Days pass in an uneasy blur, and I still hold my resolve firmly. The weight of my decision was killing me, and the tension inside simmered just below the surface, my wolf stirring restlessly but subdued. I spent nights patrolling the edges of my territory; the cool evening air did nothing to clear the storm of thoughts in my head. I can’t keep avoiding Hosea. It’s morning, and as the first light shines through the horizon, I stand outside her quarters, rehearsing the wording of my decision. The morning air is crisp and heavy with the scent of pine and frost. I knock at her door once, my fist firm against the weathered wood of Hosea’s door.“Come in,” Hosea’s steady voice called out.I push the door open, and in a minute, I am in, and she’s seated at a small table. Hosea’s gaze lifted to meet mine, curiosity flashing through her soft eyes. She gestured towards a second chair, but I didn’t sit. “I’ve made a decision,” I say, trying to keep my voice low and steady. “Phoenix can stay,
As I sat by the fire, watching its soft glow shine through the territory, Hosea sat with me, her calm presence as steady as the forest that surrounds us.“So, Phoenix,” Hosea began, her eyes soft and sparkling and voice soothing. “Talon has made a decision and he wants you to stay with the rest of the pack. It’s for your safety.”“Is it for my safety or his safety?” I swallow hardHosea raises an eyebrow and later offers the faintest smile upon realizing it. “You know it’s both. You are his mate. You are rare and powerful. And because you pose a future threat, Talon is being protective of his pack territory.”Protective. An interesting way to describe his domineering approach. But I know Hosea is just being honest, with no malice, only understanding. I fiddle with the hem of my dress before speaking again.“I know I don’t belong here, so I won’t want my identity to hurt the pack. I don’t even know how I’ll act towards them; what if they find out?”“No, what ifs?” Hosea cut in. “Just
“Hi…my name is Phoenix and yes, I’m new.” I finally find my voice A lithe werewolf with shoulder-length auburn curls in micro locs, a mikly chocolate complexion, and an easy grin that seemed to set her apart from the others. Mira came to be during a break, holding out water like a peace offering. “Thought so.” She plopped down beside me on the bench, I noticed her bright hazel eyes full of curiosity. “I’ve noticed you around, and I also noticed you are always so quiet.”“Hmm…yeah,” I replied, trying to sound casual and not giving off anything. She tilted her head, studying me for a moment before grinning. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to being here soon. The key is to find your people.”Find my people. Those words echo in my head. “You find the ones that make this place feel like home. That way, it gets easier because you are not trying to figure it out alone.” Mira continued.Mira’s words settle deep within me. Since I got here, I have felt a spark of connection with someone asi
One by one, everyone begins to shift to their wolves; smooth furs begin to emerge with effortless grace. I watch the beautiful display in awe. No matter how many times I see wolves shift, it will always be magical. To be a wolf is to carry an element of magic in you, but my heart pounds heavily as I see them all watch me expectantly. Talia is different now. I feel it, and I wonder if that change will be obvious to them. Will they know that I am different when they see my wolf? “Let’s do this, Phoenix.” My wolf, Talia, whispered in my mind again. The sound of her voice is soothing, but I couldn’t miss the power it holds.The change started; my body trembled as I begin to shift into my wolf form. Fur replacing skin, and my limbs reforming until they were standing on four paws. I hear close gasps as my shift is happening. I anticipated their shock. Talia emerges in her full glory, a golden wolf, shining uncontrollably under the full moonlight. First came the gasp, then murmurs fill the
My body burned from the inside out as if I were engulfed in fire. I hear Mira scream from what sounds like a distance as she races to my curled-up and trembling form. “Phoenix! What happened to you?" She exclaimed, crashing beside me quickly. Her hands feel warm against my now-damp skin. I'm nearly passed out, but I can hear her subconsciously.“Hang on, I’m calling for help.”I was half conscious when Mira’s voice sounded near again; her voice had an urgent tone to it, heavy footsteps, and then the sensation of being carried. “She’s burning up badly.” I hear another familiar voice. “This is no ordinary fever.”“Let’s get her to the healer’s cottage,” Talon’s familiar voice ordered. His mouthwatering smell nearly consumed me. His voice is calm, but I could sense the tension radiating from it. Hours later, I wake up in a cool, dark room. I feel better than earlier; the fever had lessened, but my body still feels heavy, like I was wrestling with an invisible weight. I could hear vo
Talia tries to force her way out and take control. Ordinarily, with all I have been through today, I should be too weak to fight her, but I cannot afford to embarrass myself with Talon as I fight. Talia begins to connect with his wolf as Talon rages, ”Talia, please.” I pleaded in my mind with my wolf to stop the bonding. Hosea and Mira exchanged glances, and as if on cue, Mira left the room after gazing between the three of us. Hosea stays, and I feel grateful. “Talon, you have to calm down,” Hosea whispered.But Talon is frozen and looking pale, staring at me like he’s just seen a ghost. He points at me and asks Hosea in a shocked whisper, “Why can I hear her already? Why is her wolf speaking to mine? We are not bonded! This shouldn’t be happening!” He yells the last sentences.Well, she’s a pack member now; she is bonded with the pack, which means she is bonded with you one way or another, so whether you like it or not, the bonding process has started. “This is what I was avoidi
