Olivia’s povI stared, shocked, as Alpha Reed stood in front of me, shaking off the pain from his hand, his knuckles bloody from the impact. The room descended into stunned silence, save for the laboured breathing of Adam, now sprawled on the floor. Victor, his voice laden with authority and restrained fury, commanded, "Adam, leave the hall immediately." Adam pushed himself up, wiping blood from his mouth, and shot a venomous glare at Reed before staggering toward the exit. His final words, echoing through the tense atmosphere, left a foreboding chill, "This isn't over." One by one, everyone else began to disperse. Reed turned to me, his eyes softening from the steel they held moments ago. "Are you okay, Olivia?" he asked, concern threading through his deep voice. I nodded, my breath returning to normal. "Thank you, Reed. I didn’t expect that..." He smiled despite his battered knuckles. "Sometimes, strength is in stepping up when it's least expected." As the hall emptied, I caug
Alexander’s POV I hadn’t slept a wink last night. The worry for Olivia's safety ate away at me. Even though we had gotten away with Derek's murder, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was still far from over. Last night's events played on a loop in my mind, a knot tightening in my chest each time I thought of Olivia. She had become strong, so different from the delicate, wolfless girl she once was. But I couldn't shake the feeling that it was causing her more harm than good. My gaze shifted to the clock; I had a mission today, and it was one I couldn't delay. Adam was a ticking time bomb, and if he was anything like his deceased Alpha, he wouldn't let this go easily. I needed to ensure the safety of Olivia and Lidia before things spiralled out of control. I left my room and made my way to Victor’s hotel. The city bustled around me, completely unaware of the tension lingering in the background. Reaching Victor's door, I knocked firmly, hearing his footsteps approach quickly. "A
Olivia’s POV I decided to step away from the confines of the suffocating walls and venture outside. Fresh air often worked wonders, clearing my mind even when emotions threatened to engulf me. Descending the ornate staircase, the faint echoes of a conversation drew my attention toward the main hall. Victor was engaged in a low-voiced discussion with Reed. My gaze inadvertently fixated on Reed, making his eyes snap to mine. His face lit up with a wide smile, something that should have given me butterflies, but still, I couldn’t seem to feel that way about him. Reed stepped away from Victor, his feet carrying him quickly to my side. Gently taking my hand in his, he brought it to his lips, placing a tender kiss on my knuckles. "Good morning, beautiful," he said, his voice soft and filled with genuine concern. "I just thought I would come and see how you are feeling after last night." My cheeks warmed at his attentiveness. "Good morning, Reed. I'm okay, really. I was just about to go f
Victor's POV Surrounded by stacks of documents and reports from various sectors of the kingdom, I allowed myself a moment of respite, my eyes drifting to a framed portrait of Olivia, Lidia, and me from years ago. The bond we shared had always been a source of strength, even through our most challenging times. The voices of Olivia and Reed abruptly pulled me from my thoughts. Their conversation echoed from the hallway, carrying a tone I could barely recognise. I strained to make out words, concern gnawing at me. I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor, and moved toward my door just as Olivia's room door closed softly. Opening my door slightly, I was greeted by Reed’s forced smile. "Is everything alright, Reed?" I asked, folding my arms casually yet ready to spring into action if needed. Reed shrugged, his smile unwavering. "Of course, Victor. Olivia just wanted to see the twins." I nodded, but before I could close the door, Reed kept talking. "Victor, it's just so
Beta Adam's POV My hatred for Olivia and Lidia had become an all-consuming fire that burned through my every waking moment. I would make them pay if it was the last thing I ever did. As I prowled the shadows outside the hotel, I couldn't tear my eyes away from Olivia. She appeared strong now, her wolf fully awakened, but all I saw was a deceitful murderer. My hands clenched into fists, fingernails digging painfully into my palms as I watched her take a walk with Reed. Reed’s protective stance only fuelled my rage further. He was a tangible obstacle now, a barrier between me and my vengeance. The sneer on my lips stayed firmly in place as I trailed behind them from a safe distance, my heart throbbing with barely contained fury. “How dare she laugh and smile as if my Alpha’s death meant nothing to her?” I muttered under my breath, relishing the idea of bringing her laughter to an end. Every step I took shadowing her was a step closer to justice. But every glance she shared with Ree
Cassandra's POV I’d barely settled into my room when a rapid, almost frantic knock shook the door. My pulse quickened. I crossed the room in swift, silent strides and, without bothering to check, thrust the door open. A young pack member stood before me, eyes wide with anxiety. "What are you, stupid?" I hissed, yanking him inside with a strength unexpected from someone my size. "If anyone sees you here..." He squared his shoulders, forcing an air of composure. "Beta Adam sent me with an urgent message. He wants you to meet him tonight." I eyed him for a moment, weighing the significance of the message. "Tell him I'll be there," I replied evenly, pushing him back toward the door. As soon as he left, I closed my eyes and reached out with my mind, honing in on the familiar, comforting presence of my mate. **I need to see you before tonight. Can you meet me in an hour? ** His response was quick and reassuring: **Yes, Cassandra. I’ll be there. ** Satisfied, I moved to the mirror, a
Cassandra's POV A dull ache throbbed at the back of my head as consciousness slowly returned. My throat felt parched and sore, each breath a dry rasp. Opening my eyes, I was greeted by darkness and the clinking sound of metal against stone. As my vision adjusted, muted shapes began to form around me. Panic set in when I realised I was chained to a chair, cold and unforgiving against my skin. My heart pounded erratically as I strained against the chains, but they held firm. Every movement sent jolts of pain through my bruised wrists. I desperately scanned the room, the dim light revealing only bare walls and a thick wooden door. The unmistakable scent of dampness and decay permeated the air. *What is this place? Where am I? * Questions swam through my mind in rapid succession. I tried to recall how I ended up here, and flashes of memory returned—my confrontation with Adam, his grip on my throat, the encroaching darkness. A muffled voice outside the door drew my attention. It grew l
Alexander’s POV Fatigue gnawed at my bones, each step I took feeling heavier than the last. Keeping an eye on Olivia all day from the shadows had been draining, both physically and emotionally. Watching her with Reed had been even more torturous. Seeing them together stirred a devastating ache within me, but that couldn't be my focus right now. Protecting Olivia was all that mattered, even if it meant swallowing my own pain.Stepping inside my room, I threw my jacket down on the bed and began to peel off my clothes, heading for the shower. I had a long night ahead of me sitting guard outside of Olivia's hotel, and I knew that if I didn’t shower and grab something to eat, then I would fall asleep on the job. Getting into the shower, the warm water washed over me, and leaning my head back, letting it take away my tiredness, I closed my eyes. Images of Olivia flashed through my mind.Every inch of my body craved to be with her again, to feel the touch of her soft skin against mine, but
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