“Andrea” Alpha Logan interrupted the speaker. I hated the way my name sounded when he said it. I was shocked he even suggested me, and apparently, everyone else was too. “Her?" Sandra commented, snorting. "Alpha, I don’t think that she—" "Andrea," Logan repeated, his gaze solely focused on me. I wished the earth would swallow me whole. Reluctantly, I stepped forward. The weight of everyone's eyes felt like a thousand pounds. Just as I reached the center of the training field, a sudden gust of wind picked up, almost like a dramatic cue from a bad soap opera. I half-expected a tumbleweed to roll by. "Who will challenge her?" Logan asked, his tone challenging. Sandra stepped forward, a cruel smile on her lips. "I will." The crowd murmured, sensing the tension. Sandra and I had never gotten along. She was always the first to criticize and the last to offer help. Today, I was determined to prove myself. "Ready, Andrea?" Sandra sneered, already assuming her victory. "More
"Enough," I said, cutting through the tension. "I appreciate both of you being here, but I need some rest."Logan nodded curtly. "We'll discuss this later."Caleb gave me a reassuring smile before standing up. "Get some rest. I'll check on you later."As they both left, I closed my eyes, trying to make sense of the chaotic day. The sounds of the pack training outside drifted into my room, a reminder of the world continuing on despite my current state.I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, the room was filled with a soft, golden light from the setting sun. I sat up slowly, wincing at the soreness in my muscles. The door creaked open, and Rose peeked in, her eyes wide with concern."Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked, stepping inside and closing the door behind her."Sore," I admitted. "But I'll live.""Good," she said, coming over to sit beside me on the bed. "You scared me out there, you know.""I didn't mean to. Sandra just got the better of me."Rose shook her head.
I was drifting in and out of sleep when the door to my room opened again. This time, it was Logan, his presence filling the space with an intensity that made me sit up straighter. He closed the door behind him and approached the bed, his gaze cold and assessing. "How are you feeling?" he asked, though his tone lacked any real concern. "Sore," I replied, wary of his sudden appearance. "But I'll be fine." "Good," he said curtly. "You need to learn to defend yourself better. You can't rely on luck to keep you safe." "Is that why you're here?" I shot back, irritation flaring. "To criticize me?" Logan's eyes flashed with anger, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. But then something strange happened. His eyes changed color, shifting from their usual dark hue to them glowing. When he spoke again, his voice was different—softer, yet more commanding. "Andrea, forgive him. Logan can be... harsh." I blinked in surprise. What is happening "Yes," Alex replied gently. "I
Logan paced back and forth in his office, his frustration evident in every step. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, the events of the past few days leaving him on edge. He knew Alex was furious with him, and it was only a matter of time before his wolf made his displeasure known."Logan, we need to talk," Alex's voice resonated in his mind, sharper than usual.Logan stopped and took a deep breath. "I know, Alex. I know.""Do you? Because it sure doesn't seem like it," Alex snapped. "You let our mate get hurt. She could have been killed."Logan winced at the accusation. "She needs to toughen up, Alex. This is not a place for the weak.""She's not weak," Alex retorted, his tone icy. "And even if she were, it's our job to protect her. You swore an oath to the pack, and that includes her now."Logan clenched his fists, struggling to maintain control. "I know my responsibilities, Alex.""Do you?" Alex's voice was laced with skepticism. "Because all I see is you pushing her a
Andrea was recovering well from the ordeal with Sandra. Despite the pain, she was growing stronger every day, and with Caleb's constant presence, she found herself adjusting to her new life in the pack. Caleb had been a surprising source of comfort and support, his easygoing nature and unwavering determination providing a steady anchor in the tumultuous world she had been thrust into.One afternoon, Andrea and Caleb were in the training yard, practicing hand-to-hand combat techniques. Caleb, ever the patient instructor, guided her through a series of defensive moves."You're getting better," Caleb said with a grin, dodging one of Andrea's punches. "A few more sessions, and you'll be able to take on anyone."Andrea laughed, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Thanks, but I still have a long way to go before I can hold my own against someone like Sandra."Caleb's expression darkened momentarily. "Sandra was out of line, using her powers like that. You did great, considering the circumstanc
Logan paced back and forth in his office, the frustration and confusion roiling within him like a storm. Seeing Andrea with Caleb had unsettled him deeply, and he couldn't understand why. He hated her—he had to. She was a human, an outsider he had brought into their world against her will. Her very presence was a constant reminder of his impulsive decision.He slammed his fist onto the desk, the sound echoing in the silent room. "Why do I care?" he muttered to himself. "She's nothing to me."**You know that's not true.** Alex speaks.Logan's eyes flashed amber as Alex, his wolf, spoke up. The wolf's voice was calm, but there was an underlying edge to it."Shut up, Alex," Logan growled. "I don't need your input right now."**You can't hate her. She's our mate.**Logan clenched his fists, trying to suppress the truth of Alex's words. "She's a distraction. Nothing more."**She's more than that, and you know it.**Logan growled in frustration, shaking his head. "No. I refuse to accept it.
