Callista’s POVMoonlight spilled across the fancy balcony of the alpha’s house, turning my long dress into something sparkly. I paced back and forth, pondering the decisions to make, my heart pounding gently against my ribs. Torn between two alphas. I have to choose between the two, and at the same time I have to think about the fate of the Midnight Mirage pack, my father’s pack, which I have upheld for the past few years. Pushing their flaws and mistakes aside and considering their positive side. On one side, there was Tristan Logan, the strong and ruthless Alpha, or, let me say, a beta, who offered me safety when I came into this pack. He gave me a haven after the betrayal I suffered back at the Wolfsong Dominion Pack. Maya, my wolf, whined deep within me; she wanted and craved for him every day and night. Tristan is a good man and a worthy leader. Before the storm, his earthy scent calmed my anxieties—a steady presence I craved then. But a tiny flicker of something was missing—a s
Cassius’ POVThe war drums thumped a relentless beat in my chest. Staring at the hunched-over rough map by flickering candlelight, I traced the likely path of the Darkfang pack horde. My office, usually a comforting space, felt like a tomb tonight. Every little croak and whisper in the night, every rustle of wind and leaves outside, sent a jolt of nervous energy through me. I haven't felt this nervous in years about an impending battle. This night was different. A knock on the door shattered the silence. "Come in," I rasped, my voice dancing through the room. The door creaked open, revealing Max, my ever-reliable Beta. His face mirrored my own worry, but a flicker of something else danced in his eyes—maybe hope?"Alpha," he began, his voice low and respectful. "News from the Midnight Mirage Pack."My breath hitched. News from Callista. My heart pounded like a drum solo in my chest—a beat of pure anticipation. Even though she had told me to reach out to her for help, I still felt ner
Callista’s POV The news of my arrival sparked a fire in the entire pack. Nervousness hung heavy in the air, but it was mixed with fierce determination. Young and old warriors gathered on the training ground, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit.I felt anger brewing up in me when Cassius’ gamma told me he asked me to come into his office. I had planned on how to trash him with words, but as I got in, his gaze made those thoughts fly away. A part of me craves him, and another part is pushing me away, but whichever part it is, I don’t think I would listen to anyone if it were. I just have to go ahead with what I came here to do and push those feelings aside. We can’t be on the battleground with emotions flying around. It would make either of us lose concentration. A frustrated groan escaped my lips. Had I traveled all this way, defying logic and reason, just to be on the receiving end of his teasing and flirtation? “I can do anything I want; this isn’t the Callista from years ago
Cassius’ POV“What spell?” I raised a quizzical brow. “Watch out for it. Let’s move now!” She ran off towards the woods while the remaining warriors ran after her without answering my questions.As the pouncing from the woods became heavier and nearer, a realization dawned on me about what she said. Most of the packs in the North are joining forces against us. This is going to be a long night. “Shit!” I yelled and ran after her. We came to a halt when we caught sight of two groups of enemies pouncing forward in our direction. “These are two packs here,” I said immediately as I caught up with her. “Yeah, maybe they split up,” she nodded. “Attack!” she growled loudly as the earth trembled beneath our feet. The air crackles with anticipation, and the scent of fur thickens in my nostrils. The full moon hangs like a giant, watchful eye in the sky, casting the battlefield in an eerie silver light. Howls erupt from both sides. A scream of rage reverberates across the forest.Callista s
Cassius’ POV“Alpha, they are subduing us at the south border!" A fear-painted link echoed through my head, a glaring contrast to the ringing silence that had just descended on the clearing. Callista flinched beside me, her eyes wide with alarm. Pain flared in my shoulder, a throbbing reminder of the fight, but it was nothing compared to the sudden surge of fear that just coursed through me. "Shit! Let's go to the south border!" I roared the command, adrenaline masking the ache in my body. I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the way the world tilted for a moment.Callista was already moving; a black, brown, and white hybrid was disappearing into the trees. I pushed myself after her, pushing through the pain and the fear of a hot coal in my gut. We raced through the undergrowth, the pounding of paws echoing through the forest floor.As we broke through the trees and twigs, the scene that greeted us was one of chaos and goriness. Our warriors, outnumbered and caught off guard, were being
Callista’s POV “Mommy!" Jessica’s arms wrapped tightly around my waist, burying her face in my stomach. Relief washed over me, bittersweet and sharp. "Where did you go? Aunt Lily said you left to kill big bad wolves!" I chuckled, the sound raspy. "Not exactly, sweetheart. I went to help Alpha Cassius and his pack. They needed a little… assistance." Jessica tilted her head back, peering up at me with wide, worried eyes. The resemblance to Cassius, with her sharp jaw and frame, was uncanny. But her eyes—those held a warmth Cassius never possessed, but of mine. "Did you get hurt, Mommy?" Her tiny hand reached up to touch a bruise blooming on my arm. Guilt gnawed at me. Leaving Jessica, even for a war I couldn't ignore, felt like a betrayal. "Just a few scratches, honey bee. Nothing a good night's sleep won't fix." I kneeled before her, forcing a smile. Jessica’s concern was a stark reminder of the responsibility I bore—to her, to my pack, and yes, even to Cassius, her father. But un
Callista’s POVTristan stood before me, the shackles gone but the weight of his imprisonment still etched on his face. A tense silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the movement and murmurs of my pack members.The decision clawed at me, a battle between duty and a yearning I couldn't quite define. Taking a deep breath, I addressed my assembled pack members, their faces a sea of curiosity and unease.The murmurs of my pack rose in the tense silence, a hint of disapproval and confusion. I could feel Andrian's gaze burning into me, my beta and closest confidante. Would he understand this unexpected turn of events? Could he see, as I did, the flicker of a man yearning for redemption amidst the ruins of his past?"We have a prisoner of vengeance no more," I announced, my voice ringing with authority. The word tasted like ashes in my mouth. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, a wave of shock that mirrored my own turmoil. "Tristan will no longer be held captive within our wa
Callista’s POVAs the pack slowly dispersed, the weight of the moment finally settled on my shoulders. Leaving wasn't just about duty or forging a new path; it was about confronting the past, about mending the fractured bond with Tristan and Cassius. Taking a deep breath, I approached him. The air crackled with unspoken emotions—a tangible tension that stretched between us. "Tristan," I began, my voice barely above a whisper.He met my gaze, his blue eyes searching mine. "Callista," he replied, his voice rough with emotion. “I am sorry.” His tone was low and soft. I gave him a small smile. “We can’t duel in the past; I have forgiven you wholeheartedly,” I responded as a matter of fact. “I shouldn’t have broken the bond back then,” he said with a regret-filled voice. “It's fine. I just hope you understand the path I have chosen and my decision,” my voice carrying a newfound strength.“Callista,” I heard Lily calling from behind, which made me whip my head in the direction of her vo