I woke up at dawn, inhaling the crisp, untouched air. This place was truly magical. Whether it was the colors of the sky, the fresh scent of pine, or just the simplicity of life here, everything felt... right.“Aury, what are you doing outside in pajama shorts and a tank top? Do you want to get frostbite?” my mom called out from the doorway.Strangely, I wasn’t cold at all.“I’m fine, Mom,” I assured her, but looking around at the frozen landscape, I knew it had to be below freezing. Thirty degrees, maybe less. Still, I felt perfectly warm. Maybe I was just getting used to Alaska. Then again, everyone else in the pack still wore thick coats and furs, so… maybe not.“Teenagers these days are daredevils,” my mom teased as she stepped outside, rubbing her arms for warmth. She looked at me thoughtfully. “Darling, how do you feel? We haven’t really talked much about home, and I think maybe it’s time we do.”I hesitated. “Mom, it feels weird talking about this stuff with you.”“Oh, come on,
Jasmine and I arrived at the greenhouse, hoping to score some apples after training. She won the race, but I didn’t do too badly. The training was definitely helping me build stamina.“So, what’s your name? Or am I calling you ‘Ugly Face’ forever?” I teased.“Jasmine. Or ‘Highness.’ I can go either way,” she replied with a smirk.“Aurelia. Aury for short.” I smiled. “Nice to meet you.”“Aury… hm… I like it.” She tilted her head. “So, why are you here?”I shrugged. “Taking a break from my life. Learning new things. Getting close to my mom’s roots. Your standard Eat, Pray, Love—minus the love part.”“I thought you were just some bimbo here for a vacation,” she admitted, “but I see you actually trying to learn and be independent. I appreciate that.” Then she smirked. “You suck at everything, though. But at least you’re trying.”“Okay, I don’t suck that bad,” I shot back, pretending to be offended. “And for your information, I’m great at fishing.”She laughed, and I joined in.We spent th
I arrived at the secret training location, which turned out to be the same place where my mom and I had been fishing when we were attacked by the bear. I spotted Gamma Brandon—and Alpha Rhett. What is he doing here? “Hi, Aurelia. Come on over, you’re right on time,” said Gamma Brandon. “Hi. You mean I’m early, right? Where is everyone else?” I asked, glancing around. “It’s just us. You have a lot of catching up to do,” he replied. Then, shooting a pointed look at the Alpha, he added, “And there’s no better sparring partner than our Alpha here.” I looked between the two of them, sensing something unspoken passing between them, but I had no clue what it was about. “Okay… just don’t beat me up too badly,” I said, giving a nervous laugh. “I still have morning training, and I’d really like to survive it. Oh, and maybe—just maybe—land one punch?” Gamma Brandon chuckled, but Alpha Rhett remained as serious as ever. Tough crowd. “Alright, let’s get into position,” Gamma Brandon instruct
I swam in the river, letting the cool water soothe my muscles after the brutal training session. At first, I was just enjoying the quiet, but there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind—I was being watched.Something told me it was Alpha Rhett. And if I was wrong? Well, too late to do anything about it now.I started swimming properly, using the water to train my endurance. Back and forth, faster and faster, until my muscles burned. A strange satisfaction filled me. I was actually enjoying exercise. Who would’ve thought?By the time I climbed out of the water, the feeling of being watched had vanished. Still, I didn’t waste any time—I threw on my clothes and ran home, not eager to find out what else might be lurking in the darkness of this place.I fell asleep almost immediately after eating a quick meal—a boiled egg, the best I could manage with my exhaustion.Gamma Brandon was an older man, with white hair and a neatly trimmed beard that added to his distinguished appearance.
