanked her protectively, their presence a constant reassurance. Damien walked slightly ahead, his body tense, as if ready to spring into action at any moment. Dylan kept a playful edge, his fingers brushing hers occasionally, a silent promise to lift her spirits. Dean lingered close behind, his quiet strength grounding her in ways she couldn’t yet articulate.The lights from her home glowed faintly through the windows, a beacon of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. Nicola hesitated on the porch, her fingers fiddling with her keys as she turned to face them.“Thank you for walking me home,” she said softly, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.“You think we’re just going to drop you off and leave?” Dylan quipped, his lopsided grin chasing away some of her unease.Dean chuckled, but his tone was firm. “He’s right. After everything tonight, we’re n
Nicola woke to the sound of birdsong filtering through the window. The sun was barely cresting over the horizon, casting golden light across the room. She was wrapped in the triplets’ arms, their warmth an anchor in the quiet stillness.For a moment, she let herself savor it - the calm before the storm she knew was coming. Maddie’s schemes weighed heavily on her mind, her betrayal a shadow that hung over the pack. Despite the strength of her bond with Damien, Dylan, and Dean, unease coiled in her chest like a living thing.As the triplets began to stir, the house felt too peaceful, too still, as though the world outside held its breath, waiting.Breakfast was a quiet affair, though tension simmered beneath the surface. Nicola sat at the kitchen table while Dylan cooked, his easy banter with Dean doing little to mask the concern etched into his features.“Don’t burn the eggs this time,” Dean teased, leaning against the counter.“Hey, that was one time,” Dylan shot back, mock-offended.
Nicola stood in the training grounds at the edge of the Crescent Moon Pack’s territory, the crisp morning air biting at her skin. It was early, the sun barely cresting the horizon, but she was determined to be here.This wasn’t just about proving something to herself anymore - it was about proving it to the pack, the triplets, and everyone who doubted her.She was ready to show that she was more than just a bondmate or an Omega.“You don’t have to do this, you know.”Nicola turned to find Dean leaning against a tree, his arms crossed and a faint smile tugging at his lips. Behind him, Dylan and Damien approached, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.“I know,” Nicola said, meeting his gaze steadily. “But I want to. The pack needs to see that I can fight for them, not just stand behind you three.”Damien tilted his head, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. “You’ve already proven more than they realize, Nic. But if this is what you want, we’ll help you.”The triplets gather
Nicola lay awake that night, staring at the ceiling of her bedroom. The house was silent except for the faint creaks and groans of the old wood. The triplets had wanted to stay with her, but she insisted they return to the packhouse to coordinate the security measures. Maddie was growing more dangerous by the day, and Nicola couldn’t shake the rogue’s chilling words from her mind: “To see how far your pack would go to protect its Luna.”The pack wasn’t the target - she was.Nicola clenched her fists against the soft comforter. She could no longer afford to act like the timid Omega she used to be. This wasn’t just about her survival. Maddie’s schemes had put everyone in danger, and Nicola wasn’t about to let that continue. This had to end.And it had to be her who ended it.At sunrise, Nicola met Chloe and Theo at the edge of the training grounds. The chill of dawn clung to the air, but her determination burned hotter than any fire.“You’re sure about this?” Chloe asked, her eyes wide
Nicola’s body ached with every step as she trudged back toward the pack’s territory. Her muscles were sore from the fight, and her mind swirled with conflicting emotions. The adrenaline that had kept her sharp during her confrontation with Maddie had long since faded, leaving exhaustion and a hollow sense of victory in its wake.She had faced Maddie - and won - but it didn’t feel like a triumph. The hatred in Maddie’s eyes, the venom in her words, lingered like a shadow over her thoughts.“Nic!”Worried expressions of Theo and Chloe melted into relief as they saw her, scratched and bruised but alive.“Don’t scare us like that again,” Chloe said, her voice shaky as she pulled Nicola into a fierce hug. “You look like you’ve been through a war.”Theo’s eyes scanned her injuries. “She got in a few hits, didn’t she? Tell me Maddie looks worse.”Nicola gave a small, tired smile. “She does. Trust me.”By the time they reached the packhouse, word of Nicola’s confrontation had already spread.
