Dakota I ran as fast as my feet could carry me through the forest, my heart pounding with fear and adrenaline. The thick carpets of fallen leaves cushioned each step, muffling the sound of my hurried escape. Glancing back, I scanned the shadows, afraid that someone might be pursuing me. It wouldn't be long before they discovered I had slipped away, and I knew they'd stop at nothing to find me. Continuing to run, my eyes caught sight of a chipmunk's tail swaying near a pile of stones. The assassins possessed years of training and immunity and I knew my escape would be a slap in their faces and infuriate them. I gulped in the crisp air, fueling my lungs with every breath. Weaving through the tall trees above, I pushed forward, ignoring the pain of piercing thorns and prickling pine needles that seared my skin. Blood trickled from the wounds, but that was the least of my worries. I needed to return to safety. Passing through an open field, my human form struggled to maintain it
Axton Three days of being with Erika felt like three years. I knew for sure that something was wrong with me. I couldn't think on my own, couldn't do anything on my own free will, even going to the bathroom. Sex with was a chore. Painful, wrong, left me weak and filled my heart with a crushing loneliness. I didn't want this anymore, but I had zero control over myself. I no longer desired this, but I felt utterly powerless, as if my mind was muffled by a dense fog. Erika took the lead, isolating me from others and engaging in constant arguments with my mother. "Your mum doesn't like me, darling," she said with a sugary tone. "I don't get why she's always snarky towards me. Perhaps you should send her out of the pack house." Anxiety gripped my stomach as Erika settled herself onto my lap, her words stirring confusion within me. I scratched my head, desperately trying to make sense of her request. "Why?" I asked, my anxiety escalating as she kissed my neck. "Give it time, and you'
Dakota Xavier and I embarked on the journey back to the desert canines park, running swiftly through dense forests and trees blurring past us. I remembered that his wolf was deformed, so I decided to run with my human self to not humiliate him. "We're almost there," he said to me when we stopped to catch a break and he handed me a coconut to drink the water. The water quenched my thirst and dripped down my chin. Heat emanated from the earth and glistened on my brow. I wiped it with the back of my hand, leaning against an oak tree. " I can't wait to see Axton again. He must be really worried about me," I smiled softly. " I can imagine," Xavier said, staring into the distance. He looked very sad and I gave him a gentle nudge. " Don't worry. I'm sure that for helping me this far, Axton would have a change of mind. I know how much you miss Imani and Lila." Xavier stared at the ground and nodded slowly. "I don't want to get my hopes up. I regret everything I did. I never knew
Dakota My body trembled in raw shock at the sight that pierced my heart like a dagger. "Axton!" I yelled, my voice choking. "What is this?!" Erika's eyes were wide with shock and she quickly pulled the sheets up to cover herself, but it was too late. The damage was already done. Axton, who was giving Erika a massage, froze in place, as though he had been struck by a sudden paralysis, his eyes wide with shock and his hands hovering above. I had a primal urge to destroy something. Axton and Erika had bruised my heart beyond repair. Axton scratched his head, startled, "Oh, uh... I... It's not what it looks like…" I didn't understand what was going on. Erika was supposed to be my trusted friend, but she was naked in bed with my mate. I couldn't believe what was happening and at this point, I felt like stabbing them with a knife. The sight before me was crystal clear. Axton and Erika were naked. The room smelled of raw, butt-naked sex. "Can someone care to explain to me what
AXTON It felt like I was enchanted and placed under a spell. I didn't mean to chase Dakota away or even slap my mum. But I was helpless and lacked control over my actions. Erika had a powerful hold on me and I was unable to resist her every command even when I knew she was wrong. I submitted to her and I had no control over my own life. Slowly I descended the stairs like someone in a trance. Every instruction she gave me, I carried out without question like a puppet on strings. I was trapped in a cycle of obedience and control with no way to break free. I needed to get away from her for a while and I was tired of her voice giving me commands. I needed help but no one understood. Even at the breakfast table earlier, I had been craving a strong cup of coffee and a piece of toast but Erika told them to give me a salad. "Sweet and unique salads for healthier skin and stronger bones," she said with an fake smile on her face. My movements were slow and hesitant as I picked out my food.
Sloane My fingers ached as I tried to pull at the rusted chains that bound me to the wall. A cold draft passed through the dungeon, making the torches flicker and dance. My limbs shook with fright as I wondered if this was the end. That bastard, Erika, was truly going to kill me. I couldn't understand how someone so innocent-looking could be a monster capable of such wickedness. As I looked around, the grimness of the dungeon sent my soul shivering. It could have contained anything; dead bodies, or something even more sinister. The cave grew moist with bat droppings, and the sound of rats skittering across the floor sent shivers down my spine. My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything in hours. I tried to stand up, but the chains were too tight, digging into my wrists and ankles. The walls were slick with moisture, making it difficult to get a firm grip on anything. I could feel the dampness seeping into my clothes, making them cling uncomfortably to my skin.
