Alison's POV I practically fell into my bed the moment I walked into my room, the soft mattress enveloping me like an overdue hug. It had been two grueling days away from this sanctuary, and my body ached for rest. For a fleeting moment, I let my eyes flutter shut, breathing in the faint lavender scent clinging to my sheets. But rest wasn’t an option, was it? I opened my eyes, staring at the ceiling as Mother Eliza’s words echoed in my mind. “Are you willing to embrace your destiny?” How could I abandon my mission when everything, everyone, depended on me seeing this through? Sighing, I sat up and tossed my phone onto the nightstand. Maybe a cold bath would clear my head. Just a moment of peace, that’s all I needed. I padded to the bathroom, letting the cool water run over my hands before splashing my face. The icy sting was grounding, a stark reminder of the reality I couldn’t escape. And then my phone rang. I froze, my heart skipping a beat. A part of me hoped it was Simo
Alison's POVThe first light of dawn spilled into my room, pale and hesitant, as though even the sun wasn’t entirely sure about starting this day. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my half-packed bag, my thoughts as jumbled as its contents. My fingers hovered over the strap, but instead of securing it, I found myself gripping it tightly, the weight of everything settling over me like a suffocating fog.“Alison, are you ready?” Simone’s voice broke through the stillness, distant but grounding.“Almost,” I called back, though I hadn’t moved an inch.Simone had been up for hours, poring over her book of spells, her face illuminated by flickering candlelight in a way that made her look otherworldly. She was focused, determined. Meanwhile, I was stuck in my head, haunted by one name, Kendrick.I swallowed hard, my stomach churning as the thought of him gnawed at my mind. What role could he possibly play in this fight? He was part of my past, a painful one. What if finding him t
Alison's POVA sharp tap on my shoulder startled me awake. My eyes blinked open, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the car window. Simone’s face loomed above mine, her expression weary but steady. “We’re here,” she said softly, her voice tinged with something I couldn’t quite place, maybe excitement or nervousnessI straightened in my seat, trying to shake off the grogginess. My head throbbed faintly from lack of sleep, a reminder of the restless night before. Anxiety had gripped me so tightly that sleep had felt impossible. Now, staring out at the bustling scene before me, I wasn’t sure if staying awake all night had been such a bad idea.The city was alive with movement. People, werewolves, I reminded myself, milled about, their conversations blending into a chaotic hum. Children darted between stalls while adults bartered with merchants, the scent of spices and leather heavy in the air. It felt… surreal, like stepping into a world I had no place in.“Which territory
Alison's POVThe first thing I noticed was the smudge. A greasy smear of something foul pressed against the window, just inches from my face. And then I saw him, a man, if you could even call him that. His face was gaunt, caked in dirt, with a wild look in his bloodshot eyes. His lips twisted into a sick grin, revealing jagged, broken teeth, and I couldn’t stop the scream that tore from my throat as I jerked back in my seat.Simone flinched beside me, her book of spells slipping from her lap and hitting the floor with a thud. The man didn’t react to my scream, only pressed his face closer to the glass, his breath fogging the window.“What the hell is he doing?” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.The man raised a hand, his fingers claw-like, and made a beckoning gesture. He wanted us to get out.“No,” the driver said sharply, his hands gripping the steering wheel as if it could somehow shield him from the chaos outside. “Don’t get out. Stay in the
Alison's POVSitting in what could only be described as a rogue’s version of a castle, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t real. The grand stone walls, lined with banners in faded colors, loomed over us. The room had an oppressive air, cold and hollow despite the flickering torches casting shadows on the walls. How in the world had Kendrick… Kendrick of all people become the King of the Rogues?My mind raced, flashing back to a time when Kendrick was the Alpha of Silver Moon Pack. He had made me feel little of myself, rejected me and crushed my feelings, he only desired me when Xander came along. The version of him I knew seemed to have doubled, replaced by the man who now owned so much darkness in such dangerous city. The thought made my stomach churn.Simone sat beside me, silent but tense, her gaze darting around the room like she expected a trap to spring at any moment. My own nerves were stretched taut, but I tried to mask it with forced calmness.“Stay calm, Aliso
Alison's POVI clenched the pouch holding the White Sage tightly in my hand, its faint, earthy aroma barely calming the chaos in my mind. The mission was almost complete, we could leave this cursed city but I couldn’t shake the feeling that walking away now meant we were doomed. The second criteria for dispelling Priya’s magic was here, in this very place, in the form of the cold and unyielding man who had once been a part of my life. Kendrick.I turned to Bruce, the old rogue seer who had escorted us out. His hunched posture and scraggly gray beard made him look frail, but his piercing gaze said otherwise.“Bruce, I need to see him again,” I blurted out, desperation clawing at my voice.The old man recoiled slightly. “No,” he said, his tone firm. “Kendrick won’t see you again. You’ve already pushed your luck once. If I bring you to him, I’ll lose my head and trust me, I rather enjoy keeping it where it is.”“Please,” I begged, stepping closer, my voice trembling. “My pack is on
Simone’s POVThe damp stench of the prison cell clung to me like a second skin, choking every breath I took. The stone walls felt as though they were closing in, each passing second a silent reminder of my recklessness. I stared at the ground, the weight of my actions pressing heavily on my chest.I had tried to magically to unlock the bars but I could sense the magic behind it! A counter magic and it wasn't far fetched. Bruce had done thisAlison stood at the iron bars, her back to me, her posture rigid as she gazed out into the dim corridor. I couldn’t bring myself to meet her eyes, not after I’d gotten us both into this mess.“Alison,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.She turned slowly, her sharp green eyes meeting mine. For a moment, I braced myself for her anger, her blame, but instead, all I saw was exhaustion mixed with worry.“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice cracking. “I acted without thinking… I thought I could make him listen, but I made everything worse.”A
