Alexanders povThe rain pelted down, each cold droplet like a shard of ice against my skin as I stepped out of my carriage to see if I could find somewhere for us to hold up until the storm passed. Streams of water ran down the helm of my cloak, soaking me to the bone. The storm had come in quicker than anticipated, and the night sky roared like an angry beast. "Alexander!" Ethan's voice barely pierced through the wind. "We can't see anything up ahead. We need to pull up and wait it out!" I knew he was right, but the thought of Olivia being out there ate away at my insides. I had sent Rebecca home with my most trusted guards and given them the orders not to wait for my return to the kingdom to just behead her. Ethan and I followed behind Olivia. I knew Olivia didn't want to go with me, but I thought I wouldn't see her for a long time and it was a long journey, I wanted to keep her safe. So I chose to follow her family and escort them quietly. If she needed any help, I would be ther
Alexander's POVThe word "rogues" had barely left Allen's lips before I felt my blood turn ice-cold. I could see the anguish etched into his every feature, but there was no time for anger or sorrow now—only action."Ethan, take them to the carriage!" I commanded my voice firm with purpose. "Ensure they're protected and send someone to tell Victor what has happened."Ethan nodded, rushing to gather Allen and the child. He made brief eye contact with me, his expression resolute and understanding. I knew I could count on him. As we helped Allen to his feet, he clutched my arm, his eyes burning with desperation."Alexander, you have to rescue Liam and Olivia. Please, they're in grave danger," he pleaded, voice cracking under the weight of unsaid words. “It's all my fault.”I gripped his shoulder tightly. "I will get them back, Allen. I swear it."Allen's eyes flickered, seeming to grapple with something unspoken. Slowly, he released his hold on me, but not before adding softly, "Just...mak
Olivia's POVMy heart raced as they continued to drag us towards the back of the store. The lingering scent of blood hung heavy in the air, mingling with the desperate whispers of those who stood with us. The rogue leader gave a sharp order to his men.“Move them,” he commanded, his voice cold and unyielding.Inside, panic clawed at my insides, merciless and unrelenting. If we were moved, how would Victor ever find us? Desperation gripped me, a cold, paralysing fear, but I couldn't let it show. Not now. Not with Liam needing me to be strong. I quickly reached for his hand, threading my fingers through his small, trembling ones.“Hold tight,” I whispered into his ear, forcing a calm that I did not feel. “Everything will be okay, sweetheart.”Liam’s eyes, wide with fear, met mine. I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, praying it would give him some semblance of comfort. The rogue men herded us towards a trap door hidden beneath a dusty old rug. My stomach twisted as one of them yanked it
Alexander's POVThe rain was pouring down, each droplet feeling like a tiny dagger against my skin as I pushed through the relentless storm. My wolf form carried me swiftly toward the store, but when I burst through the door, there was nothing—no Olivia, no Liam, just the bodies of the guards who had given their lives trying to protect them and overturned shelves. Anger flared inside me, hot and consuming. They were gone, and I had failed.I tried to gather my thoughts, forcing down the rage that threatened to cloud my judgement. My extensive scouting experience kicked in as I scanned the ground for anything—any sign that could lead me to them. Olivia's scent filled my nostrils, and with my nose to the ground, I followed it until I came to a trap door in the back of the store that led down into tunnels.Ethan had his hands full, protecting Allen and Sarah. I had to face this alone. Olivia needed me, and no one was going to stop me from getting to her and bringing her back safely. My mi
Olivia's POV "We're going to be okay," I murmured, even though my own heart didn't believe it. His small fingers curled desperately around mine, his trembling body showing his fear.After what felt like hours, we came into a cavern. Looking up, I noticed the small opening. The leader looked at me. “Climb.”Before I had time to do anything, someone grabbed Liam, ripping him from my arms. I wanted to tell them no, but I knew that I didn’t have a choice here; I had to do as they told me. Climbing seemed an impossible task with the weight of fear pressing down on me, but I had to hold it together and keep reminding myself that I was stronger than I knew.The climb was hard. As I reached the top, dirt caked under my nails, I was met with more rogues. I turned back towards where I had come from, waiting for Liam to emerge from the hole in the ground. I held my breath. Every passing second felt like hours. Liam emerged from the hole. The Leader right behind him threw Liam back into my arms.
Olivia's POVWhen the darkness finally lifted, I found myself in a damp, suffocating cave. Chains wrapped around my ankles held me in place. My head throbbed, and my muscles ached, but my immediate concern wasn't my pain—it was Liam.To my relief, he lay beside me, his small chest rising and falling steadily. Feeling the coarse texture of the cold stone floor beneath, I marvelled that even here, under such dire circumstances, he could find asemblance of peace in sleep."Liam," I whispered, shaking him gently. He didn’t stir. Panic surged through me, setting my heart into a frenzied rhythm. I placed my hand on his forehead, and my fear magnified—his skin was scorching. Liam had a fever.The cold storm weather and the fear of being kidnapped knocked him down. I should act to be stronger and give my child more hope. Tears filled in my eyes."No, no, no," I muttered, fighting the tears that threatened to break loose. The rogues had to have some medicine, anything to bring his fever down.
