《Ascension of a Gamma》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    ~Anna~


    I found sce in these early mornings ¨C alone and covered in darkness. The deafening silence


    outside and the constant dripping sound of the droplets that leaked from the roof¡¯s tiny holes.


    In these moments my thoughts would drift from one to another, often a recollection of the past. I


    remembered everything as if it all happened yesterday.


    I made a promise and after the passage of roughly three years, this day has finallye.


    And like every morning since, I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess for strength.


    Afterward, I forced myself to get off the dirty rag, groaning as pain shot through my limbs like lightning. I


    stretched for a bit to relieve myself of the stiffness in my back and stepped into the bathroom. I took a


    freezing shower, dressed myself with old clothing, and made my way to the kitchen.


    As usual, there were pills in one of the cupboards left by an anonymous person. In a pack of around


    three hundred, this kind soul chose to help me. I downed the pills, burned the stic, and started to


    prepare the pack¡¯s breakfast.


    Around two hourster, the Omegas came and took out the food to serve to the pack. I skimmed


    through the menu for today¡¯s lunch and dinner. It¡¯s going to be a long day.


    While everyone was in the dining room, I drank as much water as I could stomach to ease the hunger


    and started prepping the meals. The same Omegas came backter to drop off the dirty dishes and


    their usual words of insult before leaving me to man this kitchen. They worked on another kitchen, so


    they wouldn¡¯t have to mingle with me, not that they wanted to.


    From time to time, some Omegas would walk by and I¡¯d overhear their conversations. Some talked


    about the awaited Luna and others about finding their mate. Sometimes they¡¯d gossip about other


    packs and they¡¯d usually fawn over the Alpha.


    Of course, who would pass up on the opportunity to bed an Alpha? Sheesh, most of these Omegas are


    thirsty.


    At least they could sense their mate while Icked the ability to sense mine. When I turned twentyst


    month and not a single male of my pack was drawn to me, I concluded that he woulde from


    another pack.


    I suddenly heard excited screeches outside, the guests must¡¯ve arrived. A girl sounded panicky saying,


    ¡°It¡¯s Alpha Liam. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here.¡±


    Seriously girl, you need to calm down. And of all the bachelors out there, you¡¯d choose that psycho?


    With ten minutes to spare, I managed to have everything ready. Unlike this morning, a number of


    Omegas came to take out the food while I stood in a corner with my head turned to the side, lending a


    deaf ear to their insults.


    I still have my pride as a Gamma, girls.


    When the Omegas left, Alpha Flynn came in, his musky cologne filling the room. Wearing a pale blue


    tailored fit suit, it entuated his electric blue eyes. I would¡¯ve swooned right there and then if it wasn¡¯t


    for the aura he gave off.


    His stare sent shivers down my spine as his eyes met mine, ame with hatred, and I knew why. Then


    he turned around, rummaged through the kitchen, and sternly said, ¡°Sit.¡±


    Keeping my head low, I squatted on the floor. He ced my food in front of me ¨C leftovers from this


    morning in small portions and a ss of water.


    ¡°Eat,¡± he ordered, and I did, using my hand to scoop the food into my mouth as fast as I could before


    gulping down the water in one breath ¨C he didn¡¯t like to wait.


    ¡°You know what today is, don¡¯t you?¡± he asked after I finished.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Tonight, I find my mate, my pack¡¯s Luna and I expect you treat her the same way you do me,


    understand?¡±


    He purposefully referred to the pack as ¡°my¡±, to remind me that I did not belong. The same thing had


    repeated itself over the years, but it still hurt to hear.


    ¡°I understand, Alpha.¡±


    With a huff, he left, and I started to work once more. By eleven-thirty in the evening, the food and


    refreshments have all been served. The celebration of the Alpha¡¯s twentieth birthday could be heard all


    the way to the kitchen and of course, I wasn¡¯t invited. They didn¡¯t want me embarrassing the pack.


    It didn¡¯t matter and I was happy that they didn¡¯t. It was an advantage for what I nned to do. Everyone


    should be at the party, making it easier for me to sneak out.


    I briefly looked around today¡¯s workce and let out a long sigh. That was when I felt exhaustionnd


    on me like a ton of bricks. The scene swirled in my head and my vision became unsteady. Before I


    could register what was happening, I found myself meeting the cold hard floor.


    When I came to, it was difficult to move my limbs and the ticking of the clock urged that I hurry. It was


    way past my curfew, and I should already be in my room. If anyone found me, I¡¯d be locked up. Then I


    wouldn¡¯t have a chance to execute my n ¨C to fulfill my promise.


    I forced myself to stand. I tried to walk, but my legs were unsteady. They wobbled at each step, then a


    wave of nausea hit me, and I was on the floor again.


    When I regained consciousness, my body felt too heavy to move. The ticking of the clock resonated


    within the walls, sounding louder than it should. Its constant tick-tick-tick urged me to hurry but I


    couldn¡¯t.


    So, I remained still, taking my time to gather enough energy. My skin numbed after having been in


    contact with the cold floor, adding to my difort.


    I let out a sigh and focused on one thought ¨C at least I was alone. It didn¡¯t matter that the room was


    pitch ck, if anything, it wasfortable. But the silence was broken when sounds of heavy footsteps


    echoed throughout the corridor.


    My heart pounded in my chest, painfully loud in my ears and I breathed slowly in an attempt to not


    make any sound that would alert the person outside.


    It seemed as though the person was in a hurry. The sounds grew louder as the person approached


    closer and I could only hope the person wasn¡¯t headed to where I was.


    My eyes zoned in on the small space between the door and the floor. The corridors were lit, and light


    seeped through it, forming a line.


    Louder¡­ closer¡­


    Then shadows disturbed the otherwise perfect line, indicating that the person stopped right in front of


    the door.


    No¡­


    Cold sweat erupted from every pore on my back. I tried to crawl into a corner, but my arms were too


    exhausted that I barely moved from my spot.


    ¡®Turn around. Walk away. My mind begged in silence, but the person wanted to enter. The door swung


    open and light parted the darkness, revealing my helpless figure. A familiar scent filled the room and


    my heart dropped.


    I opened my mouth to speak but he spoke first in disgust and anger. ¡°You? The Moon Goddess fated


    me to you?¡±


    The same musky cologne and the same cold voice; both were something I¡¯d recognize in the middle of


    a crowd. How could I not? Both were attributed to none other than him ¨C Alpha Flynn.


    Fated? Moon Goddess?


    No, I must¡¯ve heard him wrong.


    As my mind tried to wrap around his statement, his next words confirmed my doubt.


    ¡°Did the Goddess think I would dly ept you because you¡¯re my mate?¡± he mocked.


    He¡¯s my mate? The¡­ Alpha?


    If any other girl out there found out her fated one was an Alpha, she¡¯d be screaming her heart out in joy


    and thanking her stars. But I could only curse mine in despair because I was fated to him.


    Funny. I used to dream of having him as my mate and now that he was, I didn¡¯t want it. Not him.


    Anyone else but the Alpha looking down on me.


    He loathed my existence and made me feel so, by keeping me around to suffer instead of banishing


    me. Sometimes I thought of whether it hurt him too, but I didn¡¯t want my emotions to justify his actions.


    Tomorrow night, the mating rituals would be held but there was no point in waiting for it now. I thought


    my mate would be one of the guests and he¡¯d find me then, but the Moon Goddess clearly had other


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ns.


    A strong hand gripped my hair and pulled me off the floor. I screamed, silenced by the ps that


    blow over and over again until I could taste metal in my mouth.


    Tipping my jaw, he forced me to look him in his cold and unforgiving eyes. He sneered. ¡°You should¡¯ve


    never been born. You don¡¯t deserve to live, and you don¡¯t deserve love. You are a failure to your kind


    and this pack. You are nothing but a disgrace!¡±


    My body ached, my face stung, and my heart broke at his words. Tired and hurt, I closed my crying


    eyes ¨C this wasn¡¯t an image of him that I wanted to see.


    He kicked me with unrestrained force and pain seared in my chest. It sent me crashing on a wall before


    I crumpled on the ground, front first¨C I think I broke a rib or two.


    He walked towards me saying, ¡°I will never ept you as my mate. Not you.¡±


    When he was a few feet from me, he kicked me in the abdomen with the same strength and I went


    flying to the wall once more. Then he forced me up, with a hand gripping my neck. I struggled to


    breathe but I was too weak to fight back.


    I searched for his eyes and locked gazes with him. The message was clear, and I knew he understood.


    My eyes challenged him to end me, but amusement danced in his blue orbs.


    He chuckled at my defiance. ¡°Your sole purpose for living is atonement. Did you think your death would


    be enough?¡±


    Theck of oxygen was taking its toll, my head started to feel woozy. He smirked at my state. Then he


    said, ¡°I, Alpha Flynn Astra, reject you, Gamma Anna Be Fiora as my mate.¡±


    Yes, I couldn¡¯t sense my mate, but the bond still tied me to him. With every blow and hateful word, my


    heart continued to break. And if a broken heart could shatter even more, his words had such an effect.


    ¡°Now say you ept,¡± he said, loosening his hold on my neck. I gasped and took in lungfuls of air. My


    heart and mind shed, the emotional part and the rational part offered different voices. ¡°End this!¡±


    shouted thetter.


    But¡­ how could I?


    ¡°If we break the bond, we might never find a mate again. You may never have a Luna,¡± I said with a


    shaky voice. After all that he did to me, I shouldn¡¯t care about him having a Luna, but I was bound to a


    promise.


    Pa!


    More psnded on my cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather have no Luna if it means rejecting you,¡± he seethed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean that!¡± I shouted, the words slipping out before I could stop myself.


    ¡°Yes. I do, Anna,¡± he said in a soft voice, it shocked me. I haven¡¯t heard him speak in such a manner or


    call me by my name for a long time. It tugged on my heartstrings; I missed this Flynn.


    His eyes met mine and I saw pain¡­ and affection. His pupils dted and the color began to turn into a


    deeper shade ¨C his wolf was raging to take over.


    Oh, Farrel. You have always been kind. I missed you too.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this,¡± I whispered, a d¨¦j¨¤ vu of what I told him then. The same three words that came from the


    heart, a simple plea, for him instead of me.


    The deeper shade was pushed back, and an enraged Alpha red at me. He mmed me back to the


    wall and demanded, ¡°Say it! Say you ept!¡±


    I¡¯m sorry, Alpha. I¡¯ve failed you once more.


    In between sobs, I spoke the words he wanted to hear. ¡°I, Gamma A-Anna Be-Be Fiora¡­ac-ept


    your re-rejection¡­Alpha F-Flynn As-tra.¡±


    As soon as I ended the sentence, pain of unimaginable degree reverberated throughout my body and I


    couldn¡¯t hold back the scream that escaped my mouth, silenced when his fist connected with my jaw.


    My head whirled as I felt something within me snap and disappear, leaving a feeling of emptiness


    behind, like a part of me was taken. This man isn¡¯t Flynn Astra. This isn¡¯t my best friend, my old me,


    my Alpha.


    I thought I heard him groan in distress, but it must¡¯ve been my imagination. Torrents of pain wracked


    through my being ¨C physical and emotional ¨Coverwhelmed my mind and body until I copsed once


    again.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    ~Liam~


    ¡°Hey baby, dance with me,¡± a chick said as her curvaceous body moved in a wave-like manner. Her


    dress hugged her torso tight and it shimmered in gold glitter and sequins, despite the low lighting. Its


    length ended mid-thigh, and my eyes traveled from her long legs to the promised heaven in between


    them. The plunging neckline exposed the top of her supple chest, enough to make a man lose his


    senses.


    I wrapped an arm around her waist from behind, until she could feel me poke her ass. My head settled


    at the crook of her neck and I took in her jasmine perfume. She didn¡¯t irk away from my hold, instead,


    bucked her hips against mine.


    This little tease. You want this, don¡¯t you?


    My tongue flicked at her soft olive skin, tasting her.


    Fuck. Her sweet arousal tastes so good.


    I¡¯ve lost count of how many women attempted to seduce me tonight, most of them intoxicated. But this


    little tease didn¡¯t stink of alcohol, she smelled pleasant, just how I liked it.


    She suppressed a moan and cocked her head to the side, asking me to make her feel more.


    I could mess you up so badly you won¡¯t walk for days and still want more.


    My hands traced her torso down and settled on the curve of her hips. I pulled her to me, and she


    gasped as the monster pressed right at the center of her cheeks.


    ¡°Do you want this, baby?¡± I whispered in her ear.


    ¡°Yes,¡± came her breathy reply. ¡°All of it, Alpha.¡±


    But you don¡¯t deserve it, baby. No woman in the world does. None of you deserve what I can give you.


    I released her with a slight push and took a step back. She turned to face me, still smiling expectantly.


    Being the gentleman that I am, I shed her a smile and politely said, ¡°Sorry baby, not tonight,¡± then


    quickly made my way out of the crowd. She kept calling for me, most likely to demand an answer, but


    the booming music drowned out her voice.


    For a birthday party, this Alpha went all out, turning his own house into a nightclub. The dance floor


    was packed with unmated werewolves, their primal need for sexual satisfaction more intense than


    usual with the mating ceremony drawing near. And I¡¯m no exception.


    I nced at my trousers; the thing demanded attention. The heated atmosphere didn¡¯t help, not when I


    could smell arousal from every direction.


    I have to get out of here.


    Taking a whole bottle of unopened champagne from the buffet table, I discreetly made my way out of


    the main hall, taking a swig directly from the bottle while I searched for a quiet ce. The problem


    would have to sort itself out.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°For a second there, I thought you were going to give in,¡± said a voice from the back of my mind. ¡°Do


    you regret it?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t, and you already know why,¡± I replied.


    He smiled and said, ¡°Will we find her tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°We better. Get ready to sniff her out.¡±


    ¡°Leave that to me. Can I count on you to be on your best behavior?¡± he chided.


    ¡°Asshole.¡±


    shing a smirk, he retreated.


    I¡¯m running out of time, my dear. If I don¡¯t find you tomorrow, I never will. This will be thest I get to


    search for you, so please, won¡¯t you appear?


    A stifled moan came from the right, followed by the sound of flesh hitting flesh, interrupting my


    thoughts.


    Looks like some already found their mate.


    I continued walking, no specific destination in mind but with every intention to put as much distance


    between me and this lustful atmosphere. I went up a set of stairs, heard moans, went back down. I took


    lefts and rights only to retrace my steps back; this was one horny night.


    As I walked in on more couples, I started to regret leaving the party and even considered giving in to


    sinful desires. Because unfortunately for me, the problem kept asking for attention and the alcohol


    wasn¡¯t helping.


    Fuck. Calm down. I¡¯m not an uncontroble sex maniac.


    I took in deep breathes until it went back down. Then I picked up my pace and continued to wander


    until I finally came upon a corridor free of couples making out. Only then did I realize that I was


    ¡°Idiot,¡± the voice said.


    ¡°Not now!¡±


    I blocked him before getting back to this new problem. I stood on one end of the corridor, with two more


    adjacent to it on each side and another straight ahead.


    Where the fuck do I go now? I¡¯ve never been to this area before.


    As I contemted which path to take, I heard a woman¡¯s scream echo throughout the walls,


    immediately cut short. My fight mode switched on. A door opened from the corridor straight ahead and I


    hid behind the one on my right, my figure concealed by the shadows.


    The sound of heavy footsteps grew louder, and a man passed by stomping, his breathing heavy, and


    there was no mistaking the smell that hung around him ¨C blood. I counted fifteen seconds to ensure


    that he was a good distance away, then carefully made my way into the room from which he came. I


    nted an ear on the door and heard nothing, neitherbored breathing nor crying.


    Fearing the worst, I hastily opened the door and scanned the room. I saw an image that I¡¯d seen many


    times before, but it didn¡¯t be easier to handle. It was always an image that I could never rid my


    mind of, and I wasn¡¯t entirely sure that I wanted to forget.


    A woman was passed out on the floor, bleeding. The smell of blood and salt hung heavily in the air. I


    went to her side and checked her pulse. It was too weak, but it was there. Turning her over slowly, I


    saw the horrific state of her face ¨C red, bruised, bleeding, and tear-streaked. She needed medical


    attention, quick. Not wasting more time, I picked her up bridal style and carried her out of the room


    while mind-linking my sister.


    ¡°I need you to give me directions back to my room. Grab your things and meet me there right now.


    Someone needs our help.¡±


    She guided me through this maze of a house which took longer than it should because I had to avoid


    getting seen and when I got there, she was on standby. Good, she was sober ¨C the best-case scenario.


    Iid the unknown woman on my bed and nodded to my sister; she knew what to do. Then I left the


    room and went to hers, which was beside mine.


    ¡°The rooms have been checked for bugs,¡± she said in a mind-link then cut it off before I could reply.


    I sat on the couch and began to make out what I could of the situation. She was clearly a victim of


    abuse and the Alpha was involved. It was beyond me how an Alpha could treat any of his pack


    members that way when he should be a father figure, a leader, to all of them. Their strength and their


    protector. Not a fucking tormentor!


    Getting up, I poured myself a ss of bourbon and drank in silence, downing ss after ss to keep


    myself from barging out the room andying carnage on the White Lake Pack. Fuck the presence of


    the other packs, let them watch.


    I could get her out but only if she wanted to. Since my Beta wasn¡¯t with me, Lexy should do the talking.


    If I tried to get information out of her, I might just lose it and scare her instead of gaining her trust.


    Haha. Lexy would kill me if that happens.


    The alcohol appeased my anger then I remembered the bottle ¨C it got left behind in the kitchen.


    Hmm¡­ that¡¯ll do.


    After a few hours, I received a mind-link from Lexy.


    ¡°You cane back now,¡± she said.


    I hurried to my room and saw her leaning into the bedpost, her eyes closed.


    Even the best healer has a limit.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been drinking again, haven¡¯t you? I saw you leave the party,¡± she said.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t concern you. How is she?¡±


    She took a deep breath and said, ¡°A couple of fractured ribs and multiple cuts and bruises. She¡¯s


    fatigued. I gave her soporifics, let her sleep for now.¡±


    ¡°How long?¡±


    ¡°It could take a couple of weeks, maybe more,¡± she said.


    My blood boiled at her words and I held back a growl.


    Her wolf has weakened too much.


    ¡°And one more thing -¡± she said, turning to look at the sleeping woman, ¡°- she¡¯s wolf-less.¡±


    To say that she was rare would be an understatement. Throughout werewolf history, the gap between


    the paucity of those born without a wolf could reach centuries.


    He left her to die, because of something beyond her control.


    The growl escaped and it was louder than I intended. My pack was already asking for instructions via


    mind-link from the open channel. I¡¯m fucking itching to massacre this pack! And the look she gave me


    was silent approval.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    ~Liam~


    Continuous rapping on the door woke me up. I spent the night in Lexy¡¯s room and she in mine, after a


    briefing with the pack yesterday.


    My head throbbed from the hangover and the pounding sound only made it worse. Annoyed, I opened


    the door to give whoever is behind it a scare, but I was instead greeted by a cheery face in pigtails.


    ¡°Good morning, Sir. We regret to inform you that breakfast will be a littlete. We sincerely apologize


    for the inconvenience,¡± she chirped.


    ¡°Did something happen, dear?¡±


    ¡°Only a minor issue at the kitchen, Sir. We¡¯re working on it as fast as we can,¡± she said like she was


    reading off a script and I chuckled.


    ¡°Tell me, dear. Would you like to y a game?¡± I said with a smile, a proper one so as not to scare her.


    She stared at me for a few seconds, her eyes clearly saying yes before they directed their gaze on her


    shoes. Looks like there was more to this than one abused woman.


    ¡°Hmm. I don¡¯t know if I can wait. My tum-tum is growling,¡± I said, cing a hand on my stomach and


    rubbing it in circles. Then as an added emphasis, I yfully said, ¡°Grawr.¡±


    She giggled at my gimmick. d it amused her or else I would¡¯ve ended up looking stupid for nothing.


    ¡°Grawr,¡± she mimicked, her voice sounding cute it could melt anyone¡¯s heart, then she giggled at her


    actions.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I squatted on my toes so I could be on a somewhat equal level to her and said, ¡°What¡¯s your name,


    dear?¡±


    ¡°My friends call me Mary. You¡¯re funny, mister.¡±


    Heh. I could be funny too. In your face, Lexy.


    I smiled at her and said, ¡°Mary, it¡¯s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Do you want to y with me


    She slowly shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m training with my friends,¡± she said tly.


    ¡°Training?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hm. Alpha said we should train.¡±


    ¡°And do you like training?¡±


    She crossed her arms and pouted.


    Heh. Little fighter.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like training! I want to y hide and seek and swim in the river and eat ice cream.¡±


    Cute little fighter.


    ¡°How about we go for ice cream after breakfast? Would you like that?¡± I said and she beamed.


    ¡°Can I bring my friends? They like ice cream too, like me! We love chocte and vani and


    strawberry!¡± she eximed as she jumped up and down excitedly.


    I chuckled. ¡°Bring everyone along. I¡¯ll buy you as many scoops as you want.¡±


    She held out a fist then raised a finger, ¡°Pinky promise?¡±


    I linked mine with her and said, ¡°Pinky promise. Now go tell your friends.¡±


    Her unusual dark blue eyes moved to the upper right as she remembered something. ¡°I have to tell


    other people about breakfast!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite alright, dear. They already know,¡± I said, so she wouldn¡¯t have to knock on my room.


    ¡°Everyone from this section has been informed.¡±


    She stared at me with her eyebrows furrowed. Then she pointed and said, ¡°A mind-link! You used a


    mind-link!¡±


    ¡°I did. You¡¯re a smart girl, aren¡¯t you?¡± I lied. She knew about it, but not how it worked yet.


    Her lips curved to a grin. ¡°Thank you, Mister. Uhm¡­ What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Liam. Call me Alpha Liam,¡± I said, still smiling. ¡°Now run along, Mary. Come find me after breakfast,


    alright?¡±


    She nodded then walked away while singing a made-up song to herself, ¡°Ice cream. Ice cream. We¡¯ll


    be eating ice cream.¡±


    As I watched Mary leave, a voice came in my head. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a meetingter?¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner? I already made a promise to her!¡±


    ¡°Idiot,¡± he mocked before blocking me.


    I closed the door, mind-linked my pack, and instructed them to discreetly investigate this pack. Some


    protested, obviously still entangled with their mate and I grinned knowing they¡¯d do what I asked of


    them anyway.


    Then I created a private channel between me and Lexy and told her that she had a date with a cute


    little girl and her friends on an ice cream parlor after breakfast. She taunted andughed at me first for


    ¡®acting so unlike the scary Alpha¡¯ before agreeing.


    An hourter, I was in a loud and crowded dining hall. I joined the Alphas¡¯ table, greeted them with a


    nod then munched on the juicy slices of fruits while they engaged in conversations of their own. They


    pretty much left me alone, a silent submission to my power. We only did discuss matters that


    concerned the packs.


    But one of them had the guts to speak, as expected. Alpha Flynn greeted me and initiated conversation


    saying, ¡°Several women were looking for youst night, Alpha Liam. You left the party quite early.¡±


    ¡°I only attend parties for the drinks. I understand you are now at the expected age of finding your


    mate?¡± I replied.


    His upper lip twitched. ¡°Unfortunately Alpha, I may have to wait. Not that I¡¯m in a hurry.¡±


    ¡°That makes the two of us, then,¡± I said.


    The conversation was cut short as a line of Omegas entered the room and began serving everyone.


    The Omega blushed as she put down my te and I asked her to get me a bottle of red. I smiled, her


    blush deepened, and she almost tripped on her way out.


    What can I say? I¡¯m feeling good today.


    Alpha Flynnughed at her reaction. ¡°Ady-killer, aren¡¯t you, Alpha?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the only one,¡± I replied, gesturing towards the other Alphas. The Omegas serving them were


    blushing as well, the bachelors already chatting them up while the mated ones chose to remain polite.


    Which was the right move since the Lunas¡¯ table was right next to ours.


    He watched them intently, like a lost dog looking for its owner. I would¡¯ve taken it upon me to console


    him, say that he may find his mate tonight but the event fromst night dismissed the idea.


    When the Omegas left, all smiles, he turned his attention back to me. ¡°Perhaps I could indulge you with


    a more special collection, Alpha Liam?¡± he offered.


    ¡°Thank you but I¡¯d have to decline. You should save your collection for special asions. This is


    merely a whim as I didn¡¯t get to finish a bottlest night,¡± I said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    He pursed his lips then smiled to hide the fact that he got the message. I left it at that.


    After we had our fill, he led us to the conference room along with the Betas present. It was time to get


    down to more pressing matters. Alphas had toe to an ord every year regarding the release of


    their members who were mated to another pack. Of course, when it came to mine, the process was


    quite easy since none of mine ever left so I just sat there, watching them bicker.


    Hidden by our civil appearance was a wicked twisted game of power. It was amon tactic for Alphas


    to use mates as spies or assassins, which was why an Alpha must banish his pack member before


    turning thetter over to another, thus, breaking the mind-link. There were still risks that came with


    bringing a new member in, but this was by far the most effective measure.


    Alpha Myron, nearing mid-forties, watched the scene with his steel-gray eyes, his lips pursed tight.


    Every once in a while, he would throw a side-nce my way, but I pretended not to notice. The father


    of my mate, we never really talked much but then again, we were never close since he left the pack.


    He used to be my father¡¯s Beta until he was banished for rebelling then he married the daughter of


    another pack¡¯s Alpha, thus, securing his position. Cheap move.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the alliance, he wouldn¡¯t have given me his daughter¡¯s hand. Another cheap move.


    The meeting came to an end. We exchanged niceties as formality dictates and I waited for them to


    leave. Most threw worried nces on Alpha Flynn¡¯s direction, but none dared interfere.


    ¡°I believe we have nothing more to discuss, Alpha Liam. I would have to ask you to see yourself out.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I prefer to let my actions do the talking anyway,¡± I said, getting up.


    He crossed his arms and tapped his foot. ¡°You have no right to involve yourself in matters concerning


    my pack. Whatever dirt you managed to dig up is groundless.¡±


    I sat back down, arms behind my head. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that. You see, I found a rather interesting


    woman who willingly shared my bedst night.¡±


    I smirked as his face contorted in anger. Then he stomped his way to me, grabbed me by the cor,


    and demanded, ¡°What did you do to her!?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d watch my tone if I were you, pup. You wouldn¡¯t want to end up forgotten now do you?¡± My voice


    came out cold and Imend him for not backing down.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± came his Beta¡¯s urgent cry.


    ¡°Get out!¡± he yelled, without breaking his re on me.


    His Beta hesitated for a second but still chose to obey, leaving the two of us to settle this our ¨C no, my


    way.


    ¡°I know about your stories, murderer. If you ever dare harm my pack, it¡¯d be thest thing you do,¡± he


    said as he pushed me out of his grip.


    My wolf stirred at the name, baring his teeth in my mind. He shouldn¡¯t have said that. Using one hand, I


    lifted him off the ground and the momentary panic that shed in his eyes amused my wolf.


