GabrielThe silence in my study was shattered as Talon burst through the door, eyes wild. "Alpha! You must see this at once."I turned from the window, frowning at his flustered state. "What is it? Have you found a lead on Lyra's whereabouts?""More than that," he said grimly, striding over to my desk and producing a tablet. "I had the hunters scour the human cities for any sign or footage of her. Look what they uncovered."He tapped the screen and security footage began playing, grainy but clear enough to make out. It showed Lyra - her silvery hair and lithe figure unmistakable - entering what looked like a human medical facility."There she is," I growled, leaning closer. "But she's not alone..."Indeed, a tall, dark-haired man in a leather jacket could be seen following a few paces behind Lyra. At first I thought little of it - until the man glanced up at the camera, his sharp features visible for just an instant.I felt my breath catch in my throat as icy realization washed over m
Gabriel"Make no mistake, they will all burn," I growled, reaching out to rake furrows in the thick glass with my claws. "Every last stain upon this diseased place will be scoured utterly before I ascend to my preordained glory."Somewhere out there amongst the festering human civilizations, Damien plotted and schemed alongside the Silvermoon."Alpha, wait...." Talon calls my attention."What about Lyra, the mother of your pups, she might be in the pack and you don't want to hurt her..." He explained.I took a slow, steadying breath, Talon's words reverberating through me. As much as I burned to enact my wrath upon Damien, he raised a valid point.Lyra was but an innocent pawn in whatever depraved scheme that mongrel was weaving. To harm her would be to endanger the life of my unborn heir growing within her womb."You're right," I growled after a tense silence, raking my claws through my hair as I struggled to master my fury. "Whatever vile intentions Damien harbors, Lyra herself is n
GabrielOne-hour Earlier The smell of her fear hit me like a physical force as I tore through the dense underbrush, brambles raking at my skin."I'm coming, my pups!" I roared, willpower bleeding into a feral growl as Fury's bestial influence flowed through me in thick currents."She is in fear, Alpha! I can scent the cloying reek of rogue filth drawing ever nearer!" the primal wolf's voice reverberated in my mind. "Her life hangs by a sinew if we do not hasten our strides!"Putting on an extra burst of Alpha speed, I followed the twin trails of Lyra's earthy aroma and the coppery tinge of her freshly spilled blood cutting through the forest's musty odors. Every instinct told me she'd been set upon by one of the marauding rogue packs that plagued these untamed woodlands.The sounds of snarling and terrified sobbing reached my ears, inflaming my protective fury into a supernova of cosmic wrath. I could practically taste the fear radiating off of her - the desperation of a mother wolf
Gabriel"It's her, I can smell the pheromones Again." Fury rumbled, making me turn in a swift mode.I shifted into my massive wolf form, letting my inner wolf Fury take the lead. As my lupine body raced through the forest, my human consciousness blended with Fury's primal instincts. "Guide me to her, Fury," I projected. "I smell Lyra's fear mixed with the stink of those rogue wolves."Fury zeroed in on Lyra's maternal scent, that alluring aroma of the new life she carried. Her trail led us to a clearing where a mangy rogue pack had surrounded her."There!" Fury's excited thoughts rang out. "Our mate is terrified but still fights to protect our unborn pup!" A protective snarl rumbled in my throat. The brutish lead rogue leered at Lyra, eyeing her pregnant belly with greedy hunger."Well well, a lone omega carrying a fresh litter," he sneered. "That plump little one will make a fine meal for us!"The other mutts closed in, licking their chops. Lyra shrank back, hands cradling her bel
Gabriel"Bring the car," I ordered but before they did, some more rogues circled us."No one leave this place!" One of the rogues shouted with a smirk."No, actually none of you are leaving this place alive, filth!" I roared as more rogues circled us, hackles raised and fangs bared.My fury blazed white-hot. How dare these diseased curs threaten the safety of my unborn heir and its mother? I would tear them apart with my bare hands if need be.Shifting into my fearsome hybrid form, I let out an ear splitting alpha roar that shook the trees. The rogues faltered, terror thick in the air."You worthless scavengers have courted oblivion this day!" I thundered, stalking forward. "I am Gabriel Blackwood, the prime alpha - and the life you have jeopardized is that of my heir!"With each word, I felt the cosmic energies within me swell, the unstoppable cosmic tides of destiny itself cresting in my veins.The lead rogue, an ugly brute with one eye dangling from its socket, squared his shoulder
GabrielHad the strain and exertion been too much? Or worse - had something happened to the pup? Panic clawed at my throat as I gently cradled Lyra, feeling her shallow breaths ghosting against my skin."Stay with me," I growled, half command and half plea. "Do not falter now when you carry the heir to my legacy!""Stay and give birth to my pups!"One-hour earlier "Drive! Drive, we're running out of time!" I roared, cradling Lyra's unconscious form against my chest as we piled into the armored SUV.Terror clawed at my throat as I felt her shallow breaths ghosting against my skin. Fury, my inner wolf, whimpered deep in my psyche - a broken, keening sound wracked with fear."Do not falter now when you carry the heir to my legacy!" I growled, both commanding and pleading in the same breath.Lyra didn't stir, her face ashen and body utterly limp in my arms. Fresh crimson bloomed between her legs, that copper tang of her blood setting my pulse to thundering.Had the strain been too much?
