NOAH’S POV I stirred awake with a loud yawn, blinking against the soft golden rays spilling through the windshield. I stretched out instinctively, only to bump into the door with a dull thud. Right. I was still in the car. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I glanced out the window. We were on a narrow road, lined with tall trees on either side that filtered the sunlight into flickering patterns on the car’s dashboard. The whole place looked like something out of a fantasy movie. I frowned and turned to Penny, who was still comfortably seated, humming along to some soft indie song playing from the speakers. “What the heck, Penny? Where exactly are we going?” She gave me a lazy side-eye, smirking like she'd been waiting for that question. “Oh, sweetheart, you're finally awake.” “I’ve been awake for like two seconds and I’m already regretting agreeing to this mystery trip,” I muttered, pushing back the strands of hair that had fallen over my face. “We’ve been riding for what? Three
NOAH’S POVPenny stood in front of a steel machine, pouring a small amount of the eerie green liquid from the syringe into a glass tube. Her hands were steady, focused. I watched curiously, arms folded, while she placed the tube inside a machine. “What’s that going to do?” I asked, stepping closer.“The machine separates the compounds. Every chemical used in making this will be broken down,” Penny said, pressing a button. The machine came to life with a low hum. “Once we know what’s inside it, we might get a clue on what the liquid was meant for.”I nodded slowly. Smart. I hadn't even thought of that.Minutes passed in a tense silence, broken only by the soft whirring and clicking of the machine. My thoughts drifted to the vision I had seen, the strange look in their eyes, the obedience, like they were puppets.What kind of power could do that?A sharp beep echoed.We both moved toward the machine. Penny opened it carefully and leaned in. Three small vials emerged, each containing a
ARES’ POVI stared hard at Noah, my jaw clenched as his stormy-gray eyes locked with mine. What the hell was he doing here? What game was he playing this time?His mere presence was enough to stir a wildfire inside me. I didn't trust him—not one damn bit. Everything about him screamed deception. And yet, there was that strange pull again. That damned, persistent tug in my chest that wouldn't go away.Without thinking, I fast-sped toward him and slammed him against the wall, my hand wrapping around his throat with deadly intent."You've got some balls showing your face before me again, snitch." My fingers dug deeper into his skin, watching as his face began to pale.He didn’t fight back. That annoyed me more."I’ve told you..." he gasped, "...I’m not the snitch.""Really?" My voice was sharp, venomous. "Then maybe you'd like to explain how they knew we were coming?""I don’t... know... how," he choked out.My grip tightened. I was seconds away from snapping his neck when..."Okay, Prof
NOAH'S POVThe moment Professor Rex left, the heavy tension in the warehouse didn’t fade—it clung to the air like his intimidating scent: cold snow. My chest felt tight. The silence was suffocating, like the calm after a thunderstorm that somehow left more unease than peace.I glanced at the lifeless body sprawled on the ground, the man he’d killed without hesitation. My stomach churned a little. So ruthless… so precise. I shook my head slowly. Who the hell was this man? Professor? Or executioner?Turning to Penny, I slid my hands into my pockets, arching a brow. “What the hell was that guy talking about? Wolves, alphas, moon guardians—you all looked like you knew exactly what was going on, and I was just… standing there like a damn extra in my own movie.”Penny shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my eyes. “What else could he mean?” she said, forcing a chuckle. “The beasts… they transformed from wolves. You know, like actual wolves. An alpha is kind of like their king. Just like bees have
NOAH'S POVI exhaled loudly as I stepped into my room, every bone in my body aching with exhaustion. Without even bothering to turn on the lights, I tossed my bag somewhere across the floor and collapsed face-first onto my bed.Moments later, Gavin walked in like he owned the place, which, to be fair, he kinda did—and sat on the edge of the bed. He reached for my sneakers and began slipping them off without a word. His hands moved with care, warm and familiar. Then, as if he could read my mind, he started massaging my feet, slow and gentle.God, I swear, Gavin is my favorite person for a reason. He always knows what I need before I even ask."You look worn out, Pookie," he murmured, his voice soft.I gave a tired nod, shifting slightly to lie on my side. Then I turned fully and rested my head on his lap, sighing in relief as I got comfortable. Gavin reached up and carefully pulled off my wig, letting my real jet-black hair tumble out in soft waves. The familiar weight of it against my
ARES’ POVI panted loudly, the cold wind slicing past my face as I raced through the dense woods in my wolf form, Rex. The moonlight glistened off my fur, but it couldn’t calm the restlessness surging through my veins. I pushed harder, my paws slamming against the forest floor, claws digging into the earth like I was trying to outrun something… someone.Jason was far behind me. No surprise. No beta could match an Alpha’s speed—not when the Alpha was running like a beast possessed. And I was. Possessed by irritation, rage, and something worse: confusion.The reason?I can't place. The investigation, Noah, my mate, everything That damn boy—no, that confusing little problem—had a special gift for getting under my skin. The way he talked back. The way he looked at me. The way he moved like he didn’t know the danger he was always in. I couldn’t even be near him without my skin crawling and my wolf howling in my head.Everything about him—his scent, his energy, his presence—infuriated me.