Dakota I lay motionless on the bed, my eyes swollen from hours of crying. Wrapping myself in a blanket, I curled up into a fetal position, seeking comfort and solace. Days blended into nights, and my sleep became restless and fragmented. I didn't know what to do anymore. The heartbreak made me feel so useless, and whenever I thought about Axton, it triggered another wave of sadness. I replayed memories in my mind, wondering how things had gone south so quickly. I looked around the room. It was cluttered with crumpled tissues and empty tissue boxes. Sarah and Elias tried to make me eat, but my appetite waned, and I barely touched the meals left on the table. They did everything possible to bring me out of this funk, but I couldn't They tried everything—comfort foods, chocolate, trying to talk me out of my sorrow. Nothing worked. I still couldn't believe that Axton cheated on me with Erika of all people, my own friend. It felt like a punch straight to my heart. I trusted them, I l
Dakota Sara and I gathered in the kitchen excitedly preparing a meal to celebrate her pregnancy. I had to be happy for her and not ruin the moment. Elias walked into the house tired but taken aback by his wife who rushed towards him, enveloping him in a tight embrace. He returned the hug with piqued curiosity, looking around and shocked that I was smiling. "Okay… what's the occasion?" Sara giggled playfully, trying to play it cool."Welcome home darling. I have a little surprise for you." "You know I suck at guessing. Tell me already. " "Well then," she teased. "Let me give you a little hint. We have some really exciting news to share." "Dakota found her staff?" Sara's smile dwindled. "I wish," she said sadly, giving me a small smile, "but that's not it." "Come on, Sara. Stop keeping me in suspense. I'm not a fan of surprises and you know this. " Sara clapped excitedly. "Okay…okay...We're going to have a baby! I'm pregnant." Elias Jaw dropped in disbelief and his eyes wid
Sara Four months later. With my pregnancy showing, I wore a loose beach-colored gown together with other bridesmaids. Pumped and happy for the big day. Today was Dakota's wedding, and I was so happy as though it were my wedding. Dakota was experiencing back-to-back victories, and my emotions overflowed with tears streaming down my cheeks. It was a good decision for me not to wear makeup because I knew in the end, it was going to get smudged. My hands roamed my belly. My tiny miracle was growing every day, but the cravings that hit me were often crazy. While Dakota was getting ready with Olivia, Imani, and Sloane dolling her up, I reached for a slice of cake nearby and stuffed it into my mouth, enjoying the smudges of frostings. "Goodness gracious," Dakota laughed. "Somebody remind them to take my wedding cake far away from you." The wedding was the biggest talk in town as the merging of Wild Fangs and Desert Canines. It was the biggest event I had ever encountered, filled with
Sara My mornings were filled with overwhelming nausea washing over me. Getting sick in the morning had become my constant companion, and I felt a change taking place inside me. Everything was happening so fast, and Axton's betrayal threw us off balance. I couldn't believe that he cheated on Dakota with that bastard, Erika. I had never liked her, although I didn't have the guts to tell Dakota. The pain Dakota was experiencing was unfathomable, and I hated that bad things kept happening to someone with such a good heart. Axton, her own mate, had hurt her deeply. I made my way to the bathroom, and my stomach churned as I emptied its contents. Dakota watched me as I lay on the couch, covering myself with a blanket. "Are you okay?" she asked softly. I could see the sadness in her eyes, yet she was concerned about me. She had lost so much weight and was looking like the ghost of her former self, reminding me of the sad times before she met Axton. "I don't know," I managed to say. "I f
Elias My honeymoon with Sara was a fucking disaster. I was frustrated, confused, and annoyed that no matter how I tried to salvage the situation, nothing worked. All she wanted to do was return to Desert Canines to meet Dakota. The bond between both ladies was unbreakable, but I needed my time alone with my wife. It didn't help that I was getting blue balls after the failed attempt to make love with Sara. Sex had never been a problem for me. Although I was quite big, the girls at the Academy and my ex-flings had no issues with my size, but Sara freaked out when she saw me for the first time, making it seem like I was abnormal. She still hadn't returned from the pack house. I needed an outlet and went to Axton. He was busy with alpha duties, but when we took a break, I shared my feelings with him, hoping he would provide some relief. Instead, the idiot was amused and burst out laughing, which only fueled my annoyance. "It's not funny, dude. I don't think I can handle it a
