Nicola sat on the couch in her small living room, fidgeting with the edge of a throw pillow. Her mother’s gaze was sharp, knowing - warm, but still firm. Nicola didn’t need to be a mind-reader to know that this wasn’t going to be an easy conversation. The looming presence of Alpha Marcus and the triplets only made the room feel smaller, as if the walls themselves were closing in.Alpha Marcus had taken the chair nearest the fireplace, his posture poised but calm. It was a position of quiet authority, one that didn’t need words to command attention. Across from Nicola, the triplets sat close, their large frames making the room feel less like home and more like a negotiation table.Nicola swallowed, shifting in her seat as her mom’s gaze landed on her like a hawk zeroing in on its prey.“So,” her mom began, her tone calm but heavy with meaning, “I’ve heard a lot about what’s been going on with the pack lately. Maddie. Rogues. Nicola leading patrols...”Nicola winced slightly. She could
Nicola sat at her desk in her small bedroom, surrounded by an army of open textbooks, scattered notes, and three half-empty coffee cups. The triplets had promised they’d help her study, but so far, all they’d done was provide snacks, half-hearted moral support, and plenty of distractions.“You know,” Nicola muttered, underlining a sentence in her biology book with unnecessary aggression, “when you three said you’d help me study, I didn’t think you meant sitting around eating all my snacks and making fun of my handwriting.”Dean, sprawled across her bed with one arm behind his head, smirked. “We’re here for emotional support. And to keep you from losing your mind.”“And how, exactly, are you doing that?” Nicola shot him a glare, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear as she turned the page.“Look how calm you are,” Dylan chimed in from the floor, where he was leaning back against the side of her bed with a bag of chips balanced precariously on his chest. “If we weren’t here, you’d proba
The school hallway buzzed with the usual Monday morning chaos - students chattering in clusters, lockers slamming shut, and teachers herding kids toward class with half-hearted reminders about tardiness. Yet, for the first time in what felt like forever, Nicola noticed something unusual.It was subtle, but it was there.Eyes lingered on her longer than usual as she walked to her locker. Whispers followed in her wake, though this time, they didn’t carry the usual venom she’d grown used to. Some students even nodded at her in what looked suspiciously like... respect.“What’s going on?” Nicola muttered under her breath, frowning slightly as she unlocked her locker.Dean, who’d insisted on walking her to class as usual, leaned casually against the lockers beside her. “Looks like people are finally starting to recognize you for what you are.”Nicola shot him a look, her brow furrowed. “And what’s that?”Dean grinned, his tone teasing. “A badass Luna-in-training who doesn’t take anyone’s cr
The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the school’s tall windows as Nicola walked down the hallway, her backpack slung over one shoulder. The day had been... different. Not the hostile stares and whispered insults she was used to, but something subtler - an undercurrent of curiosity, tinged with admiration.It unsettled her.Whispers followed her as she passed, a soft murmur just loud enough to catch snippets of.“...she was on that patrol…” “...stood up to Maddie…” “...bet she’ll be Luna soon...”Nicola gritted her teeth, gripping her bag strap tighter. Luna soon? The thought made her stomach churn. She wasn’t even sure she wanted that title, let alone the expectations it carried. And yet, the pack seemed to be deciding for her.“Nicola!”The voice snapped her from her thoughts. Dylan had appeared beside her, a wide grin plastered on his face as if he hadn’t a care in the world.“You survived another day,” he said, matching her pace. “Shall I bake you a cake?”Nicola rolled h
The morning sunlight streamed through Nicola’s bedroom window as she sat at her desk, trying - and failing - to focus on her biology textbook. Her mind wandered, replaying the previous day’s events at the park. For the first time, she felt like she wasn’t just surviving in the pack but starting to belong.Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts.Emily: Morning! Study session today at the library? A bunch of us are meeting at 4. Hope to see you there!Nicola hesitated. Yesterday had been... good. Better than she expected. But part of her still questioned whether this budding camaraderie was genuine or just a phase.“Everything okay?” Dean’s voice broke through her thoughts as he appeared in her doorway, his presence steady and reassuring.Nicola glanced at him, debating how much to share. “Emily invited me to a study session at the library.”Dean raised an eyebrow. “And you’re thinking about going?”“I don’t know,” Nicola admitted. “It’s hard to tell if they actually want me th
Nicola stood at the edge of the training grounds, her arms crossed as she watched the pack warriors spar under Damien’s supervision. The crisp morning air carried the sounds of grunts, the clash of practice weapons, and the occasional barked instruction.Today wasn’t about combat for her, though. Today was about diplomacy - an entirely different kind of battle.Alpha Marcus had called a meeting with neighboring packs to discuss recent rogue activity. Nicola’s presence had been specifically requested - not just as a representative of the Crescent Moon Pack but as a future Luna in training.The weight of that expectation settled heavily on her shoulders.“Penny for your thoughts?” Dean’s voice interrupted her spiraling worries.She turned to find him leaning casually against a tree, his easygoing smile doing little to mask the concern in his eyes.“Just wondering how many ways I can screw this up,” Nicola admitted with a wry smile.Dean shook his head. “You’re not going to screw it up.
