Ava's povHe noticed my movement and his face changed to one of panic, he reached a hand towards me in an attempt to calm me down.Whatever was in his place spoke, “calm down, Aria.” Its voice was deep and rough.Aria?“What?” I whispered, he took another step towards me making me crawl back.Hurt flashed on his face, he still held his hands out to show that he wasn't going to hurt me.Why'd he call me Aria?“Wait…please.” The thing said then took another step.I didn't move this time out of fear and confusion, he took another then another until he was towering over me.I swallowed as he bent down to be at my level, it reached a clawed hand towards my face and I shut my eyes tightly in fear.I waited for the impact but it never came, rather he gently stroked my face. He brushed my hair out of my face, sparks danced across the place where he touched.I opened my eyes and stared into his golden eyes, there was something else in them. They weren't just gold but they had an ethereal glo
Xander's povI ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. I don't know what came over me.Ever since the kiss with Ava I felt something, the presence I felt the first day I saw her. I was coming down the stairs to go check on the pack, one minute I saw Vanessa pinning down Ava the next I was standing with their blood on my hands.I hurt my pack members badly.I usually punch werewolves who break the law depending on the severity of their crimes but what happened today was different.I felt the mate bond.When it hugged Ava through my body I felt the full power of the mate bond course through me. I saw glimpses of Ava's life, that only happens when the mate bond has been completed but for some reason It happened today.Her eyes…They glowed, I felt like I was drowning in an ocean. There was something else in her, it recognized me.I didn't understand what was happening and I didn't like it but one thing was certain.Ava was my mate.She wasn't bewitching me. The pack elders saw eve
Ava's povStepping down from the stool, I walked towards him until we were mere meters apart.“You really think you're all high and mighty, don't you?” I teased him.He kept quiet. A little smile escaped his lips.“What? Did you suddenly turn a new leaf overnight and why?”No response. Our eyes locked.His charming presence made me froze for a moment.He raised his hands and said, “I—”“I didn't ask you to be my hero today.” I said and he couldn’t hold the smile back.“You would have been dead by now.” He said slowly.“I don't care.” I replied, slowly turning to leave the kitchen .His hand wrapped around my arm and pulled me back.The next thing his lips crashed into mine. I tried to fight back but he held me firmly against him, every will power left my body as I melted into the kiss against my will.It was a slow and intimate kiss, far different from our last. His scent was intoxicating, I felt like I was drowning but in a good way. Something began to come together within me, like
Vanessa's povPain.That was all I felt all over my body. The alpha had hurt me all because of that girl, that filthy human.“Shh, calm down, honey.” my mom whispered soothingly in my ears.I couldn't calm down, my entire body was in pain. Spasms, I curled into a ball as the pain continued to radiate all over my body.My healing wasn't working fast enough, I heard Lucy scream. The sickening crack of her arm when the alpha snapped it still rang in my ears.She was my childhood best friend, always by my side through thick and thin and I had just gotten her hurt. I cringed as I heard another sickening sound as the doctor snapped her bone back in place so it would heal properly.“Okay, here we go.” A nurse said.This brought me back to my own situation. When the alpha flung me across the room, a metal decor had impaled into my back— my spine to be exact.I was beginning to heal around it so they needed to pull it out as fast as possible.Tears streamed down my face as I felt the nurse pul
Ava's povThe castle was silent, everyone was asleep and so should I have been, yet here I was following a strange voice and glow.Very dumb. I thought but still went on.As I rounded the corner, I was met with a long dark hallway. I had never been in this part of the castle and wanted to turn back the way I had come until I saw the glow again.I kept following the glow as it led me through a series of hallways, deeper into the castle. There weren't even guards stationed in these parts which was odd because they were stationed in every other part of the castle.As I rounded the next corner, the glow suddenly disappeared.“What the…” I muttered under my breath.I turned to look at the way I had just come from and the hallway was filled with darkness, daunting and frightening.I was lost.“What do I do? I shouldn’t have followed it.” I said in confusion and slight fear.There were windows in this hallway which let in light from the glow of the moon. Hesitantly, I walked further into it
Ava's povWhat I read was far different from the take I knew. The scroll talked about betrayals, secret alliances, villages burnt down and innocent people that were slaughtered.It wasn't by the enemy that we had all grown up knowing— the humans, but by the werewolves themselves.My stomach twisted the more I read. The werewolves hadn't fought for survival rather they had planned and caused the chaos, killing thousands to be the dominating race.They lied about it all. They changed history to benefit them, they painted themselves as noble survivors who had to do what they needed to survive. They buried the atrocities they had committed.The scroll mentioned names I didn't know, leaders who had made the ultimate decision that led to the death of thousands. My hands trembled as I turned the pages, it described the brutal tactics they used, merciless strategies that were created.Now I understood the warning written on the door as the weight of the truth pressed down on me.I kept readin
