~ Alister's POV ~As Alister stepped into the expansive room, filled with Alphas from more than fifty packs across the country, all eyes turned in his direction. The sudden attention made him feel uncomfortable.He immediately spotted his gamma, Matt sitting on the other side of the long table and made his way over to join him, hoping to find some solace in familiar company."Hey, what's going on?" Alister asked, settling into the seat next to Matt."The head elder is running late," Matt informed him, his tone indicating surprise.Alister was taken aback by the news. The head elder was known for his impeccable punctuality, never failing to be on time for any gathering. The fact that he was absent today meant that something significant must have happened. Alister scanned the room, searching for another familiar face, Wilson, and he was equally surprised to find him missing as well."This is strange… the Head Elder is never late," Alister murmured, a sense of unease settling over him.
Alister's POVHumans? They were attacking humans? He thought. Why would werewolves be attacking humans, risking exposure to their world. Just how crazy were these rogues."They recently launched an attack on The Blackmoon pack not too long ago, and before that, they targeted three other packs and two human settlements…" another elder spoke, his voice filled with concern.Alister swiftly turned his head to face the man who had spoken. It was no surprise to him that the news had already reached their ears; after all, he had promptly sent them a detailed report about the incident that had happened."It seems they are on a quest and they are sweeping down packs that are standing in their way…," Alpha Reed spoke up, his tone laced with amusement as he smirked directly at Alister.Alister couldn't help but respond, defending his pack's honor, "I wouldn't describe their attack on my pack as a sweeping victory... it was a failed attempt," he stated firmly, locking eyes with Alpha Reed.Amusem
~ Alister's POV~ Alister couldn't help but feel a surge of dislike towards Alpha Reed. However, he kept his thoughts to himself and carefully chose his words. "What do you want now?" Alister asked, his voice laced with caution.Alpha Reed rolled his eyes dismissively, trying to downplay any animosity. "Contrary to what most people think, I don't actually dislike you, plus, I'm a likeable character…what is there not to lie," Reed stated, spreading his arms.Inwardly, Alister scoffed at the notion. Well I dislike you, Alister thought.He definitely did not share the same sentiment towards Alpha Reed, although he decided to keep that to himself. "Okay, good to know. Now, can you please move out of my way?" Alister fired back, his tone firm and unwavering.Alister observed a change in Alpha Reed's expression, transitioning from a natural state to one of anger. However, in the blink of an eye, it vanished, as if it had never been there in the first place. The sudden shift left Alister sur
~ Luciana's POV ~Luciana let out a weary sigh as she ended the call with Alister. She gazed out of the kitchen window, watching as Keita joyfully ran around the backyard, his laughter filling the air. How long would he be able to keep that innocent smile on his face? Would they be able to protect him when the council discovered his abilities? Because that was exactly what Alister was about to do. Another sigh escaped Luciana's lips as she picked up the bowl of fruit and made her way out of the kitchen to join Keita and Ophelia in the backyard. Ophelia glanced up, offering a sympathetic smile to her as Luciana approached."How are you holding up?" Ophelia inquired, concern evident in her voice.Luciana shook her head, her expression reflecting worry. "I'm trying my best to stay strong and not give in to panic," she admitted.Ever since they had learned the previous day about Keita's special ability to manipulate and control people's minds, Luciana had been consumed by anxiety and
~ Luciana’s POV~Omar's face lit up with a small, shy smile. Luciana could tell that he appreciated her understanding and support."Okay," Omar mumbled softly, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and determination.In that moment, Luciana felt a deep connection with Omar. They shared a secret plan, and she was determined to make Keita's birthday surprise a success. Together, they would create a joyful memory, celebrating the bond they all shared as a family.Just then, Keita bounded up the stairs, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the apples in the bowl. Without hesitation, he reached for another apple, eager to take a bite. However, instead of returning to his playful adventures in the backyard, Keita had a different plan in mind. He took a bite from the apple and then extended his hand towards Omar, offering him the remaining piece.But Omar shook his head, his expression clearly showing his dislike for the apple. He firmly stated, "No, I don't like red apples."This res
~ Elijah's POV~The baking festival was happening just as planned, and Elijah wished with all his heart that everything would go smoothly and peacefully. Many more members of the pack were present and actively participating in the exciting event. Suddenly, he heard the sweet sound of his mother's laughter and eagerly turned his head to acknowledge her. As she stood there, wearing her apron, she returned his friendly wave, radiating a warm smile that melted his worries away.Ophelia, his mother, was the kind of person who wouldn't miss a baking show for anything in the world, and Elijah couldn't help but feel grateful that she was at the festival and had come out to support them.Ever since Alister had left for the council meeting, it felt as if the whole pack had fallen into a state of panic and confined themselves indoors. Elijah secretly hoped that more pack members would overcome their fears and join in the fest.Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a familiar voice called out to
