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
Dante’s POVBefore first period even started, I made the impulsive decision to skip the rest of the day. I wasn't even sure why I went to school in the first place; I wasn't in the mood for shit. Oh yeah, to confront my stubborn mate, I reminded myself bitterly, the memory of our tense encounter still fresh in my mind.As the bell rang signaling the end of first period, I wasted no time in leaving. The deserted hallway provided a welcome solitude, and while the absence of others didn't particularly matter, I simply had no desire to be bothered.As I made my way to the entrance, I found my mom outside of her office, leaning against the door. Her arms were folded, and a scowl adorned her features."Dante, are we skipping school today?" she questioned, her tone firm but tinged with concern."Yeah, Mom, I just need a break from the whole mate thing," I admitted quietly, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders with the confession.She pursed her lips, her expression softening slightly. "I
Angel's POVThe last three days had been pure hell. I felt so weak, barely able to sense Kira's presence. It was as if she was lingering at the edges of my mind, distant and unreachable. Eating and sleeping had become secondary concerns as I found myself endlessly replaying his rejection in my thoughts:I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the sensation of his canines piercing my skin. But instead, I felt a sudden rush of cool air. Opening my eyes, I realized he was gone.Adjusting my clothes, I sat impatiently on the bed, waiting for his return. It felt like an eternity before he finally came back. He entered the room wearing only a towel, the ends of his curls still dripping with water."You took a shower." It was more a statement than a question. "Yes. I don't think we're ready," he replied, his weary eyes meeting mine. "You don't want to claim me?" I asked, though deep down, I already knew the answer.He sighed heavily, avoiding my gaze as he looked down at the ground."I though