ZARA POVI kept my eyes closed, not wanting to see the emotions swirling in his. I could feel him shifting, moving closer, and the warmth of his presence was a strange comfort amidst the turmoil."You know," he started again, his voice softer now, "it's funny how rumors spread. Like wildfire. One minute, you're living your life, and the next, everyone thinks they know your story better than you do."He paused, a sigh escaping his lips. "Baxter... he had pieces of the puzzle about I and Alvira, but he got the picture all wrong. There was a time, a long time ago, when everyone in our pack thought Alvira would end up with either Nathan or me. We were kids, you know? Playing games, imagining futures that never came to be.”I could almost see the memories playing out in his mind, like old, faded photographs. "Alvira... She was brought to our pack by old Martha, the kitchen woman. Martha found her in the woods, all alone. Said she was just a little thing, lost and scared. Nathan and I, we w
ZARA POVHero pulled back from the hug, but he didn't go far. His eyes were bright golden, like they had little lights inside them. He reached up, and his hands moved gently through my hair, like he was trying to smooth out any tangles. Then, his hands settled around my neck, soft and warm. He pulled me closer.His lips moved down to my neck and placed soft kisses, and his other hands touched my waist. My body felt like it was waking up, like a little fire was starting inside me. I arched my back, waiting for what would happen next. It felt good, even just the way he touched me.He whispered, his voice low and a little rough, "Seeing you like this... pregnant... It makes me want you so much. You don't seem to be in a position for me to mark you but…" He ran his fingers along my sides, and I shivered. It felt so good, like little sparks were going off all over my skin. "I don't think I can hold back."He looked at me, his eyes asking a question."Shhhhhhhh...You make me feel better, He
ZARA POVA low groan escaped Hero’s lips, a sound that vibrated against my skin. “Fuckkk,” he breathed, his voice thick with desire. “I want you to know that you have gotten very good at this… incredibly good. I crave more, and more, Zara. So much more.”I couldn’t help the smirk that spread across my face. Leaning forward, I met his gaze, my own pleasure building with a surprising, almost overwhelming intensity. “I had a good teacher all along,” I whispered, my voice a little breathless.His eyes darkened, a wicked grin spreading across his features. “Oh, darling, I haven’t taught you nearly enough yet,” he said, his voice laced with a promise that sent a shiver down my spine. “Not even close.”The playful banter faded as he began to move, a slow, deliberate thrust that sent a wave of heat through me. He pumped upward into me, his movements growing stronger, more insistent, bucking me like a wild stallion. I cried out, a sound that was half shock, half pure, unadulterated delight. Th
ZARA POVHero gently shifted me, and I couldn't help but whimper. A strange, intense itch pulsed where he'd just marked me. It was a burning, tingling sensation, like a thousand tiny needles. But then, just as suddenly as it had come, the itch subsided. I cautiously reached back, my fingers tracing the area. It felt smooth, almost healed, but there was a distinct ridge, a permanent mark. A teeth mark. My mark. A symbol that I belonged to him.Hero, with a tender touch, cleaned me up, his movements careful and soothing. He then pulled me close, holding me securely against his chest. A wave of exhaustion washed over me, and I gratefully closed my eyes, the warmth of his embrace a comforting blanket."I thought I'd be trapped on this mountain forever," Hero murmured, his lips brushing against my forehead. "But then I found you, my mate, and... my sister.”His sister. Kira. My eyes snapped open, a jolt of alarm running through me. "Oh my goodness, Hero! Your sister! We need to talk about
ZARA POVThe heavy iron door of the dungeon slammed shut behind us, the echoing clang a strained silence that had filled the room moments before. Paul was still down there, chained to the cold stone wall, his words hanging in the air like a thick, suffocating fog. My arms throbbed, a constant reminder of the price I'd paid for those words. He'd fought hard, and I'd pushed harder, until finally, the truth had spilled out, a dark, ugly secret that had sent a wave of raw fury through Hero.Hero was on a coiled spring right now, his every muscle tight with barely contained rage. He’d torn apart the interrogation equipment, the tracking machine found on Paul especially, with a violence that made my breath catch in my throat. It was like watching a storm unleash its fury, a terrifying display of power.He stopped abruptly, letting out a guttural groan that vibrated through the stone floor. "Ughhhhhh!" he roared, the sound echoing down the hallway. His body was rigid, every line of him screa
ZARA POVThe autumn wind whipped at my face as I hurried through the town, my coat collar pulled up against the biting chill. I couldn't shake the sense of dread that had settled in my stomach. The Alpha had summoned me to his office, a rare occurrence that usually meant trouble. And the fact that he'd sent one of his henchmen to escort me made the situation even more ominous.We hadn't spoken a word since he had arrived at my doorstep this morning and told me The Alpha wanted to talk to me. We had just walked in total silence, him at my shoulder every step of the way as if waiting for me to flee. Which was stupid. If I was going to run, I would have done that a long time ago. It wasn't until he led me through the halls to the Alpha's office and knocked on the door that he finally said something. And it was to the Alpha of the night moon pack, not to me. “It's Harry,” he said. “I have got her as you requested, Alpha.”HER, I didn't even warrant any actual name. That was how low I w
