Zara's pov Despite Adrianโs reassurances, I couldnโt shake the feeling that danger was closing in. Every glance in my direction, every hushed whisper, felt like a dagger aimed at my back. Adrian insisted I attend the pack council meeting with him that day. It was a rare invitation, considering I wasnโt officially part of the leadership. As we walked into the grand hall, the weight of countless stares bore down on me. Some gazes were curious, others cold and unwelcoming. โStay close,โ Adrian murmured, his hand brushing mine. The meeting began with routine discussions about territory disputes and alliance updates, but the atmosphere changed the moment Elizabeth, one of the senior pack elders, spoke. She was a sharp-eyed, formidable she-wolf whose voice always carried an air of authority. โIโve been hearing troubling whispers,โ Elizabeth began, her tone measured but cutting. โWhispers about Zaraโs child being the one mentioned in the Prophecy of the Moonโs Heir.โ A heavy sile
Zara's pov The days following the fire were marked by an uneasy calm. The charred remains of the eastern wing of the packhouse were a reminder of the danger lurking within our borders. Adrian had doubled patrols, and every member was on edge. Yet, despite the tension, life carried on. The pack had a way of enduring, no matter the storm. I tried to focus on my duties in the infirmary, helping Lily tend to the injured and maintaining the herb stores. But the lingering suspicion that someone among us had betrayed the pack weighed heavily on my mind. Every glance, every stray word, seemed like a potential clue. It was during one of these quiet afternoons in the infirmary that Elizabeth appeared. She swept into the room like a storm, her sharp gaze immediately landing on me. โZara,โ she said, her tone dripping with false civility, โmay I have a word?โ Lily stiffened beside me but said nothing. I nodded, wiping my hands on a cloth. โOf course.โ Elizabeth gestured for me to follow her
Zara's pov The days since Elizabethโs escape had been tense. Patrols were relentless, and Adrian was on edge. The packhouse, once a lively haven, felt like a fortress under siege. I tried to go about my routine, focusing on small tasks and my growing bell. That morning, as the pack gathered in the main hall for Adrianโs daily briefing, an unfamiliar scent wafted through the air. It was faint at first, but it grew stronger, accompanied by gasps from the crowd. โSheโs back,โ someone whispered. I turned to see Elizabeth standing in the doorway, her head held high and her eyes scanning the room like she owned it. She was in human form, her long hair neatly braided and her clothes immaculate, as if sheโd strolled back from a vacation rather than fleeing for her life. Adrian stepped forward, his expression unreadable, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his simmering anger. โYouโve got some nerve showing your face here,โ he said coldly. Elizabeth inclined her head, her voice smoo
Zara's pov After the chaos of the trial and Elizabethโs shocking accusation, life in the pack felt like walking on thin ice. Trust was a fragile thing, easily broken and hard to rebuild. I tried to focus on my routinesโhelping in the infirmary, preparing for the baby, and supporting Adrian in his role as Alphaโbut the weight of suspicion lingered over me like a dark cloud.Elizabeth hadnโt been punished outright; Adrian had decided to keep her under close observation instead. It was his way of preventing her from causing further division within the pack. But her presence in the packhouse was unnerving. I often caught her watching me with that calm, calculating expression that made my skin crawl.One evening, as I helped Adrian organize patrol schedules in his office, a knock at the door interrupted us.โCome in,โ Adrian called, his tone clipped.It was one of the packโs scouts, a young wolf named Caleb. He stepped in, his face pale and his hands trembling.โAlpha,โ he began, his voic
Zara's pov The hours crawled by as I waited for Adrianโs return. Each minute felt like an eternity, and the knot in my stomach tightened with every passing second. I paced the room, glancing at the door and then back to the window, where I could see flickering torchlights in the distance. Whatever had happened was serious, and I couldnโt shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. When Adrian finally returned, his face was grim, his clothes disheveled, and his hands stained with bloodโnot his own, I hoped. โWhat happened?โ I demanded, rushing to him. He sighed, dropping into the nearest chair. โIt was another attack. This time closer to the packhouse.โ โWas anyone hurt?โ He nodded, his jaw tightening. โTwo patrol members. They survived, but barely. Whoever did this is sending a message.โ I sat down across from him, my hands trembling. โAdrian, we canโt keep living like this. The pack is on edge, and I... I donโt feel safe.โ Adrian reached across the table, takin
Zara's pov The days blurred together as I tried to keep my head above water in Adrianโs pack. The constant tension, the growing uncertaintyโit all felt suffocating. But amid the chaos, something about Adrianโs steady presence gave me a semblance of peace. Even when things seemed impossible, his unwavering support made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to survive here. But that belief was beginning to erode. The attacks continued, growing bolder, more frequent. Each time, it felt like we were one step behind, struggling to maintain control of the situation. Adrianโs mind was consumed with finding the traitor, but with every piece of evidence, we seemed to go in circles. It was frustrating, and every new lead only added to the weight of the uncertainty pressing down on us. And then, there was Elizabeth. She remained a constant presence, her calm exterior a sharp contrast to the growing unrest around us. I had never trusted her fullyโthere was something abou