A few days passed since the dinner. We were in much better shape thn whn we started. We had furniture, a warm bed to slep in, food, ways to gt food, we had stater a jewlery which we used to trade for other things within the pack and sometimes ven sel it for money. It was such a fun thing and I was exilarated that people enjoyed the designs that they want them for themselves. This summer was so far the best yet. My heart was healed, I completely understood and accepted what happened. And somehow any lingering feelings I had were no more. Although I still remember jeremy with fondness. It is crazy to think I saw him as my mate and now I remember him as a friend. I hope he feels the same way, It would be hard to go back to ____ pack if there was any awkwardness. My brother was supposed to his beta and it would be odd to run in to him or his mate and feel tension. At least there wouldnt be any tension coming from me. I also made a friend here, Jasmine, a.ka. Ugly face, who was actually b
I was on my third training session of the day. We had been in Alaska for five weeks now, and for the past four weeks, I had been training every morning, every evening, and then at night with the Alpha and the Gamma. It was exhausting—but exhilarating.My body had changed. My muscles had grown stronger, more defined. As a cheer captain, I had been physically fit, but I wasn’t Foraker Mountain Pack fit. There was a difference between being athletic and being a warrior. And now, I was beginning to bridge that gap. My stamina had nearly doubled, my reflexes had sharpened, and for the first time in my life, I felt powerful.My mother had started attending the night sessions as well, claiming she needed to "chaperone" me, but I wasn’t blind—I saw the way she lingered when the Gamma was around, the way they exchanged fleeting glances that spoke of an old, quiet understanding. It was strange, seeing my mother like that. For so long, she had been just Mom. But here… she was someone else. Someon
The night was already dark, but suddenly, it felt like the shadows thickened, swallowing the remaining slivers of moonlight. A deep, guttural roar echoed through the forest, sending a chill down my spine. It wasn’t a wolf’s growl—it was something else, something unnatural.Then, the trees trembled, their towering forms swaying as if something massive was forcing its way through them. The sound of cracking branches and rustling leaves grew louder, closer. My breath hitched as I instinctively took a step back.My mom besides me tensed, and everyone's posture shifting into defensive stances. Gamma Brandon and Alpha Rhett’s eyes flickered in the dim light, assessing the unseen threat.Then, a scream shattered the silence.It wasn’t the playful shout of someone roughhousing. It was pure terror, raw and piercing.More screams followed—panicked cries rising from the direction of the pack village. My chest tightened. Something was attacking.Alpha Rhett’s face darkened, and he let out a sharp,
The creature’s red eyes bore into me, glowing like embers in the night. It was huge—its distorted, hulking body moving unnaturally fast as it tore through the trees. Each heavy step sent vibrations through the ground, the sheer force of its presence suffocating.Amanda grabbed my wrist and yanked me forward. “Run!”We bolted.Branches whipped against my face as we sprinted toward the cabin. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it over the chaos. My mother’s grip was iron-tight, as if she feared letting go would mean losing me forever.A deep, guttural snarl echoed behind us, and I risked a glance back.It was gaining on us.The beast’s powerful
Ares’ POVWe were all gathered in the war hall—Alphas, Betas, and the trusted few they brought with them. I had specifically requested each pack’s leadership team be present. If they had heroes or people with unique insight, they were welcome too. We needed unity. And more than that—we needed the truth.Alpha Rhett stood at the front, shoulders squared, his voice calm but commanding as he addressed the room.“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” he began. “I want to be clear—this meeting doesn’t take away from this weekend’s festivities. But it is the perfect time to gather as many of you as possible and discuss our growing concerns.”He scanned the room, his expression unreadable.“I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors,” he continued. “I’m here to confirm them—and to put any doubt to rest. The attacks are real. And they’re growing bolder. Our lands were recently targeted by something... monstrous.”The words hit like thunder.“They stood taller than any creature we’ve ever recorded
Ares' POVThis ball was a crazy idea. I wasn’t privy to most of the conversations swirling around the pack, but it was obvious this event was a strategy. A smart one. It brought in people, sparked bonds, and created the perfect cover to talk about the real issue—the attacks—without tipping off any potential enemies. The Council rarely met—once a year, tops—and only when something serious hit the fan. Alpha Rhett was smart. Maybe even brilliant. Honorable, too. I saw the way he looked at my sister. He hadn’t made a move, but the tension was thick. Maybe they were mates. Maybe not. Either way, the guy had restraint.The ball itself? It was a blast. I met a bunch of girls who made it very clear what they were after. Lucky for them, I’m available. Willing. But not a liar. When they asked, I kept it simple: I don’t date. I fuck. I’m waiting for my mate.My wolf growled about it sometimes—he didn’t love the casual flings. But my body? Well, that part of me didn’t exactly complain.The gue