ZARA POVI thought my torment was over. But no, fate had other plans. My jaw clenched, and tears of frustration pricked at my eyes. All my life, I'd been a loyal pack member, always following orders. But this? This was a cruel joke. Marrying me off to a beast who had nothing but contempt for me and my people? It was a twisted betrayal.“Picture a future where our pack is even stronger, more united. Weston could be the key. Imagine the countless lives you could save by bringing Weston into our pack. His strength and loyalty would make us unstoppable. But if you turn him down, the consequences will be dire. Weston's anger would be a storm that could destroy us all. Chaos will reign. His fury would be a wildfire, burning everything in its path."I looked away, my anger a tempest raging within. Rough, calloused fingers seized my chin, forcing my head back to face the cold, unforgiving glare of my father's eyes."Can you live with the blood on your hands? Sleep soundly, knowing the destruc
ZARA POV At that very moment, my father's phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket. “I’m afraid that I need to leave. You will take care of her for the evening and get her back home to me by morning, won't you Weston?” He winked at me and finally released me before walking away. As always, I felt the tension ease out of my body when my father left, but one monster was still standing right in front of me. Now, it was time to see the kind of monster I would be marrying.“Do you mind, a dance?”Weston asked, holding his hands out for me to grab.I was hesitant at his request but ended up nodding. “Of course,” I managed to say, heart fluttering in my chest, he pulled me into an open space and flattened me against his body. Unaccustomed to the touch of a man, I stiffened.His hands moved down my back and cupped my ass as he grumbled. I wanted to push him away but my father's words instantly echoed in my head making me force a smile. There were things I was supposed to say to Weston,
ZARA POVThe heavy iron door of the dungeon slammed shut behind us, the echoing clang a strained silence that had filled the room moments before. Paul was still down there, chained to the cold stone wall, his words hanging in the air like a thick, suffocating fog. My arms throbbed, a constant reminder of the price I'd paid for those words. He'd fought hard, and I'd pushed harder, until finally, the truth had spilled out, a dark, ugly secret that had sent a wave of raw fury through Hero.Hero was on a coiled spring right now, his every muscle tight with barely contained rage. He’d torn apart the interrogation equipment, the tracking machine found on Paul especially, with a violence that made my breath catch in my throat. It was like watching a storm unleash its fury, a terrifying display of power.He stopped abruptly, letting out a guttural groan that vibrated through the stone floor. "Ughhhhhh!" he roared, the sound echoing down the hallway. His body was rigid, every line of him screa
ZARA POVHero gently shifted me, and I couldn't help but whimper. A strange, intense itch pulsed where he'd just marked me. It was a burning, tingling sensation, like a thousand tiny needles. But then, just as suddenly as it had come, the itch subsided. I cautiously reached back, my fingers tracing the area. It felt smooth, almost healed, but there was a distinct ridge, a permanent mark. A teeth mark. My mark. A symbol that I belonged to him.Hero, with a tender touch, cleaned me up, his movements careful and soothing. He then pulled me close, holding me securely against his chest. A wave of exhaustion washed over me, and I gratefully closed my eyes, the warmth of his embrace a comforting blanket."I thought I'd be trapped on this mountain forever," Hero murmured, his lips brushing against my forehead. "But then I found you, my mate, and... my sister.”His sister. Kira. My eyes snapped open, a jolt of alarm running through me. "Oh my goodness, Hero! Your sister! We need to talk about
ZARA POVA low groan escaped Hero’s lips, a sound that vibrated against my skin. “Fuckkk,” he breathed, his voice thick with desire. “I want you to know that you have gotten very good at this… incredibly good. I crave more, and more, Zara. So much more.”I couldn’t help the smirk that spread across my face. Leaning forward, I met his gaze, my own pleasure building with a surprising, almost overwhelming intensity. “I had a good teacher all along,” I whispered, my voice a little breathless.His eyes darkened, a wicked grin spreading across his features. “Oh, darling, I haven’t taught you nearly enough yet,” he said, his voice laced with a promise that sent a shiver down my spine. “Not even close.”The playful banter faded as he began to move, a slow, deliberate thrust that sent a wave of heat through me. He pumped upward into me, his movements growing stronger, more insistent, bucking me like a wild stallion. I cried out, a sound that was half shock, half pure, unadulterated delight. Th