Ava's pov After taking my bath, I sat on my bed and thought about everything I had discovered. The truth plagued my mind, I had always known that the werewolves were monsters but this took things to a whole new level. Does Xander know? I wondered. He could know or not. The chamber looked like it hadn't been used in ages, I doubt he knew. He seemed to believe what he was raised with. Regardless, that doesn't make him innocent in all this. I hadn't seen or heard from him all day, not sure why that bothered me instead of making me happy. Madam Mary. I stood up so fast that the world spun around me. Once steady, I grabbed my shoes, put them on and headed out the door. I still wore my maid's outfit because I wasn't sure I was allowed to wear anything else. I had a mission: find Madame Mary and talk about the offer she had given me when I first arrived. Joining the humans in whatever they had planned. I wasn't entirely sure what this said plan entails but now that I was hea
Ava's pov“No.”“Because you've got this… fire in you. Burning hot and that's the kind of spirit we need if we are ever going to be free from the werewolves.” She continued. “I'm sure you've heard whispers about the rebellion, no?”“Yes, just a little bit. There is some tension between the humans and werewolves so it was bound to happen.” I replied.My mind flashed back to the truth I knew but I bit my tongue.Madame Mary let out a dry laugh. “Some tension? That's putting it lightly, dear. There is a full on war brewing between both races. We are tired of being treated like tools or livestock ready to be used and discarded as these monsters please. We've had enough.”I remained silent as she spoke.“The storm has gathered and is slowly moving towards us. Once the time is right, it will be a downpour. We want a change and we will get it, at all cost.”My heart skipped a beat, it was a lot more intense than I had imagined. “How long has the rebellion been going on?”“Years, child.” Mada
Ava's povThe wind outside howled like it knew what was about to happen. The moon was full and watching, high above Blackthorn’s towering trees. Everything felt quiet and still, eerily so, as if the world was holding its breath for the events of that night.I jolted awake.A deep cramp tore through my lower belly, stealing my breath and tightening my entire body in its grip.I gasped.Then hissed.Then groaned as the pain came again, fiercer and longer than any of the aches I'd been getting for the past week.Xander was at my side in a heartbeat, rising from the other side of our shared bed. “Ava?”His voice was low and sharp, a leader’s instinct kicking in, but his eyes—his eyes were pure panic. I saw the fear and excitement written in every line of his face.I nodded, wincing. “It’s time.”Those two words threw the entire castle into motion.Within minutes, Vanessa and Kaida were by my side, helping me breathe, helping me move. The pack healer arrived with a bag of herbs, towels, an
Ava's povThe skies over the castle were crystal clear, it was like a perfect painting of blue sand white which was warm over our land. For once, the forest was quiet in a peaceful way, the hush that came when joy was on the brink of coming closer than ever, like even nature knew something beautiful was about to be celebrated.Today wasn’t just any day.It was our day.A celebration of the life growing inside me. A day to bask in love, laughter, and the sheer miracle that somehow, after everything we’d survived, there was a baby on the way. Our baby.The grand courtyard of the castle had been transformed. Silk materials in soft blues, silvers, and creams fluttered in the breeze. Tables were arranged in a wide semi circle beneath the tall trees and white lanterns were placed high above, the entire place felt magical. The scent of honey cakes, fresh fruit, roasted meats and grape wine filled the air. Music drifted around the open space, a soft harmony of flutes, drums, and stringed inst
Ava's pov The wind howled softly against the window, it was odd but it was like a lullaby whispered in an ancient tongue. Xander had fallen asleep hours ago, his breathing deep and even beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist, warm and grounding, as if even in slumber he was guarding the world he’d sworn to protect. But I couldn’t sleep. Not tonight. The baby, Rowan, was stirring more than usual. Little flutters and firm nudges beneath my skin, like he was restless too or sensing something beyond the veil of reality. I closed my eyes, fingers spread across the curve of my belly, and whispered a silent promise into the dark. “I’ll always protect you, little one.” The world tilted. It started slowly, like I was falling into still water. The bed, the room, the warmth of Xander’s body all faded away like early morning mist. I wasn’t afraid. Instead, an overwhelming calm settled over me, thick and heavy, the kind of calm that whispers of someone celestial. A
