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
Dante's POVAngel remained silent as I drove back to the packhouse. I felt her gaze on me for a fleeting moment before she turned her attention back to the passing scenery outside. The air between us felt heavy with unspoken tension, and I couldn't help but notice how awkward things were between us now. This wasn't how having a mate was supposed to feel. Even the simple, flirtatious exchanges we had shared when we first met seemed distant now, replaced by palpable unease. I couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking...how she was feeling. I knew that she wasn't in her right mind after everything that had happened lately. Shit, I wasn't either. She simply wanted some control over her life, and while I understood why, I didn't want marking my mate to be reduced to some kind of arrangement. Being with Peach today was...uncomplicated. Yes, she desired the title of Luna, but she was also willing to offer me love and affection, which was all I craved. Date nights, tickle fights, nigh
Dante’s POVI reached the bottom of the steps just in time to see Angel punch the shit out of Peach. With a fierce cry, she pinned her on the hard, wooden floor of the living room. "You bitch!" Angel's voice filled the room, her voice blending with Kira's in a cacophony of fury and betrayal. "I told you to stay away from my mate!"Look what you started, Quinn sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. After she's done with Peach, we're next. Might as well let Rashaad know he'll be Alpha after tonight when we're murdered by our one-hundred-and-twenty-pound mate. Shut up, Quinn. I'll fix this, I snapped, trying to push aside the panic and confusion that flooded through me. I didn't know what to do. I was caught between two she-wolves fighting over me — one of them was my mate while the other wished to be, and I felt completely overwhelmed. The commotion must've awoken everyone upstairs because I could hear their footsteps as they rushed downstairs to see what was happening.Peach's p
Angel's POVMy heart sunk like a stone as I gaped down at my wounded mate. He had four huge slashes across his chest that were starting to bleed profusely, drenching his shirt. Glancing around the room, I realized that everyone's horrified expressions matched my own, as if we were all wearing masks. Kira's guilt-filled whimpers were quickly replaced with a low growl as she zeroed in on Peach, who was cradled against Dante's chest. "Oh my Goddess, are you okay?" Her slutty hand on his chest only fueled the fire blazing throughout my being.Kira's rage simmered dangerously, her possessive instincts urging her to tear her throat out...to watch the life fade from her eyes. How dare she try to steal our mate? How could he be so blind? He had called this bitch his "friend". She was only trying to gain his trust so she could fuck her way into securing the Luna title.Before we could hurt anyone else, I made the split-second decision to flee from the house. The sun had retired for the day,
Angel’s POVI rubbed my eyes, my vision slowly returning as I blinked against the dim artificial lighting in the room. Taking in my surroundings, I noticed that I was all alone in a dark, muggy space. A shiver creeps up my spine as I realize that this is either a basement or a dungeon. As I glanced down, I realized with horror that I was naked except for a silver collar around my neck. The metal against burned my skin. The pain wasn't unbearable, but it was a constant reminder of the collar's presence. It was secured to a heavy chain that trailed across the floor, linking me to the cold, metal floor beneath me.I closed my eyes trying to concentrate on feeling Kira's presence, but my mind was...empty. The absence of her soothing voice left a void within me. It was strange that I had been sharing my head with for the past two weeks, and now she was gone. How would Dante or anyone else locate me in this condition? If they used wolfsbane to sever my connection with my wolf, they weren'
Dante's POVI awoke to the sound of machines beeping, the powerful smell of disinfectant violating my nose. The fluorescent lights on the ceiling above my head buzzed, irritating the shit out of me. I sat up and ripped the IV out of my arm. "Dante, you're awake," Peach said softly, a relieved smile spreading across her face."Hey," I replied hoarsely. "Where's Angel?"As her smile faltered, worry gnawed at my insides. Why was she here and Angel wasn't? Was she still angry with me? Had she returned last night after she ran off, or was she hiding at her dad's house again?Rashaad stood by the door, his wary gaze fixed on me. I knew that look all too well; something was wrong. Dread immediately coiled in my stomach."Where the fuck is my mate?" I growled using my Alpha tone. Both he and Peach lowered their heads in submission. Suddenly, Dr. Johnson, the pack doctor, walked in, his eyes widening as they met my furious countenance. "Uhhh Alpha Dante, I'll come back." He began to back awa
Dante’s POVAfter hastily returning to the packhouse and throwing on some clothes, we met back in the conference room. Dad, Jalen, and Luis joined us.Akira cleared his throat and stepped to the front of the room, holding a piece of paper. "I know it's 4am and we're all exhausted, but there has been a new development in Angelique's disappearance. From the blood sample and pieces of skin and tendon we found, her kidnapper was a male, nineteen years of age. We contacted all of our allied packs to see if anyone recently went missing matching that description, and we discovered that two twin brothers, age nineteen, went rogue a few months ago from the Sliver Shadow Claws pack. Their names are Noah and Justin Lynch.""From the Colorado pack?" I interjected. He nodded curtly. "I think it's safe to assume King Jett ordered them to take her. The biggest problem is we still don't have any idea where he is."Jalen stroked his facial hair, his eyebrows pulled together in contemplation. "Well, I