Daisy I stand frozen in place while Leah walks over to the bed. There lies my pup whose torso is wrapped in gauze. His face is pale but covered in old bruises and his hair dark and greasy from not being cared for. It takes everything in me not to bolt to his side and hold Skylar close. Aiden takes my hand once more and I can feel his hand trembling. I swallow hard and step into the room with her. "H-how... bad is it?" I ask trying and failing to keep my voice steady. His scent smells of dried blood and the woods. How long had he been running to get here? "His wounds should heal with time. He does have a broken rib as well but again with time..." Leah trails off and looks over to us. "His physical wounds will heal nicely. I don't know his mental state so I can't tell you an answer for that sadly. I apologize for that." I swallow hard and nod. Aiden turns away and walks off. Suddenly I feel all alone. "Yeah... I know. T-thank you for taking care of my pup." I whisper as I approach t
Xander After meeting Skylar for the first time, an array of emotions go through me. I'm a father myself so seeing a pup in horrible shape and heavily abused pisses me off. I never understand how someone can be so abusive to innocent pups like this. However, something else catches my eye about him. The way he acts around his friend Ebony reminds me of my son with his best friend but he also feels the same as well. I sense a powerful wolf behind him already which isn't surprising with who his mother is. It's the same with my mate, Anna. *** When Skylar was brought in, I took Ebony aside to ask some questions. She wasn't allowed in the room yet so it was the perfect time. "Hey, kiddo. I know you're all over the place right now." Her dark eyes looked wild and worried. "I just had a question about what you said. You knew he was close by in the woods right? How exactly?" Ebony sniffled and rubbed her eyes. "I kept having dreams about Sky. We were older and always met by the lake back h
Zoey The moment I saw Skylar again, everything came back to me. My lost memories I've been wanting for so long have returned and to say I'm angry is an understatement. It isn't only because my pup got hurt and I couldn't punish the one who did it. It's because I was lied to for nearly three years by a bastard named Peter. I used to have a crush on Peter back in the day and even hoped that he would be my mate. He saved me when I needed it the most so I imprinted on him in a way. He didn't turn out to be my mate but we did date for some time afterwards. I thought I'd be happy with him. However, it didn't last. The longer I was with him, the more toxic he got. He never acted that way in front of Ebony of course and she never saw him as a father figure. I thought it would get better but I soon realized why he was acting this way. I was merely a toy and outlet for him. He had found his mate and while he was devoted to them, he didn't go after them. Why actually? Because Peter's mate w
Skylar All my fear and panic fade away when Ebony is by my side. I cling to her like my life depends on it. The longer I do, the more I find myself. Her voice is music to my ears especially when she calls me that name. I'm not Keith... my name is Skylar. It feels like the truth in my heart. After panicking after the two strangers who claim to be my parents, Ebony embraces me and all I can do is hold onto her tightly. I don't want to lose her. She's my only ground at this point. What if she leaves me because I'm acting so pathetic? Then what will do? As a lady named Leah attempts to check me over, all I can do is think of what just happened. Why did the lady with purple eyes look so broken when she looked at me? *** ~Earlier~ My whole body feels so sore. I groan from the pain and open my eyes. As I stare at the unfamiliar ceiling, I try to remember what happened. When I breathe in some air, her scent catches my attention. "... Ebony...?" That's right! I ran and ran and finally m
Daisy I stand outside Skylar's room as he explains what he has gone through all these years. It's mere curiosity, but as I listen, I realize I’m punishing myself for not finding him sooner. The horrors he faced at Dahlia's hands are things he should never have experienced. This is my fault—my failures as a mother. "Tristian was fine for the first eight months I was there. There were moments when he seemed to truly care about me. But then Gracie was born, and it was like he was under a spell. Everyone was, honestly—except for me and the Gammas." Skylar pauses. I hear Ebony whispering something to him, but I can’t make it out—not that I'm paying attention to her right now. "Gracie was the pack's princess. She could do no wrong, and I was considered the 'problem pup' in comparison." Skylar's tone is bitter. I recall how I felt being raised next to Dahlia, the perfect daughter. She was the beautiful Dahlia while I was the plain and unloved Daisy. "I used to hate myself for feeling tha
Tristian My day starts by waking up in the morning and taking a shower. All I can think about is making my daughter happy. The joy in her bright blue eyes melts my heart. As I wash my hair, I think about what to have the Omegas make for breakfast. Why should my lovely mate have to cook when it's their job in the first place? As I make my way over to Gracie's room, I hear one of our hired helpers speaking to her, a man named Magnus. "Don't worry, little one. You did nothing wrong, and you have nothing to worry about," he coaxes gently. As I peek in, I watch as Magnus holds her close and rubs her back. Gracie sniffles, which makes my heart ache. Who made my precious daughter cry? I clench my fists, vowing to make them pay. "W-why did big brother bleed? Why is he hurt? T-that’s not what Gracie wanted!" She cries and hides her face in his chest. Big brother? Did she have one? As I think, flashes of a boy come to mind. That's right... Keith. The rebellious troublemaker who ran away and