    Luca was getting restless since yesterday; this idiot had a death wish. ¡°New prey,¡± he said, and I


    ¡°You think my resolve is funny!? You don¡¯t scare me!¡±


    I stopped and gave him a death re until he looked away. ¡°The fate of your pack lies in her hands. If


    she wants to leave, she will be taking whoever she wants to. If she wants you dead, I will be more than


    happy to oblige. Enjoy today, Alpha. She decides tonight.¡±


    I released my grip and walked out, not waiting for a reply, to find Alpha Myron waiting for me. The Beta


    from earlier entered immediately after a curt nod.


    Hmm. Interesting.


    Without saying a word, Alpha Myron motioned for me to follow. We walked in silence as he led me to


    the gardens, past the green shrubbery, to a bench in front of a small fountain.


    From the mansion, the small area hid from view and there was nobody around. He sat on the bench


    and tapped the space beside him. I chose to face him, standing.


    ¡°Still stubborn, I see.¡±


    If he wasn¡¯t my mate¡¯s father, I would¡¯ve punched that smug look off his face. But for her sake, I kept


    reining my anger whenever I was near him. I kept a cid face as I said, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°To remind you that tonight is yourst chance. I trust you¡¯ll honor your word as Alpha, Liam.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware and when I find her, you better honor yours,¡± I said with a smile.


    He frowned. ¡°It¡¯s Alpha Myron to- ¡°


    ¡°And it¡¯s Alpha Liam to you,¡± I said firmly, cutting him off.


    Shit. My control slipped a bit. ¡°If you have nothing more to say, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    He directed his gaze on the fountain and I walked away, feeling his gaze on my back. I


    smirked. There¡¯s more to being an Alpha than having the title.


    I headed to Lexy¡¯s room, in need of a drink but found that it was fresh out of alcohol.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do it. I don¡¯t want to,¡± said Luca.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled, Luca. There¡¯s no turning back now,¡± I said, going to my room.


    I opened the door slowly, to not disturb the patient. Lexy should still be out with the kids. At least she¡¯s


    having a better time than me.


    The n was to sneak in, grab a bottle then out. But I didn¡¯t expect the smell when I entered ¨C a blend


    of vani and freshly-cut roses.


    I took a deep breath. It was really there. It wasn¡¯t perfume. This was stronger and more¡­ organic. And


    I wanted¡­ more.


    My head turned to my left, where the smell seemed strongest. And there on the bed, sat the unknown


    woman, wide-eyed and shaking.


    My legs instinctively carried me forward. The scent seemed to tease me. It sent my heart racing, and it


    was so pleasantly sweet I could taste it on my tongue. There was no mistaking it, the scent emanated


    from her.


    And it woke my wolf. Luca howled wildly and without warning, fought to emerge. As I fought for control,


    another smell overpowered the sweetness ¨C fear.


    Fuck. I scared her.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Chapter 04 Obliviously Sweet


    ¨C Anna


    Bright light hit my face and


    warmth covered me. It felt so nice and I wanted to sleep more but the strong


    smell of antiseptic wouldn¡®t let me. Opening my eyes, I found myself staring not


    at the usual dark ceiling.


    My chest felt constricted and when I ced a hand on it,


    felt that it was wrapped in bandages. Memories ofst night came crashing into


    my mind and my heart immediately ached.


    Are you happy now, Flynn?


    Is this what you wanted?


    Is this the Alpha that you wanted to be?


    I didn¡®t want to know the answer, to continue to feel


    sympathy towards him. He hurt me. And


    continue to feel


    sympathy towards him. He hurt me. Andst night, he showed me that he¡®d go to


    great lengths to prove his point.


    Wasn¡®t he hurting too?


    Didn¡®t Farrel fight for you?


    Stop!


    This is exhausting. I wish my brain and heart


    would quit insisting their own take on the matter.


    There was no denying that my sin was heavy, and my life was


    insignificant to theirs. But before it happened, we were the best of friends.


    We grew up together, trained together, and fought together.


    I was his mate ¨C had he changed so much that he was no


    longer the Flynn that I knew?


    Farrel took advantage ofst night was proof.


    It¡®s not toote yet, Alpha. For you, I will try one


    blood and legacy.


    My palms dug into the soft mattress as I sat up and


    scanned the room. The cream¨Ccolored walls held no decorations and traveling


    bags were scattered on the floor as if they were just thrown there. The only


    furniture besides the king¨Csized bed was the couch and coffee table that sat at 2


    the center of the room facing the ss windows to my right, and the bedside


    table to my left.


    The room gave off an air of seclusion, of loneliness, like


    it was made for a person who had lost hope of something that belonged to the


    hope of something that belonged to the


    outside world. But the one aesthetic in the room contradicted this assumption. Disyed


    on a drinking ss half¨Cfilled with water, reflecting the sun¡®s yellow rays,


    was a fully blossomed red rose. Its stem still had its thorns, a supposed


    mechanism to protect itself but was futile


    in the hands of its gardener, so now


    it clung to life, from the basic necessities i t was provided. It showed


    breathtaking elegance, but I knew that it was suffering a slow death in the


    make¨Cshift vase.


    I took my sight off the dying beauty and pushed the sheets


    I have to get out of here.


    My eyes widened in shock at what I uncovered ¨C a problem. I


    had no pants on!


    Whoever saved mest night didn¡®t touch


    Whoever saved mest night didn¡®t touch ne, I was sure


    since it didn¡®t hurt down there. I understood the shirtless situation, I was


    wrapped in bandages.


    But why take my pants off?


    Looking around the room once more, my eyes fell on the


    bags. As I contemted whether to borrow¡°clothing, the door swung open and my


    gaze shifted to the person who entered. Her dark auburn hair was tied in a


    messy bun and there were dark circles under her eyes.


    When she gave me a small smile, her blue eyes sparked


    kindness and I inwardly cursed at myself for my ungratefulness. I hastily covered


    myself with the covers, embarrassed to show her the scars that bore testament


    to my repentance. She noticed but acted like she didn¡®t and for that, I was


    thankful.


    She sat beside me and in the softest voice I¡®ve ever heard


    Mate


    said, ¡°I¡®m d you¡®re finally awake. How are you feeling?¡±


    Unsure on how to reply, I kept my head down and said, ¡°Uhm...


    good. Thank you forst night.¡±


    ¡°I¡®m sorry we couldn¡®t aid you sooner,¡± she said, a hint


    of sadness in her voice.


    ¡°No... uhm... thank you for helping me.¡±


    ¡°I¡®m Lexy, head healer of the Red w Pack. What¡®s your


    name?


    My mind cautioned me to use a fake name, but I couldn¡®t,


    not after what she has done for me.¡± Anna. Call me Anna,¡± I replied.


    She lightly ced a hand on mine and I would¡®ve retracted


    it upon contact. But her hand gave mine a


    it upon contact. But her hand gave mine a gentle squeeze and it oozed of


    genuinepassion. It took all in me to not break down in tears as memories


    reyed in my head,


    She¡®d never see me again after this, but she¡®d always


    remain in my memories. I raised my head to see her still smiling at me.


    ¡°You¡®ll be alright now, Anna. We¡®re still a t your pack¡®s


    but you¡®re safe now, with us.¡±


    My eyebrows furrowed at the mention of ¡°us¡°.


    Wait, didn¡®t she say she was from the Red w Pack!


    Sensing my rm, she held my hands in hers, her smile


    ¡°Our Alpha found youst night. He¡®s working on how to


    get you out of here. You cane with us then decide what you want to do


    afterward.¡± She squeezed my hands gently.¡± We won¡®t force you to leave but


    frankly, I don¡®t see any reason why you should stay,¡± she said in a serious


    My otherwise cid expression contorted to that of shock.


    I slowly shook my head; I must¡®ve heard wrong.


    That psychopath saved me? What would h e know about helping


    ¨C all he does is take!


    ¡°I know you¡®ve heard the rumors about our pack, and I


    won¡®t ask you to change your views about us, but I promise that you will be


    safe. No one will hurt you there.¡±


    I shook my head faster this time, denying her words.


    I¡®m not leaving, especially with the Red


    w Pack. I HAVE something to settle here.


    She held my head to stop me and said, ¡°T promise. We saved


    you, didn¡®t we?¡±


    I¡®m sorry, Lexy but I can¡®t.


    I nodded and curved my lips up a little. She held my hands


    again; her warmth wasforting.


    ¡°It¡®s alright now. You can ask anything from us, we¡®ll try


    to do what we can. I¡®m sure our Alpha can arrange things by tonight. Will you


    give me your answer then?¡± she asked. I nodded.


    Her blue eyes lit up in response, happy with my lie.


    When she leaves, I¡®m walking out that door.


    That was what I thought but then I yawned, my body heavy


    all of a sudden, my eyes droopy.


    ¡°It¡®s alright. You still need rest. Sleep, Anna. No one


    will hurt you,¡± she said, as she lowered m y head on a fluffy pillow, but I


    could barely hear her for I was slipping away.


    When I awakened, the sun was in the midst of retiring.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Questions popped in my mind as I considered my options.


    Who am I kidding? There is only one path for me.


    Lexy had left and I have a n to execute. Time to leave.


    My clothes were neatly folded atop the bedside table,


    presumably left there by Lexy. I sat up and threw my legs over the edge of the


    bed when the door opened slightly.


    A man walked in slowly, his ck chambray shirt outlining


    a well¨Cbuilt frame. His mere presence radiated dominance stronger than Alpha


    Flynn¡®s and I instantly knew who he was.


    Hlynn¡®s and I instanuy knew wito he was.


    Leader of the most feared pack, the blood ¨Cthirsty Alpha,


    His name was associated with every pack massacred within


    the region and rumors said that even rogues steered clear of his territory.


    He stood still and his barrel chest heaved as he


    took a deep inhale of air which somehow sent chills down my spine. Then his


    gaze fell upon me and my body shook involuntarily. Emotions danced in his eyes


    that I couldn¡®t decipher. He looked at me with burning intensity like I was


    guilty of something. Then he walked towards me and I know I reeked fear.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Chapter 05 Serond Chance


    I wanted to senam but my throat l


    What does he want?


    what does he n to do?


    Why is the looking at me like that


    Did Toffend hlm SanchOW?


    Questions as sinch raced through my mind, but I had no answers for any. He Jooksmall steps and


    buffed deep breathes like he was trying to kerp himself in control, his gorgeous browni orbs glued on


    ine.


    Wait, gorgeous? What are you saying,


    Annal


    He stopped half¨Cway, closed his eyes and the deadly na emanating from him disappeared in an instant


    I watched his lips parties he breathed out, as his tongue peeked to trace the inside curve of his lower


    lip. For relsons unknow, I set off butterflies in my stomach.


    The dirthing cand and when he pues, his face which haftenens . For aning in Tamil meania. Do you


    My maith fgape at his words, unable to respond. The mighty Alpha apologized and askel for person


    My pomisjon?


    It was as if the scary Alpha was an illusion and this was the real one ¨C polite with an incredibly SEXY


    VOILE


    Ah! Siap it, brain! You¡®re supposed to be the voice ofrecen here.


    He opened his eyes, the intensity in them gone and he smalled a little. He looked like he was carved to


    perfection by the Moon Goddess herself and She blessed him with a smile ¨C like it was an ultimate


    Weapon lo disarm a woman¡®s defenses


    He must¡®ve seen through ine because he Stilrked, my reaction seemingly normal for him and I could tell


    he liked it.


    ¡°May I?¡± he asked again,


    Texpected him to charge and direct ihnea


    Aported him to changer and direct those Intruse emotion but herlin¡® which w usplclots; Ho win¡® Arthug


    He with the mold Hew supposed to be a cold¨Cliearted murderes who take pleasure in the destruction of


    a pack. Every Alphuistered clear off his way in le of lncurring his wrath He Hiled his own parents, huis


    own mate, and here I was getting flustered at the handsome devil in front of me


    He¡®s dangerous. He should be. Yet here he was, smiling at me, and acting all civil.


    The little voice in my head told me to let him and I mindlessly obeyed, nodding y head. His shoulders


    rxed. Mine


    He sat at the foot of the bed, keeping his distance, looking away from me. Before ! could catch myself, I


    let out a relieved sigh. My hand immediately shot to cover my mouth and he chuckled in response. It


    sulted him too.


    What am I thinking!


    T¨C¡®Thank you, Alpha,¡± I whispered.


    His head turned to face me and with an


    head turned to face me and within robowalsed he inquind. ¡°Alpha?¡± ¡°Thank you, Alpha Lam, Sir!¡± I


    hurriedly replied, realizing my mistake.


    Helighed and slowly bol up. His eyes settled on me and he inched closer and closer. My heart raced


    and the butterflies retum . I directed my gaze on my hands, knuckles white from clutching onto the


    sheets. Then his hand appeared i


    my line of sight, molding onto mine


    Tinstinctively raised my head; he was staring at me. His cyes darkened; he growled, and my breath


    hitched in my throat


    He¡®s going to kill me!


    I scampered on the bed, attempting to pul distance between us. I understand now = he was restraining


    himself fromshing out because I disrespected him. H


    probably expected some sort of gesture ! o show respect the moment he walked in ¨C he¡®s the


    freakin¡®Alpha ¨C and like an Idiot, I stayed on the bed and gawked at hire


    A huge arm wrapped around my stomach


    GUCA wrapped round my stomachi und pulled me back, I suffened when my luack callided with


    something hard. Cold air brushed my hale from above as his chest rose and tell and I could feel the


    hurd nulis beneath his shini contracting His woond fragrance filled my lungs, making my head


    spinas strange sensations erupted within me.


    My ears picked up on his thumping heart and every beat of mine synced with his own, an endearing


    calming rhythmn. We were creating a song, aplere unique to u s, and it was beautiful ¨C I found myself


    being lulled into it ¨C I could listen to this forever


    Ileaned into his stony chest, my head Euming to the side, lost in the bearing


    sound.


    Then another arm slithered its way down may left shoulder and moved to my right, entrapping me to


    him and my senses jolted back to reality.


    He¡®s going to choke me!


    I frantically pulled at his arms to get it away from my neck but he tightened his hold and pressed me to


    him and


    danded me to him and


    mething hard poke my lower bank but ilgiored IL He was too strong, I could ctly whunuper and wait for


    the mifloration while my body continued to Teach oddly in his hold.


    *T¨CPlease don¡®t,¡± I whispered, hoping to TEVE Ever of mercy.


    He didn¡®t reply, Instead, my right. shoulder dipped at the weight of his head He inhaled sharply like he


    was taking in my scent and I shuddered at the thought. War?n breathis fanned the side of my nick


    giving me goosebumps and tingling on my studiach.


    Then something soft and wet came in contact with my skin and slowly traced a path from my vicle


    up to my jaw. The tingles intensified and I involuntarily let out a throaty moan. He must¡®ve liked what he


    heard, for next, he licked and sucked on the delicate skin, and I moaned louder, for him


    He whispered something, I couldn¡®t quite catch it except for thest two words.¡°. found you,¡± he had


    said,


    Ah... you did, Alpha


    My head in a doze as my boily sumbed In the pleasure and I found myseld wanting...tulee mure.


    Alpha,¡± I let out, my voicelow indallen


    His reply was a sensual whisper. ¡°I know, my dear.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± I breathed when his lips brushed Anst my marking spot


    My marking spol.


    My marking Spot


    My marking sport


    My head cleared in an instant, the tingles disappeared and I pushed on his arms.


    ¡°L¨CLet me go!¡± I screamed but he didn¡®t budge so I kicked and twisted in his hold until heplied


    I crawled to the other side of the bed but iny hand slipped on the edge. I was supposed to fall ¨C tond


    on the floor but I fell into his ams instead,


    ¡°Careful, my dear,¡± he said, a worried look on his face. ¡°Are you hurt?


    H


    ered closer to my face with a yli) mile on lis face saying. Now, where


    WIEC W


    ¡°N Nal Stay away from me!¡± I pushed his head away from me as I creamed for


    The door suddenly swung ajar, snehody heard. A woman barged in: it was Lexy Slie looked ready to


    say something but fraze when she sw US


    He was on his knees, holding me like a princess while my hands were still pushing his head Tears


    invariably stralced my cheeks and my voice craiced when I spoke


    I wis then that she recover


    ¡°Let go of her, now!¡± she demanded, her checks turning red in anger


    Alpha m sighed, stood then put me down on the bed.


    She polnted outside and said, ¡°Out!¡±


    D ¡®Lite that toe on , Lexy,¡± he Teplied in a ton thuit didn¡®t hide thett th was passed


    !!! Now, Liam!¡± she said, inching his


    He growled at her, warning her to back off I saw his hands ball into fists as his jaw clenchel Lexy did


    the same.


    Oh, no. What was I thinking! Calling for help, there was no one who could standu p to this man.


    ¡°This isn¡®t what you think, Lexy,¡± he said through grittel teeth, but she Scoffed in return


    I didn¡®t know why she wasn¡®t afraid of fiim. If it were anyone else, they would¡®ve highralled it out of here.


    Or maybe she wanted to but she was trying to protect m e Perhaps she knew he wouldn¡®t harm


    her?


    Why she¡®d defy him for me when we didn¡®t even know each other. Tf I let them go at it, it would create


    an opening for me to escape. But given his reputation, it would end in blood. And I didn¡®t want her


    idend in Liloaul. And Idn¡®t want her to get killed


    He took a step forward but before he could take another, I pulled on his shirt o stop him And


    immediately regrettedi


    He directed his attention to me and I looked down. Because I didn¡®t want to look into his eyes again.


    Not when I could feel the intensity of his game on me i swallowed the lump in my throat. My Voice was


    shalcy wiren I pleaded, ¡°Please ...dau¡®.. don¡®t dll her


    He didn¡®t reply. He stood there watching me, without a saying word. Lexy was silent as well


    ¡°Is that what you think of me?¡± he askal, a hint of pain in his voice. And a part of m e wanted tofort


    him, and take my words back.


    He gently removed my hand from his shirt and gave it a light squeeze. His hand was bigger than mine


    and was so warm, I was oddlyforting


    Look at me,¡± he said and Iralsed my head


    His gaze metine and without breaking 1 Towered himself to ce a soft his on the back of my hand


    ¡°See I¡®m not scary,¡± he smirked.


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    I couldn¡®t respond. The tingles were getting stronger and my fluttering heart Wouldn¡®t calm down. A


    simple kiss, a Sexy smilk. His wilonsolicited involuntary reactions from my body i


    Weird but it seemell right. Like this was all normal, but I don¡¯t understand why.


    His fingers tangled into mine, a perfect fit Then he leaned closer and cupped my cheek. His touch was


    so warm, soft, andforting


    He was getting loo close forfort but I didn¡®t mind. I didn¡®t back away nor did. 1 look away from his


    deep brown eyes, tinged with golden orange.


    Then I felt it. His lips on mine. My chest heaved and fireworks exploded in the background Allcast, in


    the image that popped into my mind


    His tongue asked for entrance and tiy lipy parted. I didn¡®t light him I gave him full o ss and he explored


    inside, Hicking and teasing, gliding the soli | ele over me |


    So sweet, he tasted so... delic misly sweet,


    My back hit the mattress as heid me down, without breaking the kiss. He was Ketting agressive, and


    I liked it. I puta hand on the back of his head to push him into th¡®, deepening the dai


    We both gasped when we parted. Then he pecked my lips, once, twice, and more until I lost count. He


    hovered above me and his eyes offered affection


    Then he leaned to my side and whispered, ¡°That was awesome. . mate!


    ¡°What?¡± My voice came out t when I replied. There was no way I was mated to him. This has got to


    be a prank, or my mind messing with me. But I heard right, so it was definitely the former


    What kind of game is he ying? Calling me his mate. I have to mate! I was Fejected!


    Flipped my fingers off his and when he bir up, the sound of a sharp p echoed in the room. His head


    tilted to one wide from the force I applied and the mark of my palm leddened his cheek


    ¡°Get off me,¡± Imanded coldly and his jaw clenched. Anger pulsed in my veins and I wasn¡®t afraid of


    him.


    ¡°Now!¡± I screamed as I raised my hand tond another but he caught it by the wrist and wrapped his


    hand around it until it hurt


    Liam!¡± shouted Lexy, and his grip loosened


    I¡®ve forgotten she was here


    He turned his gaze on me but I wouldn¡®t look at him ¡°Now why would you do that,¡± he said calmly, and I


    audibly gulped, His silenLanger was scaner than when it was obvious.


    I felt his weight leave the bed and I heard Lexy say, ¡°Hey, let me go!¡± before the door closed.


    Within minutes the room fell silent. Tears threatened to fall and l ahhadon ¨C


    lineatened to fall and I dabbed on m with the shirts and hurled to


    vity


    What is wrong with me?


    How could I let that happen?


    Was he going to mark me?


    My hand wrapped around a special spot. I remembered the way my body reacted and the ungodly


    sounds that I let out. It felt... right.


    The door opened slowly, breaking my thoughts. A man walked in saying, ¡°Did you really think you could


    hide from m e?¡°anger evident in his voice, Alpha Flynn

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Self¨CImposed Punishment Hanger reeled when he stw


    het Flushed cheeks and disheveled hair. He questioned why she was in such a


    state, worried that m hurt her, but knew he had no right He caused her pain


    over the years, and his deedsst night Were unforgivable.


    Her honey zed orbs stared at himn In fear and... something


    else. Something she kept hidden since that day, a promise, but he could never


    bring himself to ask her.


    He saw his reflection in her eyes ¨C a monster. There was a


    time when he wanted to see in those eyes the Alphia, he secretly promised he¡®d


    be, for her. He missed how she looked at him with adoration and love. Now all


    he could see was the kind of person he swore he¡®d never be and he med it on


    ber. She did this to him.


    He¡®d be lying if he said he wasn¡®t jun that she was in


    that bastard¡®s bed instead of him. But it Would never happen ¨C they have


    rejected each other. It was what he Wanted, didn¡®t he?


    He raised a brow and she held her breath Using his


    abilities, he was instantly on her fare with a devilish smirk ying on his


    Hips, and dark thoughts on his mind. She caused him trouble and she will sort


    it out hersell, even if he had to force her.


    Forcing herself to speak, the words came out as a stutter.


    ¡°A¨CAlpha. I¨CL.¡±


    ¡°You¡®reing with me,¡± he said then smarked the back of


    her head, hard, rendering her Unconscious


    He carried her in his arms, close to his chest, and


    Pamled her face. She will always que in luis eyes, even if his actions


    troyed otherwise. He walked out of the room, cherkel if there was anybody.


    tround and within minutes, he was Walking through the woods.


    From the other side of the woods, the mating rituals were


    being held. Although far from his location, he could hear the cheers and howls


    A great bonfire lit the sky, and the joyous sounds only grew louder.


    He slowed dowli, savering every secondo f their intimate


    position, for he knew it would be thest. With what he nned to do to her,


    forgiveness was impossible.


    His wolf whimpered, but he paid him no attention Farrell


    hadn¡®t spoken to him sincest night, feeling betrayed that he rejected their


    He looked down at herid Towed.


    ¡°I didn¡®t we¡®d be on that ide by new.*** I said sailly


    Then a private link tried to connect, interrupting his


    thigher lo an annoyed tone, he answered, ¡°What, Carson?¡±


    ¡°Alpha, the Red w Pack is up to Something. They¡®ve been


    tailing our men and asking questions from the Omeras. And_¡± Carson tralled,


    annoying him more


    ¡°And? Speak up, Carson


    ¡°We still haven¡®t found Anna. Alpha Liam¡®s men are


    secretly looking for her,¡± he reported.


    Alpha Flynn grinned at the Red w Pack¡®s fuille


    affumpts. He was taking her to a ce they wouldn¡®t find and given her predicament.


    I was more than easy to lie to the other Alpha about her whereabouts.


    listrict everyone to let thele pani AS for Ama, stop


    the search,¡± he sald. The other line didn¡®t Iespond for a few seconds


    *Forgive me for asking, Alpha but... is she


    with you?¡±


    Carson bald with a worried tone.


    Leave it, Carson, Flynn warned then cut the link He


    nced at the inconscious woman and smird. It¡®d bren years since hest held


    her


    Farrell snarled at him and sought to be released but he


    blocked him He would betray his heart many times more, as payback for how she


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    had betrayed his trust and affection.


    He soon reached a small shack, hidden deep in the woods


    ind it was near impossible for


    was near impossibile Wewe tal find heel wat


    Only a few from his pack knew about it. existence, and


    ohly those with high offense an enemy ples were brought there ¨C Tur torture,


    Interrogation, and in the end, death. The.. doorhad my lock and there were 110


    windows for sich weren¡®t needed


    He kicked it open and Laid her ona dusty wooden table in


    the center of the radil To his left was a Widden cab, to which he retrieved


    from a drawer, candles, and a box of matches. He lit every candle and ced


    them around the room for illumination, Then he peeked outside, observed the Surroundings,


    and closed the door


    The pale¨Cyellow light casted shadows on the molded plywood


    walls where blood and spit and sweat hudance been ttered, Heside the


    Cab was amaller table, a wide array a fdusly torture tools and neatly


    atop, its drawers undoubtedly containing mare. Chains, ropes, and shackles hung


    on the wall, and the unconscious woman cemained oblivious to the horrors around


    Alpha Flynn opted for the rope and proceeded to the her


    spread¨Ccagled to the table, around her wrists and arkles, the excess bound to


    the hooks on each of the table¡®s edges. Then he brushed the stray strands of


    hair from her pretty face. His thumb pressed on her lower lip as he bit his ¨C


    how he wanted to taste the plump flesh. H e leaned to close the distance between


    them, his sight transfixed on his target when she stirred, and her eyes shot


    Anna iedaddy frote and he skudt.


    surprise. Her first thought was to push Frien away, but her arme wouldn¡®t let


    hee Herryes widened when she saw that her wrists were tied Pank surge


    through her when she realized her an der were tied as well she struggled ta


    free herself, the ropes rubbing against hier skin that it reddened, but it was a


    useles alterupt


    ¡°Keep still. You¡®ll hurt yourself the more


    You struggle,


    he said


    ¡°Why are doing this? Where am I?¡± she Crned her head to


    scan the small expanse and audibly gulped. Everything screamed of a painful


    death.


    ¡°Let¡®s just say you¡®re in a ce where you can scream all


    you want and no one will hear v


    i


    I want and no one will hear you,¡± he Thuid casually giving her pooshima


    Wi¨CWhat do... ¨C n to n to da?¡±


    ¡°Depends,¡± he said, putting and in der hils chiin to make


    it seem like he was thinking. Then he gestuted to the disyed torture tools


    and said, ¡°If you cooperate I won¡®t havet a use any of these


    He expected her to cry and scream. Ta


    Creath at him and


    bez let her go. But she didn¡®t She didn¡®t turn her head to the other side.


    she didn¡®t move, and she didn¡®t make a


    Thinking she was too afraid to react, he taunted, ¡°What


    happened? Need help with your tongue? know


    ¡°Hahahahaha!¡± she interrupted,ughing like a maniac with


    her cyes shut tight and he froze.


    She neverughed the way she did


    velged the way she did Tolithili wa always


    happy and rartree it was how he remembered it ¨C but tonight herughter


    plerced through the silence, heavilyced with mockery


    Then just as abruptly as it started it ended. With a


    smile, she looked up at the ceiling and said, ¡°This.. This is the Alpha you


    wanted to he?¡°

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Chapter 07 Our History


    On a rocky cliff that oversaw a wide expanse of the woods, three teenagers kept their eyes on the


    horizon, yellows and oranges streaking the skies as the golden celestial slowly retreated from view.