Alexander's POVThe forest was a maze, an ever-changing place of shadows and sounds that kept me on edge. My wolf senses picked up every scent, every rustle of the leaves as I pushed through the dense underbrush. Despite the rain, my instincts screamed that I was on the right path. The forest canopy overhead provided sporadic shelter, but it also cast deceptive patterns on the ground, making it hard to distinguish tracks from shadows.I paused, sniffing the air again. The scent of Olivia was still faint but discernible. Adrenaline surged through my veins as I quickened my pace, my paws slipping in the mud but finding a grip on the rocks.Finally, I caught sight of the rocky base of a looming mountain. This had to be it. The rogues had chosen to hide here, thinking the weather and terrain would stop anyone from following them and give them the chance to spot anyone coming. They underestimated the lengths I would go to for Olivia. I shifted back to human form, my heightened senses not di
Olivia's POV I watched as Liam's breathing began to steady, the fever ebbing away thanks to the medication. Relief washed over me, though it was short-lived. I still needed to work out a way to get out of here. I looked around, praying for something—anything—that could help me escape. A familiar tingle coursed through my veins—Aura, my wolf, was stirring, albeit with a nervous energy that was hard to ignore. "What's happening, Aura?" I asked internally, straining to keep my voice even. "Olivia," she responded, her tone filled with an odd mixture of alarm and excitement, "Alexander is here. I can sense his wolf." I froze, my heart pounding with disbelief. "Impossible. Alexander is gone. Long gone. He left to go home, and he wouldn't be anywhere near here." Yet, that flicker of hope buried deep within me began to grow. Could it really be? "He is still far, but he's getting closer. We might be able to link with him once he's nearer," Aura reassured me. The idea of Alexander's prese
Reed's PovThe afternoon sun filtered through the trees as I paced the clearing, my thoughts consumed with plans that only I could comprehend. The breeze swept through the whispering birches, making melodies in the leaves, but my mind was deaf to it. I had called a meeting with the pack; each pack member was summoned to our usual rendezvous.When they had all gathered, a mixture of young and battle-worn faces encircled me. I could see their concern, their uncertainty reflected back, shadows of doubt clouding their eyes. "Listen up," I began, feeling their attention zag toward me. "There have been sightings of the dark rogues getting close to us, and I believe tonight they will come."I paused, letting the words sink in. The air grew tense as if holding its breath along with them. A few murmurs erupted, soft as the rustle of leaves, but I raised my hand, silencing them once more. Their loyalty was commendable, but their faith in me needed shoring up."You've heard whispers about the sp
Olivias povThe road was filled with a tense quietness as the carriage bounced over rugged terrain. The scent of pine mingled with the crisp chill in the air, an intoxicating reminder of the mountain's nosebleed peaks and swathes of woodland stretching endlessly beneath the sky. Alexander and I remained silent. Our focus aligned on the journey to the packs that needed us. The horses' hooves pounded rhythmically against the ground, a steady heartbeat pushing us onward."We'll be there soon," Alexander said softly, breaking the delicate bubble of contemplation enveloping us. His voice was a soothing balm against the trepidation I felt, but I knew better than to dwell on them. Before I could reply, Reed's pack came into view as we cleared another slope, and my heart clenched momentarily—as my mind drifted back to all the horrible things that Reed had done, Cassandra’s face flashing before my eyes. I shook my head, pushing the thought out of my head as fast as it came. His town sprawled
Alexanders povThe morning had barely begun, yet the weight of the world pressed heavily on our shoulders as Olivia and I walked down to the triplet alphas' office. The hallway was alive with murmurs, everyone eager to thank Olivia. Each gesture of gratitude was a vital reminder of just how much we owed her. The warmth in their eyes contrasted sharply with the shadow of worry that clung stubbornly to her face."Olivia," a young omega called, offering a shy smile as we passed. "Thank you for saving us."Olivia nodded, though her eyes betrayed her restlessness. I could feel her tension like an electric current between us. The dream she had last night weighed on her like lead, and I understood her fear—it was the fear that gnawed at me, too. Our thoughts were locked on our children, Liam and Sarah, who were miles away in the city, possibly at the mercy of dark rogues.As we entered the office, the room was already buzzing with discussions on our next move. The triplet alphas—Cole, Casper
Olivia's povI found a spot overlooking the pack grounds, where I could see the far horizon painted with hues of twilight. Sitting down, exhaustion overwhelmed me. My body ached from the turmoil of the past days, and my eyelids were heavy, struggling to remain open. Despite knowing I should stay alert, sleep tugged at me with relentless persistence. Just a moment, I told myself, my eyes slipping shut as I drifted off.In an instant, I was home, laughter echoing around me. Liam and Sarah, my joyful twins, ran ahead, their giggles a balm to my weary soul. Chasing after them, I called out, the evening's gentle glow transforming suddenly as the sky turned an ominous shade of black."Time to come inside!" I shouted, but only their laughter answered. Confusion churned in my gut as I searched the darkening landscape. The shadows around swirled, their movements taunting and elusive. Panic flared sharply as the twins' laughter ceased, replaced by silence."Liam! Sarah!" I yelled, desperation c
