Marcella, Esmeralda and the other captive women had felt the first tremor beneath their feet in their cell, a low rumble that reverberated through the concrete floor before they heard animalistic growls that grew louder. Their heads turned, their curious expressions morphing into fear as they slowly got on their feet and huddled backwards together. What kind of fighting was happening outside their cell that could cause such ground-shaking tremors? Before they could form answers to their unspoken questions, the rumbling intensified, causing the women to stumble and clutch at each other for balance. The cell's dim, harsh lighting swayed above them, casting eerie, elongated shadows on the cold, damp floor. Marcella turned to glance at Esmeralda, about to ask if this was a common occurrence but the baffled expression on her friend's gaunt face was all the answers she needed. She hadn't spent a day here but from the looks on everyone's faces, this wasn't normal at all.Then, without warni
Lucas knew there was something important he had been overlooking, a detail that might turn the tide in his favour. His mind raced, searching for the missing piece of the puzzle.Bolton continued to advance, his taunts growing more menacing. "You still don't have what it takes to be a leader," he sneered. Despite how much his taunts stung, he ignored them as certain pieces began to click into place. He had noticed that, despite Bolton's incredible regenerative abilities, there was a pattern to the way he protected certain parts of his body, most especially his chest. It was most likely his Achilles heel.This realization ignited a spark of hope within Lucas. If he could exploit this weakness, he might have a chance at defeating the seemingly unbeatable rogue leader. With newfound determination, he charged at him and launched a series of relentless attacks aimed specifically at Bolton's chest, each strike calculated and precise.Then, it happened. During their savage exchange, Lucas ma
Marcella slowly stirred from the depths of unconsciousness, her senses returning in fits and starts. At first, there was only a vague awareness of warmth and comfort, as if she had been cocooned in a soothing embrace. Then, as her consciousness sharpened, her eyelids fluttered as she transitioned from the depths of unconsciousness to a hazy awareness. Her surroundings felt familiar, and it took a moment for her to piece together where she was. The soft, muted light filtering into the room, the subtle hum of a ceiling fan, the comforting scent of fresh linen—all these sensory fragments coalesced into a realisation.She was in Lucas's apartment.As her vision cleared, she turned her head slightly, a dull ache thudding in her temples, and there, at her side, was Lucas his handsome face etched with worry as he sat perched on the edge of a nearby chair. A shiver of recognition rippled through her as memories flooded back. He seemed to be lost in thought as there was a sad and solemn dispo
Marcella listened intently as Anna told her about the supernatural creatures who had abducted her; werewolves. Things she would have never believed were real if she'd heard it from someone else.Her worry for Lucas and the consequences of their rescue operation were skyrocketing with every piece of information Anna shared. "Anna," she cut in with an apologetic tone, "Are you guys in danger? I mean, with the police and all... What about Lucas?"Anna offered a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with a reassuring warmth as she seemed to understand what she couldn't say out loud. "Marcella, you needn't worry. Everything has been taken care of."Marcella couldn't help but feel more worried. If this information got out into the wrong hands, they would be hunted. "What about the bodies? The girls saw them and if they're questioned…" She was going into panic mode until Anna leaned forward to grasp her hand and instantly calmed her down, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone."I disposed o
As the days passed, Marcella's life resumed some semblance of normalcy. Her graduation ceremony was just around the corner, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was a significant milestone, a culmination of all her years of hard work and determination. Yet, there was a shadow of unease that hung over her, a nagging worry that refused to dissipate.One of her main concerns was Gina. Despite her attempts to reach out, there had been no response from her friend. Text messages remained unanswered, and calls went straight to voicemail. It was unlike Gina, and it left Marcella deeply concerned. She had hoped to share this important moment in her life with her closest friend, but it seemed that fate had other plans.Marcella sat cross-legged on her bed with her laptop open before her to a graduation checklist. There were so many details to attend to – her cap and gown, and the endless paperwork required for the ceremony. Yet, her mind couldn't help but drift
As the graduation ceremony concluded, Marcella and her friends joined the crowd of jubilant graduates and their families outside the college auditorium, basking in the joyous atmosphere. But amidst the sea of familiar faces and the cacophony of congratulatory voices, there was one person noticeably absent: Professor Lucas.She had scanned the rows of professors seated on the stage during the ceremony, her eyes searching for his familiar face. Yet, his absence couldn’t be any more loud. It was strange not to see him there, especially after what they had been through and a gnawing sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. Was he ill? Or was it something else entirely? Would he skip the ceremony just to avoid talking to her?She was mulling over different reasons for his absence as she excused herself to make her way to the ladies' room when a familiar face appeared on the periphery of her vision.Carlos.Her heart skipped a beat for a moment and she paused, contemplating whethe
