I looked down at Lydia and myself, covered in blood and trembling from the adrenaline. There was no way we could walk out on the street like this; questions would swarm us, and the last thing we needed right now was more attention."Alright, we need to disguise ourselves," I said, my voice firmer than I felt.Lydia nodded weakly, clutching at the remains of her dress. I glanced around the dingy room, looking for anything we could use. There was a pile of rags in the corner—old, discarded clothing. They were dirty and smelled of neglect, but they would have to do. I quickly grabbed a couple of pieces, handing one to Lydia."Put this on," I instructed, already pulling a tattered coat over my own bloody, torn clothes. We both moved quickly, driven by the need to escape as fast as possible."Do you think he'll come after us?" Lydia asked, her voice quivering as she changed into the rags.Her words left me confused. How could she think that a dead man could come after us? But then it sunk
Alexanders pov As I left the elders' council, the night draped the street in a shroud of shadows. Frustration ate at me. I had stayed back after the meeting to see if there was anything else they could tell me. I wanted to be ready for whatever was about to come so I could protect the ones I loved, but they told me nothing. Their cryptic warnings about the new threat had been useless. In my role as the Alpha King, I needed clarity and strategy—not riddles. The elders’ evasiveness had done nothing but heighten my unease.I decided to take the long way back to the hotel. It wasn't just for the sake of clearing my mind; the prospect of facing Cassandra immediately made my skin crawl.Something across the street caught my attention: two people standing in the dark. There was something about them that made me stop and watch them. Then, a familiar smell in my nostrils. I knew that scent anywhere. Walking slowly, I crossed the street, straining to hear their conversation. I couldn’t make ou
Alexander's POV**The stark, empty corridors of the building echoed with my hurried footsteps. My mind whirred with strategic calculations as I made my way to Derek’s body. Every decision from here needed to be precise and meticulous—any slip-up could mean chaos for our already fragile peace.I reached the room and paused for a moment before entering. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door, the metallic tang of blood immediately hitting my nostrils. Derek's lifeless body lay sprawled on the floor, a pool of crimson spreading around him. Seeing him like this, despite knowing the circumstances, didn’t invoke any sorrow. Derek had been a cruel, ruthless wolf who thought he could take whatever he wanted without consequence. His end was inevitable and ultimately necessary for the safety of those I cared about.Still, practicalities demanded that I remove his body from here and put it somewhere no one would ever find it. I had to protect Olivia. The world could never know what she did
Alexander's POV**As I entered the hotel lobby. My mind was a storm of thoughts, each tinged with urgency. I had to make sure Olivia was alright, yet the haunting reminder of Derek's body weighed heavily on me. I climbed the stairs two at a time until I reached Olivia's floor.Pausing briefly at her door, I took a deep breath before knocking lightly. It swung open to reveal Olivia, Lydia, and Victor all seated in a circle, their faces a mix of concern and anticipation. Lydia's eyes were still red from crying, and Victor’s protective aura enveloped them both.Victor was the first to notice me. As our eyes met, he stood up and made his way toward me. His glance was layered with gratitude and an unspoken understanding.“Alexander,” he greeted softly, “can we talk outside?”Without a word, I followed him into the dimly lit hallway. The tension hung heavy. As soon as the door closed behind us, sealing Olivia and Lydia inside, Victor turned to me.“Thank you,” he began, his voice thick with
Olivia’s POV The night was an unbearable maze of restlessness and anxiety. Alexander stayed with me, watching over me. In the dim light of my room, he was a fortress of strength. I couldn’t remember when I’d last felt so vulnerable, so dependent on someone else's protection. His arms wrapped around me like a protective cocoon, warding off the relentless tidal waves of dread that kept crashing against my consciousness. Closing my eyes, I nestled closer into his chest, feeling the rhythmic beat of his heart—a calming counterpoint to my own erratic pulse. Despite the comfort his presence offered, an insidious worry gnawed at my insides. Could he really protect me? Not just from external threats, but from the demons of my own making? Alexander’s fingers traced gentle patterns on my back, and his breath was warm against my ear. "It's going to be alright, Olivia," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "I know," I whispered, though my voice quivered with uncertainty
Alexander's POV Two days had passed since Derek's demise, and I had been on high alert. Standing in the hall with all the alphas, I turned my head as someone walked in through the doors. My heart quickened as I realised it was Derek's Beta, Adam. He walked with a determined stride, his eyes scanning the room with an unwavering focus. I knew what he was here for, and it made my stomach twist into knots. I kept a discreet distance, listening carefully as Adam approached the elders. He exchanged nods with them before getting straight to the point. "Elders, we need to talk. Alpha Derek is missing, and I need your help to find him." The elders exchanged worried glances. One of them, a grizzled old wolf named Samuel, responded solemnly, "Very well, Adam. We'll bring everyone together and ask if anyone knows of his whereabouts." A surge of panic coursed through me. I couldn't let that happen. I turned on my heel and quickly made my way over to Victor, who was standing talking to Reed.