Nicola’s breathing was sharp and shallow, each inhale burning her lungs as she dodged the woman’s next strike. Her father’s dagger felt almost too heavy in her grip, its blade catching and reflecting the pale moonlight like a beacon in the shadows. The woman moved with an unnerving grace, her movements as fluid as water yet sharp as a predator on the hunt. Her glowing eyes seemed to pierce directly into Nicola’s soul with every step she took, their golden hue flickering like embers in the darkness.“You’re quicker than I expected,” the woman sneered, her tone dripping with mockery as her lips curled into a sinister smirk. “But you won’t last long, little girl. Not against me.”Nicola’s jaw tightened, her knuckles whitening as she gripped the dagger tighter. She ignored the taunt, forcing herself to focus on her opponent’s movements. Every shift of the woman’s weight, every flick of her wrist, told a story of deadly precision honed over centuries - or worse, through unholy means. What
The howl in the distance sent a shiver down Nicola’s spine. It wasn’t the familiar call of their pack but something darker, more feral. Her hand gripped the dagger tightly, her knuckles white as her gaze locked on Harwin.“What do you mean, they’re coming?” Dylan asked sharply, stepping toward the elder.Harwin’s shoulders sagged as if the weight of his betrayal had finally caught up to him. “The Shadowed Ones know you’re closing in. They won’t wait for you to find them. They’ll strike first, and they’ll do it tonight.”Damien growled low in his throat. “How do you know this?”“I sent the signal,” Harwin admitted, his voice trembling. “It was the only way to delay them. To give you more time.”Nicola’s stomach churned. “You brought them here?”“It was either that, or they would unleash chaos elsewhere - on innocent people,” Harwin said, his tone pleading. “I thought... maybe you’d be ready by now.”Dean stepped forward, his fists clenched. “Ready? You think we’re ready for an ambush i
The suite was quiet except for the faint scratching of pens and the rustle of pages. The weight of unanswered questions loomed heavy in the room, but Nicola refused to let it consume her. She was looking for anything that might help, her father’s books spread out before her like a labyrinth of cryptic riddles and fragmented truths.Damien, seated across from her, was methodically cataloging every symbol and phrase that seemed significant. His brow furrowed in concentration, though every so often, he would glance up at Nicola, his concern evident.“You should rest,” he said softly, breaking the silence.Nicola shook her head, her fingers running over the edge of a page. “I can’t. Not when we’re so close. There’s something here, Damien - I can feel it.”Before he could argue further, Nicola’s attention was caught by a folded piece of paper slipping out from between the pages of the book she was studying. She froze, staring at it as if it might vanish.“What is it?” Damien asked, his voi
The suite buzzed with urgency as the triplets and Nicola strategized their next move. The second note had left no room for misinterpretation: their enemies were closing in, and the clock was ticking.Nicola sat at the table, the leather-bound books spread out before her like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Each page she turned revealed fragments of knowledge - ancient rituals, the history of the pack’s lineage, and cryptic references to a “key” tied to bloodlines.“We need more answers,” Damien said, pacing the room like a caged animal. His frustration was palpable. “These books are a start, but we’re missing too many pieces.”Dylan leaned over Nicola, his eyes scanning the pages she was reading. “We’ve found plenty about the curse and the bloodline, but nothing about who’s orchestrating this or why. It’s like chasing shadows.”Dean, sitting by the door with his arms crossed, suddenly spoke. “We need to go on the offensive. Stop reacting and start acting. The notes, the beast, the rogu
