Ryker's POV The early morning sunlight filtered through my office window, reflecting on the dark wooden desk in front of me. The packhouse was alive with the usual hustle and bustle, yet my mind was anything but settled. For days now, I had been wrestling with the whispers around the pack, the new dynamics that Mia seemed to be orchestrating, and the quiet persistence of my mother. “Ryker, you should at least give Mia a chance,” my mother had said over breakfast that morning, her tone as soft as it was insistent. I sighed, leaning back in my chair, the memory of her words lingering. “She’s really changed, you know. The pack is beginning to warm up to her. She’s doing everything right. Hosting pack dinners, helping with the younger wolves’ training sessions, even volunteering to mend relationships with neighboring packs.” My mother had paused, her sharp eyes locking onto mine. “She’s proving she’s Luna material.” But I wasn’t convinced. Not yet. Mia’s sudden transformation had ca
Ryker’s POV The morning was unusually quiet, too quiet for my liking. The stillness felt suffocating, as though the air itself was conspiring to tell me something I didn’t want to hear. Lukas walked into my office, his expression uncharacteristically grim, holding a folded piece of paper. “Ryker,” he began, his voice hesitant. “What is it?” I asked, already bracing myself for the bad news. He handed me the note, his eyes filled with something I couldn’t quite place—pity? Regret? I unfolded the paper, the words scrawled in neat handwriting blurring as I read them: Alpha Adrian has officially welcomed Zara into his pack as an honorary member. For a moment, I thought my heart had stopped. The paper fell from my hands, fluttering to the floor as the weight of those words hit me like a tidal wave. “Adrian,” I muttered, the name tasting like ash in my mouth. Lukas cleared his throat. “We’ve confirmed it. Zara is in his territory. She’s… safe.” Safe? The word clawed at me.
Zara’s POV Adrian’s pack was nothing like what I’d expected—it was warm and welcoming, a sharp contrast to the fractured, tension-filled environment I’d left behind. Still, no matter how kind everyone was, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was an outsider trying to fit into a puzzle where I didn’t quite belong. But I was determined to try. “Zara, over here!” one of the younger wolves called as I helped unload supplies from a truck near the packhouse. I turned, smiling at Lily, a teenager who had quickly latched onto me like a younger sister. She waved enthusiastically, her energy contagious, and I found myself smiling despite the knot of unease that still lingered in my chest. “I’m coming,” I called back, setting the last of the boxes down. Life in Adrian’s pack had been an adjustment, but I’d slowly started finding my footing. I joined in on community efforts, helped with organizing pack events, and even sparred with some of the warriors during training. Adrian encourage
Zara’s POV The days that followed were a whirlwind of tension and unease. Selena’s veiled hostility grew sharper, her actions more calculated. She wasn’t just trying to unsettle me anymore—she was testing boundaries, pushing limits. And I couldn’t help but feel that her efforts weren’t just about me; they were about Adrian too. I tried to focus on my place in the pack, pouring myself into helping wherever I could. Adrian had trusted me to make a life here, and I wasn’t going to let someone like Selena push me out. But my resolve only seemed to fuel her fire. Late one evening, after a long day helping the healers, I stepped into the packhouse’s common room, only to find a group of wolves gathered in hushed conversation. They glanced at me as I entered, their voices falling silent. “What’s going on?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light. Lily, sitting on the edge of the couch, looked up with wide eyes. “It’s the southern patrol,” she whispered. “They were ambushed near the bo
Zara’s POVThe pack was restless. Selena’s departure wasn’t just a betrayal—it was a warning. Adrian’s pack was on edge, every wolf hyper-vigilant, every patrol doubled. And yet, despite the chaos, I couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at my gut.I wanted to believe that Selena had gone rogue, that she was acting alone out of anger or jealousy. But something about the ambush and her cryptic note didn’t sit right. She wasn’t just angry—she was calculated. Whatever game she was playing, it wasn’t over.One evening, as I was helping the healers, Lily approached me with a nervous expression.“Zara,” she whispered, glancing over her shoulder. “I heard something. I don’t know if it’s important, but…”“What is it?” I asked, setting down the crate I was carrying.She hesitated before leaning closer. “Some of the scouts spotted Selena near the eastern border last night.”My stomach twisted. “Near the border? Why would she come back?”“I don’t know,” Lily said, her voice trembling. “But they sai
Zara’s POV I sat on the edge of the bed, my hand instinctively resting on my stomach. The small life growing inside me should have been a source of comfort, but instead, it felt like an anchor tying me to an uncertain future. When Adrian offered me a place in his pack, I’d been so desperate for stability, for safety, that I hadn’t thought twice. I thought leaving my old pack behind, leaving Ryker behind, would mean leaving all the pain too. But life here wasn’t the escape I’d imagined. Selena’s betrayal had plunged the pack into chaos, and no matter how much Adrian reassured me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was partly to blame. Her jealousy, her anger—it all seemed to revolve around me. And then there was the pregnancy. I hadn’t told Adrian yet how I feel. How could I, when I wasn’t even sure I wanted to stay? One evening, as I walked through the woods surrounding the pack, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned quickly, my heart pounding, only to find Lily. “You scared me