Dahlia Hearing that the Alpha King is coming unannounced is surprising enough but then hearing that the Crimson Moon leaders are following him in? That damn bratty pup ran straight to them, didn't he?! When I get my hands on him, I'm going to make sure he learns who he's messing with! It seems that I'm way too soft on him. I grit my teeth but as they walk up, all I can do is put on a fake cheerful smile. Seeing that mutt walk up with her head held high makes me want to slap her and put her back in her place. How dare she?! "Greetings, my Alpha King," I say instead to give a good first impression of the Alpha King. "What can we do for you?" Beside me, Tristian lets out a small gasp and I look at him from the corner of my eye. His body is tense and his eyes are wide. I follow his gaze and narrow my eyes. Why is he staring at that mutt?! "... Daisy..." He chokes out pathetically. "Daisy..." Does he still want her? I grit my teeth. Even if Magnus is more fun... Tristian is still my ch
Xander Seeing Magnus again after so long makes my blood boil. He looks at me with a smirk like I'm nothing more than an entertaining player in some twisted game he's playing. "That agreement was with his grandfather, Damien, and later on, your father, Gregory. I never renewed it with you, Xander." He speaks in a silky purr as always. Those words hit harder than I'd like to admit. I clench my fists and watch as everyone panics after the news of war. I don't even care as I can only glare at Magnus while his red eyes light up with joy and laughter. As he wraps an arm around Dahlia, I know he's found what he's always wanted. "Magnus' presence does not sway my decision either," I growl my eyes not leaving my former friend's face. These next words are some I never thought I'd say. "Mark my words... you've made an enemy and lost a friend, bastard." I turn away to face Aiden and Daisy. "Let's move on and prepare ourselves." I walk on ahead my fists still clenched as my mind races. I knew
Zoey Defending the pups is a no-brainer for me. I was trained as a warrior and continued my studies even after coming to Royal Pack. Doctor Leah told me having a schedule and continuing down the path I was before would help me with my lost memory. Too bad it didn't come back sooner. Luckily, my wolf is larger than most she-wolves though I don't match up to Luna Queen Anna. Her gray and white wolf form is built with power which is why she is also perfect for protecting the pups. No one will be able to harm them with the two of us here especially when our pups are in the mix. The thought of any of these bastards getting close to Ebony makes my blood boil. We are outnumbered by a lot. All we can do is hold the rogue and Moonlight scum off until the others show up. I can tell the others are getting tired but then a loud howl echoes the clearing. Anna perks up. 'Xander!' She yips in joy hearing her mate. Must be nice! As the reinforcements rush in, I let out a sigh of relief. Now I kno
Hazel The morning that the war began was peaceful enough. Samuel stayed behind to help with general camp guarding and I stayed back to care for Rose and to help Olivia and Leah prepare for the inevitable battle wounds that were to come. Everyone was certain this would end today. No one expected to be attacked here instead of the border. As I walk back to the home where all the young children are staying, a certain scent reaches my nose and makes me freeze. I knew that scent anyway. It follows me everywhere especially in my nightmares. It's the scent of the mate I rejected... the scent of the rogue leader. It's then that I realize what's going on... that we are surrounded. I try to stay calm as I pick up the pace. I can't let them know that I know they were there. They would immediately attack otherwise. 'We're surrounded.' I use my mental link to the Crimson Moon members who stayed behind. 'The rogues are going to attack us here. Be prepared and protect the pups.' Tension fills th
Peter The trees around me are a green and brown blur as I run. Time slows down as my heart pounds loudly in my ears. Never before have I felt so much anxiety and fear in my life. He could be in danger... he and our little girl could be so afraid and I'm not there to protect them! 'We're under attack! They're going after the children, come quick! We need backup!' Those words echo loudly in my ears. Nothing else matters to me right now. If the Luna Queen wasn't also in danger, I would be the first to arrive. I'd be ahead of everyone with the desire to protect my mate. Instead, Alaric is the one leading the charge desperate to protect his mate and pups with everything he's got. He gets the same fears and desires but can execute them better than me. I shake my head and continue to run. A trip that shouldn't take that long at all feels like it's taking hours. The closer I get the more anger and fear run through my heart. What if I'm too late? What if I can never make up for the many m
Tristian The one place I never thought I'd be sitting in was the Alpha King's dungeons. Never did I think I'd be considered a prisoner like this in all my life. Why would I think that at all? My pack is part of an alliance. All I had to do was keep my nose out of trouble and be the best Alpha I could be for my pack. To make my parents proud after they left everything to be the day I came of age. It shouldn't have been hard, right? Yet here I am. Every turn I took was wrong leading me down the worst path. All the values my parents passed down to me faded away in an instant. My arrogance and stupidity destroyed my pack and soon it will be no more. I did this. I have no one else to blame because I know everything is my fault. Where did it all go wrong? The first few months weren't too bad but it started going downhill the more I listened to my father's Beta, Phil. Dahlia was supposed to be my Beta but I fell in love with her spirit and fire instead. She was wonderful back then...
