Emily's POV “It's nothing like that. It's just a simple gift to acknowledge our collaboration as allies.”I looked at Matteo.“Are you allowed to talk about that?”Matteo scoffed. “Oh the rider is one of my people, we can say whatever we want around him and nothing bad will happen haha,”“Please take back your gift, I don't want it.”“Well I'm not taking it back so you might as well keep it.”I sighed and placed it on the table.“What's the plan when we get to crystal pack? The deal is that we chase the rogues from the pack but just the two of us can't do that.” I said.“First of all, congratulations on getting back your wolf. Secondly, my people are on the way, they may just arrive a little later.”“I see.”When we arrived at Crystal pack, the Alpha and Luna came out holding each other's hands.The Luna looked at me with a wide smile on her face.“I knew you'd come back, Emily. It's so nice to see you.”“Thank you, Luna.” I responded with a kind smile.Matteo and the Alpha of Crysta
Emily's POV When I stripped out of my clothes, I got into the pond and sighed from how refreshing the water felt against my skin.“Peace,” I whispered. The fatigue of the travel slowly unraveled from me. I wondered where Fayne was but I knew I didn't have to worry as he was probably going to be somewhere around here.I felt a bit guilty as I'd told him that I'd protect him but right now, I was nowhere anywhere around him. ‘It's okay though, he'll be fine. He's capable than you think.’ my wolf came into the surface, calming me down.I soaked my hair in the water and continued to enjoy the soak, then I heard a growl behind the pond.I leaned forward, gasping while trying to listen closely for any sound. Then I sensed a presence behind me.I turned around in the pond and saw a dark brown wolf with some clothes in its mouth. I got out of the pond and looked at the wolf, somehow feeling some sort of understanding towards it. It just felt like I knew it somehow.“Who are you? And why are
Emily's POV “But Alpha, what is your plan exactly?” Adam asked.“In due time, you'll know.” I responded.“By the way, you and Penelope should get going. Have the others retreat and leave. When my brother's warriors arrive, it'll be hard to leave.”“Your brother?” Adam asked.“Yes, my brother Matteo is from the Donovan pack. He has some influence there.”“Oh, I see.” Adam responded.“By the way, how do we reach out to you?”“In Galahad clan. You just have to find the chance. I'll leave the packhouse every red moon so you can find me by that time.” I responded.Adam sighed. “It really is so glad to see you again, but the jewels you gave are not enough to build a pack house.”“I'll send you more when you come to Galahad clan. But please, be very careful and don't put your life in harm's way. Walk in groups so you won't be targeted.”“Okay, thank you Alpha.”“You should get going now.” I said.“Yes,” Adam turned away while Penelope hesitated and turned towards me. “Can I hug you?”I cr
Emily's POV “So, let's go.”“Okay.” I responded to the Alpha of Crystal pack who led the way.Fayne looked at me and followed behind me slowly.We headed to the woods and Matteo sniffed the air.“Oh no, something's wrong.” He said.“What?” I raised a brow.“Before, I sensed some scent around here but now it's not the same. Do you think the rogues left?” Matteo looked to the Alpha of the crystal pack.“Well, I'm unsure what is going on but we'll find out won't we?”“There's land at the forefront, maybe if we go there we'll find some clue.” The Luna of Crystal pack said which led me to smile and nod.Internally, I was nervous. I hoped they did not catch Penelope, Adam and the others. If they did, I was unsure if I would be able to help them.Goosebumps covered my skin as we got to the land at the forefront, there was a running wolf that was spotted and his wolf felt very familiar to me.“There's one,” Matteo whispered. He then brought out his bow and arrow that he was keeping around hi
Emily's POV “I'll leave it then to you.”The warrior was about leaving when all of a sudden, Fayne leaned to the left and his leg hit a thistle on the ground causing a sound to be made. The warrior's ear tilted to the side and he looked towards where Fayne and I were hiding.Fayne looked at me with guilt evidently written on his face.“You stay here,” I said with a definite smile on my face. “I'll go face whatever needs to be faced.”Fayne shook his head no but I ignored him and walked out of our hiding place and looked between the carriage rider and the warrior.The carriage rider turned to the warrior and said, “Go, this is between me and the Luna Emily down. If she is to die, at least her honour must be preserved.”“Yes sir,” the warrior said and left me alone with the carriage rider.I looked at my nails and blew on it gently. “So you're not just a carriage rider, huh?”The carriage smirked at me. “My name is Viper, I am a trained assassin for master Matteo.”“I see. So he has yo
Emily's POV “Emily…” he trailed off.I ignored him and led him into the the carriage and once he was seated, I looked at his hand. The blood had permeated through the fabric which I had used to tie his hand.“Fayne,” I whispered and then ripped apart another layer of my dress and tied his hand.“You do not have to do any of this.” He said.A sigh escaped through my lips. “Why are you so stubborn, Fayne?”I ignored him and turned around to leave when I suddenly felt his grip on my hand.“Fayne,” I said as I faced him.“Kiss me,” he said. “Kiss me before I die.”I stood there in confusion and shock. “Fayne, you don't mean that—”He grabbed me closer to him and before I knew it, I leaned forward out of instinct and our lips pressed onto each other.My eyes widened as I stared at Fayne whose eyes were filled with desire and many more emotions that I'd never noticed before.Fear and passion took over me all at once. Did Fayne like me?I pulled away from the kiss, stunned and filled with a