Ava's pov The celebration had ended hours ago, but the warmth still lingered in my body. The lanterns had gone out. The laughter and footsteps had faded. Kaida and Lyra had walked us back to the castle gates, cheeks glowing from too much dancing and cider. The moon was high now, very bright silver light watching from its throne in the sky as if it too had awaited this final part of the night. Our chambers were quiet, save for the occasional crackle from the fireplace. I was dressed in one of Xander’s tunics, hair damp from a quick rinse, and settled against the high pile of furs and pillows in our bed. My fingers rested gently on my belly. Xander came out from the mini kitchen attached to his chamber, barefoot, shirtless, hair tousled, with two steaming mugs in hand. He handed one to me and dropped onto the bed with a soft grunt. “Ginger and honey,” he said. “Kaida’s secret cure for growing royal pups.” I smiled at him. “If it works, I’ll personally carve her name into a th
Ava's pov The air buzzed with excitement. Golden rays of the sun spilled through the leaves above as the clearing beside the Moonstone Falls which glowed with enchantment. I had never seen the sun so bright, it was as if all the gods were watching closely to see what would be revealed today. Long, linen banners fluttered from tree branches, dyed in the traditional white and silver hues of blessing rituals. It was a sacred spot—where our ancestors once received visions from the Moon Goddess herself—and it felt like the perfect place for today. My gender reveal. Or as the werewolves called it: The Spirit Beckoning. Kaida had explained it days ago while wrapping my waist in white silk, her eyes shining with pride as she narrated the ancient tradition. I wasn't surprised that she knew so much because the nightshade warriors were known for holding on to our history very tightly, they even knew far more than even blackthorn but only shared why they deemed necessary. “When a
Ava's pov The day had started like any other. There were meetings with the inner council, light bickering over the upcoming full moon festival, and more parenting advice— that I didn't ask for— than I could keep up with. My mind felt full, my ankles were sore, and despite how much I adored everyone’s excitement, all I wanted was silence, a soft place to lie down, and maybe a jar of pickled mangoes. Xander had been called away to handle a little rogue situation near the southern border, and although I tried not to worry, being apart from him—even just for a few hours—tugged at something inside me. Even after the war,.rogues would still be spotted from time to time. They weren't threatening and tended to run away at the sight of us. They just wandered aimlessly but we had underestimated them once and didn't want to make the same mistake twice. He’d been protective ever since we found out about the baby, even more so since I’d started showing a few weeks ago. My bump was still s
Ava's povI always thought pregnancy would feel magical. Glowing skin, cute bump, a sense of purpose, maybe even that mythical "pregnancy glow" everyone swore existed.Instead, it felt like I was being hunted… by my own body.“Move,” I growled at Xander, who stood directly between me and the basket of moonberry tarts I’d been craving since sunrise and asked the cooks to make.He turned slowly, blinking. “You’ve already had three.”I narrowed my eyes. “And?”“And… I love you,” he said quickly, stepping aside and lifting both hands like I was some scary creature.Which I kind of was.Pregnancy had changed me. It was like I had become Ava 2.0—crying over songs with puppies, getting irrationally upset when Xander didn’t refill the honey jar, then five minutes later curling against him like nothing ever happened. The mood swings weren’t just real. They were ruthless.The moonberry tart was cold by the time I got to it, but I didn’t care. I devoured it with all the speed of a starved animal
Xander’s POVThe moonlight spilled through the open balcony, casting soft silver over the sheets tangled at the foot of the bed. The fire in the hearth had died a while back, quiet and tired like the rest of the castle.The day has taken an unexpected turn which I loved so much. A twist that made my heart race and a smile light up my face.She was asleep.Ava.My mate. My Luna. My light.Her hair was fanned across the pillow, her face relaxed and peaceful—something I never took for granted anymore. I didn’t move, just sat at the edge of the bed, eyes watching the delicate rise and fall of her chest.Her unexpected words echoed in my head like a metal being hit by something.She’s pregnant.It should have been a simple announcement. But for me, it cracked something wide open.For weeks, I’d noticed something different in her scent. Not wrong—just new. I hadn’t placed it, not until she stood before me and told me herself. There had been no grand preparation. No expectations. Just her an
Ava's povSunlight spilled through the high windows of the grand hall, gleaming on the silver fixtures and dishware. For the first time in months, the hall wasn't empty. Laughter echoed all around me, mingling with the clinking of cutlery and the smell of warm bread and honeyed meats.I sat between Xander and Vanessa, my fingers curled around a steaming cup of tea. My stomach fluttered—not from nerves, but from something far newer. Something growing.The thought never failed to pull a smile to my face.I glanced around at the faces gathered at the table. Rowan was teasing Kael over a burnt piece of toast, Kaida sat beside him, her hand resting lightly on his wrist. Lyra was at the far end, wrapped in a thick shawl, her expression quiet but calm, a faint smile playing on her lips as she watched them. There was no tension in her shoulders.They were all here.All of them.And that meant more to me than any feast ever could.“Gods,” Vanessa said, stretching back in her seat. “It’s been f