    It was thest day they spend together as ¡®normal¡¯ humans. All of them would be going through the


    the second phase, to prepare them for the responsibilities they would bear in due time.


    Each born into the top positions of the pack, they dly epted their future and from a young age


    understood the importance of their roles.


    They were raised and trained differently from an ordinary child and warrior at the tender age of five and


    they¡¯ve made tremendous progress since. Their respective families were proud and satisfied and the


    pack already anticipated the day they would take over their


    the day they would take over their || ?????????,


    Cold wind blew past them, ruffling their clothes and hair as if sympathizing with their conflicted hearts.


    They knew only their duties that awaited them, and the consequences should they fail. Although they


    have epted that their lives wouldn¡¯t be as normal as those around them, their teenage hearts still


    longed to experience that which was deprived of them ¨C a choice of their own free will.


    Over the years, they had formed a bond between them ¨C having gone through life and death situations


    together. It was through this bond that they managed to endure and ultimately exceed expectations.


    They understood each other¡¯s pain and joy and it was enough to keep them grounded.


    Breaking the silence, Flynn raised a fist i in the air and dered, ¡°I¡¯m going to be the strongest Alpha


    there is, Anna. Stronger than my father and anyone else.¡±


    ¡°And I will be the strongest warrior you have,¡± she giggled, standing up and


    Cre,¡± she giggled, standing up and mimicking his pose


    ¡°And I, your loyal second-in Command,¡± Carson said, joining them.


    Alpha Flynn pped her hard as the memory reyed in his mind. They used t odream of leading the


    pack together, all three of them, and they swore they¡¯d surpass their predecessors until the incident


    happened, and they couldn¡¯t look at each other the same way anymore.


    ¡°Why, Anna? Why did you run away? If it wasn¡¯t because of you, my father would still be alive!¡± he


    shouted as the sharp sound rang throughout the room.


    His heart ached. He didn¡¯t want to hurt her but only by hurting her could he ease the anger that arose


    every time he remembered that day ¨C when the Alpha died, when his father died.


    Warm tears trickled down her cheeks and she sniffed.


    I¡¯m sorry, Flynn. I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Flynn, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Anna cried when the warriors brought her before him. She repeated the


    words like a mantra, but he couldn¡¯t hear her. The pain that his being felt at that moment was unparallel


    to all that he went through up to that point. His wolf grieved too and had retreated to a part of his mind


    he couldn¡¯t reach. No one had to break the news for he felt it ¨C thest dying breath of his father. So did


    the rest of the pack ¨C when their connection with the Alpha broke and their wolves unleashed


    themselves to release a pained howl.


    In the open grounds, every member of the pack was gathered, waiting for his judgment. They held


    nothing but contempt and disgust towards her, their Alpha¡¯s noble sacrifice wasted on her. In the open


    channel, they voiced but two thoughts ¨C that she should have died instead of the Alpha and that she


    was a living disgrace to her father¡¯s name.


    The girl he secretly admired wailed before him, but he wouldn¡¯tfort her this time. There would be


    no treats, no soft caresses on her back, no shoulder to


    CFY OT, and no Flynn to hug


    If the situation was different, he may have cried with her for he hated seeing the pain in her eyes.


    Those times when the training became too hard on her, he was always beside her to bring back the


    twinkle in her hazel eyes. And his heart would skip a beat when she raised her head and smile at him,


    knowing that he brought it out of her.


    Tonight, there was only the Alpha¡¯s son


    His father was gone, and it was because o f her. She was no Gamma, she would never be a warrior.


    She was wolf-less, she should¡¯ve been born human. She was Ho Luna; the pack would never ept


    her. And at that moment, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to ept her.


    His eyes studied the pack with a passive face ¨C their Beta was nowhere to be found and a search party


    was dispatched, led by Carson, much to his relief. There was no one to oppose his verdict. Carson


    would hate him for it but what would he know ¨C his father still breathed.


    His right hand felt the small box in his


    ERIC Sunall Do In hiis jarket¡¯s packet then he raised the other and everyone¡¯s attention was instantly a


    ni him, 1Xcept for the poor girl whose emotions consumed her. His father¡¯s death, Anna¡¯s pain, her


    father¡¯s death, the pack¡¯s grief, Canson¡¯s hate ¨C her would bear it all, as the next Alpha.


    He drew a deep breath, then loudly dered, ¡°Gamma Anna Be Fiora, for failure to exercise the


    duties to which you have sworn, from the day I, Flyna Astra, receive the White Lake Pack¡¯s approval,


    you shall be strippel of your title and your duties reduced to those of an Omega¡¯s. You will live your


    days serving this pack, in any way I see fit.¡±


    You ruined everything. Anna,¡± he said with his shoulders hunched.


    ¡°II¡¯m so sorry- 50-sorry.¡±


    The beat-up table creaked at their weight as climbed on top and straddled her by her hips. She held


    her breath as she stared at his imposing build. Leaning forward, he rested his forehead on her left


    shoulder. Warm liquid wet her skin and his voice cracked as he said, ¡°Why. Anna? Why?¡±


    Stir couldn¡¯t answer him. What was there to tell ¨C the truth? That she ran away because of selfish


    reasons and she couldn¡¯t fight alongside his father and Hur ow? What was there left to say when Even


    the truth was no constion for either of them


    His arms wrapped around her waist as his emotions poured out of him and memories reyed.


    ¡°She¡¯s grown into a fine youngdy, wouldn¡¯t you say, son?¡±


    Flynn smiled ¡°She¡¯ll be an extraordinary Luna, too,¡± he replied


    He wanted to hug her many times before, to have her close to him but he couldn¡¯t ¨C the pack would


    lose their faith in him. Even as he grieved, his heart continued to yearn for her, but she would never be


    hers.


    Helost his chance when he rejected her. A part of him died that night leaving a feeling of emptiness


    behind and he had n o doubt it was the biggest regret of his life.


    bear to see her like this!¡± Flynnined


    The Alpha gazed outside the window of his office with his back turned to the young man. ¡°This is a big


    shock to us all but she¡¯s hurting the most. Let her be for Ilow. She¡¯ll talk to you or anyone else when


    she¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not having this, Father. You saw how they looked at her!¡±he yelled. How could his father take the


    matter so calmly!


    His father¡¯s hands formed into fists and his volce barely restrained anger. ¡°So what? Did you expect


    them to shrug it off and pretend it wasn¡¯t real? She was the future Head Gamrima, the pack believed in


    her. It¡¯s normal for them to be disappointed,¡± he seethed. ¡°I¡¯m disappointed in you too, Flynn. As the


    future Alpha, you should consider the pack above all else. I expected more from you.¡±


    Flynn¡¯s reply was dyed as his mind tried to wrap around his father¡¯s words.


    ¡°Wu-was?¡± he whispered then heughed, hands on his stomach as he


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    He abruptly stopped and in a serious tone said, ¡°Fuck that Father, you¡¯re right. She was the future


    Head Gammua, Not anymore, she¡¯s going to be a Luna, my Luna,¡± he dered proudly. ¡°And they¡¯ll


    have no other choice but to ept it. I¡¯ll Lise an Alpha Order if I have to.¡±


    His father turned to face him; the simple act controlled yet domineering A grin stretched across his face


    and Flynn¡¯s jaw dropped at the sight of it ¨C his father had never looked at him as proud as he did then.


    He walked across the room towards his desk while saying, ¡°The Alpha Order¡¯s off the table. Clearly,


    you have a long way to g o before you¡¯re ready to rece me and im her as Luna. But when that


    dayes, you¡¯re going to need something Special,


    He opened a drawer and retrieved a small ck box. Then he beckoned for Flynn toe over.


    ¡°This¡­ used to be your Mother¡¯s and now, if she epts, it belongs to her,¡± he said handing it to


    The young man opened the box to reveal a I exquisitely cut diamond between two pearls that sat at the


    center of a gold band ¨C the White Lake Pack¡¯s Luna¡¯s ring ¡°Fa Father, I¡±


    ¡°Go to her,¡± the Alpha said, cutting him off. Arms by his sides, Flynn caught him off guard when the


    young man wrapped him in a hug ¡°Thank you, Father.¡±


    He hugged him back and patted his back. cing a hand on his shoulder, he said, ¡± Your Mother would


    be so proud of how much you¡¯ve grown, And she would¡¯ve loved to meet her. Now 90. Good luck,


    Flynn left, not knowing it was thest conversation, thest hug, thest time h e would ever see him.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Chapter 8 Os Missing Mate


    VE


    She ppe mc! For what?


    Ishenecting me?


    No, she doesn¡¯t know it yet. Fuck!


    I didn¡¯t like the one of her voke


    Na one disnes The


    ¡°Now!¡± she scened as she raised her hand tond another p, but I caught it by the wrist.


    Not even my own mate.


    I turned my head to look down on her and fuck it if I scared her. She was already afraid of me, to begin


    with. But her eyes held me frozen in ce. They burned with ge but behind it was pain. It wasn¡¯t


    caused by me but by someone else Luca shed his canines in my mind.


    Whoever dare hurt my Luna better start


    praying


    ¡°Liam ¡± Lexy shouted and my grip


    with my pitsonal life. In my dutens, I


    faulty


    Tials.


    She had ilus principle that we are and should only be shared with one¡¯s mate. Anday my little sister,


    she wild inake sure that I understood her print. Her words, not mine


    To be honest, I let thought she was insane until I met mine. The fullt i alt farscrewing around before her,


    yored me to the point that I started thinking she would reject if she found out. But when I came clean,


    she didn¡¯t. and I¡¯d never touched another since:


    #Hello? Liam? Are you listening to me?¡± she asked, waving a nd in my face.


    ¡°You might want to sit down for this, sis,¡± I said, my voice matching my serious expression


    She pouted like a child and satbeside me whilst crossing her arms.


    ¡°Cassanova,¡± she muttered.


    Somehow, she still thought I was messing around with women. I tried to


    loosened, realizing that it hurt her.


    ¡°Now why would you do that,¡± I said calmly,soas por care her bore. She Wis still ny mate and loved


    her


    We¡¯d have to talk about thister. Leaving the bed, I dragen Lexy out of the room and into hers, despite


    her pratest, ns have changed.


    Inmed the door shut and she crossed her arms as she red at me


    ¡°Care exining?¡± she asked.


    Moving across the room, I sat on the chuch, waiting for her toe over. This would be a long talk and


    she was already ranting


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d try to fuck her when we¡¯re supposed to be helping her,¡± she said, standing in front


    of me with a hand on her hip. ¡°Helping, Liam. Whato n earth possessed you to fuck her?


    There she goes again with her overthinking


    Ever since she caught me on top of a woman, she had always been messing


    te:


    in the many tim


    e that I


    OVI


    was probably thinking she was right all along after having caught in with¡­ wait Huon¡±O HET HAM


    Hoj,¡± Lichamed.


    Seriously Luca, nit now.


    ¡°So? Are you paing to stay quiet on exin to me what¡¯s going on?¡± she


    I turned to my side to face her. There was ng point in brating around the buch. Sighing, I confessed.


    ¡°She¡¯s my mate..


    Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She gaped at me for an ufortable amount of time and I


    had to tip her jaw to close it.


    ¡°She¡¯s my mate,¡± I repeated, and she leaned back as she gasped.


    No..¡± she whispered, ¡°You¡¯re lying tom


    Shaking my head, I said, ¡°Come on, Lexy. I¡¯ve no reason to lie, especially not to


    ¡°Da you mind, Liam? I¡¯m in the middle of CUNTISHon,¡± he said chilly, obviously


    OVI


    ¡°After on stabbing from behind it actually came iseiil this time, I said,


    **body. You¡¯re wee. He smirked. This fucker nully know how to get to my


    Opening my eyes, Laxy was already staring at me. She still gave me a dubious look, but I know she


    believrd me now.¡± She doesn¡¯t know?¡± she asked, sounding Flure like a statement.


    Didn¡¯t get a chance to tell her,¡± I replier.


    ¡°Ah! I know that look,¡± she said, smiling


    ¡°What look


    The look that says you¡¯ve done something I shouldn¡¯t know about, but nothing troublesome, and it


    makes you


    ¡°Wow. That was very descriptive, sis. And downright creepy.¡± I said, jokingly and we bothughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, bro.¡±


    te OVI


    advantar al the car that she¡¯s wolf has,¡± she used. What the- I dan¡¯t give ¨C Tying fuck that she¡¯s


    wolf-Les What¡¯s that odo with anythin?


    I didn¡¯t know what was going on in that annoying head of hers, but I wasn¡¯t dealing with it. ¡°Look, sis.


    Either you believe me, or you don¡¯t up to you,¡± I said as raised both hands in surrender. But I¡¯m telling


    you, she¡¯s my mate. Ask Luna, he¡¯ll watch for me


    She closed her eyes as she talked to her wolf. She knew that Luca Wouldn¡¯t lie to her. He would dly


    rat me out if I ever messed up on anything. That was how m y sister was able to keep an eye on mei


    didn¡¯t even know if Luca talls her Herything, but whenever I fuck up, I¡¯d be sure to hear from her,


    I couldn¡¯t hide anything from Luca because we¡¯re basically one being


    So much for keeping secrets.


    I closed my eyes as well and began to talk to him. ¡°What are you telling her, Luca? Enjoying your little


    chat


    ate


    Thanks, si.¡±


    ¡°Sahat now!!


    Vov:


    **Than a ¡°I stopped myself bure saying the-wond bause she didn¡¯t like cits words and canny throat


    blure Continuing She could cins whenever she wanted but didn¡¯t want is using them ¨C hyphucrite


    HNSINshe¡¯s my Luna, Alpha Flynn would have to give her to me. He has no say on the matter.¡±


    She bodded, silently telling me to Continue ¡°She, however ¨C What¡¯s her


    fame?


    She raised a brow at me and saffed. ¡± What? She didn¡¯t get a chance to tell


    I sinirked at her and she rolled her eyes Her name¡¯s Anna.¡±


    ¡°Anna,¡± I repeated.


    Anna Rose Fitting, isn¡¯t it?


    ¡°Your smile¡¯s creeping me out so stop i I,¡± she said. I hadn¡¯t even realized I was smiling, ¡°Can we focus


    here, please? The mating ceremony¡¯s about to start and my pate is probably looking for man


    H


    e


    is protukly looking for it.¡±


    Hok


    You found your me?Labu colorid hendik


    ¡°Not yet


    tonight, I¡¯m


    In T¡¯I- #1


    ¡°¡±Single!¡± I eximed, cutting her off, and Iughed as the lush darkened in cr ¡°Good luck with that,


    sis. I hope you won¡¯t left out when I talde Anna


    Shecked my arm and pul, making meugh harder


    Just because you¡¯ve turibdegluteen doesn¡®t mean you¡¯ll immediately find your mate. Can¡¯t you see that


    the Goddess enjoys making us wait?


    As I came down, shr krpt ring at oC. ¡°I¡¯ll find mine on,¡± said she


    ¡°Of course, you will.¡± I jokad.


    ¡°Can we go back on what to do with your mate now?¡± she aslo, annoyed.


    Alright, enough teasing for now.


    So, as I was saying, she can stay if she wants to I can¡¯t force her toe with m 0,¡±Iexined. ¡°Thing


    is, I¡¯m not


    entirely sure what he decision will be


    We sat in silence, thinking about the stion. ¡°We¡¯re wountrying told her? the bluntly.


    Huhe Luca didn¡¯t tell her


    rything Gud boy


    I could see when this conversion would g obut it¡¯d be best, she knew. ¡°No,¡± I answered. ¡°I think she felt


    a connection with me, but she couldn¡¯t tell it was the bond. When you entered, she was suddenly


    rejecting me. I don¡¯t even know why I got pped!¡±


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    She chuckled at that. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll talk to her,¡± she said, getting up. ¡°You owe me


    Thanks, sis,¡± I said, watching her leave You¡¯re the best!¡±dle before the door closed.


    It suddenly opened after just a few moments and she had a worried


    expression on her face ¡°Liam, she¡¯s


    I stood to my feet and walked over to her. ¡°What do you mean she¡¯s gone?¡±


    *She¡¯s not in the room,¡± she said.


    She left? Why would she? She isn¡¯t safe


    I made my way any room and it was indeed empty of her. My pack was yet to report on the


    investigation mit so far, I Was bettingabad lezing about the White Lake Pack


    She shouldn¡¯t be out there!


    *Luca!¡± I called and he responded, Channeling his energy to further enhance the sensitivity of my


    senses, her lingering sweet scent calmed my nervous herYes. With her scent, I could track her


    But another scent mixed with less ¨C cologne. And I knew who it belonged to.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Chapter 09 Empty Bottles


    * I miss him, Anna,¡± hebb,


    pulling her closer to him. It wasn¡¯t hier taule. Even he wouldn¡¯t have been able


    to stand up against arge number of Togies then


    He should¡¯ve protected her, imed mera s his. Instead


    he tainted her honor and treated her as a ni outcast


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean for it to happen,¡±


    she soubed.


    He didn¡¯t care when she didn¡¯t shift at the ceremony. His


    father, his mate, his best friend, his pack ¨C he let everyone down. A disgrace,


    he didn¡¯t deserve to be Alpha.


    With a sigh, Alpha Flynn pulled away and wiped his eyes


    with the back of his hand. He sniffled as h e recovered hisposure. Looking


    LAM, her body trembled in articipan This next mo.


    Everything about her sent his heart aflutter. Her print


    smile and unreservedughter. What had he done to his Ann?


    She certainly didn¡¯t expect him to cup her cheels and


    lovingly sweep the strands of hair on her face. Then with his thumbs, he rubbed


    circr motions under her eyes. His eyes found hers and she saw the real him ¨C


    the kind and caring Flynn she grew up with the Flynn sie missed. Her best


    friend, her old me, and her Alpha The proximity set butterflies flutterin


    in her stomach and red threatened to taint her checks


    He savored the warmth on his palms and inhaled her sweet


    scent. She looked at him with childlike innocence, something he swore to


    protect. His heart twinged in guilt; he¡¯d


    nd, and he took the opportunity Em


    plumpehuis janjinshile


    The soft muscle slid along hers in slow mations, lecim


    Gyery length of it, teasing her ta dan with him and the responded. Their


    Iwisted around each other in theated pussion and shemand into the kiss,


    entiring him more. He explored every part of her wet care, licking and suckins.


    tasting her sweetness like his life depended on it, and in tybe it did. She


    gasped for air when he broke the kiss, a trail of saliva connecting their tips.


    ¡°What are you ¨C ¡°she breathed but he cut her off.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said, gazing into her eyes.


    Alphia Flynn give her a count of three before he captured


    her lips again, this time, rough, bruising and demanding He nibbled on her


    priimpluwer lip bere temturing inside


    OV


    Her back anche in pleine and he abruptly brol the


    kics. She new then lelit dhe


    at the loss of his lip


    mund hier ankles


    loosen. She didn¡¯t even felhem Trol the talile


    et dont


    She wasn¡¯t supposed to be doing this. He hurt her ¨C


    humiliated and rejected her.


    Using inhuman strength, the ropes snapped, and her legs


    were freed. He straddled her once more and wasted no time in reiming her


    Tips. Unbeknownst to him, it was thest push she needed, and she thinew


    caution out the window.


    Her mate. Her Alphia. Her promise


    His hands snaked her sides and moved towards the back,


    cupping her ass. He gave the fleshy mounds a little squeeze, eliciting a


    Se mon from her. His hands slid Fuerth it down to the back of her thighs


    OV


    Hd without warning: pred her for him. Her yelpauifled by his hungry


    Her legs tad ardund his hips and he pressed himself


    into her mare, letting her center feel his bulping . The sweet scent of her


    Welness trickled his hasirils. She was dripping ready for him.


    He ground his crnter into hers, asking for permission


    while giving her pleasure. Her back anched as she crossed her legs tighter


    around him, her wrists fighting to break free of the restraints.


    To deny her the satisfaction of touching hinn was bliss


    Torture. The continuous grinding kept stimting her little hill through the


    thin clothing of her leggings, the delicious rub of his hardness takineleri


    ell what transpired. Anger pulsed thirough his veins at the scent of her sweet


    release, muddled with his prey¡¯s. 1


    ?LE H


    E


    She jus


    and


    drhhh Hann, hem liis noch Herr hitchh


    Em Hme, Emapping her


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    hile he


    a ruund him, she filled


    Wielu berl her lunch


    air. He kissed h


    as


    ack softly and the hum. It was one


    mind-shutterinjor2011. As they rxed To catch their breath, the door


    suddenly mmed open in brute force that the walls shook


    Amma opened her eyes at the same time Flynn tunne ta face


    the bastard who dared interrupt. There, standing on the doorway was one furious


    panting Alpha Liam. The scream he heard, their intimate position. He could


    smell what transpire Anger pulsed through his veins at the scent of her sweet


    ¡°Ahh¡­Flyrin


    Ah.¡±


    HET


    I S COC aged his dickhanden until it demanded


    to be released in pants. His VIHC C


    the Cabiant of his e aut husky.


    *Fxal good, baby?


    She moaned in response And he felt the head drip cream. Her u


    breathis came in up and sharp intake o Tale as she kept


    h e closed,


    faised on the high he was giving her. He humped fier, his hot breaths


    fanning the tiny hairs on her nape. Wet kisses trailed her neck and jaw, hands


    massaged her cups, and heat pooled in the base of her stomach.


    Something¡­ something wanted toe out of her and though


    she fought to keep it in, Flynn¡¯s ministrations kept forcing its release. And


    when he took her to the peak of pleasure,

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Chapter 10 Min ¨¹nly


    His mate¡­ und his prey. His mate¡­


    had bayed him. And she will pay atteh


    Anna couldn¡¯t see him, her hands still tied and her Alpha


    blocking her view, but she could tell his buming game on her.


    Before Alpha Flynn could say a word, Alpha Liam nipped him


    off Anna and threw him across the room like he was a ragdoll. The impact was


    100 strong for the weak structure that the walls gave in. Then his back made


    contact with a nearby tree, leaving him wheezing for air


    The building wasing down on their heads and Anna


    closed her eyes, unable to scream. She waited for the roof to bury her, but a


    hand instead brushed her cheek and she found herself in the arms of her pyscho


    Withani oldimg He, he puler din n the ground and his


    ¡°Wait here.¡±


    He moved too quicidly for her to follow.. SCATHEE her


    Surrounding, sheshim maize her Alpha in the air by the neck. He was paine


    to kill him!


    Alpha Flynn struped to breather and try a she might to


    connect with his wolf, theck of oxygen made it difficult to concentrate. He


    was about to pass out when a gay furred wolf emerped from the woods andnded


    a heavy blow ni Alpha Liam with its massive paw, which sent him flying


    The experienced Alpha shifted mid-air and dug his ws on


    the ground to stop the momentum, trailing deep streaks on dirt. Then he


    growled, loud and angry and possessive


    THY WEET under his


    in


    Sister woulin¡¯t be able to stop them. Their An d of brother Alpha¡¯s


    Smd when she should only umelo them. That meam bnd to them!


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop me, Lexy. Alpha Liam Indend in a mind-limk.


    ¡°Hid a finger on what is rightfully mine. My male, Lexy! Mine!¡±


    We made a deal with Carson. You have your words Alpha,¡±


    she snapped.


    ¡°Out of the way, Lexy. Before this gets


    ¡°No!¡± she coulilently dered and blocked Alpha Flynn


    from his view which angered him more.


    ¡°So be it,¡± he said then cut the link.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you full control, Luca. Rip him to shreds,¡± he


    Sefthed. He let himself go and take the


    La tinkantrol of his


    wolf form, C


    D


    coursing through


    ¡°I would


    take


    him if you didn¡¯t ku


    Luc. ¡°Nimetrichs our matc.¡±


    Crouching on his hindlig, hur perpared himself to print forward.


    He saw his prey shift into his wolf and stand beide Lexy. Alpha Flynn wa


    almost as maksive ashe, with inky ck fur and dep blue eyes. Giving alfa


    dangerous aura that he was out to kill, the thought the same thing as Alpha


    Lianni.


    He didn¡¯t know who the she-wolf beside him was, but


    Farrell answered his query.


    ¡°She¡¯s his sister. The heali,¡± Farrell, informe


    Why would she help us he asked, distancing himself fromn


    him to krpo Farrelli


    , h


    pied ETA


    A Farelli lupi sini


    dug his w deep


    in Farrell¡¯shli Farrell bowled in


    hinand Lihalok advantage of his


    distraction by hiting down on his neck.


    Farrell continued to hawl while trying to ficht him off. ALEHT


    At only intensified


    the slightest the pain


    Luca wouldn¡¯let go, the taste of his


    treat for him. He reveled in his struggle, and bit donti harder, wanting to hear


    him howl louder


    With a terrified look on her face, Anna watched her Alpha


    be victim to Alpha Liam¡¯s fury. Farrell¡¯s howls rang loud in her cars, and


    the thought of losing him scared her so much that her breathing came in short


    Something about a deal with CANON,¡± his wolf anwed.


    Alpha LATI SDEug forward; his eyes


    #We¡¯ll continueter. ¡® Alpha Flynn said and chordas


    well before Lexy could stop him.


    The two Alphas shed, each trying to get a hold of each


    other¡¯s neck with their sharp canines. When neither gave an opening, they backed


    away from mach other and moved in a circle, growling possessively, and baring


    their teeth


    Alpha Flynn lunged at Alpha Liam and Sessfully brought


    him down to the ground with his weight. But thetter pushed him back and was


    immediately on top of him, aiming for his throat.


    No. Nat nur one,¡± she thoughts her CET?N HAT


    forward, running to where they were Finding her voice, she screamed, STOP!!!¡±


    Luca growled louder, zugrier. How dare she protect hiin!


    Letting boal Farrell¡¯s neck thetter whimped in pain


    115 his wounds started to heal. Turning around, Luca walked towards Anna, and


    she stopped at arm¡¯s length from himni.


    Please don¡¯t.¡± she said, shaking in his preserice. And


    just like before, the words got stuck in her throat.


    He took a step forward, then another, and she took steps


    back. Seeing his reflection on her eyes, and the visible fear in them, he


    stopped. Was he so terrifying that she would seek another besides him?


    His heart


    at the thought. Closing the


    biween them, he stick out his to


    and lichad her check


    Aw grumble cance from behind him. Farrell was on his


    feet, the bite on his neck still bleeding. He was using bloodst but paid it


    no heed. The only thing on his mind was making the other understand that she


    belonged to him. No one would take her away from him


    Luca turned his head to see Farell on his


    challenging him instead of conceding defeat. But before he could properly face


    him, Lexy came in between them


    Do not interfere, Lexy!¡± Liam warned through a mind-link


    This is not what you promised Carson!¡± she snapped.


    ¡°He touched my matel Mine!¡±


    What is it with men


    getim


    S


    ive


    their mat


    she


    ¡°Galim down and we¡¯ll talk about this. There has to be


    reason why she¡¯s protecting him,¡± she wald in an attempt to convince him, but


    he wasn¡¯t listeningThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Get out of the way,¡± he said slowly.