Emily's POV I was about to leave when I heard him murmur, “Don't go, Emily. Don't leave me.”I looked at him painfully and smiled, “It's alright, Fayne. You'll be fine. You're a strong man.”Then I walked out of my room and flipped my hair back.Beth was outside, tapping her feet against the ground firmly.“I’m ready,” I told her.“Good.” She accessed me from head to toe and then shook her head.“No. Something's wrong.”“What's wrong?” I asked her.“Your outfit.” She responded.“Come on with me, I think I have something good to sneak you into. Although it might not be the best but it is something.”I entered the hut with her and she led me to her room. She opened the closet and handed me a dress that was green and soft looking.“Change into this and meet me outside,” she told me.I collected the cloth from her and changed into it and then looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked like the way that I did when I was living with Fayne. So young and innocent.When I walked outside
Emily's POV I rushed out of the room and went to Beth.“Beth, help me. My friend passed out.”Beth gave me a look. “What? But he should be fine now if he wakes up.”“He did wake up and then he passed out while we were talking.”“Maybe he was just too sleepy and then he passed out.”“Please come check him out.”Beth sighed, “Okay.”Then she walked to the room Fayne was in with me rushing behind her.When she went to check him, her eyes widened and she seemed a little panicked.“Why? What's going on?” I asked her and she shook her head at me.Then she continued to check Fayne's body as well as his pulse. When she eventually untied his wound, she sighed as she turned to me.“He seemed to have been poisoned.”“Poisoned?”I thought of how Fayne was shot and then remembered how brutal Matteo was. If he intended to kill me then he wouldn't let my slave live either least he try to avenge me if something should happen to me.“Can you cure him?” I asked her.She sighed. “The poison seemed to h
Emily's POV The night stretched on like a blade, its sharp edge pressing against my nerves. Sleep was a distant thought, scattered like ashes to the wind. My mind raced, thoughts tangled with fear, determination, and something darker, something that tasted like revenge. I stayed in my room, pacing, my fingers clenching and unclenching. Fayne’s words echoed in my head, and for once, his voice sounded like something more than irritation. It was concern. Desperation. But I couldn’t afford to let it sway me. Not now. Before dawn broke, I slipped from my room and made my way to the training hall. The air was cool, fresh with the scent of rain that hadn’t quite fallen. It was the kind of crispness that made your lungs ache with every breath. The hall was empty, silent but for the quiet creak of the wooden floor beneath my boots. I didn’t want witnesses. Didn’t need anyone to see the way my hands trembled or the ragged edge of my breathing. I grabbed a training dummy, tossing it
Emily's POV “She’s on the eastern border. Brought at least a dozen of her warriors with her.” Melissa’s eyes were wide, panic trembling in her voice. “She’s demanding to speak with you. Alone.” “Alone?” I scoffed. “She must think I’m a fool.” “It’s a trap,” Fayne said, stepping forward. His presence was both reassuring and maddening. After our argument, his loyalty still felt uncertain, a phantom thread swaying in the wind. “She’ll try to catch you off guard.” “I know.” I met his gaze, my own fury barely contained. “But she’s challenging my authority in front of the pack. If I refuse her request, I’ll look weak.” Fayne’s jaw tightened. “So, you’re going?” “Yes.” “I’ll go with you.” His words were iron-clad. “No.” I shook my head, my voice firm. “If she sees me bring you, she’ll think I’m too afraid to face her on my own. This is a test, Fayne. And I’m going to pass it.” His expression twisted with frustration, but he didn’t argue. Melissa, however, looked ready to lau
Emily's POV Fayne remained by my side, his loyalty unwavering. Or so it seemed. But as the days crept by, I couldn’t ignore the way his eyes lingered on me, as if searching for something beyond my words. His fever had broken, but something else had shifted in him, something I couldn’t quite grasp. One afternoon, I found him in the training grounds, slashing through wooden dummies with a ferocity that bordered on madness. Sweat slicked his skin, his breaths ragged. “Fayne,” I called out, my voice slicing through the air. He stilled, knife held loosely in his hand, eyes glazed over with whatever war raged in his mind. “Emily.” His voice was hoarse. “I was just... preparing.” “Preparing for what?” I stepped closer, my gaze sweeping over the wreckage of splintered wood. “For whatever comes.” His gaze flicked to me, something wild and desperate gleaming in his eyes. “You’re surrounded by enemies, Emily. Rosie. The pack members who doubt you. They’ll all come for you eventually
