Astrid’s POVI stared at my food, pushing the scrambled eggs around my plate, forcing myself to take a bite even though I had no appetite. The nutritious breakfast spread that would usually excite me to eat didn’t appeal to me today. On top of that, I feel under the weather from lack of sleep. After the tension last night, it took me some time to fall asleep and to make matters worse, I had to face Killian first thing in the morning and eat breakfast with him in front of our guests. If it wasn’t for the guests, I wouldn’t have to join them for breakfast. I feel bad for the time I wasted that could have been used to train the Warriors instead. “How was your stay? Did you all have a good sleep?” Killian’s voice broke through my thoughts, smooth and practiced, as he turned to our guests. I remained silent as I kept my gaze on my food, afraid to steal his attention or make eye contact with him that I wasn’t ready to face. “Yes, Alpha. Thank you for your warm welcome. We didn’t have a
Astrid’s POVRyker barged into the room, taking everyone by surprise. All eyes turned to his small figure, momentarily stunned by his sudden entrance. Full of energy just moments before, Ryker suddenly froze when he saw us, his throat constricting as he took in the unfamiliar faces. The weight of our gazes seemed to pin him down, and I could see his breath quicken, a flicker of anxiety crossing his features. Before his emotions could consume him, his gaze suddenly landed on mine. I gazed softly at him and gave him a warm smile to encourage him and calm him down. As soon as he recognized who I was, a flicker of calm washed over him, and I watched as he focused intently on me, the tension in his body beginning to ease. After my encounter with him in the garden, I did some research about autism and learned about several symptoms and tendencies that autism might exhibit. Ryker and I had only crossed paths a few times, but something about him drew me in, igniting a desire to understa
Giselle’s POVSilent rage coursed through my veins as I strode through the hall, each step punctuated by the sharp click of my heels against the polished floor. The sound echoed, amplifying my frustration with every stride. Ryker’s nanny followed closely behind, her head bowed in submission. She clasped her hands tightly together, but still, they trembled, unable to suppress her fear. When I arrived in front of my private room, I flung the door open, the impact resonating as it clashed loudly against the walls as I stormed inside.The Omegas cleaning my room flinched, their eyes widening in surprise. As my frustration bubbled over, they quickly took the hint. They scurried away with their heads hung low, bringing their cleaning equipment with them like they had seen nothing. Once the last Omega slipped out, Ryker’s nanny shut the door behind us, her movements hurried and cautious. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees, her voice trembling as she begged, “Please forgive me,
Astrid’s POVStepping outside, I took a deep breath of the crisp air, letting the coolness wash over me. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays that danced through the leaves, but my mind was elsewhere — fixed on Drystan. I wonder why Drystan didn’t show up yesterday. Aside from Alpha Damien and his wife, Vanessa, Drystan was also invited to attend the meeting with us. I even spoke to Killian and convinced him to include Drystan in his plans. The Nightsong Pack had developed so much through the years with the support of the Shadowfang Pack. Their support would lessen the chances of the rogues winning against us. I was worried when Drystan didn’t come yesterday. His absence felt highly unusual, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something must have delayed his journey. Probably, he would arrive by now. Knowing Drystan, I’m certain that he wouldn’t miss the chance to come here. I just wish he had informed me about any delays; it would have eased my worries. With every
Astrid’s POVGiselle’s words hung in the air, heavy with accusation, yet I stood my ground, the storm of emotions swirling around us. “Witnesses? They saw me jump in to save him, not to harm him! Don’t twist this into something that it’s not!”I met her gaze with unwavering resolve, my expression hardening at her words. People began to turn their heads, drawn in by the rising tension. Whispers spread like wildfire, eyes darting between us as Giselle’s fury spilled into the air. “You don’t get to turn this around on me! You tried to drown my son, and I won’t let you twist the truth to escape your punishment!”Just then, Killian’s loud voice erupted, slicing through the chaos. “What’s going on here?!”He strode forward, positioning himself between us, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern. He glanced from me to Giselle, the intensity in his gaze sharpening as he tried to assess the situation. Behind him, Alpha Damien and his wife, Vanessa, followed closely with concerned e
Killian’s POVMy brows furrowed, wondering what Astrid had meant by that. Lies and manipulation? What truth was she even talking about? I turned around to observe Giselle’s reaction. Her expression faltered as if Astrid’s words had struck a chord within her. But that moment of vulnerability disappeared just as quickly, replaced by a darkening fury. “You—”“Enough!” I shouted, startling everyone into silence. Giselle shot me a look of protest, but I held her gaze, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. I could feel the tension crackling in the air, and I knew I had to assert control before this situation spiraled completely out of hand.If I didn’t stop this fight, their argument would never end, dragging everyone deeper into chaos. “Don’t you have any shame?” I hissed at Giselle. “Your son is watching and listening to your words. Is that what you want to teach him? As the Luna of the Pack, you shouldn’t be squabbling with someone in front of the public!” I reprimanded her.I
Drystan’s POV“Alpha, where’s Nova?” The Omega asked as soon as I entered the Pack’s cafeteria.I glanced over to the table, where two plates lay waiting. One was carefully arranged for me, the other set for Nova, but it felt more like a cruel joke than a meal. The two sets of meals were a stark reminder of her absence. As I stared at the untouched food, I was reminded again of the scene I’d witnessed — Nova with Michael, sharing laughter and food, their connection effortlessly and bright. It twisted something inside of me. My stomach, once grumbling with hunger, now churned uncomfortably. It felt heavy, as though a weight had settled in my chest, squeezing out any appetite I had. “Alpha, where are you going? Are you not going to eat?” The Omega asked, concern lacing her voice as I turned to leave. “I just remembered that there’s something I need to deal with,” I replied, my voice strained, betraying my inner turmoil. I glanced back at the freshly heated meal, and guilt crept int
Nova’s POVAnger coursed through me like wildfire, igniting every nerve in my body. I wanted nothing more than to punch Drystan in the face right then and there. His words were so insulting, cutting deeper than any physical blow. He wasn’t just criticizing my actions; he was getting personal, attacking my dignity in the most humiliating way possible while framing it as his innocent act of concern. I never felt so insulted in my entire life, and Michael just had to hear those words and witness the whole spectacle. What would Michael think of me now?We were just talking, being together alone as friends. We don’t even have a real relationship with each other. Drystan just walked right in on us, accusing us of things that I don’t even know where he got from. Drystan had turned our friendly conversation into a public shaming, and for sure, Michael felt uncomfortable with it as well. The way he lectured me about dignity, shame, and purity, it’s as if he viewed me as some kind of whore