Ruby's POV
As my frustration and confusion mounted, I found myself clutching my necklace, a token that held a piece of my past, a connection to someone who once meant something to me. I remembered giving the other half of this necklace to Alpha Ralph, a symbol of trust and affection.
"He doesn't deserve it," I muttered under my breath, my mind battling the tangled emotions within me.
"Who?" a voice suddenly echoed in the room. Startled, I turned to see my mother, Elsa, standing there. I hadn't noticed her entering, and her presence irritated me even more.
"I didn't notice when you came in," I replied, my tone lacking enthusiasm, making it clear I didn't want her there.
"Who were you referring to?" Elsa asked again, coming closer to me. I sighed and discreetly placed the necklace back inside the wardrobe.
"I wasn't talking to you, Mother," I said, walking back to the window, my back turn
Ruby's POVThe forest blurred around me as I sprinted, trying to outrun the hurricane of emotions. My skin tingle with the sensation of sweat and adrenaline, and the rustling leaves sang a chaotic tune, clearly showing the mess that I was in.I glanced back and saw a wolf, immense and powerful, chasing me. Fear surged through my veins, my instincts urging me to shift into my own wolf form for protection. But something was amiss; I couldn't connect with the wolf within me.I tried desperately to shift, to connect with my own wolf, to reach out to an instinct that would save me, but my connection with my wolf seemed severed. Panic surged within me, making my heart race even faster.The wolf closed in, and just as I stumbled and fell, expecting sharp fangs to pierce my skin, something unexpected happened. The wolf spoke."Why are you running from me, Ruby, after all that I've done for you?" The w
Ruby's POVIn the dim light of the room, I wore a long cape over what I was wearing, I didn't have the energy to put something else on.. It was a simple yet elegant garment, adding an air of mystery to my presence. I knew that tonight called for something different, a break from the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me. As I walked down the stairs, I felt the weight of the cape settle around me like a protective shroud.As I reached the main hall, I found myself face to face with the maid I had treated poorly earlier. A pang of remorse tugged at me, and I hesitated. I felt the urge to apologize for my earlier behavior, to make amends for my impulsive actions.But I was also fighting with a sense of pride. Did I really need to apologize, I was the Alphas daughter anyways and they were all below me. The conflict within me wrestled with the desire to mend things and the pride that held me back.As
Gonzalo's POVThe engine roared as I sped towards my secluded hiding spot nestled within the woods, close to the cliff. The drive gave me a chance to collect my thoughts, to distance myself from the storm of emotions that brewed within the pack.I parked the car, the engine's growl reducing to a gentle hum as I turned it off. Stepping out, I was enveloped by the serenity of the forest. It was a place of solace, a sanctuary where I could shed the burdens of being an Alpha and simply be myself.I began to walk towards the woods, feeling the cool breeze caress my face, and the scent of pine and damp earth filling my senses. Soon, I found a spot where I could take a moment to gather my thoughts.With a deep breath, I allowed the transformation to take over, embracing the shift from human to wolf. The change was a familiar and comforting process, a reminder of my primal connection to the world around me.As a wo
Gonzalo's POVThe dark expanse of the forest swallowed me as I drove aimlessly through the woods, leaving the familiar Moonshade territory behind. My thoughts were a whirlwind of memories and uncertainties, tangled like the trees that surrounded me.I couldn't shake the memory of that heated encounter with Alpha Ralph—the first time he set foot in the Moonshade Pack. My father had taken me to discuss potential alliances, and we were met with Alpha Ralph's arrogance and disregard for authorityI remembered the searing anger that surged within me as Ralph arrogantly claimed Ruby as his mate, treating her like a possession. I knew in my gut that their union was not fated, and yet Ralph's sense of entitlement was infuriating. It was a storm waiting to erupt, a clash of wills that couldn't be avoided.In the presence of my father, the tension escalated. My father, ever the good guy, atte
Ruby's POVVincent excused himself, leaving me momentarily alone amidst the lively celebration. I took a moment to look around, realizing that despite being the alpha's daughter, I hadn't really connected with the pack on a personal level. This was an opportunity to change that.As the music played and the dance floor came alive once again, a young man approached me. He had a friendly smile and an inviting appearance. "Hello there," he greeted, extending his hand towards me. "I'm Ethan."I returned the smile, accepting his hand. "Nice to meet you, Ethan. I'm Ruby.""I know who you are." He said almost cutting me off. I looked at him, smiling weirdly."What I meant is that who doesn't know you, Ruby and how beautiful you are." He said. I sighed, he was doing a terrible job in trying to make up for his initial errorHe led me onto the dance floor, and soon we were swaying to t
Ruby's POVI approached the figure in the dim moonlight, a sudden chill grazed my arm, causing me to jolt and lose my balance. My heart raced as I instinctively caught myself, only to realize it was just a branch from a nearby tree that had brushed against my skin. A nervous chuckle escaped me. "Get a grip of yourself, Ruby."I stood up and cleaned my dress which was already stained with mud. I approached the figure, only to discover it was merely a tree shaped by the play of shadows. Frustration bubbled up within me, and I muttered a string of curses under my breath. "Of all the times to be jumpy..."I turned to head back towards the pack's territory, berating myself for my overactive imagination. But just as I began to walk away, I heard my name called again, echoing through the quiet night. Fear clenched my heart, and I froze. I strained my ears, trying to determine the source of the voice, but all that
Gonzalo's POVI released Ruby. "Calm down." I said to her again.Her eyes flashed with anger and fear. She spun swiftly and her hand collided with my face in a resounding slap. The sting was sharp, but I understood her anger."How dare you?" she said, her voice laced with betrayal.I touched my cheek, taking in her disbelief and anger. "It's not what you think."She regarded me with a mix of rage and skepticism, her arms crossed defensively. "Explain, then."I took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "I'm here to apologize, Ruby. To make amends for everything I did to you in the past."She scoffed, the disbelief still present in her eyes. "Apologize? Make amends? After all you've done?""I know I've hurt you," I admitted, "but I've changed. I want to do right by you, by everyone I've wronged.""You're only here for the competition, aren't you?" she accused, her voice cutting an
Ruby's POVI hesitated for a moment, glancing back to see if Gonzalo was still there. But the darkness swallowed any trace of him. He had vanished into the shadows. I turned my attention back to Max and Vincent as they walked ahead, heading back towards the territory. I followed them, a knot of worry forming in my stomach."Is there something you want us to know?" Max asked me, his voice carrying a stern note as we walked. The events of the night had taken an unexpected turn, and I wasn't sure how to explain it."No," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was just curious and wanted to see what was on the other side of the gate."Vincent's eyes bore into mine, and I could sense the seriousness in his gaze. As we reached the small door leading back into the territory, I looked over to Max. He was ordering the gate to be locked and stationed two guards in front of it. It was clear they were taking this matte
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