The packhouse was silent, the kind of silence that weighed heavy on the air and pressed down on every heart in the room. The main hall was filled with Crescent Moon’s adult members, gathered at Alpha Marcus’s command. Every face carried a mixture of emotions - sorrow, anger, betrayal, and, for some, grim satisfaction. This was a day that would mark the pack’s history.Nicola stood near the back, flanked by the triplets. They stayed close, their presence solid and unwavering as if they could shield her from the emotional storm that swirled in the room. She scanned the crowd, seeing familiar faces - warriors, elders, parents, siblings - all united by one common thread: Maddie’s betrayal.Alpha Marcus stood at the head of the hall, his commanding presence cutting through the tension. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd before settling on Maddie, who was bound with silver cuffs and guarded by two warriors. Her once-proud posture was slumped, her defiance dimmed, but her eyes still carried a
The clearing outside the packhouse was bathed in an eerie twilight as storm clouds gathered overhead. Rain drizzled steadily, soaking into the soil and dampening the clothes of the gathered pack members. The air was thick with tension, a quiet unease settling over the Crescent Moon wolves as they formed a wide circle around the central stone altar, a relic of the pack’s long history of justice.Maddie stood in the center, flanked by two warriors who held her firmly. Her hair clung to her face in the rain, and her defiance had given way to resignation. The silver cuffs around her wrists glinted under the weak light filtering through the clouds, a reminder of her crimes and the pack’s judgment.Nicola stood near the triplets, her heart heavy. The sight of Maddie - once her packmate, now a traitor, even if she was mean to her all the time - brought a painful lump to her throat. The triplets were at her side, their faces grim, their usual warmth replaced by quiet support. Dylan reached ou
The morning dawned with the crisp clarity that often follows a storm, the air fresh and cool against the remnants of the previous night’s rain. Nicola woke to the familiar warmth of the triplets surrounding her, their steady breathing grounding her as sunlight filtered through the curtains of their shared bedroom.Today felt different. A blend of relief and uncertainty lingered in her chest. Maddie’s execution had brought justice, but the cost weighed heavily on the pack. Nicola knew healing wouldn’t come overnight, especially for Maddie’s family.She slipped out of bed carefully, trying not to disturb the triplets. They stirred anyway, Dylan catching her hand as she moved toward the closet.“Where are you sneaking off to?” he mumbled, his voice husky with sleep.Nicola smiled. “I’m just grabbing some clothes. Go back to sleep.”Damien stretched, his movements lazy but precise, and opened one eye. “Too late. We’re up.”Dean groaned into the pillow. “Speak for yourself.”Nicola rolled
The haunting howl Nicola had heard the night before echoed in her mind as she stood on the balcony of the packhouse the next morning. The forest stretched endlessly before her, serene in its stillness, yet she couldn’t shake the unease prickling at the edge of her senses.The triplets joined her one by one, their movements unusually quiet. Dylan leaned against the railing, his brow furrowed as he scanned the treeline. Damien and Dean stood close, their expressions mirroring Nicola’s apprehension.“I don’t like this,” Nicola muttered, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.“Neither do we,” Damien replied, his voice low. “But we’ve doubled patrols since last night. If anything moves out there, we’ll know.”Dean placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’ll be ready for whatever comes, Nic. You’ve got us, and we’ve got the pack.”Nicola nodded, but the tension in her chest refused to ease.Later that day, Nicola decided she couldn’t sit idle any longer. With the triplets flanking he
Nicola couldn’t shake the unease as she walked through the forest trails near the packhouse the following morning. The tension from the rogue attack hadn’t lifted, and the presence of Lucas complicated everything. His claim of feeling a mate bond unsettled her, not because it wasn’t possible, but because she already had the triplets. How could fate tie her to another?The morning was crisp, with sunlight breaking through the dense canopy above. Birds chirped in the distance, but Nicola’s senses were hyperaware. Every sound, every rustle of leaves, set her on edge. Her wolf growled low, a lingering reaction from the battle.The triplets had insisted on her taking the day to recover, but she wasn’t one to sit idly by. Too many unanswered questions swirled in her mind, and she needed answers.As if summoned by her thoughts, Lucas appeared on the trail ahead. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, and his expression was a mixture of relief and hesitation.“Nicola,” he called softly, stopp
The figure’s piercing gaze felt like it was peeling back Nicola’s layers, probing not just her strength but her very essence. Around her, the rogues moved with newfound ferocity, emboldened by the creature’s presence. The pack warriors struggled to hold the line, their unity tested under this unrelenting wave.For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath, the eerie silence broken only by the growls and snarls of wolves locked in combat. Nicola’s wolf prowled restlessly within her, every fiber of her being urging her to act.Then, with deliberate steps, the figure began to move forward, each step reverberating with menace. The rogues parted for it like a tide yielding to their master, forming a circle around the clearing.Nicola’s voice, calm yet commanding, sliced through the chaos. “Hold your positions!” she called to the warriors.She didn’t know what this creature was, but one thing was certain - it wasn’t here just to fight.“Triplets,” she growled, her voice low enough fo
