Hello, My Loyal Readers. Please read Chapter 53. I released them out of order. Enjoy Chapter 54 for free. It's slightly different from the previous chapter I released.
Have a happy Halloween đ Javonte We plunged into the abyss, and my thoughts scrambled to piece together how this could be happening. The weightlessness in this fall felt endless, but in reality, it only lasted seconds. The moment my body slammed into the cold, unforgiving stone below, the air was forced from my lungs, leaving me gasping in the darkness. Pain shot through my ribs, but there was no time to dwell on it. I quickly pushed myself up, groaning, and scanned the room, or what was left of it. Groans echoed around me. My team is struggling to recover from the fall. I forcing myself onto my hands and knees, feeling around to make sure no one was seriously hurt. My wolf, Jasper, stirred within me, frustrated by the trap we had walked into, his growls rumbling in the back of my mind. âEveryone okay?â I called out, my voice ragged. âIâm fine,â Zace answered, though he sounded shaken. âCorey?â âWe're here.â Coreyâs voice was tight with pain but steady enough to ease my worries. That him and Lukas were alright. âJordyn?â I rasped, heart thudding. If something had happened to her after she saved us. âIâm okay.â Her voice was breathless but close. âBut I donât know where we are.â I glanced upward at the gaping hole we had fallen through. No sign of Elder Jalen's mate or the rogues. They had vanished, leaving us trapped in this underground maze. The blackness surrounding us was oppressive, thick, and heavy, like it had a life of its own. I couldnât see a thing, but the faint scent of mold and dampness gave me a clue about our location. We had to be underground, likely in some old basement or cave system beneath the abandoned building. âWe need to get out of here before the rogues come after us,â Corey said, always thinking ahead. I finally forced myself to my feet, the pain in my back a dull throb. Jordynâs magic had bought us time, but how long could we rely on it to hold off our enemies? Danâs voice cut through the silence, laced with urgency. âThis was more than just a rogue attack. I heard whispers before we came. The woman who trapped us... sheâs after Serenity. This is all about her.â My heart skipped a beat. âWhat?â Jordyn stepped closer, her glowing hands casting a faint light around us. âI overheard some of the rogues talking about it before we got to you. They said something about Serenity being a key... something about her power.â Serenity. The one person I swore I would protect at all costs, and now I was stuck in this hole while some vengeful crazy mate from the past was gunning for her. My blood ran cold when realization dawned. âThat woman is out for blood,â I muttered. âSheâs using the rogues as pawns, but sheâs not the one pulling the strings.â âWhat do you mean?â Zace asked. âThereâs more to this. Elder Jalenâs mate... she couldnât have orchestrated all of this on her own. Sheâs working with someone else, someone powerful enough to manipulate rogues and keep their eyes on Serenity. We need to get to her before itâs too late.â Why couldn't I remember her name? Jordyn stepped forward, her expression grim. "Thereâs powerful magic here. Dark magic. We need to be careful. Whatever theyâre planning, itâs not over." I wiped the sweat and dirt from my forehead, my mind racing. We needed a plan, but first, I had to make sure we could even find a way out of this pit. "Jordyn, can you sense an exit?" I asked. She closed her eyes, reaching out with her magic, her hands glowing softly while she concentrated. After a moment, she opened her eyes and shook her head. "The magic here is blocking me. Itâs like this place is designed to keep us in." Dan stepped up beside her, his jaw clenched. "We canât stay here. If they sealed us in, itâs because theyâre coming back for us." I nodded, my mind settling on the harsh reality of the situation. We were trapped, outnumbered, and walking straight into whatever trap they had set. The only thing keeping us alive was that we had momentarily escaped their reach. But I had a sinking feeling it wouldnât last long. "We need to move. There has to be another way out of here," I said, signaling for everyone to follow. We began to navigate the dimly lit tunnels. My senses on high alert. Jasper was restless, pacing just beneath the surface, ready to fight if needed. The oppressive atmosphere made my skin crawl, and every step felt like walking deeper into danger. A cold shiver ran down my spine. I turned to the others, tension rippling through the group. Jordynâs barrier flickered, and she winced. âI wonât be able to hold them off for long. We need to move.â We pressed forward through the darkness, the smell of damp earth and decay growing stronger with every step. I tried to push away the gnawing fear building inside meâfear for Serenity, for the pack, for everything that lay ahead. But I couldnât afford to be paralyzed by doubt anymore. I had to be the leader and Alpha they needed. As we moved deeper into the underground maze, I couldnât shake the feeling that we were being watched. Jasper was on edge; his senses heightened, but I didnât detect any immediate danger. Then, from somewhere up ahead, the sound of footsteps echoed through the narrow tunnels. We froze, our hearts pounding. âTheyâre coming,â Dan whispered. I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists ready for a fight. But as the footsteps drew closer, a familiar voice called out from the shadows. âTay?â Relief flooded me when I recognized the voice. It was Latrell and a few warriors. He stepped into the dim light cast by Jordynâs hands, his expression tense. âLatrell,â I breathed. âHow did you find us?â âBeta Corey sent us an SOS text,â he replied, his face grim. âI just tracked his phone to this location.