Stella–POVThe trip could have been more comfortable. It was Damon that made me feel out of my character and feel my heart flutter around him. Thank god June said nothing, seeing Damon and me standing close. Still, she asked me to be extra careful around Alpha Kayden. I looked out of the moving car as Damon drove out of the pack territory; the guards bowing their heads in respect to Damon as the car moved from the Pack to the human route."Well, is June some kind of princess?" I asked. Damon looked at me, confused. "I mean, is she also an Alpha, or does she come from a royal background?" I elaborated."Well, Lycans only have one Alpha. To put it simply for you: June was selected to become the Omega of the Pack, but then I realized she is my mate," Damon explained."Typical wolf story," I sighed. Damon raised his eyebrows at my remark, and I felt embarrassed to have voiced my thoughts out loud."So, June is eighteen, and you are thirty years old?" I asked."No, June is twenty years old
Stella–POV"To your disappointment, I didn't kill your husband, Kellan," Kayden said, meeting my gaze. I wasn't sure whether to trust his words or take his confession at face value. "I see you don't trust me.""It's not that, Kayden, I mean—" I stuttered."You can be honest with me, Stella. I don't mind. If I were in your shoes, having lost someone I love and sitting across from a suspect who could be a killer, and given that I am a wolf, an enemy to Lycan after all, I wouldn't trust my enemy either," Kayden spoke as if he could read my mind."I guess you know why I'm here then," I said."I do. The moment you walked in, I knew," Kayden replied."How can you be so good at reading people?" I asked, suspicion tinting my voice. "Maybe someone told you what my intentions are." I considered the possibility of a spy in the Lycan pack sharing details with Kayden. Kayden just smirked at my remark."What will make you believe I have no spy in the Lycan pack? Besides, I can somewhat read thought
Stella -POVI sat in the police station, still reeling from the gruesome sight of my parents' bodies. An officer handed me a warm cup of coffee. "We need to ask you a few questions," he said. I nodded, ready to answer. I had been sitting there for over an hour with Damon and Kayden steadfastly by my side."Can we accompany Stella during the questioning?" Damon asked."No, sir. As per protocol, Ms. Stella must be questioned alone," the officer replied. Damon looked like he wanted to argue, but I gestured for him to remain silent. I followed the officer into another room."Ms. Stella, my name is Officer Edric," a new figure introduced himself as he entered the interrogation room. His honey-colored eyes caught mine, a unique and striking feature. As he sat down, his strong arms and biceps flexed unintentionally. He began reading a document before him, occasionally rubbing his sharp jawline, and then met my gaze."Stella, according to your neighbors, you recently moved back in with your p
Stella – POVI clutched the bracelet tightly and settled into the Queen Suite Damon had reserved for me. Since I couldn't return to the Lycan Pack as per officer, I had to stay in the city. Damon, insisting on security, also stayed in my room. Kayden, however, refused to be elsewhere. He argued with Damon, demanding to stay with me. As my mate, Kayden, claimed equal rights to protect me. His logic silenced Damon's protests. Exhausted, I didn't intervene in their argument. The bracelet consumed my thoughts–Kellan's bracelet. Why was it at my parents' house? I tried to recall if Kellan had worn this bracelet when his body was brought from the morgue, but grief clouded my memory."Here, have some food," Damon offered, entering my room."I'm not hungry," I replied."You still need to eat for your baby," he insisted. Sighing, I agreed, realizing he was right. I ate and drank water, then took the meditation pills the Lycan doctor prescribed for my unusual pregnancy."Did you notice any wolf
Stella - POVI left the room with a plan to corner Kayden and talk to him, determined to hear the truth. Everyone was asleep as I entered Kayden's room, entering without knocking. Kayden, just out of the shower, was surprised to see me. I tried not to stare at his half-naked frame, which was usually distracting, but my grief was too overwhelming for that."You look angry," Kayden observed."I am," I replied. "I'm upset with you.""Why? What did I do?" he asked, closing the distance between us."You're hiding things from me," I said, then fell silent. "Are you reading my thoughts to find a reason?" I asked, noticing his quietness and the intense focus in his eyes."No, I don’t want to invade your privacy since you don’t trust me," Kayden responded."That's right, I don’t. Because you're keeping secrets from me," I retorted."I'm not," he insisted."Fine, then. I thought I should allow this mate bond to see where it leads, but it ends here. I don't want you around me anymore," I declare
Kayden – POVI stepped into the pack's main hall, feeling the weight of my mother's worried gaze. "Is it true that Macoy has been captured?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern."Yes, it's true, Mom," I replied, striding past her toward the mansion to reach my office.As I was about to enter, Beta Harris called out, "Alpha Kayden." I paused, turning to see Harris, my mother, and a group of pack members gathered, all wearing expressions of worry and uncertainty."What's our plan, Alpha? Our kind is being captured by humans. What should we do?" one pack member asked, his voice filled with urgency.I took a deep breath. "I'm going to free Macoy and bring him back here as a prisoner," I declared.My mother's voice quivered as she asked, "What has my Macoy done to deserve this?"Before I could respond, my father joined us, placing a supportive hand on my shoulder. "Elora, surely your son must have done something wrong for Kayden to make such a decision," he said, trying to ease her di
