Author's POVLiam was right behind him, his eyes wide with concern as he too shifted back into his human form. “Alpha,” he said, his voice tense. “We need to get her back to the pack. She needs help.”Rollins knelt beside Emily, his hands trembling as he reached out to check her pulse. Relief flooded through him when he felt a faint but steady heartbeat beneath his fingers. But she was unconscious, her breathing shallow and her face pale.“Get the healer ready,” Rollins ordered, his voice tight with barely controlled emotion. “Now.”Liam nodded and immediately sprinted back to the packhouse, his mind already planning out the quickest way to get the healer to Emily. Rollins carefully lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he began the trek back up the hill.As he carried her, Rollins’s mind raced. The sight of Emily, so small and vulnerable in his arms, stirred something deep within him. He had been ready to destroy anyone who dared to harm her, and he had done jus
Emily's POV I woke slowly, my body feeling heavy as if I had been submerged in water. The first thing I noticed was the warmth a comforting sensation that wrapped around me like a blanket. My eyelids fluttered open, and I found myself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. Where was I? As my mind began to clear, memories came flooding back, the rogues, the fear, the struggle. Panic rose in my chest, but it was quickly soothed by the presence I felt beside me. I turned my head slightly and saw Alpha Rollins sitting close, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. “Emily,” he said softly, his deep voice grounding me. I blinked, trying to make sense of everything. “Alpha Rollins… What happened?” My voice was hoarse, thick with confusion and the remnants of fear. He leaned in slightly, his expression a mix of concern and something I couldn’t quite place. “You were taken by the rogues,” he explained gently. “I found you and brought you back. You’re safe now.
“I want to help,” I said, surprising even myself with the firmness in my voice. “I will like to start training with the others.” Rollins’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and for a moment, he just looked at me, like he was trying to figure out if I was serious. “Emily, you’ve been through a lot. You need to recover.” “I am recovered,” I insisted, my determination flaring up. “And I need to do this. I need to be strong, for myself and for the pack.” He studied me, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if weighing my words. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he nodded. “Very well. But know this—training won’t be easy. Liam won’t go easy on you.” “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I replied, matching his gaze with all the strength I could muster. “Tomorrow at dawn, then,” Rollins said, his voice softer now, but still filled with that same intensity. I nodded, my resolve solidifying. I wasn’t going to back down. Not this time. As I walked away, I felt a strange mix of fear and excitem
Emily's POV My muscles ached from the training, I was lost in thought when I heard footsteps behind me. Turning, I saw Rollins approaching. My breath caught in my throat, and I quickly tried to compose myself. “Emily,” he called, his voice soft yet firm. “Alpha,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “Is there something you need?” Rollins stopped just a few feet away from me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, just stared at me, and I found myself unable to look away. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you,” he finally said, his voice low, almost hesitant. I frowned slightly, wondering what he wanted to discuss. “Is it about the training? I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m willing to work hard—” “No, it’s not about that,” Rollins interrupted, shaking his head. “You did well today. I’m proud of you for stepping up.” My cheeks flushed at the unexpected praise, and I looked down at my feet, suddenly feeling shy. “Thank you.” He took a step c
The pack had just finished training, and I was worn out, but there was no mistaking the challenge in her voice. The way she stood there, with her arms crossed and a smug look on her face, told me this wasn’t just about a simple sparring match. She wanted something more—she wanted to humiliate me in front of the entire pack. I took a deep breath and turned to face her. “Alright,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Let’s do it.” A murmur spread through the pack as everyone began to gather around us. I could feel their eyes on me, some curious, others skeptical. After everything that had happened, after the whole pack discovered I was wolfless—or so they thought—this was the last thing I needed. But I couldn’t back down now, not when Cassandra was practically daring me to fight her. Cassandra stepped into the sparring circle, moving with a grace that spoke of years of training. She smiled at me, but it was more of a smirk, like she knew something I didn’t. “Don’t worry,” she sai
Later that evening, I found myself pacing around my small apartment, my mind racing with everything that had happened. My conversation with Mia earlier hadn’t exactly calmed me down. She had been supportive as always, but there was something in her eyes, a mix of worry and curiosity that made me even more restless. I knew she had questions about what happened with Cassandra, but I didn't have any answers. At least not any that made sense.I decided I needed some fresh air. Maybe the woods would help clear my head. I grabbed my side bag, packed with an extra set of clothes, just in case. I’d been trying to master my shift lately, and it wouldn’t hurt to give it another go. The sun was setting, casting long shadows through the trees as I made my way deeper into the woods. The familiar scent of pine and earth surrounded me, usually soothing, but tonight it only added to my agitation. I found a small clearing and dropped my bag on the ground. “Come on, Emily,” I muttered to myself, tryi
Rollin's POV After everything that had happened between us in the woods, I carefully picked Emily up in my arms, cradling her close as I carried her back to her place. Her breathing was steady, her body relaxed and warm against mine, completely at peace after our mating. I felt a deep, instinctual satisfaction knowing that she was mine, and I would do anything to protect her. The night was quiet as I walked through the trees, the only sound being the rustle of leaves beneath my feet and the soft sighs Emily made as she slept. I was mindful of her every movement, ensuring that she was as comfortable as possible. It felt right, carrying her like this—like she belonged in my arms. When we finally reached her quarters, I gently pushed the door open and stepped inside, moving quietly so as not to disturb her sleep. I laid her down on the bed, carefully pulling the blanket over her. She stirred slightly, her fingers twitching as if reaching for me even in her sleep. The sight brought a t
Rollins' POVThe next morning, I woke up early, my mind already weighed down by the meeting I knew I had to face. I left my quarters and headed straight to the council room where the elders were waiting for me. As I entered, their stern expressions did nothing to ease the knot of tension in my chest."Alpha Rollins," Elder Gray spoke first, his voice as unyielding as the stone walls that surrounded us. "We’ve discussed the matter concerning Emily."I remained standing, my hands clasped behind my back. "And?"Elder Gray exchanged glances with the others before continuing. "Despite the circumstances, the rules are clear. The Luna was harmed, and the punishment must be administered."My jaw tightened. "You know as well as I do that Cassandra provoked her. Emily was defending herself."Elder Maren, the oldest among them, shook her head slowly. "It doesn’t matter, Rollins. The law is the law. If we make exceptions, it undermines the authority of the pack."I leaned forward slightly, my voi