Ryan's POV: There was a charged silence in the bookstore, the weight of our emotions hanging in the air. Eve's words had cut deep, exposing the raw edges of our relationship, our love, and our pain. "I understand what can happen, Eve," I said, my voice steady, though frustration lingered in my tone. "I know trauma can surface, but we will be careful. Isn't it better for both of us to repair our bond?" Eve hesitated, her gaze filled with uncertainty. "It's not that simple, Ryan. I don't know if I can go through it all again. I do not know if..." "What?" I interrupted, my irritation seeping through. "Can you believe me? Will you be happy with me?" I could feel the weight of my own words, the impatience born from a desire to fix what had been broken. It was a desperate plea for her to see that I was trying, that I had changed. I'd been making an effort to prove that it could be different, to demonstrate my commitment to her. But
Ryan's POV:My instincts kicked into overdrive as the attackers closed in on us. I fought fiercely, my movements precise and calculated. But in the chaos of the battle, it was hard to get a clear look at our assailants. They seemed to be experts in combat, their faces mostly hidden beneath hoods, and their tactics well-coordinated.I couldn't let them harm Eve. My primary concern was her safety. I fought with every ounce of strength and skill I possessed, trying to shield her from harm. She held her own, her determination unwavering, but the odds were overwhelming.As the skirmish raged on, I found myself facing an assailant who had managed to get behind me. I reacted quickly, blocking their blows, but in the process, I twisted my body awkwardly, causing sharp pain to radiate from my wound.The burning agony was a brutal reminder of my vulnerability. Blood trickled from the wound, staining my clothing. I gritted my teeth and refused to yi
Raven’s POV:Amy was still waiting for my answer. It had been so long now that it was getting awkward. I figured I'd just play dumb.“What do you mean? Am I not allowed to visit a friend in the hospital?” I answered her question with a question.Amy narrowed her eyes at me as if she was wondering if I was lying to her. I knew she couldn't bring up that the hospital was for werewolves if I happened to be human, but she also wanted to gauge how much I knew.“And how did we end up here?” she asked me. "I don't have many memories.""Jackson saved us from the attackers and got us to the nearest hospital," I said with a smile that was probably a little overdone."Doesn't it seem strange here?" she asked, scanning the surroundings.I knew she was trying to extract information from me, but I was committed to my act.“No, why are you asking me?” I said, feigning a casual glance around the room. "Do you see something strange here?"The doctor immediately bent over Amy, examining her eyes and as
Raven’s POVEve's voice, with its familiar warmth, was a balm to my unsettled nerves. The connection I felt with her, even just through the phone, had a way of soothing the storms within me."Hello, Raven," she greeted me, her tone a mix of comfort and curiosity.“Hello, Eve. Is everything okay with you?" I inquired, my concern palpable."Well... everything is fine now, yes," she responded after a pause that seemed to stretch into eternity.My heart skipped a beat, anxiety gripping me. The worst scenarios played out in my mind, and I fought to keep my composure. "Tell me what happened?" I pressed, my voice betraying the worry that surged through me.“There was an attack earlier in the day,” she said quietly."God, Eve, are you okay?" Panic laced my words. "I'll be right there. Where are you? Are you hurt?" I bombarded her with questions, the horror of the situation driving my urgency.She chuckled softly, a sound that eased a fraction of my anxiety. As long as she could laugh, I reaso
Ryan's POVEve and I sat in a momentary silence, the weight of our recent discussions still hanging in the air. The revelations about Cari had stirred a sense of unease.James' call from earlier is the other more urgent thing on my mind and I felt the need to address the concerns with James directly. "I have to go, honey," I informed Eve, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. ''I'll be back soon.''Her response was immediate, confusion etching across her features. She rose from her seat, a determined look in her eyes as she hurried after me."Where are you going? I want to come too," she said, her hand reaching out to grip my arm, a plea in her touch.I paused, looking into her eyes. "Eve, I need to handle some pack business with James. It might not be safe for you to come along. Stay here; I'll be back before you know it.""I want to help and be involved. And I won't be in danger with you." she urged, a hint of worry in her voice."Please just wait for me here. I am already injure
Eve’s POVI stirred from a light doze to the feeling of a gentle kiss on my forehead. Ryan stood over me, a soft smile playing on his lips. I greeted him lazily, surprised that I had dozed off while waiting for him."Oh, you're home," I mumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "I didn't know I fell asleep. I was waiting for you.""I missed you," Ryan confessed, his words carrying a warmth that resonated within me. I chuckled, trying to shake off the last remnants of sleep."How long have you been gone?" I asked, getting up from the couch to join him."Just a few hours," he replied, pulling me into a comforting hug. His lips pressed against my hair, and for a moment, everything felt right. However, beneath the surface, I sensed a lingering tension, a silent acknowledgment of the conflict we hadn't quite resolved.We sat in companionable silence, a delicate atmosphere hanging between us, filled with unspoken words. I know it's important to Ryan that we get our bond back, and I know that
