Kylie’s Pov I share with Arnold how desperately I wanted to mind-link him during the ordeal but refrained from doing so, fearing it might distract him. He responds with a smile, then grins, a mix of amusement and affection, saying, “Babe, even if you did, it would've fueled me to fight harder and fueled my determination to come back to you. Your worry is my strength.”Encouraged, I share the surprising revelation of feeling Ryan's mind link during the chaos. Arnold's eyes widen, and he sits up, asking with genuine surprise, “Ryan, your mind linked you? Are you sure?” I nodded, explaining that it was faint, like he was falling asleep.Concern etches across Arnold's face as he asks, “Could he tell you where he is?” I sigh sadly, admitting it was too faint to discern any location. Arnold leans back, a deep sigh escaping him. “Karl's probably keeping him drugged to prevent communication,” he speculates.As if on cue, Arnold senses my worry about Ryan intensifying. He turns to face me, hi
Ryan’s Pov I slowly come to consciousness, cautiously scanning my surroundings. As I sit up, the gravity of my situation hits me. I remember the captivity and the desperate need to escape. Deciding to play it smart, I lie back down, feigning sleep, as footsteps approach the door.The guard outside engages in conversation with someone unfamiliar, and my ears perk up to catch the voices. It's Karl. The tension in the air thickens. The guard informs Karl, “The doctor said he wouldn't be able to make it,” the guard explains nervously. “So I'll be the one to administer the injection.”“What do you mean he won't make it? That useless doctor better have a good explanation,” Karl retorts angrily. Karl's response drips with venom, promising dire consequences for the unfortunate doctor.The guard stammers, attempting to clarify the doctor's findings. Karl's frustration escalates. “Open the door, and let's get this done.”“He's no good to me. Injecting him won't help if he's unconscious. Keep h
KYLIE'S POVI sit up, a mix of relief and worry washing over me as Ryan's voice echoes in my mind. The connection feels stronger this time, and tears well up in my eyes.“Mom, can you hear me?” he asks.A lump forms in my throat, and I respond with a choked, “Yes, I can, honey.”His voice soothes my anxious heart as he reassures me, “I'm okay, Mom. They've been keeping me asleep, so I can't communicate with you.”Concern grips me, and I ask, “How are you awake now?”He explains, “The doctor wasn't able to come in today, but the guard was supposed to inject me. Karl stopped him and told him the dosage they gave me was too much. That probably explains why I'm always waking up with headaches.”My heart sinks at the thought of what he's endured, but I gather my strength and inquire, “Ryan, baby, do you know where you are?”He responds, “No, Mom. They're keeping me locked up, and everywhere is sealed.”Tears stream down my face as I feel the desperation in his words. “Ryan, hang in there.
Arnold’s PovKylie's revelation echoes in my mind as I lie beside her. Her shuffling and moaning reveal the depth of her fear, and I can't stand seeing her like this. I rise from the bed, pulling her into my arms, hoping the embrace will provide comfort. But her cries intensify, and it's clear that her nightmares have a tight grip on her.Desperation fills the air as she lets out a heart-wrenching scream. I shake her awake, hoping to break the hold of the haunting dream. Her eyes meet mine, and at that moment, she launches herself into my arms, clinging to me as if I'm her anchor in the storm. She whispers words that I struggle to comprehend: “Ryan is your son.”A frown creases my forehead, and I nod in response, attempting to pacify her. However, I sense her heartbreak, an undeniable pain that my skepticism inflicts on her. Her cries only grow louder, and I hold her tighter, stroking her back in an attempt to offer solace. I stay with her until the soothing rhythm of my touch lulls h
Ryan’s PovI stare at the vent in my room, contemplating my escape route. It's a small opening, and frustration builds as I stand on the edge of the bed, repeatedly failing to reach it. The realization hits that I've never faced such challenges alone; Mom has always been there to handle things.As tears well up in my eyes, doubt creeps in. How could Mom think I could pull off an escape like this? I've never been in such a situation. Yet, a spark of determination ignites within me, fueled by her belief in my abilities.Deciding to prove her right, I stand up and give it another shot. The vent seems impossibly unreachable, and doubt lingers, threatening to overwhelm me. But then I noticed the pillow—a simple solution I had overlooked.“Why didn't I think about it earlier?” I exclaim silently. The pillow may not be the sturdiest, but it's just enough to provide the boost I need. Mom's words echo in my mind—she believes in me.With newfound confidence, I place the pillow beneath the vent.
