My legs trembled with each step towards the cabin, and I soon lost my balance. But before I could even flinch, Cassian's strong arms encircled my waist, sweeping me up in a gentle yet firm grasp. I gasped, clutching our pup tightly to my chest. "Cassian, our pup!" I shouted, prompting a deep chuckle from him. "You and our little one will always be safe in my arms," he whispered, his nose nuzzling my cheek with a reassuring smile. We swiftly arrived at the cabin, and Cassian carefully set me down on the bed. Ruth and Lily followed us inside, worry etched on their sweaty faces. "Ivy, are you alright?" Ruth questioned, eyes scanning me and the pup worriedly. "Tell me if you’re feeling pain anywhere," Lily added. I offered them a gentle smile and shook my head. "I'm all right," I reassured them. Now that I have my mate and pup beside me, unharmed, I feel better than ever. I looked up at Cassian only to see him looking around the cabin with a frown on his face. Cassian's expr
[3 years later]“Oh wow, where’s my little Alexi off to, so early in the morning, hmm?”I paused when I heard Stella’s question. My brows shot up as I looked up from my book. Did she just call my pup’s name?I took another bite out of my half-eaten apple and turned around, only to be greeted with the sight of my mate standing there with our pup on his shoulder. Alexi looked at her grandma with a blinding bright smile as she exclaimed. “Papa taking me forwest!” “Your Papa’s doing what?!” I stood up like my ass caught on fire as soon as I heard it, forgetting for a second that I was halfway pregnant. I put a hand on my protruding belly and narrowed my eyes at my mate.Cassian looked away and stared at the wall like he suddenly saw a ghost pop out of there. The little one gasped immediately, slapping a hand over her mouth before she looked down at her father. “Papa! Mama here! Run!” she said, gripping Cassian’s hair tightly.“Don’t you dare move!” I glared at my alpha who gave me a ne
Third person POV The summer sun beat down on the pack as they gathered in the woods on the edge of their territory, their excitement building as each moment passed. Today was the day they'd release two prisoners who'd been separated from their mates for five long years. It was a rare sight—nobody had ever survived that long apart from their mates. The pack's curiosity was mixed with awe. Countless discussions going in the background as to how these two had managed the unbearable pain of separation.Cassian's scowl deepened, his discontent palpable. The alpha's hope was clear: he wanted the prisoners to die in prison. That’s how it should’ve been. The pack's healers whispered among themselves a lot of things, suggesting different reasons for the pair's remarkable endurance—perhaps they weren't true mates after all. Maybe the rogue had deceived Liya, manipulating her into believing a false bond. Beside the alpha, Ivy snuggled her two-year-old son closer, and moved towards her mate, w
I've always dreamed of joining a pack. A warm house, clothes, food, and people who care about you… It's everything a rogue could dream of. We've tried our best to join different packs in the past but all they did was shoo us away like some dogs. Today, I'm in a pack ground, sitting in a chair in front of their alpha and luna. If this had happened in the past, I would've done everything to make them believe that we're harmless. But this time, I couldn't even utter a word. I was covered in dirt. My clothes were ragged and I'm sure I smelled horrible too. I don't know… I've gotten used to the smell. I was dehydrated and hungry. My eyes were lifeless and all I could muster up to do was look to the side to make sure my mother was alright. She had her head down, staring at the ground. Her body slumped on the chair like a rag doll. If her frail body wasn't moving every time she tried to breathe, I would've panicked thinking she left me too. I heard footsteps coming closer. A sweet scent
I jumped when a sudden knock echoed through the room. My mom was still sleeping so I decided to go open the door. I peeked through the crack before fully opening the door. I was relieved to see the luna waiting in front. "Have you eaten breakfast?" She asked with a bright smile as she got into the room. I nodded my head before looking at the plates. The food was delicious. My mom liked it too. I wanted to tell her all this but no words came out. I think she didn't mind my silence because she walked over to sit down on a chair and motioned me to sit with her. "Do you mind if I ask you some more questions, Ivy?" "I don't mind… " I replied softly."Good, thank you. Now, sit down so we can talk comfortably, " She said. I did as she told me. I liked her aura. She seemed sweet and innocent but powerful like a goddess. There was power radiating off her but also I could feel the warmth from her too. "How old are you, dear?""Seventeen… I-I'm going to be eighteen soon, " "Really? When
"So is there anyone who wants to go to the darkwood pack?" The alpha asked again.Everyone was silent.I looked down at my feet. I don't want to go. I know how much he tortured people just for being rogues. I've heard so much about it. But….. he lived even after his mate died…I want to know how he did that. What did he do? Maybe if I go there, I could find out. It seems to be the only way to save my mother. I don't want her to die.Whatever Alpha Cassian did, I want to find it out so I can save my mother. I slowly raised my hand, causing hushed whispers to arise in the room. I turned towards my mom to see her looking at me with panicked eyes. I gave her a small smile to assure her that everything is going to be alright.The alpha raised a brow. "Are you sure?" He asked."We'll be safe, right?" It was the Luna who replied to me. "Yes, of course. We guarantee that." She said before stepping forward.I smiled. "Then we'll go,""Alright, any others who are joining her and her mother?
