Marcus' POVThe tension in the room was suffocating. Every face around the table reflected the same frustration, fear, and a thirst for vengeance. Three of my most powerful werewolves had been beaten up— not just beaten up, but humiliated. The rogue responsible had made a spectacle of it, and it was a huge sting on my ego.It wasn't the first time we'd dealt with outsiders, but this? This was different. No one messes with me and goes away with it.I sat at the head of the table, my hands clenched tight in front of me as I listened to the others speak. The meeting had dragged on for nearly an hour, and with every word spoken, my blood boiled hotter."Two dead, Marcus," said Ryan, my second-in-command. His voice was steady, but I could see the barely concealed rage in his eyes. "One more wounded, and the rogue didn't even bother hiding his tracks. It's like he's daring us to come after him.""Daring us?" Jaxon scoffed. "He’s mocking us! He’s mocking *you, Marcus. What kind of wolf dare
Jacob's POVThe sound of my boots crunching on the gravel echoed in the quiet night as I made my way to the old Ridge. It wasn’t much of a place—just an old, run-down tavern on the edge of nowhere—but it had served as neutral ground for years. When you needed a conversation that wouldn’t make its way back to either side, this was the spot.Marcus was already there, sitting in a dark corner booth, a half-full glass of whiskey in front of him. He looked as grim as I’d ever seen him. It wasn’t hard to understand why. His pack had been humiliated, beaten down by some rogue wolf. Marcus didn’t take losses lightly, especially not ones that made him look weak.I made my way over and slid into the seat across from him. His cold eyes flicked up to meet mine, but he didn’t say anything at first, just waited for me to speak. He never had much patience for small talk."Thanks for meeting me," I said, signaling the bartender to bring me a drink. "I heard about your pack. About the attack."His ja
Reyna's POV The night was cool, but there was this surge of restlessness within me. I was still not yet able to understand why I couldn't heal when lord Bernard cut my wrist with the dagger.“She's not one of us,” the voice continued to replay in my head. That was lord Bernard's verdict, and it really made me feel embarrassed.I decided to meet up with Jake and to ask him a couple of questions. I wanted to know if there was something special in the dagger he had used to stab me that had made me heal.I felt like I was losing my mind. Maybe I was, and who knows, maybe, just maybe, that was the reason my father had rejected me. I hurried down the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest as I approached Jake’s room. We haven't seen eyeball to eyeball ever since John returned. I think he has been avoiding me, if not, why didn't he attend the initiation ceremony.When I reached his door, I knocked softly at first, then louder when I got no response. “Jake?” I called out, knocking again, b
Reyna's POV"Stephanie, wait!" I called out, running after her down the hallway. My heart was racing, and I could feel the panic rising in my chest. She’d seen us—seen me and Jake—and I knew exactly what was going through her mind. I had to explain, had to make her understand it wasn’t what it looked like.She didn’t stop at first, just kept walking, her pace brisk and determined. But I kept going, my feet hitting the floor faster until I finally caught up to her, grabbing her arm gently to stop her. “Please, Stephanie,” I said, breathless. “It’s not what you think.”She turned around slowly, and then, she narrowed her eyes, but I could see the judgment in her eyes. Her arms were still crossed over her chest, her eyebrows raised in that way that told me she was not buying any of it.“Really?” she said, her voice cool. “Then why don’t you tell me what’s going on, Reyna? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve got some serious explaining to do.”I swallowed hard, trying
Jake's POVI woke up the following morning, feeling much better. For some reason I wasn't feeling the pian from my wounds any more, and all of that happened after Reyna and I kissed again.“Hello bro,” John walked into my room. I buttoned up quickly, just before he could notice I was hurt.“Hey,” I raised my brow wondering what it was he wanted from me again.“I know we've not really been seeing each other in the eye lately.” John was beginning to sound like the big brother he was, and for some reasons I had missed this version of him.“Is there something you want to tell me?” I pulled the curtains open, and I could see some of the omegas having their training. A few changelings were there too and I just waved them.“I'm talking to you bro…”“Of course I'm listening,” I turned to face him. “What exactly do you want?”“It's Reyna.”I looked at him, almost surprised. “Did something happen to Reyna?” I imagined. I had probably forgotten what Seth told me regarding the request to have Rey
John's POV “Are you okay?” Reyna walked towards me. I was standing by the pool, and then I could see the light of the moon reflecting on the calm waters.I have been in deep thoughts after the conversation with Jake and I really felt bad with everything he said to me.I have tried everything I could to make us live as the good brothers we used to be before the father's death and the whole alpha saga came into the picture.“Reyna,” I managed a smile. She was looking really beautiful. I didn't know if it was just me, but there seemed to be something different about her that I just couldn't understand.“Is something wrong? You don't look so well,” I tried to dismiss her worries, but I wasn't doing a good job, and she could see through me. “Did something happen between you and Jake?”“I'm fine, Reyna. I just probably have a lot to worry about as the alpha of the pack. It will be winter soon and there's a lot that needs to be put in place before the fall.” That was the best excuse I coul