~ Elijah's POV~Was Elder Haruto facing a serious illness or nearing the end of his life? The elder had held his position for nearly fifty years, and the thought of losing him left Elijah feeling unsettled. Who would succeed him as the new Head elder? So many questions swirled in his mind.Matt offered a comforting pat on Elijah's shoulder, acknowledging the weight of the situation. "I'll catch up with you later, I've got to run," he said, bidding farewell and leaving Elijah deep in thought.Now, suspicions began to surface in Elijah's mind regarding Alister's decision to stay back at the council meeting and have a conversation with Wilson. It all started to make sense. He needed answers, and he instinctively reached for his phone, intending to call Alister for some clarification. However, just as he was about to dial the number, fireworks suddenly burst into the sky, catching his attention and momentarily diverting his focus.As the vibrant colors filled the night sky, Elijah's init
~ Alister's POVAlister was fast asleep when someone shook his shoulders, waking him up from his nap. He quickly opened his eyes but could not recognize the room he was in, since his brain was taking its sweet time to figure out where exactly he was. "Alister…" Then he heard Wilson's voice calling his name, and he turned his head to see Wilson sitting right next to him on the bed. Alister let out a sigh, realizing that he was still at the council and had been crashing in one of the rooms at Wilson's place. He couldn't help but groan as he slowly sat up on the bed, feeling a bit drowsy. The only thing he could recall was sending a short text to Matt. Matt had messaged him earlier, saying that he was going home because he really wanted to go to the awesome baking festival that Elijah and Luciana were putting together."Hey... are you back?" he quietly said.Wilson nodded, "Yeah," he replied.Alister noticed the exhaustion on Wilson's face and felt sorry for disturbing him when he nee
I year later The wind blew again, this time stronger than the first. Alister adjusted the thick fur cloak on Luciana’s shoulders and smiled as she buried her head in the crook of his arms. In her condition, she wasn’t supposed to be there but she was as stubborn as him. “Do you think she’s looking down on us and regretting what she did?" Luciana mumbled. Alister sighed; he knew that Ophelia regretted what she did and that was why she had killed herself, but he didn't know whether she had found peace in the afterlife. “I hope she found peace after all”, he mumbled. “ I miss her…the kids too” Luciana said. Alister nodded. He wouldn’t admit it, but he also missed her. He had forgiven her for what she did and would have loved it if Ophelia knew that she was forgiven. They stayed that way for a while before someone cleared their throat behind them. He knew who it was even before he turned to face the person. Elijah was standing there with a white rose in his hands, Ophelia’s favorit
Alister’s POVThe fight is in full force, and so far, the Black Moon pack seems to be holding their own. He looked around the fighting ground once again and couldn’t spot his uncle Helster. He knew his uncle’s wolf by now. If Helster’s wolf wasn’t on the battlefield, then where was he?A rogue charged at him, and he pounced on the wolf, tearing its spine away from its body and killing it instantly. The more Rogues they fight and kill, the more additional Rogues charge out of the woods.He saw Elijah finishing off another rogue, and his mind linked to him.“Helster is not here; why?”Elijah turned around and shifted into his human form. He ran back to where Alister was standing, already shifted into his human form.“I wouldn't want to believe that he’s hiding." Alister said.Elijah shook his head and said, “He wants the pack; he’s not hiding. I think he wants to sneak into the pack from another border. Catch us unawares." he said.Just then, as Alister wanted to respond, Peter’s
Luciana’s POVElder Haruto is dead. Wilson had said to her last night after he had returned to his house. He was now the head of the council and would preside over their case. She felt relieved that things were indeed working in their favor.Luciana shifted in her chair. She was waiting for their case to be called, like every other person who was there. She looked around, trying to see if Alpha Reed was already there, but she didn’t see him.Maybe it was a good thing that they would meet inside and not out in the open, she didn't know if she could control herself if she saw him out there in the open.“Black Velvet Pack!" a werewolf standing by the door called.She saw an Alpha stand up and walk into the room where the hearing was being held. Their case was the next one; she had seen the order earlier when Wilson had spoken to her.She pulled the folder out and held it firmly on her lap. The future of their pack depended on her, and as much as she had been the one who had caused all th