The following week brought a subtle but undeniable shift in Nicola’s life. After the successful council meeting with the Alphas, whispers began circulating within the pack - and beyond. Nicola was no longer seen as the quiet Omega thrust into an impossible situation. Now, people started to look at her with curiosity, some with approval, and others with grudging respect.The transformation wasn’t lost on Nicola. Every interaction felt charged with new energy - in school, during training, or simply walking through the Crescent Moon Pack’s territory. But as Nicola was quickly learning, leadership wasn’t just about gaining respect; it was about what you did with it.Nicola stood in the kitchen of the packhouse, pouring herself a cup of coffee while the triplets argued good-naturedly over breakfast.“You can’t call scrambled eggs gourmet,” Dylan said, gesturing at the skillet in Dean’s hand.“They’re gourmet if I add herbs,” Dean retorted, sprinkling some parsley onto the eggs with exagge
The day had started like any other, with Nicola immersed in a whirlwind of school, pack duties, and the ever-present presence of the triplets. But as the evening crept closer, a strange tension settled over Crescent Moon. Nicola couldn’t quite place it, but something felt... off.It began subtly. Pack members murmured among themselves in hushed tones, their expressions tight with concern. By the time Nicola came to the packhouse, the air was thick with unease.She found Alpha Marcus, Damien, Dylan and Dean in the war room, their brows furrowed as they studied a map spread across the table.“What’s going on?” Nicola asked, stepping inside.Alpha Marcus glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “There’s been a disturbance on the eastern border. Patrols found signs of movement, but no rogues in sight.”Damien’s jaw clenched. “And that’s not all. Supplies from the outpost near the border are missing - medical kits, rations, even a few weapons.”Dylan nodded grimly. “It’s like someone’s t
When with a deep groan, the far wall shifted. Stone scraped against stone, and slowly, an ancient engraving peeled away, revealing a hidden passage cloaked in shadow.A hush fell over the room.Nicola’s heartbeat thundered in her ears as she stepped forward, drawn by something deeper than curiosity - something primal, something written in her soul. The sanctuary was speaking. And it was time to listen.Lucas was at her side in an instant, his golden eyes locked onto the revealed passage. The triplets weren’t far behind, their wolves stirred by the shift in energy. Elias, ever composed, stood still for a long moment before exhaling quietly."Listen," her wolf whispered.A deep voice, not of this world, echoed through the chamber."The bonded protectors have been chosen. The path ahead is fraught with darkness, but you shall stand as one. The Moon’s power flows through you, but it is not enough. You must unlock the final truth of the sanctuary."Nicola swallowed hard, her fingers tighten
Nicola and Lucas came back inside and sat in one of the common rooms. The air in the sanctuary felt charged, expectant, as if the ancient walls were listening, waiting.Neither of them spoke for a long moment. Then, Lucas let out a slow breath."So... this is it, then," he murmured, his voice quiet but steady. "We’re not breaking the bond."Nicola met his gaze, searching for any doubt in his storm-gray eyes. But she found none. Only quiet acceptance.“No,” she said, her voice stronger than she expected. “We’re not.”The words left her lips, and the moment they did, something shifted.A sudden, invisible force rippled through the room, like the very air was inhaling. The flames in the fireplace flared high, throwing long shadows across the stone walls. A deep hum vibrated beneath them, resonating through the sanctuary itself, as if the ancient structure had awakened.Lucas tensed beside her, his fingers curling into fists. “What the hell...”Then the power hit.A surge of something - v
The sanctuary was vast, stretching beyond what Nicola had initially thought. The deeper they explored, the more she realized this place held more than just history - it held purpose.The morning air was crisp as she wandered through the ancient corridors, sunlight streaming in through arched windows. Despite the newfound knowledge of their bonds, the weight of it still pressed against her chest.Lucas.Even though she had spent the last night discussing the truth with the triplets and him, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something about this arrangement was wrong.Not for her. For him.The triplets had each been chosen as her mates in a way that made sense. The connection between them was unshakable. But Lucas… he hadn’t been given a choice.Fated mates were meant to be everything to each other. They were supposed to build a life together, to love without hesitation.And yet, Lucas had been given a fate that denied him that chance.Nicola ran a hand through her hair, frustration b
Nicola wandered through the vast halls of the sanctuary, searching for the triplets and Lucas. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows along the ancient stone walls, and the faint echoes of her footsteps were the only sounds accompanying her. She had expected to find them in one of the training halls or perhaps in the great hall, but each room she checked was empty. The night was growing late, and an odd sense of urgency pressed against her chest.Finally, a muffled laugh drifted through the corridor, drawing her toward a heavy wooden door reinforced with iron. Raising an eyebrow, she pushed it open and descended into the cool, dimly lit space of the wine cellar. The scent of oak barrels and aged liquor filled the air, and there, gathered around an old wooden table, were the triplets and Lucas.The sight nearly made her laugh. Damien leaned back in his chair, a dark bottle of wine in his grip, smirking at something Dylan had just said. Dylan, ever the troublemaker, was in the midd