Stephanie's POVIve overheard everything that lord Bernard and John had talked about Reyna, and I felt bad for her. I could imagine what was going on in Reyna's mind at that particular time. I decided to go to her room and speak with her, knowing fully well that she needed a friend.Knock! knock! knock!“The door is opened,” I heard Reyna say to me. I opened the door and went Inside. I found Reyna on the bed, and I immediately knew she had been crying.“Are you okay?” I asked her.“Why are you here?” Reyna asked.I took my seat by her side on the bed even if she didn't ask me to, and then I took her hands into mine.I noticed the room was disorganized, and it hinted to me something. Was Reyna really preparing to leave the pack?“You're not leaving, are you?” I looked at Reyna, seeing the vulnerability in her eyes.“Why shouldn't I? No one wants me. Maybe I'm cursed or something,” Reyna's tears flowed.“Don't talk like that, Reyna.” I tried to hush her but Reyna wasn't ready to listen
Stephanie's POV As we walked down the hallway to my room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Reyna was still holding something back. There was a heaviness about her, as if the weight of her secret was suffocating her. I wondered if I’d ever be able to get her to open up completely, but for now, I was just grateful she trusted me enough to share even this much.Once we reached my room, I could feel the shift in atmosphere. The tension that clung to Reyna in her own space began to loosen as she stepped inside. I quickly pulled out the snacks I promised, setting them on the small table near the window.“Here,” I handed her a piece of bread topped with honey. “This always makes me feel better when I’m stressed.”Reyna took a small bite and nodded, her smile faint but genuine. “It’s good,” she said softly. “Thank you.”We sat in silence for a while, just enjoying the peace. But it wasn’t long before the conversation drifted back to the troubling reality.“What are you going to do if your
John’s POVThe air in the pack feels tense, like everyone is holding their breath, waiting. The news from the note has traveled through the ranks quickly, despite my orders to keep things discreet. Now every sentinel and elder is on high alert, and I can feel their unease even as I make my way toward the meeting hall.Once inside, I find the elders already seated, each with a wary expression. Jake is there too, pacing the floor with the note in his hand. When he sees me enter, he stops, his face hardened with a mix of anger and determination.“I’ve been thinking,” Jake begins, holding up the note. “Whoever wrote this clearly knows something about us. But they’re not giving us a name, just a warning. That makes me think they might be trying to stay anonymous to protect themselves.”I nod, feeling the same suspicion. “If they’re afraid of being exposed, they’re likely close by. Maybe even someone we wouldn’t normally suspect.”One of the elders, Elder Marcus, leans forward. His gray eye
John’s POVI glance at the note once more, feeling the weight of its words bearing down on me. The elders are gathered around the long wooden table in the meeting room, their faces grim. Beside me sits my brother, Jake, who’s gripping the arms of his chair a bit too tightly, his jaw clenched as he reads over my shoulder. None of us had expected a warning like this to arrive at our gate, especially not with such foreboding words.“They’re coming tonight,” I read aloud once more, letting the words hang in the silence. “And whoever left this clearly knows something—or someone—in the pack.”One of the elders, a stout man with silver-streaked hair, leans forward, his expression troubled. “The ink is fresh,” he notes, pointing a gnarled finger at the paper. “Whoever wrote this must be close. Either they’re within the pack, or they’ve just left after dropping this.”I nod in agreement, my mind whirring with the implications. “This isn’t just a stray message from a rogue,” I say, folding the
Reyna’s POVI wake up early, the soft morning light filtering through the small window beside my bed. After a quick bath, I dress and head to Stephanie’s room. She’s usually up by now, but today, I hadn’t seen her around, which isn’t like her. I feel a pang of worry but shake it off as I reach her door and knock softly.Pushing the door open, I see her still lying in bed, her face turned away, breathing evenly. The sight surprises me. Stephanie never stays in bed this long.I approach quietly and give her a gentle tap on the shoulder. “Steph?” I call softly, trying not to startle her.She stirs, blinking her eyes open, and gives me a small, tired smile. “Hey, Reyna.”“What’s going on with you?” I ask, concern filling my voice. “It’s not like you to be in bed this late.”She stretches slightly, then sighs. “I’m just… tired. Nothing more.” Her tone is light, but there’s something off, a slight tension in her voice that makes me hesitate.I narrow my eyes, studying her face. “Are you sur