Eve’s POV"Do you want to watch a movie?" I offered with a smile. "Of course, if you have nothing else to do."Ryan looked at me and returned my smile."I choose the movie, though," he said, extending a hand to help me up.“You always choose horrors,” I grumbled."I choose them because you're scared, and by the end of the movie, you're so snuggled up inside me that you might leave a mark on me," he grinned."I can hug you without you driving me crazy." I tried to defend myself, but I grabbed his outstretched hand, and we headed to the bedroom with a TV."How much more exciting is it when someone is afraid, and you can protect them?" he said."You think you stand a chance against any of these monsters?" I asked, laughing.We entered the bedroom, and I sat on the bed while he turned on the TV and selected a movie."You think I can't kill them if they threaten my mate's life?" he raised an eyebrow at me. "And what will attack me from scary movies, Eve, a werewolf? You know they are ficti
Raven’s POVThe encounter with the mysterious woman had set my instincts ablaze. The familiar yet elusive scent of a fellow werewolf lingered in the air, compelling me to follow her.As she briskly moved down the narrow streets, I maintained a discreet distance. A reluctance to enter the store she approached didn't escape me. Instead, I forged ahead, ensuring there was no ambiguity in my pursuit. She turned into a dark alley, and my pace quickened. I couldn't afford to lose sight of her.There was an uncanny familiarity about her, a tug at the edges of my memory. How could another werewolf that I know be here in Venice? Rounding the corner, I found only the fading traces of her shadow disappearing down another street.The speed at which she moved was no longer human. Confirmation settled in – she was undoubtedly a werewolf. I made every effort to maintain my distance, but she skillfully eluded my grasp. Eventually, she came to a stop at the end of a dead-end street.My steps quietened
Weeks passed in a whirlwind of preparation. The decision by Raven and Trina to fully embrace their bond brought an air of joy and contentment that resonated throughout the pack. Witnessing their newfound happiness was a source of warmth, a testament to the transformative power of love.Raven immersed himself in assisting Ryan with war training. His expertise introduced innovative tactics and methods of intimidation that the soldiers eagerly adopted. The training sessions became a dynamic collaboration, enhancing the pack's capabilities in anticipation of potential challenges.Simultaneously, I dedicated myself to organizing the grand ball, marking my official announcement as Luna to the pack. The passing of the Women's law, supported by nearly one hundred percent of the votes, signified a significant stride toward equality within the pack.As the truth about my past gradually unfolded to the pack, their responses were overwhelmingly positive. The conversations were filled with underst
Raven didn't immediately answer the question. He looked embarrassed and broken. Ryan invited him into the dining room and offered him coffee. As we settled around the table, several Omegas bustled around, their movements careful and purposeful. They poured coffee with a silent efficiency, arranging an array of sweets that adorned the tabletop. A silent acknowledgment lingered in the air as they tactfully avoided meeting Raven's eyes. "What happened?" I asked again, my voice soft, the room now hushed with the anticipation of Raven's response. "I didn't come for sympathy, but I had nowhere else to go," Raven began, his eyes downcast, avoiding the weight of our gazes. Ryan, sensing Raven's vulnerability, gestured towards the chair, silently offering a seat. "When I got home from Italy, my father was very angry that I hadn't been able to get Ryan to sign the peace treaty," Raven continued. “Did he do this to you?” Ryan's question cut through the air, his eyes ablaze with restrained a
Ryan's eyes darkened with a primal intensity, a spark of possession that thrilled and comforted simultaneously. Then he pulled away from me."If we keep going, I won't be able to stop, love," he tells me.I can feel his body tense in an attempt to hold back his desire."I don't want you to stop, Ryan," I whisper to him."Are you sure, Eve? I've been through a lot today," he begins carefully.I can see him not getting close to me because if he did, he would lose control. But I've never been more ready."Ryan, I know what I want. I want you now, to be yours in every sense of the word, and I want you to mark me." I say and get up from the bed.I take a step towards him, and he has undressed me completely and is now looking at my body. Then his eyes return to mine, obviously seeing my determination because he crosses the distance between us and sinks his lips into mine.Our kiss is a mixture of passion, need, and the unspoken connection that binds us. It's not just a physical act; it's a
