The Woods Were Alive with SuspicionBeatrice aimlessly poked the campfire as Hubert quietly stirred the stew pot suspended over the flames. The old woman had been kind to take them in after Tom's injury, often providing food and medicine. Yet an uneasy feeling nagged at Beatrice. Across the clearing, Tom watched the two women intensely, his eyes never leaving Beatrice. Though grateful for Hubert's aid, he sensed something amiss. He didn't trust the old witch's quiet insistence to stay deep in the woods, away from the werewolf village. Beatrice's thoughts drifted back to the story Hubert told her- the encounter that started it all. The handsome Alpha king Alex commanding they leave the Atlantic kingdom and it’s forests, his eyes kind but tone firm. Hubert's intuitive, scolding Alex for threatening "innocent wanderers".A muscle twitched in Tom's jaw. He hoped Beatrice remained oblivious to whatever scheme Hubert had in mind. Tom wanted no part in treason against Alex or the werewo
Deborah hummed to herself as she sorted through her wardrobe, searching for the perfect dress to wear for her date with Alvin that night. The full moon was rising, and Deborah was determined to look absolutely radiant for her beloved. "Aha!" she exclaimed, spotting the little lemon-yellow sundress tucked away in the corner. She pulled it out and held it up, eying it critically. The fabric was soft and flowy, and the sweetheart neckline and fitted waist would accentuate her feminine curves. "This is it!" Deborah said with satisfaction. She slipped the dress on and twirled in front of the mirror, admiring how the color made her skin glow. The hem hit just above the knee, showing off her shapely calves. Perfect. Her father passed by her room and paused, smiling as he caught sight of Deborah preening in front of the mirror. "You look lovely," he said. Deborah beamed at the compliment. She puckered her lips at her reflection, trying out different smiles to see which one would warm Alvin
Alvin's mind was spinning as he sat across from Hailey at a nearby national cuisine restaurant. "I should be with Deborah right now," he thought, his promise to her echoing in his memories. He and Deborah had been dating for three years. Last night, they had planned a special date to assure themselves of the future. But this morning, Alvin had gotten an unexpected visit from Hailey, his mate he hadn't seen in a while. She was in Alvin’s town for one night and insisted they catch up over dinner and stay together until the full moon appears.Alvin had hesitated, mentioning his plans with Deborah. But Hailey brushed it off, saying they could just have a quick bite before the full moon. Alvin, not wanting to be rude, agreed. Now, sitting across from Hailey, the guilt and confusion hit him. Hailey chatted away, oblivious to Alvin's inner turmoil. He tried to focus on what she was saying, but his mind kept drifting to Deborah. He imagined how hurt she must be, waiting for him. "Alvin? Ar
"The streets were quiet as the pack followed curfew, settling into their homes for the night. The moon hung low in the sky, tinged with orange as dusk fell across the reserve. Alpha Damon paced the floor of his cabin, checking the locks for the fifth time that evening. Soon the full moon would rise, washing over the reserve and calling forth the beast within each member of the pack.His wife Lebotha watched from the armchair, cradling their newborn son Lucas in her arms. "He's calm for now," she said. "But the moon always stirs such restlessness in the young ones." Damon paused and nodded in agreement. His first daughter, Lisa was already showing signs of the coming change. Her energy overflowing, unable to sit still for more than a few minutes. Stepping outside, Damon breathed in the stillness of the evening. All around him the pack's cabins darkened as families hunkered down for the night. Word had gone out - curfew was strictly enforced on full moon nights. Any violations meant ex
The night before;George trying to shake the eerie feeling creeping up his spine. The double knocks on the small cabin door had unsettled him, arousing long-forgotten instincts of fear and flight. He hadn't meant to stray from the trail. But the thick grove of trees had beckoned, luring him further into the green shadows. Now he found himself at the weathered door of a run-down cabin, deep in a part of the woods he didn't recognize. Knock. Knock. The sound came again, sending a shiver down George's back. His mind conjured up dark images - a ghostly figure beckoning from beyond the door. A monster lurking in the shadows, hungry for prey. With a jolt, George realized night was falling quickly. The woods had grown dim, the the trees taking on strange shapes in the twilight. He glanced back at the cabin, hesitating. Something - or someone - was in there, waiting. A wave of adrenaline coursed through him. Every instinct told him to flee, to put as much distance as possible between hims
The pack hurried through the darkening forest, making their way to the ancient clearing of Crescent Moon Park. It was a sacred place where the werewolf clans had gathered for ages on nights of the blue moon. As they approached the clearing, howls and barks greeted them from all sides. Werewolves of all shapes and sizes milled about, some already partially transformed. The moon's pull was growing stronger with each passing moment. The highest ranking alphas had already gathered in the center of the clearing. Their large wolf forms towered over the others, fur bristling as they fought the urge to change fully. Damon walked his daughters to the edge of the clearing. "Stay here where I can see you." Hailey and Lisa nodded, holding onto each other for support. Their bodies already beginning to tingle with the moon's electric charge. Damon then made his way to stand among the other alphas. Though he remained in human form, his eyes glowed the blue of the rising moon. The st
