ZARA POVThe shadows around the giant oak tree danced and shifted, teasing our eyes. A moment later, the mystery behind our curiosity was solved. Delilah and another woman emerged from behind the tree's massive trunk. They circled the oak, their gazes fixed on its towering branches. Spotting us, Delilah's face lit up in a warm smile. She waved us over. "Kristina, Zara," she introduced, "I'd like you to meet Jenny, our very own tree experts.”"Tree expert?" I repeated, my eyebrows raising in surprise. "You're a doctor for trees?" I shook the young blonde's hand, my grip firm. "That's...quite an unusual profession.”“That’s exactly right,” she laughs. “I keep an eye on them and help out when I can. It’s a shame, really. This old oak tree probably won’t be around much longer. You see those new shoots growing out of the trunk? That’s a sign that it’s not doing well. And all those leaves on the ground? That’s another clue. It’s likely to be attacked by beetles.”"Is there anything you can
HERO POVWe were back from the hunt, laden with two elk, a deer, and a bounty of fish from the river. The townsfolk lined up to meet us, eager to receive this small gift we offered.Kristina, ever cheerful, walked beside me, her face lit up with a bright smile. Zara, however, kept her distance, her expression somber as she clung to Delilah's side."This is absolutely incredible!" Jason exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. "We can't thank you enough for this generous gift. It's more than we could have ever hoped for.”I didn't just want to say thank you. I was curious. I wanted to explore the edge of the village, to see what really lay beyond the boundary. Maybe there were hidden dangers, like wolves. But we didn't see a single one. It was almost like magic.While the carcasses were carried away, Zara stared at me stonily but I ignored her before turning to Delilah’s direction. “I would like to speak to your resident before we leave. See if he or she has some foresight into this j
ZARA POVWe spent eleven long hours climbing the mountain, but we didn't see a single wolf. As soon as we reached the top and stopped, I changed back into human form and shivered from the cold. My wolf self was enjoying her freedom a little too much, and I was struggling to keep her under control.Tabitha shifted with me as we got dressed. Pulling the cream from my backpack, she pointed at my knees. "I think your knee is starting to hurt again, isn't it? You should have let him just dislocate it so it could heal properly.”I plopped down on the worn wooden log, the rough bark biting into my skin. As I settled in, I took the cool cream and rubbed it into my sore, aching knees. "Said by a woman who's never been under the hands of a man," I muttered, a wry smile playing on my lips. The warmth of the cream began to seep into my joints, easing the tension. A sigh escaped my lips as the pain started to subside. "I can't imagine willingly letting another man break a bone in my body," I added
ZARA POV"Watch your back, Tabitha warned, her voice low and urgent. "The wolves are coming." I huddled closer to the dying embers of the campfire, my heart pounding in my chest. Through the dense fog, I could just make out the trees swaying and parting, a dark, ominous shape emerging from the mist.Suddenly, a wolf burst through the flames, landing with a loud thud in the middle of the fire. "Boston!" I yelled, shocked and scared. I rushed over and grabbed his paws, pulling him out of the fiery pit. I frantically tried to beat out the flames licking at his fur. Boston groaned in pain, his eyes squeezed shut."He's not dead yet," I rasped to Tabitha, my voice barely audible over the roaring inferno. My palms throbbed with pain as the flames licked at them. With a grunt, I ripped off my shirt and used it to smother the fire. The crashing sound outside grew louder, echoing through the smoke-filled room.The silence stretched out, a heavy blanket settling over the clearing. No other wolv
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,
HERO POVSilence,Silence was what filled the car except for the sound of the moving car. Little dolphin didn't say a word during the car ride, and she didn't object to my command of bringing her along with me. Her face was completely blank as my men drove us to my hotel. It was a twenty minutes ride____ Tarrant idea, Incase I didn't show up to the ball.My phone was buzzing like crazy, but I ignored it. Someone would distract Tarrant eventually. I wasn't sure why I felt compelled to bring the little dolphin along. Maybe it was an excuse to avoid going in, but it didn't take long to hear what had really gone down. Weston was planning to claim a Luna, and it wasn't, little dolphin right here.Don't get me wrong.She was lovely, petite for a wolf, with a small heart shaped face and a nice hair length but there was no other indication that she spent much time in the sun or outdoors. Her skin looked soft, creamy and smooth. She was gorgeous but that wasn't the reason why I had brought he
