...Darius POV...The time had finally come. The battle between my father and myself for the Alpha title was about to commence. We had worked all week for this moment. Wynter, Kenji, and Alpha Kayden had all helped to train me. Alpha Kayden was great at battle strategies. He would watch each of my fights and inform me of my weak points. He had me train with his top warriors to ensure that I would win the battle against my father.At first, we considered not telling my father about the challenge, but then we decided that it would be in our favour if we announced it as the entire Blood Moon pack would want to be in attendance. Not only that, but it would also draw a much larger crowd. Like Wynter had suggested, it would put my father in the spotlight. My father would drop his 'almighty Alpha' facade once he got in the ring with me. As I entered the ring, I looked out to see the stands full of people. I smiled out at those in attendance. In my entire life, I'd never seen the stands as fu
...Kenji POV...I couldn't believe what I was watching. We'd severely underestimated Alpha Xander. We thought for sure that Darius would be able to beat him, but somehow Alpha Xander seemed to have the advantage."He's using magic." Wynter says to me."What do you mean? How do you even know?""I can sense it. I wasn't sure at first, but I am now.""What do you mean? How is he using magic?""I don't know exactly, but it feels like dark magic. During my travels, I was taught by an ancient priestess how to tap into my powers. She also taught me how to detect magic. While I'm still a novice at it, I can still sense it out. Just not as quickly as practiced witches. They would've known before the fight began.""What does that mean for Darius?""Right now, I really don't know. I won't be able to tell until the fight progresses."We both continued to watch, however, I could tell that Wynter was growing increasingly nervous. She didn't once doubt Darius, but for whatever reason, I could tell t
...Alpha Xander POV..."What the hell did you do?" I screamed."I saved your pathetic ass!" The demon shouted at me."I never wanted you too. All you did was protect my body. But the only thing I cared about was my pack, which you singlehandedly gave up with that stupid move of yours.""You were about to lose it either way. Darius was seconds away from killing you. If you died, the pack would've gone to him anyways.""Yes, but at least I would've died in the attempt. Now it just looks like I gave up. That I actually submitted to him.""I really don't see the big deal. If I hadn't stepped in, you'd be dead."I was absolutely furious. I ran at the demon, throwing him against the wall, placing my elbow below his neck, cutting off his oxygen.The demon just laughed at my attack."Do you seriously think you can attack me? I do not have weaknesses like you worthless mutts." The demon said, effortlessly pushing myself away from him."I'm a f***ing demon. We don't need oxygen to breathe you,
...Darius POV...I was absolutely frantic. I didn't understand what had happened. One moment I was about to kill my father, the next a black like fog appeared out of nowhere. I didn't understand how it had suddenly appeared. Though it had disappeared just as fast. Once I made it back to where my father was, I realized that he had somehow disappeared. Not only that but so had Wynter.I ran over to where she'd been lying on the ground. "WHAT HAPPENED? WHERE IS SHE?" I yelled, looking at Kenji for answers. He was right beside her. He should know where she went."I-I d-don't know." He says, stuttering."She was here just a second ago. Then some how just disappeared." Kenji remarked."That doesn't make any sense. How's that even possible?""I don't know. But we believe your father may have been using dark magic. Which would explain how he mysteriously became so much stronger."My eyes roll wide from Kenji's accusation."You think my father's behind this?" I ask."Has your father proven ot
...Wynter POV...I know they wanted answers, but at the same time, I wanted them as well. What they didn't realize was that I was just as clueless as to what happened, as they were. Alpha Kayden surprised me by standing up a moment later. Without saying anything, he crossed his desk, turning his back to us as he examined his bookcase. We were all too confused to say anything, so instead, we remained quiet, anticipating his response."A-HA! Here it is!" He shouts, as he grabs one of the books from the cabinet, bringing it back to his desk. Curious, Darius and I stand up, and walk over to his desk. We look down at him, as he continues to examine the book. "Years ago, I'd heard of a Luna that temporarily transferred her life force into her mate. The Luna had been wrongfully claimed by an Alpha from another pack. Her true mate battled the Alpha in hopes of removing the Alpha's claim on her. However, her true mate was an Omega, and not nearly strong enough to fight an Alpha in his prime
...Kenji POV...We had been in the meeting for a while now, and we were no farther along. Darius was in the middle of explaining his connection to the necklace when he broke down. I was there that day, so I know what he's going through, which is why I don't push him. He seemed to be struggling, but Wynter went to his aid immediately. Not even missing a beat. She helped to pick him up, but I was surprised by the sudden change in emotion. He went from being a broken man a few minutes ago to a nearly hostile one. It looked as though someone attempted to take Wynter away from him. He was holding her so close that I was afraid she might begin to turn blue from the lack of oxygen. I think at times; he forgets how strong he really is. While I know Wynter's strong, I don't know if she'd ever have the strength or willpower to go against Darius.I was just about to come between them when I saw Wynter pull herself away slightly. They were staring intently into each other's eyes. I figured they m