It’s been 2 weeks, and Talon and I have done a very good job avoiding each other. I’m more convinced now that deciding to stay in the packhouse is necessary for my sanity. It's the only way I can truly find my balance and take ownership of my life. If I have to control the power inside me and not be consumed by it, I need to find a way to live, not just exist. I took my first step to living and began my search for a job. I wanted something human and normal, so I went beyond the walls of the house. I wanted to do normal things and forget about the whole burden that came with bearing the same fate as Talon.Here I am now, behind the counter at Grind and Sip. A small coffee shop on the outskirts of town, Main Street, not too far from the pack house. The shop isn’t glamorous, but I enjoy the rhythmic hum of the espresso machine, I love to hear customers chatting away, and the satisfaction I feel when I make the perfect latte for someone. Working here has kept my mind busy and focused, an
It was a long shift for me today at the coffee shop. I want nothing more than to collapse in bed and give in to fatigue. Unfortunately for me, Talia had other plans.“Hey, Phoenix. We need to go back into town." Talia said, her voice interrupting my dreamy thoughts as I locked up the coffee shop. “What do you mean, back into town, for what?” I groaned. “Talia, please, I’m tired. Let’s just go home.”“This can’t wait. I’m curious to know what the people have been up to since we saw that headline. The rumors must have spread far and wide. We need to get information.”I sigh deeply, pushing the keys into my bag. “Fine. But let’s be quick about it; I’m curiously curious too.”And with that, we went straight into town. The town is alive with its usual bustle and hustle. People scattered around the streets, laughing and chatting, the soft glow of streetlights reflecting off cobblestone paths. I pull my hoodies tight around me, trying to blend in with the crowd. “Talia. What’s the plan?” I
The journey to Shadowpine council’s enclave was filled with tension. Even if Lucas, my wolf, urged calmness, my instincts are on edge. The air seems heavier the closer I get to their territory, thick with the weight of the council authority. I should be going with the subject matter, Phoenix but I fear they will try their best to seize her. I need to face them alone. The council’s territory is starkly different from my own. It’s wolf and vibrant, the elder’s land is steep in an eerie stillness. Trees towered line the path, their branches entwine like skeletal fingers. The protective wards surrounding their enclave prick against my senses, warning of their power. I step into the chamber, a massive stone hall, lit up by flickering torches. The council members are sitting in a half-circle, their faces shadowed and unreadable. Their silence is a tactic, meant to unnerve, but I refuse to falter. “Here he is, the Alpha Talon,” Elder Marcellus greet, his voice a blend of authority and co
As we walk away from the border, the veil pulses faintly behind us, its presence a silent promise that it will stand strong as long as we do. And right there and now, I knew deep inside of me, that no matter whatever challenges lay ahead and whatever I’ve feared this long. I will do everything in my power to protect this land, the moonstone pack, and this woman walking beside me. “Does it ever feel suffocating?” Phoenix asks, her gaze fixed on the horizon.“What do you mean?” I ask“I mean, the border,” she says. “How does it feel to be surrounded by it? Knowing it’s there for a purpose.”I consider her words, my hands resting on my hips as I look out at the tree line. “It doesn’t feel suffocating at all. As a matter of fact, as Alpha, I’m grateful at the very least for the protection, not confinement. Without the veil, we’d be vulnerable to every threat that comes our way, like we witnessed the other day.”“I wonder, though?” She pressed. “What’s beyond the veil? What is the Moon Go
“We’ve seen what stretching yourself leads to, Phoenix. You are powerful but not invulnerable too. The conversation continued as though we hadn’t just melted into each other eyes and listening in on our wolf rattle about their bond. “I know that too but I won’t hold back when there’s so much at stake.” She says with a soft expression, though the fire blazed softly in her eyes. Mornings pass with training drills and laughter; we’ve formed a bond between us. Phoenix moves sharply now, her strength returning in full force. Her wolf is always close beneath the surface, and I feel Lucas stir in response, a steady hum of approval in my mind. “Have you noticed the Alpha and the new golden girl? “They spend so much time together?” Another murmured. I begin to notice sideways glances and whispers flying from every corner.“They even train together. I think it’s more than that, is it? His eyes always burn for her.” Another murmured. whispers“They are talking about us.” Phoenix's voice cu