GabrielI paced restlessly just outside the healer's room, seeing what's happening through the glass wall...Talon at my side trying to soothe my agitation."You must stay calm, Alpha," he rumbled. "Kira is the most skilled healer we have. If anyone can save Lyra and the pup, it is her."I shot him a sidelong glance, feeling Fury's instincts churning just beneath the surface, urging me to burst through those doors. But I knew Talon spoke wisdom - Kira required space to work her healing arts undisturbed.The doors opened then and Kira emerged, her white robes streaked with Lyra's blood. My heart stuttered at the grave look on the elder healer's face."Alpha," she said, holding up a hand to forestall me. "I must have peace and privacy to fight for their lives properly. Please, give me the space I require."I started to protest, but Talon placed a restraining hand on my arm. "She is right, my lord. We should let Kira work undisturbed."Letting out a frustrated growl, I nodded curtly. Kir
Gabriel"I'll share my energy with her to keep my pups alive."I stalked into the ritual chamber, my mind made up. I had to save Lyra and my unborn pups, no matter the cost. The healers wheeled Lyra in on a stretcher, her face pale and body unnaturally still."Bring her here," I commanded gruffly. "I'm going to share my alpha energy to keep them alive."As the healers positioned Lyra in the center of the sacred circle, Kira stepped forward, concern etched on her weathered features."My lord, you know the risks of such a transference," she said gravely. "Damien tried to steal your power before. He betrayed your trust in the most unforgivable way."I flinched at the reminder of Damien's treachery. The memory still stung like an open wound. But I pushed it aside - my pups' lives hung in the balance here."I don't care about the risks," I growled. "I can't let them perish when my bloodline's future depends on it."Kira's gaze shifted to Lyra. "There is...something else you should know abo
LyraThe clearing buzzed with excitement as the pack celebrated my victory. Wolves were howling, people were cheering, and the atmosphere was filled with a euphoria that was new to me. In the midst of everything, I was amazed to stand next to the majestic White Stag, still in awe of the recent events.Zara came closer, her typically serious expression now showing a hint of admiration. She halted a short distance from me, alternating her gaze between myself and the White Stag."Luna Lyra," she exclaimed, her voice traveling through the clearing and quieting the audience. I have to confess, I had some skepticism about you. Numerous uncertainties.I aligned my back, looking directly into her eyes without wavering. I am aware that you did it, Elder Zara. And I don't hold you accountable for that.Zara's lips were tugged by a slight smile. "No, I guess you wouldn't." You
LyraI slowly woke up, feeling like I had been run over by a truck, my body in pain. Sunlight flowed in through a window close by, heating up my face. I lay there for a moment, attempting to figure out what had occurred.The cavern. Kieran's name was uttered. The anger that had taken over me...I jolted awake, my heart pounding."Take it easy," a voice that was recognizable whispered gently. "You are out of danger."I looked over and noticed Gabriel by the bed, with dark circles under his eyes indicating that he hadn't slept. I felt relieved when I saw him, but then uncertainty crept in."Is that Gabriel?" I spoke softly, my voice rough. "Is it truly you now?"Understanding and pain softened his facial expression. "It's I, my darling. "My true self."I extended my hand cautiously, anticipating it might g
Lyra'sI suddenly woke up, my heart racing. I felt sweat forming on my forehead while I attempted to understand the environment around me. The familiar smell of pine and dirt entered my nose, connecting me to the earth."I murmured, just a dream, but the words lacked substance."The recent happenings kept playing over in my head like a distorted film. Gabriel's act of betrayal, the ensuing battle, and my eventual triumph all felt incredibly unreal.I lifted myself up, grimacing at the imaginary pain in my side caused by Gabriel's claws. However, upon checking, there was no visible injury. No mark. No changes."What on earth?"I spun around, ready for a confrontation, as a twig broke close by. Kieran appeared from the darkness, his emerald eyes shining in the moon's glow."Take it easy, Luna," he said, with his hands up. "I a
