**Olivia's POV**"Are you ready for a real challenge?" Victor asked, his voice carrying both a promise and a test.I took a deep breath, feeling Arua stir within me. We were ready, even if nerves curled around the edges of my resolve. Having watched Victor and Allen train countless times, I knew just how formidable they could be. My heart pounded in my chest, a steady beat of apprehensive excitement.Victor stepped onto the training ground, Allen falling into place beside him. "You have to be prepared, Olivia," Victor continued, his gaze firm yet encouraging. "The triplet Alphas will do whatever they can to beat you. They won't play fair, and you need to be ready for whatever they throw at you."Their words settled over me like a cloak, heavy with both warning and wisdom. I nodded, preparing myself mentally and physically. The thought of facing the triplet Alphas was daunting, but a thrill I had never experienced before burned through me. Arua surged, infusing me with a reassuring st
I could feel Arua within me, a comforting reminder that we were prepared for whatever Victor and Allen had in store.Victor's eyes were intense, showing a mix of sibling concern and a strong desire to push me further. Next to him, Allen stood with a look of fierce focus. Their bond was strong, and I knew they wouldn't go easy on me."Olivia," Victor called out, his voice clear over the sound of rustling leaves, "this is more than just practice. You're an alpha now. It's time you see yourself as one."I nodded, swallowing down the uncertainty that surfaced. Victor moved first, fast and precise, testing all the skills I had worked hard to develop. I faced his attacks with as much determination as I could, each move reflecting countless hours of training.One of Victor’s punches barely missed my shoulder, sending a numbing shock through my arm. But I didn't pause; instead, I spun away quickly, just avoiding Allen, who copied Victor’s move.Allen’s eyes hinted at old friendship, but he wa
**Victor's POV**The pain shot through my side as Lydia rushed to my aid. Her hands were gentle yet firm as she began to assess the injury. Despite the discomfort, a sense of warm pride filled my heart; Olivia had indeed become strong. As Lidia worked quickly, delicate hands steady and focused, I couldn't help but feel relieved. My sisters had both grown into formidable, caring women."I told you not to let your guard down," Allen said with a mix of chagrin and humour, casting a knowing look between Lidia and me."Yeah, well, someone had to show Liv how it's done," I countered, my voice strained but playful. Olivia hovered nearby, the guilt evident in her eyes, and I simply offered her a reassuring smile."What do you mean how it's done? She's the one who got you," Allen teased, causing a round of laughter among us.Lydia rolled her eyes as she pressed something against my side, her touch both healing and soothing. "You boys never learn," she muttered, casting Allen a glance filled wi
**Olivia's POV**The soft glow of early afternoon light barely filtered through the dense canopy above as I continued to work on training. Everything else had melted away, leaving only the rhythmic swing of my fists and the pulsing beat of my own breathing. Each punch that hit the padded training post landed with a satisfying thud.Despite Victor's reassurance, the guilt from our earlier sparring hadn't dissipated, and it nagged at me like an invisible thorn. If I could lose control while sparing with Victor, what would happen if the same slip occurred against the triplet Alphas? The possibility sent a shiver down my spine, fueling me to train harder.As my thoughts consumed me, I heard familiar footsteps approaching. Without pausing, I continued my routine. The scent of sandalwood and forest entered the clearing, signalling Alexander's arrival. He stopped several feet away, silently watching as I trained. His presence was comforting yet made my heart ache with unspoken emotions.“You
As the morning sun peeked over the horizon, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves churning within me. Today marked the day we would leave for the city. Returning to the city left me feeling a mix of things. The last time we were there, bad things happened, and I could only hope that this time would be different.Alexander walked beside me, his presence a reassuring anchor in the sea of uncertainty. His confidence seemed to bolster my own, silently affirming that I was more than ready for the trials ahead. Together, we entered the carriage, its interior plush and inviting. The door closed with a gentle thud, enclosing us in an intimate cocoon as we began our journey.I settled into the seat beside Alexander, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. It wasn’t long before the gentle sway of the carriage lulled me into relaxation. As the landscape rolled by outside, I rested my head on Alexander's shoulder, feeling his warmth seep through the fabric of his coat. The rhythmic
