Elara’s POVTime crawled to a stop the moment the figure stepped into the moonlight. My heart pounded loudly in my ears, drowning out the growls and the taunting smirk on Jacob’s face. The dagger in my hand shook, and I closed my fingers tighter, refusing to let it slip. But no amount of steel in my resolve could prepare me for who I was staring at.“Caleb?” I whispered, the name bitter in my mouth.There he stood, tall, commanding, just as I remembered, with the same piercing blue eyes which once made my knees buckle. His dark hair shone under the moonlight, giving him an underworldly glow. But it couldn’t be him. It shouldn’t be him. Caleb was dead.He’d rejected me. Cast me aside like I was nothing. Because I was the cursed wolf.The night he left me, his words were cruel, sharp enough to cut deeper than any blade: “You’re a curse, Elara. Being with you will ruin me. I can’t—no, I won’t—be bound to someone like you.”And then he was gone.The rumors of his death came weeks later. F
Andrew’s POVElara’s gasp for air sent a fresh wave of panic through me. She clutched at her chest, her knees buckling. I held her up, her weight against me like a lifeline. She was white, her breaths shallow, and the fire that usually blazed bright within her flickered dangerously low.“Elara,” I said, my voice firm and yet desperate, “look at me. Stay with me.”She struggled to straighten but faltered again, and I caught her, my hold tighter this time. Her words, whispered just a moment before, replayed in my mind. The curse. It’s real.Of course, I already knew. I’d seen it with my own eyes—the inexplicable way she had saved my life not long ago. But I didn’t see it as a curse.“It’s not a curse, Elara,” I said firmly, my voice cutting into her shallow gasps.Her eyes flickered open, glassy and unsure.“It saved me,” I went on. “If that’s a curse, then I’d rather be damned a thousand times over. Don’t let him”—I jerked my head toward Jacob—“twist this into something it’s not.”Her
Elara’s POVThe roar shook the ground beneath us, and I staggered back, my heart pounding in my chest. Andrew reached for me, steadying me before I could fall.“What now?” he asked, his voice tense.The glow of the runes intensified, their light pulsating like a heartbeat. The air around us felt thick, oppressive, as if the spell itself were alive, reacting to our defiance.Jacob stood at the center of the circle, his expression twisted with glee. Caleb hovered behind him, a shadow of the man he once was—or at least the man I had thought he was.“Do you feel it?” Jacob called out, his voice dripping with malice. “The power of the circle grows stronger the more you resist. It feeds off your hope, your desperation. You’ll never break it.”I clenched my fists, anger surging through me. “We’ll see about that.”Andrew glanced at me, his expression grim but determined. “You have a plan?”I nodded, though the truth was, my plan was half-formed at best. My mind raced, searching for a way out.
Elara’s POVThe moment the barrier shattered, the air shifted. The oppressive weight of the spell lifted, replaced by the fresh feel of the night. My breath came in ragged gasps as I struggled to steady myself, the remnants of magic still tingling against my skin.Then, the howls rang out.A chorus of them, rising through the night like an unstoppable wave. The pack had heard us. They were coming. Relief surged through me—but it was short-lived.Jacob moved fast.One second, he was standing amidst the fading runes, his face contorted with rage. The next, he lunged.“ELARA, MOVE!” Andrew’s voice was raw with urgency.I barely had time to react before Jacob’s claws sliced through the air where I had been standing. I twisted away, my boots skidding against the dirt as I dropped into a defensive stance.His eyes gleamed with fury, his fangs bared in a snarl. The moment of triumph I had felt moments ago burned away under the heat of his rage.“You think you’ve won?” Jacob’s voice was low,
Elara’s POVThe ground trembled beneath my feet, a deep, guttural vibration that sent cracks racing through the earth. The darkness around us thickened. I could feel it—ancient, angry, and rising.I sucked in a sharp breath. My pulse thundered in my ears as I staggered back, my gaze locked on the widening fissure in the ground. A raw, unnatural energy evaporated from its depths, seeping into the air like smoke.Andrew moved to my side, his stance tense. His injuries barely seemed to register now, his focus entirely on the thing emerging from below.Jacob watched us with that same twisted smirk, his eyes glinting with triumph.“You should run,” he taunted. “Or stay. Either way, you’ll get to witness the return of something far greater than you.”I clenched my fists, rage burning through my veins. “What did you do, Jacob?”His chuckle sent a fresh wave of unease crawling down my spine. “I didn’t do anything, Elara. You did. The moment you broke the circle, you set it free.”A roar erupt
Andrew's POVThe second every trace of Jacob disappeared into the dark, I finally allowed myself to breathe. My body hurt, raw and bruised, barely holding together. But I pushed through the fatigue not wanting to appear weak. However, my mind, was a whole different story.Jacob's words stuck on me like a stain."That was just the beginning."A slow exhale escaped my lips, the cold of the night air biting at my exposed skin. Normally, I shouldn't feel the drop in temperature, but my body was already too tired to resist. Every muscle in my body screamed, but I refused to acknowledge the pain. Pain meant I was still standing. Still breathing. And right now, that was all that mattered.I shifted slightly, my gaze going to Elara. She stood rigid, her face pale beneath the moonlight, staring at the spot where Jacob had vanished. Her hands trembled at her sides, whether from exhaustion, shock, or something else entirely, I couldn't tell.“Elara,” I whispered, reaching for her.She didn't mov