Kylie’s PovArnold's embrace provides a momentary solace, and his comforting words about Ryan being okay help ease some of the worry. As we pack for our journey to Arnold's pack, my mind is caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The weight of my hidden truth presses on me, threatening to spill over.Arnold joins me in the room, sensing the tension. He greets me with affection, leaving a soft kiss on my forehead. His concern doesn't go unnoticed, and I decide to share a fragment of the truth, masking the real reason behind my unease.“Oh, it's nothing; I'm just worried about Ryan. He hasn't said anything since I last spoke to him. I hope he's alright.”Arnold's reassurance brings warmth to my heart, and I find comfort in his embrace. His words, “Our boy will be okay,” resonate with a newfound sense of unity. At that moment, Arnold's acknowledgment of Ryan as his son sends a surge of joy through me.Feeling this connection, Arnold looks deep into my eyes, and with a soft smile,
Ryan’s PovI slowly open my eyes, squinting against the soft glow of the room. The persistent headache throbs, a constant reminder of the unsettling situation I find myself in. The room, contrary to my expectations, is warm and inviting, unlike the cold iron enclosure I remember. Plush pillows and soft blankets surround me on the king-sized bed, making me question if I've entered some strange dreamscape.Examining the room, I notice the meticulous attention to detail. The walls were painted a soothing shade of milk, and the bed was adorned with a coffee-brown cover, creating a comforting ambiance. Whoever orchestrated this space had a particular individual in mind—me. The realization sparks confusion and a twinge of anxiety. Why would someone go to such lengths for me?A sudden recollection jolts me back to the not-so-distant past. The attempt to escape, the clash with Emily's powers—it replays in my mind like a haunting echo. As I attempt to reach out to my mom through the mind link,
Kylie’s PovGosh, my feet are killing me; if I have to stand any longer, I'm going to fall. I can't remember the last time I wore heels.We're currently at the welcome party Arnold's mother is hosting for us, and is it boring? The only thing remotely interesting about this place is the wine. The people are so stiff and strict in relating to each other.Everyone has a standard to meet or a reputation to uphold. I miss when my father was here. He would've made sure everyone was having fun and letting loose, not at this party where everyone is judging each other by the amount of jewelry they have. There is nothing about family in this party; it's all propaganda.Speaking of parents, I spot Arnold and his mother talking tersely in a corner, and I walk gingerly to meet them. After all, I am the soon-to-be Luna of the pack, so I should be involved in whatever they're talking about, especially if it concerns the pack. I laugh to myself because I know whatever it is that is making Arnold's mo
Xander’s PovAs days turned into weeks, the rift that had once threatened to tear us apart seemed to heal, replaced by a newfound sense of closeness and unity. The forgiveness Allegra had extended to me washed away the lingering doubts and fears, leaving in its wake a sense of peace and contentment that I had long yearned for.Each day brought with it a renewed sense of purpose as we embraced the opportunity to reconnect with her father, Alpha Arnold, in ways we had never thought possible. As we delved into shared memories and created new ones together, the bonds of family grew stronger, weaving us together in an unbreakable bond of love and acceptance.One afternoon, as we sat together in the garden, basking in the warmth of the sun, Alpha Arnold turned to me with a smile, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. “Xander,” he began, his voice tinged with emotion. “I never thought I'd have the chance to get to know you like this.”I smiled back, feeling a surge of gratitude for the
Allegra’s PovI asked that question, and Xander sighed, running a hand through his hair as he struggled to find the right words. “I never meant to hurt you,” he began, his voice tinged with remorse. “But I was desperate, Allegra. Desperate to protect you, to keep you safe from those who would seek to harm you.”I furrowed my brow, confusion flickering in the depths of my eyes. “Protect me?” I echoed the words, heavy with disbelief. “From what?”Xander hesitated, his gaze shifting away from mine as he wrestled with his own inner demons. “From my past,” he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “From the enemies I've made, the battles I've fought, and the secrets I've kept.”My heart clenched at his words, a sense of foreboding settling over me like a dark cloud. “What secrets?” I demanded, my voice trembling with emotion. “What aren't you telling me, Xander?”Xander took a deep breath, his eyes filled with regret, as he met my gaze. “I'm not who you think I am, Allegra,” h
Allegra’s PovAs I stood in the clearing, buoyed by the wisdom and compassion of the Moon Goddess, a newfound sense of clarity washed over me like a cleansing tide. With each passing moment, the raw ache of betrayal began to ebb, replaced by a steely resolve and a determination to confront the challenges that lay ahead.Gathering my strength, I wiped away the last of my tears and squared my shoulders, ready to face Xander and my father once more. As I made my way back to the house, my heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of apprehension and determination coursing through my veins.As soon as I stepped through the door, Xander's eyes met mine, his expression a mix of relief and apprehension. Without hesitation, he rushed towards me, arms outstretched, ready to envelop me in a comforting embrace. But I held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks.“Not yet,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “I'm not ready.”Xander's brow furrowed confused, and his eyes filled with concern. “Al