The pack’s leadership was gathered in the main hall, their expressions somber. Alpha Marcus stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding as always. To his right were the triplets, their gazes locked on Nicola as she entered the room.“Thank you for joining us,” Marcus said, his tone formal but kind.Nicola took her seat beside the triplets, her curiosity piqued.“We’ve been reviewing the attack,” Marcus began, his eyes scanning the room. “And there’s one thing that’s clear: this wasn’t a random act of aggression. The rogues were organized, coordinated. They knew our territory and our weaknesses.”Layla, one of the senior warriors, frowned. “Do you think they had inside information?”“It’s possible,” Marcus admitted, his voice heavy. “But the real concern is their leader. He’s dangerous, and he’s targeting Nicola.”All eyes turned to her, and Nicola fought the urge to shrink under their gazes.“I don’t know why he’s targeting me,” she said, her voice steady. “But whatever hi
Nicola paced in the Alpha’s office, the heavy oak desk separating her from Alpha Marcus. His usually calm demeanor had shifted into one of concern. The triplets stood nearby, their expressions tense as Nicola recounted her mother’s story.Marcus leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. “A man who showed unusual interest in you as a child…” he murmured, his eyes narrowing. “And you say your father confronted him?”Nicola nodded. “That’s what my mom told me. She didn’t remember much about him, but she said his presence always felt… wrong.”Damien crossed his arms, his wolf close to the surface. “If this rogue leader is the same man, then he’s been watching Nicola for years. That’s not just wrong - it’s dangerous.”Marcus nodded, his gaze darkening. “We need to figure out who he is and why he’s targeting you. Did your mother give you anything else to work with? A name, a description?”“She couldn’t remember much,” Nicola admitted. “Just that he spoke in a strange, taunting way. Li
The ceremonial grounds were breathtaking, transformed into a scene that could rival the most enchanting of dreams. Lanterns hung from the branches of old trees, their golden glow casting warm light over the gathered pack members. Flowers adorned every surface, their delicate fragrance blending with the crisp, fresh air. A circular altar stood at the heart of the grounds, adorned with ivy and white roses, symbolizing unity and renewal.Nicola stood near the edge of the clearing, her mother at her side. Clara looked radiant in her gown, her nerves masked by the soft smile she wore. Cedric waited near the altar, his expression a mix of reverence and anticipation, his suit tailored perfectly to his broad frame.Nicola leaned closer, her voice low but full of affection. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, Mom. Cedric won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”Clara chuckled softly, her nervous energy melting into a smile. “It feels strange, starting over like this. But... right.
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the pack’s estate, the light filtering through window. She stretched lazily, her body still tingling from the night before. The faint sound of bustling activity outside reminded her that today wasn’t about her, though - it was her mother and Cedric’s mating ceremony.After a leisurely breakfast with the triplets, Nicola excused herself, leaving them to handle some last-minute pack business. With a bounce in her step, she made her way to her mother’s home.As she entered, the room was already alive with energy. Chloe, her high school friend, was busy organizing a variety of makeup palettes and brushes. Theo, with his sharp eye for style, was laying out a selection of sparkling jewelry on the vanity.“There she is!” Chloe exclaimed, turning toward Nicola with a wide grin. “The daughter of the bride!”Nicola chuckled, shaking her head as she took in the scene. “You’re all working so hard. Where’s my mom?”“Trying on the dress for the millionth time,”
Dylan lifted her in his strong arms and walked with her to the master bedroom. He lay her carefully on a center of bed. Dean got closer to bed, reached to the hem of covering her material, griped it and took off the towel from her body and with one swift move throw it somewhere behind. She saw pure desire in his darkened eyes. That was sexy. Next she looked on Damien. He was already putting his hands on her knees and spreading her legs apart.Damien’s hands traced the insides of Nicola’s thighs with an aching slowness, his fingertips igniting sparks of heat with every touch. She trembled under his touch, anticipation coiling tightly within her as his head dipped lower. His warm breath sent shivers coursing through her before his tongue met her, drawing a sharp gasp from her lips. The intensity of his attention made her toes curl, her fingers threading through his dark hair as she gripped him tightly, needing something to hold onto as wave after wave of sensation crashed over her.Abo
