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 tension in Crescent Moon territory was palpable the next morning. The howl from the night before had put everyone on edge, and the pack was mobilizing, preparing for whatever threat might be looming. Nicola, however, couldn’t shake a feeling that something deeper was at play.As she walked to the training grounds with the triplets, her thoughts were interrupted by Lucas approaching. His gait was hesitant, and his usual friendly demeanor was replaced with something more guarded.“Nicola,” he said, his voice quieter than usual. “Can we talk?”The triplets tensed at his presence, their protective instincts kicking in immediately.“About what?” Nicola asked, her tone cautious.Lucas glanced at the triplets, then back at her. “It’s… private.”Damien growled softly, stepping forward. “If it concerns Nicola, it concerns us.”Lucas raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not here to cause trouble. But this is important.”Nicola sighed, her curiosity outweighing her caution. “It’s fine. L
The air was thick with tension as the pack gathered near the edge of the forest. The howls that had sent chills down Nicola’s spine had faded, but their impact lingered. Every wolf in the Crescent Moon pack stood at the ready, their senses sharp, waiting for a sign of movement.Nicola stood in the middle of the formation, flanked by Damien, Dean and Dylan. Her wolf was restless, pacing within her, demanding action. But her human mind was focused and razor-sharp. This wasn’t just a random skirmish; it felt calculated, deliberate. Elias was testing them, probing for weaknesses.The silence was deafening. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made the wolves flinch, their eyes scanning the shadows. Finally, a low growl emerged from the treeline, and Nicola’s heart sank.A group of rogues stepped into view, their forms lit by the faint glow of the crescent moon. They moved with a predatory grace, their eyes glowing with malice. At the center of the group was Elias.Nicola’s breath caug
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