Alexander's POV"We found her," my wolf said excitedly, nearly making me lose my stealthy composure. My heart leapt, but I quickly reined in my emotions. Charging in without a plan would get us all killed—Olivia, Liam, and me. I scanned the area once more, counting heads and noting patrol routes. There were too many of them to fight head-on.I slipped away back the way I had come, retracing my steps silently. Every leaf and twig seemed an enemy ready to betray my presence. Returning to the small house where I had taken refuge, I closed the door behind me and linked to Olivia. “Olivia, can you hear me?”“Yes,” her voice was a lifeline, fragile but consistent.“I know where you are, but I need to know everything you know,” I urged.“We're in a cave, chained to a wall. I don’t know how we got here. They knocked me out, and I woke up in here.”Rage surged through me, but I pushed it down deep where it wouldn't cloud my judgement. “I'll get you out of there, Olivia, I promise. Just hold on
Alexander's POVI stood in the cottage rubbing my temples, anxiety gnawing at my every thought. Time was slipping away, and I needed a plan—a clever one. Picking them off one by one seemed like my only option to make it out alive, but there were too many of them, and every second counted. My eyes darted to the rogue I had just killed, his clothes a perfect match to the ones I wore. An idea sprouted. I could blend in.“You need to wait for Victor and the others. You will never make it out of here alive,” my wolf cautioned, his voice a low rumble in my mind. For once, he tried to be the voice of reason, but I shoved him aside. Waiting meant risking Olivia's life.I ripped the dead rogue's cloak from him, putting it on, disguising myself as one of them. With the hood pulled low over my eyes, I slipped out of the cottage. The rogue camp sprawled ahead of me, guarded by scattered patrols. Keeping my head low, not wanting to draw attention to myself.I looked around, trying to see where they
Olivia’s POVI grabbed a nearby rock, clutching it in my hand. Alexander was coming, and I needed to protect us until he got here. The cave was quiet except for the occasional dripping of water from the ceiling. Liam lay beside me, his breathing steady but shallow. Every second felt like a countdown to salvation—or doom."Olivia!" Aura's voice rang in my mind again, more urgent now. "Something's wrong. I can't reach Alexander anymore."Fear gripped me again. "What do you mean? You said he was close!"Aura hesitated. "He's close, but something is blocking our link. Be on guard."I closed my eyes tight, trying my hardest to link with Alexander, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. My heart started to ache. He was our only hope.A cacophony erupted from outside the cave—shouts, the clang of metal, and an eerie howl that chilled my blood. I pressed my back against the cave wall, the rock hard and cold under my fingers. The noise grew louder, and the unmistakable sound of footsteps e
Olivia's POV As we moved farther into the cave, I could feel the cold wind biting at my skin. Desperation clawed at my insides, but I couldn't afford to show it. Every fibre of my being screamed for Alexander, but right now, I needed to rely on someone else—my wolf. The rogue gripped my arm tight, sending pain shooting up my arm as he dragged me along. My eyes stayed glued on the one in front who was carrying Liam carelessly. His small body shook as he whimpered from fear of what was about to come. I shrugged as much as I could, hoping it would slow us down, giving Alexander more time to get to us. It was becoming clear with every passing second that we were running out of time and fast."You're not going to get away with this," I spat out, trying to project a confidence I didn't feel nor have right at that moment. The tall rogue turned around, sneering at my defiance."You’re in no position to make threats, sweetheart," he replied, his voice dripping with condescension. We paused
Alexander's POVMy heart hammered in my chest as Olivia's scream drilled into my very soul. Without a second thought, I sprinted towards the sound, dodging the enemies still standing between us. With each step, my desperation grew stronger. I couldn't lose her. I had to get to her.I bolted through the cave's narrow passages, the dim light making it difficult to navigate. Adrenaline sharpened my senses. My ears tuned only to the desperate cries echoing off the cold stone walls. As I rounded a corner, the scene in front of me made my heart stop. Olivia stood on the edge of the cliff, clutching Liam tightly. Both were covered with blood, but it was the fear in her eyes that got me. I saw someone coming up the side of her, and I could tell what he was planning. Olivia hadn’t noticed him yet."Olivia!" I shouted, my voice cracking as I rushed towards the man that wanted to harm her. Her eyes meet mine, and a relief washes over her. “Alexander.”But relief quickly turned into horror as she
Victors povThe rain pelted against the window of my office, harmonising with the relentless ticking of the clock on the wall. Minutes turned into hours, and a gnawing anxiety began to creep into my thoughts. Olivia and Allen should have arrived at Oceanside by now, and I hadn't heard a word from them. A feeling of unease settled deep within me. Letting out a loud sigh, I got up from my desk and left my office to find out if Olivia had called yet.I found a guard just outside my office. "Has there been any word from Olivia and Allen?" I asked, my voice betraying the worry I tried to conceal.The guard hesitated briefly. "No, Alpha. They haven't called. They're probably taking shelter from the storm."I nodded, trying to accept the guard's reassurance, but something inside of me wouldn’t settle. "Inform me the moment you hear anything," I ordered, turning to leave.Suddenly, shouting erupted from outside the palace walls. The doors burst open, and a figure stormed in, drenched and breat
Alexander's POVReaching the top of the cliff left my muscles screaming in agony, but it didn't matter. Every breath I took felt like a reminder that time was slipping away. Gently, I laid Olivia on the rocky ground, cradling her head. Her skin was so clammy and pale, much too cold. I pressed my lips to her forehead and whispered, my voice trembling, "Please stay with me, Olivia. I can't lose you. I love you."My plea hung in the air as if begging for a miracle. I knew I couldn't afford to waste another second. Biting back my overwhelming sorrow and pain that overtook every muscle in my body, I scooped her up, cradling her frail body against my chest, her head resting just beneath my chin. Liam stayed close to me, his small hand clutching the hem of my shirt. His eyes, wide and filled with fear, kept glancing at his mother's still form, searching for any sign of life.Making my way back through the caves, my body screaming at me to stop, I pushed forward. My own pain meant nothing to m
Alexander's POVThe ride back to Victor's palace was a blur, a whirlwind of tormented thoughts and smothering despair. My mind could only fixate on Olivia, her pale face flashing before my eyes every time I blinked. The journey felt both agonisingly slow and brutally fast; I remembered nothing of it, only the consuming fear and guilt that overtook my soul.As the carriage finally groaned to a halt, I flung the door open and bolted towards the palace, ignoring the startled looks of the guards. My legs moved on their own. I needed to be with her. Every heartbeat chanted her name, propelling me faster and faster down themaze-like corridors.Rounding the corner, I saw the door to the infirmary. Relief surged through me like a tidal wave. Just as quickly, it was dashed to pieces. The doctor emerged, wiping sweat from his brow, his expression unreadable."Where is she?" I shouted, my voice raspy and edged with panic."Alexander, you can't see her yet. We're still—" The doctor's words were c
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