    *If you kill him, she¡¯ll never go with you!¡± she said. ¡°II


    that¡¯s what you want, then Congrattions on your wedding!¡±


    Liam snapped out of his murderous thoughts and considered


    her words. He had lost control ¨C his purpose for attending the mating ceremony


    was standing right behind him, scared stiff. He turned to face her, and she


    swallowed the lump in her throat.


    She could see her fearful aktion in


    with a stran


    tion she coulkin¡¯i


    Raising a hand, she held it out talouch his head, feeling


    the soft back tur brush along her fingers. Farrell growled again, and this


    time Lexy growled at him.


    Luca locked at Farrell, then allery, then at Anna, as he


    Contemted on a decision. He took in. her sweet scent, then he dashed into the


    wools before he changed his mind.


    ¡°Thanks, bro,¡± said Lexy through the link.


    She had bettere with us, Lexy,¡± he replied, ¡°I¡¯m not


    leaving without her.¡±

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Chapter 11 in His Resolve


    I watched Liam take her father


    from me, my vision blurring as I tried to focus on what the woman in front of me


    was saying. I could barely stand that bastand almost rip my threat out, and


    I wasn¡¯t healing fast enough to recover.


    Warmth crept down my neck, but all I


    could think about was


    going after her and taking her away from him. She still loved me, despite all


    that I¡¯d done, and I couldn¡¯t be more relieved.


    There were a lot of things to do, asking for her forgiveness


    takes priority


    Will she forgive me that easily?


    I saw her raise her head to look at me, my Whian in the


    hely Hry


    I haduwa tihe


    kuichen immediately that thind that she wasn¡¯t there Only a half-emply bouille


    O


    h, wlichen Rune had tak?m? H. And of all the way that the


    en do the mating Ceremony, it had toh e that darin Liam!


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re dying a voice wild, and I realize


    WAS Carson


    When did het here?


    Itelt a sting on my Inck, and I histed.


    ¡°Rx. It¡¯s just alcohol,¡± said Lexy. who


    kneeling beside me


    Whendid she get there!


    ¡°Thanks for bringing my kit, Carson, she said, and was it


    just me, or did her pitch raise a little higher?


    Islowly shadinomy and fon, feeling my bones


    crack as they fixed themselves in ce, and Fame¡¯s ck tur disapeng


    in a my skin


    ¡°Wan¡± yu heal me quicker; Farrell We have the Alpha


    blow, du¡±


    ¡°1&ked, betting


    He didn¡¯t reply. Allied iront liim was a sad whimper,


    and I knew something was wrong. Thest time he did this was¡­ the night when


    rejected her and forced her to reject me. I almost passed out from the pain of


    the rejection, feeling a part of me had gone missing, and when I reached my


    room, I immediately copsed and lost Osciousness.


    When I woke up, it was already morning Farrell whimpered


    ¡°Ishe dying?¡± he askel with a smig


    ¡°You¡¯d want that won¡¯t you?¡± I said


    ¡°Maybe,¡± he said. ¡°Did she really face him for you?¡±


    ¡°You were watching?¡± I asked, raising m vhed only for


    Lexy lo m it back down, her hand ced firmly on my forehead, ¡°You could


    treat your patient a little gently.¡± I said, annuyed and Garso grinned.


    This woman surely has puts.


    And you,¡± I said, painting at Carson.¡± What kind of deal


    did you make with them? I swear if this has something to do with ¨C ow!¡±


    Lexy flicked my forehead this time, interrupting my talk


    with Carson. What was that for?¡± 1 demanded.


    She ctually smiled ashed. ¡°H


    This T


    with.¡±


    ¡°Im st! All I¡¯m hij is My Hub 5*


    almost like Carson in that s


    e


    .


    ¡°Hry, Flynn,¡± Carson said.


    wha


    ¡®It¡¯s best you forget about Anna now,¡± he


    already found her mate. You¡¯ve no choice but to let her go.¡±


    Found her mate? How could that possibly happen? I am


    her mate! We rejected each other but we could still take it back. The Goddess


    wouldn¡¯t give her to another soon, would she?


    ¡°I think you¡¯re forgetting something, Carson. I¡¯m her


    LTHIt¡¯s up to melodih if we lear mf not,¡±14 diely


    There was Day I will her goso


    whoever this wound chance mate other was better buck all.


    Amnist


    ¡°You¡¯re the one forgetting something, Flynn. If she¡¯s


    mated to an Alpha, it¡¯s up leher,¡± he said. ¡°And whether you like it or not,


    she is mated to an Alpha. Why do you think Alpha Liam almost kile you?


    My brainssed in processing his words. I Ecouldn¡¯t be


    Thar bastard¡¯s her mate?


    This had got to be some sort of a joke!


    It¡¯s true. He just found out today,¡± said Lexy, folding a


    piece of gauze. ¡°And he wouldn¡¯t treat her the way you did,¡± she said, and it


    stabbed my heart like a knife


    low Flynn.¡±


    ¡°Dune Leny chirped and sind, holding the first-aid it in


    one hand. ¡°I¡¯ll leve you two to talk


    She casually walked away. and 1 sat up, tilted my head to sinichi


    my tichonborh sides


    When she was out of carshal, CITSON inmed me hack down


    on the ground, holding by neck in a chokoheld as he straddled me


    ¡°How could you do that ta her!¡± he shouted, tightening his


    hold.


    My hands instinctively went to his wrists, but he wouldn¡¯t


    Sorry, man


    Using my strength, I gripped his wrists tightly until he


    Alow-pitched skap sounded in the cleaning as his righe


    Testnchon my face. ¡°You almost like


    He raised his left list and punched the other side of my


    I know


    He rained punches on my face. I let him take his amper


    out. He was right. I almost killed her that night. She was my mate and I beat


    her up and forced her to ept my rejection


    I deserved this. No, I deserved more than


    How could I im to love her when I didn¡¯t show her that


    I did? No wonder the Goddess mated hert


    finally


    ve Me


    c and shouted i


    Cansi threw hi nirusination.


    Then he looked down on me, THE She¡¯s like a sister to me and you know it


    I thought you loved her, Han,¡± he said.


    Grabbling the neckline of my shirt, he forced me to sit up


    and look him straight in the eye


    Why? Why the fuck did you do that to her?¡± he demanded as


    he shook me violently before pushing me back down.


    Then, heid on his back beside me, drawing dep


    breathes.


    ¡°I wish she leaves you,¡± he said.


    Sitting up, I spat the blood in my mouth. before replying


    ¡°I¡¯m taking her back, Carson. She¡¯s my Luna,¡±


    He weted. Shouki¡¯ve prop


    e


    r a


    HLAL. Let her be She¡¯s finally and her mate.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m her mate!¡± I dend. She¡¯ll stay You¡¯ll see.¡±


    forced myself to stand, ¡°When Ike back the rejection ¨C 11


    You rejected her?¡± hezked in disbelief, sitting up. ¡°You


    were her mate?


    ¡°Iann lier mate,¡± I corrected. ¡°She¡¯s not ITHAnt to


    be with that bastard.¡±


    #You¡¯re insane, Flynn. Let her be happy right now. Haven¡¯t


    you done enough?¡± He stood beside me, ced a hand on my shoulder, and put on


    a serious face. ¡°She¡¯ll be happy with him, man. It¡¯s time to let her go.¡±


    I shrugged his hand off. Walking away, I


    En his hand and Walking away, I vald, ¡°She¡¯ll be


    happy if she stays with me. You¡¯ll see.¡±


    He didn¡¯t follow after me. I felt his coO 11 my back. ¡°IE


    you really love her, you¡¯d know that she¡¯s better off without YOLL¡±


    Of course, I do. But I don¡¯t want to epti Ewhen I


    still have a chance to prove to her that she can be happy with me. I¡¯ll make


    her the happiest woman in the world, for the rest of our lives. I¡¯ll go down on


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    my knees and grovel before her if I have t


    She won¡¯t leave me. We are mates. We are mates..

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    Chapter 12 Confused Guessey


    in a way. I Was I wasn¡¯tcing him INJUSe myce felt hat. I didn¡¯t need a mirror to know that I looked


    like a tomata right now. This was Lembarrassing, phially when he told m e that he could smell me,


    down there.


    I actually did it withi Flynn! Well, not I¡¯xactly because we had our clothes on but


    I gulped. Did I want it to happen with our clothes off? An image of Flynn¡¯s topless figure shed in my


    mind. He was always in shape, conscious of his looks ever since we were in training


    He rejected me, but¡­ I guess he still loved me. But¡­ if he did, why would he do those things I almost


    died that night!


    Did Farrell take control? No, I would¡¯ve krown. It was definitely himn He did it on. his owri volition.


    I didn¡¯t know what came over me ¨C why I let him do it to me. I¡¯d be lying if I said it wasn¡¯t good and


    that¡­ I didn¡¯t like it.


    NO, 10, no! Anna, he almost kills yoin!


    This was also confusing. I should¡¯ve Thished him away, dene watleshi fram me. So, why didn¡¯t l?


    My father often talked about how much hi e loved my mother, though I never got to meet her. She died


    to let me live, and I was clueless as to what she looked like because no one had a picture of her. He


    used to tell me about males and the bond. rejection and eptance ¨C the feeling of being like an


    entirely new being after the Erking waspleted.


    I¡¯d epted his rejection, he didn¡¯t mark me, so¡­ why does a part of me still yearn for him? Even after


    all he¡¯d done, was it possible that I still loved him? Because I shouldn¡¯t


    Seriously, what is going on today? First, Alpha Liam then¡­


    Why did he do those things? And why did I let him?


    I¡¯m not easy to get! Why am I getting flustered by these two Alphas!


    Loud howls reached my ears, and then


    that sound ch e mpid. TuETTET y head awards the dination of white in Came, I coue yellow light push


    burk the darkness of the night. The howls Came again, signifying that the matching


    My heart san. That could¡¯ve been Flynn and me, if only he hadn¡¯t rejected me. I slighed.


    I guess I de still love him,


    nif buat


    We used to be a thing and back then i could already picture sponding the rest my life with him. When


    Alpha Frasergave me his blessing and spoiled the surprise that Flymin was poing to propose to me, I


    thought irrything would be alright, because his feelings for me hadn¡¯t changed even though I was


    olikcially wolf


    It might¡¯ve been perfect; it was what I asked of the Goddess. Lexy told mel Could stay with their pack,


    but with what just happened between Alpha Liam and m ?. I think it would be best if I turn rogu.


    A rogue didn¡¯t have the protection of a


    THIS VUL DE IN


    and simply , but it probably wouldn¡¯t be so bad. I could live with the humans, Herd in perfectly Without a


    wolf, I might will beteledene anyways. And since I don¡¯t have Werewolf¡¯s scent o n wouldn¡¯t be able


    to tell me Met from human.. Maybe, I really belong to the human Morld.


    He adjusted me on his shoulder, sighing a she did so. Hal He probably got tired. So much for acting


    tough.


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t run away from me, we could¡¯ve joined the ceremony,¡± he said.


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°First, I didn¡¯t run wway. Alpha Flytini took me. And second, there¡¯s no point in me attending the


    ceremony.¡± I supped.¡± Why were you looking for me anyway? I¡¯m thankful that you saved me fromst


    night, but you¡¯re not my babysitter. I can handle myself on my own.¡±


    I¡¯m still annayed that he spanked me Even Father never did such a thing! And only little kids set


    spanked. I¡¯m not a kid anymore.


    Wh, l¡¯IT sorry. Were you enjoying your Little Mission?¡± he said makingly and I blished


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business!¡± I replied, And he spiked me again


    Nomore!


    1:5quimed to get out of his hold, pounding my lists on his back and kicking my legs in the air as I did


    so. He saved mest night and I truly am grateful, but he had na business paking his nose where it


    didn¡¯t bng What happens to me and whatever came down breweer¨©. Flynn and me ¨C he had no right


    t o inwolve himself in these matters.


    Babe, if you don¡¯t stop teasing me out delicious little ass, I won¡¯t hesitate to fuck you right here, right


    now, and im you mine,¡± he warned sternly, and I stopped


    *Don¡¯t call me babe!¡± I shouted. ¡°And put me down!


    Why¡¯s he acting so weird? They¡¯re both acting weird! Is this what happens to Alphas when the mating


    ceremonyes around?


    Sighing, he pulled me off his shoulder And I thought I was goinglall sol Yrapped this around his neck,


    some sort of reku, and curled my knees a my stomach, my eyes shut tight. I was Practically clining to


    him!


    I heard him clear his throul and only then did I open my turned inty head, and i was it dark because


    his face was centimeters from mine. Heat crept into my cheeks again. His back leaned hacka littlr, an


    arm Wrapped my thighs to support me.


    Let go,¡± he said calmly, and in my panicked state, I did. As soon as I did, I cursed myself for I was


    going to fall this time, but he caught me with his other aren. My breathi hitched in my throat. I was now


    facing the most dangerous Alpha, as he held me close to him, bridal style:


    ¡°I can call you whatever I want, babe. I¡¯m the Alpha,¡± he said. I rolled my eyes at him. It was dark so he


    couldn¡¯t see it


    Lid whaler Hsines you have with that almofyms, ¡±


    set Oy that ¡®m here. I don¡¯t want you anywhere T him.¡± His vicende like Chand; it was a little cry. But I


    was a growtup girl, and I could do whatever I


    I¡¯m about to be a free rogue bo nobody tells Anna what she can and can¡¯t du!


    **He¡¯s not abusive,¡± I said, my mind disagreeing He¡¯s not my lover either. And I can do whatever I


    want.¡±


    A low growl came from him and I tensed How could I have forgotten?


    He¡¯s a murderous Alpha!


    Way to get yourself killed, Anna. Is he going to kill me here? I bet he knows how to hide a dead body.


    Goddess, is this the end of me?


    ¡°You¡­ You keep on protecting him. Are you actually an idiot?¡± he said, and that was thest straw.


    I¡¯m done with these Alphas acting all arrogant and dominant.


    Yutelo !¡± I said, raising my wice E him. He pule me closer to him, his hand gripping you thighs.


    ¡°kep testing my pMe and you¡¯ll rej it, mate,¡± he said firmly.


    There he goes again calling me his matc. Looks like have to make it cut for him i ounderstand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a mate!¡± I shouted. I ain¡¯t. intend to shout at him, but it somehow Gime out like that and


    that same feeling washed over me again. Emptiness ¨C a missing part of me, wanting to bepleted


    Why did he reject me? Why did I have to b emated to him when he didn¡¯t want me Or does he? I don¡¯t


    know. I don¡¯t know anymore


    I looked away from Alpha Liam and blinked rapidly, breathing deeply, holding back the tears that


    threatened to fall. I just wanted to be in my room, in theforting dark, alone and safe.


    He stopped in his tracks, and I felt him raise me higher. I stayed silent. He was probably going to do


    another annoying


    Yui medlem!¡± I said, raising my walcea Ehitun. He pulled me closer ta bilm, his handgripping my other


    thighs.


    ¡°Keep testing my pMe and you¡¯ll Tejret it, mate,¡± he said firmly.


    There he os main, calling this mate.. Looks like have to make it clear for him it Onderstand


    ¡°I don¡¯t have amate!¡± I shouted. I didn¡¯t intend to shout at him, but it somehow Gime out like that, and


    that same feeling washed over me again. Emptiness ¨C a missing part of me, wanting to bepleted.


    Why did he reject me? Why did i have to b emated to him when he didn¡¯t want me? Or does he? I don¡¯t


    know. I don¡¯t know anymore


    I looked away from Alpha Liam and blinked rapidly, breathing deeply, holding back the tears that


    threatened to fall. I just wanted to be in my room, in theforting dark, alone and safe.


    He stopped in his tracks, and I felt him raise me higher. I stayed silent. He was probably going to do


    another annoying


    Mise me higher. I stayed silent. He was


    probably going to do another annoying


    thing again. 1


    I felt his hot breath on the top of my head, then something soft brushed past m y hair


    Did he just kiss me?


    Looking up at him, I realized that he had adjusted my position, so my face was just by his shoulder. It


    was a moonless night, but I could somehow tell that he was smiling. And did I guess right when he told


    me, ¡°Then why do I want you?¡±

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Chapter 13 Tough Persuasion


    Her scent was driving me crazy and she just kept on shoving that naughty little ass of lens on my face


    like she was taunting me. This mate of mine kept teasing me, unknowingly, and my head was starting


    to hurt.


    The mating ceremony was over. I would¡¯ve wanted to be there with her and show her off to the other


    males. My mate, my Luna, my fated woman. I would¡¯ve imed her proudly as mine so no one else


    would even darey their lustful eyes on her. She was mine for life and I was hers, at least a part of me


    The moonless night wasn¡¯t of a hindrance to me. She probably didn¡¯t know that I was channeling


    Luca¡¯s energy to help me see in the dark. But doing so also heightened my sense of smell and I


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    couldn¡¯t help myself from taking in her scent. Sweet¡­ so fucking sweet, and it wasn¡¯t because of me


    but that kid!


    She might be wolf-less but she should


    miehil wall-less but the child still Irrlihe bond between us. Seeing her beneath him like that, her face


    flushed and content. Fuck! I shouldn¡¯t have left her alone in that TOOL


    They had their clothes on, but it didn¡¯t. mean nothing came down between them I could smell him all


    over her!


    And that scream ¨C she should only be Scrcing my name¡¯ Liam = this was the only name permitted to


    sore. 1


    She should have no reason to protect and defend him and yet she kept snapping at me. I saved her life


    for fucks sale!


    Technically, it was Lexy but still¡­ if I didn¡¯t find herst night, she might¡¯ve bled to death. The injury on


    her chest was fatal.


    And what do I get? To see her pinned down by another male and this fiery attitude of hers. I didn¡¯t


    expect this from, her ¨C she seemed more of the submissive type during our first encounter. Didn¡¯t that


    mean anything to her at all? She


    wanted me to touch her when we in the


    Is my beautiful mate actually an idiot?


    All I kept getting from her was attitude. I wanted to carry her bridal style insteads o I could admire her


    beauty without her kutowing, but she unexpectedly clung tom e. It made my heart skip a beat.


    It hammered wildly iruniy chest I felt like it was going to rip itself out. I told her to let go, trying to sound


    as calm as I could. She did. In my arms, just where she belonged.


    Mine, no one else


    Warning her to back away from him, she instead rolled her eyes at me!


    The Goddess sure loves to y games with me, giving me a mate that just won¡¯t submit


    If that kid wasn¡¯t her lover then what were they to each other? It would be in his best interest to not


    challenge me because she was rightfully mine,


    And I don¡¯t share


    I don¡¯t have mate!¡± she shouted at me and I fraze. She looked away from me, trying to hold bactean


    and I felt a iwinge of guilt and pain. It was like she indirectly rejected me. She didn¡¯t know yet, but it still


    hurt to hear.


    I made her upset. Was it because I called her ¡®mate?


    My beautiful Anna. After being maltreated for so long because she was wolf-less, she must¡¯ve believed


    she wouldn¡¯t have a mate. Was that it ¨C WAS she so hungry for a male¡¯s attention that she¡¯d even let


    that fucking kid fuck her?


    I wouldn¡¯t allow it. I waste to truly save her, but I was here now. No one would ever hurt her again,


    not even myself. No one would turn her into a punching bag for as long as I live


    Lifting her higher, I ced a soft kiss on her hair


    She looked up at me ¡°Then why do I want you?¡± I asked and her eyes widened.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re wolf-less. I also know you¡¯ve been abused,¡± I admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t


    u ve been abused,¡± I admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t kurw what¡¯s between you and that kid,ut one thing is for sure:


    you are my mate. I will take you to my pack, make you my Luna, and we¡¯d spend the rest of Die lives


    together.¡±


    There was no point in beating around the bush. I meant what I said ¨C it was my n.


    ¡°You¡­ You can¡¯t be my mate,¡± she said. Her brows knitted.


    I started walking again. At least she wasn¡¯t snapping at me ¡°Hmm¡­ But I a m. If I wasn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t


    have looked for you when you suddenly disappeared, on almost killed that kid,¡± I said. If I wasn¡¯t s o


    rudely interrupted, I would¡¯ve ripped his throat out. Then again, looks like I did have a soft spot for her.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be my mate,¡± she repeated, and I frowned


    It really felt like a rejection. I didn¡¯t want her to reject me, I needed her.


    Then why did you moan for me, babe? You kissed me, you wanted me,¡± I said bluntly, and she blushed.


    ¡°The tingles


    E nel when you¡¯re around me when our skin touches. You don¡¯t have a woli to tell you, hat I do and he¡¯s


    telling m # that you¡¯re my mite. Hoject me if you want but know this: I will never bept it.


    I locked down at her, smirking ¡°You¡¯re stuck with me, babe


    She openw¡¯d her mouth like she wanted to say something but didn¡¯t and closed it again. Then she


    looked away from me, her checks still a deep red, and stayed quiet


    It was a lot to take in, but I needed her to realize that she couldn¡¯t stay here anymore. Everyone was


    counting on me and this was thest chance I got.


    And to be honest, my wolf was already head over heels for her. He would never forgive me if I let her


    go.


    She had toe with me, she must.


    Question is, will she?


    I heard loud voices as we neared the mansion. As we emerged from the woods, we saw that the packs


    had already gathered in themon grounds, mosto


    Ohen making out. This behavior was only eptable when the mating ceremony came around. A


    werewolf¡¯s lust. was difficult to control when it came to a first mate, especially when the mark was just


    ¡°Close your eyes,¡± I told her.


    She was already covering her face with both hands, her checks even redder than before. She looked


    so cute¡­ so innocent.


    I stopped channeling energy from Luca to bring my senses back to normal. ¡°The smell of arousal was


    heavy in the air and i f I lost control, I knew Anna would too, but it could also lead her to decide to not


    against the idea.


    Please hurry and take me inside,¡± she said.


    Fuck! If only she meant what I wanted it t.


    o mean.


    Taking long strides, I took her inside ¨C where we should softly hear the wanton moaning and screams


    that came from


    outside. Instead, we were greeted yet. again with the same scene from outside. Unlike the somewhat


    censored version outside because of the dark, the lights inside revealed everything to the eye.


    I had to get her away from here. I had to get myself away from here.


    Channeling Luca¡¯s energy, I painstakingly ignored the sinful scents assaulting my nostrils and in


    inhuman speed took her back to my room. My men knew better than to fuck around near my and


    Lexy¡¯s rooms so there was no one on our floor but the two of us. The night was still young ¨C it might be


    full of themter. Some of us didn¡¯t want anyone else seeing what was rightfully ours.


    Closing the door, she removed her hands off her face and looked around. ¡°It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s just us here,¡± I


    said. She gulped.


    ¡°Smooth,¡± Luca interrupted.


    What the fuck, Luca!¡±


    ¡°Uhm¡­ you can put me down now.¡± I gave her my full attention. To hell with


    I helped her stand and she immediately hacked away from me, locking away.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ nothing.¡± she replied, blushing madly. Those checks of het were so honest it was adorable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll contact my Beta to pick us up by tonight. Do you have anything you need t o pack before we leave?


    Looking at me, she said, ¡°Leaving? I didn¡¯t say I was leaving.¡±


    Picking up the bags on the floor, I threw them all on the couch and opened one. ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking. You¡¯re


    it¡¯s something really important, don¡¯t pack anything like clothing. Leave everything here. I don¡¯t want


    you taking anything that he gave you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to your pack,¡± she said, crossing her arms over her chest. ¡°I will leave when I want to,


    and there¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to a pack like yours.¡±


    klike yours? I rule the biggest, proudest, and one of the strongest packs i in the world. Disrespecting


    my pack is the same as disrespecting me.


    I pulled an oversized shirt and basketball shorts out of my bag Holding them in a tight fist, I strode


    towards her. She stood i n ce, her breathing rapid and shallow, her eyes never leaving mine.


    As I neared her, she backed away from m c, until her back hit the wall. Before she could even think of


    running away. I mmed an arm on one side of the wall, trapping her. ¡°Look at me!¡± I demanded, but


    she kept looking to her side.


    With my other hand, I gripped her jaw so she would face me. She reeked of fear. I didn¡¯t want to scare


    her again, but I somehow did, only this time she went a bit too far.


    ¡°My pack have been waiting for their Luna for a long time, Anna. They¡¯ve been waiting for you. As their


    Luna, don¡¯t you think you should get to know them first?


    ¡°I am not your Luna!¡± she spat, and my jaw clenched.


    Take a shower and change into these.¡± 1 ordered, forcing her hand to take them She was making my


    blood boil, but I had a hold myself back or she won¡¯t agree to


    THE with me


    Why is it so difficult to convince her? She¡¯s my mate, it should be easy!


    **Don¡¯t treat me like a kid! I can look after myself,¡± she said and threw the clothes a ime She walked


    past me, heading for the door, while my mind tried toprehend the situation.


    I wasn¡¯t treating her like a kid! What was up with this woman!


    ¡°Thank you for everything Alpha. But I¡¯m no one¡¯s Luna,¡± she said, with her backt ome ¡°I can¡¯t go with


    you.¡±


    Her words were like bullets that went Straight to my heart. I was getting rejected. She didn¡¯t want


    anything to do with me. But I couldn¡¯t just let her go -I needed her


    I walked towards her and as I was about t o speak, someone interrupted. ¡°But you have to, Be.¡±


    D REDMI NOTE 95

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    Chapter 14 Blessed Friend


    Well-built and lean, he stood by


    the doorway, his frame blocking the only exit I recognized the voice, having


    heard it at times on days I wils allowed to take a stroll near the training


    grounds. Looking up, I saw my best. friend, who I had barely seen for years. I


    still considered him my best friend, though I didn¡¯t know if it was the same


    with him. He called me ¡°Be¡±.my second name, and he was the only one who


    called me by that name; everyone else preferred to call me ¡°Anna¡±.


    His beach blonde hair was a mess, which meant he had just


    returned from a run, but there was a Weird scenting from him. His thin


    Hips


    were set in a straight line, his blue orbs


    Sro , and though he wore a


    errous expression, it was the first time na long time that I could get a


    und look at huisce


    A strong angr jawline, a straight nose, and wless


    skin ¨C I found myself getting attracted to him, my heart racing in my chest.


    ¡°Ca-Carson,¡± I said, finding my voice.


    Raising a brow, he asked, ¡°The curse¡¯s affecting you now


    too?¡±


    I nodded. His bloodline was blessed Generations back by a


    witch, or perhaps it would be more appropriate to call it a curse. The witch


    was in love with a certain ancestor of his, but her love couldn¡¯t be


    sure it wouldn¡¯t end with him


    In order for the spell to carry over to the


    generation, starting from the first of his blod that got afflicted, no females


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    were born into their lineage. In every generation, the male¡¯s mate could only


    conceive a son, and so the blessing or Curse continued


    Blessed or cursed with an extremely attractive physique,


    women, especially she-wolves, were easily drawn to him like they were falling


    in love, and those who didn¡¯t know better thought the feelings were real when


    in fact, it wasn¡¯t. He was the very definition of a ¡°chick ma¡±; a walking


    breathing e on¡± to every woman out there.


