[Serenity’s POV]
I sit quietly, staring at the babbling brook in front of me as it sweeps easily across smooth pebbles and sparkling rocks. Even though I know that my father will go ballistic that I’m out here alone in the middle of the forest, I still snuck out to try to clear my mind after my shitty day of training.
As the daughter of an alpha, a great one at that, there was a lot expected of me and though I was able to live up to those expectations, I was still not accepted by the youth of my pack.
Pulling my knees closer against my chest, I close my eyes and let the faces of all those who taunted me appear. Even if I know they shouldn’t bother me, I just can’t get their voices out of my head.
“You’re only that cocky because you're the daughter of an alpha.”
“I bet all of your scores were given because of your backer.”
“You’re just a freak with a powerful daddy.”
“A woman will never be accepted as alpha.”
“Stop being delirious.”
Again and again, their voices and faces swirl in my mind, making me believe that they’re right.
‘Don’t let them get to you.’ Mahogany, my wolf, whispers. ‘They’re just jealous because you’re the strongest in the class.’
I don’t bother responding to her words as I open my eyes and take in the brook in front of me. Maybe she was right, maybe she wasn’t; I truly didn’t have any way of knowing. Even I sometimes wondered if the students and teachers went easy on me because my parents are the alpha and luna of Emerald Moon. Maybe I was really a fake with a superiority complex. Since I was young, I was always the strongest in my classes, but what if everyone was actually going easy on me?
Sighing, I stand up and wipe the dirt and dead leaves from my ass before turning and heading back to Emerald Moon.
Above, the sun is beginning to set, and I knew that my parents would be expecting me soon.
As I walk slowly, I listen to the sounds of the forest around me. Small creatures scurry about while the limbs above me sway, filling the air with a peaceful melody that calms my heart almost anyway, but all of that is ruined as the sound of branches cracking reaches me.
Stopping, I go on alert, extending my senses until I feel something dark and sinister pressing against me.
‘What is that?’ Mahogany asks as a shiver races through me, ‘I’ve never felt something like that before.’
‘I don’t know.’ I admit, keeping my attention turned in the direction of the thing. ‘But whatever it is, it isn’t good.’
Never in my life have I felt something like this, and even though I knew that I possessed immense strength due to my lineage, I couldn’t help but feel like it was much stronger than me. And with that worry, two thoughts immediately hit me.
To flee or to fight.
As they appear, a loud snarl rips through the trees, and whatever it is that I’m sensing begins to move, rushing straight for me.
Realizing that my only choice was to fight, I begin to shift, and once I’m in my wolf form, a large mutated wolf rips through the foliage and rushes straight for me. It’s like nothing I’ve seen before, from its glowing red eyes to its saliva covered muzzle. Even its body looks distorted, with missing fur and bones sticking out.
‘What the hell?’ Mahogany growls as the wolf slams into us, and we begin to engage in battle. ‘What is this thing?’
‘I don’t know.’ I admit snapping and clawing at the creature while it tries to find somewhere to bite down on me. ‘But it’s strong.’
If I were being honest, this thing was stronger than even my father, and that was terrifying given the fact that he was one of the strongest alpha’s to exist in centuries.
Ignoring the fear that is slowly growing in me, I continue to fight, tearing and biting where I can, until the thing finally manages to snap its jaw around my shoulder.
Letting out a howl of agony, I pull with all my might until I’m free and then scurry back while it spits out the meat that it managed to rip from me.
‘Fuck.’ I growl, bracing myself for another attack. ‘It may be too strong for me.’
‘Then should we run?’
Mahogany doesn’t need to ask twice before I’m turning and moving, weaving my way through the trees while the wolf follows me with immense speed.
Faster. I hiss inwardly, feeling my lungs and muscles screaming at me. Move faster, Serenity!
Just ahead, I could make out the pack house and those who milled about. If I just managed to get past the territory line, then...
The rest of my thoughts get lost as the wolf slams into me, tackling me to the ground and pinning me there.
With wide eyes, I watch while it opens its muzzle and prepares to attack, but then stops.
