Dante's POV WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT I awoke as sunlight streamed through my window. Angel lay sprawled across my chest, softly snoring—evidently exhausted from the events of the previous day. Even with her messy hair and dried drool on her face, she remained the most gorgeous woman I had ever laid eyes on. I dreaded the idea of leaving her alone, but the morning rounds demanded my attention. In our rotation, Akira's team covered the evening, leaving Rashaad and me to alternate between morning and afternoon shifts. Today was my designated morning, a duty I hoped to fulfill before Angel stirred. A crucial conversation loomed with her supposed father — a man with more secrets than a locked vault. While the notion of Jett being her biological father seemed unlikely, it was clear he was lying about something, we just had to figure out what it was. My heart ached for my mate, she was caught in the whirlwind of multiple unfortunate events converging at once. I was surp
Angel's POV The sun dipped low, casting a warm glow across the endless field of lavender as I stood, surrounded by the wonderful scent of lavender. I traced my fingers along the velvety petals, lost in the sea of purple. "Angel," echoed a silvery voice in my head. It didn't sound like Kira's or anyone else's I had heard before. I scanned my surroundings with no luck in finding the mysterious speaker. Fear gripped me, paralyzing my every movement, and there was no one to save me, not even Dante. Suddenly, a woman in a flowing white dress materialized before me. Her expression was as unreadable as the vast cosmos, and her hair, the color of mine, cascaded down her back like a waterfall. "Mom?" I tried to say, but nothing came out. Her once-empty golden eyes now radiated warmth as she extended her hand to gently touch the top of my head. The contact felt hollow, as if she wasn't truly present. Well, she's a ghost now, isn't she? It seems even in dreams, I can't experience th
Angel’s POVI began to follow Jasmine out the door, but he swiftly grabbed me by the waist. "Not you, princess," he purred huskily in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. I swallowed hard, suddenly aware that he wasn't wearing anything underneath the towel around his waist, and it was pressed against me. "You want me to stay?" "We're mates, we can at least get used to dressing in front of each other. Of course, unless you're uncomfortable-" "No, I agree with that." I walked over to the bed, feeling the warmth of the room against my skin. As I reached for the clothes, I hesitated for a moment, acutely aware of the intimate atmosphere. With a deep breath, I began pulling the oversized shirt up, the fabric brushing against my bare skin. Suddenly, the realization hit me that I didn't have a bra on, and a flush of embarrassment colored my cheeks. "Uhh—" "I'll go first." His eyes locked onto mine as he unwrapped the towel, letting it drop to the floor. I felt a sudden wave of fear,
Angel’s POVI followed him outside to where Rashaad and Jasmine were locked in a heated argument. "What's going on?" Dante demanded. Jasmine rushed up to us. "Dante, tell him you okayed me to go on patrol," she pouted, glaring daggers at Rashaad. "Even if he did, that would be stupid and reckless. You just broke your ribs yesterday!" Rashaad's eyes were ablaze with anger and concern. "Ugh, Rashaad, I'll be fine. Stop tripping, okay?" Jasmine's voice held a touch of irritation as she shifted right before my eyes, the fabric of her clothes tearing away. Rashaad shifted next, and in a blur of fur, they both dashed off. The rate at which werewolves went through clothes in a week had to be criminal. Dante turned to me. "Your turn." I closed my eyes, attempting to concentrate on shifting, but nothing happened. I felt a stab of disappointment. The two times I had shifted so far were involuntary, so I didn't know how to do it on command. Kira, a little help here. I felt her presence a
Dante's POV We all gathered in the conference room. I was relieved that Jasmine had finally found her mate, but shocked that it was Beta Luis. Given he belonged to a different pack, the realization hit me: Jasmine would have to leave with him, a reality I wasn't prepared to embrace just yet. Things would have been much easier if Rashaad had been her mate. Jealousy emanated from him in palpable waves as he occupied the seat beside me. On my other side sat Angel, precisely where the future Luna belonged. Across the table, Jasmine, accompanied by Jalen and Luis, held Luis's hand and gazed at him affectionately. The sight tightened my insides with a sense of disgust. Uncertainty gripped me as I pondered their unexpected presence; it couldn't be for anything positive. The only prior unannounced visit was during the attack on their pack. "Alpha Jalen, what's happening?" I inquired. "One of your wolves entered my territory about an hour ago. Initially, I assumed he had your authoriza
Angel's POVI stormed up the wooden staircase to Dante's room. My emotions were a tangled mess— not anger directed at him, but a hurt confusion regarding David's actions. He appeared content being part of the pack again, so why the sudden change of heart? Why attack members of his own pack to run off? What else could he possibly be hiding?The impulse to go and search for him myself surged through me, but I knew Dante would never allow it. I was already in danger, and venturing out into the woods alone would be reckless. if only I could unlock my powers, I wouldn't need as much protection.Before reaching the room, I abruptly turned around and headed back downstairs. The house was still busy, allowing me to slip out the back door undetected, although Dante could easily find me if he wanted to. I walked until I was right in the middle of the distance between the porch and the woods.Terrified after the events of last night, I was hesitant about being outside. However, the need for pea
Angel’s POV"Is it normal that I can't shift? My wolf says there's some kind of mental block that was only lifted once when I was angry and lost control." I asked Jalen, a tinge of frustration and confusion evident in my voice.He stroked his goatee thoughtfully. "Hmm, interesting. It makes sense to assume that the block will also be removed after you are marked."Everything was starting to click now. The only way I could unlock my true strength was by sealing the mate bond with Dante. Not only would it make me stronger, but it would also enhance his abilities, so it was a win-win for both of us, right?"It's hard to believe that your Alpha was so distracted, and he hasn't even claimed you yet. A wolf as powerful as you should've been marked immediately. You hold incredible potential, Angelique, potential that could be harnessed for the benefit of our alliance."He looked at me with admiration; a look I haven't received in a long time. "I-I can?" I breathed, a glimmer of hope breakin
Dante's POVAngel stood resolute; her beautiful chocolate eyes now clouded with tears. "I, Angelique Baker, of the Wintercrest Nightwalkers, reject you, Dante Greene, Alpha of the Wintercrest Nightwalkers, as my mate."The impact of her words sent me crashing onto the soft grass, my hands instinctively gripping my chest as if I could contain the ache that spread within my being. Each syllable felt like a merciless blow, causing my heart to fracture into a million agonizing shards."Angel, please don't do this," I gasped, my voice strained with the agony of her rejection. Tears blurred my vision as I pleaded with her.She looked down at me, her gaze void of the warmth it once held. "I have no use for you, Dante." Her indifference cut through the air like a bitter wind, leaving me shattered and abandoned as she strode away. I awoke with my body drenched in a cold sweat. In the darkness, I instinctively reached out, but the space beside me lay empty and untouched. Three days, eighteen