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
Olivia’s POVThe golden light of dawn filtered softly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. I stirred, feeling a comforting presence wrapped around me. As my senses awakened, the warmth of strong arms cradling me reminded me of where I was—next to Alexander, who was still lost in peaceful slumber. His steady breathing and the steady rise and fall of his chest created a soothing rhythm that eased the recollection of last night’s intensity.The tenderness of the moment was a stark contrast to the chaos that awaited us. Tonight was the night of the challenge with the triplet alphas. The anticipation of it lingered in the air, a constant reminder of the battle to prove myself.Carefully, so as not to disturb Alexander, I slipped from his embrace, the cool air a shocking contrast against my now-exposed skin. A quick glance at the clock confirmed what I already knew—there was time yet before the world would demand our focus. I needed every moment of it to prepare, both
Olivia’s POVI smoothed down the fabric of my outfit, casting a final glance in the mirror. The reflection staring back was a blend of strength tempered by vulnerability, a visual armour for the challenge ahead. Deep down, I felt the echo of Arua’s presence, her confidence bolstering mine.Alexander's voice resonated through our suite, signalling it was time. I emerged, greeted by the warmth of his smile—a potent mixture of pride and encouragement that never failed to steady my resolve.“Ready?” he asked, offering his arm like a knight to his queen.I nodded, a smile gracing my lips. “As always.”We descended to the lobby of the hotel, where my family gathered like guardians of fate. Victor, Lidia, and others were a united front, each bearing expressions of support and expectation. The tension was palpable, an undercurrent between familiar glances and whispered words.Together, we ventured into the heart of the forest, leaving behind the city’s complexity for something far older and r
Olivias povI nodded, feeling the sting of defeat mingled with the knowledge that retreat was our only choice. The angry pack began to encircle us, their cries a painful melody of grief and accusation. My heart twisted with each shout, each demand for answers drowned by their pain."Go! Leave the pack!" a voice boomed angrily from within the throng. The words hit like stones, heavy with finality. "And never come back! If we see any of you again, we'll kill you!"My voice cracked as I tried to reason with them once more. "But what if the dark rogues—" I started, my plea hanging unfinished in the air as another shout rose up."Get out!" they barked collectively, their judgment as unwavering as a mountain standing strong against a storm.A deep sense of anguish clawed at my insides, tainting the relief of survival with the bitterness of misunderstanding. Despite my actions being necessary for their safety, I had become the villain in their story, my intentions overshadowed by the stark r
Olivias pov Victor had just been telling me everything he had heard while at reeds pack meeting and how he had followed reed and heard him talking to a woman when alexander appeared holding the hand of a boy who looked so scared and skinny it made my heart ache.Zack's eyes were wide and frightened, darting around as if searching for danger in every shadow. Despite the chaos, Alexander kept a firm but gentle grip on him, guiding him toward us with a reassuring presence that only he could project. "We need to get him to the elders. Now." Alexander said, his voice steady but edged with urgency.I nodded, my resolve hardening. "Victor," I said, turning to my brother, "tell everyone we're leaving. We need to move quickly. But don't let them know too much until we're out of Derek's pack."Victor's gaze met mine, worry flickering momentarily before he masked it with determination. "I'll take care of it," he promised, turning to rally the others. Despite the chaos around us, I knew Victor
Alexanders povThe morning light seeped into the horizon, but I felt none of it. I left the others to the thankless task of dealing with the bodies. Weariness clung to me like a shroud, but it was overshadowed by a gnawing thought I couldn't shake: the woman and her son.She had died in my arms, a testament to the horrors Reed had unleashed. Her final words, a plea for her boy's safety, echoed in my mind. I had to find him. I moved swiftly through the palace. My footsteps carried me deeper within, drawn inexorably toward the dungeons. It struck me as odd that no guards patrolled the stairs, an eerie silence enveloping this bastion of oppression. As I descended, faint cries reached my ears.The sobbing beckoned me, tugging at my conscience. I followed, my senses alert for any sign of hostility. I arrived at a dilapidated door, the wood barely holding against the rot of time. No guards stood watch—a negligence that whispered of cunning intent. My grip tightened around the doorknob, musc