Olivia's povWith my heart drumming loudly in my ears, I watched Victor. He lay still, his breathing shallow as the Glass warmth kissed his lips. My hands lingered close, trembling with uncertainty. "Drink, Victor, please," I urged softly, my voice barely above a whisper, a prayer wrapped in hope.I held my breath, time moving languidly, stretching uneasily around us. The weight of the moment pressed heavily upon my shoulders. Each heartbeat felt like an endless echo, my pulse a desperate chorus in the quiet room. And just when doubt threatened to choke me, Victor’s lips parted softly. His throat moved, taking in the liquid, a small sip at first, then another. Relief washed over me, the tension slowly uncoiling as I watched the colour gradually begin to return to his cheeks. With every drop he swallowed, I felt the oppressive heat that had wrapped around him like chains begin to diminish.I didn’t allow myself to get too hopeful, not yet—not until I was sure. But the change was undeni
Olivias povI turned sharply, and the chill that ran down my spine got colder when I saw what the panic in Alexander's eyes was about. On the floor lay Victor, my brother, motionless. Alexander was kneeling beside him, urgently checking his pulse."Victor!" I cried out, racing to his side. My heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out any other noise. Kneeling down, I reached for his hand. It was cold and clammy, a stark contrast to the fever emanating all around us. A knot tightened in my stomach."He collapsed just now," Alexander explained, urgency bleeding into his tone. His hand was on Victor's chest, listening to the shallow rise and fall of his breath. "He must have tried to hide how he was feeling to help the others."A heavy, suffocating wave of fear threatened to pull me under. Victor was always the strongest, the rock of our family, alongside our shared purpose to protect. Seeing him so vulnerable was a blow I wasn't prepared for.At that moment, only one thought pulsed th
Olivias pov"What's happening, Victor?" I asked, my voice steady despite the fear and panic swirling inside of me.He hesitated, eyes flickering with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher—worry, seriousness. "It's the pack," he finally said, each word carrying the gravity of bad news. "Many of them are very sick—and it's spreading fast."My heart thudded, a drum pounding within my chest. "Sick? How?" I pressed, urgency soaring through every syllable."It started an hour ago with the members who were near the fire, inhaling the smoke. We just thought that it was from breathing in too much of that toxic smoke and would go away once they got some fresh air and rest," Victor explained, his eyes briefly meeting mine, filled with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "But now it's spreading wider, reaching even those who were not directly affected."Panic began its insidious climb within me. "We need to see them," Alexander interjected, his voice a steady beacon of purpose.Victor nodded, leading
Olivia's povI stood on the balcony, watching the grey clouds climb higher—the leftover ashes of the dark burning up. The sharp smell filled the air, making it hard to breathe, yet it was a burden we had to carry. As much as I wanted to rest, a nagging feeling kept me awake. The rogues haunted us, their threats hiding in every shadow, reminding us of the danger we faced.The night quickly draped around us, its shadows reaching out like curious hands, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave the sight of the smoke rising into the evening sky. Frustration threatened to overflow; I was exhausted beyond words, yet adrenaline kept me tied to what lay below. Each heartbeat carried the hope that this would be the end of it.A soft sound broke the silence, and I turned to see Alexander standing there, concern softly marking his face. His presence was warmth against the cold pressing in, and I fought the urge to collapse into his arms."You should be asleep, Olivia," he said, his voice gentle.I s
Olivias povMy body trembled as the adrenaline slowly left and my mind swirled with questions I hated not knowing anything about these dark rogues I made a promise to then and there that when this was ove everything that we had learnt about them and defeating them would be recorded so that if this ever happened again they would not go into it blind. "Olivia," a familiar voice called from behind, pulling me from my racing thoughts. I turned to see Cole, the triplet Alpha I had saved, his face ghostly pale with a mixture of gratitude and weariness."Cole," I greeted softly, recalling the brief flash of fear in his eyes during the attack. We both stood amidst the chaos, a silent kinship forming from shared survival. "Are you alright?"He nodded, though the faint tremor in his hands betrayed him. "Thanks to you, yes," he replied, his voice steadying as he met my gaze. "I owe you my life, Olivia. We all do."A part of me wanted to shrug off his gratitude, to dismiss it as simply doing wha