Olivias povAlexander's unexpected visit left me feeling like I'd been swept up in a whirlwind—a blend of longing, confusion, and an unsettling sense of clarity. My mind was a tempest of emotions as I wrestled with the choices before me. Seeking guidance, I left the twins with their nanny and made my way to Lidia's quarters. Our relationship had always been complicated, but as of late, it had begun to slowly mend. As I entered her room, the familiar scent of lavender enveloped me, a calming aroma compared to the storm raging inside. Lidia was seated by the window, sorting through some papers. She looked up the moment I walked in, her eyes narrowing in a way that suggested she knew I was troubled. "Well, Olivia, it seems like a hurricane has passed through your soul. What happened? Did Alexander say something to you?" Lidia's perceptiveness was both a blessing and a curse, always cutting straight to the heart of the matter. But it was nice to see that she was turning to her old self
Cassandra povThe evening was deepening into shades of velvet twilight, the kind of darkness that wraps itself around you like a comforting shroud. I sat alone on the stone bench in our secret grove, absentmindedly tracing the ancient runes carved into the wood beside me. My mate was late again, and I couldn't ignore the bitter taste of worry mingling with my growing frustration. "Where is he?" I whispered into the night, feeling the weight of our troubles pressing down on my shoulders. Crickets chirped in a rhythmic symphony, their melody both calming and maddening in the silence that stretched endlessly. With each passing minute, my resolve wavered. Perhaps I should take matters into my own hands. Just as I was about to rise and leave, a rustling in the underbrush made my heart skip a beat. My mate emerged from the shadows, his normally proud stance slightly hunched. His dark eyes met mine, and I could see the weariness etched into his features."Cassandra, I'm sorry I'm late," h
Cassandras pov I watched Alexander all night, waiting for the perfect chance to get him to have a drink with me. My mate and I had come up with the perfect plan, one that couldn’t fail and would lead no suspicion back to me because we both would drink from the same bottle. Alexander stepped away from the people he was talking to, and I knew that this was my chance. Taking a deep breath, I made my way toward him, the silk of my gown whispering against the floor. I held the mandarin duck wine pot in my gloved hands, an invention of both elegance and deception. “Alexander,” I called my voice melodic yet laced with feigned innocence. He turned to look at me, irritation clear in his eyes. “What do you want, Cassandra?” “I was wondering if you might have one last drink with me for old times sake?” I said. He let out a loud sigh before turning away from me. “I made it clear to you, Cassandra, I want nothing more to do with you. My heart belongs to Olivia.” The mention of Olivia's name
Cassandra's POV The glass was inches from Alexander’s lips when Ethan, his beta, appeared beside our table. “Alpha Victor would like to speak to you,” he said, his eyes trained on Alexander.Rage began to boil inside of me, and I knew that I needed to come up with something fast, or my plan would be wrecked. Alexander started to lower the glass towards the table. In a split second of clumsiness, the glass slipped from his hand, spilling the dark wine across the table and onto the floor. The rich, dark liquid spread like a guilty stain, consuming the pristine surface. My heart stopped. I quickly masked my shock with a neutral expression, but inside, a storm of curses and panic swirled. Did he sense the strangeness in the wine? Was it a mere accident, or had he somehow known? “Damn it,” Alexander muttered, his eyes fixed on the spilt wine. The intensity in his gaze made my skin crawl, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he saw through my façade. I forced a light laugh, feigning casu
Alexander's POV The moment the dark wine spilled across the table, I knew I had to maintain my composure. Every interaction with Cassandra recently had been laced with suspicion, her every move calculated, her motives always hidden beneath a veneer of charm. I had hesitated allowing her into such close proximity, but I needed to gather conclusive evidence. Tonight, it seemed, was the climax of her duplicity. "Ethan," I ordered, not bothering to turn my head, "get the Elders here immediately." From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan bow slightly before he disappeared to execute my command. Cassandra’s grip around the glass tightened, and her face paled ever so slightly—a sure sign she was rattled. I caught her trying to edge away, but my hand shot out, grabbing her forearm. Rage simmered under my skin, threatening to break free. “Where do you think you’re going?” I demanded, my voice a low growl. Her eyes met mine, filled with a mix of defiance and fear. “Alexander, let me go,” sh
Cassandra's POV The chains clanked loudly as I was dragged forcibly, each metallic clatter echoing my growing despair. My wrists chafed painfully within their iron bindings, already raw from previous struggles. The guards' indifferent faces showed no sign of compassion as they flung me into the cell and slammed the door shut. "This is a mistake!" I screamed, my voice cracking. But my cries bounced off the cold stone walls unanswered. The hall on the other side of the bars fell silent except for the sound of footsteps retreating into the distance. I fell back against the grimy wall, sliding down until I was sitting on the cold floor. My pulse thrummed with anxiety as I closed my eyes and reached out through the bond that connected me to my mate. "Help me, please," I whispered into the tenuous link that tethered us together. But there was nothing—no comforting response, no warm reassurance. I was met with a void, a black hole where I should find solace. Panic clawed at my insides, b
Alexander’s POV I sat in my room, replaying the night over and over again. If I hadn’t had my suspicions about Cassandra, then tonight could have had a very different ending. The aftertaste of betrayal lingered bitterly in my mouth as I stared at the ceiling, my mind swirling with rage and regret. A sudden knock on the door snapped me from my spiralling thoughts. I rose, every movement calculated, fuelled by my tension. As I opened the door, I found Olivia and Lidia standing there. “Is everything alright?” I asked cautiously, sensing an unspoken urgency between the two of them. Olivia’s eyes softened slightly. “Everything is fine, Alexander, but Lidia and I need to talk to you. May we come in?” I stepped aside, allowing them to enter. They took a seat, the heavy air between us thickening with unspoken words. I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling clinging to my spine. Once we were all seated, I looked at Olivia expectantly. “What’s this about?” Olivia cleared her throat, casti
Alexander's POVFour days until the moon ceremony. The dawn was breaking as I strode purposefully toward Cassandra's cell. The chilling air felt heavy with unspoken words and unresolved issues. I didn’t want to be here, but I needed answers. She had manipulated and deceived me, and it was time for her to face the consequences. If she could be honest for once, maybe—just maybe—I'd argue for a lighter sentence. But the kindness in me was quickly dwindling. The guard nodded at my approach and unlocked the iron door, the hinges creaking as if they, too, voiced their objections to my presence. I walked in to find Cassandra huddled on the floor, looking as if the weight of her actions had finally crushed her spirit. She lifted her head, eyes wide, and whispered, “What do you want, Alexander?” "I'm here for answers," I said, my voice cold and devoid of emotion. "If you tell me the truth, Cassandra, I'll make sure your punishment is kinder than what awaits you otherwise." Her eyes da
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
Olivias povMy body trembled as the adrenaline slowly left and my mind swirled with questions I hated not knowing anything about these dark rogues I made a promise to then and there that when this was ove everything that we had learnt about them and defeating them would be recorded so that if this ever happened again they would not go into it blind. "Olivia," a familiar voice called from behind, pulling me from my racing thoughts. I turned to see Cole, the triplet Alpha I had saved, his face ghostly pale with a mixture of gratitude and weariness."Cole," I greeted softly, recalling the brief flash of fear in his eyes during the attack. We both stood amidst the chaos, a silent kinship forming from shared survival. "Are you alright?"He nodded, though the faint tremor in his hands betrayed him. "Thanks to you, yes," he replied, his voice steadying as he met my gaze. "I owe you my life, Olivia. We all do."A part of me wanted to shrug off his gratitude, to dismiss it as simply doing wha