ARES’ POVI stood by the balcony rails of my penthouse, high above the Crescent Moon Pack territory that sat hidden in the hills above Los Angeles. From here, I could see the stretch of land we ruled—kids racing around the training fields, warriors sparring in the distance, patrol wolves jogging their usual rounds. At first glance, everything looked peaceful. Serene.But it was a lie. It took a lot to make it look like that.The unease in my chest told me otherwise.I brought the cigarette to my lips, inhaled deeply, and let the smoke drift into the cool air. I never liked smoking, hell, I hated the habit. But recently, it's been the only thing that made the weight on my chest feel a little lighter. As if the smoke could carry away the thoughts clawing at my head.They want to draw out the Moon Guardian… Gerry's words rang loud in my head.My mate.I took another drag, bitterness curling in my mouth.They were playing a dangerous game—and not just with anyone. With me. An Alpha cursed
NOAH’S POVI landed softly on the damp grass and looked up at my window with a smug grin. Classic. I had just outwitted my brothers again, an art I’d been mastering since childhood. Climbing out of windows, ducking security cams, and sneaking into the night like a ninja had been my thing long before I could spell “trouble.”I dusted my hands and pulled my black hoodie tighter, melting into the shadows of the L.A. night. The city buzzed faintly in the distance, but this part of it was still quiet, the moon casting silver over empty sidewalks. My stomach growled for the third time. “Right, hunger strike,” I muttered sarcastically. Since my brothers refused to let me go on the school trip, I figured I’d protest the only way I knew how to,by starving.But who was I kidding? Hunger and I were not friends.So here I was, dressed in full stealth mode—black hoodie, low cap, and my trusty short wig, on a mission to grab a large pepperoni from Lenny’s Pizza, my favorite little corner shop off M
ARES' POVThe murmuring crowd around the pool began to blur into white noise as my gaze fixed on him. Noah. He stood by the edge of the pool, his short dark, glittering under the sunset, those stormy gray eyes sparking like lightning against the clear blue water. My heart pounded in a maddening rhythm I couldn’t control, like a war drum set off by his presence, but before I could move....He did.Sebastian.The bastard approached him like a predator cloaked in silk, too smooth, too casual. His smirk was a language I understood far too well—it said I know this bothers you.I clenched my jaw as I watched him close the space between them. He grip Noah's shoulders startling him. He moved in closer, and my fingers curled tighter against the balcony rail.Then it happened.He almost pushed Noah Almost.He stumbled, dangerously close to the edge of the pool, but didn’t fall. He caught his wrist at the last second, and that smug smile never left his lips. Noah swatted his arm, then pushed hi
My entire body went cold.How...how did she know?Elsa’s eyes glittered with cruel delight, her smirk widening as the horror registered on my face. She tilted her head slightly, like a predator toying with prey.“What?” she purred. “Shocked? Scared?”My throat felt like it had closed up. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t blink, couldn’t even swallow.“I’ve known for a while now,” she continued nonchalantly, brushing invisible lint from her sleeve. “Lucky for you, I haven’t said a word. Yet.” She leaned closer, her breath warm and poisonous against my cheek. “But I don’t make promises, Noah. How quiet I stay depends entirely on… your behavior.”That snapped me out of my paralysis.A smirk, slow and calculated, curled at the side of my lips. The kind that always pissed people off.“Hmm,” I said coolly, meeting her eyes, “and if you’re gloating right now because you think Professor Rex wouldn’t find out, then please, book yourself a check-up. You're clearly deranged.”Her smugness flickered.
