Heather After Alex's uplifting visit from his school friends, a heavy silence descended on the room again. I sat holding his limp hand, my fingers drifted to the pendant hanging around my neck - the sealed gem that kept my wolf sealed. Lately I'd felt the her stirrings growing stronger, reacting to the distress of my cub being harmed. The wolf wanted to burst free and protect him, consequences be damned.But unleashing that side again after all these years carried immense risk. I'd run away from the pack and being rejected and accused it was the best I can do so I promise to start over. And leave that life for behind and with good reason. Letting the wolf could destroy the life I'd built here with my fake human family.Still, with Alex hovering at death's door, the temptation gnawed at me constantly. I'd do anything to save my child, even unleash the beast within. Surely no one could fault that choice?Kate and Aria came to visit me, they kept a worried eye on me as I wrestled with
AlexIt was all black then I start to drifted back to wakefulness, gradually becoming aware of hushed voices and a warm hand clutching mine. With great effort, I pried my eyelids open, squinting against the bright hospital lights. "Alex! Oh thank god!" Mom's tearful voice exclaimed. She leaned over me, face etched with joy and relief. My mind was hazy, but her familiar presence gave me strength."You're awake! We've all been so worried," Aunt Kate added, squeezing my shoulder gently. I gave a weak smile, moved by their loving concern.All my senses sharpened, I noticed an absence of the excruciating pain that had consumed me before everything went dark. Somehow my injuries had completely healed. I felt disoriented but surprisingly strong.The doctors seemed baffled by my rapid recovery. But Mom just smiled knowingly through her tears. "You're a fighter, my angel," she whispered, caressing my face. "I never lost faith."Mom cradled my face in her hands, eyes glistening with joyful tea
ArcherI came to school on Avery Friday just to hear the news spread that Alex had awoken from his coma. The halls were abuzz with excitement about his return and planning a big welcome back event. It made me want to vomit.Maria was there too, smiling again now that her dear friend was okay. I avoided her accusing glares, keeping my head down.In class, everyone babbled cheerfully about visiting Alex in the hospital, oblivious to my seething guilt. I should be rotting in jail, not strolling around free. Yet here I was, the invisible monster in their midst.My mother called, her usual platitudes now laced with relief. "See? All's well, no lasting harm done. We're in the clear." I remained silent, unable to shatter her desperate illusion. Nothing about this was right. But at least it was for my better good.I return home at least I know he is not dead. And I can feel a heavy wight raise off my shoulders. Freya was telling she'll leave because she finished her job. "Your mother says the
Alpha LucasI walked out of Mara's chambers after putting her back in her place for harming my property, I went to meet with Grandmother. No doubt she wished to scold me yet again for my "cruelty." That soft-hearted crone never did understand strength. I entered to find her scowling, ire raised at the news of my confrontation with Mara. "Have you lost all shreds of compassion, boy? Treating the mother of your child so callously?"I clenched my jaw, barely biting back an angry retort. "Do not lecture me about her. Mara forgets her station grandma, I simply reminded it." Grandmother's glare hardened. "You shame yourself and your people with this pettiness. Your honored Luna deserves respect, not to be cast aside!""Now, you would listen to what I said, I'm tired of all this your Nonsense of bringing different and more concubine every day." She warned, and I kept silent.Are you listening to me, you stobborn brat, is all that witch that made you into.." she barked but before I could
Luna MaraLucas stormed off in a rage, I turned to Grandmother worriedly. "He refuses to relent regarding Archer. We must take drastic action for the good of this family."Grandmother nodded pensively. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. If we cannot appeal to Lucas's compassion, we must find other ways to change his mind."We plotted escalating steps to make Lucas feel the consequences of his callousness. First we would pressure the pack elders to ostracize him. Next, threaten to undermine his leadership credibility with key allies. Finally, spread rumors that his own Beta Keegan plotted to overthrow him. "If he believes his power is slipping, he will see the need to reconcile with Archer to stabilize pack relations," I reasoned. Grandmother agreed this was our only remaining option to protect my son.But that evening, Lucas called me to his study, face like thunder. "Do not think your whispers have gone unnoticed, mate," he hissed. "You tread dangerous ground with this s
Archer I sat alone outside the den I'd been banished to, brooding in silence. Despite my stubborn pride, guilt gnawed at me. My fight with Alex had gotten out of hand. I hadn't meant to injure him so badly, but my temper took over. Father refused to let me come home because of last time to "teach me a lesson." Now I don't know what he's planning.Part of me wanted to rage and fight. But deep down I feared what Alex's parents might do. An eye for an eye - would they demand retribution against me to settle the score?Footsteps crunched toward me. I looked up to see my drug dealer Caleb approaching hesitantly. "Hey," he greeted me awkwardly. "Just wanted to check on you out here. Want more?""Hey, I'm fine for now." I answered with a straight face. "Also... I think I'll give you fair warning."I rose to my feet, suddenly alert. "Warning? About what?"Caleb shuffled his large paws looking serious. "Word is Alex's parents are on the warpath, demanding you be punished. They're telling t
67 HeatherThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me as I tied the apron around my waist, preparing for the morning rush at the cafe. Working here these past months had become comforting in its routine - the hiss of the espresso machine, regular customers chatting over their usual orders, the clink of dishes and murmur of easy conversation. In this quaint space I could almost convince myself I was just an ordinary woman, with an ordinary life. No tangled threads to unravel, no questions without answers, no nameless longing in my heart for someone lost to me."Morning Heather!" Aria chirped as she breezed in, all youthful energy and bounce. "Ready for the breakfast crowd?"I smiled warmly at my coworker, her cheerful demeanor proving contagious as always. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's get that coffee brewing for our hungry patrons."We worked in sync, she preparing pastries while I arranged mugs and dishes. As the cafe owner, I get to work both in the office to take care of thi
68AriaI rose up from sleep with a headache."Urrgh." I rubbed my head. "What a shitty way to start my morning." I whispered.I quickly take a bath and dressed up to the cafe, Heather coffee usually soothe me up. As I walked to the Cafe. The early morning air was crisp as I made my way to the cafe, breaths puffing out in little white clouds. My boots crunched on frosty grass and fallen leaves, the only sounds breaking the stillness before dawn. I cherished these solitary walks under the peaceful blanket of night, before the buzz and bustle of the day began. In these tranquil moments I could gather my thoughts and prepare for the rush ahead.Unlocking the cafe door, I breathed in the familiar aromas - roasted coffee beans, cinnamon, fresh pastry dough. I flipped on lights and begun brewing a pot of rich dark roast, the gurgle and drip soothingly routine. Before long, my coworker and friend Heather breezed in, cheeks rosy from the chill. "Brr, it's gotten nippy out there! Perfect cu