My hands were cold and my heart was pounding. I felt so small in front of him.This man towered over all of us and his dominant pheromones made me want to kneel in front of him. Was he forcing us to submit or was it just a normal effect powerful alphas had on people. His eyes were fierce. So fierce that I couldn't even look at it for more than a few seconds. I was trying hard to understand what he was thinking but I couldn't make out anything from his stoic face. "All seven of them?" He spoke and I swear I felt a chill run down my spine from hearing his deep raspy voice. "Yes," The alpha of the shadow pack replied. "They're harmless. If there's any problem, I'll take care of it," The predator shook his head as he turned around. "If there's any problem, you won't have to worry Keiran. I will kill them before you hear about it," He scoffed, causing a few of us to flinch."Cassian, don't talk like that…" A middle aged lady interrupted in a stern voice. "That's no way to welcome new
"Mom, are you scared?" I looked at my mom. She was staring out into the woods from our window.She was silent for a minute before she spoke up. "I'm worried," I heard her let out a sigh. "I'm worried about what would happen to you when I'm gone," "Mom…" I closed my eyes. "You're not going anywhere," "We both know that's not the truth, Ivy,""I'm going to find a way. If Alpha Cassian could live, then you could too.""Is that why you decided to join this pack?" My mother turned to me. I stayed silent, causing her to let out a frustrated sigh. "Ivy, you're going to be eighteen soon. You need a pack to protect you and I think the dark wood pack could do that. Alpha Cassian seems strict but I think there's nowhere else safer than under his wings. He'll protect you and if you're lucky, you'll meet your mate. I want you to live comfortably and live a life your father and I couldn't give you. I want you to be happy. Stop worrying about me," "Stop talking like you're going to leave me," I
Third person POV The summer sun beat down on the pack as they gathered in the woods on the edge of their territory, their excitement building as each moment passed. Today was the day they'd release two prisoners who'd been separated from their mates for five long years. It was a rare sight—nobody had ever survived that long apart from their mates. The pack's curiosity was mixed with awe. Countless discussions going in the background as to how these two had managed the unbearable pain of separation.Cassian's scowl deepened, his discontent palpable. The alpha's hope was clear: he wanted the prisoners to die in prison. That’s how it should’ve been. The pack's healers whispered among themselves a lot of things, suggesting different reasons for the pair's remarkable endurance—perhaps they weren't true mates after all. Maybe the rogue had deceived Liya, manipulating her into believing a false bond. Beside the alpha, Ivy snuggled her two-year-old son closer, and moved towards her mate, w
[3 years later]“Oh wow, where’s my little Alexi off to, so early in the morning, hmm?”I paused when I heard Stella’s question. My brows shot up as I looked up from my book. Did she just call my pup’s name?I took another bite out of my half-eaten apple and turned around, only to be greeted with the sight of my mate standing there with our pup on his shoulder. Alexi looked at her grandma with a blinding bright smile as she exclaimed. “Papa taking me forwest!” “Your Papa’s doing what?!” I stood up like my ass caught on fire as soon as I heard it, forgetting for a second that I was halfway pregnant. I put a hand on my protruding belly and narrowed my eyes at my mate.Cassian looked away and stared at the wall like he suddenly saw a ghost pop out of there. The little one gasped immediately, slapping a hand over her mouth before she looked down at her father. “Papa! Mama here! Run!” she said, gripping Cassian’s hair tightly.“Don’t you dare move!” I glared at my alpha who gave me a ne
My legs trembled with each step towards the cabin, and I soon lost my balance. But before I could even flinch, Cassian's strong arms encircled my waist, sweeping me up in a gentle yet firm grasp. I gasped, clutching our pup tightly to my chest. "Cassian, our pup!" I shouted, prompting a deep chuckle from him. "You and our little one will always be safe in my arms," he whispered, his nose nuzzling my cheek with a reassuring smile. We swiftly arrived at the cabin, and Cassian carefully set me down on the bed. Ruth and Lily followed us inside, worry etched on their sweaty faces. "Ivy, are you alright?" Ruth questioned, eyes scanning me and the pup worriedly. "Tell me if you’re feeling pain anywhere," Lily added. I offered them a gentle smile and shook my head. "I'm all right," I reassured them. Now that I have my mate and pup beside me, unharmed, I feel better than ever. I looked up at Cassian only to see him looking around the cabin with a frown on his face. Cassian's expr
Cassian moved like a lightning, the pipe held up to deliver the final blow, but Liya was quicker. She flung herself in front of her mate, shielding him with her body while she pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. “Alpha, please! Please, I-I beg you to spare my mate!” Cassian let out a low and menacing growl, his eyes darkening as he snarled, “Move, omega. Move, or I'll make you!” The pipe in his hands hovered inches from Liya's face, his arm trembling with restraint while he warned the girl. I took a step forward, worry taking over my mind. He looked seconds away from attacking her and I didn't want my mate to lay his hands on an omega even if she's a betrayer. It wouldn't set a good example for the pack. Enemy is an enemy but still, she doesn't have the strength to fight him back. That'll be an unfair combat.“Cassian, if you kill him, she'll also die,” I warned, trying to reason with him. But Cassian's anger was unyielding.“I don't fucking care,” he snarled, his eyes b
