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
“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
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
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
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
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
“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
“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
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