Gonzalo's POVI couldn't believe it. Teresa had crossed the line, disregarded my authority, and sided with her father. It gnawed at my insides, and I was fuming as I parked my car and stepped out. The anger coursing through me was evident, and I muttered curses under my breath."How could she, that fucking whore, how could she go behind my back, override my authority?" I seethed, my fists clenched tightly at my sides. The image of Teresa's actions played over and over in my mind, each replay fueling my rage.As I stormed into my cabin, my usually welcoming maid greeted me with a smile. I couldn't muster a reply; my anger was a raging storm inside me, ready to explode at any moment. I didn't want to take it out on her, so I ignored her and walked away. I wouldn't want to hurt anyone because I was mad, especially not Ange.Entering my room, I slammed the door behind me, the loud bang echoing through the cabin. It felt like the only way to release the pent-up frustration and betrayal I f
Gonzalo's POV"Explain." I said to her quietly and began to walk, as I entered the hallways she followed me from behind. "It's not as you think Gonzalo, your father gave Drako an ultimatum, a condition, he'll have to go get Ruby with you directing his every move." She said, I sighed deeply, feeling a mixture of frustration and relief as Teresa finally began to explain herself. Her words revealed the complex web of decisions and manipulations that had led to this moment. As she spoke, I couldn't help but shake my head at the chaos that surrounded us."So, my father gave Drako a condition to lead a team to retrieve Ruby," she explained, her voice heavy with remorse. "He made it a requirement that you should be the one to lead the team. I didn't know how to tell you, Gonzalo. I didn't want to make things worse."I chuckled bitterly, not at the absurdity of the situation but at her apparent disregard for the consequences. "I'm not looking for compensation," I retorted sharply. "I'm not a
Ruby's POVAs the evening approached, I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions, preparing mentally for the big day that awaited me. Tomorrow, Alpha Ralph would present me as his mate and the Luna of the pack. It was a tremendous responsibility and a commitment that made my heart race with nervous excitement.Elena, whom I was now already used to, had to leave for the day, leaving me to spend the night at Alpha Ralph's place. We stood in the main room, and Elena looked at me, a knowing smile on her face."You'll do great, Ruby. Just be yourself. Alpha Ralph chose you for a reason," Elena encouraged, her voice warm and reassuring.I nodded, attempting to hide my nerves with a smile. "Thank you, Elena. I'll try my best."She leaned closer and hugged me tightly. "You're stronger than you know. Remember, we're always here for you."Once Elena left, I was left with my thoughts, wrestling with the nervousness and excitement that gripped me. The prospect of spending the night at Alpha Ralph'
Ruby's POVElena and I stepped into the main room, my eyes scanned the space, expecting to see Alpha Ralph. But he was nowhere in sight. It was just us, and a faint unease crept into my thoughts. Elena noticed the look on my face and offered some comforting words."You'll see him at the center, that's where it'll all happen. You remember, right? Where he first kissed you," Elena reassured me with a warm smile.I managed a smile back, relieved that I didn't have to face Alpha Ralph just yet. The center was the place where everything would unfold, and I wanted to gather my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead.Elena added, "Here in the Nighthowlers pack, you only see your mate at the center. It's a tradition, a beautiful one, I must say."Feeling reassured, we made our way to the car. Elena took her seat at the driver's side, and I settled into the passenger seat. She looked at me, tapping her thighs gently, offering words of encouragement."You're going to be okay," Elena assured me.