    If he found his mate, such effect would Cease after he


    received his mate¡¯s mark. Until then, he would have to deal with the numerous


    hem that he attracted. And that nud me. Ti was against my will, but it


    ven been five minutes yet and I already feel myself falling for him,


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, in a volce that sent butterflies flying


    of my stomach,


    ¡°N-No, it¡¯s okay.¡± I replied, ¡°I understand it¡¯s the curse


    or blessing, however you want to call it.¡±


    ¡°A curse,¡± he said. ¡°Definitely a curse. Too bad I haven¡¯t


    found my mate yet.¡±


    Knowing he was still avable made me feel happy and I knew


    I shouldn¡¯t be. It must be hard for him to have to wait for so long


    But he¡¯s avable.


    No, Anna! He¡¯s your best friend.


    I felt an ann snake around my waist. I got pulled to the


    slike, bumping on Alpha Liam.


    Il mark her, she wouldn¡¯t be affected


    right?¡± he asked Carson, ignoring me ring at him


    Every time I was close to him, it was like


    electricity ran through me, and in its wake an eruption of tingles. A rather


    impactful yet pleasant feeling and only he had such an effect on me.


    Seems like he really is my mate ¨C my Second mate, a second


    chance atpleting this missing half of me.


    Mated to two Alphas ¨C was the Goddess ying some sort of


    a joke on me?


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s about the only way.¡± Carson


    said.


    They¡¯re actually holding a conversation normally? Maybe


    Hinn¡­ what do you say, babe? Would


    W


    heasked, warning his head to meet my ce with a smirk.


    Goddess, my mate¡¯s smirking at me and I find it¡­ Sexy


    ¡°I take it silence means ¡®yes¡¯?¡± He stretched thest


    word as he said it, with his deep baritone Varice,


    Gouldess, his voice is sexy too


    You¡¯re so cute when you¡¯re flustered, mate,¡± he added,


    then sensually bit his lower lip, making m e gulp. I couldn¡¯t look away from


    those lips of his, remembering how soft they were on mine when he kissed me,


    how good it felt when ¨C


    ¡°I hate to interrupt but Flynn would be here any second


    how.¡± Carson said, bringing maka


    W, Carson said, bringing in back to


    ¡°We¡¯ll be ready to po before he gets here.¡± Alpha Liam


    answered. ¡°Have you seen Lexy anywhere? Thought she¡¯d be here by


    How many times do I have to tell him that I¡¯m not


    leaving! I have something to do here first!


    She left after treating Flynn. Haven¡¯t seen her since,


    Carson said to which he replied with a hmm.


    Is that some sort of expression of him? O h, no. I am


    not observing him or anything. It¡¯s just something I kind of noticed, Right.


    Well, we don¡¯t have much packing to do,


    So your


    assistance isn¡¯t needed, ¡± Alpha Liam said, dismissing my best friend like he


    was from his pack


    Carson merely smirked, and oh my (dess, it made him more


    attractive. ¡°I¡¯m here for her. Eigured she wouldn¡¯t agree to leave so easily,¡± he


    That¡¯s night, I wouldn¡¯t


    ¡°She is leaving.¡± Alpha Liam said slowly.


    Aren¡¯t you?¡¯, he


    asked, pulling me even closer to him.


    ¡°No!¡± I replied, holding on to my rational brain as my


    body kept reacting weirdly in his hold.


    ¡°Let me talk to her,¡± Carson said, and this arrogant


    Alpha¡¯s hand squeezed my side.


    ¡°Before she leaves,¡± Carson continued, looking me in the


    eye. ¡°I need to talk to my best friend.¡±

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Chapter 15 Favorable Choices


    The big white spol of lighting from the shlight lit the way. Here we were, walking back out into


    the woods, into a secluded area that was reserved for the Head Gamma. It was where my father and I


    resided before he passed away and I was taken to the mansion to live the rest of mi y days, serving the


    pack. I was forbiddent o return to our house, and I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted to, the ce was too special


    for me.


    I hadn¡¯t seen it for two years, and with every step we took, we were getting closer to it. I prepared


    myself for this day but knowing I¡¯d have to face the past as soon as I step foot inside the house made


    an uneasy feeling rise in my stomach. In a way, I was d I didn¡¯t have to do it alone; my best friend


    was with me


    Unsure of what we were after that day, I almost cried when he called me his best friend. I held back the


    tears because he was the crybaby, not me. Though there wasn¡¯t a single trace of the crybaby I knew in


    him. I guess we all changed over


    Friends ¨C Flynn, Carson, and L. Even when Flynn anuliwete dating the three fus still hang out, almost


    every day. Threr inoublemakers weOHE WETE.


    Carson walked beside me, with Alphu. m 1 pood five meters behind is for some privacy. I didn¡¯t trust


    him. He could easily eve drop an cuir Conversation. He agreed to let my best friend speak to meo n the


    condition that we were within sight, and to my surprise, Carson didn¡¯t. protest. He admitted it was


    Carson who told him about that nasty torture shack, growling as he did.


    None of us wanted to have to walk past the mating werewolves so Alpha Liam had this crazy idea on


    how to sneak out of the mansion. We were on the fourth floor, where the guest rooms for his pack


    were, and he wanted us to jump out of the window. Again, Carson was on board with the idea. We


    would immediately be at the back of the mansion where no one would See us, and we didn¡¯t have to


    witness the Sume scenes.


    Never had I thought about jumping out of


    hadi thought about jumping out of a building before but at that paint, 1d Father jump. I thought I¡¯d jump


    and get caught by one of them, but Alpha Liam was shaky. Channeling his wolf¡¯s mercy, he carried me


    in his arms again, then jump.


    It was scary VCE exhrating, and it was impressive to see him do such a feat. Of Course, I wouldn¡¯t


    tell him I merely ro my eyes at his handsome smirking face, saying Carson did the same thing


    Hffortlessly.


    I was yet to ept that a wall-less Werewolf¡¯ such as he was actually given a mate. I guess the


    Goddess was listening


    The n was to escape with iny mate, La use him so I could finally leave the pack. I I he was loving


    and caring, I¡¯d stay with him. Once I wasn¡¯t with the pack anymore, I¡¯d decided that I¡¯d live any life t o


    the fullest. If my fated mate would ept a failure like me, then I would faithfully stay beside him.


    That was the n! I didn¡¯t know what I should do now. The promise was about to be fulfilled and I


    would finally leave, but i [I went with Alpha Liam, would it be the


    ent with Alpha Liam, would it be the right chalce to make


    ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you around here, Carson said, and it made me want to happily squeal.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you, lo!¡± Ichirped. A little too loud, and Alpha Liam growled.


    I¡¯m sorry it had to be this way,¡± he said. ¡°But I think you leaving would be best for Everyone here.


    Ouch. The pack really wanted me gone.


    #They¡¯d get what they always wanted, and you could finally be happy,¡± he continued. And sale.¡±


    I¡¯m leaving after this. The pack won¡¯t cen notice I was gone,¡± I replied nonchntly. They treated me as


    an outsider anyway so there was no point in staying, but it still hurt to think that at one point in my life, I


    would¡¯ve done anything for them. ¡°I¡¯ll be happy¡­ and safe. I¡¯m thinking of living with the humans. They


    don¡¯t seem to be so bad.¡±


    I could tell my best friend anything Carson won¡¯t tell a single soul. He was the best at keeping secrets,


    and he most


    hastat kemping Stres, and he must ligely knew at least one secret from every park m§Öniher by now


    hecale eryone confided in him. As Beta, he was more like a brother to the pack rather than an authority


    figure. Having been around the Umeas and Gammas, I¡¯d heard their HUMTAUS On thons, including


    rumors and fantasy. So, even if I was cooped up in the kitchen or theundry roon on most days, I was


    still updated on matters regarding the pack.


    ¡°What about your mate? I doubt he¡¯d let you do that


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I guess I need more time t o think about it,¡± I said, wanting to cul the conversation short


    but he wouldn¡¯t let it


    ¡°He was worried you won¡¯t so with him, You should¡¯ve seen his face when he realized you were gone.¡±


    He shed me a knowing grin, and it made my heart skip a beat, from the curse or the bond, I


    couldn¡¯t tell.


    ¡°I guess he would be,¡± I simply said.


    ¡°Please go with him,¡± he said, stopping i in his tracks and facing me. ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I


    What you be, but it doesn¡¯t mean I want


    Unbelievable. He¡¯s asking me to ept Alphus Liam? Why must I live my life bound to an Alpha when I


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    could be free! I¡¯m wolf-less! i didn¡¯t have to abide by


    *Carson, we grew up together with our lives set out for us. I was supposed to be Head Gamma and I


    wanted it. You know I did. But now, I have a chance to choose another path for me,¡± I said. Leave all


    this behind and try to forget the past. My father would¡¯ve wanted me to be happy. ***


    I raised my hand to the base of my neck, t o clutch at the vial, but my hand wrapped around nothing.


    An old habit, whenever I Talked about him, I could never rid of it and now it meant more to me than it


    did before. I had to get it back


    I resumed to walk, and he followed suit.


    ¡°Please think about it, Be,¡± he pleaded.


    ¡°Why are you taking his side?


    A my best friend, he should be siding with me. But he kept sticking out for Alpha m instead. Why


    wouldn¡¯t he


    ¡°House I¡¯m a selfish prick,¡± he said. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to forgive myself if I let you go without knowing if


    you¡¯re safe. 11 you¡¯re with him, at least I know my He¡¯s well-taken care ol I can¡¯t lose another family.¡±


    I held his hand and closed the space between our sides, ignoring the intense aura from behind that


    seemed to be directed at the Holding his hand and getting close to Carson made me feel weak in my


    knees but I wanted to do this.


    He was like a brother to me. It was difficult for him to admit what he just did, I knew, and this was our


    way offorting each other ¨C I hadn¡¯t forgotten.


    ¡°You won¡¯t lose me,¡± I said.


    Giving my hand a light squeeze, he said, If he ever makes you cry, I¡¯d be there for


    He suddenly pulled me in front of him


    Thenllelt something slipinske pokori of the jacke Alpha Liam lent to me


    ¡°Enough!¡± Alpha Liam r ed, as he ripped me from Carson and pulve beside him. He held out an arn and


    pointed towhere was standing just a few seconds before. Stay back


    Carson smirked, then walked to where he


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to himn like that!¡± i snapped.


    If he keeps acting like this, I seriusly won¡¯t consider Carson¡¯s words,


    Ignoring me, he continued to walk, dragging me with him. ¡°I really have to Bet you out of here,¡± he


    muttered.


    He probably didn¡¯t intend for me to hear i L, but I did. ¡°I can get myself out, I replied, ¡°I don¡¯t need your


    help with it.¡±


    ¡°Stop that.¡± His shoulders dropped and his voice was pained. Unlike before, it sounded more like a plea


    than an order. Is he actually sulking?

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    like there. Todmi, it did a right tahi E ARHII him. From this simpl e , I had to stop my Facial miles


    milime Goddess knew I wanted to Seeing him sulk like a child was a out of character, it was a little


    cute.


    His hold brought back the butterflies in mi y stomach, and the weird tingles that anly his touch could


    awaken. There was n o denying it ¨C he really was my mate


    This was surprising, especially to someone like me! Getting mated to an Alpha ¨C lucky! Getting maled


    to two Alphas ¨C the Goddess must be nning something for me. This mate thingSUTC changed the


    direction of my lifepletely


    There were two things I was certain of for HOW ¨C I wanted to leave the White Lake pack and my


    second chance mate was Alpha Liam. If the Goddess¡¯s will was that I spend my life with him, then so


    bell t. But I wouldn¡¯t give in to the bond so


    wani Irom me, li takragtime and


    up to the challe,


    l T hun too.


    idhesitate


    Herhasiere was more to him than V10 the rumors sald, and that none oil those were the expt that he


    Massacred packs. This one always had the Omzas talking for weeks. Still, there might bearson why he


    did what he did house from what he¡¯d showtime so far, he didn¡¯t undke the kind of person who would


    kill without mason. This didn¡¯t male him any less dangerous. He could easily kill me, and no one could


    stand up to hun.


    He suddenly stopped in his tracks, and only then did I realize that we have reached it ¨C my home. It


    wasn¡¯t much, just a humble bungalow. The blue and white paint was chipping off the exterior walls, and


    dried leaves piled up on thewn.


    ¡°Well, this is it,¡± I said, stopping right beside him, ¡°Home sweet home.¡±


    Onn, bent he won¡¯t there. The light


    Inarrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°I knew, Le We Walling for you yesterday, but you never Canne. ¡±


    Freeing my hand from Alpha Liam¡¯s fr.asp.I walked towards the door. I didn¡¯t Want to answer Carson.


    He had been Alphia Flytn¡¯s Beta ever since he took Wer his father as Alpha, and didn¡¯t want to run their


    rtionship.


    Carson would never forgive Flynn if henwrw aboutst night. It was best he didn¡¯t know. The three of


    us wouldn¡¯t go back to what we used to be, but at least Carson was still my best friend, and they were


    on good terms with each other.


    Carson would be loyal to Flynn; he was a true friend to both of us.


    A creaking sound, as the door opened slowly. Surprisingly, it didn¡¯t smell of stale air and dust.


    Teem the wall to my leli, i found the switch and Tipped loup. The lights Flicked for a moment, Ware fully


    illuminating the living room. A beaten-u plwo-miler dep blue Conch tarda tscreen ly, situated on the


    right side of the small room. The pack¡¯s g hung on the wall facing the doorway, Father wanted it to be


    the first thing he saw when he entered the house, at list until hi e had ine, or so he said. To the left was


    the kitchen and straight ahead, on hoth sides were the bedrooms = mine was on the left and his was


    on the night


    Far as long as I could remember, it was just the two of us. Our daily routine was that he would be in his


    office to assist the Alpha or he¡¯d be training the warriors while I was on training with Carson and Flynn


    Sometimes, he would train the three of us, and if he had more time, he would give me private lessons.


    Even the Alpha gave Flynn private lessons. Same with Carson and his father, the previous 3 Beta.


    ¡°You kept it clean?¡± I asked, tad


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Impably clean,¡± Carson said, chuckling. Thought you¡¯d like it like


    Turning to face him, a small smile on my face as I said, ¡°Thank you, Carson. It means a lot to me.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I didn¡¯t clean the bedrooms so don¡¯te crying to me if you find skeletons,¡± he said, smiling


    Goddess, please let him find his mate already, this is seriously bad for my heart.


    ¡°Why would she go to you?¡± Alpha Liam retorted, ring at him. So cute.


    ¡°Because he¡¯s my best friend,¡± I answered. I knew I was testing huis patience here, but it was really fun


    seeing chim act like a child.


    Finistratiuninh .


    Tren Turning on ihh , mund that it was in the SITE DE


    L


    l y ditt und with no w here there


    ¡°Pink¡±C ea Voie from behind me. Hi Yrnirvorite color


    ¡°No!¡± Lanswd immediately, tecline the heat on my cheeks. My rood pink curtains. pink whet, hnd


    pink cables I was Father¡¯s ide, not mine. I didn¡¯t mind it when I was a little girl but when I turned into a


    teenager, he would always sulk when I requested that I change the colors to that of the pack¡¯s. So, my


    room was stuck with one coler ¨C pink of different shades.


    He pushed me inside the room lightly to make way for himself. I rolled my eyes at. him, Who invited


    himn in?


    He looked through the stick figures that were pinned to a wall ¨C a drawing of my pients and me, my


    father and me, of his wolf, my friends and I, and many more. They were from my childhood, obviously,


    Father dient time to take their


    ¡°I¡¯ll Tou guys ta li, then,¡± Carn


    Whene are you going


    Don¡¯t hve me alone with him!


    ¡°T have to check up on Flynn, make sure h. e doesn¡¯t get wind of you leaving tonight Don¡¯t worry, Be,


    I¡¯ll see you off. I


    Before I could reply, he was already gone.


    It¡¯s unfair how they could move so fast!


    ¡°Nice drawings, Alpha Liammented.


    He¡¯s happy Carson¡¯s gone.


    While he was looking at the uninteresting drawings, I made my way to the bed. Putting a hand under


    the pillow, I felt for the object I sought to retrieve. Something hard grazed my palm. Clutching it, I


    quickly pulled it from under and stuffed it in a pocket, just in time for him to turn to


    Alouet.se,¡± he said, walking bad


    1


    of ihr mot and into the living room. Then I felt his arms wrap Arund my wt, stopping me from


    reaching the front door.


    It¡¯s really unfair!


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± he asked, chuckling


    Squirming against his muscr frame, h e tightened his hold on ne


    ¡°Hmium¡­ na,¡± he said, ¡°We need to Lalk.¡±


    ¡°We have nothing to talk about,¡± I said, and let my body rx, causing him to lean back a little to


    support my weight.


    If you won¡¯t let me go, carry me then.


    ¡°You¡¯re a handful, aren¡¯t you?


    Igrinned. ¡°Yes, I am. I will tire you all day and night, so just let me go.¡±


    like he was nning something that before I could ask him, he lined back little mone, raising my feet off


    the foot.


    ¡°Put me down


    He gently ced me of my feet in front o f the couch, then sat down. I sted ring at him, and he


    hashed me a smile that instantly melted my heart


    Goddess, he makes me want to smile


    Nope, hold the re, Anna. You have the upper hand here.


    ¡°Will you stop ring at me and have a seat?¡± he said, patting the space beside him.


    Crossing my arms, I raised a brow at him and said, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°No?¡± he asked, leaning back into the couch as he mimicked my pose.


    ¡°No,¡± I said firmly.


    Then he pulled my arm causing me to fail into him. Which should¡¯ve happened, but since they just love


    to takr advantage of their supernatural abilities, when I Opered my eyes, he had an arm around m y


    waist and I was sitting on hisp, my legs to one side


    Sit on me then,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s a nice house, by the way. But I prefer a home.¡±

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    Chapter 17 if Non¨Cnegotiable Conditions


    This is my lieme,¡± I said proudly


    I was born and raised here. All my as I had only known a life that moved around here. Though it was all


    about ta change, I would still consider this my home, not this pack, not anymore, but this house which


    bare witness to my Father¡¯s life, my Mother¡¯s, and mine


    There was no going back in time to relive those moments. Nostalgia lingered in every corner of these


    four walls, but it was still home I refused to merely call it a house


    ¡°If you say so,¡± he said. ¡°There¡¯s really nothing here but us and posts with walls and a rool.¡±


    That¡¯s called a house. It means more to me than that and I would like to leave now,¡± I snapped and


    made an effort to stand, but he wrapped an arm around my thighs and pulled me closer to him, cradling


    me like a baby, preventing me from getting up and stepping out that.


    T his ihale toimit,fortable T


    doe my n da, lorpet sit the Sie m ents that we wreaking war on my ns ¨C I was lempting, but


    Touldn¡¯t. This frin wouldn¡¯t let her Kuand down over a bond that almost kill her


    ¡°I want to stay with you like this,¡± he said, looking down at me with a smile


    ¡°No,¡± I said tly, but I couldn¡¯t look away from his gorgeous eyes that seemed to look right through me


    ¡°Maybe?¡±


    My cyes widened as soon as I said the word. I shouldn¡¯t have said that; it¡¯d give him the upper hand.


    ¡°No,¡± Iitted ¡°Definitely not.¡±


    He held my gaze, Smiling as he brought his face closer to mine. I held my breath i n anticipation,


    somehow expecting him t o kiss me again, but as those sweet lips were only millimeters away, he


    moved past my face and whispered into my ear i na sexy voice, ¡°Were you expecting a


    Mycheeks instantly held up from she and


    Indir jos TH whole. His Annusedughter angin m yurs. I looked down on myp, my halt falling to the


    sides of my face to hike my embrassed sell. That was just¡­ THAT


    He know the bond alinted me. Thateeni f I tried, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a strong attraction towards him.


    And yet he took advantage of it and yed me.


    It was this easy for them, huh. They were Alphas after all. They could casually walki na roon full of


    women and not one would refuse whatever they should wish. Who was l anyway? I was just a


    disgraced Gamma who was treated lower than an Omega. Even Ornigas got respect, I didn¡¯t get an


    inkling of it


    I bit my lower lip. I was tearing up from the realization.


    ¡°Anna?¡± he said. I didn¡¯t notice that he had stoppedughing His hand cupped m y cheek, and I turned


    my head to avoid his touch. I tried to move again to stand, but he wouldn¡¯t free my legs.


    Halone, with the meimaries of my Fatherarounni me and no Alphus to think about


    ¡°No,¡± he said, and he had the nervelo wrap his arm around my thilphs, locking them close to him.


    I shot him a look, and his sinile dropped. I was about to cry. I was mad at myself for letting him y


    with my feelings, at. hinn for his arrogance, and at Carson for leaving me alone with this jerk! My hands


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    were balled into fists, and if he dared smile at my current state, I would dly punch him wuare on the


    jaw. u


    He sighed. This jerk had to nerve to sigh!


    Oh, that is it.


    My fist went flying, and he caught it before it connected. My legs were freed! I hurriedly got up from his


    suddenly let go. I took a step back to bnce myself.


    I threw a side nce at the door and


    TH?nd , liishia din. ?ddin at the fluar. I felt bailorhim


    was


    nity. I thened in the side, tedy to hightail it out of her when the


    ¡°Det go,¡± said, inained volte that instantly made me ich guilty.


    I had whatInned, except for one thing. but i was alripht. I was lucky enough to actually ret them back


    without him noticing My hand tighted around the pen like military-grade shlight. I knew the woods like


    the back of my hand and Could throw him off my path by heading t o where the wolfsbane propagated.


    Please,¡± he added.


    I found myself thinking about it. It would be unfair to him ¨C he was my mate. If I was going to leave, I


    might as well reject him, but I couldn¡¯t let myself go through that again. Once was more than enough for


    me, and I was yet to know of his real intentions.


    Maybe I was just overreacting about him.


    have it in a link his hit without Any vid


    have him that pinind empines ¨C wth would simply


    Sighing. I walked or to the door. Looking luck at him, he made no mome to slop me. He remained


    seated in the same position, giving offan air of abundanten.


    I hope I¡¯m making the right decision.


    I pushed the door close, and upon hearing it, he sighed then slowly stood. Turning, he saw me


    standing in front of i . His eyes widened slightly for a moment..


    You¡¯re here,¡± he said, sounding relieved


    Yes, I¡¯m here, you big sulking baby.


    In the blink of an eye, my back knocked at the door and I found myself caged by him. Both arms to my


    sides, his body pressed on mine, and his face centimeters away from mine


    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± he repeated, his minty breath fanning my face.


    but we wild hmy in


    My


    kup reminding myself to breathe


    His as Wappearind my walk. Then he pulled me to him. His head reste en mi ya shulder, and he said,


    ¡°Thank you.¡± which sent my heart rating¡± Thank you, Anna.¡±


    I love the way iny numbe rolls of his tongue Eut_not the time


    Clearing my throat, I tried to sound imposing as I said aloud, ¡°Let go or I¡¯m leaving for real.¡±


    It worked. He even took two steps back to give me some space. I missed his closeness but pushed it


    aside. This wasn¡¯t the right time to address these emotions. For now, I had to make myself clear.


    Crossing my arms, I stated the truth. ¡°I didn¡¯t say I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    He frowned. As he was about to speak, I raised a hand to stop him.


    *But-¡± I continued, keeping it together,


    Hena , nd I


    e rything I am §©§¡ §Ñ§ß§ß§Ñt §å§àu is from rurors, and you aliviously don¡¯t know much about me either, so


    were basically strangers. If you think you could do whatever you want just because you¡¯re the Alpha


    and I¡¯m your mate, think again. Keep in mind that I can, and I will leave you whenever I wish, no matter


    what it takes. So, if I¡¯m poing with you, there are certain conditions.¡±


    I paused to make sure he was listening


    First, no more of this touchy-feely stuff unless absolutely necessary, I need my personal space.


    Second, you¡¯re going to have to win my trust. As I said, we¡¯re basically strangers. And third, I can do


    whatever I want in your territory. I won¡¯t cause you any trouble I just want my freedom to take a run or a


    stroll or whatever whenever I want. Are we clear o n this?


    ¡°You said you¡¯re my mate,¡± he said, smiling


    Look who¡¯s instantly in a good mood. So


    Grousity of all that I said, that¡¯what he hend


    ¡°To pesing there¡¯s no room for


    ¡°None


    ¡°What exactly do you mean by alsolutely necessary


    ¡°Like when I¡¯m in danger and you have in o other choice but topel se to me?¡±


    He smirked, ¡°So you want me to court


    That¡¯s.. not what I meanit.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, babe. You can be honest with me.¡±


    ¡°Do we have a deal, Alpha?¡± I asked, sounding annoyed.


    ¡°Deal,¡± he replied, ¡°I do enjoy a good challenge. This will be fun.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Goddess, please tell me I made the right decision.


    I had a hurry. I marw 14 men the


    THver forgive me, but it gave melho ¨C what we did and how she stand up for me,


    Goddess, she¡¯s brave


    My father, her father ¨C they saved her that day from the attack. I knew it, the entire parke ¡­ but it was


    hard on its i Oept that they were pone


    And I was blinded by my own anger that I took it out on her. The whole pack med her for it and


    shunned her. If they were alive right now, they¡¯d be ashamedo f what we did.


    All I wanted was to make him proud; all these years I failed him, as a son, as an Alpha


    But¡­ it¡¯s not toote yet. I could still make up for all that I did, that the pack


    Carson was wrong if he thought she wouldn¡¯t stay with me ¨C she was still my


    her, harl we e llike it harik. Bernhart the bond between Teard make her happy


    The puck can hate me for it: Locare ANYTHE.


    She¡¯d be my Luna. She was the only one I wantedas Luna. If it hadn¡¯t happened that day, I wonder


    what our lives would b e like now ¨C I¡¯d be the happiest man ini the world with my girl by my side and


    Tittle versions of us running around. It Could¡¯ve happened if I wasn¡¯t such a fool.


    Now I¡¯m siding with Farrell. I deserve it


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Farrell said, ¡°You lost her the moment you broke the bond. She¡¯s maled to him now.


    Did you see a mark on her, Farrell? Because I didn¡¯t. And if she wanted to be with him, she wouldn¡¯t


    have been beneath me, moaning my name hours


    ¡°She is no longer yours! No longer ours! I f only you had listened to me that night instead of beating her


    to death, you fool!¡±


    Thuhel hinni Anand and were


    had no time for his nonsense. Animale me and I was going to prove him w


    The newly man werewolves¡¯ moans and grunts and the smell of bodily fluid serted unwanted desires in


    me. Ihastily mmade my way to the mansion which was worse than outside. Upon reaching my


    bedroom, Immed the door shut.


    Islehed. This year, my pack was chosen for the marine ritual and this was amon urrence during


    this event that we made advanced preparations for the children, the elderly, and the mated, We were in


    an extremely vulnerable position from outside attacks for my men were spread out thin between two


    locations, not to mention their numbers were smaller because some of them were having the best time


    of their lives tonight.


    Lucky bastards.


    I shook my head and refocused on getting my mate back. I took off my clothes as I went to the shower,


    leaving them a


    Just thinking about what happened her scent, her taste, her voice¡­ it was giving mel. She belonged to


    me


    Agrowl left my throat. Mine


    I know she wouldn¡¯t leave me for him. If she did, there¡¯d be nothing for me do but acept her decisioni.


