Alexander's POVMy vision blurred with pain, but Olivia's cries filtered through the haze, grounding me in the present. I felt my strength waning, my life ebbing with each drop of blood that escaped my body, but something deep within me refused to surrender. Olivia's love, her plea to the Moon Goddess—it stirred a primal force within me, something beyond mere survival. I wasn’t scared about dying. My fear was for Olivia and that I had failed to protect her.As Adam's blade hovered, ready to deliver the final strike, I closed my eyes, ready to accept my fate. But then, a sudden heat surged through my veins. It started at the back of my hand, burning like molten gold. I gasped, looking down to see a crescent-shaped mark glowing fiercely against my skin. The pain in my wounds instantly faded, replaced by an overwhelming sense of power and invincibility. Pushing myself up, I looked at my body in shock as my wounds began to heal themselves.Adam stepped back, his once-twisted evil face now
Alexanders povI spun around to see Adam standing in the doorway, his eyes wide with terror. A masked figure, clad in black, loomed behind him, a knife protruding ruthlessly from Adam's chest. Time seemed to slow as Adam crumpled to the ground, his lifeless body blocking the entrance. Olivia gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Alexander, who is that?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Stay behind me," I commanded, gently setting Olivia down and stepping forward, my body poised to protect her at all costs. My heart pounded as I locked eyes with the masked figure, trying to gauge their intent. Even from a distance, I sensed the danger emanating from him. Their eyes, visible through the slits of the mask, bore into mine with an intensity that made my blood run cold. For a moment, neither of us moved, like two predators sizing each other up. "Who are you?" I demanded my voice a low growl filled with authority. The figure tilted their head slightly as if considering whether or n
Olivia's POV As the cold night air hit my face, my mind continued to whirl with questions that seemed impossible to untangle. Alexander's grip tightened around me, protective and unwavering, but the weight of uncertainty pressed down relentlessly. Cassandra followed closely, her steps silent but her presence loud in the back of my mind. Every time I glanced at her, a gnawing suspicion grew stronger. How could she have shown no fear amidst all this chaos?Everything screamed at me that Cassandra had been working with Adam, and there was no way I would let her get away with it. She needed to be stopped before she hurt anyone else. I wanted to tell Alexander right then and there, but I knew that now wasn’t the time. We still weren’t out of danger, and if I told him in front of her, then there was a chance that she could escape, or worse, Alexander wouldn’t believe me. So I pushed the thought down and told myself that I would tell him everything I knew as soon as we found Reed and Ethan
Victor's POV The forest air was thick with tension, each breath tasting of fear and pine. My heart pounded fiercely in my chest as I followed Olivia's scent, an unnerving dread twisting in my gut. I moved swiftly, the pads of my paws sinking into the damp earth with every step. Olivia's scent grew stronger, pulling me deeper into the forest. I prayed silently, begging the Moon Goddess for her safety. Going alone was a risk, but I couldn’t afford to leave Lidia and the twins unguarded back at the hotel. The thought of them helpless if something went wrong gnawed at me, so here I was—alone. The scent was leading me toward an old, decrepit building. It stood hauntingly against the backdrop of towering trees, its walls cracked and windows shattered. I shifted back to my human form, ignoring the rush of cold air against my skin. Picking out a worn pair of shorts from my emergency pack strapped to my leg, I slipped into them for the sake of decency. A faint light glowed from one of the
Olivia's POV "We're close," Alexander whispered, his tone both reassuring and alert. The shed loomed ahead of us, partially hidden by thick underbrush and shadow. The air felt charged as though it held its breath, waiting for us to make our move. Every sound made my heart beat faster in my chest. Aura was on full alert. I could feel her stirring within me, ready to show herself at any second. "Stay behind me," Alexander repeated, moving with grace and assurance. I nodded, swallowing hard as we neared the shed's entrance. The moonlight cast a silver glow on the rough wooden door, and my heart pounded louder with each step. Just as I was about to follow Alexander inside, his hand shot out, gripping my arm with a strength that was both tender and unyielding. "Let me go in first," he commanded, his eyes scanning the area for any hidden dangers. I hesitated, feeling the buzzing tension in the air, but ultimately, I relented. "Okay," I whispered back, stepping aside to let him enter. He
Olivia's POV A figure stepped out, shrouded in darkness. My muscles tensed, ready to spring. But as the figure came into the moonlight, my heart leapt with recognition. "Victor?" I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding. The relief was nearly overwhelming. Victor's eyes were wide with equal parts worry and relief as he hurried towards me, pulling me into a tight embrace. "Olivia! Are you okay?" His voice was filled with desperation, his arms wrapping around me protectively. "I'm okay, Victor. Really," I said, my voice muffled against his chest. His scent was familiar and grounding, a reminder that we still had a chance to survive this nightmare. Victor turned his attention to Alexander, Ethan, and Reed. "Thank you," he began, his voice thick with emotion. But Ethan, struggling to stand, shook his head and stopped him. "We failed. I failed," he muttered, eyes downcast. The weight of his perceived failure was evident in every line of his body. I turned to Ethan, seeing t
Olivia's POV Returning to the hotel was a mixed relief: we had survived the ordeal, but the dark shadows of the past still haunted us. Lidia came rushing out to greet us, and as soon as she saw Ethan, she rushed towards him, fussing over him. "Ethan, you should rest," she urged, concern etched on her face. "I'm fine, Lydia," Ethan replied, his voice rough but steady. As I watched them, I couldn't help but smile. In this chaos, they had found solace in each other. It warmed my heart to see their connection growing stronger. A shiver ran down my spine, and I turned to see Cassandra standing across the room. Her eyes bore into mine, an unsettling mix of malice and intrigue. Her lips curled into an evil smirk, twisting her features into a mask of malcontent. Without a word, she turned and walked away, leaving me with a sickening feeling in my gut. Alexander strode over, his presence instantly calming. "I need to clean up. I'll come see you later," he whispered, brushing a strand of
Cassandra's POV As I stormed away from Olivia and Alexander, I allowed my mask of calm to slip, replaced by a scowl that twisted my features. I was seething with anger, a tight coil of rage that throbbed in my chest. Oliveless and her endless meddling made me want to scream. Every fibre of my being screamed for vengeance. Without wasting another moment, I closed my eyes and let my senses extend outward, seeking the familiar connection. **"Meet me where we always do. Now,"** I mind-linked my mate, my thoughts laced with urgency. Almost instantly, his voice resounded in my mind, **"I'm already waiting, Cass. Hurry."** I didn't need any further prompting. Storming through the dimly lit halls of the hotel, I rushed out into the night. The crisp air did little to cool my fury as I headed towards our clandestine meeting place. My steps were swift and purposeful, the shadows of the city passing in a blur. When I arrived at our meeting place, he was tall and dark, and his presence comman
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