Ruby's POVAs Alpha Ralph took my hand and pulled me closer, a shiver of excitement coursed through me. The crowd had just witnessed their leader, the Alpha, choosing me, a newcomer, as their Luna. The significance of the moment weighed on me, but Alpha Ralph's unwavering presence beside me was grounding.We moved to the center of the stage, facing the expectant crowd. I swallowed nervously, unsure of what to say. Elena, still in her human form and wearing a proud smile, stood in the audience. I knew I had her support, and that gave me some comfort.Alpha Ralph, always the calm and collected leader, began by addressing the pack. His voice was steady, resonating with authority and reassurance. "Night Howlers," he began, and a hush fell over the crowd. "Today, we've taken a significant step towards our future. I've found my mate, and she is here with us."The words echoed in the silent space, and then, as if on cue, the crowd erupted in cheers and howls of approval. A surge of relief wa
Ruby's POVI woke up in Alpha Ralph's car, the darkness enveloping us except for the comforting glow of the headlights. He looked over and smiled at me. "You're awake," he said softly. I didn't even realize I had dozed off."How long was I out for?" I asked, feeling a bit disoriented."Not for long," he reassured me, his voice calm and soothing. "We'll be home soon.""I'm sorry for falling asleep," I apologized, feeling a little embarrassed.He gently removed one hand from the steering wheel and brushed my cheek tenderly. "You don't have to apologize," he said warmly. "I'm glad you rested."We continued the journey to his cabin, the quiet hum of the engine the only sound in the night. When we arrived, he helped me out of the car, and we walked into the cabin together. "I'm going to take a shower," I told him, feeling a bit grimy from the day's events.He nodded and smiled, reassuringly. "Take your time. I'll be here."With a small smile, I headed into the room. I quickly changed into
Gonzalo's POVThe room was shrouded in darkness as the early morning hours ticked away. I glanced at the figure beside me, Teresa still asleep. However, my thoughts were far from her. I was slowly losing my interest in her. Perhaps it was because my mind had been consumed by thoughts of Ruby, who was no longer part of the pack. I had spent the better part of the month fixated on Ruby, and Teresa seemed to fade into the background.I slipped out of bed, leaving Teresa sleeping. I pulled on my trousers and shirt, feeling the weight of the complications in my life. Ruby's absence had left a void, a longing that I couldn't ignore. The dynamics had shifted, and I was struggling to find my footing.As I looked back at Teresa still lost in slumber, I knew that she might believe that our physical intimacy had fixed the complications between us. But I couldn't help but think about Ruby. S
Ruby's POVMorning dawned, and I awoke to find the bed beside me empty. I stretched my arms, expecting to touch Alpha Ralph on the other side, but he wasn't there. The realization that the previous night had indeed happened brought a smile to my face; it was the best night I had ever experienced.Curiosity tugged at me, wondering where Alpha Ralph might be. It was the first time I had spent the night with someone else, and I wasn't sure of what to expect. Was he already up and about, taking care of his Alpha duties? Or was he simply giving me some space after our intimate night? I knew I had to find out.I swung my legs off the bed, feeling the soft carpet underfoot as I made my way to the bathroom. Washing my face, I looked at my reflection in the mirror, examining the traces of the night before. There were slight scars on my skin, gentle reminders of our passionate lovemaking. I chuckled to myself, feeling a sense of h
Gonzalo's POVThe words hung heavy in the air, a declaration of Alpha Ralph's apparent victory. Just as the tension reached its peak, Alpha Ralph waved his hand, and to our shock, half of Alpha Michael's pack members broke formation and joined him.He had been manipulating almost everyone throughout his stay in the pack during the competition. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. The allies we thought we had were now standing with our adversary.Alpha Michael's face contorted with shock and disbelief. The pack members who had stood by us were now seemingly under Alpha Ralph's control. The betrayal was not only strategic but deeply personal.Just then, Drako emerged from the shadows with another set of his own pack members and stood by Alpha Ralph's side. The alliance between Alpha Ralph and Drako became alarmingly evident.Drako sneered at A
Gonzalo's POVI made my way back to Alpha Michael's tent, my mind racing with the urgency of the situation. As I approached, Alpha Michael emerged, his expression a mix of concern and stern determination."Gonzalo," he greeted, his voice low. "You'd better be right about this. If you're wrong, it could cost you everything.""I know the risks, Alpha Michael, but I've seen something that doesn't sit right. We can't afford to ignore the signs," I replied, the weight of responsibility evident in my words.Alpha Michael nodded, his eyes penetrating mine. "Lead the way. We need to act swiftly and decisively if there's a threat to the pack."We moved through the camp, Alpha Michael issuing orders to several trusted pack members to form a defensive position. The urgency in his voice conveyed the gravity of the situation."Get into position