â I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding. The panicked kicked in once again. " Where's Serenity?" Gripping Latrell shoulders tighter, spit flying out my mouth. "Last we heard, she was heading to New Moon to find survivors." Latrell reassured me. "She's fine. She's got the best protection team with her." Latrell led us through the winding, damp tunnels, the tension in my chest easedâjust a little. We werenât alone anymore. Yet I knew this was far from over. Serenity was safe for now, but if this attack was meant for her, weâd be on borrowed time until they struck again. After what felt like hours but was probably closer to thirty minutes, the maze began to thin out, the damp, rocky walls giving way to something more natural, like dirt and roots. I could feel fresh air seeping through, mingling with the earthy scent, as we followed Latrell. Finally, a narrow opening appeared, a faint glimmer of moonlight leaking in. We filed out one by one, my legs unsteady as they touched solid ground. Looking around, I realized weâd emerged near the edge of the forest that bordered Meadowoodâthe ruins of my old territory were not far off. Jordyn glanced around, brushing off the dirt from her clothes. "If weâre near Meadowood, weâre only about an hour from the Fox Village," she said. Her eyes caught mine, and I saw a flicker of determination. "Headmistress Toya might know something about the magic we encountered. She has ties to other magical realms and might have insight into why theyâre targeting Serenity.â I nodded, considering. Toya was powerful and wise, with deep connections to other packs, covens, and mystical circles. If anyone could help us understand what was happening, it was her. But I worried about splitting up again, especially with the threat looming over Serenity. âDo you think itâs safe?â I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, but Jordyn heard. Her eyes softened with understanding. âIâll take care of Serenity,â she promised. âBesides, if Headmistress Toya knows whatâs going on, weâll all be safer. The woman who trapped us may be just one piece of this puzzle.â She glanced at Zace and Corey, her brow furrowed. âThe forces at play here... theyâre beyond what weâve encountered.â âAlright,â I said finally, locking eyes with Jordyn. âTake Serenity to Headmistress Toya. Find out everything you can. And be careful. Weâll regroup at the Fox Village afterward.â She nodded, determination clear in her eyes. âWeâll find answers.â Jordyn moved to the center of the clearing, her expression sharp with focus. She lifted her hands and palms outward and closed her eyes. A soft glow shimmered around her fingertips, growing brighter as she murmured an incantation under her breath. The air around her thickened with magic, rippling like heat waves, while the faint scent of lavender and rain surrounded us. With a final word, Jordynâs magic surged, illuminating the forest with a silvery-blue light. She opened her eyes, their usual warmth now replaced by an intense, ethereal glow. âThis will take me to Serenity,â she said, glancing at Latrell. âIâll find her and meet with Headmistress Toya.â He nodded, stepping forward. âIâll go with you to make sure youâre safe. Headmistress Toya may have the answers we need, but the rogues and that woman... theyâre not done. This isnât over until we find out exactly what theyâre planning.â The glow intensified around Jordyn and Latrell, and then, with a flash, they vanished, leaving behind only a faint shimmer in the air. I felt a pang of worry, but Jordynâs confidence and Latrell's brute strength reassured me. If anyone could protect Serenity, it was them. Turning to the rest of the group, I exhaled. âWeâve got our own mission. Letâs move out.â As we trekked through the forest, Corey and Zace walked close behind, their senses heightened. The quiet rustle of leaves and distant hoot of an owl were the only sounds in the night, but the oppressive tension kept us all on edge. âWe need to find the main facility.â Zace said, scanning the shadows. Pulling out the map and checking to see where the nearest facility was and using that as our starting point. I needed to find Dr. Rivers. She could be our only shot at understanding why Serenity is so important to them. Corey moved up beside me, his voice low. âIf theyâre using Serenity as part of some ritual or spell... it means she has something they need. Something unique.â I nodded, trying to hide my worry. âAnd we have to figure out what that is before itâs too late.â Corey was gaze distant before he spoke again. âI donât like leaving her, Tay. Weâve never seen magic like this before. If Jordyn and Latrell run into trouble...â I placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling his muscles tense under my grip. âTheyâre strong, and Serenity has them both. Weâll meet them soon. Right now, our focus has to be on getting answers and tracking down Dr. Rivers. We canât help her if we donât understand the threat.â Latrell and Jordyn would reach Serenity in time. I had to believe it. But there was no telling how close the enemy was to striking again. My senses remained on high alert, Jasperâs presence intensifying, his instincts ready to defend at any moment. The stakes had never felt higher.Javonte We continued forward, Zace's voice cut through the silence, breaking me out of my reverie. "Once we reach the facility, what's our plan? If Dr. Rivers is involved. She'll likely have defenses." "Let's hope that's not the case." I had high hopes in Dr. Rivers, especially after she helped me find Serenity and no telling what else she had done for Serenity. After several hours of careful tracking, we reached the edge of a fenced-off area deep within the forest. Beyond it, hidden among the trees and heavy shadows, was a derelict buildingâno doubt the facility we were looking for. It was guarded but quiet, with only a few patrolling figures casting shadows along the perimeter. "Rogues!!! We need to get closer without alerting them,â I whispered, signaling for the others to fan out.