Zara’s POV For the first time in weeks, the pack felt calm. The air was no longer thick with tension, and laughter occasionally drifted through the packhouse. Patrols had been steady, with no reports of intrusions or sightings of Selena or her allies. It was as if the storm had finally passed, and we were basking in the first rays of sunlight. I found myself settling into the rhythm of pack life. Adrian had been patient with me, ensuring I felt comfortable while also encouraging me to take part in pack duties. I’d started helping Lily in the infirmary, organizing herbs and learning basic first aid. It felt good to have a purpose, to contribute to something bigger than myself. “You’re getting the hang of this,” Lily said with a smile one afternoon as we sorted through vials of tinctures. “I guess I’m a quick learner,” I replied, smiling back. She laughed. “You’ll be running this place in no time.” I felt a flicker of pride at her words. Maybe I did belong here after all.
Zara’s POV As the days passed, the sharp pain in my stomach became a dull ache, but the emotional weight of the attack lingered. I hadn’t just been fighting for my life—I’d been fighting for my child’s life, too. I rested a hand on my stomach, a soft wave of relief washing over me. The healer, after countless tests and reassurances, had confirmed the baby was unharmed. “Your pup is strong,” Lily had said with a small smile, but her words were bittersweet. Strong or not, my child’s safety now felt like a fragile thread, easily severed. Adrian stayed close, watching over me like a hawk. His constant presence was a comfort, but it didn’t erase the fear that gnawed at me. Someone in the pack wanted me gone—and they didn’t care that I was carrying an innocent life. One evening, as the fire crackled softly in the hearth of Adrian’s study, I found myself sitting across from him, cradling a warm mug of tea. The flickering light highlighted the worry etched into his features. “I’m gratefu
I stood in the doorway, watching my mother, Victoria, confront Ethan. Her words were sharp and filled with malice, stirring a familiar dread in my stomach. “There’s a rumour you’ve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?” she demanded rudely. “Yes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,” Ethan replied politely. “How many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?” she said harshly. “I’m sorry, ma'am,” Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our mother’s cruel treatment. His once bright eyes were now dull and lifeless. I felt a crushing sense of worthlessness too. Anger surged within me towards our mother. How could she be so cruel? Didn’t she realize she was hurting her own family? It pained me deeply that she refused to accept my brother. My mother was always cold and calculating, focused solely on power and control. She loves me, but mainly because I am her son and the future al
I stood in the doorway, watching my mother, Victoria, confront Ethan. Her words were sharp and filled with malice, stirring a familiar dread in my stomach. “There’s a rumour you’ve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?” she demanded rudely. “Yes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,” Ethan replied politely. “How many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?” she said harshly. “I’m sorry, ma'am,” Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our mother’s cruel treatment. His once bright eyes were now dull and lifeless. I felt a crushing sense of worthlessness too. Anger surged within me towards our mother. How could she be so cruel? Didn’t she realize she was hurting her own family? It pained me deeply that she refused to accept my brother. My mother was always cold and calculating, focused solely on power and control. She loves me, but mainly because I am her son and the fu
I stood in the doorway, watching my mother, Victoria, confront Ethan. Her words were sharp and filled with malice, stirring a familiar dread in my stomach. “There’s a rumour you’ve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?” she demanded rudely. “Yes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,” Ethan replied politely. “How many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?” she said harshly. “I’m sorry, ma'am,” Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our mother’s cruel treatment. His once bright eyes were now dull and lifeless. I felt a crushing sense of worthlessness too. Anger surged within me towards our mother. How could she be so cruel? Didn’t she realize she was hurting her own family? It pained me deeply that she refused to accept my brother. My mother was always cold and calculating, focused solely on power and control. She loves me, but mainly because I am her son and the future al