Sara My wedding day had arrived. The whole thing seemed like a dream. I couldn't believe that I was getting married. I was ecstatic and scared at the same time. I sat in front of the mirror, and Dakota and Imani stood by my side, helping with my makeup. "I can't believe my baby girl is finally getting married," Dakota beamed, curving my brows. "You, my dear, are such a beautiful bride." "Adorable," Imani agreed. "I'm nervous, Dakota," I said to her. "What if something goes wrong? What if my wedding isn't perfect? Or what if I trip on my dress? What am I even going to do after the wedding? I know nothing about sex." Dakota and Imani exchanged glances, chuckling softly. "You're worrying too much. Everything will be fine. It's your day, and it's going to be amazing." I slipped into my wedding dress, a shimmery soft tulle gown adorned with intricate beadwork. Imani had gifted me the dress, and I had to work on it considering that it was meant for someone chubby like her. It turned
Sara I sat with Dakota in the back of the van, my heart racing with raw fear that compressed me like a vice, making me faint and feverish. Our hopes of escaping were shattered. Axton looked so pissed, like an angry bull. His reaction confused me, making me wonder why he was angry, considering that they had already labeled us murderers. But knowing how strong the mating bond was, I couldn't blame him, because somewhere in the back of my mind was dancing and rejoicing that we weren't leaving anymore. Now we had to face the consequences of our actions. Dakota sat beside me, her mouth on a white slash and anger simmering beneath the surface. Elias had no emotion on his face, and I wondered what he was thinking. He must hate me so much now. We returned to the cabin and Axton headed upstairs with Dakota, leaving Elias and me alone. The silence felt as though somebody had just died. I couldn't meet his gaze. I stared at my feet instead. He stood opposite me, not moving or saying anyt
Sara All night, I couldn't sleep. My limbs weakened, feeling Dakota's raw betrayal. I couldn't believe she would think so low of me. She blamed me for her circumstance and I didn't think I'd ever forgive her. The next morning, I sat outside the cabin, staring at the desert landscape. A small part of me wanted to run away because it took her getting angry before she said what was on her mind. If she didn't trust me, why were we pretending to love each other? Despite how angry I felt, I knew I couldn't leave her. We were all we had. I felt her presence behind me and went completely still. When our gazes met, I saw the remorse etched on her face. "Sara, I honestly didn't know what came over me last night. I'm so ashamed of myself. I shouldn't have said what I said. You know that I didn't mean any of those things, right?" My tongue lay like a stone in my mouth and a thick silence passed between us. "Sara, please say something. I was so worried when I returned to the cabin and cou
Sara When Axton drove us to the cabin. I was so scared and silent tension filled the air in the van like gas, choking me. I watched helplessly with nerves fluttering in my tummy. When Elias's fingers brushed my thighs, I luxuriated in the sweet sensation and the wave of desire hit me from my head to my foot but I'd rather fry my brains out than admit it. We all headed inside. Dakota looked away from Axton and avoided meeting his gaze like the plague. Axton seemed more pissed than Elias and didn't fail to show it. He shot Dakota a nasty look, his eyes like flint stones. Elias tried to infuse some humor and cleared his throat. "Anyone hungry?" No one answered him. Silence descended upon the cabin like a black-winged bird. "I want to speak with you alone. Upstairs," Axton said in a stormy voice to Dakota. The Dakota I had known and lived with for years would never acknowledge anyone who spoke to her in such a rude tone. But now, she did the opposite of what I expected.
Elias POV In my wildest dreams, I never knew the moon goddess would give me a mate. I'd always felt different, like an outsider. This mindset developed when I was a student. I didn't give a crap about school at all. It was worthless, soul-sucking, with distant monsters as teachers who ignited any spark of passion within me. It didn't help that I was doing very badly in school. Axton, my best friend, always thought I wasn't dumb, and always consoled me whenever the teacher yelled at me for having a coconut for brains. "You're street smart," Axton always said to me. "You're very good at solving problems most of the time. Maybe you're not functioning well because this place is a regimented learning system, or maybe the teachers are crap sacks." Axton was very different from me. He was a genius, loved by everyone. He had a dad, mum, and brother even though his brother was an asshole. My mum died while giving birth to me and my dad mourned her by busying himself with work. I was alwa
Sara Days and nights passed. Hopeless and defeated, Dakota and I continued our nomadic existence, surviving each day as it came. Our lives had been forever altered and we were stripped of everything we had. I watched Dakota sadly deteriorate from an Alpha to a rogue and after a series of rejections, we had no choice but to seek refuge in the northern deserts. My mind raced like a clock when we stepped into the brothel. I hated the place with everything in me and felt a bitter tang of disgust in my mouth because of their questionable character. It was a whorehouse. Somewhere I wasn't used to. The ladies of the night did their business here, making their rounds around. They were all young girls of varying ages. I had never had sex before, nor did I want to have sex in such a disgusting way, where my body would be on full display, fucking different sizes of dicks, ranging from the ones as tiny as my thumb to long as my forearm. I didn't want to be used as an animal. No female's