Chapter 11 Alina's POV The tension in the village was almost suffocating. I could feel the wolves watching me, their stares ranging from curiosity to outright suspicion. Some whispered as I passed, others remained silent, their expressions unreadable. I had expected resistance—after all, I was an outsider, a human—or so they thought. Damien walked beside me with effortless confidence, his hand resting lightly on my lower back as if to remind them that I belonged here. That I was his. That was the lie we had to sell. But as we reached the large, rustic building at the heart of the village, I realized this wasn’t just about pretending. This was about survival. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of wood, leather, and something distinctly wolf-like. A few warriors sat around a long wooden table, their gazes sharp as we entered. Lucas, the man who had greeted us at the border, was already there, arms crossed over his chest. He eyed me again, but this time, his suspicion
Chapter 12 Damien's POV I had barely contained my anger when Alina agreed to Lucas’s challenge. The pack was ruthless when it came to proving strength, and they wouldn’t hold back just because she was human—or at least, they thought she was. As soon as we left the meeting hall, I grabbed her wrist, pulling her aside. “What the hell were you thinking?” Alina yanked her hand free, her eyes blazing with defiance. “I was thinking about survival.” “You don’t need to prove anything to them.” My voice was low, rough. “I already told them you’re my Luna. That should be enough.” She let out a sharp laugh, shaking her head. “Damien, your pack isn’t stupid. They smell deception a mile away. If they don’t see me as strong, they won’t follow me. And if they don’t follow me, they’ll turn on us both the moment things start falling apart.” She wasn’t wrong. That was what frustrated me the most. I had spent years building loyalty, leading with an iron grip, ensuring no one questioned
Chapter 13Alina's POV Pain spread through my muscles the moment I opened my eyes. Every inch of my body ached from last night’s training, but I refused to let that stop me. I had made a choice. A challenge had been issued, and I wasn’t about to back down. If I was going to take my revenge, if I was going to stand by Damien’s side as his Luna—even if it was only for show—I needed to be strong. I pulled myself out of bed, wincing as my feet touched the cold wooden floor. The early morning air was crisp, the sky still painted in streaks of purple and orange. A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called. The door swung open, and Damien stepped inside. He looked effortlessly composed, his dark hair slightly tousled, his sharp eyes scanning me as if assessing whether I’d make it through the day. “You look like hell,” he said. “Good morning to you too, Alpha.” I smirked, stretching my arms despite the soreness. “I’m alive, aren’t I?” He leaned against
Chapter 14 Damien's POV I had seen many fights in my life—some brutal, some honorable—but none had intrigued me the way Alina’s battle with Lucas had. She was human, yet she fought like a wolf backed into a corner. Her resilience, her unwavering defiance, was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I watched as she stood in the center of the training grounds, chest heaving, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, yet victorious. The pack had no choice but to acknowledge her. Something had changed in her during that fight. I had felt it. The air around her had shifted, thick with something primal. The way she moved, the way she struck Lucas with unnatural strength—it wasn’t human. And I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Killian had been watching her closely, his brow furrowed as if he, too, sensed that something was off. The warriors exchanged murmurs, but no one dared to question her victory. Alina had won. She had proven herself. But at what cost? She turned to
Chapter 15 Alina's POV A sharp pain throbbed through my body as I woke. Every muscle burned, every inch of me aching from the fight with Lucas. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the wooden ceiling, trying to piece together everything that had happened. I had won. I had felt something inside me shift. And for the first time, I had been truly afraid—not of losing, but of what I had become in that moment. That growl, that raw strength… it hadn’t been normal. I pushed myself up slowly, wincing as my ribs protested. The room was quiet, but I could feel it—the lingering tension in the air, as if the pack itself was still trying to process what had happened. They saw me as an outsider, and now, they saw me as something more. Something dangerous. A knock on the door broke through my thoughts. "Come in," I called, my voice hoarse. The door swung open, and to my surprise, it was Killian who stepped inside. His green eyes studied me carefully, assessing. "You'r
