Lucine felt a weight lift off his shoulders, grateful to have his brother by his side. Together, they would navigate the challenges ahead, and Lucine could return to his peaceful life, free from the burdens of leadership. He threw a look at his brother, standing beside him, half a head taller than Lucine. Gerald was indeed the alpha material, Lucine sincerely acknowledge.Gerald, the older son, had always been assumed to be the next Alpha, but a tragic event in the past had changed the pack's dynamics. A few years ago, Gerald had been involved in a brutal fight with a rival pack, leaving him with a severe injury that had taken a long time to heal. During his recovery, their father, Alpha Marcus, had begun to doubt Gerald's ability to lead, fearing his impulsiveness and aggression would put the pack in danger.Meanwhile, Lucine, who had always been more reserved and diplomatic, had started to take on more responsibilities within the pack, earning the respect and admiration of the pack
Two days later, Lucine arrived at Crescent Moon Pack's territory, his arms laden with baskets filled with goodies from his mother's kitchen. He couldn't wait to see Rosalind's face light up when he presented her with the treats.He knew he had taken the right decision of rejecting the alpha position, offered by his father. One, he was contented being the delta to the alpha of Crescent Moon, which had become his real home. He also did not want to be at loggerheads with his beloved brother, over such a vain thing. Though the alpha seat came with vast benefits, it also had its various challenges and risks. Most importantly, Lucine wanted to live in Crescent moon Pack with his beautiful mate, Rosalind. He wanted her to stay rooted in her familiar territory, so that she could discover her abilities and fulfill the prophecy given before her birth.Lucine knew how fortunate he was to be mated to such a mate with divine assignment. He might also have a purpose to fulfill but his first destiny
Cathryn smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I'm sure Lucine would be happy to share some stories with you, Lucas. Maybe next time you're in the area, we can have a big gathering and swap tales."As they continued to chat, Lucas felt a sense of connection to this group of friends, who had taken him in and cared for him. He knew he'd always treasure the memories of his time with them.Lucas's eyes shone with excitement as he leaned forward. "I have some news that will interest you, Lucine. Tristan is the fated mate of my dear friend, Athena."Rosalind's eyes sparkled with surprise, but also a hint of knowledge. "We knew Tristan had found his mate, but we didn't know the full details."Cathryn nodded in agreement. "Yes, Tristan had mentioned he'd met someone special, Athena, yes, but he had doubts about it."Lucine's face lit up with a smile. "Well, now we know! I'm so happy for Tristan. He deserves all the happiness in the world."Lucas nodded, his expression serious. "I want to know more abo
Lucas made his way back to Ironclad Dominion Pack, his home, after weeks of being away. He had fought against the forces of The Order, led by Brody, whose position Lucas later took after Brody betrayed the pack by teaming up with Akira, the female alpha in league with the Order.Lucas remembered how he got infected. The battle had been hot and Brody targeted their alpha, Jasper. He wanted to either kill or infect him, thereby taking control of their pack. As a good Beta of the Alpha, Lucas impulsively took the bite for Jasper, pushing him away and taking his the ‘bullet’ in his stead. As he journeyed through the forest between the two packs, Lucas remembered his fight against the infection. It was a deadly one. His mind went back to his time in the Order’s camp, how many werewolves were brought in everyday and infected. Some survived the infection while many died, their flesh rotting away while they were still alive, because they refused to take the second dose. They knew the second
Lucas's eyes took on a faraway look as he spoke of Rosalind, the healer who had saved him. "She was like an angel, her touch gentle, her magic powerful. She healed more than just my physical wounds... she healed my soul."Athena and Eira listened, entranced, as Lucas continued. "Rosalind is Tristan's brother... Tristan, your mate, Athena."Athena's eyes locked onto Lucas's, her face filled with a mix of emotions. "What do you know of him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Lucas's expression turned curious. "Only that Rosalind spoke of him with love and respect. But I sense there's more to the story, Athena. You've met him, haven't you?"Athena nodded, her cheeks flushing. "We were mated by the moon goddess herself. It was... intense."Eira's eyes widened, her gaze snapping between Athena and Lucas. "What was it like?"Athena's gaze dropped, her voice shy. "It was like our souls were ignited, our hearts beating as one. But we were separated soon after... I've felt his abse
Athena's eyes dropped, her gaze hiding a secret. "I'm happy for you, Lucas. Truly, I am." But her voice was laced with a hint of melancholy, a sorrow she couldn't shake.Eira's eyes narrowed, her intuition on high alert. "Athena, what's wrong? You can tell us."Athena's shoulders sagged, the weight of her secret crushing her. "You know already. I have a curse," she whispered, the words barely audible. "A curse against my happiness."Lucas's eyes widened, his face pale. "What do you mean?"Athena's voice trembled. "It manifested when I found Tristan, my fated mate. If I don't find a way to break it before my 21st birthday, it'll kill me."Eira's gasp filled the air, her eyes horror-stricken. "That's less than three years away!"Athena's nod was barely perceptible. "I know. I've been searching for a way to break it, but... nothing's worked so far."Lucas's face set in determination. "We'll help you, Athena. We won't let this curse defeat you."Athena's smile was faint, her eyes welling
As they journeyed from Ironclad Dominion pack to Crescent Moon Pack, the moon cast its silvery glow upon their path, illuminating their determination to break the curse and restore Athena's happiness. A ride in Jasper’s van had made their journey faster and easier, with the writhing Athena pained under the influence of the curse.The group arrived at Celestial Moon Pack, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the face of their mission. Lucas led them to Rosalind's cottage, a soft glow emanating from within.Rosalind, her hair shining like starlight, opened the door, her eyes filled with concern. "Lucas, what brings you here? And who's this?"Lucas's words tumbled out in a rush. "This is Athena, Rosalind, my friend that I told you about.” Rosalind nodded in understanding of Athena, being the fated mate of her twin brother, Tristan. Lucas continued with pleading eyes. “Athena's cursed, Rosalind. A curse against her happiness. We need your help to break it."Rosalind's expression tur
Rosalind's eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking onto Athena's still form. "She's alive," she whispered, "but barely. The curse took a terrible toll. We need to get her to a healer, now." Rosalind declared, in her confused state.As they gathered around Athena's fragile form, the weight of their struggle settled upon them. The curse might be broken, but the true fight – to save Athena's life – had only just begun.Eira’s shaky voice quietly asked, “Where do we find a greater healer?”Just as Rosalind was about to respond, a warm, gentle voice filled the room. "Rosalind, dear, I brought some Silverleaf tea. It'll help you replenish your energy."Cathryn, Rosalind's mother, entered the room, a steaming cup in her hands. Her eyes took in the scene before her, and her expression softened with concern.Rosalind's eyes lit up with gratitude as she accepted the cup. "Mother, thank you."Cathryn's hands wrapped around Rosalind's, infusing warmth and comfort. "You're the healer, Rosalind. Trus