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
Beta Adam's POV I stood in the dank, dimly lit basement, watching Cassandra's eyes widen with terror as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. It brought a twisted sense of satisfaction to see fear flash in those defiant eyes. One of my loyal pack members, Roger, entered the room, his face veiled with shadows that danced wildly against the flickering light. "I delivered the note to Alexander, as you ordered,” Roger announced, his voice drenched in subservience. “Good,” I replied, my eyes firmly locked on Cassandra. A plan was beginning to take shape in my mind, each cruel detail crystallising with each passing second. With steady, deliberate steps, I approached her, eyes dark with malicious intent. Her breath hitched, and she struggled vainly against the chains that bound her. Upon reaching her, instead of inflicting the pain she expected, I surprised her—and perhaps even myself—by unlocking the iron restraints around her wrists. She rubbed her sore wrists, disbelief eviden
Olivia's POV I could practically feel the twins' impatience radiating through the walls of the hotel suite. Liam's voice filtered through the threshold, his pleas amplifying in volume with each passing moment. "Mummy, when can we see Daddy?" he asked for the thousandth time, his little face scrunched in a mixture of determination and frustration. Beside him, Sarah tugged at my sleeve, her eyes wide with the same eagerness. "Please, Mummy? We miss him so much." My heart ached to see their longing expressions. They were the unwitting victims caught in the crossfire of adult conflicts, and it wasn't fair. I sighed, weighing my options. Stubborn and driven, the twins wouldn't relent until they got what they wanted. "Alright, we'll go see him," I conceded softly. Their eyes lit up with joy, and their tiny hands clapped in celebration. The tension that had held me captive all morning started to lift if only a little. "Let's go then," I said, leading them toward the door. “But we hav
Alexander’s POVThe cool night air whipped past my face as I sprinted through the woods, my wolf senses guiding me like an invisible compass. Cassandra’s scent weaved through the trees, leading me deeper into the forest. Even know I didn’t want to be with her, she didn’t deserve this, none of it. And I would make sure that Adam paid for every ounce of her suffering. The old building appeared through the dense growth, an eerie silhouette against the moonlit sky. The stench of decay and rogue wolves mingled in the air, fuelling my rage. Each step I took heightened my awareness. My muscles coiled like a spring, ready to pounce. This had to end tonight.I approached the building cautiously, scanning for any signs of a trap. The creaking door gave way under my touch, revealing a dimly lit hallway. Inside, the smell of rusted metal and mildew assaulted my senses. **Hang on, Cassandra.** The thought was a desperate plea and a fervent promise. I navigated the decrepit corridors until a muffle
Cassandra's POVStanding over Alexander's unconscious form, a smile played on my lips. The sense of victory brings joy to my heart. I pivoted, walking over to Adam, who lay a few feet away. He looked pitiful lying there, vulnerable. I lifted my foot and kicked him in the side."Wake up, Adam," I said coldly.With a groan, he stirred and rubbed his neck where Alexander had nearly crushed his windpipe. My foot tapped impatiently against the cement floor as he struggled to sit up. I didn't bother to hide my irritation."You're lucky he didn't kill you," I remarked, crossing my arms.Adam ignored me, his eyes narrowing as he called out sharply, "Get in here! Now!"Two of Adam's pack members entered the room swiftly. “Restrain him,” Adam ordered. They moved to restrain Alexander, chains and cuffs in hand, dragging him to a stone wall. The chains clinked ominously as they secured him.I turned back to Adam, who met my eyes with a calculating gaze. "Now what?" I asked, my voice icy.He shrug
Olivia’s pov As we followed Alexander's scent, my heart raced, and my mind swirled with worry; Aura was on high alert. I tried my best to stay strong and think positively, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the fear and dread that settled deep inside my stomach. I would never forgive myself if something happened to Alexander. All this was my fault, and I never should have brought him into it. A strange scent filled my nostrils, making me stop dead in my tracks. "Do you smell that?" I asked, my voice edged with alertness.Ethan, always on guard, sniffed the air and shook his head. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Why?"Aurora stirred within me. *Something's wrong, Olivia,* she insisted. *I can't place it, but it's there.*"I just... feel like we're being watched." My eyes scanned the dense forest, shadows playing tricks with the moonlight. Reed fell into step beside me, his eyes narrowing, ever the protector."Let's keep moving," Reed said. "We're getting closer to Alexand
Opening my eyes, my head was pounding, and my vision was blurred. I tried to lift my hands to rub my eyes, but they wouldn’t move. Panic shot through me as I looked down to see thick, coarse ropes binding my wrists together. As my surroundings began to sharpen into focus, I noticed that I was in a dimly lit room with cracked walls, and the musty scent of dampness pervaded the air."Where… where am I?" I mumbled, wincing at the dry scratchiness of my throat. "Olivia?" a familiar voice croaked from nearby. Turning my head, I saw Cassandra bound beside me, her face smeared with dirt and eyes wide with a mixture of relief and fear. My wolf, Aura, growled inside me, fury bubbling at the sight of Cassandra, even though she was tied up as well. I still didn't trust her. "It looks like you failed at being the hero once again, princess." Cassandra's voice dripped with sarcasm, and her eyes mocked me despite our shared predicament.Ignoring her, I strained against the ropes, desperately looki
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