Astrid’s POV“All the bags are packed already, Miss Astrid. Are you ready to leave?” Our Pack Omega spoke up, interrupting my conversation with Nova. I turned to face him with a small smile. “We should leave. The Silvermoon Pack’s Alpha and Luna must have left already. We shouldn’t delay any longer,” I answered him. He nodded his head and went to the driver's seat to start the car. I thought I would be traveling with Killian and Giselle, but Alpha Theron made some extra arrangements. He personally took care of my travel plan, making sure that I would be both safe and comfortable in my journey. I felt a wave of relief wash over me at the thought of not being trapped in a small space with Killian and his family for the whole ride. I’m sure it would be both uncomfortable and awkward for all of us. At least I wouldn’t have to face them yet until I arrived. “Nova, I got to leave. Take care of Drystan for me, will you?” I asked her with a small smile. Nova smiled back, her eyes warm w
Astrid’s POVI stilled when my eyes finally landed on Killian, who was standing at a distance, personally waiting for my arrival.I don’t know how long he had been waiting and how long he had arrived. As the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack, he had to personally attend to me, especially on the day of my arrival. I am a member of the Shadowfang Pack, the daughter of the Shadowfang Pack’s Alpha. I came here to lend our Pack’s support, which made me their honored guest. That makes me more important than Killian, the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack himself. If something bad happened to me during my stay here, The Shadowfang Pack would hold them accountable, and the Silvermoon Pack is no match for us. Offending me would be offending the Shadowfang Pack. Just a single complaint from me and their whole Pack would be in danger. Killian, Giselle, and all the other members of the Pack will have to walk around me on eggshells. No one could afford to offend the Shadowfang Pack. No one can afford to
Astrid’s POVThe air was thick with unspoken words as we gathered around the table to eat our dinner with the clinking of cutlery punctuating the silence. Killian sat at the head of the table digging in his food, minding his own business while Giselle sat across me, her tension palpable. Each bite she took seemed laced with irritation. Her jaw were set tight as if she were trying to bite back her furyThe corners of my lips lifted sadistically as I watched the way her hands trembled slightly, betraying the calm facade that she’s showing to us. She’s so annoyed and irritated that her anger is showing through her calm exterior. The sparks in her eyes flickered with resentment and I couldn’t help but feel victory in her reaction. I felt a twisted delight as I saw her struggle to keep herself in check. She’s frustrated, but she couldn’t do anything about it. I’m in front of her, eating at the same table as her, but she couldn’t even voice out her disagreements. I couldn’t help but f
Astrid’s POV“Luna, you are really back,” Gamma Jaxon exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief as he spotted me approaching. His eyes widened, and I could see the mix of surprise and relief on his face. Behind him, a group of warriors stood at attention, their expressions a blend of curiosity and respect. Some faces were new to me, while others brought back memories etched with the passage of time. The air was thick with anticipation; my return had clearly stirred something among them.I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach. I had feared that they might have forgotten me, that I wouldn’t be welcomed back. But as I looked at their faces — some bright with hope, others filled with determination — I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I smiled as I felt the warmth of their anticipation. It ignited a spark of confidence within me. Even though it’s been years since I last saw them, there was still that bond between us. When I left the Pack, I hadn’t had the chance to say goodbye to
Astrid’s POV“Bring her a chair and offer her a drink,” I commanded the warrior standing near us, trying to maintain some semblance of respect despite the tension. Giselle raised an eyebrow, a smug look crossing her expression. “Oh, how generous of you, Astrid,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “But I think it would be more fitting if you personally served me. As the head here, it would be proper for you to serve me because I’m the Luna.”The warriors around us shifted uncomfortably, sensing the challenge in her words. I scoffed and turned my attention back to the warrior. “Why are you still standing here? Go bring the Luna her chair and offer her a drink,” I commanded him, my tone leaving no room for debate. The warrior nodded quickly and moved to comply, but Giselle’s voice rang out sharply, halting him. “Stop right there!” she yelled, her tone laced with authority. The tension in the air thickened as she turned her gaze to the gathered warriors. “Let me make something
Astrid’s POVI left the scene after Killian dismissed me, granting me a short break to rest. I took a stroll at the Pack garden, a smirk dancing on my lips as I imagined the couple having their private argument. Giselle was so foolish to challenge me without considering the consequences of her actions for the Pack. She’s so fixated on herself that she fails to see the bigger picture. She had placed the Pack in danger with her ignorant actions; of course, it would certainly earn her Killian’s anger. Lost in my thoughts, I stopped in my tracks when I spotted Giselle’s son in the distance, being accompanied by his nanny. Instead of taking care of her own son like a responsible mother should, Giselle handed that responsibility off to someone else, wasting her time stirring trouble for me instead. Having nothing else to do, I approached them, a smile forming as I greeted the nanny and the little one. “Hello there! What a beautiful day to be outside,” I spoke as I knelt down to meet th