Elara’s POVI never thought of myself as a possessive person. I never had anything worth possessing. But standing there, my body still throbbing, my breath still ragged from the fight, and watching Rhea fling herself into Andrew’s arms like he was her whole world—something in me turned. Anger. It was hot and sudden, searing beneath my ribs like liquid fire. And at that moment, all I wanted to do is give Rhea a taste of the pain I felt.The whole pack was staring.They stood silently as Rhea clung to him, her hands roaming over his arms, his chest, like she had the right. Like she owned him. Her voice was soft, frantic, filled with worship. "Andrew, you’re injured. You shouldn’t be standing! You need to lie down—"My fingers curled into fists. My nails dug into my palms, sharp enough to sting.Where was all this concern when he was on the ground, bleeding out? Where were these people when Jacob stood over him, ready to take his life?I know Jacob had used some tricks to make sure tha
Andrew’s POVElara stormed off, her figure vanishing behind the line of trees ahead, her anger practically obvious to all. I stood frozen for a moment, watching the tension in her shoulders, the sharpness of her movements. Something inside me twisted—an emotion I couldn't truly put a name on.I should’ve gone after her immediately, but the pressure of my pack’s stares held me back.Rhea’s arms were still looped around mine. The moment I became aware of it, I pulled away, her touch suddenly unbearable. She hesitated for a second before dropping her hand, her lips pressing together in a pout.“She shouldn't be allowed to speak to us in that manner,” Michael muttered, his voice edged with irritation.“Yes,” the gammas murmured in agreement, nodding in unison.“She’s nothing but a cursed wolf,” another interjected. “Rejected by her own pack. How dare she act like she’s one of us?”A growl built in my throat, low and warning, but I swallowed it down. I clenched my jaw instead, my nails dig
Andrew's POVOh shit. He looked terrible.“What happened to him?” I asked surprised to see the large wound in his shoulder. “Shouldn't that be healing by now?”My eyes roamed the worn out and tired faces of them before settling on the person that carried him.“It should, but I don't understand why it isn't.” Greg replied his voice tinged with exasperation. “And there was nothing any of you could do about it?” I blurted.I sounded almost ungrateful and it didn't sit well with me.Before anyone could answer, I turned away. That's when I spotted someone to carryout the assignment I had in my head. “Max, go tell Mirabel to get a room ready for Micheal in the health center. We're bringing him in now.”With a nod, he ran towards the direction of the health center. “And you Greg, you've done well bringing Micheal back. Take him to the health center, I will be right behind you.”“Sure boss.” He replied stalking away with Micheal on his back. I would've ordered some people to take him instea
Andrew’s POVIt's been more than twenty-four hours since Elara had been kidnapped and there have been no word about her or those that went to rescue her.For the longest time, all I remember doing is pacing around and making as much calls as I can to know what the new update was.I tried to sit still and wait but the thought of Michael and the rest of the rescue team being captured or worse killed had me calling Max and Tom to my office.They were the ones I gave charge to keep an eye out for the people we were waiting for, but I was done waiting around.I wouldn't have bothered with them if there were other persons that could go on this mission with me without any worries.As it turned out, most had gone with the first rescue team while the others remaining I would prefer to keep watch over the pack.“I'm sure you have an idea why I called the both of you to my office right?” I asked staring straight into their eyes daring them to match my stare but they didn't.Their eyes were fixed
Lora's POVWe had narrowly escaped the detection of Deveruid's men. Overcome with joy, I didn't know what to do.I wanted to scream out loud at the fuckers that I had escaped but obviously that will be giving us away.Under the afternoon sun, it was difficult to hide away from men determined to catch us but thank the fates that Michael accounted for this situation.The giant bush and the thick smell of grass was all we needed to lay low for a few minutes as the men ran past.He chose a place we could easily hide from both nasal and visual detection. My mate.I didn't know him before coming to this place, but I already wanted to kiss him senseless for his wonderful plan.Immediately our pursuers had disappeared into the woods, we came out of our hiding, smiles gracing all our faces. It was time to get out of here.Before we could take the first actual step to freedom, I caught sight of Micheal clutching his shoulder as he stumbled for a moment, grunting. Before I could reach him, he f