Serenity A sudden flash of light made me jump. I spun around, heart pounding, when two figures appeared on the lakeâs edge, their silhouettes framed by a silvery-blue glow. When the light faded, I saw Jordyn and Latrell, looking a bit worse but alive. Relief flooded me. âJordyn! Latrell!â I scrambled to my feet, unable to hide my surprise. âWhatâhow did you find me?â Jordynâs face softened, and she gave a small, reassuring smile. âItâs a long story, Serenity. But we donât have much time. Thereâs something you need to know.â Her voice was steady but urgent, and I could see the strain in her eyes.
Serenity I led him into the ensuite, and I gently guided Tay to sit at the vanity, catching his reflection in the mirrorâa blend of exhaustion and relief. I rummaged through the drawers until I found a comb and brush, then set to work, carefully loosening his braids and running my fingers through his thick, tangled hair. With each gentle pull, I could feel him relax, the tension easing while I untangled the braids and massaged his scalp, combing away remnants of dirt and debris that clung from their journey. Neither of us spoke. The silence wrapped around us like a comforting blanket, offering a peaceful reprieve from everything that had happened. Despite all that weighed on our minds, this was a moment for just us, a quiet communion in the stillness of the room. A breath of relief flooded from his mouth while I washed his hair. The scent of lavender and spearmint engulfed the walk-in shower. Ta
Javonte         "I'm still not seeing. What does this have to do with Serenity if she is already 21?" I blurted out.        "Alpha, are you positive that she is 21?" Headmistress Toya spoke for the first time since Dr. Rivers started explaining the sacred wolf.         "I'm 100 percent positive. Serenity came back into my life on her 21st birthday. She was partying at the Dark World nightclub." I confirm. "That was the only reason why I went out that night."        "See, Alpha, that's where you are wrong. That was the date that the Moon's found Serenity, but it's not her correct birthday. Do you even know her birth name?"        "Of course, I know her name. It's Brianna Williams. The Moon's had her since Embermoon Coven was destroyed. I have heard the stories and assumed her birth
Javonte Serenity narrowed her eyes, catching the tension in my voice. "Javonte, I can sense when you're hiding something. What did that message say?" I sighed, realizing there was no way to keep it from her. "It was a warning, Serenity. Someone wants me to meet them at the ridge before dawn alone." Her eyes widened with worry. "This could be a trap. Whoeverâs behind this knows too much about us already. I don't like you going alone." Dr. Rivers stepped forward, her face grave. "If this is truly connected to Jeremiah and Tiffany, we need to consider that whoever contacted you might be planning to lure you into an ambush. But if thereâs any chance they have information, itâs worth investigating." I glanced at Serenity, her face set with determination. "I wonât be able to live with myself if youâre put in danger again because of me," I said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But we have to take this chance. If they know something, we might be able to finally get ahea
Serenity We left Atlantic City in a rush, heading back to Fox Village to prepare for this war. In the past 24 hours, I had a lot to reflect on. My mind is going over every possible outcome, but one thing for certainty is that we could not lose. Lost in my thoughts, the two hour car ride went by in a blur. Inside of Fox Village territory, the Alpha Triplets were already positioned, their faces hardened, their eyes scanning the tree line for any sign of the rogues. Lillian had set up a makeshift medical station in the villageâs center, where she was calmly giving orders to the medics and checking supplies, ready to tend to the wounded. Lee was coordinating with the scouts, ensuring every attack point was fortified, while Latrell kept a careful eye on the hidden paths where the women and children waited, protected by several of our strongest fighters. To my surprise, my pack members were helping out where they were needed. The unity of Fox Village and Meadowood members was amazi
Serenity "Fuck, it's too many of them." I sneered. Our warriors put up a good fight, but we were outnumbered. A dark chuckle left out of Jeremiah's mouth, blood falling down out of the corners of his mouth. "You may have defeated me; however, my sister is unhinged and wants your very essence to make her invincible." With one last glimpse of my father, blood surrounded his dark gray eyes, and his body temperature decreased. "Goodbye, Father." My claws ripped out his throat, squirting blood all over my face. Pushing his body off of mine and scanning the chaos for Tiffany. I spotted Tiffany closing in on Lillian and Sam from behind. In lightning speed, my palms radiated a massive fireball, launching it in her direction. Catching her off guard when the fireball hit her on impact. Tiffany pushed through the fray, her eyes locked on me, a wicked smile curling her lips. Shifting into her black and brown wolf mid-run, matted fur, and white foam around its mouth. It reminded me of