Emily’s POVThe pack house was buzzing with urgency as Melissa rallied the warriors. Shadows danced across the walls, their movements feverish and uncertain. But I couldn’t afford to be uncertain. Fayne walked beside me, his presence a steady anchor despite the chaos. His loyalty was unwavering, but it only fueled my resolve. I couldn’t let him down. I couldn’t let anyone down. When I reached the front gates, I saw her. Alpha Rosie, standing tall and formidable, flanked by her warriors. Their eyes gleamed with challenge, a restless energy crackling through the air. I stepped forward, head held high, my voice cold and unyielding. “Alpha Rosie. You’ve returned sooner than expected.” Her gaze swept over me, a cruel smile twitching at her lips. “I wasn’t satisfied with our last conversation. So I’ve come for answers.” “Answers?” I folded my arms over my chest. “I told you the truth. Jacob is dead. It’s time you accept that and move on.” Her eyes narrowed. “Move on? You think I
Emily’s POV We walked back in silence, the forest thick with the crisp bite of morning air. Fayne’s fingers never left mine, his grip steady, as if he feared I might slip away if he loosened it. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was still clinging to that old version of myself—untouchable, unbreakable. But his warmth seeped into me, a promise I hadn’t realized I’d been craving. Melissa was waiting at the pack house entrance, her brows drawn tight with worry. When she saw us approaching, her expression melted into relief. “Thank the stars.” She rushed over, eyes darting between us. “I was about to send a search party.” “I’m fine,” I said, my voice stronger than I felt. “Fayne’s fine. We’re…” I glanced at him, hesitating. “…we’re good.” His smile was small but genuine, a flicker of something unspoken passing between us. Melissa’s gaze narrowed, suspicion creeping in. “You sure you’re okay, Fayne? You look pale.” “I’m alright,” he replied, though I could see the fatigue etched i
Emily’s POVI couldn’t sleep that night. Fayne’s words echoed in my mind, tearing apart the carefully built walls I’d spent so long reinforcing. *You can’t keep pushing me away.* But I had to. I had to protect myself. To maintain control. Love was a weakness I couldn’t afford. And yet, my chest ached from the void his absence left behind. When dawn’s light spilled through the curtains, I forced myself to rise. There was work to be done. The pack to lead. The illusion of control to maintain. But as I walked through the corridors, I couldn’t ignore the way the pack members avoided my gaze. Whispers lingered on their tongues, doubt festering like an infection. They saw the tension between Fayne and me, the cracks in my authority. I wouldn’t let them see me falter. Not now. Not ever. Melissa found me in the dining hall, her face pale but composed. “Emily, we need to talk.” “What is it?” I snapped, my nerves frayed from a night of sleepless torment. “It’s Fayne.” She hesi
Emily’s POVThe hours passed in a restless blur. I prowled the corridors of Galahad like a caged animal, my mind tangled with thoughts of Fayne, Rosie, and the delicate balance I was struggling to maintain. I’d given Fayne his task, planted the seeds of deception. Now I had to wait for them to take root. But patience had never been my strong suit. Melissa found me in the training hall, my fists slamming into the padded target with punishing precision. The rhythmic thud of my strikes did little to ease the agitation clawing at me. “Emily.” Melissa’s voice was cautious, her steps light as she approached. “Is something troubling you?” “Everything,” I snapped, my fist crashing into the target one last time. “Rosie. Fayne. The constant need to keep everyone in line.” Melissa folded her arms, her gaze steady. “You’ve managed well so far. The pack is loyal to you.” “Only because I make them fear me more than they fear the unknown.” I wiped sweat from my brow, my breathing uneven.
Emily's POV I stormed through the corridors of Galahad, my mind spiraling into dark, desperate plans. The further I went, the more the anger burned. Rosie had dared to come into my territory, spewing accusations and threats, tearing at the threads I’d so carefully woven into control. I couldn’t let her unravel everything. Not when I was so close to consolidating my power. Fayne was a loose end. One that Rosie would undoubtedly try to tug at until it snapped. I reached his door and shoved it open without bothering to knock. Fayne was awake, sitting up in bed, his eyes clouded with fatigue but brightening the moment he saw me. There was something too earnest, too genuine about his smile. “Emily.” My name sounded like a prayer on his lips. I hated it. Loved it. Needed it. “I need to talk to you.” I closed the door behind me, locking it with a flick of my wrist. The air between us thickened, the quiet humming with something sharp and urgent. Fayne’s gaze drifted over me, the
Emily's POVI stormed down the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest. Everything about Fayne rattled me. His persistence, his unwavering devotion—it was infuriating. But most of all, it was terrifying. I couldn’t allow myself to be weak. Not when I had everything I’d ever wanted finally within my grasp. Jacob’s power. His pack. And yet… Fayne’s gaze haunted me more than Jacob’s corpse ever could. “Emily.” Melissa’s voice cut through the whirlwind of my thoughts. I hadn’t even noticed her approaching. She looked at me like she had something important to say, her eyes unusually bright. “What is it, Melissa?” I snapped, too wound up to entertain whatever nonsense she’d come to me with. “There’s… news.” Her voice wavered, something close to fear in her eyes. “What kind of news?” “Rosie. She’s returned.” I felt my breath hitch, a cold chill slipping down my spine. Alpha Rosie of the Thorns Pack wasn’t the kind of woman to back down easily. If she’d come back to Galahad,