Ruby's POVI rushed toward the door but before I could react, Teresa rushed towards me with the same swiftness and held me tightly. I attempted to scream, but she covered my mouth. Panic set in as I struggled against her grip."Ruby, calm down. I didn't come to hurt you," Teresa whispered urgently.I continued to struggle, my eyes wide with fear and distrust. Teresa tightened her hold but spoke with a soothing tone, "Please, just give me a chance to explain. I mean no harm."Reluctantly, I ceased my struggles, eyeing Teresa warily. She loosened her grip, taking a step back. "Thank you for not screaming. I need you to listen, Ruby."I eyed her cautiously but remained silent, allowing her to continue."I've been watching, and I know the dangers that lie ahead. I'm not here to align myself with Alpha Ralph. In fact, I wa
Ruby's POVI walked away from the bustling competition grounds, the moonlit corridors of the crimson Red Pack's territory stretched ahead. The night air carried a mix of excitement and tension, mirroring the conflicting emotions within me. I couldn't shake the feeling that the challenges unfolding in the competition were only the beginning of a larger narrative.As I approached my room, the heavy wooden door loomed ahead. A sense of fatigue washed over me, both from the emotional weight of breaking the mate bond and the anticipation of what lay ahead. Pushing the door open, I entered a space that had been my sanctuary, a place where I could reflect and gather my thoughts.However, before I could fully immerse myself in the solitude of my room, I saw my mother, Elsa, walking through the same moonlit hallways. Her figure appeared ethereal in the soft glow, and I couldn't help but f
Gonzalo's POVI sprinted through the woods, running away from the designated path of the final challenge, a sense of urgency fueled my every step. Glancing back, I ensured no one had spotted my sudden change of route. Alpha Ralph was far ahead, consumed by the race without even looking back for a moment.Reaching my tent, a wave of relief washed over me. Just as I caught my breath, I noticed Lucas preparing to leave. Instinctively, I called him back, his eyes wide with surprise."Lucas, wait!" I called out, the urgency in my voice stopping him in his tracks.He turned, a mixture of fear and confusion etched on his face. I approached him, holding him firmly by the shoulders. "Lucas, it's me. You don't need to be scared. There's something you need to know."His eyes searched mine, searching for reassurance. "What's going on, Gonzalo? Why did
Gonzalo's POVThe moon ascended higher in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the competition grounds and where Ruby and I had been a few moments ago, I stood in a spot to observe the unfolding events. The air crackled with anticipation. It was the last dance, one that held a huge significance even though Ruby had chosen me, I was determined to win.Despite the significance of the moment, my thoughts lingered on what transpired earlier. The breaking of the mate bond with Alpha Ralph weighed heavily on my mind. Ruby's bold move had set a new path for the pack, challenging tradition and embracing a path less traveled.As we watched the trials unfold, Teresa's presence added another layer of complexity. Her gaze bore into Ruby, a mix of curiosity and calculation evident. The dynamics between them, intertwined with my own history, cast a shadow over the competition.&
The weight of my decision lifted as I left my father's study. His support meant the world to me, and I felt a renewed sense of determination. The pack's curious glances followed me as I walked through the corridors, but I was ready to face whatever challenges awaited.Leaving the pack quarters, I made my way to the competition grounds. The sun cast long shadows, creating an otherworldly atmosphere as I approached the central area where the mate bonds were formed and broken. The competition had been a journey of self-discovery, and now it was time to navigate the complexities of severing the bond with Alpha Ralph.As I reached the designated spot, Alpha Ralph was already waiting. His imposing figure exuded authority, and his eyes bore into mine with a mixture of curiosity and reservation. The pack members, sensing the significance of the moment, had gathered at a respectful distance, creating a circle around us.
Ruby's POVThe lingering tension between Gonzalo and me demanded resolution, and I didn't intend to let the uncertainty fester any longer. I guided him to a more secluded corner, away from prying eyes and curious ears. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken questions, and I needed answers."Okay, Gonzalo, we need to talk," I said, my voice firm, as I cornered him against the wall.He sighed, a mixture of reluctance and understanding in his eyes. "Ruby, can we not do this here? It's not the right time."I narrowed my eyes, feeling the weight of frustration settling in. "We're going to do this now. The pack already senses something is off, and I won't let rumors spiral out of control."Gonzalo glanced around, as if hoping to find a way out of the impromptu confrontation. "Ruby, I understand your concern, but we can't discuss everything here
Ruby's POVThe next day dawned with a sense of heaviness in the air, mirroring the weight on my shoulders. The events of the previous night had left a lingering tension within the Moonshade Pack, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.I found myself in the pack's common area, a space that usually buzzed with activity but now held a palpable stillness. As I navigated through the room, the pack members cast fleeting glances my way, whispering among themselves. The air was thick with unspoken questions, and I could feel the weight of their expectations pressing on me.Gonzalo's absence was conspicuous, and a part of me wondered if he was avoiding me after the revelation about Teresa. I needed to find him, to clear the air and understand where we stood amid the chaos that unfolded.As I approached the doorway leading to the training grounds, my mother, Elsa, inte