Olivias povNight unfurled like a shadowy banner overhead, cloaking the clearing in hues of inky blue and silver. I stood amidst the soldiers, their scents mingling with the forest's earthy aroma. My senses tingled with anticipation; the air crackled, heavy with a promise of impending conflict. Despite my efforts to focus, my thoughts drifted to Victor. He should've returned by now, yet the woods swallowed secrets, leaving only whispers of worry in its wake. Still, I could let nothing shake my resolve. The dark rogues were coming, drawn by an unseen force that tugged at my very spirit.I shook off the icy grip of dread. My task was clear—protect the pack and ensure no more lives flickered out under the harsh hand of fate. Each breath was a solemn vow, each heartbeat, a promise forged in defiance. I was ready to face them, those shadowed figures who dared to threaten our home. Around me, the pack’s warriors stood—a formidable wall, backlit by the fire of their collective will to surviv
Victors povThe moment was tense. Anticipation hung like a charged mist in the air, as I followed the pack into the clearing. The mass moved with a sombre, muted energy, hearts heavy with mourning and uncertainty. I kept my head low, shoulders hunched, adopting shadows as my allies. Among the crowd, I blended seamlessly, a wolf among wolves. Yet, beneath this silent facade, fury simmered, its heat almost palpable against my skin.Reed’s voice pierced the subdued atmosphere, his tone poised and reassuring—a mask for the venom I knew lay beneath. I glanced up briefly, eyes narrowing as he spoke words of sympathy and solidarity. His charisma was undeniable, words like honey to the ears of those who stood listening. My insides turned, the force of my hatred threatening to overwhelm the composure I clung to."But I assure you," Reed declared, his voice carrying over the throng, "the future of our pack is secure. With young Zack, Ava’s brave son, I will ensure he is trained to become the le
Olivia's pov As I moved from one pack member to another, I kept my gaze sharp on Alexander. He stood a little ways off, his jaw tense, eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. He might have been the Alpha King, but even leaders have limits. The weight of this conflict was taking its toll on him, and I could see it eating away at his resolve.As my fingers worked their magic on the injured, I engaged them in conversation, a tactic both to calm their fears and to uncover the deeper narrative of why these civilians were on the battlefield. "Tell me about Ava's son," I whispered to a middle-aged man whose arm lay wounded and bleeding."Zack,” he panted, eyes clouded by pain but softening at the name. "Ava's son, he is Derek’s rightful heir."The revelation stunned me into a brief silence, my hands hesitating over his injuries. An heir? This was news not even whispers had brought to us.Another voice chimed in, a young woman smoothing back her bruised hair. "It was Reed's idea
Reed's povThe chamber was dimly lit, the air infused with damp stone and dread. I sat at my makeshift throne, my mind a restless sea of ambition and impatience. I was waiting, waiting for the inevitable news to reach me. Around me, shadows danced on the stone walls, much like my own thoughts danced on the edges of regret and desire.Minutes crept by until the sound of footsteps echoed from the hall. The guard's arrival was bathed in urgency, his face a mask of tension. "Alpha Reed," he said, voice clipped with news he had been instructed to deliver."What is it?" I asked, trying not to betray the flicker of eagerness beneath my calm veneer. The fingers of power curled through my veins, urging me forward into a crescendo that hummed within."The battle, Alpha," the guard began, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other. "High casualties. Many injured."I nodded in silence, following my understanding. A moment of hesitation stretched between us, and then the guard continued, "Ava, Z
Alexander’s POVChaos stretched out before me, a tapestry of destruction and hopelessness, as we led the injured toward Olivia and her healing light. My heart was heavy with anger, a pointed blade digging into my chest as each step echoed with the groans of the wounded. I needed to channel this rage into something productive, into saving lives, something larger than myself.Carrying a young man, his legs limp and useless, I noticed a woman on the ground ahead. Her hair was matted with dirt, and her body lay unnaturally still among the silent, grim company of the dead. A shiver traced down my spine. No one should find themselves alone in death.I was about to move past her when her hand twitched. My heart jumped in recognition. “No—” I whispered, rooted to the spot. It couldn’t be. She was supposed to be dead. But there she lay, breathing in jagged, shallow gasps.“Hold on. Olivia can heal you,” I told her, my voice a lifeline thrown out into the abyss. As I gently cradled her in my ar
Olivia's povA foreboding chill crept into my bones as Reed’s pack vanished behind us, the vast wilderness stretching ahead. My mind was a whirlwind, thoughts flitting like moths around a flame, settling briefly before being cast aside by another pressing concern. Derek’s pack was our destination; saving them demanded urgency that no distraction could deter.The carriage was silent except for the rhythmic clatter of wheels against uneven ground. Alexander sat beside me, his presence comforting but our peace tinged with a palpable tension. Every piece of me ached to reach those in need.As we drew closer, the air shifted, the sweet scent of forest mingling with something acrid and metallic—an unmistakable prelude to the chaos awaiting us. Blood. I inhaled deeply, my senses sharpening, a familiar heat flaring through my veins as we approached the hallowed ground of Derek’s realm. I know longer cared what Reed may have told Derek's pack about me all I wanted to do was help them.In a sud