Olivia’s POV My heart pounded as we hurried to Lidia's room. We had little time to prepare for the confrontation that awaited us in the hall. I needed to be strong, not just for myself but also for Lidia. "Lidia," I called softly as I gently pushed open the door. She sat on the edge of her bed, looking like a fragile doll about to shatter. Her eyes, still red from crying, met mine. "Olivia," she whispered, her voice trembling. "We need to go. Now."Lidia sat there staring at me, her eyes wide with fear as she began to shake her head. “No, no, I can't face anyone. They’ll know that I had something to do with it.”Closing the distance between us, kneeling down in front of her, I took her hands in mine. “Listen to me, Lidia. You did nothing wrong, and I know you're not ready to face anyone, but we don’t have a choice.”She stared at me, her eyes still holding so much pain. “I don’t know if I can hold it together.”Standing up, I pulled her to her feet. “We don’t have a choice. But I
The air felt electric with tension as Victor’s words reverberated through the room. I could feel Lidia press closer to me, her trembling fingers digging into my arm. There were so many eyes on us, judgement and suspicion palpable in every glance. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, feeling the weight of the room shift onto me. “Victor is right. We need to remain focused,” I said, my voice surprisingly steady. “Lidia has been with me, and if anyone doubts that, I’m willing to swear on it.” Adam's eyes narrowed further. “And why should we believe you, Olivia? She is your sister, and of course, you would lie for her.” Adams's eyes burned into mine, but I refused to let him get to me. There was too much at stake here.Adam's voice took a darker turn. "Let's not pretend Lidia is innocent. Derek was pursuing her, and everyone knew it. Maybe she got tired of his advances and decided to—” “Enough!” I cut him off, my own voice surprising me with its strength. “Lidia has been with me th
Olivia's povA foreboding chill crept into my bones as Reed’s pack vanished behind us, the vast wilderness stretching ahead. My mind was a whirlwind, thoughts flitting like moths around a flame, settling briefly before being cast aside by another pressing concern. Derek’s pack was our destination; saving them demanded urgency that no distraction could deter.The carriage was silent except for the rhythmic clatter of wheels against uneven ground. Alexander sat beside me, his presence comforting but our peace tinged with a palpable tension. Every piece of me ached to reach those in need.As we drew closer, the air shifted, the sweet scent of forest mingling with something acrid and metallic—an unmistakable prelude to the chaos awaiting us. Blood. I inhaled deeply, my senses sharpening, a familiar heat flaring through my veins as we approached the hallowed ground of Derek’s realm. I know longer cared what Reed may have told Derek's pack about me all I wanted to do was help them.In a sud
Reed's PovThe afternoon sun filtered through the trees as I paced the clearing, my thoughts consumed with plans that only I could comprehend. The breeze swept through the whispering birches, making melodies in the leaves, but my mind was deaf to it. I had called a meeting with the pack; each pack member was summoned to our usual rendezvous.When they had all gathered, a mixture of young and battle-worn faces encircled me. I could see their concern, their uncertainty reflected back, shadows of doubt clouding their eyes. "Listen up," I began, feeling their attention zag toward me. "There have been sightings of the dark rogues getting close to us, and I believe tonight they will come."I paused, letting the words sink in. The air grew tense as if holding its breath along with them. A few murmurs erupted, soft as the rustle of leaves, but I raised my hand, silencing them once more. Their loyalty was commendable, but their faith in me needed shoring up."You've heard whispers about the sp
Olivias povThe road was filled with a tense quietness as the carriage bounced over rugged terrain. The scent of pine mingled with the crisp chill in the air, an intoxicating reminder of the mountain's nosebleed peaks and swathes of woodland stretching endlessly beneath the sky. Alexander and I remained silent. Our focus aligned on the journey to the packs that needed us. The horses' hooves pounded rhythmically against the ground, a steady heartbeat pushing us onward."We'll be there soon," Alexander said softly, breaking the delicate bubble of contemplation enveloping us. His voice was a soothing balm against the trepidation I felt, but I knew better than to dwell on them. Before I could reply, Reed's pack came into view as we cleared another slope, and my heart clenched momentarily—as my mind drifted back to all the horrible things that Reed had done, Cassandra’s face flashing before my eyes. I shook my head, pushing the thought out of my head as fast as it came. His town sprawled
Alexanders povThe morning had barely begun, yet the weight of the world pressed heavily on our shoulders as Olivia and I walked down to the triplet alphas' office. The hallway was alive with murmurs, everyone eager to thank Olivia. Each gesture of gratitude was a vital reminder of just how much we owed her. The warmth in their eyes contrasted sharply with the shadow of worry that clung stubbornly to her face."Olivia," a young omega called, offering a shy smile as we passed. "Thank you for saving us."Olivia nodded, though her eyes betrayed her restlessness. I could feel her tension like an electric current between us. The dream she had last night weighed on her like lead, and I understood her fear—it was the fear that gnawed at me, too. Our thoughts were locked on our children, Liam and Sarah, who were miles away in the city, possibly at the mercy of dark rogues.As we entered the office, the room was already buzzing with discussions on our next move. The triplet alphas—Cole, Casper