Chapter 16 Damien's POV The scent of blood was thick in the air, sharp and unmistakable. It sent my instincts into overdrive, my muscles coiling with tension. Alina stiffened beside me, her eyes wide with alarm. I could feel the uncertainty radiating from her, but there was no time for hesitation. Another howl echoed through the trees, this one laced with unmistakable pain. "Stay close," I ordered before taking off toward the sound. Alina didn’t hesitate. She followed, her footsteps quick and sure, even as the scent of blood grew stronger. The pack warriors were already gathering at the northern border when we arrived. Several wolves had shifted, their hackles raised, their eyes scanning the trees. Killian was crouched beside a fallen body, his fingers pressed against the wolf’s neck. He looked up as we approached, his expression grim. "He’s alive," Killian reported. "But barely." The wolf on the ground was one of our scouts, his fur matted with blood, deep gashes
Chapter 17 Alina's POV The glowing red eyes in the darkness sent a shiver down my spine. Every instinct in me screamed to run, but I stood my ground. I could hear Damien’s steady breathing beside me, his body tense as he prepared for whatever was lurking in the shadows. The pack warriors fanned out, forming a protective circle, their claws extending, their muscles coiled and ready. The scent of blood from the fallen rogues still lingered in the air, mixing with the damp earth and the crisp night breeze. A low growl rumbled through the trees, deep and menacing. The red eyes didn’t blink, didn’t move, just stared. Watching. Waiting. "What the hell is that?" Killian muttered under his breath. "Not a rogue," Damien answered, his voice low and sharp. "And not one of ours either." The thing—whatever it was—shifted slightly. I could see the faint outline of a large, hulking figure, taller than any werewolf I had ever seen. The glow in its eyes seemed unnatural, almost otherworl
Chapter 18 Alina's POV The silence between Damien and me was thick, almost suffocating, as we walked back to the packhouse. My fingers twitched at my sides, still tingling from whatever had just happened. I curled them into fists, trying to ignore the unsettling warmth that lingered beneath my skin. I could feel Damien’s eyes on me, burning with questions he hadn’t yet voiced. He had seen it. He had seen me kill that thing without a weapon, without effort. With just a touch. The moment we stepped through the grand double doors of the packhouse, Damien turned to the gathered warriors. His voice was cold, commanding. "Get the injured to the infirmary. Killian, I want a full report on those things immediately. I want to know what they were, why they were in our territory, and whether more are coming." Killian gave a sharp nod. "On it." The warriors dispersed quickly, some helping the injured, others retrieving the dead bodies of those creatures to study them. Damien turned
Chapter 45 Alina's POV My heart slammed against my ribs like a drum. Lucas—gone. The words rang louder than any warning howl. I didn’t wait for anyone. I sprinted past Damien, past Fiona, down the gravel path leading toward the western watchtower. My injured leg screamed, but I pushed it down. I didn’t feel the pain. I couldn’t afford to. They took him. They took Lucas. The thought repeated over and over again in my mind, creating a noise I couldn’t shut off. Behind me, I heard Damien cursing and shouting orders to the warriors. The scent of blood and pine filled my nostrils, and even though my body was burning with exhaustion from the rogue fight, I didn’t slow. I reached the base of the watchtower and took the stairs two at a time. Talon met me halfway, his face pale. “Where is he?” I demanded. “He was guarding the western perimeter two hours ago,” Talon replied, stepping aside as Damien and Fiona caught up. “We had a rotation change. When the new guards arrived, Luc
Chapter 44Damien's POVThey came like shadows with teeth—at least fifteen rogues, maybe more, surrounding Alina and me from every side. Their movements were practiced, swift, and vicious. We were trapped. And Marlowe’s betrayal rang louder in my head than the howls that summoned this ambush.Alina was already moving, blades drawn, crouched low in a stance that told me she wasn’t going down without a fight. She looked like a ghost risen from war, ready to drag these bastards down with her.“I counted seventeen,” she said, voice low.“Eighteen. Two behind the birch tree,” I corrected, sword raised. “We go back to back. Do not separate.”“Wouldn’t dream of it.”The first rogue lunged without warning, claws slashing down toward Alina. She ducked, twisted, and drove her dagger into his thigh before slashing across his chest with her second blade. He screamed, stumbled, and was kicked away just in time for me to slash open the side of another rogue who thought he could sneak up behind her.
