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I left the temple and went straight home, crawling into bed. I refused to process anything that had happened. Tonight, I was just a normal seventeen-year-old girl. Tomorrow? I’d wake up a magical wolf with winter powers.That night, I had another dream of the winter land. The world was frozen, a vast, endless tundra. Snow covered everything, and the air was sharp and still. But despite the cold, I felt fine—strong, even. The only problem was... I was alone.Where was everyone?I turned, searching, but there was nothing. Just me and the silence. Then, a large snowflake drifted down from the sky, falling slowly, just like in the temple. It was glowing, impossibly bright. When it reached me, it didn’t land in my palm—it sank into my chest.A sudden surge of power tore through me. I screamed, the force of it too much to handle.A voice whispered in my mind, calm and steady."Let the power flow through you. Own it. I will be with you soon. We will do this together."The reassurance in the
I walked away before I lost any more brain cells."Jasmine, you can't be part of his groupies. You are my friend," I scolded, half kidding."Well, let me remind you that I have eyeballs, and they can see what they can see. And right now, they are seeing a very fine specimen. Like, I have never seen a man so gorgeous in my life." She sighed dramatically. "I don't know what the goddess has in store for me, but my mate better be his twin.""I'm his twin," I deadpanned.She snorted. "Yeah, but you don't have the muscles, the jaw for days, or the body part I need. I'll pass.""Goddess, ew! He is my brother. I do not want to hear about his body parts!" I groaned. "Let’s go. I need to get my muscles going."I was assigned to Brandon for sparring."Alright, let’s see what you got," Brandon said, slipping into a fighting stance.I mimicked him, bracing myself. Training had been brutal here, but I was improving. My movements were sharper, my reactions quicker. Today, I was determined to push mys
Here we were again, by the lake, but this time, things were different.For the past few weeks, my nights had followed a routine. Sparring with Alpha Rhett while Brandon shouted pointers. Then, once I was exhausted, I would sit back and watch as Rhett and Brandon fought—analyzing their movements, learning their strategies. Afterward, we'd walk back to my house, which was close to the lake, and have dinner.But tonight, Ares was here.I had no idea what that would look like."Alright," Rhett said, his deep voice cutting through the night air. "For tonight’s training, we’re doing a competition. First one to hit the ground loses. Winner moves on to the next opponent. No rest between rounds."A slow smirk spread across my face. This was going to be fun."First up, Ares and Aury," Rhett announced.Ares turned to me, grinning. "Aury, huh? I see you two are getting close." He nudged my shoulder playfully."If you don’t shut up, you might wake up with something crawling on your face," I shot ba
The battle raged on.Our warriors were well-trained, their attacks coordinated, but it didn’t matter. We were losing.The creature was too big, too strong—even for werewolf standards. Every time we gained an advantage, it tore through our defenses like they were nothing. And worst of all—It had fire magic.Flames erupted from its hands, setting parts of the forest ablaze. The scent of burning wood and singed fur filled the air. Warriors dodged, some barely escaping the searing heat. Others weren’t as lucky.Screams. Snarls. Flesh meeting flesh.And then—It stopped.Right in the middle of the carnage, the creature went still. Its glowing, sickly yellow eyes locked onto me.My breath hitched.It just stood there, staring.Its chest heaved, its massive claws flexing at its sides. It said something in a language I didn’t recognize—deep, guttural, and ancient.A shiver ran down my spine.Ares stepped in front of me, his entire body tense, his stance protective. His arm brushed against min
Chapter 42: The TalkThe next morning, I found myself standing in front of the packhouse.Now, mind you, I had never actually been here before—for some reason, I had avoided it. Maybe because it felt too official, too much like stepping deeper into a life I wasn’t sure I belonged to.The building was stunning. It was crafted from metal and glass, yet it somehow looked like a cabin, blending rustic charm with modern luxury. It was the perfect marriage of old and new, like everything in this pack—like Alpha Rhett himself.I hesitated at the massive doors.Do I knock? Ring the bell? Do werewolves even use doorbells?Before I could decide
Chapter 43: The LibraryAfter leaving Rhett’s office, I made my way downstairs to the lower level of the pack house. The air grew cooler with each step, the scent of aged parchment and candle wax thickening as I descended. The hallway was dimly lit, lined with thick stone walls, with torches flickering in iron sconces. It felt ancient, untouched by time, as if stepping into a sacred place meant only for those who sought true knowledge.Then I opened the door.The library was massive. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, overflowing with books, scrolls, and worn tomes that smelled of history and secrets waiting to be uncovered. A massive wooden table stood in the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs, and tucked into a far corner was a grand fireplace, embers still glowing faintly in the hearth.I exhaled slowly. This is it.Stepping further inside, my fingers traced the spines of books as I scanned the titles, searching for anything related to priestesses. After a few minutes,
I woke up to the warmth of a body beside me. The most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on—my mate. Shanika.She smelled like summer and strawberries, a scent that had become intoxicatingly familiar. I brushed a strand of hair away from her face and pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder, trailing my lips down the delicate curve of her neck. She stirred, letting out a sleepy hum, her body instinctively responding to my touch.Everything about her was mesmerizing. The way her breath hitched, the way her skin flushed under my lips—she was perfect. I started with small kisses on her neck and trailed it down the vale of her round, firm breast. I stopped to tease them a little; a lick and two, they immediately responded. I continued my way down to the prize. Her blue satin panties removed slowly with my teeth. Finally, the breakfast I was looking for. She was in a semi-awake state, still drunk with sleep. She shifted beneath me, her eyes fluttering open, a lazy smile spreading across her
My mom and I started heading out the door when I felt someone behind me. I didn’t have to turn around to know who it was.“Ares, what are you doing?” I asked, a bit annoyed.“Hey, Snow, I’m doing my job. I’m protecting you.” His tone was smug, like he was enjoying this way too much.“Protect me from what?” I asked, crossing my arms.Totally ignoring the fact that some giant monster keeps attacking the pack in the late hours of the night.“Well, there have been attacks, and my job is to be your shadow. I’m putting my beta training on hold to be here. Don’t act like you don’t need me.”I sighed, rolling my eyes. He wasn’t entirely wrong, but I hated being followed around like I was fragile.“Fine, come along.”The night was clear, and the moon loomed huge and bright in the sky. It bathed everything in silver, and I could almost feel its energy pulsing through the air. The lake shimmered under its light, an eerie yet mesmerizing sight.When we arrived, my mother turned to me with a calm,
POV: AureliaAfter the ball on Saturday and the Council meeting that followed, I was exhausted. My body ached, my thoughts were tangled, and the heaviness of responsibility settled into my bones like frost.And yet, it was only Monday.My official role as high priestess had barely begun, and here I was—sitting in war rooms, speaking alongside Alphas and strategists like I belonged. I wasn’t sure if I did. But I knew I had to.As the meeting began, we gathered once more in the war hall. This time, it was less ceremonial and more tactical. The long table was crowded with voices, not just in person, but through a large video screen that connected us to packs too far to travel. The faces of distant Alphas flickered with unstable connections, eyes squinting into their screens, expressions guarded.Some representatives were cooperative, offering records and patrol notes. Others were vague and evasive. A few, like the Blackwood and Night Howlers delegates, answered in clipped sentences and t
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