Olivia's POVAlexander, Liam, Sarah, and I made our way to a secluded corner of the northern woods. It was where my mother was buried—a place of solace and heartbreak, wrapped in the ancient embrace of a grand old oak tree.As we approached, my footsteps slowed, and my heart pounded in my chest. The scent of pine and earth surrounded us, but suddenly, I felt rooted to the spot. I could see my mother's name delicately carved into the old tree. Tears welled up uncontrollably in my eyes. It was Nathan's doing; I knew beyond a doubt. A lump formed in my throat as silent gratitude filled my heart.“Mummy, look! Someone wrote grandma’s name!” Sarah’s excited voice pierced through my emotional whirlwind.“Yes, sweetie,” I whispered, trying desperately to keep my composure. My hands trembled, and I knew everyone felt the waves of grief rolling off me. Alexander's steadying presence beside me was like an anchor, but even so, I faltered.Alexander gently placed his large, comforting hand on my
Alexander’s POVThe air was thick with the scent of pine and the weight of unspoken grief. Olivia, Victor, and the twins had come to honour her mother's memory, and I felt an overwhelming urge to rush to her side, to hold her as she poured her heart out. But something inside me knew this moment was hers to claim.From the edge of the clearing, I watched Olivia kneel before her mother's grave. Her once formidable form was now bent, her sobs resonating through the stillness of the forest. Liam and Sarah were picking wildflowers nearby, their laughter a stark, innocent contrast to the emotional storm reverberating around us.My instincts screamed at me to run to her, but I stayed rooted to the spot, sensing that she needed to confront her demons alone. She had traversed a long, painful journey from a wolfless girl to the resilient woman she was now. This was her final battle with her past.Suddenly, movement caught my eye. Victor emerged from the shadowed tree line, his face a reflection
Olivia's POVVictor turned to face me, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and unspoken sorrow."I must return to my kingdom," he said, his voice steady, betraying nothing of the weight that hung between us. "Give my regards to Lidia for me."I nodded, my throat constricting as I tried to find words that would adequately convey my gratitude and love for him. Hugging him, I let him go. "I love you, Victor," I answered softly. I’ll see you soon."Victor gave a final nod before turning and leaving. I watched his silhouette grow smaller against the horizon until he was just a memory of strength fading into the distance. Although Lidia and I had our differences, I knew that our brother’s love for us was the glue that would bind us, even if we were apart. Victor was the heart of our family.Alexander stepped beside me, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the storm of emotions swirling within me. "Ready to go home?" he asked, his voice low but steady. He understood the tempest ins
Reed's POVThe moon hung high in the sky as I returned to my pack, the Blackthorn Pack, with a grim satisfaction, tightening my chest. There was a sense of accomplishment that only came from playing my hand exactly the way I wanted. I strode into my palace, feeling the eyes of my wolves on me. They pretended to be engrossed in their tasks, but I could sense the curiosity burning through their gazes."Gather around, everyone," I called, my voice echoing. My pack members assembled quickly, their respect and fear clear in the air.Brandon, my beta, approached with cautious determination. He was a steadfast subordinator, always eager to please but never crossing a line. "What are your orders, Alpha?" he asked, standing at attention.I took a deep breath, savouring the moment. This was the power I craved, the dominance and control that made me feel invincible. "We need to move swiftly. We’re heading to Derick's pack, the Moonclaw Pack. I’ve been granted temporary leadership over there by t
Reed's POVThe journey to the Moonclaw Pack was shrouded in silence. As my men and I rode under the silvery gaze of the full moon, my heart pounded with excitement. But disappointment soon overtook that excitement as the pack's town came into view. Derek had always painted his pack as affluent, a glittering jewel amongst werewolf clans. Yet, the reality was a stark contrast to his grand tales.The buildings were rundown, roofs sagging under the weight of neglect. Fields that should have been abundant with crops lay barren, and the air was thick with an undercurrent of decay. My eyes roamed over the scene, taking in the dilapidated structures and the apparent poverty that clung to every corner. The Moonclaw Pack was poorer than I had ever imagined.Still, there were eyes on us—watchful, cautious eyes. Though no pack member dared to step out into the open, I could feel their presence, hidden behind windows and doors, perhaps even behind the dense foliage surrounding the town. The eeri
Reed's POVThe palace of the Moonclaw Pack was a reflection of the town—once grand, now decayed. Its once-proud spires now loomed like fingers of despair reaching out for the night sky. The vines clung to the walls like desperate whispers of a forgotten past. My footfalls echoed in the vast, empty corridors, filling the silence with a sense of foreboding.As we entered the grand hall doors, the older man stopped turning to look at me. “Alpha Derek did not allow us to go into this part of his palace.” The worry was clear in his voice and on his face.“I am your alpha now, and his rules do not apply here anymore.” He turned back the doors, pushing them open. To my surprise, the room was filled with relics and artefacts from Derick's rule. I felt an immediate distaste for the man—so caught up in his own grandeur that he let his people suffer.Glancing at the man, I knew he sensed my mood. "Search the place," I ordered. "I want a full inventory of everything of value. And find Derick's q
Reed's POVSitting on the throne, I felt the palpable weight of the room's history. The grandeur was tainted by the previous alpha's neglect and vanity. The wooden chair beneath me was hard and uncomfortable, yet the symbolism of my position was worth any physical discomfort. I had achieved what most only dreamed of, but I wanted more: absolute power and indisputable dominance.The grand doors creaked open, drawing my attention. My eyes narrowed as a figure stepped inside—the same young girl from before. "Alpha Reed, I have done as asked," she announced in her voice, a whisper that echoed in the vast room. There was an edge of anxiety in her tone, a fear of disappointment."Bring them in," I ordered, my voice reverberating through the hall.She turned, walking away with purposeful strides. A murmured exchange outside the door followed, and soon enough, a hesitant shuffle of footsteps grew louder. When the woman entered the room, their appearance left a stinging realisation that gnawed
**Olivia’s POV**Visiting my mother's grave was bittersweet. It seemed to infuse me with a strength that I had never felt before. Wiping away the lingering tears, I vowed to carry her legacy forward, not just in memory but in action.With the triplet’s challenge fast approaching, I knew I couldn’t afford to waste another moment. The looming trials required every ounce of focus and strength I could muster."Alexander," I called out, finding him in the training ground. He was demonstrating a combat move to some younger wolves, and his grace and power were evident in every motion.He turned toward me, and a knowing smile stretched across his lips. "Olivia, what can I do for you?"I approached him, trying to hide the nervous energy bubbling inside me. "I need your help with my training. The triplet’s challenge is near, and I can't afford to be anything but my best. Any chance you can give me some tips?"Alexander's eyes twinkled with mischief and something else, a heavier emotion I couldn