ZARA POVHero pulled back from the hug, but he didn't go far. His eyes were bright golden, like they had little lights inside them. He reached up, and his hands moved gently through my hair, like he was trying to smooth out any tangles. Then, his hands settled around my neck, soft and warm. He pulled me closer.His lips moved down to my neck and placed soft kisses, and his other hands touched my waist. My body felt like it was waking up, like a little fire was starting inside me. I arched my back, waiting for what would happen next. It felt good, even just the way he touched me.He whispered, his voice low and a little rough, "Seeing you like this... pregnant... It makes me want you so much. You don't seem to be in a position for me to mark you but…" He ran his fingers along my sides, and I shivered. It felt so good, like little sparks were going off all over my skin. "I don't think I can hold back."He looked at me, his eyes asking a question."Shhhhhhhh...You make me feel better, He
ZARA POVI kept my eyes closed, not wanting to see the emotions swirling in his. I could feel him shifting, moving closer, and the warmth of his presence was a strange comfort amidst the turmoil."You know," he started again, his voice softer now, "it's funny how rumors spread. Like wildfire. One minute, you're living your life, and the next, everyone thinks they know your story better than you do."He paused, a sigh escaping his lips. "Baxter... he had pieces of the puzzle about I and Alvira, but he got the picture all wrong. There was a time, a long time ago, when everyone in our pack thought Alvira would end up with either Nathan or me. We were kids, you know? Playing games, imagining futures that never came to be.”I could almost see the memories playing out in his mind, like old, faded photographs. "Alvira... She was brought to our pack by old Martha, the kitchen woman. Martha found her in the woods, all alone. Said she was just a little thing, lost and scared. Nathan and I, we w
ZARA POVPaul was locked away in the dungeon. Finally, We had a real chance to take down my father. I was so relieved my baby was safe. Everything had gone wrong, like a really, really big mess, but at least this part was right.But, when I looked at Hero, my heart sank. He looked...broken. Like he was trying to say something, but the words were stuck.I gently tried to sit properly on the bed before I spoke up. "Hey," I said softly. "You don't have to say anything. Really."He just looked at me, his eyes filled with...something I couldn't quite name."It's okay," I continued. "I know Alvira is your mate. I get it. I've accepted it, and I won't get in your way. You don't need to feel bad. We can still make this a little better. We have a child together, and that's important but I promise you that I won't use that to bother you. Lots of wolves have kids without being fated mates. We can figure it out.”I paused, then added, "And...if you can't look at me without seeing my father, witho
HERO POV The drive to Mascold's pack felt like forever. Zara was so still in the back of the car. I kept glancing at her, worried. By the time we pulled up to the main house, she was barely still awake. I carried her inside, and Mascold was already there, waiting. He'd thought of everything."Healer's ready," Mascold said, pointing towards a room. "Get her settled.”I laid Zara gently on the bed. She looked a little pale. The healer, a kind-looking woman with gentleness in her treatment, started checking her over. Zara stirred a little, but didn't really wake up."Just exhaustion and dehydration," the healer said after a while. "And a bit of blood loss. But both she and the baby are strong."Relief washed over me. I could finally breathe. They cleaned and bandaged the cuts on Zara's legs. I stayed close, watching everything they did, just in case."She needs rest," the healer said. "And plenty of water and food when she wakes."I nodded. "Thank you."While they were taking care of Za
HERO POV The trees finally ended. I saw Zara. She was on the ground. A wolf, covered in blood, jumped at her. My heart froze. I ran. I moved faster than I thought. I hit the wolf before it reached her. We rolled away from Zara. I landed on my paws. The wolf rolled further.A knife stuck out from the wolf's side. It shone in the light. Zara had hurt him. Good, that's my girl. I wanted to look back, but I did not. I needed to believe she was alive.The wolf, I now recognized as Paul, tried to run. He was a coward. He would not escape. Then, he stopped. He looked at me. He charged.He was hurt. He was tired. This fight would have been fun if he was strong. Now, it was easy. I pushed him to the ground. I was about to rip out his throat."Don't kill him," Zara said. Her voice was soft, and low.I pressed Paul down hard, my hands gripping his shoulders. A low growl rumbled in my chest as I glared at him. What did Zara mean? 'Don't kill him?' Why would she even say that? I wanted to end thi
ZARA POVFear made me tremble. I held onto the thick tree branch, my knuckles white. I pulled my knife from my pocket. Carefully, I placed the knife between my teeth. I needed both hands free. Slowly, I moved along the branch. I watched the ground below. I had to find the perfect spot to jump. I had to be smart. No mistakes.Paul's wolf growled. He paced below me, sniffing the ground. I saw blood on his fur. Good. I had hurt him. He was not bleeding himself, but I had made him bleed. That was a start. I didn't have my wolf with me. I would have to use my knife. I would need to cut him again and again. First, I would try to stop him from moving. Then, I would cut his throat. After that, I would stab him in the heart. This time, I had to make sure he could not heal.The air around me was thick and heavy. I clung to the rough bark of the tree, my heart hammering. If I moved too slow, it was over. He would find me, and my son, and end us. There was no escape. He would track me here, to th