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 stood in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection; every inch of my body was calm despite the evening ahead. The Gathering of the Elders was upon us, an event I dreaded but could not avoid. The elders firmly believed in these gatherings, insisting they strengthened the alliance between packs. Skipping the event would lead the others to think I didn't consider myself their equal, a notion I was determined to refute.Taking one last look, I left the room and headed downstairs to meet the others. Taking the last step, Alexander turned to look at me. His eyes met mine, and a warmth spread across his face, his love for me illuminating his gaze. "You're breathtaking," he murmured, stepping forward to meet me. His hand found mine with the ease of a well-worn ritual, and my heart swelled in response. “Victor and the others are meeting us there.”As we left, heading toward the Gathering of the Elders, the air between Alexander and me was rich with a newfound understanding.