For a moment, it doesn’t move as a strange look appears in its bloody red eye, and before I can figure out what is happening, it collapses on top of me.
As we both lay there, the sounds of shouting began to echo, but I could hardly hear them as I watched the beast slowly shift from a terrifying wolf to a handsome man with long, crimson-colored hair and a bushy beard.
When the nearby guards finally pull him off of me, I get to see that his body is suffering from extreme malnourishment and astrophe.
“Princess!” One of the guards gasps, helping me onto my paws. “What happened? Who is he?”
Shaking my head, I continue to examine the man while shifting back into my human form.
“I don’t know.” I admit feeling like something was off. “That question will have to wait until he wakes up.”
Everything after that is a blur of motion as the guards work to carry the man toward the packhouse while I follow silently.
“What’s happening?” My father roars, appearing at the top of the steps. “What’s with all the noise? Serenity,” he continues spotting me and taking in my condition. “Who did this?”
“That’s…” I begin, but stop as the man the guards are carrying begins to stir.
“Help,” he whispers, his face contorting. “Please help me!”
Instantly, he is thrashing like something is attempting to get him, causing the guards to fight him to the ground where they can better control him.
“Who the hell is he?” My father growls, starting to come down the stairs, while my brother, Alec, follows. “Someone better fucking tell me what is going on.”
My father’s aura explodes from his body as he speaks, pressing into everyone's skin, causing them to cower while the man continues to fight.
“Dad!” I gasp, moving toward him. “Try to calm down.”
“Calm down?” He repeats, his eyes flashing. “My daughters hurt, and there is a random fucking freak on the ground screaming like he is being attacked. How am I supposed…”
“The most important thing is calming this man down!” I argue, stepping between him and the man. “We can question him then.”
[Serenity’s POV]Later, I sit with my parents in the infirmary as the man who attacked me lays in bed, sleeping. Although he clearly hasn’t had a proper wash or meal in years, he is still quite handsome, and I can’t stop myself from feeling drawn to him.“Ugh,” he groans, beginning to stir. “Where…”Eyes widening, I watch the man’s amber-colored eyes open and come to rest on me. For a moment, they stay locked there as some strange emotion flashes in them before awe and even appreciation take their place.“You!” He rasps, attempting to reach out and grab me, but is stopped by my father grabbing his wrist and squeezing until a hiss of pain escapes him. “Ouch!”“Who the fuck are you, and what makes you think you have the right to touch my daughter?” My father growls.“Rosco,” my mother murmurs, giving him a disapproving look.“What?” My father demands. “This bastard hurt Serenity!”Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue what he said but stop as I realize that I shouldn’t have any reason to
[Serenity’s POV]All eyes come to rest on me as they try to process what I’ve just said. Although there wasn’t any way to really know if my blood was the reason that this strange man couldn’t shift anymore, it was very likely.Since birth, I was aware that my mother’s bloodline was special, but it was also cursed. Where my mother and my deceased aunt both possessed special gifts that made them stand out amongst wolves, I was the one who developed the curse.When I was first born, my grandfather and some mages attempted to capture me but didn’t succeed, thanks to my father, mother, and their friends doing everything in their power to protect me. It was because of this battle that my aunt was no longer with us, and joining her in death was my father’s best friend, who was like family.Since the battle between good and evil things in Emerald Moon was quite peaceful, however, the fear of something like that happening again always remained over us.Feeling my heart squeeze, I look down at
[Serenity’s POV]Tristan’s words echo around me, causing the fear that was already beginning to build to grow and then bubble over.My blood could change wolves into humans. My blood. How was something like this even possible, and what did that mean for my future?“It’s amazing, right?” Tristan asks, breaking the silence that is falling around us. “You’re like this supreme goddess who can make or break the wolf world!”Amazing. Ha! That was most certainly not a word that I would use in a situation like this. If anything, it was terrifying, not only because of what others could do if they found out, but also because of what my parents would do when they found out. With how overprotective my father already was, I was certain that he would insist on keeping me locked away, but that in itself would only draw more suspicion.“We should head back and inform your father of my findings.” Tristan murmurs. “I’m sure he will come looking for you soon.”“No!” I gasp, not wanting to tell him. “We
