Cecilia POV I quickly took a shower and changed my clothes before going to see Zara.Zara and Lamar's room was just below mine. Thus, it was easy to guess that Julian had intentionally placed my room next to his.Zara's curtains were drawn, and Lamar was busy installing new ones for her."She said the light was too bright, and it was affecting her sleep, which was why she made me take down my curtains and put them up here. What kind of selfish friend is that?" Lamar complained to me."It's just a curtain! Why are you being so petty?" Zara threw a pillow at Lamar. "Show me the video," I demanded, cutting straight to the chase. Small talk was the last thing on my mind."It's pretty brutal, so brace yourself," Zara cautioned as she retrieved her phone and navigated through several screens. A chorus of screams bled from the speakers as she handed the device to me.The video displayed a grim scene: several men were chained in a dark, empty room. They were naked and being beaten.
Cecilia POVThe location of the two wolves was swiftly determined with a quick call to their former comrades. After a modest lunch at the barracks, Julian's subordinates ushered the apprehended werewolves into the room."Where was this video shot? Who are the people being mistreated?" Julian approached them, playing the video. Instantly, their heads drooped, the earlier smugness on their faces giving way to dread."It was shot in a prisoner camp. The victims are war captives from the Western Kingdom," replied one of the taller men. He glanced nervously at Julian, quickly adding, "It wasn't me! I didn't film it. Alex did— he's one of Freeda's guys. "Just two days ago, he was boasting online about how tough he is. I couldn't stand it and snapped at him, and that's when he sent me the video.""Do you think abusing war prisoners is something to boast about?" I interjected sharply. I was appalled that such brutes could be considered soldiers."No, absolutely not," the shorter man
Cecilia POV"Go back? To the Lotus Pack?" I looked at him, surprised."Yes. Hogan has already sent reinforcements, so there's no need for concern anymore. You handled things well this time, and I'll ensure Hogan acknowledges your contributions." He patted my shoulder, carefully avoiding any more personal gestures in public.In that fleeting moment, a twinge of disappointment hit me—it seemed our relationship couldn't be acknowledged openly."But I don't want to leave. We've just unearthed new clues about my family's murder."Truthfully, it wasn't just the case that made me want to stay; I was also worried about Julian's safety. Still, I held back from voicing all my concerns."It's too risky for you to stay. Once the war kicks off, I won't be able to ensure your safety," he argued."I promise I won't be a burden. I'm an Alpha, too," I said, offering him a reassuring smile.Julian hesitated for a moment before giving in. "Alright. But if the situation escalates, I'll have Mario
Cecilia POVThe neon lights washed the bar in a soft haze, the pounding music syncing with the turmoil in my heart.I unbuttoned the top of my shirt in a futile attempt to relieve the frustration within me. My friends laughed and drank nearby, but their joy couldn't scrub away the image of Julian with those twins.I wondered what they were doing right now."Why should I care?" I muttered, swirling the liquid in my glass aimlessly."Can I buy you a drink?" a deep voice interrupted my thoughts.As I looked up, I was startled to see a tall and handsome man standing in front of me. He had golden hair and high cheekbones. Although he was smiling, his icy eyes seemed to peer directly into my soul.I paused, eyeing my half-empty glass, but before I could respond, he was already signaling the bartender."Another one for her," he said, turning back to me with a smile that momentarily quickened my pulse."You seem like you could use some fun tonight," he remarked as he handed me the
Julian POVSeeing Cecilia's jealous expression earlier had doused my anger in an instant.I had called her more than ten times that night, but she didn't answer. I then realized she had left her phone in the room and was nowhere to be found.When I noticed Zara and Lamar were also missing, it became clear Cecilia had likely joined them. Still, sneaking out and breaking orders wasn't like her. After all, she had always adhered strictly to rules.The possibility of her being jealous of those twin sisters hadn't crossed my mind.The next morning, after a meeting with several generals, I asked Mario to linger as the room cleared."Did you bring in those twin sisters to drive Cecilia away intentionally? She has been a significant asset to us. Why do you harbor such hostility toward her?" I demanded."I don't hate her. I'm just preparing her for the reality of what it will be like when you find your mate," Mario responded nonchalantly, his demeanor unrepentant."I've waited over tw
Cecilia POVMy body quivered as I felt my wolf's strength swell within me, fueled by Nana's fervent desire to engage in battle. Casting one last glance at Julian, I raced to the balcony, leaped into the darkened sky, and landed deftly on the ground below. The cacophony of the ongoing battle enveloped me, the scent of the Rogues' pack sharp in my nostrils as I sprinted through the streets. By the time I dashed toward the battlefront, the werewolf soldiers behind me growled.I was their leader; victory was the only acceptable outcome.Yet, as I approached the fray, poised to shred the Rogues with tooth and claw, I sensed Julian's presence close behind, his protectiveness casting a long shadow over me. I pushed him away, urging him to concentrate on his own skirmishes.Zara's presence on my flank provided a comforting reassurance. As a night warrior, her movements were lethal and swift. Lamar was on my other side. As he growled under his breath, he swiftly shifted. Toweri
Vahn POVAs I stood on the balcony of the manor, I watched the clouds shift and swirl in the sky. Below, the wheat fields of the Thorn Pack shimmered golden, heralding the season of harvest—a joy I found myself unable to share.I remembered the days when I returned from the battlefield, buoyed by victory and the thrill of driving the sports car Hogan had gifted me. Back then, Freeda and I were brimming with spirits, but now, I was but a shadow of that vibrant young commander.The weight of being twenty million dollars in debt was crushing, stifling my breath. Investments came with risks, indeed. However, their returns seemed to be worth it. Freeda and I had once thought that venturing into entrepreneurship would be straightforward, especially when juxtaposed with the dangers of war. Moreover, our wedding had drained our family's savings, pushing us into a desperate need for more income.Thus, we ventured into crowdfunding, raising twenty million to invest in a vineyard-th
Vahn POVI had Evan, my Beta, rally 500 soldiers from both the Thorn Pack and the Blade Pack. They were instructed to march through the night, heading directly for Ashfall.Freeda and I departed from Black Stone immediately. Any delay could mean the slip of 20 million through our fingers."Don't worry. We'll make it there in less than 24 hours," Freeda reassured me."Are you kidding me? The Ashfall airport is still out of commission?" I exclaimed in frustration after checking the flight schedules. "Looks like we'll have to land in the nearest city and drive the rest of the way.""It's no big deal. Once we prove ourselves in this battle, we can ask Hogan for a helicopter as part of our reward.""You're right!" I squeezed her hand, feeling the rush of confidence that always came before a fight.The past few months had been a whirlwind of drama. Between the divorce, remarriage, and our floundering hotel venture, Freeda and I were constantly at odds.Her jealousy flared unpredictab