Elara's POVAs they rushed towards us, I take my stance to begin the fight when Lora takes my arm and pulls me back.“What the hell are you doing?” I asked struggling against her grip. “We should fight them off.”We were in a narrow path, rocky walls on both sides of us but I thought we could use that to our advantage.“We don't have time for this.” She stated still pulling me as the men began charging towards us. “Let's get out of here.”“We can't just—” I began.“Elara get out of there right now.” Michael called.Turning, I noticed that Michael had already turned back and was running ahead us while I argued with Lora.What's wrong with them? By the sound of the shouts and grunts, I could tell we were close. All we had to do was get past the wall of werewolves.At last, I let Lora drag me along as she began running, dragging me along. What's happening? I thought we were going to face them head on. Craning my head to the side, I could see the men chasing after us. When I turned back
Elara's POVFor a minute, I was sure that Deveruid was going to rip Lora's throat in front of me. The grin he wore on his face and the look of malice he had to match it made my stomach squirm and my heart pound from the threat. I don't remember being this terrified since my last encounter with that ghost.I could still the dampness on my cheek from crying. I tried to convince Deveruid to release Lora using everything I had including tears but he turned out to be a cold hearted monster.As I watched Lora rush into the arms of Michael, I couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if he hadn't shown up in time to avert the disaster.Seeing Micheal return Lora's embrace with as much passion, his hands disappearing into her hair as he shut his eyes, suggested that there was something going on between them.What could it be and how did they even meet in the first place?I was curious but this was no time for questions, I needed to get out of here. Looking down at the limp body of Deve
Lora's POVAs I stood there my back pressed against the chest of Deveruid, I couldn't help but shiver at the fact that this could be the end for me.Some moments ago I was sure he was going to let me go. Now, I knew otherwise.My not so quiet insults really got him angry. I should've known better than to anger him any further.“Oh, so you're trembling now?” Deveruid asked, his breath hot against my ears. “You sounded so fearless some moments ago I thought you could handle a little heat.”For the first time, I had no retort for him. This was no little heat. This was practically a threat to my life. Nothing little about that. I knew he was mocking me because of how confident I sounded earlier and all I wished was to disappear from here. I felt embarrassed despite being in the face of death. It just felt like I was all mouth and no action.“We had an agreement.” I croaked.That was the only thing I could think up. My mind had somehow shut down.“And that agreement is off. Not that we h
Andrew's POVAs I stared out my window at the brightening sky, I couldn't help but feel guilty and helpless at thesame time.I should be out there doing something. I should be with the rescue team to bring back my mate.Yet, here I am, waiting for them to return like some princess trapped in a building waiting for her lover to come rescue her.It's been hours since I sent my men after Elara and they are not yet back. I wondered if they got into some problem.I turned away from the window and continued my pacing, as I thought of the next line of action to take.“You are going to wear a hole on the floor if you keep that up.” Rhea stated as she sat in the extra chair close to the door watching me.What did she know? She didn't have a mate and she was no Alpha.“I don't care, I need my pack back.” I stated trying to control the urge to let my wolf loose. It was as antsy as I am.“You could've just followed the rescue team instead of pacing this floor like an excited dog.” She stated. “Th
Michael’s POVEverywhere I turned was violence. There was blood on the wall and it's thick rusted iron-like scent clogged the air, mixing up with the bad stench of the place.I would've held my breath and ran out of the cave if not for the horde of werewolves we were facing and the reason we were here had yet to be accomplished.It was difficult to fight and keep track of time, but I knew quite some time had passed since Lora disappeared into the shadows.As me and the rest of my pack fought back Deveruid’s men, I noticed that all this while that Lora had been gone, I had yet to see her come out of the path she took to find Elara. How long has she been gone?At that moment, my mind became clouded with worry and it was getting difficult to finish a fight without struggling. All I could think of, was the worst. There was also a slight chance she might have gotten out already. But I needed to be sure.Dammit, I hated being distracted in a fight.As one of Deveruid’s men rushed towards m
Elara's POV“What's the meaning of this?” I asked, shocked by the level he was willing to stoop to get me not to leave.I knew he was a scumbag. A wolf without dignity but this? I felt my wolf raise her head. She too could sense his dark intentions and wanted to face him.Not a chance.This could be considered the height of it. The acrid stench of this place was almost suffocating and what I needed was to get out of here.I clenched my fists and unclenched them. I wanted to use them so badly that I could almost feel my claws trying to penetrate my skin whenever I clenched them.“Exactly what you think.” He snarled. “I will be keeping her hostage till you get back in your sit and if you waste any more time, I'm killing her.”This was getting out of hand and I didn't know what to do to stop it. Lora came to save me and now she is being held captive.If only we had moved any quicker. All this is my fault. Going on about my regrets. I should've waited till we got out of here.A shiver ra