Nicola POV The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silver glow over the sanctuary gardens. Nicola sat on a smooth stone bench, the ancient book resting on her lap. The scent of night-blooming flowers filled the air, blending with the crisp freshness of the restored sanctuary. Here, beneath the vast sky, she could breathe - yet her thoughts felt tangled.She traced her fingers over the runes on the book’s cover, feeling the pulse of ancient magic beneath her touch. The pages were filled with knowledge lost to time, wisdom hidden from those who had been caged by fate. Somewhere in these words was the answer to the bond with Lucas, and she was determined to find it.She flipped through the delicate pages, her eyes skimming over old scripts detailing the history of mate bonds. Most were simple - sacred connections meant to strengthen wolves and their packs. But then she found something different, something that sent a shiver down her spine."There are bonds woven by the gods themselve
Lucas POV The air inside the sanctuary still carried the lingering scent of roasted meat and warm bread, but outside, the crisp night air held a different kind of energy - charged, restless. The stone corridors stretched in quiet elegance, their once-faded carvings now sharp and defined, almost humming with life.Lucas walked alongside the triplets, feeling the weight of their unspoken thoughts pressing against his back like a tangible force. The tension between them had not dissipated, despite the shared meal and the Moon Goddess’s blessing. If anything, it had thickened, an undercurrent of possessiveness laced with grudging acceptance.Dean was the first to break the silence. "You realize you still haven’t answered our question."Lucas kept his pace even. "Which one?"Dylan scoffed. "Don’t play dumb." He glanced at his brothers before turning his sharp gaze back to Lucas. "Why were you here? When Nicola and Elias arrived at the sanctuary, you were already waiting. That’s one hell o
Steam curled through the air as Nicola stepped out of the bath, wrapping herself in a thick, soft robe. The sanctuary provided everything they needed, and the water had been soothing, washing away the exhaustion and tension in her muscles.She had bathed quickly, knowing the triplets were waiting to talk. They had settled in their rooms, but the interconnected living space gave them an easy way to gather. As she stepped into the common area, she found them already lounging - Dean stretched out on one of the furs, Damien seated near the fire, and Dylan, as usual, restless, flipping a small dagger between his fingers.Nicola took a seat across from them, exhaling. “Alright. What’s on your minds?”Damien was the first to speak. “You, mostly.” His golden eyes studied her carefully. “You’ve had a lot thrown at you, and yet you keep pushing forward. We just want to make sure you’re actually processing all of it.”She gave a small, tired smile. “I don’t think I’ve had the luxury of processin
The warmth of the meal still lingered in Nicola’s chest, but the weight of everything that had happened pressed down on her shoulders. The Moon Goddess had spoken to her. Blessed her. Given her a purpose greater than she had ever imagined.Now, standing in the vast, ancient halls of the restored sanctuary, she felt something she hadn't dared to in a long time. Safety.Dylan stretched his arms above his head, letting out a satisfied groan. "I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m about two bites away from passing out."Dean smirked. "Two? You’ve already eaten enough to put a normal man into a food coma."Dylan shrugged unapologetically. "What can I say? Near-death experiences and divine encounters work up an appetite."Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. “That meal was good, but what I really need is a real bed.”Damien shot a glance down the corridor. "Then let's find one. This place seems... aware of us. It wouldn’t surprise me if it already had rooms waiting."Nicola nodded, finge
Nicola’s fingers brushed over the book’s leather cover, the runes on it glowing faintly beneath her touch. She exhaled slowly, trying to steady her racing heart.A presence gathered around her, unseen yet impossibly close. Her wolf pressed forward, drawn to the call of something greater. Nicola’s breath hitched as a soft, silvery mist curled around her feet. It swirled, moving with a purpose, until it coalesced into a radiant figure before them.The Moon Goddess.She stood in a form both ethereal and solid, her gown woven from the very fabric of the cosmos, shimmering with shifting constellations. Her silver eyes, endless and knowing, settled on Nicola. A profound warmth washed over her, reverent and overwhelming all at once.Nicola sank to her knees instinctively, head bowed. The others followed, their expressions a mix of awe and quiet reverence.“Rise, my child,” the Moon Goddess’s voice resonated, neither loud nor soft, but carrying the weight of eternity.Nicola obeyed, swallowin