Xander The crisp morning air blows towards us today only adding to the tension running through us. Aiden and Daisy both stand beside me while our battle-ready pack members stand behind us as we stand by the border. The scent of Moonlight Pack's marks is fresh mixed with the rotten stench of rogues. "I guess they didn't heed your warnings." My Beta, Carmen murmurs next to me. "Their arrogance is obvious too. They don't even realize Trent is taking over their pack. They'll be killed or imprisoned without the war." She sighs softly. "How stupid is this pack?" Having grown up together, Carmen has always been in my life. She was born to be my Beta just as her father was born to be his. In Royal Pack, bloodlines matter a great deal and have traditions and history to them. While we don't follow the same monarchy system as our ancestors, we all still have titles to consider. I nod in agreement. "Very stupid indeed. But hey, they reap what they sow." Carmen looks amused but it only lasts
Aiden As Daisy runs after Peter and Samuel, I frown deeply. What's going on with Peter anyway? He hasn't been himself in so long that it's worried me for ages but with everyone going on with the pack and Skylar's kidnapping, I never got a chance to ask before he left with Zoey for Royal Pack. I clench my fists and look down at my pups. "Can you two stay with Hazel for a little while? I'm going to check on your mother and Uncle Sammy." I pat the tops of their heads. Lily pouts and puffs out her cheeks. "But we finally get to see you again!" She complains. Davin bites his lip but nods in agreement. "You better not take too long!" She says firmly. I smile down at Lily. She reminds me so much of myself at that age. "Of course. I'll be back soon." I look at Hazel. "You don't mind, right?" I ask with a sheepish grin since I didn't run this passed her ahead of time. Hazel is looking out into the woods with narrowed eyes and a tense body. The rage and worry are evident on her face which
Samuel As we make the long journey to Royal Pack's territory, Rose talks our heads off asking so many questions. "Where are we going? Why are we going? Will I make new friends? Ooh, will I eat yummy foods?!" I chuckle softly at her innocence. She's a sweet little one and I couldn't love her more if I tried. Now close to the end, she tired herself out fast asleep in my arms Surprisingly Davin and Lily are quiet but I think it's more out of spite than anything. Daisy and Aiden must have broken a promise by suddenly running off and leaving the two behind. I hope their parents are prepared for their vengeance! Meanwhile, as I walk closer, the butterflies in my stomach continue to grow. The closer we get, the sooner I'll see Peter again which I don't think I'm ready for. Will lingering feelings surface the moment I see him? Will he see Rose and immediately know she's his biological pup? Hazel touches my arm and smiles up at me. I see her nervousness and fear in her eyes but for a diffe
Daisy Knowing Hazel is getting targeted now does make me panic more than it should but everyone will be ok. The children and their mothers will be arriving shortly as suggested by Xander for their protection. Among them are Samuel, Hazel, and little Rosalina... and of course, my little pups will be here soon as well. Too bad my excitement is overshadowed by anxiety. Aiden stands next to me and wraps his arm around my waist. "Everything will be ok, love." He kisses the top of my head. "We won't lose and we'll protect Hazel. I doubt Samuel will let anything happen to her." I hear a snort coming from behind us and look back to see Peter rolling his eyes and scowling. The arrogant bastard doesn't want to see Samuel happy with his little family. At least Joey knows better now and dropped his ass immediately. "Let's just hope that he will use his head and protect his pup more than anything." He mutters under his breath before meeting my eyes. Aiden frowns and looks at his Beta. "Dude...
Magnus I sit back on the couch and sigh feeling energized and alive. Feeding off energy without having to lift a finger is truly wonderful indeed. Until she's drained completely, as long as she believes she's with me, the mark I left on her will do its job well. I run a hand through my wavy locks of hair and grin gleefully. Everything is falling into place perfectly. I couldn't care less who wins this silly little war Xander announced. He's still that cute pup I watched grow up. He's no stronger than his ancestors were so I'm not worried about myself. What I desire most is the chaos it brings and the test Xander is taking. I wonder if Xander understands what I'm doing... no, I'm giving him too much credit. He believes I betrayed him and am needlessly causing trouble for my amusement. Can't say that it's a wrong assumption since I am enjoying this very much. It's been so long since I've felt so alive. Playing with these werewolves' lives is like a neat game of chess to me. Everyone