NOAH’S POVThe moment we stepped into the gymnastics room, the scent of sweat and rubber mats greeted us. Today’s activity was all about letting off steam, yoga, boxing, cardio, lifting weights. You name it. But apparently, Penny wasn’t a fan.“Oh, hell no,” she groaned dramatically, fanning the air with her hand. “I hate the gym. The awful smell of sweat irks me. All this weight lifting and gross stretching. I already have a slender figure, Nathan’s body is literally carved by angels, and you, Noah...” she narrowed her eyes at me and poked my side, “...you’re too tiny for all this. I can’t let you break your bones trying to lift some dumbbell.”I shot her a playful glare, but I could barely keep a straight face when Nathan bit back a laugh, clearly trying not to choke.“Let’s just ditch this place and go eat,” Penny added with an exaggerated sigh. “We should focus on making Noah bigger. He’s basically snack-sized.”Nathan finally let out his laughter, patting me on the head like I wa
UNKNOWN POVA low hum echoed through the cold, steel-plated corridor as I stepped into the restricted lab—my boots clicking against the floor like the ticking of a clock counting down to chaos.I halted before the row of iron cages, my lips curling into a wicked smile as my eyes gleamed with triumph. The beasts inside stirred, snarling lowly under their breath, their eyes glowing a feral red in the dim lighting. My creations. My monsters. My genius."They’re calm today," I noted as he approached, his white coat stained with blotches of dried fluids. He, too, wore a look of pride—like a man who believed he had created perfection. He wasn’t entirely wrong. But he wasn’t the mind behind it all. That was me."That’s because of the new serum I developed," He said coolly, motioning toward the cages. "Watch this."He turned toward the beasts, eyes flickering with excitement. Then he issued a single command through the mind-link: “Growl.”The result was instantaneous.All seven beasts erupted
NOAH’S POVThe sun was slowly beginning to sink beneath the horizon, casting a golden glow over the beach and painting the ocean in shades of orange and pink. Laughter echoed through the salty air, mixing with the crashing of waves. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and for once, I allowed myself to relax—just a little.Nathan was out in the water, surfing like he was born to ride the waves. His moves were clean and confident, earning cheers from the crowd each time he caught a good one. He looked carefree… in his element.Penny, on the other hand, was doing what she did best, flirting. She stood near the bonfire, tossing her wavy hair over her shoulder, her voice sweet as honey while she talked to two ridiculously good-looking guys from another department. The poor guys were clearly enchanted, their grins growing wider with every flutter of her lashes.I chuckled under my breath.If only they knew...Penny was deeply in love with her fiancé, to the point of writing sappy poe
NOAH'S POVThe moment we stepped into the restaurant, the rich scent of grilled meats and exotic spices wrapped around my senses like a warm blanket. My stomach growled in anticipation.Penny inhaled dramatically, eyes fluttering shut like she’d reached nirvana. “Food is life,” she moaned. “I keep telling you guys!”Nathan just shook his head at her antics, though the corner of his lips twitched with a smile.We made our way to a table near the window. I let Penny take the lead with ordering, since she practically memorized the entire menu within two minutes. As we waited, the din of the restaurant filled the air, cheerful and loud, students buzzing with excitement from the trip.“I swear,” Penny grumbled, pulling her ponytail tighter. “I’m going to punch your handsome roommate. Sebastian is driving me nuts.”I chuckled softly, “He’s not that bad, Penny. You literally said that he was nice.”“Yeah, like a psycho on a dating app,” she retorted.Nathan glanced between us. “You seem to
ARES' POVSteam still clung to my skin as I stepped out of the bathroom, towel-dried hair damp and messy, a black bathrobe wrapped loosely around my frame. The marble floor was cold under my feet, but the chill that prickled down my spine wasn’t from the temperature.I wasn’t alone.Noah was already gone. I heard his quiet footsteps tiptoeing out earlier, probably thinking I wouldn’t notice. But someone else was here. The scent hit me a second later...sweet, vanilla faintly spiced. Familiar. Unwelcome.Elsa.My jaw tightened.What the hell was she doing here?Before I could call out, she stepped into the bedroom like she owned it, that signature smile plastered on her lips, overconfident, too perfect. Her long white-blonde hair cascaded down her back, bouncing slightly with every step. Her pale blue eyes sparkled, but there was something off in her aura...something new, faint but unmistakable.My wolf stirred, sensing it too.I folded my arms, expression unreadable. “What are you doin
NOAH'S POVMy head felt like a marching band was stomping through it. I groaned, pressing my palm to my forehead as I blinked against the sunlight pouring through the large glass doors. Okay, it's official—alcohol is not for me. Ever again. Just two damn glasses and it feels like my brain's been spun in a blender.Bits and pieces of the night flashed behind my eyelids. Playing that stupid truth-or-dare game, laughing way too hard with Penny and Nathan... then feeling overwhelmed and going out for air. Then I saw...professor Rex?My eyes widened slightly. Yeah, I remember seeing him standing by the sea, just brooding and godlike like always… but after that? Nothing. Just blank. A total wipeout.It felt weirdly familiar. History repeating itself. Except this time, I didn’t even know whose room I woke up in. My arms stretched across silk sheets that didn’t feel like mine. My room had soft cotton, and an average size bed. I sat up slowly, and the headache groaned along with me.The inter
ARES’ POVI still couldn’t shake off the image burned into my head from this morning.That damn hug.I’d tried everything to distract myself—sparring with Birdy, drowning in paperwork, even meditating, for goddess’ sake. Nothing worked. Rex, my wolf, was brooding in the corner of my mind like a child denied candy. The pull I felt toward Little Leister was suffocating, and seeing another man's arms around him had sparked something feral in me.So, like a lost idiot, I wandered toward the sea, hoping the salty breeze would numb my raging thoughts.Humans said the ocean calmed the soul. Maybe it did, for them. But I wasn’t human. I was a werewolf Alpha. Powerful, lonely—and right now, pissed beyond belief.I stood at the edge of the shoreline, eyes locked on the restless waves crashing beneath the moonlight. My thoughts were loud. Too loud. His face kept flashing in my head—those stormy gray eyes, the stupid little smirk he wore when he teased me, the softness in his voice when he whispe