Tristan's eyes lingered on the spot where Athena vanished, his heart heavy with regret. He knew he'd hurt her, and the weight of that knowledge settled like a stone in his chest. The mate bond, still pulsing between them, seemed to mock him, a constant reminder of what he was trying to deny.With a sigh, Tristan stood, his eyes scanning the darkness. He knew he had to find himself, to understand his werewolf nature and the strange, mystical world he'd been thrust into. But as he turned to leave, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just made a grave mistake.Athena's words echoed in his mind: "The mate bond won't wait. It'll only grow stronger, more insistent. You can't ignore it forever." Tristan's heart raced at the thought, a thrill of fear mixed with anticipation. What would happen when the bond became too strong to ignore? Would he be able to resist its pull, or would he succumb to its power?Only time would tell. Time, was presently all he had. He must resume to the agency so
As Athena stormed back to the party, her anger and humiliation still simmering, she scanned the crowd for Sheila, Scarlett's maid. Her eyes locked onto the wolf, who was laughing and chatting with some of the other guests.Athena's strides were purposeful, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached Sheila's side and grasped her arm, her grip tight."You," Athena spat, her voice low and venomous. "You're the one who gave me the drugged wine, aren't you?"Sheila's smile faltered, and she tried to pull away, but Athena held fast."Don't lie to me," Athena growled, her eyes blazing. "I know it was you. And you're going to pay for it."With a swift motion, Athena dragged Sheila away from the party, into the darkness beyond the bonfire's reach. The music and laughter grew fainter as they walked, the only sound the rustling of leaves beneath their feet.When they reached a secluded clearing, Athena released Sheila's arm, her eyes flashing with anger."You're going to regret ever crossing m
Sheila's face paled, fear etched on her features. "What are we going to do, Athena?"Athena's jaw set in determination. "We're going to stop them, Sheila. No matter what it takes."Athena's mind raced with memories of the past, when Akira's betrayal had almost destroyed their pack. She remembered the pain and the anger, the feeling of trust shattered."We can't let Akira and Scarlett succeed," Athena said, her voice firm. "We have to warn Jasper, and we have to stop them before it's too late."Sheila's eyes welled up with tears as she grasped Athena's hands. "Please, Athena, you have to forgive Scarlett. She's not beyond redemption, I know it."Athena's expression softened, her grip on Sheila's hands gentle. "Sheila, I understand your loyalty, but Scarlett's actions—"Sheila interrupted, her voice desperate. "I know what she's done, but she's been hurt so deeply, Athena. She's scared and alone. Please, you have to help her."Athena's heart ached, seeing the genuine concern in Sheila's
Tristan's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Hey, Rosie? Can I ask you something?"Rosalind's face sparkled with anticipation. "Of course, bro! What's up?"Tristan grinned mischievously. "How's things with you and Lucine? You two are still going strong, I take it?"Rosalind's cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she squealed with delight. "Oh, Tristan! We're amazing! And...and we're getting married!"Tristan's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, congratulations! I had no idea!"Rosalind bounced up and down on the bed, excitement radiating from her. "I know, I know! We've been planning it for ages! We're going to have the ceremony on my 21st birthday, and it's going to be perfect!"Tristan's face broke into a wide smile. "That's incredible, Rosie! I'm so happy for you both. Lucine's a great guy, and you two are meant to be."Rosalind's eyes shone with happiness. "Thanks, Tristan! We're really happy, and we can't wait to start our life together. And...and I'm so glad you're going to be there to celeb
Eira stepped forward, her eyes locked on Athena's. "We're with you, Athena. We'll help you take down Scarlett and the rogues. But let's do it smart, not blind with rage."Athena's chest heaved, her anger still simmering, but her friends' words slowly penetrated her haze of fury. She nodded, a cold determination settling in. "You're right. We'll do it smart. We'll make Scarlett wish she never betrayed me."Eira's curiosity got the better of her as she approached Athena. "Athena, what did you and Jasper learn from the Ancient Ones? You both have been acting differently since your return."Athena's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes gazing into the distance. "We learned about the true strength of a pack, Eira. It's not about physical power or strategic might, but about the bonds that hold us together."Eira's ears perked up, intrigued. "What do you mean?"Athena's focus returned to Eira, her voice filled with conviction. "The Ancient Ones taught us that a pack's true strength lies in
"Rest, child," Zephyr said. "The curse is still present, but I've managed to contain it. For now, you're safe."Athena's gaze fell upon Zephyr, surprise and gratitude mingling on her face. "Thank you...I owe you one."Zephyr smiled, her eyes warm. "You owe me nothing, Athena. We're pack. We help each other."As Athena lay back, her eyes roamed the den, taking in the strange sights and scents. She knew she had a long journey ahead, but with her friends by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope.Lucas's ears perked up, his voice filled with curiosity. "Zephyr, what triggered the curse? Was it something specific?"Zephyr's eyes closed, her hands hovering above Athena's fur. She consulted the spirit, seeking answers. A moment passed, and her eyes snapped open, a look of surprise etched on her face."It's a mate bond," Zephyr announced, her voice barely above a whisper.Lucas's jaw dropped, his ears folding back in shock. Eira's eyes widened, her tail twitching wildly."A mate bond?" Lucas r
ZEPHYR'S TRAINEE"What's wrong, little one?" her wolf asked, her voice a gentle rumble.Athena sighed, her breath misting in the cool air. "Everything. The curse, Tristan, Lucas...my heart feels like it's being torn apart."Her wolf's presence grew stronger, a warm, comforting energy. "Start with Scarlett. What's bothering you about her?"Athena's eyes closed, her mind replaying the memories. "I just can't believe she'd do this to me. We were friends, or so I thought.""Jealousy and anger can consume even the best of us," her wolf said wisely. "But you can't let it define you. You are more than Scarlett's curse."Athena nodded, her thoughts shifting to Tristan. "And then there's Tristan. My mate. I barely know him, but...I feel it. The bond is strong.""Ah, but that's a good thing!" her wolf exclaimed. "A mate is a gift, a partner to stand by your side.""But what about Lucas?" Athena's voice cracked. "He confessed his love for me, and...I care for him too."Her wolf's presence grew s
Days later, Athena sat with Lucas and Eira in a secluded clearing, the sun casting a warm glow on their faces."I've decided to step down from the Warriors," Athena announced, her voice firm but laced with a hint of uncertainty.Lucas's eyebrows shot up. "Why? You're one of our strongest fighters."Athena's gaze drifted to Eira, seeking understanding. "With Scarlett as our new Luna, I want to avoid any perception of rivalry or tension between us. I'll support her and Jasper from a different role."Eira nodded thoughtfully. "You're thinking of the pack's harmony. But are you sure this is what you want, Athena?"Athena's jaw set in determination. "I'm positive. I'll work with Zephyr the healer, use my skills to aid the pack in a different way. Maybe I would also find a way to break my curse. This is the right decision."Lucas placed a hand on Athena's shoulder. "We'll miss you on the battlefield, but we understand. You're putting the pack's needs first, as always."Eira smiled softly. "