[Maverick’s POV]I don’t remember anything aside from pain and suffering. Day in and day out, I lived in an all-consuming darkness until the day I saw the light. It was so beautiful, and it was accompanied by such a sweet scent that I was immediately drawn to it. That was when I saw her, the small girl, making her way through the forest.It was in that moment that I felt something awaken me, and I was moving, determined to get what it was that the girl had to offer me. I don’t know how I knew that she would be the one to save me from the pain and suffering I was enduring, but I just knew—my soul knew.Before I could even realize what I was doing, I was biting her, and a delicious liquid exploded in my mouth. It set me off and made me go even more feral than I was due to wanting even more.Everything after that was a blur, and when the world finally came to me, I found that I was no longer a rabid wolf; instead, I was a human, but I didn’t remember a thing.When I was questioned about
[Serenity’s POV]After that day, the man, who ended up taking on the name Maverick, worked to become a member of Emerald Moon despite his special circumstances. And even if he was considered a criminal because of his attacking me, this was a place and a pack that allowed those who sinned in the past to redeem themselves.Of course, it took a lot of showing his loyalty for my father to fully trust him, but eventually it did happen, and because of that, he could join the ranks of the Alpha and Lunas special forces, which was amazing given the fact he didn’t possess a wolf anymore.By the time I turned sixteen and was able to enter into The Academy, he became my bodyguard and followed me there. Although he drew a lot of attention given his handsome face and his toned body, which he spent many hours building back up after his ordeal, he brought me comfort and solace. Especially since all the students were immediately against me given who my parents were and my pack's history.Maybe it was
[Elise’s POV]I watch as Serenity and her guard dog grow farther and farther away from me. I can’t stop the feeling of pity I feel for my niece due to her reaction toward me. It was clear without even saying that she was definitely dealing with bullying and being ostracized by the rest of her peers. In a way, she reminded me of me at that age, and that left a sour taste in my mouth.‘What’s the game plan now?’ Anna asks as I continue to watch. ‘She’s got a pretty thick wall around her.’‘She does.’ I agree, shifting my gaze to her guard dog. As I do, Serenity peeks back at him, and I see something familiar flash in her eyes. ‘But that doesn’t mean I’m going to give up.’Smirking, I watch the guard dog say something that causes a flash of dismay to form on Serenity’s face before she quickens her pace.Hm. I couldn’t help but wonder what the relationship was between her and that man, and who the hell was he? Where did he come from, and why couldn’t I sense anything wolfy about him?‘Is
[Elise’s POV]I stare straight ahead, taking in the man in front of me as he gives me a blank stare.William.Why was William here at The Academy acting as Principle instead of commanding Crystal Fang as their Alpha, and why was the vibe he was giving off so different?He has changed. Standing in front of me was no longer the easy-going and flirtatious William that I knew in the past. Instead, this man was cold and emotionless, and his eyes were almost dead.Along with the change in personality, his look has changed too, although that is to be expected. After sixteen years, he has started to develop specks of white in his dark hair, and a few wrinkles have formed around his lips and eyes. However, aside from that, he is still as handsome as he was then.“William.” I whisper before I can stop myself. “It’s you.”Instantly, the cold gaze he is giving me shifts to one of confusion and then anger.“Who has given you permission to use my name?” He asks, narrowing his dark gaze on me. “You’