Charles POV The air was alive with restless energy as the moon slowly rose above the ancient redwoods. Wolf jaws cracked and yellow eyes glowed in anticipation as the clearing filled with wolves of every shape and size. This was no ordinary full moon. By ancient law, all the alphas of Atlantic kingdom were gathering to pay homage to the king of werewolves - Alpha Alex of the Crescent Moon pack. Damon, massive black fur bristling, paced at the head of the Blue Moon pack. His wolves fanned out in orderly rows, eyes watching everything. Aquinas, the lean gray wolf of the Deep Water pack, sat calmly with his wolves arrayed behind him. Silverton, silvery coat shining, led theSilver Moon pack into the clearing. His wolves danced and played, young and free-spirited. I sat in my room, staring out the window as the full moon cast an eerie glow over the world outside. I felt an overwhelming sense of angst, a feeling of fear and uncertainty that seemed to grip me tightly and refused to let
Charles POV.I turned to Alex. "Alex, calling for Rose, his weak mate, in the middle of the night seems rash. Have you considered the consequences?" I muttered to myself. The room was cool yet felt ominous. Knowing it won’t be safe being close to Alex when the full moon gets to its peak. Alex's power grows stronger under the light of the full moon, making him more unpredictable and dangerous. It is never advisable to be around Alex during that time unless absolutely necessary. The cool room feels dreaded, filled with a sinister energy that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand. Something does not feel right about this whole situation.Brenda was just there so comfortable; an undeniable fact she loves Alex so much and also well aware of Alex’s cold heart. Poor Brenda, so hopelessly devoted to someone incapable of loving her back. No matter how much affection and care she showers on Alex, his heart remains as frigid as ice. I just feel pity for her. She deserves so much bette
To my readers,As you turn the final page of this book and set it down, I want to express my deepest gratitude for sharing this story with me. Reading is a solitary act, yet one that connects us to each other across continents and cultures. By opening the cover of this book, you invited me into your thoughts and dreams for a few precious hours. You gave me the gift of your time and imagination, for which I am forever grateful. Through these pages you have laughed and cried, hoped and feared alongside my characters. You have travelled to unfamiliar places and met interesting people, all from the comfort of your own home. I thank you for joining me on this journey, for your insights, empathy and willingness to see the world through new eyes. Writing this book has been a labor of love for me, but without readers it would simply gather dust on a shelf. You have brought these characters to life simply by caring about their stories and journeys. And for that, I cannot thank you enough.
Rose’s POV:Five years have passed. I watch my son Jeremy play in the sand, giggling as Glenda and Daphne act as his aunties and George as one of his uncles. I sit on the porch remembering Alex, Jeremy's father and Charles, his kind uncle. I don't know what the future holds but I chose peace. "When you choose peace, be ready to say a lot of goodbyes," I often think.Jeremy looks at me, smiling. Then his eyes turn from blue to bright green. I gasp in shock. "Come here, Jeremy," I call to my little son. "You're safe under my love," I whisper. Alex is a lycan and I am half werewolf, half witch. The prophecy has long passed, yet here sits a child of two worlds. Jeremy cuddles close. I stroke his hair, thinking of the journey that brought us here. I thought I was fleeing my past, but it followed me in this precious child. Glenda comes to the porch. "All okay, Rose?" she asks, looking from me to Jeremy. I smile. "More than okay. This is where I'm meant to be."She hugs us both. "Family
George POV:I had made camp for the night and was sitting by the fire when I heard a sound in the bushes. I saw a frazzled young woman had collapsed unconscious. As I reached her, a lunar birthmark shone luminously on her back - this must be the girl I've sought for so long, the prophecy told of! I turned her over and gasped. "Isn't this Alpha King Alex's mate?" I hesitated, unsure what to do. But as I tried to leave, she grabbed my hand weakly and pleaded, "Please help me." I could not leave her so I took her in, building up the fire. When she awoke, I gave her food and water. The next day we set off towards Hazelwood together. As we walked, I felt honored to be helping fulfill the prophecy at last. Soon we came to a junction where my friends Glenda and Daphne greeted us. "George, still don't know the safest route to Hazelwood I see!" Glenda joked. "Very funny," I replied. "This is Rose. Rose, these witches will help guide us home." Daphne smiled warmly at Rose. "You're safe w
