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
Zara’s POV The moment Arcturus vanished, a strange silence filled the room. The weight of his words lingered in the air, pressing down on me like an unseen force. "When the time comes… you must be the one to end her." Mia. My own sister. My greatest enemy. I exhaled sharply, trying to steady my breathing. Ryker was watching me, his golden eyes unreadable. “Are you okay?” he finally asked. I wanted to say yes. I wanted to pretend that the knowledge of my fate didn’t shake me to my core. But I was shaken. Because deep down, I knew the truth. Mia wasn’t just going to fall. She was going to take everything with her if I didn’t stop her first. The eerie silence didn’t last long. Because a second later, a deafening boom shattered the air. The walls trembled. The glass windows cracked. Ryker and I exchanged a sharp look before sprinting toward the door. Outside, chaos had erupted. The night sky was painted red with flames. Smoke billowed from the western side of the pac
Zara’s POV The banner with Mia’s threat still hung at the entrance of the Crescent Moon Pack’s territory, a constant reminder that she wasn’t done. She wanted my son. She was willing to burn everything down to get him. But she would fail. Because I wouldn’t let her win. And she had underestimated one thing—my son wasn’t just any child. He was being protected by forces she could never understand. The moon was high in the sky when I finally allowed myself to rest. The pack had doubled their patrols, warriors were stationed at every corner, and Ryker had personally ensured the borders were sealed. Still, sleep didn’t come easily. I turned in bed, staring at the ceiling, listening to Ryker’s steady breathing beside me. The weight of the pack, the war that was coming, the fear of what Mia might do next—it all pressed down on me. I exhaled, closing my eyes, trying to force myself into sleep. Then, suddenly— A shift in the air. The temperature in the room dropped. And I felt
Zara’s POV The pack meeting was over, but the air still crackled with tension. I had done what needed to be done. I had told them the truth about my son, shut down their doubts, and made it clear that no one would question me again. But despite my victory, I couldn’t shake the unease settling in my bones. This wasn’t over, Not by a long shot. I barely made it halfway back to my house before I heard footsteps behind me. I sighed. “What do you want, Ryker?” He fell into step beside me, hands in his pockets, green eyes sharp. “You didn’t hesitate, did you?” I glanced at him. “Why would I?” He scoffed. “Most people would have softened the blow. Given the time to process.” “I’m not most people, Ryker,” I said simply. His lips quirked up slightly. “No, you’re not.” We walked in silence for a few moments before he spoke again. “I meant what I said back there, Zara. I won’t push you to tell me where he is.” I studied him carefully, searching for any deception. But all I saw was…
Zara’s POV For too long, I had lived in the shadows of my past—haunted by memories I couldn’t grasp, by an emptiness I couldn’t explain. But now, I remembered. I knew the truth about his whereabouts. I had a son. And no one—not Mia, not the pack, not even Ryker—could change that. My son was safe, hidden away where no one could reach him. And now, it was time to let the pack know the truth. Without fear. Without regret. “Call for a pack meeting,” I said firmly. Ryker’s head snapped up from where he sat at his desk. His eyes flickered with something between surprise and suspicion. “Why?” I crossed my arms. “I have something to say.” He leaned forward, studying me carefully. “Zara, if this is about—” “It’s not up for discussion, Ryker.” My voice was steady and controlled. “Call the meeting.” There was a long pause. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Fine,” he said. “We’ll meet in the clearing at sundown.” I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me. “You’re different,” he murmur
Zara's pov The air in the room shifted, thickening like the moment before a storm. I felt it before I saw him—a strange, pulsing energy that made the hairs on my arms rise. The dim candlelight flickered wildly, shadows stretching unnaturally along the walls. Then he appeared. A tall, lean figure cloaked in white was standing in the doorway as if he had materialized from thin air. His presence was overwhelming, radiating an aura of raw power that sent a shiver down my spine. His long white hair cascaded over his shoulders, his silver eyes piercing into mine with an intensity that made it impossible to look away. I clutched the baby tighter to my chest, my heartbeat hammering in my ears. He stirred in my arms, but he didn’t cry. It was as if even he could sense the weight of the presence before us. “Who are you?” I demanded my voice firm despite the fear coiling in my gut. The man took a single step forward, his gaze never wavering. “My name is Arcturus,” he said, his voice deep a
Zara’s POV The words were carved into the wooden training dummies like a message from the dead. ZARA HIDES A SON. WHAT ELSE IS SHE HIDING? I stood there, frozen, as the pack murmured around me. My heartbeat pounded so hard in my chest that I felt like I couldn’t breathe. A son? My son? It wasn’t the first time I had felt this ache—this emptiness inside me, like something was missing, like a piece of me had been stolen. Because it had. The memory was gone. Ripped from my mind like a page torn from a book. But my heart knew. Somewhere, deep in my soul, I had always known. I had a son, and I had lost him. “Zara?” Ryker’s voice cut through my thoughts. His hand was on my arm, grounding me. “Are you okay?” I wasn’t. I could barely hear him over the pounding in my skull, the whispers of something just out of reach, something that I should have remembered but couldn’t. I turned to him, my throat dry. “Who wrote this?” His jaw clenched, his fury barely rest
Mia’s POV Darkness suited me, I thrived in it. While my dear sister basked in the light of her so-called redemption, I worked in the shadows, planting the seeds of her destruction. She didn’t see it coming. None of them did. But soon… they would. It had only been three days since I sent the anonymous letter, but already, I could hear the whispers spreading through the Crescent Moon Pack. Doubt.,Suspicion and Fear among the pack members. The pack had welcomed Zara back, but deep down, their trust in her was fragile. They had turned on her once—why wouldn’t they do it again? I sat at the edge of the forest, hidden from sight, watching as a group of elders gathered outside the packhouse. Their faces were lined with concern, their voices hushed. “She came back different,” one of them muttered. Another nodded. “She survived too much. And she never speaks of where she was or how she became so powerful.” “And that power,” a third elder whispered, “it’s unnatural.” I grinned, Pe
Mia’s POV Hatred wasn’t just an emotion for me—it was the very essence of my existence. It had been my constant companion, whispering in my ears since childhood, fueling the fire that burned inside me. Zara had taken everything from me. Our sibling’s love. The respect of our pack. The admiration of our people. Even Ryker, the Alpha who should have been mine. No matter what I did, no matter how carefully I laid my plans, she always found a way to survive. But this time… This time, I wouldn’t just break her. I would erase her. I sat in the dimly lit chamber of my hidden hideout, my fingers tapping against the wooden table, the rhythmic sound echoing through the silence. The scent of burning wax from a nearby candle filled the air, but even its warmth did nothing to cool the rage boiling inside me. I had done everything right. I had framed Zara for treason, turned the pack against her, and even manipulated Ryker into rejecting her. She had been exiled, thrown into the cold,
Ryker’s POV The scent of Zara’s blood still lingered in the air. It clung to my skin, burned into my memory like a curse I would never escape. I sat in my office, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles turned white. The rage inside me simmered, barely contained, and no matter how many deep breaths I took, it refused to settle. Mia had dared to touch my mate. She had dared to spill Zara’s blood right under my nose, and I had let it happen. I slammed my fist against the desk, the wood splintering under my strength. This was my faul all of it. If I hadn’t been so blind, if I hadn’t believed Mia’s lies all those years ago, Zara would have never been cast out. She would have never been forced to fight for her life, never had to build herself back up from nothing. And now, even when she had come back, even after I had sworn to protect her, I had failed her again. Mia was a sickness, a poison that had embedded itself deep in our pack, and I had been too much of a fool to see it