I stood in the doorway, watching my mother, Victoria, confront Ethan. Her words were sharp and filled with malice, stirring a familiar dread in my stomach. “There’s a rumour you’ve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?” she demanded rudely. “Yes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,” Ethan replied politely. “How many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?” she said harshly. “I’m sorry, ma'am,” Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our mother’s cruel treatment. His once bright eyes were now dull and lifeless. I felt a crushing sense of worthlessness too. Anger surged within me towards our mother. How could she be so cruel? Didn’t she realize she was hurting her own family? It pained me deeply that she refused to accept my brother. My mother was always cold and calculating, focused solely on power and control. She loves me, but mainly because I am her son and the future al
I stood in the doorway, watching my mother, Victoria, confront Ethan. Her words were sharp and filled with malice, stirring a familiar dread in my stomach. “There’s a rumour you’ve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?” she demanded rudely. “Yes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,” Ethan replied politely. “How many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?” she said harshly. “I’m sorry, ma'am,” Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our mother’s cruel treatment. His once bright eyes were now dull and lifeless. I felt a crushing sense of worthlessness too. Anger surged within me towards our mother. How could she be so cruel? Didn’t she realize she was hurting her own family? It pained me deeply that she refused to accept my brother. My mother was always cold and calculating, focused solely on power and control. She loves me, but mainly because I am her son and the future al
My new pack was quiet, far quieter than I had expected. Nestled deep in the northern mountains, it was isolated from the chaos of the outside world. After everything that had happened—the attacks, the betrayal, and the overwhelming presence of Ryker and Adrian—I had made the decision to leave. To truly be free of everyone and everything that had defined my life up until now. All thanks to Adrian who introduced me to their alpha and he willingly welcomed me without questioning me. I wasn’t running anymore, I just want to be free. This faraway pack, the Black Ridge Wolves, had no ties to my past, no knowledge of who I was or what I had endured. They didn’t care that I was the “chosen one” or that I was hunted by enemies I couldn’t fully understand. They only cared that I was willing to work. That was all I wanted. To work. To train. To become stronger than I had ever been. The training grounds here were nothing like what I was used to. There were no neat rows of equipment
My new pack was quiet, far quieter than I had expected. Nestled deep in the northern mountains, it was isolated from the chaos of the outside world. After everything that had happened—the attacks, the betrayal, and the overwhelming presence of Ryker and Adrian—I had made the decision to leave. To truly be free of everyone and everything that had defined my life up until now. All thanks to Adrian who introduced me to their alpha and he willingly welcomed me without questioning me. I wasn’t running anymore, I just want to be free. This faraway pack, the Black Ridge Wolves, had no ties to my past, no knowledge of who I was or what I had endured. They didn’t care that I was the “chosen one” or that I was hunted by enemies I couldn’t fully understand. They only cared that I was willing to work. That was all I wanted. To work. To train. To become stronger than I had ever been. The training grounds here were nothing like what I was used to. There were no neat rows of equipment
My new pack was quiet, far quieter than I had expected. Nestled deep in the northern mountains, it was isolated from the chaos of the outside world. After everything that had happened—the attacks, the betrayal, and the overwhelming presence of Ryker and Adrian—I had made the decision to leave. To truly be free of everyone and everything that had defined my life up until now. All thanks to Adrian who introduced me to their alpha and he willingly welcomed me without questioning me. I wasn’t running anymore, I just want to be free. This faraway pack, the Black Ridge Wolves, had no ties to my past, no knowledge of who I was or what I had endured. They didn’t care that I was the “chosen one” or that I was hunted by enemies I couldn’t fully understand. They only cared that I was willing to work. That was all I wanted. To work. To train. To become stronger than I had ever been. The training grounds here were nothing like what I was used to. There were no neat rows of equipment
My new pack was quiet, far quieter than I had expected. Nestled deep in the northern mountains, it was isolated from the chaos of the outside world. After everything that had happened—the attacks, the betrayal, and the overwhelming presence of Ryker and Adrian—I had made the decision to leave. To truly be free of everyone and everything that had defined my life up until now. All thanks to Adrian who introduced me to their alpha and he willingly welcomed me without questioning me. I wasn’t running anymore, I just want to be free. This faraway pack, the Black Ridge Wolves, had no ties to my past, no knowledge of who I was or what I had endured. They didn’t care that I was the “chosen one” or that I was hunted by enemies I couldn’t fully understand. They only cared that I was willing to work. That was all I wanted. To work. To train. To become stronger than I had ever been. The training grounds here were nothing like what I was used to. There were no neat rows of equipment or car