...Wynter POV...I remembered everything. What Kayden had me do actually worked. I was so surprised. I didn't expect it to work. But the way Kayden helped take me back, made it easier for my mind to concentrate and focus. I was able to clearly see that I was holding the necklace the entire time. I didn't even realize it at the time. But the necklace did play a role in everything. I don't even know if it's possible, but it sounds as though I somehow managed to transfer Darius' memories into my necklace when I had compelled him. I remember how nervous and afraid I was to do it the first time. That I instinctually held onto the necklace. I was so happy when I was able to remember that I opened my eyes up wide. "I was holding onto the necklace!" I yelled, smilling. Though, what I saw confused the hell out of me."Alpha Kayden? What are you doing?" I ask, stunned, after seeing Kayden bowing in front of me."Ya.. Kayden? What's going on?" Darius asks, seemingly just as confused."I apolo
"There's something you need to know." I say, making the tension in the room increase."Which is?" Kenji asks."Back to the match." I say, turning this entire conversation back on it's head. So much has happened in the few hours that we'd been in Kayden's office, that we almost forgot the main reason for the meeting."I don't know for certain, but I believe Alpha Xander is getting help from a demon.""WAIT... WHAT?" Darius shouts, clearly caught off-guard."When I disappeared, it was because the demon that made Alpha Xander disappear, took me as well. He didn't explain why, and Alpha Xander seemed pissed about it, but it seemed as though the demon was in control.""What made you think that?""Alpha Xander attempted to kill me, however, the demon commanded him to stop, as it said that it was interested in me. At one point Alpha Xander began swearing his head off, furious that I was there. However, the demon yelled for him to be quiet. Immediately Alpha Xander became mute, and it looked
...BONUS CHAPTER......10 Years Later......Wynter POV...A lot has happened in such a short amount of time. Not long after the merger of our two packs, did more requests come. Alphas far and wide were coming to us in hopes of merging our packs. What had begun as an alliance designed to help strengthen the packs, soon became to act as a Peace Treaty. Each pack we aligned with, were given the same conditions as Crescent Moon. The ranking members would remain in power, so long as they came to myself or Darius for any critical decisions. We had merged with so many packs, that we were no longer separate packs, but one happy kingdom. One of my more recent projects was to create a city devoted to the rehabilitation of rogues. Those that had been rogue would now have the opportunity to reenter pack life once they were deemed to not be a threat. Many of which had already successfully made the transition. Given our extensive reach, we were more easily able to help those in need. We now had en
...Wynter POV...After a lengthy discussion we all came to the unanimous decision to merge with the Crescent Moon Pack. Everyone had very valid concerns for not merging with them, however, I knew Alpha Landon's pleas were genuine. He was only coming to us as it was his only option. Without a merge, his pack could be killed. A fate no Alpha would ever want for their pack. The five of us decided to go over a sort of job description if you will, for Alpha Landon. He would be a valuable resource, but at the same time we couldn't afford to give him too much power. In order to successfully merge the two packs, there had to be one concise leadership. If others felt that they could turn to Alpha Landon for their problems, it could risk a mutiny.So while Alpha Landon would have power, he would have to go through either myself or Darius to make critical decisions. It was the only safe way to merge the packs, while also allowing Alpha Landon a position as well.Before informing Alpha Landon of
...Darius POV...After Wynter and I had finished, we quickly showered and got ourselves ready to meet with Alpha Landon. I was confused as to why he suddenly showed up. But decided not to look too much into it until I had a chance to hear him out.Wynter stayed by my side as we entered my office. Alpha Landon was seated in the chair in front of my desk. However, he stood as Wynter and I entered my office. "Alpha. Luna." Alpha Landon addressed us, bowing slightly.I had walked over to my chair behind my desk. Wynter dutifully followed, and planned on standing behind me. However, Wynter was my Luna and my equal. Whatever Alpha Landon had planned on talking to me about, now involved Wynter. She had just as much say as what happened in this pack as I did. Which meant that I wanted her to be treated as an equal. I reached over to her, and guided her to sit on my lap. I smiled as Wynter quickly obliged my unasked command, and sat on my lap. I kissed the side of her cheek before turning to