The first pangs of labor hit just before dawn, sharp and insistent like a distant thunderstorm rumbling closer. I had been restless all night, the weight of my belly making every position uncomfortable. But this... this was different. โAdrian,โ I gasped, clutching the edge of the bed. He was by my side in an instant, his eyes wide with concern. โItโs time?โ I nodded, unable to speak as another wave of pain wracked my body. Adrian helped me to my feet, his arm steadying me as he called for the packโs healer. โYouโll be okay,โ he said, his voice calm but laced with tension. โIโm right here, Zara.โ I wanted to believe him, but deep down, a sense of unease gnawed at me. Something felt... wrong. The packhouse was alive with activity, warriors stationed at every entrance as Adrian prepared for my labor. He was taking no chances, especially after the recent revelations about spies in the pack. But even with the extra security, I couldnโt shake the feeling that danger was clos
Rykerโs POV The night was calm, almost unnervingly so, as I sat in my office. The quiet hum of the fireplace and the faint ticking of the grandfather clock were the only sounds filling the room. But the calm outside did nothing to soothe the storm brewing within me. I've not seen Zara for months and it was driving me insane. She was stubborn, always determined to prove she didnโt need anyone, least of all me. I respected her strength, but damn it, she was carrying our child. That fact alone kept me restless, always waiting for the next report from the scouts Iโd stationed in Adrianโs pack. I didnโt trust Adrian to protect her the way I would, not after everything. The door slammed open, breaking my train of thought. Victor stormed in, his face pale but his expression hard. โRyker,โ he said, his voice tight with urgency. โWeโve got a problem.โ I stood immediately, the hairs on the back of my neck prickling. โWhat is it? Zara?โ Victor nodded grimly, handing me a crumpled pie
โLiam, itโs time for you to transfer to the Blood Moon Pack school,โ my father declared, his voice steady. I stared at him, a storm of emotions brewing inside me. โBut Dad, why? I donโt see why I have to move schools!โ Confusion and anger tangled within me like vines, tightening with every word he spoke. My father, Alexander, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, explained, โItโs crucial. You need to learn from other packs. To become a great leader, you must navigate the complex world of werewolf politics.โ He had a point, but even so, his words felt like a punch to my gut. There was no room for negotiation; it was a necessity. My father wanted me to sharpen my skills, and this new school seemed the perfect place for that growth. โDonโt worry, Liam. You wonโt have to reveal your identity. Iโve arranged everything for you,โ he continued, an edge of reassurance in his voice. But his words did little to ease my reluctance. โAnd Isabella, the daughter of Alpha Lucas from the Moon Sto
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. โThereโs a rumour youโve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?โ she demanded rudely. โYes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,โ Ethan replied politely. โHow many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?โ she said harshly. โIโm sorry, ma'am,โ Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our motherโs 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? Didnโt 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. โThereโs a rumour youโve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?โ she demanded rudely. โYes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,โ Ethan replied politely. โHow many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?โ she said harshly. โIโm sorry, ma'am,โ Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our motherโs 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? Didnโt 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. โThereโs a rumour youโve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?โ she demanded rudely. โYes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,โ Ethan replied politely. โHow many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?โ she said harshly. โIโm sorry, ma'am,โ Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our motherโs 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? Didnโt 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. โThereโs a rumour youโve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?โ she demanded rudely. โYes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,โ Ethan replied politely. โHow many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?โ she said harshly. โIโm sorry, ma'am,โ Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our motherโs 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? Didnโt 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. โThereโs a rumour youโve found your mate and plan to leave the packhouse. Is that true, Ethan?โ she demanded rudely. โYes, Mom. I found my mate last night and was going to tell you and Dad later,โ Ethan replied politely. โHow many times do I have to remind you that I am not your mother?โ she said harshly. โIโm sorry, ma'am,โ Ethan replied, looking down. I could see he was affected by our motherโs 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? Didnโt 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 happenedโthe attacks, the betrayal, and the overwhelming presence of Ryker and AdrianโI 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 wasnโt 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 didnโt care that I was the โchosen oneโ or that I was hunted by enemies I couldnโt 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 happenedโthe attacks, the betrayal, and the overwhelming presence of Ryker and AdrianโI 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 wasnโt 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 didnโt care that I was the โchosen oneโ or that I was hunted by enemies I couldnโt 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 happenedโthe attacks, the betrayal, and the overwhelming presence of Ryker and AdrianโI 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 wasnโt 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 didnโt care that I was the โchosen oneโ or that I was hunted by enemies I couldnโt 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