Marcella's apartment felt different as she moved through it while packing up her belongings. It was still quite early in the morning and finally learning the truth about Lucas, about their bond and the depth of his suffering, had transformed her world. There was nothing left for her in Willowdale now; she had to find Lucas and make him understand that she had always wanted him, no matter the circumstances.With each item she placed into her suitcase, she thought about the life she was leaving behind– her friends and the place where she had grown up. After packing all her essentials, she took one last look at the apartment, a place that had been her sanctuary for years, and then locked the door behind her. The journey ahead of her was uncertain, but her mind was already made up. As she travelled to Mystic Pines, the location Anna had given her, her mind was filled with thoughts of how he would react, whether he would be receptive to her feelings, or if he would turn her away. She felt
Prologue The full moon shone down on the forest, casting its pale light over the trees. The wind was still, and the leaves rustled only slightly in the breeze. The only sounds were the chirping of crickets and the occasional hooting of owls.Torrez was on patrol. His sharp senses were on high alert as he prowled through the underbrush, scanning the woods for any sign of danger. He had been feeling very uneasy ever since Lucas, his alpha left for an urgent meeting leaving him in charge of their territory. The forest was Torrez's home, and he knew every inch of it. He had spent his life here, growing up with the pack, learning from his elders. He had always felt safe in the forest, protected by his pack and the natural order of things. He mused about how his fellow packmates teased him relentlessly for not sealing the bond with his mate, Freya. Smiling slightly to himself, he hoped she understood that he was trying to be a gentleman. He didn’t want to just claim her like a wild anima
Marcella's apartment felt different as she moved through it while packing up her belongings. It was still quite early in the morning and finally learning the truth about Lucas, about their bond and the depth of his suffering, had transformed her world. There was nothing left for her in Willowdale now; she had to find Lucas and make him understand that she had always wanted him, no matter the circumstances.With each item she placed into her suitcase, she thought about the life she was leaving behind– her friends and the place where she had grown up. After packing all her essentials, she took one last look at the apartment, a place that had been her sanctuary for years, and then locked the door behind her. The journey ahead of her was uncertain, but her mind was already made up. As she travelled to Mystic Pines, the location Anna had given her, her mind was filled with thoughts of how he would react, whether he would be receptive to her feelings, or if he would turn her away. She felt
As the graduation ceremony concluded, Marcella and her friends joined the crowd of jubilant graduates and their families outside the college auditorium, basking in the joyous atmosphere. But amidst the sea of familiar faces and the cacophony of congratulatory voices, there was one person noticeably absent: Professor Lucas.She had scanned the rows of professors seated on the stage during the ceremony, her eyes searching for his familiar face. Yet, his absence couldn’t be any more loud. It was strange not to see him there, especially after what they had been through and a gnawing sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. Was he ill? Or was it something else entirely? Would he skip the ceremony just to avoid talking to her?She was mulling over different reasons for his absence as she excused herself to make her way to the ladies' room when a familiar face appeared on the periphery of her vision.Carlos.Her heart skipped a beat for a moment and she paused, contemplating whethe
As the days passed, Marcella's life resumed some semblance of normalcy. Her graduation ceremony was just around the corner, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was a significant milestone, a culmination of all her years of hard work and determination. Yet, there was a shadow of unease that hung over her, a nagging worry that refused to dissipate.One of her main concerns was Gina. Despite her attempts to reach out, there had been no response from her friend. Text messages remained unanswered, and calls went straight to voicemail. It was unlike Gina, and it left Marcella deeply concerned. She had hoped to share this important moment in her life with her closest friend, but it seemed that fate had other plans.Marcella sat cross-legged on her bed with her laptop open before her to a graduation checklist. There were so many details to attend to – her cap and gown, and the endless paperwork required for the ceremony. Yet, her mind couldn't help but drift