Nicola leaned into the spray of the shower, the warm water soothing her sore muscles and washing away the grime of the day’s battles. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself exist in the heat and mist. The faint shuffle of feet behind her made her turn, and she caught Damien’s eyes first. The intensity in his golden gaze made her breath catch.“You’ve done enough for tonight,” he said softly, his voice filled with a blend of authority and tenderness.Before she could respond, his fingers brushed over her cheek, tucking a damp strand of hair behind her ear. “Let us take care of you, Nicola. You’ve carried too much for too long.”Her lips parted, but the words didn’t come. Instead, she nodded, her breath hitching as he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.Dean and Dylan stepped into the shower next, their movements fluid and instinctive as they joined Damien in surrounding her. Dylan’s hands rested lightly on her shoulders, his thumbs kneading the tense muscles
The creature emerged from the darkness like a nightmare given form. Its hulking frame glistened with rain and sweat, its blood-red eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence. It was no ordinary rogue; it was something far more dangerous. Nicola could feel its energy, dark and consuming, spreading through the clearing like poison.Everyone hold your positions, she commanded through the mind-link, her voice sharp and steady despite the storm of fear swirling inside her.The triplets flanked her, their own wolves snarling in readiness. Cedric and his people arrived moments later, their forms shifting into powerful wolves as they joined the growing line of defenders.“What is that thing?” Lucas’s voice cut through the mental link, his wolf pacing just behind Nicola.“I don’t know,” Nicola admitted, her golden eyes locked on the beast. “But it’s not just a rogue.”The creature let out a deafening roar that shook the ground beneath them. With terrifying speed, it charged.Nicola leapt first,
Nicola’s heart still pounded from the battle as she, the triplets, and Cedric made their way to the Alpha’s residence. The adrenaline coursing through her veins refused to settle, her mind racing with strategies and concerns.The moonlight bathed the pack house in a ghostly glow, the night's stillness a stark contrast to the chaos they had just endured. As they approached the Alpha’s door, Nicola’s resolve hardened. Tonight was a warning; tomorrow, it could be war.Alpha Marcus was already awake when they arrived, his imposing frame silhouetted against the dim light of his office. He stood at the large window, his arms crossed as he surveyed the forest beyond. The tension in the room was palpable, his usual calm replaced with a grim determination.“Alpha,” Cedric began, stepping forward, “we’ve taken care of the immediate threat, but there’s more to this.”Marcus turned to face them, his piercing gaze sweeping over the group. “What happened?”Nicola stepped forward, her voice steady.
Nicola tightened the laces of her boots, her movements swift and precise. The faint howl still echoed in her mind, its mournful tone laced with an undeniable edge of malice.Not tonight. Not before the ceremony.She stormed down the hall to the triplets’ quarters, her determination overriding any hesitation. The door creaked open, revealing the room’s dimly lit interior. Dylan and Dean sprawled on their respective beds, while Damien sat by the window, a book in hand.“What’s wrong?” Damien asked instantly, his keen eyes locking on her.“We’ve got company,” Nicola replied curtly. “Something’s out there.”That was all it took. In seconds, Dylan and Dean were on their feet, alert and ready.“You sure it wasn’t just some lone wolf passing through?” Dylan asked, grabbing his jacket.“I’m sure,” Nicola snapped. “It wasn’t one of ours, and it wasn’t harmless. I’m not taking chances tonight.”Damien exchanged a glance with his brothers before nodding. “Let’s go.”The four of them moved silent
Preparations for Clara and Cedric’s mating ceremony were in full swing, and the pack buzzed with a sense of joyful anticipation. Nicola found herself swept up in the whirlwind of activity, her days packed with tasks ranging from helping her mother finalize guest lists to overseeing the decoration of the ceremony grounds. Yet amid the bustle, a subtle undercurrent of unease lingered, a reminder of the battles fought and the questions still unanswered.Nicola was seated in the pack’s large dining hall with her mates, nursing a cup of coffee as the morning light streamed through the windows. The triplets had insisted on accompanying her to breakfast, despite her protests that they had other responsibilities.“So,” Dylan said around a mouthful of pancakes, “what’s the plan for today, Nic? More floral arrangements? Dress fittings? Trying to keep Cedric from freaking out about something minor?”Nicola smirked, taking a sip of her coffee. “Funny you should mention Cedric. He actually asked m
The next morning, Nicola woke up to the sound of soft knocking on her door. Stretching lazily, she opened her eyes to find Clara peeking in, her smile warm and eager.“Good morning, sweetheart,” Clara said. “I thought today might be a good day to pick out my dress for the mating ceremony. Want to come with me?”Nicola sat up, rubbing her eyes as a grin spread across her face. “Of course! Let me grab a quick shower.”“Take your time,” Clara said, stepping back into the hallway. “I’ll be downstairs.”By mid-morning, Nicola and Clara were on their way to the pack’s boutique, a cozy shop run by one of the more creative members of the pack. The boutique was nestled in a quiet part of the village, its exterior adorned with ivy and flowering vines. The warm sunlight filtering through the trees made the outing feel almost magical, a much-needed escape from the recent tension.As they stepped inside, they were greeted by Agnes, the shop’s owner, a sprightly woman with silver-streaked hair and