There it was again—the way he spoke to her, the cadence of his voice when he said her name. His words had a way of affecting her, slipping past her defenses when she least expected it. You're very valuable, Emma. The phrase echoed in her mind, stirring something deep within her chest. Did he even mean it, or was it just another manipulation, another way to control her? She had been burned before, trusted the wrong people, and paid dearly for it. Yet something about Steve's earnestness made her want to believe him.
Emma was startled out of her thoughts by a sudden cracking sound. She looked up to see Steve crushing the phone with his large, powerful hand, the device splintering under the pressure of his grip. With a casual flick of his wrist, he slid down the window of the car and tossed the broken remnants out into the passing landscape. The gesture was so nonchalant, yet so deliberate, a stark reminder of the physical strength he possessed.
"What's
The streets were eerily empty, the afternoon sun beating down mercilessly on the cracked pavement. The temperature was oppressive, the air thick with heat that seemed to shimmer above the asphalt. The sun glinted off the chrome of the motorcycles, creating a dazzling display that hurt Emma's eyes.Several men lounged lazily on their bikes as Marcus brought the car to a stop in front of the building. Their postures were deceptively relaxed, but Emma could sense the tension that ran through them like an electrical current—they were ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation.Emma studied the men carefully, taking in their appearance with a clinician's eye for detail. Leather jackets hung open to reveal bare chests adorned with tattoos of varying quality and subject matter. Multiple piercings decorated their faces and bodies, catching the light with each movement. Their hair was dyed in unnatural colors—vibrant reds, blues, and greens that stood
Steve crossed his arms, his weathered face betraying nothing as he stared down the werewolf biker leader. The stench of beer, sweat, and something far more primal hung in the air of the dilapidated warehouse. Though his expression remained impassive, his mind raced with calculations and contingencies. He knew exactly where this confrontation was headed, but he would play along with Sleazy's game—for now.Beside him, Emma's tension was palpable. He could sense her disgust without needing to look at her, the way her shoulders had stiffened, the barely controlled rhythm of her breathing. This was precisely why he'd insisted she stay behind. The Sterling Creek pack handled their business with dignity and respect. The Diablos... operated differently."What is your price?" Steve asked, his voice deceptively casual as he locked eyes with Sleazy.The werewolf biker leader's face split into a grin that revealed yellowed teeth. His leather vest, emblazoned with the
Sleazy's eyes narrowed to slits as he regarded Marcus. "Tell your bitch to watch his tongue before I rip it out of his throat, Steve," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper that sent chills down Emma's spine.Steve remained unmoved, his posture relaxed despite the escalating tension. "Let's get back on track, Sleazy," he said, his face expressionless. It was as if he were discussing the weather rather than negotiating with a pack of violent werewolves. "I was telling you about how dangerous it is for you, considering that we are very desperate."Confusion flickered across Sleazy's face, quickly replaced by disbelief. "You do realize that we outnumber you, Steve?" he asked, gesturing to his men who had begun to form a loose semicircle behind him."I am aware of my odds, Sleazy," Steve replied calmly. He tilted his head slightly. "Are you aware of yours?"For a moment, silence reigned. Then Sleazy laughed—an ugly, grating sound that bounc
Emma's heart pounded against her ribcage as she surveyed the chaotic scene before her. Men—no, werewolves—writhed on the dusty concrete floor, their bodies contorting in agony. Guttural moans and agonized groans filled the warehouse, echoing off the metal walls like a macabre symphony. The stench of fear and sweat hung heavy in the air, making Emma's nose wrinkle in disgust. She could almost taste the metallic tang of their suffering on her tongue. Sleazy stood frozen in place, his amber eyes wide with disbelief. Emma didn't need to be a mind reader to sense his confusion; it radiated from him in waves so strong she could practically feel them crashing against her skin. His gaze darted frantically between Steve, who stood with an unsettling calm, and Marcus, whose steady hand held the gun now pointed toward the floor, though Emma noticed his finger remained dangerously close to the trigger."What is it going to be, Sleazy?" Steve asked, his voice carrying a casual tone that seemed gr
