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
~Xander: Age 16~ After my Alpha lessons, I walk out into the woods and spot a head of blood-red hair in the distance. I tilt my head and follow close behind him curiously. Magnus has been distant lately that usual fire in his eyes dimming as the years go on. He always claims to be alright but I highly doubt that's the case. As I try and silently follow him unseen, Magnus stops suddenly and chuckles. "You still need to work on your tracking skills." My face flushes from embarrassment. "That's fine though. I could use someone to talk to." He turns and looks towards my direction. The abilities of a demon warlock never cease to amaze me. I clear my throat and step out of the thick trees. "I figured that after seeing you walk off alone." He sticks close to Father's side, even more so after Mother passed away six years ago from a sudden illness. "I'm all ears, Mags." Magnus chuckles. "Oh you and that nickname..." he shakes his head and motions for me to follow. "I have a lot on my mind
Magnus "So you were around when King Xander was just a little pup?" Dahlia asks as I tell my story about how Xander and I know each other. "That's crazy! I didn't realize you were so old... but that does make you even more mysterious and interesting to me." I chuckle softly and shrug. "You prefer older men it seems, little flower. Besides, with everything we've done, it isn't too bad right?" Dahlia is cuddled into me while Gracie sleeps in her arms. The small girl was shocked to learn I was her father all along but she didn't seem too upset. Now that the allure effect on Tristian is gone, Gracie will need someone to give her affection. "So weird... so you made a pact with Royal Pack for so long right? Why did you suddenly break it?" Dahlia asks curiously. I knew she would ask about that. "Was there any special reason?" I smile at her as I've prepared this so far in advance. "I was slowly wasting away and losing my powers. If something didn't change soon, I would have been no us
Skylar Life here at Royal Pack isn't that bad. No one looks down on me, and best of all, no one hits me. What makes it even better is that I can be with my Ebony for real and enjoy her company. I'm still awkward and unsure about my so-called "real parents," but they aren't mean, either. Learning that I have two little siblings from them makes me even more nervous. Yet, when I heard the news, my heart pounded in my chest as if I were excited. Rather than feeling annoyed or scared like I thought I would, I was happy. I didn't show it, but I truly was. "You'll get your memories back in time," Ebony reassured me days ago after hearing the news and seeing my confusion. "I'll help remind you of good times when we were little! You loved your parents a lot and even begged for a baby sibling to protect." I know Ebony would never lie to me. She's the only one I can completely trust without question. It just feels so surreal to me... I do hope I remember something soon. It will give me even
LeahSeveral months have passed since we brought Tristian back to Royal Pack. Since then, he's been going through a harsh hazing but otherwise seems in high spirits. Going from Alpha to Omega didn't drag him down too much—he seems to have something to look forward to. The fact that it's me always makes me blush.The more I watch Tristian, the prouder I am to have him as my mate. He never complains about how he's been treated and just does his work. Of course, it’s mostly cleaning and carrying things around. He’s hopeless at cooking—no need to poison anyone with that!I giggle at the thought, though my stomach twists with anxiety. I have something I need to tell him, something very important, but every time I try, I feel like I’m going to faint or my heart will explode.You'll do fine, Leah, Eden tells me. I sense her wagging her tail with excitement. I have a feeling you’ll be very warm and comfortable tonight as well. She’s teasing me, yet she’s just as anxious as I am.“We both will
TristianThe first thing I notice when I wake up is the smell of bitter herbs and a familiar room. I sit up quickly and immediately regret it as a massive dizzy spell hits me. I groan and force myself not to throw up. Once again, I find myself in the Royal Pack's healer home... Leah’s home.“Oh, it looks like you’re finally awake,” a familiar voice says, and my heart sinks. I look up and see Xander leaning against the wall.“You were in rough shape, though, so perhaps it’s to be expected. You’ve only been gone a couple of weeks, and you’re already in such a state… You must have more enemies than I expected.”I grimace and lower my head. “I only met one enemy so far. She wanted me to suffer, so… I doubt she would have killed me.” I clench my fists. “At least... not for a long while, anyway.”Xander nods and tilts his head. “Carmen told me it was someone Leah called Penny. Can I assume it's your old friend Penelope?” He chuckles when I look at him in surprise. “I keep up with the other
TristianMany questions are racing through my mind especially with Leah being here right now and even saying she isn't here to reject me. I want nothing more than to hold her close and continue to redeem myself to be the mate she deserves.Maybe everything will work out in the end. If Leah accepts me, then maybe I'll have a clean slate to work with. Of course, I don't expect us to jump into being mates. A trial period will be needed so she knows she can trust me. I also need to know I can trust myself.As I think more about it, I picture my life with Leah. I won't be an Alpha anymore... yet that doesn't bother me at all. Instead, I see myself helping her mix up herbs for her patients and even doing small chores around the pack.In a way, it's a relief not to have all that pressure anymore. I won't have a pack to think for nor be responsible for everyone as a whole. I'll be part of a pack at least and won't go insane. I'll have a home, a beautiful mate, and a bright future. Even if my
