**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.
Olivias pov“What are you doing here all on your own, Olivia?” Carlson chimed in, his tone a mockery of concern. “Seems like you could use some company. Might get lonely, waiting for Alexander to rescue you.”I straightened my spine, meeting Carlson's gaze with unwavering confidence. He wanted to get under my skin, but he’d have to try a lot harder.The energy in the room felt charged, an electric hum vibrating just beneath the surface as I continued to face Carlson and his brothers. They were predictable, their tactics a woven tapestry of arrogance and bluster. It was a pattern I had seen too many times, one that no longer held sway over my emotions."I'm never alone," I responded with a calm laced with steel, "especially when surrounded by such esteemed company." My words sparked a ripple in the crowd, drawing the curious and speculative gazes of many alphas.The air crackled with anticipation, the eyes of the alpha elites glued to us. They wanted a spectacle, confirmation of their
Olivias pov As the night wore on, the noise and light from the Gathering felt suffocating, the weight of whispered judgments clashing with the silent realm outside. I excused myself, stepping beyond the threshold of the elders' hall to inhale the crisp, calming air. The moon shone brightly above, illuminating the leaves that rustled gently in the soft breeze. It was a moment of solitude that I craved amidst the tumult of conflicting emotions and expectations.The chill of the night wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, cooling the lingering heat of confrontation. It was moments like these when I could truly reflect, taking stock of what had transpired in the intertwined worlds of werewolves and politics. They doubted my power, yet I stood unwavering, proving time and again that I was more than capable despite their prejudices.A familiar, subtle tingle crept up my spine, an instinct honed by years of survival and caution. I knew someone was approaching, not with ill intent but
Olivias povI went to walk around him, making it clear while still being polite that I didn't want to talk to him. As I did, he stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Olivia, why don’t you stay a moment? It would be a shame not to catch up."Every instinct told me to distance myself from him, but his influence was pervasive throughout the packs, making any open defiance risky. This interaction required delicate maneuvering, a facade of politeness that belied the tension underneath.I turned to Reed, adopting a mask of polite indifference. "Thank you, Reed," I said, my voice measured and controlled. "But I really must be going." My words were clear, and my intentions unmistakable.Yet Reed, unperturbed by my refusal, leaned in as if my words were nothing more than passing rain. "I just wanted to commend you," he continued, a sly smile creeping onto his lips. "You were impressive against the triplet alphas. They didn't see you coming."His comment caught me off guard, but I quickly c
Alexander's POVThe room was alive with conversation, a current of words threading through the assembly. I stood with a group of alphas, trying to stay focused, but my attention was elsewhere. The markings on my hand, ancient and deep-rooted, began to thrum with an unearthly energy. A warmth spread across my palm. I glanced down, watching as the symbol glowed to life, its luminescence both thrilling and unsettling.Instinctively, my senses snapped to attention, and I scanned the room for Olivia, knowing the glow heralded her presence or a shift in our dynamic. It didn’t take long to spot her amidst the crowd, standing mere feet away from Reed. The sight ignited a firestorm inside me, my wolf growling in response. Yet I couldn’t act on it, not here. To do so would risk tipping the balance we’d worked so hard to preserve.Gathering my resolve as I approached them, I noticed Reed walking away, his shoulders tense with anger. He bumped into me, but didn't stop to acknowledge it, continuin