The Red Dragon Pavilion stood nestled between two larger buildings, its ornate exterior a stark contrast to the modern structures that flanked it. Red lanterns hung from the eaves, swaying gently in the evening breeze, casting dancing shadows across the gold-trimmed entrance. Steve's eyes narrowed as he studied the establishment. That was the name of the restaurant Sleazy had led them to—a place that, at first glance, appeared to be nothing more than a quaint dining spot. However, Steve's instincts, honed through years of navigating the supernatural underworld, told him differently.As they approached the entrance, the rich aroma of Szechuan spices, garlic, and jasmine wafted through the air. Steve knew that it was not just a place to eat, although the interior was homely and filled to capacity. The food smelled exceptionally good—too good, in fact. In Steve's experience, establishments that put this much effort into their public facade usually had something to hide. The over
The air around them smelled of exhaust and tension as Marcus, Emma, and Steve climbed into the sleek black G-wagon. Emma slid into the backseat, her fingers digging into the plush leather as Marcus started the engine and pulled out to follow Sleazy's motorcycle.The moment the doors closed, Emma could no longer contain her fury. "I cannot believe that was your plan!" she thundered, her voice bouncing off the confined space of the luxury vehicle. "You just increased the number of the infected! What were you thinking?!" Her cheeks flushed with anger, eyes blazing with indignation as she stared at the back of Steve's head.Steve turned slightly in his seat, his expression maddeningly calm. "I was thinking about getting what we need to save my Pack," he replied, his voice level in a way that only stoked Emma's anger further."And the only way to do that was to infect another pack?!" Emma demanded, her voice rising in pitch. She could feel her nails digging crescents
"You need to leave, now," the man called Ronny replied in a tone that dropped several degrees colder. His right hand twitched slightly, causing Marcus to shift his position, ready to draw his weapon if necessary."We can go about this in a civilized manner, my good man," Marcus said, his voice raspy from his recent coughing fit but no less authoritative. "Or we can disrupt your establishment. Your choice, but either way, you will listen to us one way or another." His words carried the unmistakable threat of a man who had nothing else to lose but his life, and Emma was sure Ronny heard it too. The Beta's eyes held a feverish intensity that made his threat all the more believable."And I can tell that you're not the man in charge," Steve interjected smoothly, his keen eyes noting the almost imperceptible glances Ronny cast toward the back of the restaurant. "You look too worried to be the boss. We need to see your leader." He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice a
"It will take more than a gold bar to get you a truck full of Mercury," The Lady replied, her voice silky smooth despite the hardness of her words. Emma caught the flicker of surprise that crossed the woman's face—a brief widening of those eyes before her features settled back into practiced neutrality. The Lady's perfectly manicured fingers tapped once, twice against the polished table, betraying her interest despite her cool demeanor.Steve leaned forward, the leather of his jacket creaking softly. His jawline, usually set with stubborn determination, looked even more pronounced under the dim lighting of the high-end restaurant. "I am willing to pay whatever it takes," he replied, his voice low but carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha. The desperation in his eyes belied his confident tone—Emma had never seen him this vulnerable, this willing to negotiate.The chandelier light caught on The Lady's diamond earrings as she tilted her head, studyin
Steve was wrong. He had thought he would be able to predict how good Emma would be with those needles but he had been thrown off track by how deadly this petite healer was. She had taken down two big men that towered over her and she did not even need to transform into a werewolf to do so.In fact, the Alpha realized that Emma was deadlier as a healer than a werewolf. She was a living weapon. It made him feel even more stupid that he had rejected her for Sophia. He had been led to believe that her skills as a healer were useless but she had proved him wrong time and time again.She was the reason his pack was covered in pure moon radiation that not only healed him of his wounds but also eradicated the virus that affected him. As of this moment, Steve knew that Emma was the most valuable thing to him and nothing was going to change that.However, the Alpha knew that Emma had not forgiven him yet. Though her body responded well to his touch but her heart was anoth
The big werewolf was momentarily surprised by the healer’s response. Emma had already sized him up. He was a big hunk of muscles and she knew how werewolf muscles worked. The big guy unfortunately did not know that. They all thought she was a just a doctor.The second huge werewolf smiled deeply. There was a sick glint in his eyes as he spoke. “We were really hoping you would give us a hard time, after seating in that cramped vehicle, you owe us some form of entertainment.”Sadists. Emma knew in that instant that she was not going to hold back because these werewolves were not going to do that either. They planned on inflicting pain.“I just have one question,” Steve said. “Sophia sent you?”“You are not in any position to ask anything of us, Steve Kane, no answer is going to save you from the pain you are about to experience,” The first one replied.“And what do you know of pain?