Olivia's povI found a spot overlooking the pack grounds, where I could see the far horizon painted with hues of twilight. Sitting down, exhaustion overwhelmed me. My body ached from the turmoil of the past days, and my eyelids were heavy, struggling to remain open. Despite knowing I should stay alert, sleep tugged at me with relentless persistence. Just a moment, I told myself, my eyes slipping shut as I drifted off.In an instant, I was home, laughter echoing around me. Liam and Sarah, my joyful twins, ran ahead, their giggles a balm to my weary soul. Chasing after them, I called out, the evening's gentle glow transforming suddenly as the sky turned an ominous shade of black."Time to come inside!" I shouted, but only their laughter answered. Confusion churned in my gut as I searched the darkening landscape. The shadows around swirled, their movements taunting and elusive. Panic flared sharply as the twins' laughter ceased, replaced by silence."Liam! Sarah!" I yelled, desperation c
Olivia's povWith my heart drumming loudly in my ears, I watched Victor. He lay still, his breathing shallow as the Glass warmth kissed his lips. My hands lingered close, trembling with uncertainty. "Drink, Victor, please," I urged softly, my voice barely above a whisper, a prayer wrapped in hope.I held my breath, time moving languidly, stretching uneasily around us. The weight of the moment pressed heavily upon my shoulders. Each heartbeat felt like an endless echo, my pulse a desperate chorus in the quiet room. And just when doubt threatened to choke me, Victor’s lips parted softly. His throat moved, taking in the liquid, a small sip at first, then another. Relief washed over me, the tension slowly uncoiling as I watched the colour gradually begin to return to his cheeks. With every drop he swallowed, I felt the oppressive heat that had wrapped around him like chains begin to diminish.I didn’t allow myself to get too hopeful, not yet—not until I was sure. But the change was undeni
Olivias povI turned sharply, and the chill that ran down my spine got colder when I saw what the panic in Alexander's eyes was about. On the floor lay Victor, my brother, motionless. Alexander was kneeling beside him, urgently checking his pulse."Victor!" I cried out, racing to his side. My heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out any other noise. Kneeling down, I reached for his hand. It was cold and clammy, a stark contrast to the fever emanating all around us. A knot tightened in my stomach."He collapsed just now," Alexander explained, urgency bleeding into his tone. His hand was on Victor's chest, listening to the shallow rise and fall of his breath. "He must have tried to hide how he was feeling to help the others."A heavy, suffocating wave of fear threatened to pull me under. Victor was always the strongest, the rock of our family, alongside our shared purpose to protect. Seeing him so vulnerable was a blow I wasn't prepared for.At that moment, only one thought pulsed th
Olivias pov"What's happening, Victor?" I asked, my voice steady despite the fear and panic swirling inside of me.He hesitated, eyes flickering with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher—worry, seriousness. "It's the pack," he finally said, each word carrying the gravity of bad news. "Many of them are very sick—and it's spreading fast."My heart thudded, a drum pounding within my chest. "Sick? How?" I pressed, urgency soaring through every syllable."It started an hour ago with the members who were near the fire, inhaling the smoke. We just thought that it was from breathing in too much of that toxic smoke and would go away once they got some fresh air and rest," Victor explained, his eyes briefly meeting mine, filled with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "But now it's spreading wider, reaching even those who were not directly affected."Panic began its insidious climb within me. "We need to see them," Alexander interjected, his voice a steady beacon of purpose.Victor nodded, leading
Olivia's povI stood on the balcony, watching the grey clouds climb higher—the leftover ashes of the dark burning up. The sharp smell filled the air, making it hard to breathe, yet it was a burden we had to carry. As much as I wanted to rest, a nagging feeling kept me awake. The rogues haunted us, their threats hiding in every shadow, reminding us of the danger we faced.The night quickly draped around us, its shadows reaching out like curious hands, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave the sight of the smoke rising into the evening sky. Frustration threatened to overflow; I was exhausted beyond words, yet adrenaline kept me tied to what lay below. Each heartbeat carried the hope that this would be the end of it.A soft sound broke the silence, and I turned to see Alexander standing there, concern softly marking his face. His presence was warmth against the cold pressing in, and I fought the urge to collapse into his arms."You should be asleep, Olivia," he said, his voice gentle.I s