The confusion that followed was without parallel. The morning after the attack, the Crystal Cloud Pack pack was thrown into confusion and despair. Things had been going smoothly in the morning, but that all changed when the guard who had been spaCatherine from the rogue werewolves ran into the packhouse, panting and loving Catherine in blood.The guards who were stationed at the door wouldn't let him in easily, having seen his state. They tried to prevent him, which caused a mild scuffle. He still managed to bully his way into the Packhouse and ran with the guards hot on his trail.He fell at the feet of the Crystal Cloud Pack Alpha, Kevin, who was in the middle of listening to a complaint from one of her pack members. The Alpha's expression was one of shock and horror as the guard began to speak, his voice filled with fear and urgency."We were attacked at the boundary you grace." He said, his breaths coming in fast gasps. "They attacked us," the guard said, his voice trembling. "Th
Catherine'S POVAs I sat at the dining table with Alpha Philips, the silence between us was palpable. The whole table was covered with food like it was a small party for ten grown men. Despite knowing we wouldn't go halfway through the food, Philips still insisted we were served that way.The food set on the table was a delicious spread of meats, vegetables, and bread. The meats were cooked to perfection, with a crispy golden-brown crust on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. The vegetables were fresh and crisp, with vibrant colors that caught the light. There were platters of roasted carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts. The bread was freshly baked, with a warm and fluffy texture.The centerpiece of the table was a large platter of succulent roast beef, surrounded by smaller dishes of glazed ham, roast chicken, and grilled sausage. The aroma of the meats was mouth-watering and they were all accompanied by rich, savory gravies and sauces.The table was also set with large
Philips's POVMy suspicion was confirmed the moment the guard barged into the room to tell me Alpha Kevin had come to see me. I had sensed a familiar Alpha aura before then, but I didn't know how or on whom to place it. I stood from my seat, my face contorted with anger. I stormed out of the room, my heavy footsteps echoing through the passageway. The walls of the passageway were lined with portraits of past Alphas of the Blood Slashing Pack. I didn't spare them a glance as I made my way towards the meeting room.The meeting room was located on the top floor of the Blood Slashing Pack's edifice, a towering building that overlooked the city. I walked towards the elevators located at the end of the passageway, my anger giving me energy as I strode towards the elevator. I pressed the button for the top floor, and the elevator doors closed with a soft ding.As the elevator ascended, my mind was filled with thoughts of Alpha Kevin and his visit. I entered the meeting room, the door slamm
Catherine's POVI took the elevator to the top floor, my heart pounding with excitement and fear. I knew I shouldn't be eavesdropping on the meeting between my mate and Philips, but I couldn't help myself. I needed to know what was going on and what was being said about my pack.As the elevator doors opened, I stepped out into a long hallway. The sound of voices grew louder as I made my way towards the meeting room. I could hear my mate's voice, raised in anger, and Philips's deep growl in response. I knew I was getting close.I crept closer to the door, my heart in my throat as I listened to the conversation inside. I could hear my mate accusing Philips of attacking our pack and Philips denying it. I felt a pang of guilt as I realized that my presence in the Blood Slashing Pack may have caused more harm than good.As I listened, I could feel my heart jump as I heard my mate's words, "You have crossed the f*cking line, Philips. You have broken the treaty and killed members of my pack.