The market square buzzed with activity as Andrea and Rose weaved through the stalls, their laughter mingling with the chatter of pack members and the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread. Andrea couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on her, watching, judging. She stole a glance around and spotted Sandra and her clique standing near the fruit vendor, their gazes fixed on her with undisguised hostility.Rose noticed it too, her brow furrowing in concern. "Andrea, do you see that?"Andrea nodded slowly, her stomach twisting with apprehension. "Yeah, I see them."They continued browsing the stalls, but Sandra's presence lingered like a dark cloud. Andrea tried to ignore the uneasy feeling gnawing at her, focusing instead on selecting the ripest apples and berries. However, as they approached the flower stand, Sandra intercepted them, her cronies blocking their path."Well, well, if it isn't the alpha's pet project and her human companion," Sandra drawled, her voice dripping with malice.And
Logan sat behind his desk in the study, his mind a turbulent sea of conflicting thoughts and emotions. He stared at the papers in front of him, the reports from various pack members about patrols and the state of the borders, but he couldn't focus. The conversation with his uncle Thomas still weighed heavily on his mind.A knock on the door brought him out of his reverie. He straightened up, trying to compose himself as the door opened and Thomas stepped inside. His uncle's presence was commanding, and Logan could sense the gravity of what was about to be discussed."Logan," Thomas began, closing the door behind him. "We need to talk."Logan nodded, gesturing for his uncle to take a seat. "I know. It's about the Luna, isn't it?"Thomas took a seat across from Logan, his expression stern. "Yes. The council is growing impatient. They need to see stability in the pack, and that means you need to choose a mate."Logan took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "I understand the coun
Andrea stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her hands gripping the sink as she splashed cold water on her face. She needed to clear her head, to process everything that had happened. The broken necklace, Rose's revelation, the unsettling feeling that something within her was changing—it was all too much. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.Suddenly, a scent wafted into the bathroom, cutting through her thoughts like a knife. It was a rich, intoxicating aroma, sweet and familiar—strawberries mingled with something deeper, muskier. Her heart skipped a beat, and her senses sharpened as the scent enveloped her.Mate. She sounds in her mind confused as to why she thought of saying that word.The word echoed in her mind, bringing with it a rush of emotions she couldn't comprehend. Her knees wobbled, and she gripped the sink tighter, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She knew that scent, had dreamed of it in restless nights, but it was stronger now, undeniable and
Andrea wandered through the bustling courtyard of the pack house, her thoughts preoccupied with the revelations of the past days. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the cobblestones and painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. She absentmindedly fingered the necklace her father had given her, the one that seemed to hold so many unanswered questions. The necklace had always provided her with a sense of comfort and security, a connection to her past. As she rounded the corner, Andrea found herself face-to-face with Sandra and her entourage. Sandra, with her perfectly coiffed hair and cold, piercing eyes, regarded Andrea with thinly veiled disdain. The atmosphere grew tense, the air crackling with an undercurrent of hostility. Andrea had known Sandra's type well—privileged, entitled, and always ready to belittle others to make themselves feel superior. "Well, well, if it isn't the Luna," Sandra sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What are you doing here al
Andrea stood frozen in the doorway, her heart pounding painfully in her chest. Logan's study, once a place of potential resolution, now felt like a trap of disappointment and betrayal. Jess's presence on his lap was a stark reminder of everything Andrea had hoped wasn't true.Logan's eyes darted from Andrea to Jess and back, his expression unreadable but guarded. He didn't move to disentangle himself from Jess's embrace, nor did he offer any explanation or apology for what Andrea had walked in on. His silence only deepened the wound in Andrea's heart.Jess, on the other hand, smirked knowingly at Andrea, as if relishing the discomfort she caused. "Looks like you caught us at a bad time," she purred, her voice dripping with sarcasm.Andrea clenched her fists, fighting to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her. "I came here to talk to Logan," she said, her words tinged with bitterness. "But it seems he's busy."Logan's jaw tightened imperceptibly, a flicker of guilt