**Alexander's POV**After ensuring Olivia and the twins were settled comfortably in the hotel, I stepped back outside, drawing a deep breath of the crisp air.Making my way through the busy city streets, I felt anticipation growing with each step. The elders awaited me, hopefully, armed with new insights. They were the oldest and wisest among us, guardians of the pack's ancient history and knowledge.As the building came into sight, I readied myself to go in, praying that they had better luck than I had in finding answers about the mystery mark.The elders were seated around a wide oak table, their faces drawn with concentration. Books were open before them, some filled with archaic script that only they could decipher.A soft rustle announced my presence. Elder Mathias looked up and gestured for me to sit, a welcoming smile crinkling his weathered face. "Alexander," he greeted, his voice a mellow rumble. "Please, join us."I nodded and took a seat opposite them. Their eyes turned to
Olivia's POVAlexander and I chose the secluded clearing on the outskirts of the city for today's training. Its tranquillity provided the perfect backdrop for focus, untainted by distractions and buzzing energy. My senses were attuned, muscles coiled and ready, driven by the ever-looming threat of the triplet Alphas. The fight with them was imminent, and I knew every second of preparation could tip the upcoming battle's delicate scales.The twins were with Victor and Lydia, spending their playful morning in the palace. Despite being away from them, I carried their presence in my heart, a silent reminder of what I fought for. Determination pulsed through me as I felt Arua, my wolf, stretch and unfurl within, an internal counterpart eager to surge forward."Keep your stance open but firm," Alexander instructed, his voice cutting through the cool air like a steady rhythm of a drum. His presence was a comfort—an unwavering fortress.I adjusted my footing, echoing the adjustments in my min
Olivia's pov "Enjoy your pretty little wife, Alexander," Cole taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Because when we're done with her—"Before Cole could finish, Alexander spun around, swift as a predator. In a surge of motion, he crossed the distance and pinned Cole against a tree by his throat. The speed and force of it happened too quickly for even my trained eyes to follow."Finish that sentence, and I’ll make sure you can never open it again," Alexander growled his tone deadly calm, each word like a dagger poised to strike.Casper and Carlson took hesitant steps forward, their bravado diminished in the face of Alexander's fury. I could see fear flicker in their eyes, just for a heartbeat, before they carefully masked it with their usual arrogance."Easy, Alexander," Carlson said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "We were just joking."Alexander's grip on Cole's throat loosened but did not let go entirely. "This is not a game," he hissed, his voice as sharp as shattered gl
Olivia's povI knew Ethan was trying to muster his courage. His hands trembled slightly as he thumbed the edges of the box, cooling his earlier confidence. Finally, he opened the box, revealing a stunning ring. The large moonstone at its centre caught the light, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to shimmer with life."Olivia, this ring has been in my family for hundreds of years," Ethan said, his voice tinged with reverence and nerves. The raw honesty in his eyes touched me deeply.“It’s beautiful," I murmured, genuinely captivated by the artifact's majesty and the legacy it represented.Ethan went red-cheeked, the usual bravado he donned so effortlessly slipping away. "I was wondering if you would…" He paused, his words stumbling over one another like a landslide. I waited, offering him patience and a soft smile of reassurance.After a moment, he cleared his throat and started again. "I mean, I'm here to ask for Lidia's hand in marriage. I haven't seen Victor yet, but he'll under
alexanders povThe anticipation that pulsed through my veins was far stronger than any battle I'd waged, any beast I'd fought. Tonight was the night Olivia and I would affirm what we already knew in our hearts: that we were meant to be together. Our bond had withstood countless trials, and now it would be sealed under the moonlight with the people we loved.Despite the day’s beauty, echoes of concern lingered. Red flags flew in my mind every time I thought of Reed. His absence was like a splinter under my skin—a constant irritation that could not be ignored. But tonight was not about him. Tonight was about Olivia, about our family, and about the life we were building together.The palace was bustling with excitement. People flitted about, preparing for the evening’s festivities. I had instructed everyone to keep the atmosphere relaxed yet festive. Even though she opted for a simple ceremony, Olivia deserved a night filled with joy and laughter.Maneuvering through the busy rooms, I fi
**Olivia's POV**I took a breath, the pleasant scent of roses filling my nose. The garden was alive with nature's symphony, a perfect backdrop for what could be the most significant day of my life. Alexander had already set to arranging everything needed for our moonlit wedding. Tonight would be magic.I left the garden, excitement twirling within me as I ventured toward the dressmaker to see if she had anything that I could wear tonight with such short notice. I noticed there was no time for me to have something made, but I didn't care. The dress was not important; marrying my mate was the only thing that mattered. My footsteps echoed softly off the cobblestone path, each step a rhythmic countdown to becoming Alexander’s wife.As I approached, the gentle hum of early morning activity filled the air. People were setting up stalls for the evening's festival, laughter mingling with the scents of freshly baked goods. We hadn’t had a true celebration in so long; spirits were high, and eve
Reed’s POVThe damp air clung to my skin as I hunkered down in the grimy drain pipe, its confines offering an unwanted intimacy with persistent, rank odours. Though suffocated by shadows, this location was my asylum, for now, a perfect vantage point to observe their kingdom’s every move—without being observed myself. They should be celebrating their victories, echoing the laughter of conquerors throughout the kingdom, but instead, silence hung heavy, a ghostly whisper of unrest and anticipation.An eerie thrill coursed through me as I contemplated my slow, methodical plan for Lidia and Victor.Their names, like promises, formed stepping stones towards Olivia and Alexander, ultimately leading to the ultimate destruction of their spirit. Each one taken was a piece stripped away from their false sense of security.Lida would be first. Her face haunted my mind, but soon, it would be snuffed out by shadows she couldn’t escape. Olivia idolised her, and losing her would weaken her along with