Alister’s POVIt was hard. Knowing that his mate was somewhere in the council, doing what he was supposed to be doing, was hard. It had been hard letting her go, and even now, he had to restrict himself from entering a car and driving to the council." Daddy… I want to pee." Keita said, tapping his leg.Alister rolled his eyes, looking down at the boy. “You just did that like five minutes ago”, he mumbled.Keita frowned. “I know, but I still want to go. Mom would be upset if I peed on myself,” he said, pouting his lips.Alister shook his head. Either Keita was missing his mother and didn’t know how to communicate his feelings, or he was trying to be difficult and frustrate him. He suspected it was both.“Fine, let’s go”, he said, picking Keita up. The moment he moved to leave, Omar jumped up from the chair and followed them. Alister sighed. It was going to be hard trying to pull Omar away from him when the time came to defend the pack, and Luciana was not yet back.Thankfully, the re
Reed’s POVReed arrived at the council the next morning. He could feel his victory, and that gave him the confidence to enter the council building. He still had time before the hearing, so he decided to pay a visit to Veronica, his mother.Her office was not far from the academy. He climbed the stairs and walked down the hallway until he got to her door.He knocked twice and waited for her response before pushing the door open and entering the small office. His mother was sitting behind her desk, and she looked like she had never aged since he last saw her.Veronica lifted her head and the surprise on her face was obvious. He didn't blame her for being shocked at him standing in her office; he too would be shocked if he were in her position.Growing up, they never had the best mother-son relationship. She was more like a figure who was just there beside his father. He hated her for that—for not loving him like every other mother loved their children.She pulled the glasses off her fac
Luciana’s POVLuciana closed the zipper of her luggage with a sigh. She was ready to leave, but her heart couldn’t bear to see them all as she was leaving. She could hear the different voices gathered in her living room to bid her goodbye.She sighed and dragged her luggage out of the room, walking down the stairs.“Oh Lucia." Ophelia mumbled, coming up to her to envelope her in a huge hug. Luciana buried herself in the hug.It wasn’t that she was going away from the council for long. Hell, she was just going to be gone for two or three days, so she didn't understand why they were all acting like she was going to be gone for a year.“Take care of yourself and my boys,” she muttered close to Ophelia’s ears.Ophelia nodded her head and released her. “I will. Stay safe,” she said, taking the luggage from Luciana and carrying it outside towards the waiting car.Alister was the next one to come up to her. He was holding Omar, who had refused to let him go and was clinging to him.“You can
Reed’s POVReed was restless. That was the only word sufficient to describe his state of mind and how he was feeling right now. He hated when things were not within his control.He sighed, dragging his fingers through his hair for the umpteenth time as he paced in front of his desk. A few more days and he would get his heart's desire—the land he had desired for years—and even though it was now within reach, he hated the fact that it was not within his control.Helster was coordinating everything, and the rogue Alpha had warned him to stay put until he gave the command.He checked the time, and as if in sync, someone knocked on his door. He took a deep breath and waited.“ Come in," he answered.The door opened, and a man entered his office, closing the door behind him. Just the person he had been waiting for.“You're late…" Reed fired.The man sighed. “I'm sorry, Alpha, it took a great deal of trying to navigate my way to your pack and to avoid being noticed,” he replied.Reed rolled
Luciana's POVShe recoiled in shock. Even though there was a possibility that Alister must have told Elijah about Alpha Reed, she didn’t think he would tell Elijah about Keita’s real father too.Elijah shook his head and said, “I deduced it myself. Don’t think Alister told me. The day Alpha Reed visited the pack, on his way out, he bumped into Keita,” he said.Luciana felt her heart race as her breath hitched. What? Alpha Reed had met Keita. No one told her that. She felt angry that she had not been there to protect Keita from the Alpha.A different kind of fear enveloped her as she thought of Alpha Reed discovering Keita's true identity. He wouldn’t have noticed that Keita was his son, right? She looked at Elijah, noticing now that her eyes were blurry.“He didn't...” she started to ask, but Elijah reassured her by shaking his head."no, I didn't let him touch Keita. However, he noticed how their scents were familiar. Everything started to make sense then. why you would hide the lett
Luciana’s POVIt was at the break of dawn when Luciana left her home in search of the one person who could help her achieve her goal. She had not bothered discussing her decision with Alister that morning; she already knew what he was going to say to her.She was not surprised when she entered the office building and saw people already on the ground floor. They were preparing for an attack, and everyone was on alert.She strolled up the stairs to the alpha’s office floor and gently closed the gap between Alister’s office and Elijah’s office. She could see light coming out from under Elijah’s door and knew immediately that the beta was around.Luciana gently knocked on the door, and when she heard a grunted reply, she turned the handle and entered the office.Elijah was currently sitting behind his desk and had not looked up at her since she entered. She walked over to the front of his desk and stood there. When it was clear that he was busy with what he was doing, she cleared her thro