Gonzalo's POV
The words hung heavy in the air as Lucas attempted to explain himself, his intentions not malicious but misunderstood. I clenched my jaw, struggling to control the surge of anger and frustration that bubbled within me.
"I'll assume I didn't hear what you just said," I stated coldly, my voice a low growl, as I turned towards my car, my hand on the door handle.
Lucas hurriedly tried to clarify his statement, stammering in his urgency to rectify the misunderstanding. "No, Alpha, that's not what I meant. I meant that everything you could want is here in the Moonshade Pack. Why risk it for something you already have in Teresa?"
The words didn't register fully as my mind whirred with a mix of emotions—anger, confusion, and a tangle of thoughts that made it hard to grasp the fullness of what he was saying. The mention of Teresa, my pack, and Ruby left my head spinning.
Without fully comprehendi
Ruby's POVI lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Vincent's admission about Gonzalo being in the woods during our secret meeting left me both surprised and wary. How had Vincent known, and why had he kept it a secret from me?"How did you know?" I asked myself aloud, seeking answers that weren't there.I sat back against the headboard, lost in thought, piecing together the events that had unfolded earlier. Vincent's assurance that he had observed Gonzalo during our rendezvous felt unsettling. It made me question how deep Gonzalo's involvement in this competition truly was.Vincent's explanation seemed reasonable, but doubts lingered. "Should I trust him?" I whispered, uncertainty gnawing at my resolve.And then my mind shifted to what I had just seen from my window, Ethan standing and staring. I tried to get through my head about how my day had gone, it was a lot, and almost a mess.
Ruby's POVVincent helped me up, his support grounding me. "We need to figure out what's going on," he said, his concern evident in his voice.I nodded, still trying to catch my breath. "I really don't know what's going on."Max, frustration etched across his face, turned his attention to me. "How did he get into your room?"I sighed, feeling a dull ache in my neck from the encounter. "I don't know. It was like he appeared out of thin air."Vincent, ever the problem solver, spoke up. "We should search the area around your room. There might be clues."I nodded in agreement, grateful for their presence in this unsettling situation. "There's nothing here Max" I said sternly, almost getting annoyed for his lack of empathy.He ignored me and began to search the area around my room meticulously. Every corner, every window, looking for any signs of intrusion. But there was nothing
Ruby's POVI was finally left alone. I slowly got up and walked towards the full-length mirror on the wall. The dimly lit room made the reflection seem almost surreal. As I observed my own image, I couldn't help but focus on my neck, the soreness a painful reminder of Ethan's attack. My fingers gently brushed over the tender skin, tracing the ghostly grip that had tried to silence me.A sigh escaped my lips as I turned away from the mirror. My eyes welled up with tears, and I didn't bother fighting them. The tears were a release, a way to cope with the emotions that had been building up. In these moments, I longed for someone to hold me, to reassure me that everything would be alright.I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and tried to give a weak smile to my reflection. My gaze shifted to the necklace I wore, the delicate moonstone pendant that had always brought me comfort. It was a reminder of my mother, a woman I
Ruby's POVAlpha Michael, looked down at me with a gentle smile and pressed a loving kiss to my forehead. "You should rest, Ruby," he said softly.I nodded, appreciating his concern and his unwavering support. We walked together out of my room and through the hallways of the pack house. The familiar surroundings offered a sense of comfort, a feeling of belonging that was more than just a physical space.As we approached his room, Alpha Michael paused and turned to me. "I'll be in my room if you need anything. Don't hesitate to come to me if you want to talk."I offered him a small smile, grateful for the offer. "Thank you, Dad. I'll be fine."He entered his room, and I was left standing in the hallway, contemplating the events of the night. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, and as much as I appreciated my father's support, I couldn't shake off the unease that lingered within me.My thoughts we
Ruby's POVThe tension in the air was thick as a fog as the pack members gathered around, their eyes locked on the bewildered figure of Ethan, who was still tied to a wooden pole. Alpha Michael, Max, Vincent, and I stood at the center of the scene, trying to make sense of the surreal situation.Alpha Michael, ever the composed leader, turned his gaze to the pack member who had reported the discovery. "Explain what you mean. How did he get here?"The pack member, a young woman, stepped forward, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "He...he walked up to us by himself, Alpha. We didn't catch him; he just appeared here."A collective murmur swept through the gathered pack members, and I could see the skepticism in their eyes. It was a strange situation, and the mysterious appearance of Ethan had sent shockwaves through the crowd.Alpha Michael's brows furrowed as he processed the information. He
Ruby's POVMorning light filtered through my window, rousing me from a restless sleep. I glanced at the clock on my bedside table, it was still just 3 AM. Sleep seemed like it wasn't coming, and my mind was consumed with thoughts of Ethan and the mysteries that surrounded him.I knew that going to see him, to confront him, was risky. It was an idea that had taken root in the depths of my mind, a nagging urge I couldn't ignore. If there was a chance to uncover the truth, to understand how and why he had changed, I had to take it.Careful not to wake anyone, I slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the bathroom. The cold water splashed on my face was a shock to my system, but it helped to clear my thoughts. I quickly changed into warmer clothes, knowing that the early hours of the morning would be chilly.With determination burning within me, I quietly left my room and ventured outside. The air was crisp and carried the scent of pine
Ruby's POVI slowly regained consciousness, and it was weird. The world around me was blurry, and I couldn't quite make out where I was or what had happened. As my senses gradually sharpened, I realized that I was in an awkward position.My arm ached, and I could feel the cold, unyielding metal of the cell bar against it. It was then that I understood what had occurred. My eyes opened fully, and I gasped in shock.Ethan's arm was wrapped around my neck, holding me against the cell bars. My heart raced as I couldn't look into his eyes, but I could tell that they were now a dark, unsettling shade. The Ethan I had known, the one who had been pleading for help, was gone, replaced by someone unfamiliar and threatening.Standing before us were Max and Vincent, their expressions a mix of anger and concern. Max's eyes were blazing with rage, and Vincent's was a reflection of desperation. They were the only hope I had of e
Ruby's POVWith Vincent's support, I managed to stand up, though I was still shaken from the nightmare of an encounter with Ethan. As I approached the cell, I could see him lying unconscious on the cold, unforgiving floor. A trickle of blood stained his forehead, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of concern, despite everything that had transpired.My focus then shifted to the entrance of the dungeon, where Max was engaged in a heated conversation with the guards. His voice was a thunderous roar, and his anger was palpable. The guards stood with bowed heads, accepting the reprimand with a sense of defeat. It was clear that Max had lost all patience with them.As I drew nearer, I could hear Max's stern words, each syllable laced with frustration and disappointment. "Do you realize the gravity of your incompetence? Allowing Ruby access to a dangerous situation with no protection? You've endangered her life."The gu
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