Marcella listened intently as Anna told her about the supernatural creatures who had abducted her; werewolves. Things she would have never believed were real if she'd heard it from someone else.Her worry for Lucas and the consequences of their rescue operation were skyrocketing with every piece of information Anna shared. "Anna," she cut in with an apologetic tone, "Are you guys in danger? I mean, with the police and all... What about Lucas?"Anna offered a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with a reassuring warmth as she seemed to understand what she couldn't say out loud. "Marcella, you needn't worry. Everything has been taken care of."Marcella couldn't help but feel more worried. If this information got out into the wrong hands, they would be hunted. "What about the bodies? The girls saw them and if they're questioned…" She was going into panic mode until Anna leaned forward to grasp her hand and instantly calmed her down, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone."I disposed o
Marcella slowly stirred from the depths of unconsciousness, her senses returning in fits and starts. At first, there was only a vague awareness of warmth and comfort, as if she had been cocooned in a soothing embrace. Then, as her consciousness sharpened, her eyelids fluttered as she transitioned from the depths of unconsciousness to a hazy awareness. Her surroundings felt familiar, and it took a moment for her to piece together where she was. The soft, muted light filtering into the room, the subtle hum of a ceiling fan, the comforting scent of fresh linen—all these sensory fragments coalesced into a realisation.She was in Lucas's apartment.As her vision cleared, she turned her head slightly, a dull ache thudding in her temples, and there, at her side, was Lucas his handsome face etched with worry as he sat perched on the edge of a nearby chair. A shiver of recognition rippled through her as memories flooded back. He seemed to be lost in thought as there was a sad and solemn dispo
Lucas knew there was something important he had been overlooking, a detail that might turn the tide in his favour. His mind raced, searching for the missing piece of the puzzle.Bolton continued to advance, his taunts growing more menacing. "You still don't have what it takes to be a leader," he sneered. Despite how much his taunts stung, he ignored them as certain pieces began to click into place. He had noticed that, despite Bolton's incredible regenerative abilities, there was a pattern to the way he protected certain parts of his body, most especially his chest. It was most likely his Achilles heel.This realization ignited a spark of hope within Lucas. If he could exploit this weakness, he might have a chance at defeating the seemingly unbeatable rogue leader. With newfound determination, he charged at him and launched a series of relentless attacks aimed specifically at Bolton's chest, each strike calculated and precise.Then, it happened. During their savage exchange, Lucas ma
Marcella, Esmeralda and the other captive women had felt the first tremor beneath their feet in their cell, a low rumble that reverberated through the concrete floor before they heard animalistic growls that grew louder. Their heads turned, their curious expressions morphing into fear as they slowly got on their feet and huddled backwards together. What kind of fighting was happening outside their cell that could cause such ground-shaking tremors? Before they could form answers to their unspoken questions, the rumbling intensified, causing the women to stumble and clutch at each other for balance. The cell's dim, harsh lighting swayed above them, casting eerie, elongated shadows on the cold, damp floor. Marcella turned to glance at Esmeralda, about to ask if this was a common occurrence but the baffled expression on her friend's gaunt face was all the answers she needed. She hadn't spent a day here but from the looks on everyone's faces, this wasn't normal at all.Then, without warni
The corridor stretched out before Anna and Lucas, a dimly lit passage that seemed to extend endlessly into the underground base. The walls looked like they were made of cold concrete, their surfaces marred with scuffs and scratches.It was a wide corridor, with three distinct pathways branching off from the central route and they had company. Very angry company. "That's her!"“That's the Shaman we've been looking–”"Get her!"Loud angry grunts and fiery growls filled the air as the rogue werewolves who were around the corridor when the main door was blasted open instantly charged at Anna. Her lips tightened into a determined line as she mentally prepared herself for the battle that was about to unfold.It seemed she had become something of a celebrity as she could see the deep malice and hatred in their gazes as they had instantly recognized her, probably from her distinct features as the ‘lady shaman who had killed their recruits.’ There was a thrill of excitement going through her
As Lucas slid into the driver's seat of his car, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, he felt the pull of the bond with Marcella guiding him like an invisible thread, leading him to the unknown location where she was being held captive. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, a deep connection that went beyond anything he had felt even with his pack. He had full trust in it because there was no time to analyse it; Marcella's life depended on it. "I can feel her," he said to Anna who had joined him in the passenger's seat, his voice filled with urgency. "She's terrified out of her mind.""Stay strong, Lucas," Anna said, her voice soft yet filled with conviction. "The bond will lead us to her. We'll bring her back home."He pressed his foot on the gas pedal, the engine roaring to life as they sped through the streets. The bond seemed to grow stronger with every passing moment, pulling him in a specific direction. It was as if Marcella's presence was imprinted on h