Chapter 43Alina's POVThe morning sunlight bled through the tall windows of the Alpha’s estate, drenching the stone floors in soft golden hues. I sat at the edge of my bed, fingers trembling as I laced up my boots. My entire body buzzed with an unfamiliar mix of dread and anticipation, like I was waiting for something big to crash through the door and change everything.But maybe that’s because something had already changed.Everything had shifted the moment Damien kissed me last night. It had started as a warning, a statement, a response to Lucas’s defiance in front of the council. But the second his lips touched mine, it turned into something else. Something raw. Fierce. Dangerous.And I didn’t know how to walk away from it.I clenched my fists. This wasn’t the time to let emotions blur my mission. I had revenge to take. I had names to burn from my past. The fire inside me wasn’t meant for soft things like kisses.But then why was I still feeling the ghost of Damien’s hands around
Chapter 42Alina's POVMy body ached in ways I couldn’t even begin to describe. Every muscle, every joint, every inch of me screamed from the intensity of the past days. Yet none of it compared to the burn deep in my chest—the fire of purpose, of rage, and of something else I still didn’t have a name for.I stood in the center of the training grounds, drenched in sweat, hair clinging to my face as Damien circled around me like a predator measuring his prey. His gaze held none of the soft amusement or subtle admiration it sometimes did. Today, he was all Alpha. Cold. Calculating. Pushing me to my absolute limits.“Again,” he barked.I lunged forward without hesitation, striking out with my left fist. He sidestepped with ease, catching my wrist and twisting until I dropped to one knee.“You’re still telegraphing your moves,” he said. “If I were anyone else, you’d be dead by now.”“Good thing you’re not,” I muttered, jerking out of his grip and forcing myself to stand.His eyes narrowed,
Chapter 41Alina's POVMy muscles screamed in protest as I climbed the stairs to the top floor of the packhouse. Damien had insisted on checking the borders personally, dragging me along despite my soreness. He hadn't said much, but I knew his silence wasn't anger—it was focus. Ever since the attack, he'd been on high alert, and I couldn't blame him.But that wasn't what had my stomach in knots.Tonight, we were supposed to attend a gathering. A meeting of nearby alphas and lunas. A chance to show strength. A chance to prove that the Blue Moon Pack hadn't been weakened—and that I, Alina Walker, stood as Luna by Damien's side.No pressure.I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, letting out a slow breath. The silk dress laid across the bed made my breath hitch. It was stunning, deep crimson with a slit that ran dangerously high. A matching set of heels sat next to it, alongside a note in Damien's handwriting."You'll look like fire. Wear it."I almost rolled my eyes. Almost. B
Chapter 40Damien's POVThe moment Alina stepped into the training grounds, all eyes fell on her. It wasn’t the first time she had drawn attention, but this time, the atmosphere felt different. She wasn’t just an outsider anymore. She was the woman who had fought Lucas and won. The woman who had challenged tradition and forced the pack to see her strength. Some still looked at her with doubt, but others watched with something closer to curiosity—or even respect.I stood near the edge of the field, arms crossed, observing as she took her place before Killian. He had agreed to train her personally today, and I wanted to see how far she could push herself. Alina had proven she was a fighter, but she needed to be more than that. If she was going to survive the war that was coming, she needed to be ruthless.Killian circled her, his expression unreadable. “You proved yourself against Lucas, but don’t let that win get to your head,” he said. “He underestimated you. I won’t.”Alina smirked,
Chapter 39Alina's POVA dull throbbing in my head was the first thing I noticed when I stirred awake. My body felt heavy, each muscle aching from the brutal fight. A familiar scent surrounded me—warm, musky, and undeniably Damien’s. My eyelids fluttered open, and I realized I was lying on a bed in what I quickly recognized as Damien’s room.“You’re awake.”His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine. I turned my head slowly to find him sitting in a chair near the bed, arms crossed over his chest, eyes sharp and focused on me. The moonlight from the window illuminated his face, making his features look even more intimidating.“How long have I been out?” My voice came out hoarse.“Few hours,” he said, not moving from his spot. “You collapsed in front of the entire pack. It took everything in me not to kill someone for pushing you that far.”I winced at the reminder. “I won, though.”His lips pressed into a thin line. “At what cost?”I pushed myself up on my elbows, ignoring the way my m
Chapter 38 Alina's POV The tension in the air was thick as I paced back and forth in my room. My body still ached from the intense training, but my mind was sharper than ever. I couldn't afford to let exhaustion take over. Not now. A soft knock on my door made me stop mid-step. "Come in," I called, straightening my posture. Damien stepped inside, his piercing gaze locking onto me immediately. He looked calm, too calm, but I knew him well enough by now to sense the underlying tension in his stance. "You’re overthinking," he said. I let out a sharp breath. "No, I’m preparing." He closed the distance between us in a few strides, stopping just a breath away. "You've done enough. You don’t need to prove anything to me or anyone else." I scoffed. "Tell that to the ones who still whisper behind my back, doubting my strength, questioning why I'm here." His jaw clenched. "They’ll fall in line soon enough." "Not soon enough," I muttered, shaking my head. His fingers brus
Chapter 37Alina POVI was still trying to catch my breath when Damien pulled me aside, his grip firm on my arm. His eyes, dark and unreadable, bore into mine, searching for something I wasn’t sure I could give him.“Are you insane?” His voice was low, but the frustration in his tone was unmistakable. “You could have died back there, Alina.”I yanked my arm free, glaring at him. “I had to prove myself. Or did you think I’d let Lucas and the others walk all over me?”His jaw tightened. “You don’t need to prove anything to them. You’re my Luna.”I scoffed, crossing my arms. “And what does that mean if your pack doesn’t accept me? I need to stand on my own, Damien. I can’t just hide behind you forever.”He exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “You’re reckless.”“I’m surviving.”His eyes softened just a fraction, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the warriors who were still gathered, watching us with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Lucas was gone,