Narrator's POVAs Alpha Kevin walked through the Packhouse, the members of his pack quickly stepped out of his way, sensing the fury and determination in his demeanor. They could see the fierce look on his face and the guards surrounding him, and they knew that something serious must have transpired in the meeting room.They watched in silence as he passed by, not daring to speak or ask any questions. His guards were stoic and silent, their expressions mirroring the Alpha's. The members of the pack could sense the tension and knew that something big was happening.There was a palpable sense of fear and unease in the air, as the pack members watched their Alpha leave with his guards. They knew that whatever had occurred in the meeting room was not good, and they feared Catherine for what was to come. The confused onlookers looked as if they knew that they had to be prepared for any eventuality.As Alpha Kevin walked out of the Packhouse, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He was con
Alpha Kevin woke up with a start. He had been having a restless sleep, plagued by nightmares of the recent attack on his Pack's boundary. He felt a nagging headache, a reminder of the stress and exhaustion he had been under. He lay in bed for a moment, rubbing his temples, trying to alleviate the pain.Just as he was about to drift back to sleep, he was jolted awake by a voice in his head. It was his head guard, using the telepathic mind link to reach him. The message was urgent and filled with panic. They had been attacked again, and this time they were outnumbered Catherine and outmatched. They needed backup, and they needed it now.His heart began to race with excitement as he processed the news. He quickly got out of bed and began to dress. He knew that he had to act fast. He couldn't let his Pack suffer another devastating attack. He moved quickly, his mind focused on the task at hand. He barked orders at the guards standing in front of his room, telling them to run to the guard
Catherine'S POV As I wake up from the sound of the knock on my door, I rub my eyes blearily, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I climb out of bed, carefully stepping over the clothes that are strewn across the floor, still in my nightgown. I make my way to the door, my feet sinking into the soft rug that covers the floor.I open the door to find one of Alpha Philips's guards standing there, a letter in his hand. He tells me that it was delivered to Catherine by a confidential woman who refused to say her name. My heart races as I see the seal of my mate on the letter. I grab the letter from the guard's hand and quickly run back into my room, closing the door behind me.I sit on the edge of my bed, tearing open the letter with shaky hands. My eyes scan the words written on the page, my heart sinking as I read the contents. My mate is proposing to declare war against the Blood Slashing Pack, blaming them for the recent attacks on our Pack.I feel a wave of anger and betrayal w
Narrator's POVCatherine was celebrating her 21st birthday with a small group of close friends. She'd been looking forward to this day for a long time, and she was so happy to be able to celebrate with the people she cared about most. But as the night went on, she started to feel a little bit strange. Her head was swimming, and she was having trouble focusing on what her friends were saying. Was it just the excitement of the party, or was something else going on?Catherine was feeling the effects of the heat and the alcohol. Her head was spinning, and her vision was blurry. She stumbled a bit as she tried to walk, and her friends started to look concerned. They tried to offer her some water, but she refused. She kept laughing and saying she was fine. But as the night wore on, she could no longer stay upright. She collapsed on the couch, and her friends could see that she was not okay. Catherine felt her head banging up against the wall. She tried soothing and easing the pain away, b
CATHERINE'S POV As I entered the community meeting area, where pack members gathered for talks and declarations, I could feel a sense of anxiety in the air. As soon as I walked in, whispers and whispered talks stopped, and interested eyes looked at me. Skepticism and uncertainty weighed heavily on the air, like an unsaid query demanding a response.I felt the wave of unease that went through the group, a sign of their misgivings about my abrupt promotion to a leadership role. Many were confused by the swift change from a Luna behind confinement to a leader guiding the pack's future, and the doubt that pervaded the atmosphere was reflected in their gazes.The scrutiny became more intense as I got closer to the temporary platform where pack leaders normally addressed the members. The looks on the sea on faces ranged from mistrust to flat-out incredulity. It became very apparent how difficult it was for me to gain their trust.I inhaled deeply before going up on stage, with everyone in
CATHERINE'S POV I was faced with the enormous issue of bringing the pack together, which was weighing heavily on my mind. As two women propelled into roles of authority, Lizzie and I took the lead in this initiative, trying to mend the broken strands of trust and create a unity of sorts.Lizzie and I met in the large study, which was filled with expensive cherry furnishings and bookcases that held innumerable books. As we sat opposite from one another, the weight of duty falling on our heads like a thick blanket, the environment crackled with a feeling of purpose."I had not signed in for this one," Lizzie said, her resolve and doubt visible in her eyes. I sympathized with her; the unanticipated course of events had thrown us into unanticipated roles."Not a single of us did," I said, looking her in the eye. However, we have been given the responsibility of keeping this pack together. We must figure out how to make it function."The stone walls of the study, covered in the understand