Allegra’s PovAs the truth crashed down on me like a tidal wave, I couldn't stop the overwhelming surge of emotions that threatened to consume me. Betrayal, confusion, heartbreak—they all swirled together in a maelstrom of agony, tearing me apart from the inside out. How could Xander, the one person I thought I could trust with my life, betray me in such a way? Was our entire relationship built on lies and deceit?I stumbled out of the house, my chest constricted with pain, and my vision blurred with tears. I didn't care where I was going; I just needed to get away to escape the suffocating weight of betrayal that hung heavy in the air. With each step, the forest seemed to close in around me, the trees towering above me like accusing sentinels.As I ran, my power surged within me, responding to the turmoil raging inside me. Anger, raw and potent, bubbled up from the depths of my soul, fueling my every step and propelling me deeper into the heart of the forest. With each stride, my spe
Xander’s PovAs Allegra stormed out of the room, frustration, and guilt gnawed at me, leaving me feeling utterly helpless. I knew I had upset her, but I couldn't suppress the gnawing fear that had been eating away at me since Alpha Arnold's revelation. The thought of losing her, of being left alone once again, terrified me more than anything else.I paced the room, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. On one hand, I wanted nothing more than to make Allegra happy and to support her in her quest to reconnect with her father. But on the other hand, the selfish part of me couldn't bear the thought of losing her or watching her slip away from me.As I wrestled with my thoughts, a knock on the door startled me out of my reverie. A guard stood at attention, delivering a message from Alpha Arnold requesting my presence in his office. I nodded in acknowledgment, my heart sinking at the thought of facing him again.As I made my way to Alpha Arnold's office, I couldn't shake the feeling of
Allegra’s PovAs Alpha Arnold revealed the unexpected news that I was his daughter, a whirlwind of emotions swept through me. Happiness, disbelief, and a sense of belonging all mingled together, leaving me feeling like I was standing on the precipice of a new chapter in my life. But as I turned to share my joy with Xander, I was met with a wall of silence and a stormy expression on his face.“Xander, aren't you happy?” I asked, my voice filled with hope as I searched his face for any sign of joy.He hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting away from mine. “Of course, I'm happy for you, Allegra,” he replied, his voice strained.But I could see the truth lurking behind his words, the tension radiating from him like a palpable force. “Then what's wrong?” I pressed, unable to ignore the unease settling in the pit of my stomach.Alpha Arnold, ever-perceptive, seemed to sense the tension between us. “I'll give you two some space,” he said, rising from his seat. “But Xander, I would love to
Xander’s PovAs Allegra spent the rest of the day with Alpha Arnold, I found myself wandering the vast grounds of his estate, lost in my thoughts. Alpha Arnold had instructed one of his guards to provide us with the most comfortable room in his house, and as I made my way there, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at the pit of my stomach.Alone in the room, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as I thought about Allegra spending time with Alpha Arnold. I had grown accustomed to having all of her attention, and the thought of sharing it with someone else, especially someone who could potentially be her father, left me feeling unsettled. I paced the room, wrestling with my emotions, wishing I had tried harder to convince Allegra to leave with me.Hours passed, and just as I was beginning to resign myself to the fact that I might not see Allegra for the rest of the day, she finally returned. The excitement in her face was palpable as Alpha Arnold dropped her off, and a
Allegra’s PovXander, refusing to believe or accept the possibility of me being Alpha Arnold's daughter, shakes her head, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Even if there is a chance, it changes everything,” they argued, desperation creeping into their tone. “We have our lives and our packs to think about. We can't just upend everything because of some wild theory.”He watches me closely, searching for any sign of uncertainty in my expression. But to his dismay, I felt oddly calm about the situation, my eyes fixed on the photograph in my hands.I look into his eyes, and I see that he couldn't fathom how I could entertain the idea of being Alpha Arnold's long-lost daughter, especially considering the fact that it would probably change a lot of our lives.“You can't actually be serious,” he interjected, frustration bubbling to the surface as he snatched the picture from me. “Tell me you're not actually considering this.”My gaze met his, my eyes betraying a hint of hesitation. “I kno
Allegra’s PovI never thought I'd see a garden as beautiful as this in my life. The person who planted it must have taken great care in handling it because it looks so wonderful.Even as I'm enjoying the garden, my mind keeps going back to Xander and the wound he suffered from fighting the green wood pack, formerly rogue Alpha. I hope he's well.Just as I was thinking about him, I heard his voice calling my name. Allegra," he calls out, his voice rough with urgency. “We need to leave.”I turn to him, surprise written across my features. “Leave? But what about the Greenwood pack? We can't just abandon them,” I protest, my brow furrowing in concern.He shakes his head, his resolve unwavering. “We've done all we can here. It's time to go,” he insists, his tone brooking no argument.But I'm not so easily swayed. I argue back, my voice rising with frustration as I plead my case for staying. We go back and forth, each of us standing firm in our convictions.I pleaded my case for staying, my