Drystan’s POVI furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of the details on the paper before me. Beside me lay a stack of documents still waiting to be read. I paused when my stomach growled loudly, an urgent reminder that I also needed to take care of myself. As soon as I woke up this morning, I headed straight to my office to tackle the paperwork I failed to finish yesterday. I haven’t drunk water or taken a single bite; I was so focused on the papers I needed to take care of. With a resigned sigh, I set the papers aside. My hunger is too strong to ignore, and I’m already late for breakfast. Even if I continue working, I know I won’t be able to work effectively if I don’t take a break. Standing up, I made my way to the Pack’s cafeteria, eager to satisfy my appetite. Since I arrived late for breakfast, the cafeteria was nearly empty. Remnants of the morning meal cluttered the tables as the Pack Omegas worked diligently to clean up. I settled at the nearest table that had already
Astrid’s POVMy body turned tensed as I stared at the invitation letter in my hands that had already been sent to all the Packs. Ryker’s 4th birthday is coming next month, and Killian believed it was the perfect opportunity to lure the rogues into a trap. He purposefully invited all the Packs to spread the word, knowing that if the rogues were indeed planning an attack, then they would surely take advantage of the gathering where there would be many important figures present. With the support of other Packs and adequate training from the Pack Warriors, we would be ready to handle any surprise assault the rogues might attempt. Killian had discussed his plans with me beforehand, explaining everything thoroughly. As the Silvermoon Pack’s female general and the one responsible for training his warriors, he needed my permission before proceeding with his plans. After considering his strategy, I agreed that it was a solid plan, and I believed I would be able to train his Warriors and
Asha’s POVThe chaos outside the Packhouse was deafening, the shouts of warriors mixing with the blaring alarms. My heart pounded in my chest as I rushed to find my father. Three warriors trailed closely behind me, their presence both reassuring and a reminder of how grave the situation was.When I found him in the main hall, his expression was a mix of concern and focus. The weight of leadership never left his shoulders, even now, as danger closed in on us.“Father,” I called, my voice firm but urgent. “The rogues have breached the borders. Andros sent me to evacuate you. We have to leave now.”His brows furrowed deeply, his gaze shifting toward the window where the faint glow of fires could be seen in the distance. “How could this be? How could they get past the security measures so fast? We have the most advanced technology. How could the rogues enter our perimeters just like that?” My father echoed the same questions that I had, but there was no time to think. “The rogues woul
Astrid’s POVThe moon hung high in the sky, its cold light spilling into the quiet room. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the open suitcase before me. My hands shook as I carefully folded my clothes, my mind a tangled mess of emotions I couldn’t untangle.I was my father’s legitimate daughter.The truth had unraveled everything I thought I knew about myself. For years, I’d believed I was nothing — a mistake, a stain on his perfect image. I’d told myself I didn’t belong, that I would never be worthy and that I was just a trouble to their perfect family. And now, knowing it was all a lie… it left me hollow.He’d hidden the truth from me. From all of us. I wasn’t sure what hurt more— the truth itself, or the years of deception.I clenched a shirt in my fists, my breath trembling as I fought to steady it. This doesn’t change anything. I couldn’t let it. He might have been my father by blood, but he had never been a father to me. That bond had been broken long before I even kn
Asha’s POVThe soft crunch of leaves beneath my boots was the only sound as I walked through the forest path.My mother’s grave is far from the Packhouse. She is buried in a secluded area, giving her peace. The cool air carried a solemn stillness that matched my mood. Visiting her grave was my sanctuary, a place where I could let my guard down and remember the woman who raised me.That’s when I saw him — Andros, my older brother, standing at the edge of the woods. The shadows from the trees seemed to engulf him, and his posture was rigid, alert. Was he here to visit Mother too? I wondered. My heart swelled at the thought. It wasn’t often that Andros and I shared these quiet moments. As the crowned Alpha he has too many responsibilities placed on his shoulder. He was always busy. I opened my mouth to call out to him but stopped short when another figure emerged from the shadows. My brows furrowed. The man wore a black hoodie that concealed most of his face, and his movements wer