Leah“Your mate?” Penny’s voice yanks me back to the present. She bursts out laughing so hard that tears spring to her eyes. Wiping them away, she grins. “Oh, you poor little fawn... to think the Moon Goddess hates you so much she’d give you such a useless piece of trash for a mate! I feel so sorry for you.”I flinch but take a deep breath. This isn’t the kind teenager who once comforted me. No—this is a rogue starving for revenge. A pack wolf driven to madness by years of exile. The Penny I knew is long gone.“What are you going to do? Let the Beta wolf loose on me so you can save him?” Penny smirks darkly, her eyes flashing with wild fury. “Over my dead body... you’ll never save that bastard.”In a flash, she lunges, but Carmen meets her halfway.“Go assess the damage! I’ll hold her off!” Carmen shouts, already engaged with Penny.I freeze—but only for a moment. Then I run into the cave, grimacing at the sharp, metallic scent of blood… Tristian’s blood.The farther I go, the stronge
Leah "So Tristian is close by?" Carmen asks again as we walk through the forest. "Eden can dream-walk in his dreams because he's nearby, right?" I sigh patiently, though I'm more annoyed than anything. I've grown used to acting this way since I’m the pack healer, but sometimes I have to explain things multiple times like I'm speaking to a pup. "Yes, that's correct," I say, glancing around. "She's with Silas right now tending to his wounds, so we need to get to Tristian soon." My stomach twists with anxiety. "It's not good... that's all she would tell me." Carmen's sympathetic gaze only makes me more antsy. I don't need that right now—I need her focused and determined to get this done. "It's alright, Leah. I have your back, no matter what. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be on this journey with you," she says, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Maybe it should be, but I can't help the nerves. "I know. I just..." I swallow hard and keep walking. I don’t know what to say—espec
Silas The wild winds of the rogue forest lure me in. I hear the call and can't ignore it. With each step, sharp jolts of pain run through my paws, up my legs, and deep inside my head—yet I keep running. The deeper I go, the less it hurts. Who wouldn't listen? Who wouldn't seize the chance to escape the pain? 'Silas... stop running!' A faint yet familiar voice calls after me. Fearing more vengeful wolves, I speed up even as the pain blinds me. Even though it's fading, it's still excruciating. 'Silas!' The voice calls again, but I don't look back. However, it's only getting louder, fast approaching. Feeling cornered, I spin around and snarl. She stands before me, panting faintly. 'Silas...' she lowers her head and wags her tail gently. As she slowly approaches, I growl, baring my teeth. If I have to, I will use them! However, she stops right in front of me and tilts her head to the side. 'It's okay... you're safe with me. Let me help you... just like before.' Her scent hits me, and
Tristian I stir and let out a small whine suddenly aware of all the pain I'm in. My head is pounding painfully and my flank burns wet with something. As I lift my head to look, wet and dried blood cakes my fur. What's going on? What happened? "Oh, so you're finally awake, Trisy." I tense hearing Penny's voice and snap my head over towards the sound. Penny sits in the shadows her green eyes gleaming wildly. "It's about time... of course, pack wolves are such whiny weaklings after all." She purrs softly. 'Penelope...' I start but Penny only smiles slowly and stands up. She stalks towards me as if I'm nothing more than a piece of prey. 'I'm no longer a pack wolf... I...' Penny stops in front of me and giggles softly. "You honestly don't think I know what's been going on?" She asks innocently and kneels to my level. "You're nothing more than a useless rogue. The lowest of the low, even worse than the Omegas you loved to insult with your bratty love interest. You need to learn your pla
Leah "Oh, I didn't know that you knew Tristian as a child," Carmen says as we sit around a fire taking me out of my memories. The smell of fish slow roasting makes my stomach rumble. "You acted as if he was a stranger before so I didn't even think..." "It's alright." I shake my head. "He gave me strength at that point and I even stood up against Talia because of him. He was nice at that point... stayed with me all that time and his friend Penny kept me company until I had to leave for Royal Pack." Remembering the kind sweetheart I met just over twenty years ago is bittersweet for me. I long put that version of Tristian behind me but then suddenly he came back out of nowhere. Who knew he'd become my mate after all... especially when someone like me became his second-chance mate? Carmen frowns. "I never went to those meetings until I was much older... same with Xander too. We were away training by then. We didn't even meet until much later when you were officially old enough for th
Tristian ~Age 11~ By the time we make it to the meeting site, I've already pushed Dahlia's glare out of my mind. What can she do anyway? She's just being a brat like Penny says and wants to have her way regardless if she's in the right or not. Makes the pity Penny feels for her twin sister make more sense. "Come on, Trisy!" Penny nudges my side bringing me out of my thoughts. "You look so weird when you're serious! It doesn't suit you at all!" I pout and glare at her making her giggle. "Let's go and explore!" She grabs my arm and drags me away. Shouldn't I stay with father? I look back and see him watching us with nothing more than amusement. I relax because of it and look forward again. Maybe I'll be able to have fun during this pack meet-up after all. "So who do you wanna meet?" Penny asks curiously. "Only meeting other future Alphas sounds boring to me! Knowing many other wolves can be helpful in the future!" She adds cheerfully. "Alliances, battles, friendships, enemies... so