“Hey…I’m here,” I say, my voice coming out softer than I intended. She tries to sit up, wincing as pain shot through her side. My instinct is quick enough, and I move my hands on her shoulders, easing her back down. “You need to get a lot of rest.”“We won, right?” she asks, taking me aback. She can’t possibly be worried about that, even in this weak state. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips; I couldn’t help it. “Yes, we won.”A satisfied smile spread across her face, but it faded quickly. She looks down at herself. “How badly injured am I?" She asked.“It’s nothing too serious. You’ll heal in no time.” I assure her. “You scared the hell out of everyone. Including myself.”I noticed the surprise in her eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” She says, blinking.“It’s fine. I know that.” I say, my hands lingering on her shoulder longer than ever, before I pull away, the brief connection we shared sending a ripple of warmth through my inside. “You did amazing out there, Phoeni
I pace up and down, outside the room where Phoenix lay, unable to shake off the heavy weight pressing on my chest. I can smell her scent, light and familiar and laced but now laced with the metallic tang of blood. A haunting reminder of how close I was to losing her. I recount memories of her charging at the Blackfang scouts and tearing them down mercilessly, i marveled at her strength while I fought the scouts that came my way. I wish it was me instead. Lucas growl low in my mind, restless and not agreeing. “She’s alive because of the strength within her. And because we fought hard against those Blackfang scouts.”I ignore Lucas, my jaw clenched as I turn back towards the door. It’s been closed for a while now, and a quiet knock echoed behind me. “You’ll wear a path into the floor if you keep pacing around, Talon.” It’s Hosea, her voice is soft but firm and it brought me back to the present. I only nodded at her words, I can’t seem to respond. I notice Mira follow with a bundle
Shadows stretch long beneath the thick canopy of tall trees, the air over us thick with tension and anticipation. My wolf thrums, his power vibrating like a taut bowstring and ready to pounce. Lucas is restless and eager. The moonstone pack house in shadowpine has been secluded and more secure than every other territory. So it’s been still and void of unnecessary intrusion, and the Blackfang threats to cross into it now has ignited a waiting storm. Phoenix is standing beside me, her eyes defiant. She doesn’t flinch even as I turn to face her. “This is not your fight,” I said quietly. It felt as if the air bent around her as Phoenix’ body morphed and twisted into something otherworldly. Talia is now standing, golden in all her glow, and glowing as if the moon itself had blessed her. She is not just beautiful; she’s shining radiantly; her golden coat shimmers like firelight caught in motion. My breath hitch, though I mask it quickly, but Lucas growled in appreciation. “Lucas,” her vo
TalonI stand at the edge of the clearing, my eyes scanning the horizon, where it’s been reported that the Blackfang scouts had disappeared moments before. I can already smell their foreign stench as it lingers in the crisp night air, a mix of wet earth and malice. Fools. They had the nerve to come into my territory, sniffing around for information like parasites. My presence chased them off before I even came into view. They were few and had not been here to fight. They were here to gather information; rumors have gone out about the golden wolf. The whispers are spreading and drawing the attention that I did not need. I don’t need that for my pack either. As I thought about this, tension rose up in my chest as I turned towards the path to the pack house. This is a distraction, and it’s a dangerous one. The pack does not know yet how vulnerable it has made us. A golden wolf on our land is an obvious target on all our backs. Then I saw her. She is standing just beyond the tree line
I had just returned from work; I barely close late these days because I’m being cautious. That evening, Hosea came to me. “Phoenix, I want you to come have dinner with us at my cottage tonight,” she said. “Dinner?” I say, the hesitation in my tone is very obvious. “Yes, choosing to stay in the packhouse doesn’t mean you don’t have access to the lair. And Mira is coming too.” She adds. I’m grateful for that piece of information because, after the last time I had a sizzling eye contest with Talon, I’ve avoided him like a plague. I sigh. “Fine. I’ll come, but only because I trust you and Mira.”“That’s good.” She says, tapping softly on my shoulder. As I get ready for dinner at the Hosea's, I think about how much I hesitated. It’s a simple invitation, but the thought of it made my chest knot. It wasn't Mira or Hosea that made me hesitate. It is Talon.I get dressed quickly, shoving my thoughts to the side as I walk to the cottage. My boots crunching softly against the forest path. I
“I fear there is more to come. What if there are more hunters out there for me?” I ask Talia, my voice visibly still shaking from the incident. “We’ll face whatever it is together, Phoenix,” Talia whispers to me as I sit in my room recounting the attack I just had. They had come out to hunt down werewolves, hoping to capture the golden wolf. “Run!” Talia had ordered, but as I turned to flee, one of the men grabbed my arm. Fortunately, my wolf instinct twisted out of his grip, landing a kick to his stomach, which sent him stumbling back.“A feisty one,” the man said, smirking.Before he made his next move, I shifted mid-step, allowing Talia to take full control. My wolf exploded into her full form, golden fur shimmering under the faint moonlight. My golden fur shimmering under the faint moonlight. The hunters hesitated in their comeback, obviously shocked at the sight before them. But it’s just a fleeting emotion, as one of them raised a crossbow, aiming straight at me. “Move!” Tal