Zara's Pov The morning was quiet, the kind of stillness that felt foreign in a life filled with chaos and grief. I sat by the window of my small cabin, staring out at the dense forest beyond. The sun was high in the sky, it was beautiful, but it did little to calm the storm inside me. Thorold’s absence was a constant ache, a hollow space in my chest that refused to heal. Each passing day without him chipped away at my hope, but I refused to let despair consume me completely. I had to keep going—for him, for myself. Nora stirred in my mind, her presence a steady warmth that I clung to like a lifeline. She had been my anchor these past few weeks, a reminder that I wasn’t entirely alone. "You’re stronger than this, Zara," Nora whispered. “I don’t feel strong,” I murmured aloud, my voice barely audible. "That doesn’t mean you aren’t," she replied, her tone gentle but firm. "And you’ll see it soon enough." I sighed, resting my forehead against the cool glass. The pack had bee
Ryker's pov The first thing I felt was warmth, a gentle pulse radiating through my chest. My body felt lighter, as if the weight of death had been lifted. Slowly, my senses returned—distant sounds, the faint scent of herbs, and then a voice. Her voice. “Zara…” My eyes fluttered open, heavy and reluctant. The blinding white of the room stung at first, but it didn’t take long for my gaze to find her. She was slumped against the bed, her face pale, her body frail. “Zara!” I sat up too quickly, a sharp pain shooting through my side. I ignored it, focusing entirely on the woman beside me. Her breathing was shallow, her energy so depleted it made my chest ache in ways I hadn’t felt in years. My hands trembled as I reached for her, gently lifting her onto the bed. She weighed so little, her body limp in my arms. It was then I saw the toll her actions had taken on her. The dark circles under her eyes, the way her once-vibrant glow had dimmed—she had given everything to save me. And I
Zara’s POVThe evening sun dipped low over the Crescent Peak mountains that framed Ryker’s pack territory. I stood at the edge of the packhouse courtyard, watching as the warriors trained in the distance. My heart ached, but my resolve was firm.I had come here for a reason, and that reason had been fulfilled. My son was safe, my point was made, and the lingering resentment that tethered me to this place had run its course.But leaving wasn’t easy. This place had once been my home. Ryker had once been my world. And now, I was about to walk away from it all.It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. Over the past few days, I’d tried to convince myself that I could stay for a little while since Adrian's pack reminds me so much about my son, I that I could find a place within Ryker’s pack again. But every interaction, every glance from his pack members, reminded me of the rejection I’d faced.Ryker had cast me out when I was at my most vulnerable. Pregnant and alone, I had survived, and I had
Zara’s POV I stood at the edge of Adrian’s pack territory, the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional howl in the distance the only sounds around me. Adrian’s pack, the Silverfang, had been my refuge after Ryker banished me. It was here that I rebuilt myself, piece by piece, finding strength I never knew I had.Adrian had been a constant, unwavering support. He didn’t ask for explanations or press for anything more than I was willing to give. But now, standing here with the weight of my decisions pressing down on me, I knew this moment would hurt us both.I made my way to the main packhouse, my steps heavy with the burden of what I was about to do. Adrian had been kind enough to offer me a place to stay after my recent ordeal, but I couldn’t linger. Not anymore.The packhouse was quiet, most of the warriors out training or tending to their duties. I found Adrian in his office, bent over a desk cluttered with maps and reports. He looked up as I entered, his piercing green eyes softe
Zara’s POV The soft rustling of leaves outside Adrian’s office filled the silence after my declaration. I could feel his gaze boring into me, his emotions an open book. Hurt, frustration, and desperation radiated off him like waves crashing against my resolve. But even as I said the words, as I promised myself I would leave Silverfang, a part of me hesitated. A part of me felt tethered to this place, to the safety and warmth it offered, and to Adrian—the man who had saved me from the depths of despair."wait I heard Adrian's voice." Adrian exhaled sharply, breaking the silence. “I can’t let you leave, Zara. Not like this, it's about the offer." I turned to face him, my brows furrowing. “Adrian, we’ve been through this—” “No, you’ve been through it,” he interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. “You’ve fought battles you shouldn’t have had to fight, and you’ve carried burdens no one should carry alone. I won’t stand by and let you leave when there’s another way.” I crossed my
Zara’s POV The air in the office was tense, charged with a dangerous energy. Adrian stood in front of me, his stance protective as the hooded figure revealed himself. His sneer was unmistakable—a rogue, his scent tinged with blood and rebellion. Adrian’s voice was low and menacing. “Who sent you?” The rogue chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with malice. “You already know the answer, Alpha.” My stomach twisted as Adrian’s expression darkened, his aura flaring with raw dominance. “Logan,” he growled. The rogue’s grin widened. “He’s not done with her. Do you think hiding her here would keep her safe? Logan always finishes what he starts.” My heart pounded, and my wolf bristled at the threat. Adrian’s men stormed into the room, their weapons ready, but Adrian raised a hand, signalling them to stop. “Take him alive to the pack and deliver him to Logan dead,” he ordered, his voice sharp. “I want him to see what happens when you threaten someone under my protection.” The rogu
Zara's pov The club was alive, pulsing with energy and music that seemed to vibrate in the walls. Our nightclub was a sanctuary, a neutral ground where werewolves, humans, and other supernaturals could mingle in peace. It had taken years to establish this kind of harmony, and it was one of the few things in my life that I could truly say I was proud of. Adrian had left the human world, his protective instincts finally satisfied after ensuring I was no longer in immediate danger. He had lingered longer than usual this time. I knew he cared, but I also knew he had other responsibilities as the Alpha King. For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe without the weight of someone else's concern pressing down on me. I was halfway down the grand staircase that led to the main floor when one of the waitresses, a young girl named Emily, called out to me. “Ma’am Zara!” she said, hurrying toward me, her expression a mix of panic and uncertainty. “What is it, Emily?” I asked,
Zara'pov The next week passed without incident. I had convinced myself that Ryker’s visit was a one-time occurrence, a fleeting moment of curiosity that wouldn’t repeat. But I should have known better. Ryker wasn’t the type to make casual appearances, nor was he the type to leave anything unfinished. The first time he returned, it was subtle. I noticed him sitting at the far end of the bar, nursing a drink, his gaze sweeping the club but always landing back on me. I ignored him, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. The second time, it was more obvious. He was in the VIP section, laughing and talking with a group of his warriors. Every now and then, I’d feel his eyes on me, like a weight I couldn’t shake. By the third time, his presence had become impossible to ignore. It was a busy Friday night; the club was packed with humans, werewolves, and other supernaturals. The air buzzed with energy, the music a constant thrum that seemed to sync with my pulse. I was behi
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