“I would like to have a word with my daughter before you put her in danger, Alpha Kane,” Priscillia’s voice interrupted their conversation. Steve was a bit concerned and wary all of a sudden. He did not hear the Luna come in and that bothered him.“You will get used to it,” Emma whispered with a smile as she saw Steve’s surprised face. Her mother was very stealthy and it took most werewolves by surprise when she appeared without warning.Steve nodded and left both mother and daughter to talk.Luna Priscillia sat down on the bed and looked at the open chest. “I see that you have made your choice,” She said.“You were right,” Emma replied. “I have to be what the situation requires me to be.”Her mother sighed. “Emma, you are more than just a healer or a werewolf, at such a young age you saved my life, and for that I will forever be grateful.” Luna Priscillia said. &ld
Emma felt at ease just being so close to Steven. His body felt like an emotional shield that was protecting her from all the troubles her life was bringing. She felt needed, safe and of she even dared to think, loved.Emma was strengthened by his assuring words but she was still in a dilemma on whether she should do what she really came here to do.“Can I tell you something about me?” Steve whispered as he gently broke the embrace. Emma frowned curiously at him and nodded. She had no idea what the Alpha wanted to say but she paid close attention because he was a mystery to her. “The tradition of attaining the role of Alpha in my pack is through combat and whoever loses the combat forfeits his life,” Steve stated, his voice hoarse with pain. “There is no other way.”“Do you know who I had to fight to the death before I became the Alpha?” Steve asked. Emma shook her head but deep down, she knew that she was not going to like the answer.“My father,” Steve replied. Emma raised her eye
“You are not going through any identity crisis, Emma,” Priscillia told her daughter. “You know exactly who you are meant to be, what you are going through is nothing but denial.”Steve had no idea what Emma’s mother is talking about. But he knew that the discussion was a sensitive topic. One that affected Emma in a way he had never imagined.“I do not take lives,” Emma said in a hard tone. “That is not who I am.”“You are whatever the situation requires you to be, Emma,” Priscillia said.Emma sighed in tired manner. “I am no longer interested in this discussion,” She replied and stood up to leave the office.Steve and Marcus were confused by the abrupt exit of Emma.“Come,” Priscillia said and stood up. “Let me show you to your rooms.” Steve and Marcus followed the Luna of Moon Valley to a small but very clean room.“You must be very confused by what is going on between my daughter and I,” Priscillia said.Steve said nothing as he entered the room. It looked like a student room.“Hone
Steve was shocked by what was playing out in front of him. “Your mother is the Luna?” he asked aghast.“And you are the Alpha that rejected my daughter’s bond,” Emma’s mother stated coldly.“Ma’am,” Marcus said, followed by an embarrassed bow.“Can we come in or am I still banished?” Emma asked in the same cold tone her mother had used. However, there was a bit of impatience in it also.“You may come in, daughter and you were never banished,” Emma’s mother crisply replied and turned toward the open doors. Emma rolled her eyes and followed her mother.Steve and Marcus followed Emma into the grand entrance of Chiron Healing School. The Alpha realized that there was so much he did not know about Emma as he walked beside her into the school. The hallway was pillared and spacious. There were students coming and going as the trio followed the Luna of Moon Valley further inside the building.“Why did you not tell me your mother is the Luna?” Steve whispered as they walked.“There will be no
“We are being followed,” Marcus announced as he drove his Alpha and Emma down to Sarah’s place.“They have been trailing us from the hotel,” Steve said. “Courtesy of Sophia.”“Take us to moon valley instead,” Emma said after a while.“Why?” Steve asked.“We cannot lead then to Sarah, they might hurt her,” Emma replied. “Or worse.”“Or I can lose them,” Marcus suggested.“It will not matter, they will not stop coming after us,” Emma said.“But Moon Valley is very far away, it almost two hours ride from here,” Steve said.“Yeah, I know, but it is the next place to be at the moment,” Emma replied. “Plus, Marcus just tried to send a train filled with experimented monster wolves over there, I need to know what is going on,” the healer added.Steve nodded. “Moon Valley it is,” he said. The Alpha did not want to go back to Moon Valley because it brought about an unwanted memory. It was where he had coldly and cruelly rejected Emma.The car that was following their SUV was a black BMW with bl
Emma bolted down the stairs leaving Sophia on her own. She did not need to imagine what was going on downstairs for her to know that it was a chaotic bloodbath on the ground floor of the house of Laurent. Screams of horror and agony filled the air as the sound of flesh tearing under the pressure of fangs assailed Emma’s ears. She gagged as she ran for her life. She saw severed limbs of the guests and bodies separated from their legs and heads. The ground was thick with blood and the monsters were everywhere, tearing, shredding, and killing anything that crossed their paths. “Emma!” Steve’s voice travelled across the room and Emma turned and saw a large hole broken through the house with the vehicle that Marcus drove in through it. Emma summoned her werewolf speed and raced with all her might towards the vehicle. A monster wolf saw the healer running and gave chase, snarling as it got close to Emma. It lunged into the air but it was stopped midair by a loud hail of bullets. It cra
Emma began to understand why Steve and Sophia did not work out. “What if I die before I find a cure?” she asked Sophia. “What if the virus acts very fast and kills me on the spot?”Sophia did not reply. She looked stumped. “I did not think of that?”“I don’t think thinking is your strongest suit if I am being honest with you,” Emma mused as she looked around the room. She should be worried but she wasn’t.“You don’t seem afraid, doctor with the way you run your mouth, this is the end of the line for you, this is where your story ends.” Sophia said in hardened voice.“Is that how it works for you?” Emma asked. She took a seat on a soft cushion directly in front of Sophia, mirroring her seating posture. “Using fear as a means to get what you want.”“Fear is useful in most cases,” Sophia replied with a cold shrug.“And you think it is useful now,” Emma stated.Sophia did not reply. Again, she was stomped. For the first time, she had to really look at the healer sitting across from her. T