[Maverick’s POV]I sit, watching silently as Serenity works on her homework for the day. However, it is clear that she isn’t focused on that at all. Since beginning to watch over her, I grew accustomed to the subtle changes in her expression, posture, and even breathing when she was hyper-focusing on something. In a way, she was almost like an extension of myself, but the side that I wasn’t fully in control of.“If you continue to furrow your brows like that, you’re going to get wrinkles.” I point out after the fifth or maybe sixth sigh. “What’s wrong?”Although I knew that she would deny that anything was actually wrong, I knew better.“Nothing.” We both say together.Laughing, I watch as she gives me a look that screams annoyance.“You’ve been daydreaming.” I point out as she just watches me. “You’ve been distracted since earlier; does it involve the imp?”She didn’t need to say that was the issue; I already knew it was since we both watched what went down in the cafeteria earlier o
[Serenity’s POV]Later, I sit in a meeting room with Uncle Jose, a few of his sergeants, and Maverick. The mood is grim, and even though I want to be outside fighting, I know that going forward we will have to be wary. For that reason alone, we decided on this retreat despite the danger that lurked just near the borders, unmoving.As I let my gaze travel around those who are with me, Maverick’s hand touches mine, and that gentle touch alone makes me feel like I’m going to crumble at any minute.I didn’t protect him. I didn’t protect my father. I didn’t protect the rest of the warriors who trusted in us. I failed. I was a failure, and now…‘It’s alright.’Maverick’s voice is soft and soothing, but it only causes my turmoil to grow greater.‘How can you say that?’ I ask, wanting to look him in the eye. ‘Because I didn’t arrive on time, you…’“Let’s begin this meeting.” Uncle Jose announces before I can go any further. “As it is clear that we were surprised with that boy's strange abilit
[Serenity’s POV]I stare straight ahead, taking in Forrest, who sits on the ground laughing. His arm is bleeding, and even from where I stand, I can smell his blood, and to my surprise, it makes my mind hazy.What is that? I hiss, trying to make sense of what is happening. What the hell am I smelling? It smells delicious, and I want…No. I hiss inwardly, shaking off the desire that I’m feeling. There’s something off about that blood, something scary, and maybe it explained the way Maverick was acting.As this thought hits, I peek behind to find him lying motionless on the ground. He’s in his human form, and I’m almost certain that he won’t be able to shift again, not after biting me and ingesting my blood.Was it you? I silently growl, turning my gaze back to Forrest. It was, right?I’m certain he understands me given the smile that spreads across his face and the way he lifts his hands and claps.“You’re a smart one.” He huffs, slowly rising to his feet. “And it seems that you may be
[Maverick’s POV]The world around me begins to turn red, and everything in me screams to kill as the scent of Forrest’s blood overwhelms me.Fuck. What was this? What was this feeling? What was happening to me?Hissing in shock, I stumble backward even though everything in me screams to continue to attack, and this move alone causes a laugh to escape Forrest.“Look at you,” he huffs, sitting up and wiping blood from his lip. “Just the slightest smell of my blood has you struggling so much.”“Shut up,” I growl, trying to shake off what I’m feeling. “Just shut the fuck up.”As I speak, I move to attack again but once again stagger as that need for blood hits me.“What is this?” I whisper, causing a bark of laughter to escape Forrest.“She isn’t the only one with special blood.” He says, getting up from the ground and beginning to move toward me. “I too have special blood, but mine doesn’t turn wolves into humans.”“What?” I hiss, fixing my gaze on the man in front of me so I can see him
[Maverick’s POV]I watch in horror as the ground beneath Serenity opens up, and before I can move to help her, she is falling.“SERENITY!” I roar, rushing forward and watching as she hits the ground below and curls in on herself to protect her body from the debris that is falling.Stepping back, I prepare to jump but stop as I hear Serenity cough and then get up to move, heading straight for the front of the packhouse where I’m certain the enemy is waiting.“Dammit!” I growl, moving forward and then jumping so I’m left falling to the ground below.As I hit, I start to move, rushing forward and bursting through the door to find Serenity standing with Rosco, but I don’t have much time to feel relief as I take in all the blood that is covering Serenity’s body.Shit. I hiss inwardly, looking around until I find a flag, which I grab and then move forward so I can wrap it around Serenity, who lets out a shocked gasp while Rosco watches on.“At least someone has some sense of urgency.” He hu