Javonte The battlefield was eerily quiet now, the echoes of battle cries and snarls replaced by the groans of the wounded and the sounds of movement as survivors picked through the wreckage of war. The low murmurs of survivors tending to each other. The acrid stench of blood and smoke still hung heavy in the air, but it felt differentâless oppressive. The ground was littered with remnants of a battle that felt like it had lasted an eternity. The war was over. It felt like the weight of centuries was lifting. My fur was matted with bloodâsome mine, most not. Shifting back to my human form, I grimaced when the dull ache in my ribs reminded me of the toll this war had taken. I leaned against a half-broken tree, taking in the sight around me. The hybrids worked tirelessly, their heightened strength allowing them to move the heaviest bodies and debris with ease. Their human forms blend seamlessly with their wolf instincts. Jordyn directed a group of witches while they chanted healin
Javonte The bracelet felt heavier in my pocket than it should have, its strange energy prickling against my skin even through the fabric. The obsidian-eyed wolf figurine was tucked in the same pocket, its edges smooth and cold. I didnât understand why, but both objects unsettled me in a way I couldnât shake. After breakfast, I made my way to River Valley Pack to visit Elder Tony. He was wise beyond his years, a repository of wolf history. If anyone could decipher the meaning behind these objects, it was him. The morning air was crisp, and the packhouse buzzed with activity as wolves went about their daily routines. The drive there was uneventful, just a blur of trees. I had the music on jazz to keep my mind focused on the road ahead. But as I reached River Valley, the unease in my chest grew stronger. Something wasnât right, and I couldnât ignore it. When I arrived, I knocked once before entering. Elder Tony looked up from a leather-bound book at his office desk, his sharp gray e
Serenity I let exhaustion claim me, and I drift off to sleep, basking in the electrifying tingles of Tay's proctection. I feel this a soft, warm presence in my mind. A tiny, childlike voice whispers, âIâll protect you, Mama. But theyâre coming for us.âI jolts awake, realizing my unborn daughter was warning me. The next morning, we hosted a memorial celebration. The air was thick with the bittersweet scent of incense and wildflowers, a mixture that carried a weight of remembrance and hope. I stood beside Tay in the graveyard, my hand resting protectively over my growing bump while we faced the pack. Meadowood was finally whole again. A sanctuary rebuilt from ashes, with stronger borders and an unyielding sense of unity. Today's memorial celebration wasnât just for those we lost; it was a declaration that we had survived and would honor their sacrifices.The statue, carved from shimmering white stone, stood tall in the center of the graveyard. It depicted a wolf howling at the moon,
Serenity I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze while we stood in the ultrasound room. Tay was watching me, his eyes full of love and something else. Something I couldnât put a name to. I wasnât sure what had changed in him these past few weeks, but I knew he was waiting for me to open up, to let him in. And in this moment, I finally felt ready to do that. âIâve been a terrible partner,â I began softly, my voice barely a whisper, as if the words might break me if I said them too loudly. âIâve been shutting you out when all youâve ever done is try to help me.â My breath hitched, and I looked down at the ultrasound printout in my hands, clutching it like a lifeline. The tears that had been threatening to spill finally broke free, spilling down my cheeks. I hadnât realized how much I had been holding back until now.The sound of the heartbeat echoed in my mind long after we left the clinic. It was like a lifeline tethering me back to reality, pulling me from the dark place Iâd been trap
Javonte The night we returned to Meadowood felt heavy, the air thick with unspoken grief and unanswered questions. Serenity had barely said a word since weâd left the grove, and when we arrived, she bolted towards our tent without looking back. Through our bond, I felt the raw edge of her heartbreak, her longing to feel our daughterâs warmth again. Her emotions surged through me like a tidal waveâher pain, her exhaustion, and the weight of the destiny she had never asked for. It was unbearable, and all I wanted to do was take it away from her. But I knew better than to chase after her right now. Serenity needed space to process everything. She always had. So, instead of following, I stayed behind to handle the responsibilities she couldnât bear at the moment. The pack had gathered near the bonfire to continue the celebrationâor what was left of it. The mood had shifted dramatically since our abrupt disappearance earlier that evening. I forced a smile, my mind racing for the ri