Stella – POVI stood before the mirror, admiring my handiwork. The dress clung to me perfectly, like a second skin. My pixie haircut had grown out, revealing the natural brown of my hair beneath the blonde. Glancing at the clock, I realized I was running late."Ms. Stella," a maid entered my room, "Mr. Kayden is waiting for you downstairs.""I'll be right there," I replied, grabbing my clutch and descending the staircase. Kayden and Damon, both impeccably suited, watched me approach. I could feel the intensity of their gazes, mainly Damon's. Still, I focused on Kayden, whose amber eyes sparkled with awe."You leave me speechless, Stella," Kayden remarked, extending his hand. He kissed my back as I placed mine in his, sending me a fluttering sensation. "I knew this dress would suit you, but you've made it look even more radiant, like moonlight."I blushed at his words. "You look quite handsome yourself," I said, smiling.June's voice interrupted us. "Oh, look at the new lovebirds, so u
Stella – POV"Oh, Cousin! How are you? Long time no see," Alpha Altair exclaimed, his grin broad, while Damon maintained a blank expression."Indeed, it has been a while," Damon replied calmly, extending his hand to meet Alpha Altair's."You always wear such a cold expression; haven't changed a bit," Alpha Altair observed, his smile unsettling as his golden orbs met mine. "And who might this be?" His sniffing seemed odd to me."A human, but pregnant with a Lycan child. You must be the wife of my other twin cousin, Kellan," he deduced with a smile that held no sorrow for his deceased cousin. His casual mention of Kellan hinted at a lack of respect."You should get going, Altair," Damon interjected."Not just yet, cousin. I need to meet this lovely lady. Is she your second-chance mate? Did June leave you?" Alpha Altair inquired, his smile persistent."Sorry to disappoint you, but I am still with Damon," June announced, stepping beside Damon and intertwining her hand with his, which he g
Heather's POVKayden stepped out of the cozy wooden house, carrying dishes of food in both hands. He placed them carefully on the gazebo table, which was already beautifully set. My breath caught as I whispered, “Wow, you went to such lengths to prepare all this.”“I just want to impress you,” he muttered, his voice soft but sincere.I couldn’t help but smile as I glanced at the smoked, grilled salmon. My stomach growled in anticipation. Without waiting,I took a bite. The taste melted on my tongue.“Damn, you’ve really outdone yourself. It’s delicious! Are you secretly taking cooking lessons or something?” I teased, though my words were muffled by another bite.He remained quiet, a soft smile playing on his lips as he ate.“Really?” I pressed, surprised by his silence.“What?” He raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth lifting in amusement. “I can’t cook for my mate?”“There’s no need to go through so much trouble for me,” I said, dropping my gaze. “I’m not special…” The words tum
Heather's POVKayden stepped out of the cozy wooden house, carrying dishes of food in both hands. He placed them carefully on the gazebo table, which was already beautifully set. My breath caught as I whispered, “Wow, you went to such lengths to prepare all this.”“I just want to impress you,” he muttered, his voice soft but sincere.I couldn’t help but smile as I glanced at the smoked, grilled salmon. My stomach growled in anticipation. Without waiting,I took a bite. The taste melted on my tongue.“Damn, you’ve really outdone yourself. It’s delicious! Are you secretly taking cooking lessons or something?” I teased, though my words were muffled by another bite.He remained quiet, a soft smile playing on his lips as he ate.“Really?” I pressed, surprised by his silence.“What?” He raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth lifting in amusement. “I can’t cook for my mate?”“There’s no need to go through so much trouble for me,” I said, dropping my gaze. “I’m not special…” The words tum
Heather's POVI sat at the breakfast table, my stomach twisted into anxious knots, completely devoid of any appetite. Kayden wasn’t around, and the test results were due by evening. The waiting was unbearable. I hated lying in bed, doing nothing to occupy my restless mind. Instead, I busied myself reading about Raven and Xael powers—their strengths, their darker sides, and the terrifying extent. But even the book couldn’t hold my attention for long. Frustrated, I set it aside and stepped out of my room for a walk to clear my head.As I strolled the halls, I noticed a group of soldiers carrying crates filled with books.“Wait,” I called out, stopping them.They froze and turned to me. The scent hit me before I even reached the boxes—Colt’s scent. My monster brother’s lingering essence clung to the books like a haunting memory.“Where are these from?” I asked, narrowing my eyes as I reached for one of the books.“From Raven’s old base,” one soldier answered with a respectful nod.“Take