Stephanie’s POVI slip out of bed quietly, my heart pounding as I make my way over to the small table in the corner of my room. Every sound seems amplified in the silence, from the rustling of my clothes to the faint scratch of pen against paper as I write. Tomorrow, Sally and his people will be raiding John and Jake’s pack, and they expect me to lead them straight in. But there’s no way I can betray them, especially not without giving some kind of warning.I keep the message short, anonymous, and vague, careful not to reveal my identity. The fewer details, the better. I fold the note tightly and slip it into the sleeve of my jacket. The paper feels heavier than it should, a reminder of the danger I’m risking. But it’s all I can do, a small act of rebellion that I hope will make a difference.The halls are dark and eerily silent as I make my way toward the main gate. Each step feels measured and tense, my senses on high alert for any sign of movement. The guards have been rotated sinc
Jake's POVThe tension in the room could be cut with a knife. After my words, no one dares to move. Instead, the elders settle back into their seats, eyes on John and me, waiting for the next steps. But before any more arguments can start, the door swings open, and a guard steps in, bowing quickly.“We found something,” he announces, a strange edge to his voice that piques my interest.John’s eyes snap toward the guard. “What is it?” he asks, his voice sharp and commanding. There’s an intensity in his gaze, as if he’s bracing for whatever news the guard might bring.The guard straightens, his gaze meeting John’s. “It’s better if you come and see for yourselves, Alpha. It might… change things.”Without wasting a moment, John gives a slight nod, signaling for me and the elders to follow. We move swiftly through the stone corridors, our footsteps echoing as we make our way down to the main hall. As we approach, I can hear a hushed murmur from a few of the other guards, but they quickly f
Sarah's POVThe door to the dungeon creaks open, and the heavy footsteps echo down the stone corridor. I know it’s him before I even see his face—Sally. The sound alone makes my stomach churn, but I keep my posture strong, even though my body aches from days of being locked up.Sally walks in, his grin as sickening as ever, his eyes glinting with malice. He stops right in front of me, towering over me like he owns the world. “You know,” he begins, his voice dripping with mockery, “I’ve already got the location of Stephanie. It’s only a matter of time before we bring her back here. Right where she belongs.”I don’t give him the reaction he’s looking for, but inside, fear grips me. If they find Steph, all I’ve done, all I’ve sacrificed, will be for nothing. I won’t let that happen.Sally’s smirk widens as he continues, “Your little hero act? All for nothing. She’ll be back, and both of you can rot together in this hellhole.”I meet his gaze, refusing to let him see any sign of weakness.
Inside the Great HallThe enormous hall loomed over Lord Filipe, Lord Urich, and Lord Bernard as they stood near the entrance, their postures rigid and expressions dark with tension. The air between them felt thick, as if anticipation and uncertainty had manifested into something tangible.Lord Filipe, tall and broad-shouldered, folded his arms across his chest. “What do you think the issue is? Why would someone risk infiltrating the clan?” His voice held a quiet frustration.Lord Urich, the oldest among them with a silver mane of hair, narrowed his eyes. “It could be anyone. But one thing’s certain—someone was sent here for a reason, and they’ve succeeded in remaining hidden thus far.”Lord Bernard let out a low grunt of agreement. He was the most suspicious of the three, his sharp gaze shifting between them. “Whoever it is, they have help. No one sneaks into this place without some inside information. We need to find the leak.”The three lords shared a brief, uneasy glance. The idea
Reyna's POVI walked into Stephanie’s room quietly, not wanting to disturb her if she was resting. The room was dimly lit, and at first glance, it seemed like she hadn’t noticed me come in. She was sitting by the window, her gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the glass. Her posture was stiff, and something about the way she was sitting sent a chill down my spine.I approached her slowly, then gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She jumped, startled, as if I had pulled her out of some deep, dark thought. “Oh! I didn’t mean to scare you,” I said quickly, taking a step back. “Sorry, Steph.”She blinked, her eyes wide for a moment, but then she settled down, though her expression didn’t soften. She just gave me a weak nod before turning her gaze back toward the window, her fingers gripping the edge of the chair tightly. “Are you alright?” I asked, stepping closer again, noticing how her shoulders were tense. “You seem... off.”“No, I’m fine,” Stephanie said, her voice barely above a whis
Stephanie's POVI held my breath, pressing my body tightly against the cold stone wall as I peered around the corner. My heart pounded in my chest as I saw the sentinels stepping out of John’s office. Their faces were grim, and their voices were low as they exchanged words I couldn’t make out. Panic clawed at my insides. If they checked the CCTV cameras, it would be over. They’d know the truth. They’d know Sally came for me.I quickly ducked back into the shadows, praying they wouldn’t notice me. My mind raced, trying to think of a solution, but nothing came. The moment they discovered Sally had been here, everything would unravel. My secret will be revealed I needed to talk to her. Now.Without another thought, I sprinted down the hallway, keeping low, my footsteps as quiet as I could manage. My body was trembling with fear as I made my way to Diane’s room. She would know what to do. She had to.When I reached her door, I didn’t bother knocking. I pushed it open and stepped inside,