"Rose?" Charles whispered, stepping out of the shadows.I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God you're here," I whispered back. "I was starting to worry that you wouldn't make it.""Calm down, Rose," Charles said in a comforting voice. "We must leave quickly now." Charles led me to the mysterious hidden door and handed me a book he wrote about our family. "I will make sure to tell my unborn child about you,his Uncle," I vowed through tears. "Will you return?" Charles asked, his voice filled with emotion. "I'll make sure my unborn child knows his roots and father," I sobbed hard, thanking Charles for his love and care. "You must go now, Alex will be back from hunting soon," Charles said as we said our goodbyes, hoping we would meet again.I followed the secret passageway that Charles showed me, escaping from Alex's castle at last. Every minute I stayed was a minute too long, carrying Alex's cub but treated so cruelly. As I hurried through the passage, I rubbed my still-flat belly
Rose’s POV:"The biggest coward of a man is to awaken the love of a woman without the intention of loving her.”After a week. The cold floor felt harsh against my knees as I scrubbed the chambers floor. My stomach churned again as a wave of nausea hit me. I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to vomit. I had to hide this from Alex, I didn't know how he would react. He had been so distant this past week, barely looking at me let alone touching me. The tender love I thought was blossoming between us seemed to be fading away. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks and I wiped them away angrily. What did I expect? I was just a slave, a plaything for him to use as he pleased. But I had started to hope for more. I thought he cared for me. Now I felt like a fool.My mind was troubled with dark thoughts as I worked. If things continued this way, I would have to find a way to escape. I couldn't bear much more of this. I needed to speak with the old physician, the only friend I had here. We hadn't ta
Alex’s POV:I had to go to my older brother Charles and tell him about Rose. It was difficult to admit, but I had to confess that she was the one. The prophecy was real. I stormed into Charles’s study, fuming with anger. “Why didn’t you tell me about Rose? That she is the one the prophecy foretold? I have fallen for the enemy!” Charles looked up calmly from his book. “I wanted you to find love, brother. Rose is special, she is your soulmate.”“She is meant to destroy me!” I slammed my fist on the table. “This is my life at stake. My kingdom. And you see me as the tyrant Alpha King that needs to be overthrown?”Charles sighed. “The kingdom needs change, Alex. Peace. Someone like Rose could help you become a better leader. A better man.” “I rule Atlantic with force to keep order. There is no room for peace,” I growled. “There has been no peace since you divided the packs. Became king after Josiah's treason. Mother would not have wanted this life for you, Alex."I glared at Charles.
George packed his bag slowly, lost in thought. Three weeks and he would be gone from this place. The events of the Christmas party played over and over in his mind. He had stayed quiet, not wanting to draw attention to himself. But now he knew it was time to leave. He had come back to Atlantic for one reason - to find the lunar girl, the prophecy girl. Yet after all this time, he was no closer to the truth. Meanwhile, those accused of crimes were being punished without mercy. Alex's werewolves terrified him. Part of him still wanted to fulfill the task he had been given. But the risk seemed too great now. Better to return to Hazelwood and the simple life he knew there. His hand touched the old coin in his pocket, the one that was supposedly tied to the lunar girl's destiny. He had held onto it all this time, a symbol of the mission. But now, it felt heavier somehow. A reminder of a duty abandoned. He sighed and zipped his bag shut. Three weeks and he would be gone, returning
Rose’s POV:I left the party and went outside for some space. I sat down with my wine, frustrated. After a few minutes, I noticed a small box carefully placed next to my seat. I picked it up and untied it. Inside was a card that said "Happy Birthday little sis." I was stunned. Could it be from the brother I thought was gone? I looked around to make sure no one was watching and opened the card. "You've grown up to be so pretty, stay happy. I'm watching over you little sis," it said. Tears streamed down my cheeks. When I looked up, I caught a glimpse of a figure in the distance fading into the night - it was the black cloak person who had helped me before. Could it be my brother? I blamed myself for not realizing it sooner. Just the other night, I had stood close to him..."Rose!" Lebotha called harshly, walking over with her daughter Lisa. I quickly wiped my tears and stood up tall. I was not the girl Lebotha used to bully.As things were about to get heated, Alpha King Alex appeare
Rose POV:I took a deep breath and looked around at my surroundings. The castle was truly beautiful, though its beauty could not chase away all my doubts. Alex's words and gifts were kind, but I still wondered if he truly understood the pain he had caused me. As I wandered the hallways, I saw Alex approaching with a smile. "Good morning, Rose. I hope you are settling in well."I replied politely,"Good morning, Alpha. Thank you for your hospitality."He chuckled."Please, call me Alex when we're alone. There is no need for such formality between us." I nodded slowly. Over the next two days, Alex showed me great kindness. We took walks in the castle gardens and he told me stories of his childhood. Alex even arranged for us to ride the royal horses out on the trails surrounding the castle.As we rode side by side, Alex's horse came closer to mine."You look radiant today, Rose. I love seeing you smile." I could feel my face flush, but I tried to remain guarded. "Thank you, but do you trul