Heather’s POVTwo months have passed, and for the first time in what feels like forever, life feels calm. There’s a certain serenity in the air that soothes my restless soul. Stretching my arms above my head, I breathe in the crisp morning air before starting my yoga routine. The warm embrace of sunlight filters through the trees, and the soft breeze kisses my skin. Yoga has become my new ritual—a gentler path the doctor recommended after I had to step back from my usual intense training. It’s strange, but this peaceful morning rhythm makes me feel more grounded.After yoga, I head inside to shower and get ready for the day. Today’s agenda is simple yet important: spending time with the Pack members, checking progress, and ensuring the food we grow will sustain us through the harsh winter. With only five months before the cold season descends upon us, I need to make sure we’re prepared—no excuses. Winter here doesn’t just knock; it storms in, unrelenting and brutal.“Harris! Good morn
Kayden - POVI stood in the ruins of the Night Angel Pack building, deep in the heart of the human city. The air was thick with decay and a sense of foreboding. “What the hell did you drag me here for?” I snapped, my patience already worn thin.“Shut up and walk,” Damon growled, his usual temper flaring. He’d barely said a word during the entire ride, but his silence nowonly added to my unease. I wanted to text Heather, let her know I was in New York and would teleport back home as soon as this was over—but of course, my phone was dead. Typical.“How long is this going to take?” I asked, my frustration bubbling over.“Honestly? I don’t know,” Damon admitted, his tone clipped.“You mentioned coming to this place,” I pressed, trying to make sense of why we were standing in this desolate hellhole.“No, I didn’t,” he shot back. “I told Stella I was going on a business trip. That’s it.”I raised an eyebrow. “You’re a dead man if she finds out you’re here. Didn’t she nearly lose you the la
Kayden's -POV It had been a week since the war with the Ravens ended, but the aftermath still lingered. My soldiers were tirelessly combing through every lead, rounding up any Raven who might have malicious intentions. Each interrogation was aimed at uncovering the whereabouts of their elders—whether they were hiding or truly gone for good. Yet my thoughts weren’t just on the war. Heather weighed heavily on my mind. Her health had become my constant concern, as she’d been falling ill more often, fevers striking with alarming frequency.“Alpha, I’m tired,” Harris groaned beside me.I rubbed my tired eyes, feeling just as drained. “We have no Omega to help out. You’ll need to push through like the rest of us. No excuses.”“Alpha, we need a break. The soldiers need it too. If we keep working like this, people are going to collapse,” Harris argued, desperation clear in his voice.I sighed deeply, conceding. “Fine. Call a day off.”Harris’s face lit up as he nodded eagerly and left to spr
Heather’s POVWhat the hell just happened?A moment ago, power coursed through me as I faced my tyrant brother, Colt, head-on. Now, it was gone. I couldn’t shift. I was stuck, vulnerable, while he stood there in his semi-shifted form—clawed hands and fur-covered arms glinting under the sunlight.“Out of fuel already?” he sneered, shifting back into his human form. His dark, predatory gaze bore into me, a cruel smirk tugging at his lips.My chest heaved as I tried to summon my strength, but nothing came. I couldn’t even answer him.“Wondering why you can’t kick my ass, dear sister?” His grin widened, sharp and merciless. “You should’ve been able to. But here’s the thing: I’ve already won.”He took a step closer. My legs refused to move.“I can paralyze your body and your powers. It’s the easiest way to make a Raven Heir useless.” His voice dropped, venom dripping from every word. “And once I kill you? I’ll take those precious powers for myself. They’ll be mine, Heather. All mine.”My h
Kayden - POVA guttural growl tore through the air as Colt’s wolf launched at me, his claws wreathed in swirling black magic. I pivoted hard, dodging the strike. My strategy was clear—play defense, keep him chasing, and wear him down.“Burn him!” Odin roared in my head, his anger fueling mine.“Not yet,” I snapped, landing lightly on my feet. My body was tense, every nerve on edge.Colt snarled again, frustration seeping through his glowing red wolf eyes. His fur bristled as if he could sense my plan, but he wasn’t ready for me to strike yet. Not yet.“Why are we stalling?” Odin barked, his voice pounding in my skull.“You’re missing the bigger picture,” I replied coolly. Even as Colt’s claws tore into me with a few painful slashes, I kept my focus. His smirk told me he thought he had the upper hand—but he didn’t. Not for long.“I don’t see a point to this!” Odin growled, impatience dripping from his words.I clenched my jaw. Odin didn’t get it. The Raven Heir couldn’t be killed by or
Heather’s POVRelief coursed through my body, and tears burned in my eyes as Damon and Stella stepped out of the vortex. Damon’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and lethal.“You’re not laying a finger on him.”With a single push, Damon sent Colt staggering back like he was nothing more than a rag-doll. Colt growled, seething with barely contained rage as he locked eyes with Damon.“You... you’re a Lycan. Stay out of wolf pack business!” Colt spat, his voice dripping with venom. “Lycans and wolves are enemies—you know that.”Damon’s response was chillingly calm. “And you know what? That thinking is why this feud will never end. I’m not a fool like my father, clinging to outdated grudges.”Colt froze, a flicker of shock betraying his otherwise stoic expression.“You know.”Damon’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. “Oh, I’ve figured it out. All this time, you and your elder Ravens have been feeding lies, manipulating egos of Lycan Alpha and Wolf Alpha, trying to twist us agains