Serenity The hum of power in the air was overwhelming, pressing against my skin as if the grove itself were alive. I stood frozen, barely able to process what had just happened. One moment, I was celebrating my birthday in the arms of my mate, surrounded by our pack. The next, we were hereâin this sacred, otherworldly placeâface to face with legends. The Moon Goddess Selene stood before us, radiating an aura of calm authority. Her silver hair flowed like a river down her back, and her luminous eyes seemed to see straight into my soul. The Graeae Sisters flanked her, their forms shimmering like water caught in moonlight. Despite their ethereal presence, their expressions were warm, almost amused. And then there was Sam. My breath hitched at the sight of her. She wasnât the Sam I knewâmy loyal, albeit overprotective, wolf companion. Her silver coat glistened as if she had spun from starlight, and her dark gray eyes held an ancient wisdom that made my chest tighten. There was a reg
Javonte The moment Serenity walked out of the tent with her bag slung over her shoulder, I knew she needed this trip. She needed a break, a chance to breathe away from the constant demands of Meadowood. But damn if it didnât sting to watch her go without me.She threw one last playful glance over her shoulder before climbing into Coreyâs truck. I leaned against the frame of the packhouse, arms crossed, watching the truck pulled away and disappeared into the trees. I exhaled slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. If anyone could lift her spirits, it was Camila, Corey, and Lukas. They were her anchors, just as she was mine.The sounds of the truck faded, and an idea began to take root in my mind. Her birthday was the day after tomorrow, but something told me waiting wouldnât do. This year had already thrown so much at herâthe prophecy, rebuilding Meadowood, managing alliances, and the relentless pressure of leadership. She deserved one day that was about her. No stress
Serenity I woke to the soft warmth of sunlight filtering through the tent. The familiar sounds of Meadowood stirring outside reached my earsâbuilders hammering, the distant laughter of children, and the soothing cadence of the river flowing nearby. For a moment, I let myself enjoy the peace, curled beneath the thin sheets that still faintly smelled of Tay. But the serenity didnât last. A sudden wave of nausea hit me like a tidal wave, and I bolted upright, my hand instinctively clutching my stomach. My mouth watered in that awful, familiar way that always came before I was sick. Stumbling out of bed, I barely made it outside the tent before doubling over, retching into the grass. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, leaning on my knees to catch my breath. The nausea subsided as quickly as it had come, leaving me shaky but otherwise fine. âStress,â I muttered under my breath. âItâs just stress.â It made sense. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of planning, rebuild
Javonte The night air was cool. I stood at the edge of Meadowoodâs new heart, the fire pit casting warm shadows across the freshly laid foundations. I couldnât help but let my gaze fall on Serenity. She was standing near a group of witches, her hands moving expressively while she discussed the next dayâs plans. Her voice was steady, commanding, but kindâalways kind. She had a way of making everyone feel heard, valued, and united. I couldnât look away. Watching her bridge the gap between packs, covens, and humans with such grace left me in awe. She was the perfect Luna; not just for me but for everyone who followed her. She carried the weight of leadership effortlessly, even when it pressed on her shoulders. She laughed softly at something one of the witches said. I found myself pulled into a memory of the first time I saw her years ago. It was a humid summer day on the college campusâthe kind of day where the sun clung stubbornly to your skin. I was heading to the library
Serenity  The morning light filtered through the curtains. I woke with a smile, my body humming with energy I hadnât felt in days. The ache in my limbs was gone, the nausea a distant memory. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt whole. I sat up in bed, blinking and inhaling the crisp morning air. Tay was still asleep beside me, one arm draped protectively across my waist. I couldnât help but smile at the sight of himâmy rock, my peace, my partner.  Slipping out from under his arm, carefully not to disturb him. He needed just as much rest as possible. I stretched, rotated my bones, and marveled at how light my body felt. The events of the past few days had been a whirlwind, but now, for the first time, I could focus on what came next. Meadowood. The name alone brought a surge of bittersweet memories. It had been our home, our sanctuary, and it had been torn apart. But it