Andrea stood in the dimly lit study of the main house, facing Logan with a mixture of confusion and frustration. The air between them crackled with tension, each moment stretching taut as she awaited his answer."Why do you hate me so much, Logan?" Andrea's voice quivered slightly, betraying the emotions swirling within her. "What did I ever do to you?"Logan remained silent for a long moment, his jaw clenched as he stared at her with intensity. The weight of her question hung heavy in the air, and Andrea could almost feel the turmoil churning beneath his stoic exterior."You don't know anything about your father, Andrea," Logan finally spoke, his voice low and tinged with bitterness. "You have no idea what he's done."Andrea's brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? My father is-was a good man. He would never hurt anyone."Logan's eyes flashed with anger, his restraint slipping slightly. "Your father is the reason I lost my parents," he gritted out, each word laced
Andrea woke with a start, the echo of the mysterious figure and the haunting voice still lingering in her mind. The forest clearing and the river seemed like a distant dream now, but the urgency to unravel the mysteries of her past remained. She needed answers, and she needed them soon.Slipping out of bed, Andrea dressed quickly, her mind racing with fragments of memories and unanswered questions. The necklace, still faintly glowing, felt heavy against her chest as if it, too, held secrets waiting to be uncovered.She made her way downstairs quietly, avoiding the bustling kitchen where Rose was likely preparing breakfast. Instead, she sought solace in the library, a sanctuary of knowledge and quiet contemplation within the main house.The shelves were lined with ancient tomes and volumes on supernatural lore, each holding a promise of insight into the world beyond human understanding. Andrea pulled out a dusty book on werewolf mythology, flipping through its pages in search of any me
Andrea lay in bed, her mind unable to find peace. The weight of the day’s revelations bore down on her, and exhaustion eventually pulled her into a restless sleep. Her dreams carried her back to a time she had long tried to forget—a time when a woman once visited their home.---The living room of Andrea’s childhood home was filled with the warm, comforting glow of the fireplace. She was no more than seven years old, playing with her dolls on the soft carpet while the aroma of her father’s cooking wafted from the kitchen. It was a scene of domestic tranquility, yet a storm was brewing just beneath the surface.Andrea’s father, Jonathan, stood by the window, his face a mask of concern. A woman named Evelyn, entered the room, her movements tense and her expression strained. Andrea, sensing the change in the atmosphere, looked up from her playthings, her young mind alert to the undercurrents of distress in the air.The woman came to her and picked her up.“You look so much like your gran
Andrea tossed and turned in her bed, haunted by the events of the previous night. The pain from the heat had subsided, but the emotional scars left by Logan's cold detachment were still fresh. She stared at the ceiling, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and hurt. Sleep seemed impossible, but eventually, exhaustion claimed her.In the early hours of the morning, Andrea was jolted awake by a strange sensation. Her necklace, the one her father had given her, was glowing again. She sat up, eyes wide with surprise and curiosity. The blue light pulsated rhythmically, casting an eerie glow in the dark room. Her heart pounded as she reached up to touch it.A soft, ethereal voice filled the room. "Andrea, follow me."Andrea froze, her breath caught in her throat. She had heard the voice before, but it had never been this clear. It felt both familiar and otherworldly, like a long-forgotten dream. She stood up, her curiosity overpowering her fear."Who are you?" she whispered, but the voice only
Logan woke up with a heavy feeling in his chest, an unusual sense of guilt gnawing at him. The events of the previous night played over in his mind. He had given in to Alex's urgings and the undeniable pull of the bond, but now he regretted it. He had done what he thought necessary to ease her pain, but it didn't change how he felt about her. Or so he tried to convince himself.He walked back to their shared room, dreading what he might find. As he opened the door, the sight that greeted him made his heart sink. The sheets were stained with blood, stark against the otherwise pristine bedding. A wave of guilt washed over him. He stood there for a moment, wrestling with his emotions, before he forced himself to look away."Get a grip, Logan," he muttered under his breath. "This changes nothing."He turned on his heel and left the room, making his way downstairs to the dining hall. Breakfast with the pack was a daily ritual, and as Alpha, it was expected that he be the first to eat. The
Andrea woke up to the now familiar, yet unbearable, pain that had been plaguing her for days. Every muscle in her body ached, and the heat within her was becoming more intense, making it nearly impossible to think clearly. She lay in bed, curled up and clutching her pillow tightly. The room was filled with Logan's scent, which oddly brought her a semblance of calm amidst the chaos her body was experiencing.Every time she considered leaving the room to seek help, the pain intensified, almost as if reminding her that she needed to stay where Logan's scent was the strongest. She couldn't understand why his scent was the only thing that brought her any relief, but she clung to it like a lifeline.Meanwhile, in his own quarters, Logan was feeling restless. He paced back and forth, trying to focus on his duties, but his mind kept drifting back to Andrea. He could feel her pain through their bond, and it gnawed at him, making it difficult to concentrate. Alex, his wolf, was in a state of ag