The day of the union ceremony dawned bright and clear, the sun casting a warm glow over the gathered packs. The air was alive with excitement and tension as the two Alphas, Jasper and Scarlett, prepared to solidify their bond.The ceremony took place in a vast clearing, surrounded by the combined packs of the Moonlight and Dominion. The atmosphere was electric, the scent of damp earth and wildflowers filling the air.Jasper, resplendent in his ceremonial attire, stood tall, his eyes fixed on Scarlett. She, too, was dressed in her finest, a flowing silver gown that somehow fitted her firmly yet billowed in the breeze. Her jewelries were of the best quality, displaying her alpha status clearly. All the elders of her pack were present. They had brought her up when her parents went missing after a pack attack. When she came of age, Scarlett had automatically slid into the alpha position, ruling her pack with the wisdom of her elders. She had a rough childhood and had become possessive ov
The rogues, their eyes fixed on Athena's helpless form, crept closer, their paws making barely a sound on the forest floor. Sheila's whisper seemed to echo in their minds: "Athena's under the old oak, alone and vulnerable."With a chorus of snarls, the rogues pounced, their teeth bared and ready to strike. Athena, still reeling from Scarlett's drugged touch, didn't stand a chance.The first rogue, a burly wolf with a scar above his eye, landed on Athena's chest, pinning her to the ground. The others followed, their jaws snapping wildly as they tried to get a grip on her.Athena's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused and confused. She tried to struggle, but her limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. The rogues' hot breath washed over her, their growls growing louder as they sensed victory.Just as all hope seemed lost, a fierce cry echoed through the forest, followed by the sound of crashing underbrush. The rogues' heads jerked up, their ears perked in surprise ... as a figure burst int
Athena knew she should thank Tristan for saving her from the rogues but she could not think straight or feel grateful as she was. Her embarrassment knew no bounds. She had seen Tristan when he came into the wedding venue. She recognized him instantly. He was the ‘rogue’ that escaped her arrest, her first failed mission. If not that she was able to apprehend the real culprit then, she would not mind arresting Tristan, even now. Though he seems stronger than he was then, she could still handle him. And he was holding her with that brute strength of his. She needed to be in charge. Athena's struggles intensified, her body thrashing against Tristan's grip. "Let me go, you brute!" she snarled, her teeth bared.Tristan's eyes flashed with amusement, but he held firm. "Not until you calm down, little fireball."With a sudden surge of strength, Athena broke free, her fists flying once more. Tristan dodged, but Athena was relentless, her blows raining down on him.As they fought, they stumble
Tristan's mind reeled as he gazed at Athena, his thoughts tangled in a web of confusion. One moment, they were fighting; the next, they were...mated? He stumbled backward, his eyes fixed on the shimmering bond between them. Was this what his mother was referring to? The fated mate? The divine one; ordained by the moon goddess? Could the elusive figure he saw just now be the Moon Goddess? Tristan knew he was done for? Fated mate? At this stage of his life?The mate bond pulsed like a living thing, a glittering silver cord that connected them. Tristan's human upbringing made him wary of such mystical concepts, but he couldn't deny the reality before him."What...what just happened?" Tristan stammered his voice barely above a whisper. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.Athena's eyes locked onto his, a mix of emotions swirling within them. Tristan saw the confusion, the uncertainty, and something more – a deep, primal connection that spoke to his ver
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