Asha’s POVI staggered back, shaking my head in disbelief. “That’s not true. That can’t be true,” I mumbled as if I was just trying to convince myself.“I was left with no choice, Asha. Your mother—Luna Jamaica—was my brother’s mate. He was the rightful Alpha. But when he died, the Pack needed a leader. And I… I was the only option. I was forced to marry her to maintain stability. To keep this Pack from falling apart.”My father’s eyes turned red as he tried his best to hold back his tears. My heart wrenched as I feel for his pain. This is the first time I ever saw my father look so vulnerable. “I gave up everything. My mate. My happiness. My future. I gave it all away for this Pack, for a life I never wanted. And every day since, I have lived with that choice. With the weight of betraying my mate, of turning my back on the only woman I ever loved.”I stared at him, my body trembling as the truth settled over me like a suffocating blanket. Everything I had believed, everything I
Asha’s POVI squared my shoulders as I faced my father, my eyes narrowing at him in anger. I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, the weight of years of frustration and jealousy boiling to the surface. My father simply stood before me, his usual composed demeanor tinged with a rare expression of exasperation, but I didn’t care. Not anymore“She doesn’t even call you Father!” I spat, my voice trembling with anger. “Not once in her life has Astrid ever acknowledged you as her father. And yet, you treat her like she’s some prized treasure. Why, Father? Because you feel guilty for neglecting her? She’s just your illegitimate child! It’s best that she realize she’s not special!” I blurted out angrily.Alpha Theron’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t speak. That silence — his silence — was what always drove me mad. He would never defend himself, never justify his actions, as if I were the one being unreasonable. But I wasn’t.“She’s ungrateful!” I continued, pacing back and forth as my em
Astrid’s POVThe silence after the call ended was heavier than the words I hadn’t spoken.I remained frozen, clutching the phone as though its weight could tether me to the choices I had made. Each unspoken truth tightened like a vice around my chest, each lie stealing the air I so desperately needed.I wanted nothing more than to turn back, to run to Ryker and finally tell him who I really was. But how could I? How could I be so selfish, so reckless? I knew the truth about my condition — how dangerous and uncertain everything is. How could I let him get close to me, knowing how it will all end?The thought of Ryker loving me, only to lose me, was unbearable. I couldn’t let him go through that pain, the kind of pain that had already hollowed me out. I knew it too well — the ache of losing someone you’d give anything to keep. The searing, unrelenting agony of losing my husband, the devastation of outliving my child. I wouldn’t wish that torment on anyone, least of all Ryker.A shiv
Killian’s POVIt had been days since Ryker had last seen Giselle, and Ryker still hadn’t asked a single question about her mother. At first, I was afraid of what he’d say, dreading the moment he’d look me in the eye and ask, Where’s my mother? I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the truth, knowing how much it would break him. How could I possibly explain to him that Giselle is not her mother, and that she’s dead. In his whole life, Ryker believed that Giselle was his mother — she’d raised him, after all, and he’d known her as nothing else.I know it would be difficult for him to accept and process the whole truth, and I was trying my best to avoid the confrontation from him. But now… I’m no longer just worried about Ryker’s difficult questions now I wasn’t just avoiding the question. I am now worried wondering why he still haven’t asked me any question. In the days that had passed, he hadn’t asked even once. Not a word about Giselle. No concern, no curiosity. Just silence. And
Alpha Theron’s POVAndros scoffed, his disbelief clear as he tilted his head back. “You are choosing Astrid over me?” he spat out. “You’re going to make her the crowned Luna of this Pack? It’s only been three years since you met her, and you think she’s worthy of this title? What do you think Asha would say? Astrid isn’t even your legitimate child!”I met his gaze, my own expression resolute. “Astrid has proven herself capable. She’s been our acting Beta for three years and led as the Luna of the Silvermoon Pack for five years before that. She has the qualities, the skills, and the strength needed to lead. In terms of ability, Andros, she does her job far better than you.”Andros’s fists clenched, his expression darkening with insult and rage. “This is madness! The Pack won’t accept it! My mother is your true mate and the Luna of this Pack. Giving your position to someone who isn’t her child is an insult to her legacy and to this Pack!”I took a step forward, my voice unwavering.
Alpha Theron’s POVA long silence settled over the room after I asked the question, heavy and tense. I kept my gaze fixed on Andros, waiting, hoping for a sign of remorse or an explanation. But what I saw instead shook me to my core. Andros looked back at me, and in that gaze, I saw a stranger. The gentle son I thought I knew was gone, and in his place stood a man cold and unyielding.Then he spoke, his voice sharper and louder than I had ever heard it, filled with a defiance that sent a chill through me. “You want to know why I did it?” he snapped, his tone a mix of anger and something darker. “I did it for us, for this pack. I was doing you a favor by doing what you could never bring yourself to do.”His words stunned me. Andros had never raised his voice to me, not once in all the years I’d known him. Even when I was harsh or demanding — as I always was, he had always accepted it in silence, never challenging me. But now, he stood before me, speaking without restraint, and I