I noticed Mom dancing with Brandon—rather closely. They were smiling, laughing, and whispering like no one else existed. I wondered when they’d finally admit their relationship. They were so cute together.Werewolves could live up to two hundred years. We grew up like any human would until we reached adulthood at eighteen. After that, our aging slowed thanks to our regenerative abilities. Mom was only forty-six, and Brandon was probably around one-twenty. A big age gap by human standards—but nothing unusual for us. They could even start a new family… though fertility was rare among older wolves.Rhett walked up on stage, and the room fell into silence.“Good evening, everyone,” he said, his voice smooth and commanding. “I hope you're enjoying the
The party was in full swing. Some people from my previous pack were here. Melissa hadn’t come this time—each pack had a limited number of guests, and priority went to those over 25 and unmated.You could see some pairs forming. The fated ones were obvious. You could also see all the hopefuls looking around, waiting for their moment.I was once that bright-eyed hopeful too. Now I was a little jaded.While chatting with Jasmine, I felt a weight settle on me. A gaze. I looked for the source—and there he was. Alpha Rhett. Watching me like he was starving. It was exhilarating… and terrifying. I was so drawn to that man, and I was scared of falling.I was being as guarded as my heart would allow, but Goddess, I wanted to run through the forest of his eyes.We stared at each other.I caved and smiled.He smirked back. Took a sip of champagne. Looked away, pretended to listen to someone, then looked back at me.I got pulled into a conversation, and the moment passed.As I headed to the bathroo
Aurelia's POVMy heart beat loud enough to drown out the music as Rhett extended his hand.He looked like a carved statue come to life—tuxedo tailored perfectly to his broad frame, jaw sharp enough to cut, that dark hair pulled back into a man bun I had no business liking as much as I did.His eyes were fixed on me like I was the only thing in the room. And Goddess help me, I wanted to walk into that gaze and never come out.But then I remembered who stood beside him.Jeremy.Shanika.My ex and his mate. Her dark eyes caught mine, unreadable. Jeremy looked… tired. And
Aurelia’s POVThe day before the ball felt like an entire lifetime compressed into twenty-four hours.There were wolves everywhere—unmated guests arriving by the hour, laughter and footsteps echoing through the corridors, flurries of movement between the apartments, dorms, tents, and the grand hall that would serve as the ballroom.I stood in the center of that hall, hands on my hips, staring up at the ceiling. It had once been a training arena—all cold concrete and sharp echoes. Now? It shimmered.Ares and his entourage had transformed the space. Silk drapes billowed from the ceiling like swirling snowstorms, catching the breeze from the AC vents and dancing in the air. Jasmine had strung fairy lights across the beams, woven with dried herbs and sprigs of pine that released a warm, woodsy scent when the bulbs heated them. It smelled like winter in the middle of summer—comforting, nostalgic, and a little wild.We’d gone with a winter elegance theme: dark woods and chrome accents, soft
Aurelia’s POVThe parchment was thick and slightly textured, dyed with the faintest hint of rose gold. The script shimmered slightly with silver ink, old-fashioned and elegant.You are honorably invited to the Mate-Matching Ball at the Foraker Mountain Pack. All unmated wolves are welcome. We hope this gathering helps you find a union—whether fated by the Moon Goddess or chosen by your heart.I stared at the invitation in my hands, heart fluttering. It was official. Real. Somehow, this felt like more than just a ball.Rhett’s POVInvitations had gone out to every corner of the world—Alaska, Canada, across the states, even overseas. We were expecting a massive turnout.Luckily, we were prepared—at least in terms of infrastructure.We had two three-story buildings just inside the front gates. They looked like government bunkers from the outside—plain, cold, intimidating. That was the point. It was all part of the façade of a military base meant to keep outsiders wary. But in truth, th
Chapter 51: Recounting Rhett’s POVThe attacks had become routine. That was the real horror of it all. People no longer screamed in terror or scrambled blindly. They just reacted—defended, regrouped, and returned to what they were doing as if an ambush by demonic beasts was just another line item on the daily agenda.It was too much.The numbers were dwindling. Every attack left behind fewer warriors. Fewer civilians. Fewer healers. It wasn’t just a battle anymore. This was a war. And we were losing.And yet, that night—our night—was different.The fire crackled beside us, casting a warm glow on her face. I had prepared this spot in secret: a soft blanket spread across a bed of moss, a thermos filled with hot chocolate, and a picnic basket holding a few sandwiches, chocolate-covered berries, and some marshmallow snacks I had seen her sneak from the pantry once. She thought no one noticed. I did.Aury’s eyes had widened when she saw it. Her surprise surprised me.We had trained togeth
Aury’s POVHere I am yet again—injured. I’m beginning to think I do need a babysitter. My brother was doing such a great job. He got his wolf, and nobody died during today’s attack. But realizing I’m the target? That was a rough pill to swallow.I could feel energy coursing through me, but I couldn’t get it out. I guess I need my wolf for that. But where is my wolf? Why won’t she come out?“Aury, dinner is ready. Come down,” I heard Mom call.When I arrived at the table, my big bro was