CATHERINE'S POV The load of Philip's faith descended upon me as I neared the magnificent assembly hall, the scene of the pack's gathering for a funeral. Seeking a ray of light amid the ocean of sorrow, the weeping werewolves shifted their focus to me. I realized then and there that true leadership is a careful balance between sensitivity and power.I inhaled deeply, calling up the inner power, and entered the hallway prepared to face the obstacles that lay ahead. The mansion, which had once been a stronghold of authority, now served as a furnace whereby the pack's connections would be put to the proof and renewed.The force of the Luna cloak pressed down on me as I waited at the entrance to the magnificent assembly hall. The collective look of the pack, looking for guidance and comfort, made the weight of my newfound responsibilities even more real. I looked to my confidante, Lizzie, and saw tenacity and compassion in the deepest parts of her eyes.The weight of the mission ahead hun
CATHERINE'S POV The devastating news that brought shivers of sadness through the Blood Slashing Pack was heavy on every stride, and the vast house resounded with solemn tones of loss. With sad heart, I made my way through the corridors, dodging the sea of dejected expressions and muffled cries that seemed to permeate the space. The pack was enveloped in grief as word of Philip's passing raced like lightning.The group was in disarray after learning of Philip's alleged death, and their souls were left with a chasm that could not be filled by words of sympathy. I felt the burden of the pack's sorrow bearing toward me as Luna, and I had a duty to stand as a rock of support at this time of sharedThe somber tones of sadness filled the vast estate, resonating through the enormous hallways and passages like an eerie sonata of sorrow. As Luna, I felt the weight of duty bearing upon me, the sorrowful news that had covered the whole Blood Slashing Pack in sorrow weighing down on myself with e
CATHERINE'S POV Every day that passed seemed like a lifetime spent inside the confines of my room. What had previously felt like a golden prison had become a painful expanse of loneliness over two weeks. Furnished with opulent furniture, the room had turned into a haven and a jail.With Ana, my darling little daughter curled up in my arms, there was only one thing to feel better in this stuffy environment. Her innocent look was blind to the struggle swirling inside of me as I attended to her needs, the burden of duty pressing down on me. Even with the room bathed in a subdued brightness from the glowing sunlight filtering through the drapes, the cold that persisted in my heart persisted.The loud ticking of the elaborate wall clock reverberated throughout the room, serving as a constant reminder that time was passing at an excruciatingly slow pace. Two weeks had passed between my fingers like sand grains, and I was left entangled in the opulent maze of affluence that had become a res
LIZZIE'S POVI jumped through the table, my chest still thumping from the rage, and the opulence of the mansion's dining room vanished behind me. I was drawn outside by the scent of the neighboring garden in the evening air. To process the storm of feelings Philip's plea had unleashed inside of me, I wanted the comfort of wide-open spaces.Stepping out of the warm shelter of the evening, I was met by the expansive estate stretching before me. The sky was tinted pink as well as orangeas the sun sank low in the horizon, creating a pleasant glow. I took cover from the deluge of contradictory ideas on a seat tucked away in the garden, the calming sounds of the natural world providing a moment's reprieve.My thoughts raced with questions as I sat down on the bench. What made Philip decide to stage his death t
PHILIP'S POV The sound of my footsteps reverberated across the lavish area, which was opposed to the secret choice I had chosen. Lizzie was sitting at the dining table staring at me expectantly and with anxiety in her eyes.I said, quietly but firmly, "Lizzie, we need to talk."A frown began to develop on her eyebrows as she lifted her head from her plate. Our dining room was spacious and well-furnished, which only served to heighten the significance of the talk that was about to take place."What's happening, Philip?" she said, searching my eyes for information.I sat down across opposite her, the enormity of the speech I intended to utter amplified by the oppressive quiet of the room. "I've accepted a choice, and that's significant because it includes the pack's safety and the possibility of Stanley's treason."Lizzie's eyes narrowed, a mixture of worry and fascination. "Exactly what somewhat choice?"Leaning forward, I placed my palms on the shiny dining tabletop. "I'm about to fa
PHILIP'S POV As I left my house and the small comforts of the family behind, I was met by lengthy shadows from the rising light and relentless trials ahead. Dissatisfaction echoed like spirits in the air, and the familiar smells of the complex told narratives of a pack in disorder.I couldn't stop thinking about Catherine's captivity in our house; the conflict between my responsibilities as an Alpha and a parent kept me restless all the time. I was having trouble sifting through the complicated web that had been created by the pack's requirements, Stanley's lurking danger, and Catherine's deceit.I could hear the pack members' disgruntled whispers as I strolled around the complex. With each second of hesitation that went by, the once-unwavering loyalty that held us together appeared to wane. As the second mate to Philip, I found myself in a difficult position where my loyalty was needed to balance the pack's expectations with Philip's unclear objectives.Beneath my skin was a seethin
LIZZIE'S POVMy wolf was aware of my uneasiness and was restless, just like me. An eerie silence had descended upon the pack ever since Catherine's duplicity was exposed, leaving me to deal with the unnerving fallout from my choice to reveal her.I had known all along just what I wanted to do: expose Catherine's betrayal, provoke Philip's fury, and see as he banishes her, cutting the treacherous thread that jeopardized the cohesion of our pack. However, when the days grew into evenings, the anticipated removal never occurred. Rather, Catherine stayed imprisoned within our Alpha's house, a live symbol of the treachery that hung over us like a shadow.My thoughts were tinged with doubt. Why was Philip so attached to Catherine, the beast who had woven a false web to get within our pack? Was he unaware of the threat she created, or was perhaps a more nuanced reality at play that I was unable to discern?I walked erratically into the center of the courtyard, a raging sea of questions racin