    She would choose ne She had to


    Texited my room and went over to theirs, back to the room I found her. It was empty. I checked the


    other rooms = not the best idea. Seeing too many of them fucking in the open was too much already,


    and now I found myself interrupting couples making out in their OWN rooms. Not that they would mind


    ¨C their minds were preupied with more important things.


    They weren¡¯t in any of the rooms. Where was she? Wait, where was he? And where was Carson? And


    that healer?


    scent was still around. I followed li En the window tathe words, and I knew where she was her h 1


    farbid her to Visit that house since that night when I Taid down hier ?ETHE, and seldom et her walk


    outside


    ¡°The biggest asshole in a world full of assholes,¡± continued Farrell


    ¡°Get out of my bad!¡±


    ¡°If only I could.¡±


    Deeper into the woods, I quickened my pace. It wasn¡¯t toote


    She was still here. I could still convince her to stay. I didn¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without her. I¡¯d always


    been there for her and when she needed me the most, I wasn¡¯t but I was here now¡­ always¡­


    I was about to shift when a link tried to connect ¨C it was Carson


    ¡°What?¡± I growled.


    ¡°Border,¡± he said.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked, confused.


    ?ctting me know that I work forever Carry this with me, and I had none to me but myself. My mate


    was ring She had chosen


    I wouldn¡¯t ept this. She wasn¡¯t leaving me behind to be with him!


    I wouldn¡¯t believe this. There had to be some sort of mistake here, a foul y ¨C maybe she was


    threatened by him. She was wolf-less. That alone was a disadvantage for her ¨C werewolves, especially


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    an Alpha would be no match for her


    I wouldn¡¯t allow this. Carson talked her into it. He tried to convince me to banishi her instead of adding


    more and more to her workload.


    This¡­ This wasn¡¯t real.


    I promised myself years ago that I¡¯d protect you, that I¡¯d always be beside you, that one day I would


    ask you that question


    I¡¯ming, Anna. Wait for me. You¡¯re not really leaving, are you?

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Chapter 19 Restraining lealousy


    No wonds could describe how


    relieved I was that she agreed toe to my pack. I didn¡¯t give a fuck att


    the conditions, but I did intend on following her ¡°rules¡± for now. It¡¯d be a lot


    of fun ying with her once we get back.


    We left the house and I asked her for directions on where


    my men could meet up with us. She was shocked to hear that I had already


    prepared for it, but guided me, nheless. I wasn¡¯t allowed to get close to


    her but having her near me was enough, for now.


    So¡­uhm¡­ you¡¯re really alright with me being wolf-less?¡±


    she asked, again.


    Ever since we left the house, she kept MI NOTE 95 VAD CAMERA


    Tcha, my sis, and


    Alois had no


    prablem with it, and the first WWETE ENG?Z ia meet her. I kept racing my


    brain to figure out how to assure her that t didn¡¯t matter, that one bit.


    +You can ask me as many times as you want and my answer


    will always remain the same ¨C it doesn¡¯t matter to me,¡± I answered.


    ¡°But¡­ you¡¯re an Alpha,¡± she said.


    ¡°That makes you my Luna.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it bother you at all? You need someone strong


    beside you, right?¡± she argued. ¡°A wolf less Luna can¡¯t protect a pack, or


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    anyone else. I¡¯m basically human, you know.¡±


    ¡°Goddess willed it, and I ept,¡± I -replied.


    have her bARI,


    sell my mate.


    We contined to walk in silence, with her i


    could watch from behind her all day.


    There¡¯s my lina right there.


    She suddenly stopped and faced me with a dubious look on


    her face.


    Walkbeside me,¡± she said.


    ¡°Cause I can feel you staring at my ass and it¡¯s making me


    ufortable H


    I smirked and jogged to her. With my looks and position,


    she was the first to tell me to stay away from her, and for five fucking


    meters.


    as I heard his


    ¡°Maybe if you kiss me, I¡¯ll think about i


    half-serious about it, as I walked beside her. This was better ¨C our shoulders


    were almost touching.


    Tinternally groaned. That made me sound like a lovesick teenager.


    She walked faster. Oh, she was ignoringm


    e now


    ¡°Slow down, mate. We¡¯ll get to the pack, don¡¯t worry about


    She continued to ignore me and keep walking Now I was


    confused ¨C what did I do? Annoy her?


    ¡°Mate. m?te¡­ mate¡­ mate¡­ MY


    ***I ji want to have a CHIVETS §å§é§ß?, §Ñ§Ý§Öl you k§Ö§Ö§â


    with


    ignoring me,¡± I replied, feigning a pimed expression


    She rolled her eyes at ne and didn¡¯t say anything more I


    sighed, Convincing her might be difficult..


    ¡°I promise you¡¯ll get well taken care of. N o one will hurt


    you in my pack.¡±


    She still wouldn¡¯t reply.


    Thank you for trusting me, Anna.¡±


    Someday, I¡¯ll be calling her with her full name ¨C Anna


    Rose.


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you¡­ notpletely. Second condition,


    remember?¡±


    dering her suspicion of The Fumans weren¡¯t all they¡¯re udta brand


    I don¡¯t really mind them because they helped build amputation


    ¡°Is it true you¡­¡± she said but tralled aft,


    *Ask away, be. I¡¯ve nothing to hide.¡± I sall haping


    it¡¯ll work. She was curious about me, who wouldn¡¯t be? Everyone outside the


    pack ¨C all they knew about me were the exaggerated versions of the truth.


    ¡°Forget it,¡± she replied.


    Definitely a challenge.


    I decided to answer the questions for her. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill


    my parents, though I might tell you their Story someday. I did have a first


    meday. As far the packs, Ir. We do


    She kept silent for a while. ¡°Tha you kill their Alpha?¡±


    I was bothered by the question but answered her honestly


    *The Alpha should guard the welfare of his pack. If he doesn¡¯t he¡¯s abusing


    his power.¡±


    ¡°How do you know they were? They could¡¯ve been a good


    Alpha.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t harm packs that are treated


    well,


    ¡°Tonight -,¡± she said, looking up at the stars before


    adding, ¡± ¨C would you have killed him?¡±


    I thought about it. I was ready to. ¡°Who AMAR? I


    would¡¯ve snapped his neck an the spot And liked her intill she paved out. I


    was jealous¡­ that she steamed his name instrund of mine


    ¡°Nothing happened,¡± she said.


    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± If I hadn¡¯t arrived on time, maybe something


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think we¡¯re not like


    that.¡±


    ¡°You wish you were, don¡¯t you?¡±


    What did she see in him, anyway? As far I was concerned,


    he wascking experience inbat and his pack was shady.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± she replied.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for that damn first condition, 95 ..would¡¯ve


    ?nd fuck you untill dawn Then | know who your Alpha is!


    I¡¯m your Alpha, in. The Alpha..


    A rustle came from outside and we both stopped. The light


    shone over the approaching figure


    He had his hands in the air, and his eyes squintad.


    ¡°Rx. It¡¯s just me,¡± he said.


    ¡°And me,¡± Lexy said, standing beside him. ¡°Mind moving


    that away from our faces?¡±


    Sorry.¡± Anna said and directed the light to the ground


    ¡°d to know you¡¯reing with us,¡± Lexy said with a


    down, eximed, ¡°We¡¯re going to harres o much fun together!¡±


    Looking forward to it,¡± my mate replied.


    Yeah, so much fun indeed.


    ¡°Thanks for bringing her,¡± I said to Carson


    Don¡¯t mention it,¡± he said. ¡°Take care o f her.


    Unlike Flynn, this kid was cool. He Seemed to share a


    sibling-like rtionship with Anna and I respected that. When I told him she was


    my mate and wanted to take her home with me, he looked relieved¡­ like he was


    d she was finally leaving


    This pack did things to her¡­ but it was ¦°¦´¦±¦£ ¦° .


    Why not? He woulin¡¯t do anything to


    ¡°You saw that?


    ¡°I¡¯m the Alpha, kuld,¡± I said coolly. The day I let small


    things like that get the better of me, I¡¯m


    retiring¡±


    ¡°Fair enough. Sure I won¡¯t be a botiser?¡± h esald. ¡°With


    the curse and all?


    ¡°You might find your mate on my pack. Then you¡¯ll have a


    reason to leave here too.¡±


    He chuckled, ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯d rather stay. They need me


    here.¡±


    ¡°What are you two standing there for?¡± Lexy asked. ¡°Come


    Lexy had an arm linked with my mate¡¯s a s they walked


    together.


    I really am¡­ jealous. Why did I even agree to the first


    condition!

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    Chapter 20 say Goodbye


    Mymate and my sis engaged in a conversation between them. I wished i could see her face. She


    seemed to be more rxed with Lexy. I guess that was hommal ¨C she saved her life


    We soon reached a dirt track road, and Lliree ck SUV¡¯s Were parkrd, waiting for us. Three of my


    men, all of them wearing casual clothes, were standing in front of the driver¡¯s side


    Gale!¡± Lexy eximed the moment they came into view


    The kid standing in the center who looked to be in his early twenties, with reddish-brown hair ented


    with pink highlights, smiled and waved to us. He walked over to us and stopped in front of Anna


    ¡°Luna,¡± he said with a wide grin on his face. ¡°I¡¯m d to finally meet you. I¡¯m Gale, the Beta of the Red


    w Pack.¡±


    He extended an arm towards her and she didn¡¯t hesitate to shake his hand. ¡°I¡¯m


    Galerifled her hair and chuckled. One jealous Alpha is already a pain to handle, Lexy,¡± he said, turning


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    his attention to mi


    I scofled, ¡°Why would I be jealous?¡±


    He raised a brow. ¡°Oh? It¡¯s written all over your face though.¡±


    The two women turned to look at me, amusement in their beautiful faces. What?¡±


    Lexy pointed a finger and eximed, ¡°A h! That look! You are jealous!¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± I immediately replied while keeping a passive face.


    ¡°See, Anna, bro here wants to conceal his emotions because of the ¡®I¡¯m the Alpha and I¡¯m scary¡¯ thing,


    but when you see that look on him, he¡¯s actually jealous of something,¡± she exined to my mate.


    Anna looked at me like she was studying my face, which rud a haon emothine


    Thuise gehen wire cumpletly glued toine then a corner of her lip pulled up. She was enjoying this.


    Thank you. Lexy.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll teach you all that I know on how to tell what he¡¯s actually feeling That way, he won¡¯t be able


    to hide anything from you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing to hide from her!¡± I said and Gale¡¯s smile Galtered. I hope Carson didn¡¯t notice,


    Lexy held her hand and dragged her towards one of the cars. ¡°Come on, Anna. Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± she said, stopping Lexy. Then to me, she said, Can I talk to him first?¡±


    ¡°Al-¡± she stopped herself from saying the word. ¡°Flynn. I have something to give himn.¡±


    chaul came from the words behind is.


    He continued to run towards us, his eyes fixated on my mate, who was smiling at


    They¡¯re all.


    He stood in front of her, pantins. wearing new clothes and I had a good hunch as to


    ¡ª making me¡­


    ¡°Stay,¡± he said, in between breaths.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied.


    ¡­ jealous.


    My fist connected with his right cheek, sending him to the ground. That was thest straw.


    ¡°Oh, that did it,¡± Galemented


    Timilibr?n bath and ready ta I him in the moment he so het Anna was quick toe bh


    .


    ¡°Don¡¯,¡± she said Hernly.her les paraud,


    ¡°You said you were leavinggried to your conditions! I keep seeing them so close to you and I can¡¯t do


    the site because of the first fuckdng condition. So wy would you say ¨C 1


    My words gel ait off when she took a step closer, stoad on her toes, and ced her Tips on mine. And


    as quickly as she did, the kiss en led, if that was even a kiss¡­


    She smiled swetly at me. I held my


    breath,


    ¡°You look cute when you¡¯re jealous. Just hear me out first before you start punching people. Alright?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t find the words to respond to her. All that was on my mind was the feel. of her soft lips, and


    her smile ¨C she kissed me, on her own. It was to shut me u p, but¡­ that meant something, right?


    sn¡¯t any time.


    We all tendenzedie,


    ¡°That¡¯s an Alpha ring!¡± LEX Eimed. ¡ª


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not an Alpha Lexy,¡± she replied, cutting her aff. ¡°Sorry about that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave. Flynn whilspend to her. ¡°I tale ir back. I take it back so¡­ stay with m


    His hand cupped her cherk and I swear, I would¡¯ve out that off if it hadn¡¯t been for my mate,


    Had you asked me earlier, we both know I¡¯d say ¡®yes¡¯,¡± she said.


    So, say ¡®yes¡¯ now. We¡¯ll start over. Picku p where we left and this time¡­ I¡¯ll do things right.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± she said. ¡°Flynn, I stayed with the pack because of him. From a long time ago, I¡¯ve decided


    that I¡¯ll leave ¡°When the promise is fulfilled. I know


    about that day = Alpha Fraser told me.


    Why I once wanted, and not in the way


    She look his hand and ced the mon his palm. ¡°I¡¯m free now, and my mate wafits me to be with him,¡±


    she said, ncing at ne before looking back at him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alpha. We can no longer be ¨C you


    decided this for us the night you forced me.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t understand what she was Saying, but the saddened expression on her face despite the smile


    she wore made me want to protect her more ¨C so she wouldn¡¯t have to force herself to keep smiling


    when she wasn¡¯t happy inside. But do I have the right to when we reach the pack, I¡¯d be the cause of it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it back,¡± Flynn said, his voice Cracking ¡°Please¡­ stay.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye Alpha Flynn Astra,¡± she said, standing. She bowed slightly before him and said, ¡°Thank you


    for everything.¡±


    Then she headed to the car in the middle,


    she stepped in keeping here


    the


    ** Let¡¯s 9,¡± Lexy sild, her voice altele hipher. She went into the abhind in


    Gale nced at Flynn, then get into the driver¡¯s seat.


    Flynn was staring at the ring on his hand. She chose me, and yet it felt like a bitter win


    She¡¯s mine now,¡± I said to him. ¡°T¡¯IL make sure she¡¯s happy so¡­ don¡¯t bother u s from now on.¡±


    I nodded at Carson, then left them behind and sat beside my Anna.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± I asked and she nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks.


    I didn¡¯t know what happened between them. I could only guess. She chose me because I was her


    mate, but it must be difficult for her¡­ to leave behind


    Hirili for her¡­


    m Herything she knew


    ebehind


    I pulled her close to me so she could cry Hmy chest, and as the engine started and We were well on


    our way home, she hawled her eyes out until she fell asleep. I held her close to me for I didn¡¯t know


    when I might be able to again. 1


    She had already restricted me with the first rule, but that was easy to break. I held hier because she


    wouldn¡¯t kiss me again, she wouldn¡¯te near me on her own, and she¡¯d be trying to escape me


    every chance she gets.


    This would be thest I get to hold her in


    peace.


    When we get back, it pained me¡­ that she would have to cry again.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Chapter 21 Wee Luna


    ¡°The Goddess mdher tam,


    ple, ¡°Luck has nothing to do with it.


    If you say so. Have you told her about her yet?


    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t have the time?¡± he asked. ¡°You¡¯re going to break her heart, man.¡±


    ¡°Break her heart? Have you been watching those films again?


    ¡°Like I have a choice,¡± he muttered. ¡°She shut you up good though, that¡¯s a first for a long time now.¡±


    The one person who could instantly calm me down when I snapped was my first mate. She was a kind


    soul, and she wouldn¡¯t let me end up in situations that I¡¯dter regret. My light ¨C she was taken from me


    and I found myself in the dark.


    I hoped to find my second mate, which was rare for werewolves, but I had no


    Fut the moment wher, the moment herrit dmd my system, I couldn¡¯t help myself from doing what I did.


    Her feistiness, and how she snapped at me like I wasn¡¯t the Alpha ¨C she was the list to square up to me


    in a long time,


    By default, she was my Luna, a position which no sane woman would decline, except her ¨C I couldn¡¯t


    even use it to bargain with her! She was ready to leave ¨C she would¡¯ve, but something held her back.


    Maybe I¡¯d ask about it someday when she trusted me enough to tell me. 1


    One encounter, and my wolf was tamed.


    One night, and my mind had conjured up our future.


    I think¡­ I might actually fall for you.


    ¡°You asleep?¡± Gale asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to bring her up. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Gale. We can¡¯t keep pretending that she didn¡¯t exist.¡±


    ¡°I have a few thing in mind. That old Han better concede. I won¡¯t let himn take away my mate this time.¡±


    I looked down a


    the sloping b y an myp and moved the stray strands of hair on her face ¡°Not my Anna¡¯


    ¡°We¡¯ll loep an eye out for him,¡± Gale assured. *This time, we will protect our Luna, no matter what it


    takes.¡±


    Our conversation ended and we stayed silent on the rest of the drive. I offered to switch ces with


    him, not that I¡¯d let him be a pillow for my baby, but he declined, saying I should take advantage o f this


    moment. Typical Gale = more than mny Beta, he was more of a younger brother to me, and just like


    Lexy, he knew me quite well.


    I lost my first mate because I failed to protect her. To this day, only a handful of people knew about the


    truth. It was too painful for us, and so we wanted to spare the pack. The pack believed she died from -


    the rogue attack, though there was more t o it than that ¨C a sinister truth that I was


    Wedne leher balone, noe


    and her with her kned , which Was tur the she didn¡¯t have to know for now, and when the dini seles, I¡¯d


    tell her everything


    As a wolf-less Werewolf, she¡¯d be an easy target to get to me. Basically human, she wasn¡¯t gifted with


    the abilities of our kind. This made her physically weak, but her fiery attitude sure covered it up.


    For now, we¡¯d have to keep it a secret. And when the time was right, everyone would know. My pick


    would stand by her, and anyone who opposes would have to answer to me


    My second mate, my Luna, my onest chance


    This time, my lifees first before yours.


    I didn¡¯t sleep a wink tonight. As dawn? approached, I braced myself ¨C I was about to hurt my Luna. We


    entered the territory now, and Gale slowed down. It


    The houses were almindern and roul


    and about, drinking hot coffee on their frontws, some out for a jogot a run in the woods ¨C and they


    started to gather around us. I lowered the window to greet them, and the smiles on their faces were a


    good sign.


    Every time I left the pack, they were in a vulnerable position, which was why I leave the Beta and


    Gamma behind ¨C justi n case rogues or other enemies, attack. It was a relief to see that everyone was


    well


    I felt Anna stir. Opening her eyes, she looked up at me with the most adorable sleepy expression. She


    covered her mouth as she yawned and stretched her arms. ¡°Are we there yet?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Good moming, babe. Did you sleep


    well


    She sat herself beside me and answered,¡± Tas, uhm¡­ thank you forst night.¡±


    Frother side of the window mine, then to the frant, she kept looking


    found her awe passed by the house.. think she was embarrassed bringike Center of attention as she


    awkwardly warved back to them.


    It¡¯s beautiful here.¡± she said, looking at me. The houses are gorgeous, the river¡¯s clear and- and did


    you tell your pack abxcit me already?¡±


    Slow down, bube,¡± I chuckled. ¡°And it¡¯s not your pick, it¡¯s ¡®our¡¯ pack. I¡¯ll show you aroundter and


    introduce you to everyone. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re eager to meet


    ¡°I would¡­ love to meet them too,¡± she replied, uncertainty in her voice.


    I held her hand gently. ¡°Nervous?¡±


    She nodded.


    H


    in he


    erhanan pada teksti


    l .¡± I have the only wo:1


    ¡°You¡¯re breaking the first conditioni


    HYou¡¯re not pulling your hand away.¡± I replied, and she leg , which I found adorable


    Tinched closer to her, and she didn¡¯t back away from me, so I took it as permission. She was smiling at


    me. My heart thumped in my chest loudly. Just a little closer¡­ and I¡¯d get to taste her soft pink


    ¡°Get a room you guys,¡± Galesijd, interrupting the moment. 1


    Agrowl unintentionally escaped my throat while Annaughed it off. ¡°Good m?ming, Gale,¡± she said.


    ¡°Good morning, Luna,¡± he replied. Allow me to officially wee you¡­ to the Red w Pack


    Home, the Red w Pack. The GT Were allowing pulled over and so did

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Chapter 22 Be Worthy


    ,


    in front of what I would describe as Castle-like mansion. The gray sione


    walls of the exterior coupled with the white window casings of the tall ss


    windows and light blue-gray shingles gave off an air of elegance and style. My


    fyes widened slightly at the sight of his abode which was bigger than backat


    my old pack


    I turned to him and blurted, ¡°You live here?


    The smile on my face disappeared. He was looking ahead


    with a serious expression on his face, not answering me. Gale wasn¡¯t saying a


    thing too and that was when I realized that the atmosphere had suddenly gotten


    in imposing one


    ¡°Taken to three conditions.


    N abide with


    ou¡¯ll


    The Liain I was facing now sat with his hack straight and


    his hands sped in front of him. His features hardened at the mention of his


    name, and my palms began to feel warm. What had I gotten myself into?


    First, you will address me as Alpha or Sir. And second,


    You will respect my decisions as my Luna.¡± 1


    What is he talking about? This can¡¯t be


    What¡¯s going on volt a little


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Lasked, raising my


    higher than usual ¡°Is this sem sort of a pank? Gak, say something.¡±


    Gale didn¡¯t answer inc, but I noticed hils hands grip the


    Sleering wheel I faced Liain. He was looling at me with stone-cold eves. It


    scaredi me. He scared me. Last night, he was this sweet sulking baby with anger


    management issues and now he was acting authoritarian. He was acting the way he


    Was ¨C an Alpha¡­ the Alpha,


    I tried to smile to hide my nervousness, but my voice was


    shaky as I spoke


    Eyes, peting him to him. Instead, I lelr myself getting it off the


    wat and when loped them, I found Thyself in the same position aunt nlphi


    ¨C on hisp, again. A hand on my own back to support me, he regled his chin


    on the top of my head.


    ¡°Ereathe,¡± he said, and I let out a breath. He pulled me closer to him, cradling me Tilde


    a baby, and somehow, I knew that something was troubling him. It vited the


    first condition, but I wasn¡¯t so heartless a s to push him away now.


    ¡°Liam?¡±


    ¡°Do we have a deal?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you in time, I promise. Please


    about mich her. His story with this


    the back of my mind.


    I will learn the inuth about them.


    I didn¡¯t trust hinn enough to consent to whatever he just


    asked of me. And his first condition ¨C 1 might consider calling him ¡°Alpha¡± but


    I refuse to call him ¡°Sir¡±.


    Tell me now,¡± I said. ¡°And I¡¯m not calling you ¡°Sir¡±


    Keep dreaming.¡±


    Agrowl rippled from his chest. I kept forgetting that he


    was Alpha Liam Rose that I kept running my mouth. If this was back in the White


    Lake Pack, and I didn¡¯t know that I was


    Me shared ach other¡¯s J¨¹r and pini and stand lry Gith other at all time,


    cherished and loved each other, and the bond randerjar than physical mods.


    A Luna was equal to her Alpha. I¡¯d epted that he¡¯s my


    mate, I¡¯d epted that he¡¯s nty Alpha now that I was to live with his pack, but


    I was yet toe into terms with being a Luna.


    I could feel our connection. I was constantly reminded of


    it by his unique calming scent, with the jolt of electricity that zaps through


    my being when he touches me, and the way my heart skips a beat when his eyes


    settle on me.


    Chaw Park¡¯s im. To be the mate that


    walls. He greed to give me space, bain my trust, and respect any will


    If he wanted my affirmation, he didn¡¯t have to make a deal


    with me just so I would call him ¡°Alpha If he wanted me to respect hilis 11


    decisions, I would¡¯ve done it on my own. There was somethine wong here, but as


    my mate, I trust that he would let me know sooner orter. However¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m your mate. I¡¯ll stand by you I¡¯ll be here when you


    need me,¡± I said, ¡°I understand that you won¡¯t tell me now, but I hope after some i


    time, you¡¯d share your burdens with me.¡±


    I looked up at him and raised a hand to -his cheek Now


    A stop the drama and wee me home ¨C ¡±


    His lips crashid on mine, and ithium ?faminance. w


    then needy, he broke the kiss leaving me breathless


    We stared at each other¡¯s eyes and the coldness in them was


    pane, reced with my reflection. He opened his mouth to speak, but a shrilled


    voice interrupted.


    ¡°Liam, you¡¯re back!¡±


    He raised his head to look out the window and I did the


    samne. Walking over to us in graceful steps was the most stunning woman I¡¯d


    ever


    seen in my life. Her heart-shaped face framed hooded


    hiie skin


    . The


    Ernppdap and hunty shorts the hitnothing to the immaginazioni S


    H ondence and I mund mysel


    Fengsels tous the most


    ¡°A ,¡± Linn Gaid, pulling meway From they thoughts. ¡°You¡¯r


    He ced me back on my seat, Heforel could act, he was


    already outside the car.


    This is totally unfair!


    ¡°I missed you, Liam!¡± that woman eximed. I regretted


    looking outside


    My mate had his back to me. The woman¡¯s legs were locked


    around his waist, and her slender arms were on his shoulders.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Chapter 23 Truthfuil


    the man who has just kiused me to me that I was his luna. The man I just de a promise to be worthy


    of. And her was letting it happen.


    They appeared likeng time lovers,pletelyfortable in their public disy of affection, and I


    couldn¡¯t look away. I could hear her giggling, and they Semel to be engaged in a conversation, 1 n their


    own world. And I felt a ping in my


    heart


    I¡¯m sorry,¡± said Gale, and I replied with a himin.


    ¡°He has no choice,¡± he said.


    Liam started to walk towards the castle with her still clinging onto him, and I remained frozen in my seat


    as I watched them disappear past the tall white pirs, and into the front door, which closed once they


    were inside.


    him in my wat higher th a n fele ang inside me. ¡°Who is ste,


    ¡°His dance,¡± he replied, and my braltgod.


    He¡­died?


    A tap came on the window and looking P.I saw Lexy, smiling at me. Come on, She said


    My hand was shaking as I gripped the handle and opened the door. She steppedt o the side, waiting for


    me, and I stepped out. When I looked at her again, Gale was already beside her with an unreadable


    expression on his face.


    Lexy linked her arm with mine. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to your room,¡± she said, still in high spirits like she didn¡¯t


    witness the same scene as I did. ¡°You¡¯re going to love it! Gale personally had it done for you, and he¡¯s


    the best!


    en Thiery from the burning lhe of the inerming Sun with Galetowing close behind. Towards the same


    dor, the Name Huse that my mate and his fiance live in


    Tforcefully came to a stop, startling her


    They tricked me?


    I unlinked my arm from hers and begant o walk away without saying a word. The cars were being


    driven away by the warriors, but I had no intention of using one anyway ¨C not like they¡¯d let me.


    ¡°Anna?¡± called Lexy, and I ignored her.


    He brought me here because I was his mate ¨C his Luna by default. He could¡¯ve just rejected me


    instead of having to pretend he actually cared when he was already engaged with someone else! I¡®m


    his Luna? What a great actor! They all were


    I won¡¯t let myself be ridiculed further. This had gone far enough ¨C I¡¯m leaving.