Alison’s POVThe ride back to the pack house was suffocatingly silent, broken only by the steady hum of the engine. Simone sat beside me, arms crossed and jaw clenched, radiating frustration like a storm ready to unleash. I leaned my head against the window, watching the dark forest blur past, but my mind was too tangled to appreciate the view. Kendrick’s offer replayed in my head like a twisted lullaby, mocking me with its impossible choices.“Are you really going to sit there and not say a damn thing?” Simone’s voice broke through the silence, sharp and accusing.I didn’t answer. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I didn’t have the words.She turned to me, her tone sharper now. “You’re not seriously considering his ridiculous demand, are you?”I glanced at her, my chest tightening at the concern in her eyes, but I stayed silent. What could I say? That I wasn’t sure? That a part of me was considering it?When I didn’t respond, Simone’s voice rose. “Don’t tell me you’re
Xander’s POVThe letter burned in my hands…figuratively, but the weight of it felt heavy enough to leave scorch marks. Kendrick’s insignia glared up at me like a personal challenge, the sharp, black ink practically taunting me to make the first move.“No.”The word cut through the thick silence in the room. Alison stood near the window, sunlight painting golden streaks across her dark hair, but even the soft morning glow couldn’t soften the sharp edge in her eyes.“Xander…” she started, her voice calm but laced with determination.“I said no.” I crumpled the letter in my fist, jaw tight, the rage bubbling just beneath my skin. “It’s a damn trap, Alison. You know it, I know it… hell, Simone knows it.”Simone didn’t argue any further. She sat cross-legged on the armrest of the couch, but her gaze flicked between us, calculating.Alison pushed off the windowsill and stepped toward me, her bare feet nearly silent against the hardwood floor. “It’s not a trap. He wouldn’t have sent a letter
Alison’s POVThe soft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, wrapping the room in a golden haze. I stirred, warmth still lingering in my chest from the night before. My body ached in the best possible way… a sweet, heavy soreness that made me want to stay tangled in these sheets forever.I shifted slightly, my bare skin brushing against his, and I smiled. Xander’s arm was draped lazily over my waist, his breathing deep and even, his chest rising and falling against my back. I tried to ease away, careful not to wake him, but his grip tightened like steel.“Where do you think you’re sneaking off to?” His voice was husky, low, that perfect mix of groggy and dangerous.I laughed softly, feeling the vibrations of his words against my spine. “I wasn’t sneaking. I was just… ”“Don’t lie to me my love,” he cut in, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. “You were absolutely sneaking.”I tilted my head back, still caught in his hold. “Maybe I was. But someone has to be productive ar
Alison’s POVThe cold night air bit into my skin as I stepped outside, the faint scent of pine lingering in the breeze. Each step felt heavier than the last, my body still drained, my muscles aching from the transformation. But none of that compared to the hollow ache in my chest.Xander stood a few feet away, his broad shoulders tense, the moonlight painting silver streaks across his dark hair. He didn’t move. Didn’t turn. Just stood there, staring at the sky as though it held all the answers he couldn’t find.I wanted to say something…anything but the words twisted in my throat.“Xander,” I finally managed, my voice soft and strained.No response.My heart thudded painfully. I took another shaky step forward, my bare feet brushing over the cool grass, and before I could overthink it, I slipped my arms around his waist from behind. His body stiffened under my touch, hard lines of tension locking into place.I laid my cheek against his back, my pulse thudding in my ears.“I’m sorry, m
Xander’s POV"You really think you can just… what? Nearly die and then brush it off like it’s nothing?"The words tear out of me before I can stop them, bouncing off the walls with more force than I intended. I don’t care.Alison’s lying in bed, her skin pale against the dark sheets, shadows clinging beneath her eyes. She looks fragile… too fragile. But even now, with barely enough strength to sit up, she’s staring at me like I’m the one being unreasonable.“Xander, please…” Her voice is soft, strained, but it still digs under my skin.I can’t sit. I can’t even stand still.Instead, I pace the room, each step heavy, the frustration clawing at me like wildfire. My hands are fists at my sides, knuckles white, the air thick with everything I want to say but can’t figure out how to.“Don’t please me, Alison,” I snap, stopping short of the bed. My heart’s racing too fast, chest tight like it’s about to crack open. “You almost died. Do you get that? Do you even realize what the hell you did
Alison’s POV "Don’t move, sweetheart! Just… just breathe." My mom’s voice cut through the heavy fog in my mind, soft but laced with panic. My eyelids fluttered open, and a sharp ache shot through my skull as the room’s dim light hit me. Every inch of my body felt heavy, like I’d been run over, twice. Then the flashbacks slammed into me with full force. The shift. The raw power tearing through my body. Bones snapping and reforming. Silver light. Kendrick’s face twisted in a sneer. The blood. The pain. A groan clawed its way out of my throat as I clutched my head. A wave of pain bloomed behind my eyes. “Maureen!” my mom cried out, her hands catching mine, pulling them gently away from my head. “Don’t move, baby. You’re safe now.” Her face swam into focus, she looked teary, worried, her features creased in panic. My mother. Standing right there. “Mom?” I rasped. My voice felt like it had been dragged across broken glass. “Oh, thank the goddess,” she whispered, cupping my cheek.