As we pulled into the packhouse driveway, the weight of the recent events pressed down on my shoulders. The familiar surroundings, usually buzzing with lively energy, now stood in solemn contrast to the somber reality we faced. "Eve, love, I'm going to go talk to some members of the pack. I must inform them of the events. Do you mind if I leave you for a while?" Ryan asked gently. "Not at all. Go and do your job, Ray." I replied. "If there's anything, call me." "Of course," I responded, sealing our brief conversation with a kiss. It was a kiss that held both desperation and reassurance, an anchor in the storm that had swept through our lives. The door closed behind Ryan as he left to address the pack, and I found myself standing in the quiet hallway, the echoes of recent events reverberating in my mind. Seeking solace, I retreated to the kitchen. Mechanically, I poured myself a cup of coffee, the familiar routine offering a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos. The warmth of the
Eve's POV: We dressed quickly, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. The revelation of Cari's suicide attempt shook me to the core. Her confessions from yesterday had been a storm, but this... this was a hurricane of despair. "You don't have to come if you don't want to," Ryan said, concern etched on his face. "No, I will come. We're together now, Ryan, and we'll get through this together." He nodded, and his hand found mine. The silent support was enough to bolster my courage. The corridors of the hospital blurred as we hurried to Cari's room, the tension thick between us. Outside the room, the muffled voices of Cari's father and brother reached us. I knocked on the door, and the old Gamma, worn and sleep-deprived, opened it for us, a mixture of exhaustion and worry etched on his face. "Alpha," he greeted, nodding respectfully. "Luna." We entered, and I stood by Cari's bed. Her gaze flickered to me briefly before returning to her brother. "Cari, this must not happen
Eve's POV My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and suspicion as we grappled with the aftermath of Cari's betrayal. The room echoed with the weight of unanswered questions, and I couldn't shake off the gnawing uncertainty that lingered in the air. "So, who the hell was the perpetrator?" I wondered aloud, my voice laced with frustration. "Someone infiltrated our pack, gave poison to Cari, wiped away the real evidence, and planted that damn wolfsbane in my jewelry box." Ryan's expression mirrored my unease, his eyes narrowing as he processed the intricacies of the situation. "We need to find the person who gave Cari the wolfsbane. That stranger is the key to unraveling this mess. He is the one who orchestrated everything." I nodded, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The betrayal ran deeper than we initially thought, and the pieces of this sinister puzzle were scattered, waiting to be put together. "Cari, are you sure you d
Eve’s POV The room fell into an eerie silence, with only the sound of Cari's muffled sobs breaking the tension. Her eyes were filled with remorse as she looked at Ryan, desperately seeking forgiveness. "How exactly did you do it, Cari?" Ryan asked thoughtfully, his brows furrowed with suspicion. "Something doesn't add up." Cari blinked at him in confusion, her eyes searching for a way to deflect the intensity of Ryan's gaze. She glared at him, a defensive shield against the probing questions. "I don't understand the question," she said. "I want to know everything. How did you get the wolfbane, where did you sprinkle it in an attempt to poison Eve, everything? I want to know everything," growled Ryan, the authority in his voice cutting through the room. I walked over to Ryan, sensing the escalating tension, and I put my hand on him, attempting to calm him down. His grip tightens, a silent acknowledgment of my presence. "Did you steal it?" I asked in turn, my voice steady. "No,
Eve’s POV After the interrogation, a contemplative hush settled in the room as everyone processed the unexpected twist in the tale. Seeking comfort, I nestled on Ryan's lap, finding solace in his reassuring embrace amid the disquieting revelations. Cari's admission that she had planned to poison me to remove me from Ryan's life hung in the air. It was a revelation that sent a shiver down my spine, as I hadn't fathomed the depth of Cari's resentment. Memories of our shared high school history, marked by occasional clashes, suddenly took on a darker hue. I always tried to be nice to her, I never reacted harshly even to her snarky remarks when I was Luna. I couldn't believe she despised me enough to want to kill me. I rose from my seat with determination, making my way decisively towards the interrogation room. "Where are you going?" Ryan asked, confusion etched on his face. "I have more questions for her. That can't be the whole story," I explained. Ryan followed me, signaling fo
In the morning, I intentionally skipped breakfast, opting to avoid the company of other werewolves. My focus was solely on the impending day and the crucial tasks ahead. Despite a few friends attempting to engage in conversation, I swiftly ended any interaction. Nervous energy coursed through me, urging me to distance myself from everyone, ensuring no one would suspect that something was amiss. Obsessively checking my watch, I peered out of my window, eagerly anticipating Eve's departure for the mall, where our supposed date was scheduled. I had fed her a fabricated story about needing to go to work early in town, setting the stage for the deceit to come. With the knowledge that Ryan's flight had already landed, and he was far from our location, I calculated that the most important warriors would accompany him. This meant minimal security around the Alpha and Luna's room in the house. The moment I spotted Eve's car pulling away from the driveway, I seized the hidden jar containing