    Tweni wanita behindrance to his


    I took my phone from my pocket, a pre Gion gave me Last nicht le was my first time to own Utle,


    Father didn¡¯t want me to fet hooked on cellphones and cking off in training


    A hand gripped my wrist, and I turned to face¡­ Lian His voice had a hint of anger as he spoke. ¡°Where


    do you think you¡¯re


    The nerve!


    ¡°Let me go,¡± I said firmly, meeting his cold gaze.


    ¡°No.¡± His eyes shifted to the phone I was holding, and he raised his free hand to show an open palm.


    ¡°Give it to me.¡±


    Is he insane!


    ¡°No,¡± I replied. This is mine.¡±


    He pulled on my wrist, bringing me


    Y head to myself from his disgusting lips. Hut he held the back olm y head with a hand to keep me in


    ce and he wouldn¡¯t budpe. As I struggled, mi y mouth parted slightly, and he plunged his longue


    inside


    I don¡¯t like this. I don¡¯t want this. I don¡¯t want to be used.


    Thit down hard on his tongue and he let in e go, Raising an arm, I wiped my mouth with the sleeve as I


    gave him a disgusted look.


    ¡°Jerk!¡± I screamed, then kicked him where the sun doesn¡¯t shine 1


    He let out a pained oof and his hands went down there as he bent over on his stomach. Laughter


    erupted from behind him and saw that Lexy and Gale were enjoying this. But when they noticed that I


    was ring at them, they immediately


    aim by none other than the lying


    a ling Lawach him slowly and


    W


    His n was scary, No1 ted luck at lum. ¡°Are you trying to kill our pup, matche asked.


    Escoffed and rolled my eyes athu. ¡°LE


    Who due he think he is?


    His grip tightened, hurting mhe. Then was suddenly slung across his shoulder, with his art wrapped


    around my thighs. My fists prinded on his back and I fluttered my legs.


    Stop struggling!¡± he ordered.


    ¡°You jerk! Put me down this instant!¡± 1 said in an equally authoritative tone.


    He adjusted me on his shoulder and wrapped an arm around the back of my knees. ¡°Keep struggling


    and you¡¯ll fall.¡±


    Tou are going to your room, I¡¯ll tilho you aroundter, and tonight, the pain will wee you asihir Luna


    ¡°Luna? | scolted. ¡°Introdne them to your fiance, you lyim crk! You.. you jurk of an Alphia! You jerk ufa


    mwe!


    Why can¡¯t think of anything other than


    He didn¡¯t respond to my insults which were just fine, ¡°Put me down, you jerk! Don¡¯t you have your girl to


    go to You Tiar!


    I raised my head to see Lexy and Gale trailing behind us. ¡°Traitors,¡± I Screamed, and she just smiled.


    Bro deserved that. kick him, there again next time you get the chance,¡± she chirped, which shocked


    me.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯ll kick him down. there the moment he puts me down.¡±


    No, it wasn¡¯t,¡± Lian vid, making meugh harder


    ¡°You shouk¡¯ve seen your face


    ¡°So what do you think? asked Leky, and Traised my head again to survey my Surroundings. The


    polished marbled tiles showed a distorted reflection and looking up, there were ss chandeliers


    hanging from the high ceiling. Liam walked up a set of wide stairs in the middle of the entryway, giving


    me a better look at the empty room, which now seemed like it was purposefully made for huge


    Satherings.


    ¡°Do you hold a ball here or something?¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Something like that,¡± answered Lexy. ¡°O n special asions, the pack would gather here. Tonight is


    one of those asions.¡±


    ¡°Would anyone care to exin to me


    inside the swiftly turned u nd closed the door on their face and locked it. Then he threw me on the bed.


    It didn¡¯t hurt at all, and I hounced a few times the soft mattress


    But I couldn¡¯t pe up yet not could I protest, for he was instantly in my face, and I was pinned to the bed


    with his less o n both sides of my waist. As a result, mny body began their weird reactions and 1 felt


    butterflies in my stomach.


    His hands slid down my arms and he interlocked his fingers with mine. Thenh e slowly pushed them


    upwards, his eyes never leaving mine as he held me captive beneath him. My breathing came in short


    but fast intervals, and it didn¡¯t help that my core began to get excited.


    I gulped when I felt his hot breath on my neck and gasped when his tongue swiped over my marking


    spot then kissed it. You¡¯re my girl,¡± he whispered. ¡°No one


    live Lachome


    ,


    Trailing butterfly his up my neck, he answered. ¡°I¡¯m not choosing Terreny


    You don¡¯t have to keep lying. You don¡¯t have tacto the hond.


    ¡°Liam, stop!¡±


    His lip left my neck and he raised himself to look at me. ¡°I can smell you,¡± h. e said in a low, Sexy voice


    that hade my care water for him.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Focus, Anna!


    You can stop here, for both our sakes.


    I pulled on my arm and he released it, and I cupped a side of his handsome face. Tears threatened to


    rise to the surface, but I held them back, preparing myself for the unimaginable pain I was about to put


    myself through. Last night, I believed that these words wouldn¡¯t find their way out of my mouth again.


    How cruel, to


    Hi jaw clenched in the understood what I Wasabatlo say. Ismiled at him and continued..¡± __ reject you,


    Alpha Lam Hase, as my mate.¡±


    I felt huis other hand free mine, and he wat up straight. I looked to the side, waiting for the pain to


    ¡°I don¡¯t ept,¡± he said simply, and I looked at him, confused.


    Why not? He¡¯s engaged, he doesn¡¯t have t. obe obliged to make me his Luna just because I¡¯m his


    mate. She¡¯s a perfect fit for him, I don¡¯t begin topare. So why .. why won¡¯t he ept? And why is


    he looking at me strangely?


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time. Why would I let you go now that you¡¯re here?¡± he said, ¡°Why


    would I let another man im you?¡±


    He smiled at me, sending my heart racing ¡°I already told you, you belong to


    He sighed, then got


    t


    he ¡°Try in


    I immediately got up and stomped past her and Gale, out the door, shouting. # in!He turned to face


    the with a confused look on his face, I stopped short af him, cocked my head to the side as I smiled


    sweetly, then kicked him down there again, harder, as per Gale¡¯s request because I¡¯m a good friend.


    He red at me as he tried to keep himself grounded, and I turned around and sprinted back into my


    room, closed the door with a loud bang, and hurriedly locked it. The two wereughing behind me, and


    from outside, I could hear the concerned voice of his fianc¨¦.


    I felt something warm slide down my cheek, and my knees gave away. I sat sideways to the floor,


    wiping the tears that fell. Lexy sat beside me, and hugged He close to her, whispering to me that


    close to her, whispering to me that it¡¯d be alright as she patted my back.


    Nothing¡¯s alright.


    ¡°Lexy,¡± I said, looking up at her. ¡°Tell m e the truth.¡±

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Chapter 24 Partially Different


    Lenc ed her lips and looked


    I heard him sigh and said, ¡°Don¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± I shouted in his direction. ¡°I deserve to know


    what¡¯s happening! Why is my mate engage with someone else? Why didn¡¯t you tell


    ¡°How could you keep this a secret from m c, Lexy?¡± I asked,


    looking at her through tear-filled eyes.


    I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said, bowing her head. ¡°I f you knew, you


    wouldn¡¯t have agreed toe with us.17


    ¡°What am I even doing here then?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re our Luna,¡± Gale said in a matter of-fact tone. ¡°He


    told you himself and it¡¯s the truth.¡±


    remaining W shakily stool


    ess in my eyes, and


    ¡°Tell me the truth right now or I¡¯m


    ¡°Don¡¯t


    said Lexy. scrambling to her


    She took my hand between both of hers and pleaded, ¡°You


    Can¡¯t leave us. You¡¯re Liam¡¯s mate. You¡¯re our Luna


    ¡°Liam is engaged, Lexy. She¡¯s your Luna,¡± I spat.


    She looked at Gale again, with a worrisome expression, silently


    asking for his permission to talk


    ¡°We can¡¯t tell her yet,¡± he said.


    ¡°She deserves to know!¡± she said angrily, letting go of my


    hand and stomping her foot. ¡°I¡¯m not going to lie to her, and neither are you.¡±


    He will tell her himself, just as he chromised,¡± he said


    calmly. ¡°Anna, for now, just please bear with us, Everything he told ych was


    the truth, though I understand if you refuse to believe it. He brought you back


    here because you¡¯re his mate, and thus, his fated Luna ¨C not the woman you saw


    earlier.¡±


    She was beautiful, the most beautiful woman I ever sw.


    And she seemed to care about him too. They must¡¯ve been engaged for who knows


    how long and now I came along and ruined it. I¡¯ve lost a mate, the man I wanted


    to be with. If my second mate was happy with someone else, then I would dly


    give him up because no one deserves to b e rejected, even if it was by the


    Goddess¡¯s will that one must let go of a lover.


    T


    eed a smile on myce and looked at


    Wunt force him to marry me. She


    Sems like a good woman; she¡¯ll take care al your Alpha. It¡¯s for the best that


    I leave so they could carry on in peace.¡±


    Iughed a little, then jokingly sald, ¡°IT one of you


    tald me about this back at my old park, I would¡¯ve understood. We didn¡¯t have


    to go through all that drama!¡±


    Lexy was frowning, sending a wave of guilt over med ¡°Lexy


    I really am grateful to you for saving me that night. I might¡¯ve died if it


    wasn¡¯t for you.¡±


    I engulfed her in a tight hug and said, Thank you for


    healing Flynn, too. I was really worried after their fight,


    She hugged me back tighter. ¡°Bro needs


    uw voice. ¡°If you leave, he will -. II


    ¡°Lexy!¡± Gale hooned, cutting her off. It i Snoor ce


    to tell her


    She pulled away and red at him. I¡¯m telling her a part


    of it, so she won¡¯t leave. I won¡¯t let bro marry salina! §£§ñ


    That must be her name. It suited her perfectly; it sounded


    as graceful as she. Everything would be fine. I had no ce here.


    Gale sighed deeply then sat on the foot of the bed.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he said and Lexy¡¯s face brightened. ¡°But not everything.¡±


    She nodded at him, and with a big smileo n her face, she


    led me to sit on the bed, beside her. Gale lied right next to us with his arms


    behind his head and his eyes closed,


    isteninghir conversation.


    ¡°Schwa Iri¡± sald Lexy


    Gale


    ¡°Are you¡­ Serious right now


    She stuck her tongue cut at him then said, ¡°Shut up, Gale.


    I¡¯m thinking.¡±


    ¡°Did he tell you alwut his first mate inquired.


    he


    ¡°He told me he had a first mate,¡± I replied, ¡°I think he


    wanted to clear the rumors about him, so I won¡¯t get scared of him. It¡¯s


    well-known that he killed his parents and mate, but he denied both and told me


    he might tell me what really happened Someday.¡±


    The temperature in the room suddenly dropped, and neither


    of them spoke for a while. My hand flew t O cover my mouth,


    but we haven¡¯t really potten to terms with it yet. He¡¯s having it the war


    among us.¡±


    Lexy tapped my arm and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Anna One


    day you can ask bro about it,¡± she said. ¡°A h! I know where to start!¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± said Gale.


    She rolled her eyes at him before facing m e again. They


    were like¡­ children. If it wasn¡¯t for the current mood, I would¡¯veughed at


    their bickering


    ¡°Bro had a first mate, but she wasn¡¯t from our pack. She


    belonged to the Blue Moon Pack, the thirsimonopgt nick in the continent


    specifically, she was the daughter of the Alpia. ¡°There was a meeting between


    our parents and the Alpha of the pack one day and that was how they met¡­


    She paused and I nodded to tell her that I was following


    ¡°¡­ But when Liam asked for her hand, her father wouldn¡¯t


    allow it. My parents and bro negotiated with him, and in the end, he agreed to


    let Liam marry her on one condition ¨C that his pack would be an ally of the


    Red w Pack the moment he marries only his daughter unless he finds his true mate.¡±


    Gale turned to his side, propped an elbow to support his


    head, and though his eyes were closed, it was as if he was paying more


    attention now


    ¡°Of course not,¡± she coffed. So, as you canalready


    tell, broagreed. He was the next Alpha anyway. So our parents supported him.


    They were happy together and we were all happy for him. I swear you could never


    separate those two!¡±


    She smiled at that; those must¡¯ve been really fond


    memories. I wondered if I could make him that happy too.


    Her voice dropped as she continued. ¡°Not long after that,


    our parents died. Then she suddenly fell ill and died too. And the deal had to


    be honored, for it was bound by the Alpha Word.¡±


    ¡°It changed him,¡± said Gale in a voice so low as if he


    We were devastated, and he was never the same since. Then


    her father came to visit us and demanded bra¡¯s marriage to his daughter.¡±


    ¡°Salina,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said. ¡°Bro had no other choice.¡±


    But she isn¡¯t huis mate!¡± i blurted. Isn¡¯t the deal to


    marry his daughter, who was Liam¡¯s mate?


    Lexy slowly shook her head. ¡°We misunderstood. We didn¡¯t


    think too much of it at the time. You see, the deal was that bro marries only


    his daughter unless he finds his true mate. ¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say which,¡± I breathed, realization dawning on


    1. me.


    We assumed he was ying with us and


    that hru horns his Wordbro insister


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    that he¡¯ll lock for hisnate. In the end, he Was given two years.¡±


    And that¡¯s how you ended up here, and why you should


    marry him,¡± said Gale.


    So, the only reason he went through all that was because


    I could get him out of that dral?¡±


    Lexy bit her lower lip. ¡°Yes, but ¨C #


    ¡°You just want to use me.¡± I got off the bed and paced


    around the room, taking in all the information they had just told me.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s more than that,¡± said Gale, sitting up


    Why don¡¯t you want to ally with the Blue Moon Pack?¡¯ I


    questioned. ¡°The first strongest pack and the third ¨C no other pack would be


    able to cin


    e r. And why d


    #Herather himayed our previous Alpha, ¡°Gale exined


    ¡°We can¡¯t trust him. And who¡¯s to wy he Wasn¡®t responsible for Sarina¡¯s


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that for sure. Lexy said weakly.


    Gale red at her.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± he said then turned to face me.


    He took steps towards me with a hardened look on his face


    and I distanced myself from him.


    This pack will be in danger when he marries Salina. You


    are his mate and that makes you out Luna, and as Beta, I will make sure that


    you secure that position. For the pack, and for him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ann,¡± he said slowly. But


    can¡¯t leave this ce. We¡¯ll always be


    After that warning, he left the room. I slumped ta the


    floor, my thoughts al mess. They would d o everything in their power to keep me


    in here.


    Anna?¡± Lexy asked worriedly.


    ¡°Lexy, am I only here because of a deal?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± she said.


    Tell me the truth, Lexy.¡±


    She sat beside me, hugging her knees, and leaning on me


    ¡°Bro is good at hiding his emotions. He never lets me see


    ¡°his vulnerable side. Even when our


    parents died, and when his mate died, I


    ¡°He


    r


    ally madai Flynii that night,¡±


    remembered hw rulous he was Carson his deleted figure when


    Lilium at home but


    it to myself.


    +He was an dotis when you went missins. and that was the


    first time he shouted at me.¡±


    She snickred, ¡°He was pisse when I tried to protect


    Alpha Flynnt. I know my brother: he would¡¯ve killed him then if you hadn¡¯t


    interfered.¡±


    ¡°I had a ferling¡±


    It was really brave of you, Anna,¡± she shid, ¡°You stood


    up to an Alpha and won. And I was convinced then.¡±


    **Convinced of what?


    That mny bro wants to work things out


    My brain took a secondnger to process her words


    blurted out,ughing loudly. ¡°That¡¯s ¨C


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t love Salina. He never did and he never will.


    If he told you that you¡¯re his Luna, I believe him.¡±


    This was too much information to process in one day.


    ¡°I¡¯m d he found his mate. I have a sister now!¡± she


    eximed.


    Then she got up and held out a hand form e to take. ¡°Come


    on, I¡¯ll show you around. Bro nned to introduce you tonight, but I can tell


    him to move it to¡­ tomorrow. I trust you¡¯ll be decided by then?¡± 1


    For now, I could use a distraction. I¡¯d have time to think


    about all theseter. Taking her hand, whelielp me up. I smiled at her and


    she grined.


    Then she linked her arm with mint, and happily skippedas


    we left the room. She was like a little kid, i t was cute. One wouldn¡¯t think


    she was a skilled healer.


    ¡°Will Galebe alright?¡± I asked from out o f the blue


    I should really think before I say something


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± she said. ¡°He¡¯s bra¡¯s best friend sine


    they were little but they¡¯re more like brothers. Gale looks out for him,


    especially since that happened. He¡¯s a really good person, he didn¡¯t


    mean to scare you earlier.¡±


    An Alpha with dark secrets, a Beta who Was protective of


    him, and a little sister who could read a


    n, and a little sister who could read a person like a book ¨C all three with a


    shared past only Liam could share with m e Achill ran up my spine at what his Head


    Gamma might be like. I knew very well what it was like to lose the people I


    love. Behind the secrets and lies, maybe w e weren¡¯t so different after all.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Chapter 25 Perfect


    flettkon


    I¡¯m lying in bed, trying to get my mind ani the sh of pain I saw inbertya. I ched it, and not guilt was


    cating at my conscience. I had no choice but to hide the truth from her. I couldn¡¯t tell her, an her


    ignorance would protect her. As long a & she didn¡¯t know more than what she Teeded to know, I could


    keep her with me.


    Gale understood, and he would keep Lexy in check since she was easily carried away with her


    emotions and morality. I hoped to listen in on them, but Salina found me. After she screamed my name,


    anyone wild


    Fuck Cruel mate. She¡¯riously kicked me down there, twice, in one day! I deserved i t, but our future


    gewrations didn¡¯t.


    A chuckle escaped me. My fiery Anna she was unlike any other woman I¡¯ve met before. As an Alpha, I


    could get anything I wanted, including women and I bet she was the only woman in the world who had


    the guts to deal damage to my pride.


    **T¡¯I think about it,¡± he said, ¡°Then we chin both call you creative names.¡±


    ¡°Not happening You¡¯re not showing yourself in front of her again.¡±


    You¡¯re just jealous cause she ran her fingers through my fur,¡± he said, Smirking.


    I blocked him. They were all stressing me out and the day was far from over. The bathroom door


    opened, and the scent ofvender filled the room. I didn¡¯t have to look to know that Salina was standing


    by the doorway, with her white cotton bathrobe worn loosely on her tall and slender frame to show off


    her thighs and cleavage. After months of living with her, I¡¯d already grown somewhat immune to her


    efforts to seduce me.


    It was hardest during my heat cycle, ¡°having a gorgeous woman sleeping


    beside me at night was almost unbearable


    to resist, bruitmehow, I manage. I had no interest in Salina, in any way, never did and never will. Lexy


    had ruined my thinking with her moral talks ¨C I should value myself for my mate. Besides, I¡¯d never stop


    so low as to fuck my first mate¡¯s sister, no matter how desperately


    I needed relief.


    My mate, Anna Be Fiora, I now knew her name without having to ask her for it. Her name suited her


    just right ¨C her parents must¡¯ve thought long and hard o n what to name her.


    Hopefully, she wouldn¡¯t try to leave ¨C she¡¯d have no chance at seeding. My Warriors would capture


    her and bring her back in less than three minutes. I didn¡¯t want it to have to be this way, but I had n o


    choice.


    ¡°Put some clothes on, Salina. You¡¯re wasting your time standing there.¡±


    ¡°Still won¡¯t look at me?¡± she asked.


    I ignored her and thought of how to introduce my mate tonight. The pack would be d that they¡¯d


    have their Luna, and that she was my mate. I¡¯d have


    1.1. And that she was my Mate. The Talk to my Hem ant the preparats ¨C he also had to report tom e


    the TUTTENs during my absence. Regr Alpha duties. Maybe when thi was all over, I could take a


    break and go somewhere with my mate to unwind ¨C just the two of us, no children to babysit, and by


    children, I cant Lexy and Gale. Sighing deeply, I sat up, flinging my legs t o the side of the ba.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked in anger 3


    Salina¡¯s naked body greets my line al sight. I immediately looked away, dismissing the deeply hidden


    thoughts that made their way back into the surface of my mind.


    ¡°Seducing you,¡± she said boldly. Her newly showered scent grew stronger as she came nearer. ¡°Like


    what you saw? We¡¯re exactly the same, her and I¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s nothing like you, Salina,¡± I spat.¡± Put some clothes on,¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for it,¡± she said sweetly. I felt her presence in front of me, ¡°and her hands kneaded my


    thighs. I


    grabbed her wrists to pull them away as


    alle kuin


    the floor and ou dupa


    ¡°Look , Lam,¡± she said her hands Moving


    i s there. I clenched my*, hard, as memories of her kepting back. It would be disturbing that she


    was nising that voice on me ¨C the same pelle voice that my male used to bring my walls down, every


    damn time, instead i found itforting. It brought a pain in my chest that I could rid of, but one that I


    wouldn¡¯t dare furot.


    A hand held the side of my face, startling me. I looked at her.


    A gentle expression stared back at me, her lips in a put and eyes that sparkled with innocence. I gulped


    as mny cyes swept over the tops of her breasts and thighs. Her hands crept up to my abdomen, slowly


    making their way to my chest, and she rose to her feet as she pushed me back down onto the


    mattress, her eyes never leaving mine.


    And in them, all I could see was her, and ¡°the way she used to look at me with the


    same innocent expression on her


    * Get off me.¡± Tordered but instead of aleyin. she ced soft Ideges on my uck while her slender


    fingers unbuttoned my shirt. Then she ground her lips on minr, awakening that which she shouldn¡¯t.


    Exactly the same, Alpha,¡± she whispered in my ear, biting it


    She used to do the same. She used to be 50 ¡­ fucking gentle


    My hands instinctively traced the perfect curves of her body, her smooth skin heavenly. Applying more


    pressure, my fingers dug into her soft flesh and wished to touch more of her. I could smell her arousal


    and the fragrance ofvender.¡± Outside¡­ and inside, exactly like her.¡±


    Smooth and soft, just like her.


    Her breathingbored and a moan escaped her lips. ¡°Alpha¡­


    I squeezed her ass cheeks hard and massaged them, pressing her center into ¨C my already hard dick.


    She came my


    1. E. ¡°LATI¡­ More


    Hut it reminded me of her. Begging me Tarmore, just like her. Mmaning my name, just like her


    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Her volce, her skin, her much ¨C everything was exactly like her


    I grabb hold of her and flipped us, so 1 was on top. Now face to face with her, I didn¡¯t see Salina. I saw


    my mate, looking at me ¨C lust-filled emerald eyes and a beautifully sculpted face.


    Just like her, my mate, my Sarina.


    I bucked my hips and her mouth opened a s she gasped. Her hands pressed on my chest, then


    traveled down to my abs.


    So saft..so good


    ¡°Sarina,¡± I whispered, leaning forward to ce we kisses on her jaw and neck Sarina.¡±


    Her legs wrapped around my hips and her


    Mumuing braih me,pletely under


    Tunlooked her legs and holding them by the thighs, spread them wide. Her arms fell to her sides,


    clutching at the sheets


    ¡°I¡¯m her, Alpha,¡± she whispered.


    The haze in my mind lifted in an instant. No one was like her. She wasn¡¯t her.


    I pulled away from her and her brows Initted


    Alpha?¡±


    What have I done?


    This wasn¡¯t real, the memories were all that they were ¨C just remnants of a past I would never relive.


    Apast that continued t o haunt me but I refused to forget for it was all that I had left of her. Sarina, my


    mate, my light ¨C there was only ever one you and forever it¡¯d stay that way.


    ¡°No,¡± I said in between gritted teeth.¡± You¡¯re not her.¡±


    Tood and hurriedly turned around, my heart hammering in my chest. I rerkedal her scent. Without


    bothering to button mi y shirt, I frantically took it off like it was a cursed item and threw it to the side.


    She called for me, but I kept walking out the door, out this mansion, and into the open fields. My pace


    picked up as I started to run to the back, Into the woods, away from her, away from here.


    As the trees came into view, I felt my bones dislocate and my senses heighten. I continued to run,


    faster, past the towering trees, avoiding low branches and arching roots, fallen dried leaves crunching


    under my feet. Then the sound of footsteps changed into something heavier and looking down I saw


    that my feet were now huge paws.


    I ran and ran, pushing my lungs to the limits until they burned and ached for rest. But I didn¡¯t stop ¨C I


    had to keep running. If I stopped, it would catch up to me ¨C the memories of her. My mind remembered


    the way she used to smile at ¨C me, how sheughed at the smallest


    things, the cute little dimple on her right cheek that showed itself at every


    THIETTI


    | Provih. My hands


    Erli, her with her moms. All of me


    tiembre all of her like I just held her Yesterday, in my arms, on curd,


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    I had to run bacause if I stopped, it wild belike I¡¯d reached the end of this rey ¨C when sheid Limp


    on my arms, EVITE Daarn. It¡¯d be like the day after I buried her, whenilled on the same sheets that


    were cold without her, nevet i o see her again, never to hear her again, Fever to frel her again.


    So, I continued to run until mny lungs gave up or me, forcing me to a sudden halt that I was thrown to


    the ground. Iid there, panting, then forced myself on my feet and took more steps forward.


    I wanted to howl, long and loud until I ran out of air ¨C to call for her, to let her know how much I missed


    her. But I held i t back because no matter how loud I conveyed my longing, she would never hear me,


    and she would never return tom


    ¡°A few more steps. I had to kien m?inn


    I must continue¡­ because I refuse to ept that the memory ended there.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Chapter 26 Helpless Idiot


    A week wmtly and I¡¯d li SICCESS


    a y pant ¨C I¡¯d been modiny Liam and his fiance, Salima. Most of the time, I wiped up in my room,


    ying arcade games on my phone while waiting for Lexy to get off her shift at the pack clink When


    Gale had free time, he¡¯d Coreover with Lexy and we¡¯d spend our time chatting about anything or


    watching films. Other times, I¡¯d take a stroll outside ¨C I didn¡¯t dare visit the pack, so it was just within


    walking distance from the castle. Still, without anyone¡¯swwles, I would sometimes sneak into the


    woods.


    This territory belonged to the Red w pack ¨C surely, there would be no surprise attacks or rogue


    attacks with the Alpha here. It was peaceful in the woods, and I didn¡¯t bother worrying about getting


    lost. I could always find my way back.


    It was already mid-afternoon, but I couldn¡¯t feel the sweltering heat of the ¡°sun as the trees pretty much


    provided


    refuge. I took my sweet time, walking to


    look my sweet time, walking a Wrio Brunins where, guing left and rights but heading forwards. Turning


    ack back, the castle could no l er beseen, and the lotti shouting of the warrior training could no longer


    be heard.


    Finally, some me time. I was still thinking about this whole materna thing with Liam. Did I make the right


    decision bying here? Is this what I wanted to do?


    Funny how someone like me was destined to two Alphas, I kept praying to the goddess for an answer ¨C


    what my purpose was.


    Growing up, I knew what it was. It was denied to me and now, the red string of destiny led me to him,


    my second mate. 1 understood that I was supposed to ept the will of the goddess, but¡­ a part of


    me wasn¡¯t sure that this was what I wanted for myself.