Cassian's grip on the pipe faltered, his arms frozen in mid-air as our gazes clashed. He turned to me with a deep scowl etched on his face. I swallowed thickly, my throat constricting with fear. His wolf was livid, its fury palpable in the air, and my omega instincts trembled in response. Our pup whimpered softly, sensing Cassian's displeasure, and I instinctively pulled the little one closer to my chest. Cassian's slow, deliberate steps towards me were like a ticking time bomb, each footsteps echoing through the silence, making my heart race with nervousness.Cassian's golden eyes bore into mine, his gaze piercing as he stopped in front of me. “What are you doing here, omega? You should be resting.” I flinched when his bloody hand rose to touch me. Cassian froze for a moment, taken aback by my reaction. I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes before he caressed my cheek with a gentle touch, his fingers tracing the curve of my face. Oh right, his wolf is in control.Cassian's frown deepen
I stared at her like a fish out of water. Letting go of the man who killed my father? Can I….Can I really let go? Can I really do something like that? No….No…. I’ll cut his head off! Then I’ll stab him repeatedly, watching as life drains from his body. I'll make him suffer just like he made my parents suffer.I’ll make sure he’s dead a hundred times over and I'll erase his whole existence from the face of earth.That's what I will do."So please...please spare my mate's life. We'll accept any punishment, just don't take him away from me. I beg you, Ivy, have mercy. Tell Alpha Cassian to not take his life. I'm not asking for forgiveness, just a chance for my mate to live. You know what it's like to love someone, to want to protect and care for them. You have a mate and a pup, don't deny me the same chance at happiness. Don't take away my chance to be a mate and mother,” Liya's words poured out in a desperate plea, her sobs echoing through the room. My grip on my pup tightened as I s
My pup's distressed cries filled the room, refusing to subside even after I lavished the little one with gentle kisses. I could hear the commotion outside as Cassian dragged the rogue out. My mate's fierce growls and the rogue's defiant snarls still echoed in my mind as Lily rushed to my side. Her usually steady hands trembled as she pressed a cool cloth against my neck, trying to stop the flow of blood from the wound.Fear danced in her eyes, and I knew she was desperate to ask me something, but the trauma of witnessing two alpha wolves clash had left her and the other omega helpers shaken. I couldn't blame them–the potent pheromones of two angry alphas were overwhelming for anyone, especially omegas. As Cassian's mate, I had some kind of a unique shield against their intensity, but the others didn't share that protection.Liya thrashed around in Ruth's grasp, desperate to break free, but Ruth's grip was unyielding. With a swift, merciless slap, Ruth sent Liya crashing to the ground,
What the hell? For a moment I actually felt bad for the girl for being trapped in a toxic bond with a man like this even though I'm not really in a position to feel empathetic for the people holding me and my mate captive.Cassian's eyes flashed with anger, his hand twitching as if he was about to grab the gun from Liya's trembling hand. But the rogue's piercing glare froze him in place, a silent warning that kept him restrained - for now.“I did all this for you and I'm still useless?! I followed you through everything and left all I knew only for you to say that I'm useless?” Liya’s voice tumbled out in a desperate plea but Silas cut her off with a snarl, low and menacing.“Urgh! Shut the hell up, woman. Eyes on me, Alpha Cassian. I can't wait any longer. I've delayed this long enough. Say your goodbyes to your mate and pup,” The man warned, his voice dripping with so much malice that it made a shiver run down my spine.“Release my mate, you fucker.” Cassian growled, his voice bare
Ivy's POVIt was suffocating. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood, the putrid scent of the rogue's hand clamped over my mouth, and the distressing pheromones of the omegas in the room, made my stomach roil with nausea. My thoughts were a jumbled mess, but my eyes were fixed on my precious pup, clinging to me for comfort. The overwhelming urge to protect my child was the only thing that kept me grounded. Just as I was spiraling into despair, Cassian's low, menacing growl snapped me back to reality. My mate stood there, his eyes blazing with fury, his alpha pheromones thick and potent, filling the cramped cabin with an almost palpable force. I instinctively pulled my baby closer, the primal urge to shield and defend my pup coursing through my veins as my motherly instincts kicked it. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, my wolf and I felt torn by the conflicting desires to shield our pup and surrender to Cassian's protective presence. But now, both my mate and child