Xander’s POVThe acrid scent of blood and burning wood filled the air, a grim reminder of the battle we had just survived. The Ancient Rogue City lay behind us, its silence far more unsettling than the chaos that had erupted just moments ago. The weight of what had happened pressed against my chest, but there was no time to reflect. We had to leave now.Simone stepped forward, her hands glowing faintly as she conjured a shimmering veil of energy around us. “This should keep us hidden long enough to escape the rogue warriors hunting us down,” she murmured, her voice laced with exhaustion. Sweat clung to her brow, but she pushed forward without complaint.Alison, however, was another story. She was barely standing, her body trembling from the aftermath of her first shift. Her silver-white fur shimmered under the moonlight, a sight both mesmerizing and concerning. She had unlocked something ancient, something powerful but right now, she was weak, her strength flickering like a dying
Alison’s POV The world around me exploded in a flash of silver-white light, my senses sharpening to a degree I’d never experienced before. The smell of blood, sweat, and earth filled the air like a tidal wave crashing over me. The ground beneath my paws felt alive, pulsing with energy, every vibration humming through my body. My bones ached as they shifted, but the pain was nothing compared to the power that surged through me. I could feel everything. The weight of the air. The pressure in my lungs. The pulse of the earth beneath me. Every footstep, every breath of Kendrick, every heartbeat in the room, it was like the world had slowed, and I was the center of it all. "Impossible…" Kendrick's voice echoed around the room, laced with disbelief and anger. I didn’t need to look at him to feel the fury radiating from his every cell. He was terrified. But so was I, though I couldn’t fully comprehend why. The connection to Xander flared again.. warmth, light, his energy coursing thr
Xander’s POV"Don’t you dare fucking touch her!" I bellowed, my heart hammering against my chest as I tore through the throng of Kendrick’s warriors. Every step I took felt like a war between my body and my soul. Their stench, sweat, blood, and rogue filth clung to the air, but none of it mattered. Nothing mattered but her.Simone moved beside me, her magic flashing like brilliant streaks of light, incapacitating rogues as we cut a path toward Alison. "I’m holding them off, but we’re running out of time!" she shouted, her eyes flicking toward the throne where Kendrick stood, watching with an evil grin curling on his lips.The scent of her, Alison grew stronger as we moved closer, but it was marred with fear, agony. And something darker. I could feel it, feel her slipping away from me, piece by piece. My chest tightened, the bond between us stretching thinner with each agonizing step.No. No, no, no.I shoved through another rogue who dared to block my way, ignoring the sting of
Alison’s POVThe cold stone beneath my bare feet sent a shiver up my spine as I was dragged through the dimly lit corridors. My wrists ached from the tight grip of Kendrick’s men, their fingers like iron clamps around my skin. No matter how hard I struggled, how much I kicked and twisted, they didn’t loosen their hold."Let go of me, you bastards!" I hissed, my voice raw with defiance.One of them yanked me forward, making me stumble. "Save your energy, girl," he sneered. "You’ll need it for what’s coming."A sharp burst of fear tightened around my chest, but I refused to let it show. I lifted my chin, forcing steel into my voice. "If you think I’m going down without a fight, you don’t know me at all."The rogue to my left let out a low chuckle. "That’s what they all say before they break."They shoved me forward through a set of massive double doors, and my breath hitched as the throne room came into view.It was nothing like Xander’s grand hall, this was a place of nightmare