ZARA POV"Watch your back, Tabitha warned, her voice low and urgent. "The wolves are coming." I huddled closer to the dying embers of the campfire, my heart pounding in my chest. Through the dense fog, I could just make out the trees swaying and parting, a dark, ominous shape emerging from the mist.Suddenly, a wolf burst through the flames, landing with a loud thud in the middle of the fire. "Boston!" I yelled, shocked and scared. I rushed over and grabbed his paws, pulling him out of the fiery pit. I frantically tried to beat out the flames licking at his fur. Boston groaned in pain, his eyes squeezed shut."He's not dead yet," I rasped to Tabitha, my voice barely audible over the roaring inferno. My palms throbbed with pain as the flames licked at them. With a grunt, I ripped off my shirt and used it to smother the fire. The crashing sound outside grew louder, echoing through the smoke-filled room.The silence stretched out, a heavy blanket settling over the clearing. No other wolv
ZARA POVWe spent eleven long hours climbing the mountain, but we didn't see a single wolf. As soon as we reached the top and stopped, I changed back into human form and shivered from the cold. My wolf self was enjoying her freedom a little too much, and I was struggling to keep her under control.Tabitha shifted with me as we got dressed. Pulling the cream from my backpack, she pointed at my knees. "I think your knee is starting to hurt again, isn't it? You should have let him just dislocate it so it could heal properly.”I plopped down on the worn wooden log, the rough bark biting into my skin. As I settled in, I took the cool cream and rubbed it into my sore, aching knees. "Said by a woman who's never been under the hands of a man," I muttered, a wry smile playing on my lips. The warmth of the cream began to seep into my joints, easing the tension. A sigh escaped my lips as the pain started to subside. "I can't imagine willingly letting another man break a bone in my body," I added
HERO POVWe were back from the hunt, laden with two elk, a deer, and a bounty of fish from the river. The townsfolk lined up to meet us, eager to receive this small gift we offered.Kristina, ever cheerful, walked beside me, her face lit up with a bright smile. Zara, however, kept her distance, her expression somber as she clung to Delilah's side."This is absolutely incredible!" Jason exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. "We can't thank you enough for this generous gift. It's more than we could have ever hoped for.”I didn't just want to say thank you. I was curious. I wanted to explore the edge of the village, to see what really lay beyond the boundary. Maybe there were hidden dangers, like wolves. But we didn't see a single one. It was almost like magic.While the carcasses were carried away, Zara stared at me stonily but I ignored her before turning to Delilah’s direction. “I would like to speak to your resident before we leave. See if he or she has some foresight into this j
ZARA POVThe shadows around the giant oak tree danced and shifted, teasing our eyes. A moment later, the mystery behind our curiosity was solved. Delilah and another woman emerged from behind the tree's massive trunk. They circled the oak, their gazes fixed on its towering branches. Spotting us, Delilah's face lit up in a warm smile. She waved us over. "Kristina, Zara," she introduced, "I'd like you to meet Jenny, our very own tree experts.”"Tree expert?" I repeated, my eyebrows raising in surprise. "You're a doctor for trees?" I shook the young blonde's hand, my grip firm. "That's...quite an unusual profession.”“That’s exactly right,” she laughs. “I keep an eye on them and help out when I can. It’s a shame, really. This old oak tree probably won’t be around much longer. You see those new shoots growing out of the trunk? That’s a sign that it’s not doing well. And all those leaves on the ground? That’s another clue. It’s likely to be attacked by beetles.”"Is there anything you can