LyraThe forest was eerily silent as I stood before the assembled pack. A combination of confusion, concern, and curiosity was evident on the faces that looked up at me. I inhaled deeply, preparing myself for the words I was about to speak."Dear fellow wolves," I started, my voice projecting more confidence than I truly possessed, "today I have somber news to share. "We have been deceived."A quiet sound spread through the audience. I witnessed Zara's eyes narrowing and her body becoming tense.I kept talking, the words tasting like ash in my mouth, about how Gabriel, our Alpha, had betrayed us. "Opposed to me."The quiet murmuring transformed into a loud roar. Disbelief, rage, and dread combined in the atmosphere like a poisonous mist."Someone exclaimed that it couldn't be done!" Gabriel would never..."I witnessed it mys
LyraThis morning, the forest was more silent than typical. The birds appeared reluctant to disturb the unsettling stillness. I moved stealthily through the thick vegetation, ready for anything. I sensed something was wrong, but I couldn't quite pinpoint it."I said to myself that you're being paranoid, attempting to rid myself of the sense of unease."There was a snapping sound of a twig from behind me. I spun around, my heart racing, and caught sight of Gabriel coming out from the darkness."Gabe!" I took a breath, feeling relieved. "You frightened me so much I thought I was going to die."Although he smiled, his eyes did not reflect the same happiness. I apologize, my dear. I didn't intend to scare you.I observed his facial expressions, noticing the tightness in his jaw and the faint crease in his forehead. "Are all things right?"&nb
LyraTension filled the forest as I stealthily made my way through the underbrush. Each time a twig snapped, I jumped, every rustle of leaves made me search the shadows. The search had been happening for hours, but I was still no closer to locating my target than I was at the beginning."I whispered in defeat, leaning against a tree trunk." I will never succeed at this."You won't succeed with that mindset," a voice said from above me.I suddenly sat up, my heart racing. Sitting on a branch like a large bird was a stranger I didn't recognize. His teeth stood out in stark contrast against his tanned skin as he smiled down at me."What is your identity?" I asked firmly, attempting to control the shake in my voice. "You are not a member of our group."The unknown individual descended from the tree, landing with the agility of a cat. "
LyraUpon reaching a curve in the stream, I spotted the origin of the sound. A youthful wolf was trapped under a fallen tree, with its leg stuck in an awkward position. Filled with a blend of fear and desperation, my eyes locked with its golden ones.I cautiously moved closer, extending my hands in a peaceful manner. "I whispered softly, 'Take it easy.'" "I will not cause you any harm."The wolf whimpered once more, weakly resisting its wooden confinement. I realized then that it was not only its leg that was hurt - there was also a deep cut on its side covered in blood.I felt pain in my heart as I saw it. This wasn't the target I was supposed to go after, but I couldn't abandon it to endure suffering. "I said softly, more for my own benefit than for the wolf," I murmured. "Let's try to see if we can assist in getting you out of that place."I inspected the downed
LyraTension filled the forest as we assembled on the outskirts of the clearing. My heart throbbed loudly, each pulse symbolizing the importance of what was to come. The rest of the hunters were prepared, their expressions showing firm resolve. I attempted to emulate their self-assurance, but internally, uncertainty consumed me like a ravenous wolf.Zara's voice sliced through the morning breeze, sharp like a sword. "Hunters, get ready at your designated spots!"I went to my assigned location, my legs shaking a bit. The trees stood in front of me, casting long and eerie shadows in the morning sun.Zara called out, "When I give the signal," "Counting down from three to one..." "Begin!"Similar to arrows flying from taut bows, we charge into the woods. Each hunter hurried to claim their prey, the air filled with the sound of cracking twigs and rustling l
LyraThe cold morning air bit at my skin while I walked to the rendezvous spot. A blend of excitement and fear raced through my veins as my heart pounded in my chest. The forest stood in front of me, a huge area of green that appeared to go on indefinitely. Today, it will serve as our battlefield.As I neared the open space, I noticed the hunters had already assembled. Their expressions showed strong resolve, with sparkling eyes anticipating the excitement of the forthcoming test. Zara stood in the middle, her commanding presence capturing everyone's attention."Luna Lyra," she shouted, her voice spreading through the clearing. "Thank you for joining us, it's great to have you here."I stood up tall, determined not to be intimidated. "I wouldn't skip it," I responded, my voice sounding more confident than I actually felt.Zara's mouth formed a sly smil