**Olivia’s POV**Morning light peeked through the ornate curtains, wrapping softly around the room. Slowly blinking awake, I stretched, only to find Alexander’s side of the bed empty. My heart sank slightly at the absence, but it was quickly quelled by the knowledge of his duties. Besides, our life since the battle had seldom allowed us to lay in bed together.I sighed, throwing off the warm covers and swinging my feet over the edge, ready to face the day. After getting dressed, I tied my hair back into a loose ponytail, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Today felt different; in a good way, I held no worries in my heart anymore.Making my way down the elegant staircase, the sound of laughter filled the air. It was the twins, no doubt causing their usual joyful chaos. I smiled to myself, relish in the simple, beautiful moments of motherhood.Before I could reach the dining hall, Lidia appeared at the end of the corridor. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” she called out, her grin wi
Reed’s POVThe forest was quiet, the only noises the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. My leg throbbed with every stride, the pain a consistent companion during my escape, but it fueled my resolve rather than diminished it. I leaned heavily on my makeshift crutch, every step deliberate, every breath a challenge overcome.How long had I been on the run now? Time was a shapeless blur, marking moments only by the exhaustion that weighed on my bones. The elders’ guards pursued me tirelessly, and Alexander’s as well, all seeking my head. I had played my cards poorly, underestimating the strength of my enemies and overreaching my ambition—or so they thought. Maybe there was truth in it. Perhaps I needed this moment, this fall, to truly measure the darkness within me and to harness it against those who wronged me.I knew Olivia had what I needed to rise again—her power, her essence. Once she recognised that we were meant to be, she would come around. I could almost f
Alexander’s POVThe grand palace gates opened before us, the magnificent structure standing as a testament to our return and the resilience we'd found within ourselves. As the carriage came to a stop, I watched as Olivia took in the scene. Her gaze was both wistful and hopeful, a blend of emotions she wore eloquently.“Daddy, can we go play?” Liam’s eager voice brought my attention back to our lively twins, who were practically vibrating with excitement.“Yes, but be careful,” I chuckled, unable to resist the buoyant energy only children possessed. "Stay within the gardens."With a flurry of giggles, they bolted off, leaving behind an iridescent trail of joy in their wake. Olivia stood beside me, a serene presence amidst the chaos. I watched her eyes follow the twins, a softness etching across her features.The warmth of the sun bathed us, the golden glow amplifying the sense of homecoming that swelled within my chest. “It feels so good to be home,” Olivia murmured, her head finding a
Alexander’s POVThe carriage rolled over the crest of the hill, unveiling the sprawling kingdom beneath us. My heart felt a gentle release, the homecoming marking the end of turmoil. Olivia sat beside me, her presence as comforting as the view before us. The twins, Liam and Sarah, bounced in their seats, their excitement contagious. After what felt like an eternity of darkness and trials, being home seemed like a new dawn.“We're home,” Olivia said softly, her voice like a soothing melody that wrapped around the world, infusing it with warmth and love.I looked over at her, my heart swelling with a gratitude I couldn’t quite express in words. Her smile was like the sun piercing through the overcast sky of our past struggles. “Yes, we are,” I replied, feeling the tensions of the past slowly slipping away.The twins burst out of the carriage the moment it came to a halt, their laughter echoing around us as they raced toward the palace. Their footfalls were light against the ground, a st
Reeds povI didn't know how long I had been trapped in that cave with the witches' burnt and rotting bodies. Everything was a blur, and my mind struggled to piece things together, only fragments passing through every now and again like echoes of a fading nightmare. I vaguely remembered their chants, the strange words resonating in a rhythm that seemed to align with the throbbing pain in my leg. Natasha lay nearby, her eyes open but unseeing, a haunting reminder of what happened when the moon's light came through that cursed cave.As the days passed, the fog obscuring my thoughts began to lift. My survival instincts took over, pushing me toward a gruelling reality: I needed to escape, to move before they found me.With grim determination, I dragged myself from the darkness of the cave, the memory of Natasha and the others burning in my mind. I felt disconnected from the world around me, hollowed out and raw from the loss of my leg. Pain lanced through me with each movement, a constant