The suite was heavy with tension after they discovered the ominous note. Nicola sat at the table, turning the parchment over and over in her hands. The triplets surrounded her, their expressions varying from anger to concern, their protective instincts evident in their stiff postures.“‘The truth lies in the blood,’” Dylan read the note aloud again, his tone clipped. He placed it back on the table, his fingers drumming against the polished wood. “What do they mean by that? Is this about your lineage?”Nicola shook her head, exhaling sharply. “It has to be. My father’s books might hold the answers, but I still don’t know where they are. I’m starting to think he hid them on purpose, knowing this day would come.”Damien leaned against the counter, arms crossed and his brow furrowed in deep thought. “We need to focus. First, securing the pack and making sure everyone is safe. Second, finding those books. Whoever’s behind this isn’t just playing games anymore.”Dean frowned, pacing near th
The council meeting had been tense, the air heavy with unspoken accusations and suspicions. As Nicola and the triplets made their way back to their suite, the discussion echoed in her mind. The elders had raised the possibility of a traitor within the pack, someone who might be working with the mysterious woman behind the beast transformations. It was a chilling thought, and the weight of it settled uneasily in her chest.When they reached their door, Nicola’s steps faltered. There, lying conspicuously on the floor, was a folded piece of parchment. Dylan was the first to notice her hesitation.“What is it?” he asked, stepping forward.Nicola pointed silently to the note, her pulse quickening. Damien bent down, picking it up carefully as if it might explode. His jaw clenched as he unfolded the parchment, and his expression darkened as he read aloud:“The truth lies in the blood. Stop searching, or more will bleed.”Dean growled low in his throat, his wolf barely contained. “They’re not
Nicola’s pulse pounded in her ears as she rushed through the halls of their shared suite. The note’s message repeated in her mind, a sinister echo that made her skin crawl. Someone was watching her every move, someone who knew she was digging too deep.She flung open the main door to the living area, where the triplets were lounging. Damien was nearest, standing by the kitchen counter with a glass of water. His golden eyes narrowed the moment he saw her pale face.“What happened?” Damien asked, his voice low and steady, though she could hear the tension in it.Nicola didn’t answer right away. She pushed past him and held up the folded parchment. Dylan, who was sprawled on the couch, straightened immediately, while Dean paused mid-step on his way to the bedroom.Nicola slapped the note onto the coffee table. “This,” she said, her voice trembling with both fear and anger. “Someone left it outside our door.”Dean snatched up the parchment, his carefree demeanor evaporating as he read the
Nicola stepped out of the dim, oppressive cell and into the cool night air, her chest heavy with failure. She couldn’t shake the image of the rogue disintegrating into ash, his anguished screams echoing in her ears. She had taken a risk, hoping to save him, but instead, she had lost the only lead they had.Damien was by her side in an instant, his hand brushing hers. “Nic,” he said softly, “you couldn’t have known. It wasn’t your fault.”Nicola nodded absently, her thoughts already turning to her father’s notebook. He had left her breadcrumbs of knowledge, scattered fragments of wisdom. Maybe there was something in his writings she had overlooked.Alpha Marcus and Cedric immediately called for a council meeting, while Nicola returned to her suite with the triplets. She barely felt the bruises forming on her arms or the exhaustion seeping into her muscles. Her mind was racing, a relentless storm of possibilities and threats.The rogue’s cryptic warnings still rang in her ears."They’re
The sun had fully risen by the time Nicola and her companions returned to the pack’s compound. The triplets walked close beside her, their protectiveness evident in the way they scanned their surroundings, even in the safety of their own territory. Cedric and Lucas trailed behind, their expressions somber.Nicola clutched the small box containing the vial to her chest, her thoughts a tangled mess. Her father’s notes swirled in her mind, the weight of his warnings pressing heavily on her.The rogue in the cells. The beasts in the forest. The vial of moonstone energy. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but the picture it formed was far more sinister than she’d imagined.As soon as they reached the pack house, Nicola headed straight for the alpha’s study. Her mother and Cedric’s mating ceremony had been a rare reprieve, but the time for celebration was over.Alpha Marcus was already there, seated behind his desk. Clara sat beside him, her brow furrowed in concern. Elde