[Serenity’s POV]I keep my gaze locked on Maverick’s as I slowly begin to lower myself, allowing him to fill me bit by bit until he is swallowed whole. Remaining in place, I get used to having his fullness in me before I begin to move.“Maverick,” I whisper, pressing my hands against his chest so I can dig my nails into his skin. “Oh, fuck Maverick.”“That’s it,” he murmurs, running his hands to my ass so that he can begin to guide me. “That’s a good girl.”Good girl. Goddess, I loved the way he called me a good girl. I loved the way he called my name passionately. I loved how his body felt against mine and how his dick felt in me. I loved all of it, but most of all I loved him, and even now, with our bodies moving together, our hearts beating rapidly, and our breath hitching from what we are doing, I don’t feel like this is enough to show him my feelings.“I love you,” I whisper, quickening my thrusts. “I love you so damn much, Maverick.”At my words, his eyes grow wide, and before I
[Serenity’s POV]“Do you think Uncle William is okay?”I stare up into Maverick’s dark eyes while his arms tighten around me, pulling me closer to try to comfort the anxiety that I’m feeling.Two days had already passed since Uncle William went back to Crystal Fang, and even though there was no word on how he was, there was also no word that something happened, which in the end was a good sign, but I just couldn’t seem to calm down no matter how many times I told myself that everything was going to be okay.Was this feeling of foreboding only because of Uncle William, or did it also include the battle that we would be heading out for tomorrow?Of course, I have full faith in my pack, my family, and my family’s packs, but I was still nervous because the thought of losing even a single person was eating away at me, especially since I was the reason all of this was happening.“Hey,” Maverick murmurs, gently grabbing my chin and making me look at him. “Listen to me.”“Mmmmm.”Where he tou
[William’s POV]I stare at Lydia, my gaze narrowing as I take in what it is that she is saying. I wasn’t sure if she thought that I was so easy to fool or if she really went crazy, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with her shit.“You know there is no way that is impossible.” I say, ignoring my anger over her even suggesting such a ridiculous thing. “If you’re worried about not having anywhere to go once you leave here, you don’t have to worry about that. I will continue to support you as I promised, but you will no longer be able to stay beside me as you have until this point.”“You can’t be serious.” Lydia says, her eyes widening. “You’re going to send me away even though you know that I’m pregnant?”“You’re not pregnant.” I snap. “I took all precautions to ensure that didn’t happen.”“Nothing is a hundred percent.” She points out. “If you don’t believe me, then shall I have an examination?”“Have it,” I shrug. “Even if you are pregnant, I wasn’t the one who did it. Now, if you’re do
[William’s POV]I give Serenity and Maverick a final look before turning and peeking at Elise, who is curled up in bed with the blanket wrapped so tightly around her you would think she considers it the only thing protecting her from what is happening around her.“Why does this feel like goodbye?” Serenity asks, drawing my attention back to her. “I don’t like it.”“Don’t worry,” I chuckle, ruffling her hair. “I promise that I’ll be back, after all…”After all, wherever Elise is is where I will be. There was no way that I was going to let her out of my sight now that she was here with me. Of course, I knew that our relationship could never be what it once was given our current standing, but I could still be her support as she navigated the trenches of whatever life she decided to lead.“Now,” I continue, gently shutting the bedroom door behind me. “You and Maverick should take advantage of the time you have left before we leave.”“Okay,” she says quietly, but from her gaze, I know that
[Serenity’s POV]I sit with Maverick outside of Uncle William’s room, listening quietly to what is being said inside. Although I don’t necessarily think it is such a good idea to overwhelm Aunt Elise with her backstory, I can’t help but hope that maybe, somehow, it will bring her memories back to her. But even if those returned, what would come of Eleanor’s memories before Aunt Elise awoke? Would they somehow be there, or was the Eleanor of the past be gone forever?“What is it?” Maverick asks me, snapping me out of my head. “You’ve got a pretty big crease between your brows.”“I was just thinking,” I say quietly. “What it must feel like to be devoid of everything.”The words leave me before I even realize what I’m saying and to whom, and when I realize what I’m doing, my eyes widen, and I snap my gaze to Maverick, only to find that he is giving me a gentle look.“I’m sorry,” I hiss, feeling like I just shoved my foot into my mouth. “I didn’t…”“It’s fine,” he assures me, his large ha