...Darius POV...I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping. I could hear a faint heartbeat nearby and felt an incredible warmth. I opened my eyes to see Wynter lying on top of me. Memories of early this morning began to swim in my mind. I kissed the top of Wynter's head, careful not to move her. She's been running at full tilt ever since she woke up from the hospital. We had nothing pressing that needed to be taken care of, so I decided to just lay here and watch her sleep. I smiled as I remembered our lovemaking from earlier. The feeling was so euphoric. We had both longed for this moment in so long, that it felt like we would never get it. Now that we had the chance, I never wanted this moment to end. Without even trying, Wynter made me the happiest man in the world last night. I began to daydream of our future together. Of Wynter chasing around our pups, as I watched from behind. I pictured myself training our son to fight and to become the next alpha. I pictured Wynter running to t
...Wynter POV...As Darius and I continued to run through the woods, I could feel Caedance grow stronger. It was almost as if we were feeding off of our surroundings. The rush was making us stronger. For the first time, I felt truly in control. I had the sudden urge to test my abilities. So far, Darius had managed to not only keep up with me, but he even managed to run past me. I was both stunned and proud. I wanted to perform a few tests of my own. Caedance had given me some suggestions, and I had wanted to see if they would work. Caedance had suggested we try to hide from Asher to see if he would be able to find us. Much to my surprise, he managed to find me each time. Typically when I would try to hide, I would attempt to cloak myself using a mixture of camouflage, similar to a chameleon. I would focus on my surroundings and soon found myself becoming invisible. I had to hide my scent from him as well, which was probably the most difficult task. Each time I had done it, Darius had
...Darius POV...The air in the room had gone serious as Wynter announced her suspicions. While Wynter and I hadn't had the chance to properly discuss what had happened, we were both suspicious of the outcome. People don't just come back to the dead without being changed. I also can't deny the change I felt inside of me. I had long suspected that I'd been changed, I just wasn't sure exactly how. I already felt far stronger than I already had been. To the point that I often found myself having to dial back my strength. I also felt far faster than I had been. It was as if all of my senses had been heightened. I could now see far better along with smell things from a large distance. I had gone for a run the night I had first woken up after the battle. I had a strong sense of restlessness. The urge to get out quickly became the only thing I could focus on. It was as if my entire body had been electrocuted. Every fibre in my being needed me to go on a run. To get out.I began to have flas
I felt uneasy as we made our way back to Darius' office. I could tell that Darius sensed that something was bothering me, but refrained from asking me. There was just one thing that I couldn't seem to forget. Once we made it back to the office, we all quickly resumed our positions. Darius sitting beside me, placing a hand on my knee as a sign of comfort. I found myself biting my lip as I continued to chew over the thoughts plaguing my mind.I looked over towards Kenji, waiting for him to restart the meeting. Kenji stood up, but didn't start the meeting right away. My anxiety started to run full-course. Before I knew it, I found myself speaking out."What does this mean for us?" I watched as all heads turned to me. Waiting for me to continue."What do you mean my child?" The oracle asks.I find myself nervously biting my lip. I look at Darius for support. I watch as Darius nods his head for me to continue."Xander had told me that if Darius and I completed our mate bond, that it wo
...Wynter POV..."Upon the seven daughters of the seven daughters, the completed ritual shall activate the rise of the true king. While lightning strikes twice, a proposal shall mark the age of love and become the fall of unholy ones. It shall be when fire burns red, the forgotten princesses face, will trigger the return of the resistance. Once the green sea swallows towns, a challenge shall mark the start of war and witness the return of the fallen. Those in power will bend to one knee, bowing before the lost queen.""So what does that actually mean?" Darius asks."It basically means that one the descendent of the Kazakh wolves finds her true mate. The true king will come about. A moment in time, born out of love, will result in the downfall of the ones unloyal to the couple.""But what about the princess triggering the return of existence?" I ask."Wasn't that when Xander first realized or at least suspected your origins? He constantly tried to keep you away from me." Darius remarks
...Darius POV...I was quite possibly the happiest man on earth. The love of my life just said yes to marrying me. She may have already said yes to me once before. But I didn't think it really counted. The first time I hadn't planned on asking her, but I thought there was no better time to do it. I had just shown her how I truly felt about her. No other moment would ever be as special. Even though we were mates, I didn't know for certain if she was going to say yes or not. A proposal isn't ruly a proposal if there isn't a ring. Something I had kicked myself for not having at the time. But it was just so spur-of-the-moment, that I had even surprised myself. While this may not have been the ideal proposal, at least I had a ring for her. I know it would never make a difference to her, but I felt she deserved the best. I wanted to show her how special she was to me. I would make up for my sporadic proposal later this evening. When Wynter was in the hospital, I was continuously plagued by