LOGINAstaroth POVPerched on a ridge above the packhouse, I sat like a shadow stretched long by twilight—still, silent, soaked in rot and thought. The trees around me stood bare and brittle, stripped of bark, stinking of sulfur and secrets. I watched them. The packhouse stood like a monument of misplaced
Knox POVMy father's words hung in the air like smoke."She's not fooling me," my once-father muttered, stepping closer. "I see her. I see through all of you.""Pa," Kane replied coldly, his tone firm, a warning wrapped in ice. A warning Leigh ignored as his gaze narrowed in on my angel.The air in
Kane POVThe kitchen had never felt smaller. Tension bled from every surface, thickening the air, coiling like smoke. I leaned against the edge of the island, one eye on Charlotte—who sat pale but stubborn beside the stove—and the other on the ticking clock. The steady hum of the refrigerator was th
"I'm getting water," I muttered, needing something to do. My back ached. My hips screamed. I was one emotionally frazzled breath away from punching someone."I'll get it." Liam moved toward me, brushing his knuckles across my forehead with a frown. "You're hot.""She's fine." Knox growled."No, she'
Lottie POV"Seems we can't have one peaceful morning," Knox grumbled, dragging a shirt over his head. The bitterness in his tone wasn't aimed at me—but at the world, maybe. I reached out, brushing my fingers over his hand as he adjusted the hem."Soon, we'll have all the time in the world." I tried
"I didn't get anything," I confirmed, shooting a quick look at Liam, to see him checking his phone for the millionth time this hour."He mindlinked the entire pack last night—" She shifted her weight, and her confusion quickly turned to alarm. "Everyone was told we were under attack. Apparently, he'
Kane POV My body met with the floor with a resounding thud as Astaroth released his magical hold, leaving me battered and bruised but fueled by a seething hatred that burned hotter than any physical pain. Every bone in my body ached, while each muscle screamed in protest, but none of it compared to
Lottie POV I knew I was being rude to my Alpha. A male who had always demanded but more importantly, earned my respect. However, as I stared up into the eyes of the only male role model I had growing up, the only male to have continuously shown me support and encouragement, I waited for him to answ
Lottie POV "You are wrong." I heard Knox scream, somehow breaking the dark magic hold that had been his gag. My heart hammered in my chest hearing the desperation in his voice, but as Astaroth's words echoed through the cathedral, each syllable distracted me, striking like a dagger aimed at my sou
"Or what?" I laughed, shaking my head. "Are you going to hurt me? We have already established that I carry the child you want so badly." "Badly?" He asked, stepping closer, the darkness following him like a cloak. "You have a high opinion of yourself. Your 'father' did too, and look where he is now