ZARA POVThe sun's harsh light sliced through the grimy window, rudely announcing the start of another day. I stirred, my eyes slowly adjusting to the brightness. A familiar pang of loneliness washed over me as I realized I couldn't feel Hero's presence in the room.I rolled over, my heart pounding with so much dread. There, sprawled across Hero's bed, was Kristina. A menacing glint caught my eye - she was sharpening a long, wicked blade. The fear that had begun to creep in intensified. Any lingering jealousy I might have felt about her presence in Hero's bed vanished instantly.“Do we have a problem, Kristina?” I asked warily as I sat up."It's just that you're female," she sighed, her breath misting in the cold air as she continued to hone the blade in her hand. "I'm next in line after Jeremy. I should be out there with the others, tracking prey, and proving my worth. But instead, I'm stuck here, babysitting you because he doesn't trust any of the other male wolves to be alone with
ZARA POV‘And the baby.’ His last words echoed in my head refusing to fade. Instantly, my hand went down to my stomach and I closed my eyes. Of course he knew just what to say to make me go with exactly what he wanted. Wolves of great strength could take power, but it took intelligence and manipulation to keep it. “I already told you, my wolf and I don't have a connection. I've tried everything, but my wolf and I aren't compatible by any means. It's like we're from different worlds.”“I don't understand. Can you break that down for me?" he asked."It's pretty simple, really. People say you can talk to your wolf form when you're human. But I can't do that. I can't talk to her when I'm a wolf, either. She can't reach out to me. I try my best to control her, to speak to her but she won't even respond.”Hero's reaction to the revelation was unexpected. Instead of confusion or horror, he simply studied me with a thoughtful expression. His lips pursed as he pondered the implications. "Boo
HERO POVWhen we got there, we saw Boston and Tarrant arguing over where to sleep. There were two places to stay: one for the wolves and one for the humans. Kristina seemed to be in charge of making the final decision, and I thought she was right to have picked this particular spot for us.The cabins were much easier to protect than the wolf dens. They were sturdier and had fewer entrances. Inside each cabin, there were two beds, so we had to pair up. Tarrant and I shared one cabin, Boston and Jeremy shared another, and the three women shared the last one.Afterward, we returned to the main house for dinner, where Olga awaited us. With a humble bow, he apologized for any inconvenience his earlier actions might have caused. "I neglected to remove the charms before your arrival," he explained. "I've taken care of that now and will keep them away throughout your stay."After a moment, I bowed my head and accepted his apology. It seemed plausible enough, and as far as I could tell, the on
HERO POV"Hero, you're full of surprises," she said, her voice flat and emotionless. "I thought my father and Weston had already filled you in on everything you needed to know about me. But now you only care because Olga thinks you hurt me. Don't you dare pretend to care, because you don't.”“I do care. I am your__” I cut off before I said the king part. “I do care about you.”"No," she insisted, her voice a fragile whisper. "You don't care. Everybody knows that I'm Zara. Your most despised one-night stand." Her voice cracked, a contrast to the bravado she'd tried to muster.Olga returned before I could press on the issue. I paid close attention to the instructions on both the salve and the morning sickness medication. Watching him rub the stuff on her leg made my wolf howl with fury, but I just clenched my fist into a tight ball and stood still.I knew I couldn't do anything. Not now. Not yet. I had to wait for the right moment, the perfect opportunity. I had to be patient, to bide m
ZARA POV"I don't care what went down out here," Olga grumbled, his eyes narrowing. "But my rules are simple: don't touch a single thing or break a single thing. My work is fragile, understand?”.” Olga pointed grumpily.The wolf healers I knew were known for their gentle touch, their soothing words, and their calming presence. They worked with a delicate precision, their hands moving with a quiet grace. But Olga was different. There was nothing gentle about him. His gruff voice and heavy footsteps echoed through the room as he stormed back inside, leaving us to wonder what had upset him so.Jason winked at me before speaking. "He's a big teddy bear deep down," he assured me. "You'll be fine. Just don't take anything he says too seriously." He paused for a moment, then asked, "Do you think you can find your way back on your own, or would you rather I stick around and wait?”"We don't need a bodyguard," Hero said, his voice sharp. But Jason, with a stubborn glint in his eyes, continued