    To be a Luna was a high honor and I would do everything in my human-level power to serve them, but.


    There was always a but!


    In my frustration. I pulled down on my


    TFT my frustration, I pulled down on TY hair: I let out and thirty


    decisions and this had kept me ur


    Letting out a long sigh, I shook my head i


    get these thoughts out of my head. By tonight, I had toe to a conclusion ¨C Liam was waiting for my


    answer. That night, he barged into my room without so much as a knock, all sweaty and breathing


    heavily. Upon seeing me, he engulfed me in a tight hug like he never wanted to let me go


    He seemed afraid of something like he was going to lose me if he didn¡¯t hold me as close as possible


    to him, our bodies pressing against each other, I didn¡¯t say a word; raised a hand and ran it down his


    sweat-soaked back tofort him.


    I didn¡¯t know how long itsted, but that moment only made me more confused.¡± Stay,¡± he breathed,


    breaking the silence, and I didn¡¯t have the heart to tell him ¡°n1 O¡±. I did tell him I¡¯d think about it ¨C that


    he give me a week 3


    Then he suddenly pulled away, turned on


    Then he suddenly pulled away, turned on This heels, and was out the door, leaving m I standing alone


    in my room, feeling like a discarded idiot, and maybe I am one. Something was disturbing him but if he


    didn¡¯t want to speak about it, I¡¯d pretend t ¦¯ ¦°¦Ï ¦°¦Átle,


    For the next few days, I hadn¡¯t seen him. which was totally fine with me. Better yet, I avoided an


    awkward moment with Salina. My luck was working at an all time high this week!


    Taking out my phone from the back pocket of my jeans ¨C why are women¡¯s jean pockets so small ¨C I


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    tapped on the screen twice and input the password. The wallpaper was a picture of Carson and Flynn ¨C


    with the former grinning widely and Flynn looking too serious, his brows creased. It was the first photo


    on my gallery, to remember them by ¨C like I¡¯d ever forget their faces.


    I tapped on the phone icon and went to m y contacts which only had three numbers ¨C Carson¡¯s, Lexy¡¯s,


    and Gale¡¯s. I put off calling Carson because I didn¡¯t know what to tell him and I wasn¡¯t in the mood


    io ¨C he would¡¯ve had the sites in m Y VOICE pot wantinHe already .t to do buck at the pack, I didn¡¯t


    want n


    Forcingasmile on my face and a small joyous Laughter, I got into character. I tapped on the call icon


    and it rang for a foWouds before he picked up


    He assaulted me with quests right away, his volce sounding anxious as if something bad happened to


    me. ¡°Anna? Are you alright? What happened? Where are you?


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± I said, mentally giving myself a high live for dying this call. Calm down, Carson. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°It¡¯s only been a week and you¡¯re already calling I thought something happened. Sorry.¡±


    I let out a small gasp. ¡°Something did happen!¡± I said excitedly.


    ¡°Are you going to tell me or are you going to keep squealing on the phone?


    ¡°I missed you¡­¡± I whined.


    chekling Thre, Hon w ifriend


    alking to my


    check in Trw have you been


    *Same as always,¡± he said. ¡°So¡­ how are you doing there? What¡¯s it like to be


    I could tell he was smiling at the other end. ¡°A lot of work like you wouldn¡¯t believe.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°I take it Liam¡¯s treating you well?¡± he asked, and I bit on my lip.


    Yes. It¡¯s¡­ well, it needs getting used t 0,¡± I said. ¡°Still getting the hang of this mate thing


    ¡°You guys getting married yet?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t talked about it yet.¡± At least I had one truth to tell him today.


    ¡°You won¡¯t forget me, right?¡± he asked. * I must be there at all costs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Carson,¡± I said,ughing ¡°You¡¯ll b e on the front row to watch it all happen¡­ if it¡¯ll ever happen.¡±


    ¡°* Ulim¡­ I mean, he hasn¡¯t asked me yet¡­.


    ¡°IF! Anna, tell me honestly, is everything


    A long pause ¡°You know you can talk me,¡± he said. I¡¯m here for you, Anna. 1¡¯11 always be here for


    you. Say the word and I¡¯lle to pick you up right 11w.¡±


    i let out a smallugh. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Carson.¡± I said, a little exaggeratedly. I¡¯m not as affected as the rest of


    you by the bond so_. it¡¯s going to take some time for me to make this thing work. But I¡¯m doing well,


    you don¡¯t have to worry SO much about me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯re right. I was overthinking-things.¡±


    Someone yelled his name from the background, calling him.


    ¡°Sorry, Anna. Gotta go. I¡¯ll call you backter,¡± he said then ended the call.


    I stared at the screen which showed the


    he Probably an emergicy. I put the phone in my bok pochi and decked to head back


    f


    r iher, I might nach the borders without me knowing ¨C how fair way was it anyway?


    i lied to my best friend ¨C I just ced myself in deeper waters. If Garson ever found out this mess I was


    in, he¡¯d break down the gates if he had to just to get me out.


    I¡¯mn ready. I¡¯m going to talk to Liam


    Once I get back, I was heading to Liam¡¯s office and we¡¯d talk about this. The thought sent butterflies


    aflutter in my Stomach = I¡¯d have to face that jerk.


    A branch snapped to my right, garnering my attention. A rustling came from my left; turning, there was


    no one there. My heart began to race in my chest, the castle was too far.


    I picked up my pace, the rustling came again, this time from behind me. I turned to look but there was


    no one there, again.


    * Please don¡¯t let it be a rogue.


    My palms heated up and my throat dried.


    Twitted to run. I didn¡¯dance to my sides, focused on getting back as soon as possible. I reached for my


    phone, the rustling growing louder as whatever or whoever was out there chasing after me ¨C this was


    an enemy. A friend would¡¯ve let himself kan immediately.


    I tapped the call button for Gale and his phone was ringing but he wasn¡¯t picking up ¨C it was training


    hours! A growl came from behind me, deep and hungry.


    It¡¯s a rogue!


    The castle was so far away ¨C I¡¯d never make it in time. Sweat broke out in every pore of my body as my


    legs carried me as fast as they could ¨C my heart pounding in my chest as my lungs expanded to take in


    as much oxygen as it could handle in every inhale.


    I tapped on Gale¡¯s number again, but he wasn¡¯t picking up. The growl came again, louder this time.


    Tears welled up in my cyes at the thought of getting torn to pieces


    Goddess. I don¡¯t want to die. I don¡¯t want


    There was no Win lume in run awali UNT AITV Teans logh . In the whids, I w anhelpless prey. The rol


    was ying with me for now, enjoying the che, but it won¡¯t let me get to close to the pack that he¡¯d be


    detected.


    Itapped on Lexy¡¯s number. It was ringing but she wasn¡¯t picking up ¨C she was on her shift!


    Goddess, please¡­


    One persuti came to mind and his number wasn¡¯t on my phone. I truly was an iol.


    ¡°LIAM!!!¡± I screamed at the top of my lungs. I was crying now, fear gripping my entire being, the


    adrenaline keeping me going. I didn¡¯t want to die¡­ not yet. I still had too many things to do, too many


    questions to answer. I didn¡¯t want to die¡­


    *LIAM!!!


    Where are you? Why aren¡¯t youing?


    A browni wolf jumped in front of me and I suddenly stopped, visibly shaking. It sharled at me, thick


    drool dripping from


    his mouth as he growled angrily at me. I fraze on the shit, my breathinging i n short intakes.


    His name left my mouth in a stutter. I couldn¡¯t scream¡­


    Tears blurred my vision. The rogue snapped his jaws at me, and I flinched, taking a step back. He


    began to walls towards me, showing off his sharp teeth that in a few seconds would be digging deep


    into my flesh.


    L-L-Liam¡­ Li-Liam¡­. he-help me.¡±


    Somebody¡­ anybody¡­ help me.


    The rogue lunged for me, and I instinctively closed my eyes as my hand clutched at the empty vial on


    my neck. A shriek pierced through my throat, and thest thing in my mind¡¯s eye was Liam ¡­ all


    sweaty and warm, hugging me tightly in his arms, his scent making my head spin. I¡¯m sorry¡­

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Chapter 27 Umarmored Knight


    My back hit the ground, but that was all I felt ¨C no sharp teeth an my skin, na thick slobber. Then I


    heard another growl, heard a heavy thud, followed by a whimper. I opened my eyes and to my left I sw


    that a new wolf hade from nowhere, baring his teeth at the rogue, who was lying to his side,


    bleeding from huis neck


    I quickly got to my fert, preparing to sprint back, hoping the neer wouldn¡¯t notice. It was a wolf


    with brown and ck fur and unlike the rogue whose wolf looked malnourished and savage, this one


    looked stronger and moreposed.


    The new wolf lunged for the rogue and I looked away. The image of the wolf ripping off the rogue¡¯s


    throat ¨C I didn¡¯t want it ingrained in my memory. My legs scurried forward, and I rafi towards the castle.


    Whether it was a bad move or not ¡°didn¡¯t matter. I just had to get back.


    A growl came from behind. I heard it


    Dailchimp to me. I didn¡¯t abik


    It was suddenly in front of me, blockingm y path, its Wooly muzzle pointed at me. I t snarled as it


    walked towards me. This


    he was marage but it killed its


    human. Huit why?


    Which pack was it from? Who sent him here?


    It carried itself with a certain air of arrogance, deep green eyes cold and piercing, and it seemed to be


    smirking, knowing full well that it had already won. My breath hitched in my throat, my hands shaking,


    as my gaze met his.


    L.. myst days was¡­ new friends¡­ the call¡­ Liam¡­


    Was this what it was like when one was about to die ¨C regrets, wishing I could¡¯ve done better. Even this


    Ismiled at the wolf. ¡°Don¡¯t make it hurt,¡± I said before closing my eyes and weing death.


    Hew lis maith and his longlie llicu s if he was yawning in Lilly. Did Interrupt your sleep


    He replied with a low growl which made meugh. Shifting to his side, I hooked in y arm around his


    neck and gave him a kiss. Then I husd his head to my chesi.


    Thank you,¡± I said,


    He pulled away from me and I let go. He stood and went behind the trees, hidden from sight. ¡°What¡¯s


    wrong?¡± I asked. Did I do something wrong?


    ¡°Would you prefer me clothed or naked?¡± he replied, in a deep manly voice that could make a woman


    fall in love. My cheeks heated up ¨C at his voice or his question ¨C I didn¡¯t know. He had that one in a


    million kind of voice that almost Seemed inhuman due to its rarity.


    Goddess, if this was his voice..


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    A hand came into view, holding a basketball short. ¡°Well?¡± he asked, ¡°I ¡°don¡¯t have all day, Anna.¡±


    TITY M


    .


    ¡±Which one would you prefer?¡± I asked, ying his game. Hisughter sonde better, and I was totally


    boy crazy right now. If he emerged from there looking


    My eyes widened as he showed himself, leaning on the tree with his arms folded across his chest and


    a smirk on his handsomne face. He was too good looking, and he knew it, and he was unting it at


    me. Every muscle in his body was well-defined and well proportioned, giving him a neat sexy look. And


    his abs were hot ¨C I counted eight ¨C my eyes following the deep V line that led to¡­


    I looked away.


    Hechuckled, knowing I just eye raped him. He was arrogant, but he had a reason to be ¡°Like what you


    see?


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen better,¡± I replied. When the warriors back at the pack were training, the Omegas would spy at


    them from the mansion¡¯s windows, giggling to themselves as they picked out their


    PHOTOS ¨C I wasn¡¯t Carson, it was the ner liest apa. Non of them really Niech testy ITH, pl Carson but


    ta¡¯ was more because of the curse, so this man standing in front of menas literally having a drum came


    true. Straight up the TTL of my dreams


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked, finding myngue. He knickered, then was suddenly i n my face


    ¡°Your hero,¡± he said, minuty breath blowing on my face


    *Uh¡­ I guess,¡± I said, distancing myself from him. What was he doing in the forest, naked of all things!


    ¡°I meant to ask your martie. ¡±


    Rigel,¡± he replied, ¡°Rigel Johnson, Head Gamma of the Red w Pack and your krnight without an


    armor, Lima.¡±


    He¡¯s perfect.


    #Anna Be Fiora. And I¡¯m not your


    I turned to head back to the castle, my eyes satisfied. ¡°You weren¡¯t in training?¡± I asked, making small


    talk


    #Skipped it today. Probably the most important decision in my life,¡± he said, smiling down at me,


    I thought I was a poner.¡±


    You epted it so easily.¡±


    ¡°There was no way for me to fight you.¡±


    ¡°You have your arms and legs, don¡¯t you?¡± he asked, ¡°You have your nails and teeth, don¡¯t you?¡±


    My brows furrowed, ¡°Where.. are you going with this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying you don¡¯t need a weapon. You don¡¯t need a wolf. When the rogue was chasing you, you


    wanted to live, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Y-Yes?¡± I did, which was why I was trying so hard to run and call


    You have the will to live and the fearlessness to ept death. If youe across a life and death


    situation next time, choose your will. Then the fearlessness will follow¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I understand you,¡± I mumbled while looking down. ¡°Wait,


    ¡°We don¡¯t get to decide that, nicw do we?¡±


    I bit my lip. No, we didn¡¯t. We had no way of lunowing what might happeni tomorrow, just as I didn¡¯t


    know I was going to get attacked today, just as I didn¡¯t know I was going to get saved. We didn¡¯t know


    what tomorrow might bring. so¡­ might as well take risks and live with no regrets.


    ¡°nothing,¡± I said, smiling. His arrogance would bloat if I told him. Next time, I¡¯ll be saving you


    ¡°Nothing?¡± he asked, stretching his arms over his head


    How did a rogue get into the territory?¡± I asked, ¡°I mean..this belongs to the Red w Pack!¡±


    ¡°T¡¯ll look into it,¡± he said, yawning.¡± Don¡¯t think too much about it.¡±


    Don¡¯t think ¨C Lalmost died! Stoppingo n my tracks, I looked up at his wlessly handsomece and


    tried my best tote at him. In a way, he reminded me of Carson hispetition by far. They¡¯d probably


    get along just fine.


    He raised a brow at me and bent down so his face was close to mine. ¡°I want you to remember that


    when you called for the Alpha, it was I who saved you¡­ and I¡¯ll save you again as many times as I


    have t o. I¡¯m your knight now, Anna. Get used to


    He stood and continued walking Besides, I don¡¯t want you losing a limb or breaking a nail or losing a


    tooth. It¡¯ll lessen your appeal, and frankly, you don¡¯t have much.¡± Scratch that ¨C he¡¯d be more annoying


    to Carson than I ever was ¨C I had to up my game. Catching up to him, I linked my arm with his, the feel


    of his hard biceps simply amazing i


    What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Clinging to my knight,¡± I replied nonchntly


    ¡°Harder.¡±


    Heheld my hand and edit dat inta his upper arm, my palm digging into his flesh Goddess, help me, I


    didn¡¯t know what came over me my hand squeezed and¡­ hisughter rang in my ears. Heat crept up


    to my face; what was I doing!


    ¡°If only Liam could see you now!¡± | pped his arm at thement. Liam didn¡¯t have to know about


    this ¨C about the rogue, yes, but not¡­


    ¡°Oh, I can,¡± said a voice from our left. Liam stood there, his hands shifting back into their human form.


    His eyes cold and locked on where I was clinging to Rigel. A rumble came from his chest.


    Trolled my eyes at him ¨C whatever. I wasn¡¯t the one keeping both a fiance and a mate under the same


    roof. Rigel was unaffected by his Alpha¡¯s warning. He smiled like Liam didn¡¯t look like he was about to


    beat him up. ¡°A bitte, don¡¯t you think?¡± he said, raising his chin slightly. ¡°If I wasn¡¯t here, you¡¯d be


    Seeing her in an entirely different scene right now.¡±


    Mam¡¯s mosiris reil, hit he didn¡¯t attack him like he did to Flynn. ¡°Mave.


    ¡°dly,¡± he replied, tugging me with him as he turned liis back on Lian and


    He stopped. I nced at Liam, at Rigel, then back at Liam.


    ¡°Let her go. Now.¡±


    Rigel stood silent, his smirk gone, reced with a tight line. ¡°What do you say, Anna?¡± he asked in a


    bored tone. He looked down at me, fluttered his long eyshes as his lips pursed into a pout.¡± Do you


    want me to let you go?¡±


    Amuffled snicker came from me he was childishly cute. ¡°Do you want met o?¡± I asked yfully and he


    shook his head. I leaned into him and we continued walking ¡°Then I won¡¯t¡­ my knight.¡±


    I turned my head and saw him stomping over to us. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at your office


    0,¡± I said, and he froze, eyebrows furrowing. ¡°Alone¡­ my Alpha.¡± I voiced thest two words as softly


    as I could, trying my hardest not to smile as his eyes widened in shock. Oh, look at that ¨C he calmed


    down.


    ¡°That¡¯s a cool trick,¡± Rigel whispered.


    ¡°It is, isn¡¯t it.¡± Seriously, everyone around here behaved like children.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Chapter 28 Trusting Male


    wear Checking out every dress in the rack = knee length, backless, sleeveless,


    plunging neckline they¡¯re all so beautiful but I¡¯d be too embarrassed to


    on any of these and show off skin,


    especially in front of himni. Sighing. I med


    on to what else this closet had to offer.


    Apparently, when Liam told me not to bring anything


    unnecessary, like clothes, he already had an entire wardrobe ready for me. I¡¯d


    never had this many to choose from before ¨C didn¡¯t know it was this difficult


    when one had more.


    As I looked at myself in the full body


    mirror, my eyes


    wandered into the stack of denim jeans


    With so many pairs to choose from, picked¡­ the back one


    with highi, pointed heels that sort of looked like boots. I slipped my right


    foot into the shor, instantly feeling taller. Zipped the gold-colored zipper om


    the side and checked it in the mirror ¨C mot bad. How do I put the other?


    Shifting my weight to my right, my arms waved in the air


    to steady myself. That was more difficult than I thought. I sat on the


    floor and pulled the shoe over my left foot. Then, supporting myself with the


    shelves, my shaky legs managed to stand. The incline was a bit ufortable,


    but when I looked behind my shoulder to see myself in the mirror, it looked


    ¡°good, I looked good, it even felt good. I -felt taller, beautiful, more


    confident, MoE Portu. If I knew the shoshthis SHT? witcherati.


    Taking a deep breath, I slowly turned around. My feet


    swayed with every step before finding bnce Arms to my sides now, I raised


    my right leg and¡­ down. Then the next. And¡­ another. I was getting close to the


    mirror now.Oh wow, this is tasy. I¡¯m


    doing ¨C Woah!


    My legs wobbled. My ridiculous armi waves didn¡¯t help this


    time. I fell forward, and my forehead hit the floor, sending waves of pain over


    my head. I curled myself into a ball, with a hand rubbing circles on the¡­ small


    bump. Great. This is what I get for being too ambitious ¨C should¡¯ve chosen


    ts instead.


    ¡°Anna?¡± Rigel asked from outside as he knocked on the


    I bit back the pain and fought back the


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound fine,


    ry about.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Nothing to w Raising myself aff the


    ground with my arms, I pulled my legs and felt a twang of pain on my left


    ankle. Forcing myself into a sitting position, I bent my left knee to reach for


    my foot. ¡°Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow¡­¡±


    I coulin¡¯t do it. Too painful.


    Anna?¡± said Rigel


    his voice hinting urgency. ¡°Anna, whatever you¡¯re doing, cover yourself up ¦³¦©


    ¡°No!¡± I yelled. It¡¯d be too embarrassing if he saw me like


    this. Think, Anna. Think


    One, two¡­¡±


    n!¡± Teams he counted three and


    the door swung open. His eyes found my Sonny lion the floor, SCARD?Ng me


    from head to foot as my checks healed up from the intensity of his gaze.


    UIL hi


    He bent on one knee beside my feet and carefully held my


    left foot. Please don¡¯t,¡± I said, looking down.


    ¡°Come on,¡± he said, cing an arm around my shoulders. I


    thought he was going to help me up. 1 swear my thoughts were innocent. Until


    his left arm wrapped around my thighs and he easily lifted me off the floor.


    Not that I was against it, just that¡­


    ¨C Uhm¡­ I can walk on my own?¡±


    Sure. You didn¡¯t have a problemi


    He let me down on my bed, then said,¡±


    walking out the door. He could count on i L. It wasn¡¯t like I¡¯d be skipping


    around when he came back


    Raising my right leg, I took the shorall. A s for the


    other one, I¡¯d rather wait for Rigel. The room fell quiet, and my phone was in


    the set


    Higel came back after three minutes, holding an ice pack


    and a roll of bandant.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± I said, pouting


    He grinned. ¡°Missed me already?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I know you did,¡± he said as he knelt in front of me. Carefully.


    he raised my foot and slowly slipped the shoe off. I flinched when it scraped


    TITY heel


    You were gone for three minutes.¡±


    He put my foot down and sat on the for before raising it


    again ¡°You were lonely for three minutes.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t lonely.


    ¡°Sure you weren¡¯t


    ¡°Do = ow!¡± He twisted my foot to one side then the other.


    ¡°Definitely a sprained ankle


    ¡°Are you kidding me!¡± I screamed and he chuckled. ¡°That


    wasn¡¯t very nice, Rigel.¡± Reaching for a pillow, I threw it at his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a nice person.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my knight,¡± I said,


    crossing my arms on my chest. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be nice.¡±


    Rigel didn¡¯t say anything more


    Hy head the ice on my wollenkle while his fingers aged


    my for to ease the pain. I watched him Focus on what he wasing, his


    Crebs furrowd and a deep cow on hisce. For him to im himself as


    ¡°nat a nice Hrson¡±, his anctions today were different from his words.


    I assumed he was done when he


    put the ice pack down. But then his thumb pressed down around the swollen


    and traveled towards the heel. He continued to massage my foot ¨C the pain


    dissipating. When he was satisfied, he put my foot down slowly


    ¡±Try moving it,¡± he said, and I


    did, ¡°Better?


    ¡°It¡¯s not as painful as before,¡±


    I mumbled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He sat beside me. ¡°Pity you


    won¡¯t being with us tonight. We¡¯re going out for a drink.¡±


    1¡­ can¡¯t drink,¡± I replied,


    sehilling til remembered something


    ¡°Where¡¯s thating from?¡± he


    ¡°What¡¯s whating from?


    ¡°Anma, you rarely smiled since


    You came here. What¡¯s it about this time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing.¡± I said,


    looking down and he chuckled.


    #You¡¯ve embarrassed yourself


    twice today. What¡¯s one more?


    I yfully pped his arm. ¡°Don¡¯t


    tell anyone. Please put my shoes back before someone sees.


    ¡°Toote,¡± he said, and I


    didn¡¯t have to question him to know why. The door opened with a bang. Liam


    walked in his eyes on me, burning


    Thamely like the day we first met


    I looked at kigel and he


    h


    e


    UNDMEsSion on Cli, he didn¡¯t snitch on m e. That¡¯s my knight!


    ¡°HI¡± Isaid at Liat as he


    stopped in front of me. His gaze shifted t omy injured foot and to the shoes on


    the floor. He raised a brow at me, and I lod to the side. I was not saying


    anything


    ¡°I need to talk to her, Rigel,¡±


    he said gruffly. There was something between these two I didn¡¯t know. I made a


    mental note to ask Lexy¡­ if I could bring myself to


    Rigel stood with azy yawn. ¡°See


    you around,¡± he said.


    Thanks again, Rigel. Have fun


    tonight.¡± He tossed Liam the bandage as ¡°he passed him by. They¡¯re going out


    for a drink tonight,¡± I exined.


    Sid. I waved to Rigel as he closed the door, and he returned it with a un


    #Are you alrh¡± Liamm sked.


    My storm was putting on an robatic show, his scent was filling my lungs,


    and we were alone in my room. I couldn¡¯t fun  from him because of the


    sprain in case he does something upsetting. This might be the Goddess¡¯s way of


    punishing me for what I did back then. A small price to pay = noterets


    Tanswered him. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s


    just a sprain.¡±


    Knieling in front of me, he held


    my foot gently. His touch sent a tingling sensation across my skin. ¡°Stay


    indoors for now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going nowhere in this


    condition. I sprained myself before


    would be lianned to m


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    i him.¡±


    ¡°Ihya¡¯t really visited him


    Since the incident.¡± I missed him¡­ I was ready to meet him. He wouldn¡¯t have


    approved. I was inore grateful to Rigel


    Liam began to wrap my foot with


    thepression bandape. ¡°I understand. I haven¡¯t visited them since it


    happened, too.¡±


    When did we get to this level


    ¨C sharing each other¡¯s past? Did Shing happen to him since he suddenly


    walked out that night?


    He worked silently, and a deafening


    e, his elbows resting on his thighs.


    Thuis wasn¡¯t like him ¨C his lips set on a deep scowl and his foreheadcreased as


    he thought about something something that bothered him.


    I scooted nearer to him, using


    my arms to raise myself. Leaning to my side, I rested my head on his shoulder.


    The action caused him to jolt, and I leaned back as he straightened his back.¡± First


    condition?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± I said, pulling


    the corners of my lips. I felt his arm snake around my waist, and the other


    around my thighs. Then he lifted me up and made me sit on hisp. I might¡¯ve


    been manhandled twice today, but it was sort of ttering that I weighed like


    a feather.


    Liam grinned and suddenly


    ¡°What?¡± Tasha. Was he happy now?


    His moswines were unreadable. Lery had been teaching me things but it was


    harder than I expected. It was a better look on him though.


    You got heavier,¡± he said.


    *Hey!¡± I punched him lightly on


    his very¡­ hard chest. I¡¯d been eating more than I usually did since I arrived.


    here, but I couldn¡¯t possibly have put on weight because of it, right? I ced


    a hand on my stomach


    Rx, babe. I think it¡¯s a


    good thing,¡± he said, pushing my head against his chest


    ¡°Your heart¡¯s beating so fast,¡±


    I said, hearing a fast rhythmic beat like h e had been running


    Only happens with you,¡± he


    El bild only happen with me,


    I replied, causing my arms on my chest.


    Are you still mad at me, habe?


    hxd. ¡°I¡¯m any I didn¡¯t tell yoni


    ¡°It hurts, Liam,¡± I said,


    remembering the morning of our arrival.


    The lies, the secrets, living here


    knowing she is too. Tell me something, Liam. What is she to you?¡±


    His hand held mine and he rubbed


    circles with his thumb. His heartbeat Traced faster. I could hear my OWTI.


    matching his, but mine felt a pang of pain.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Anna,¡± he said. ¡°I


    had no choice.¡±


    That doesn¡¯t answer my


    question.¡±


    ¡°¡±She¡¯s not you,¡± he said.


    ¡°Then why is she still here?¡± I


    asked. It was mean. I didn¡¯t even know her, and I already wanted her out of


    here. She cared for Liam, she seemed to love him bulmal way, I felt like I


    was the mistress. If I wasn¡¯t here, she¡¯d have Liam to herself.


    Lexy shared a bit of their past


    with me, but it didn¡¯t mean he wanted nothing to do with Salina. I was taking


    him away from her, and even though he was rightfully mine because of the bond,


    it still didn¡¯t feel right. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡±


    His jaw clenched, ¡°She won¡¯t be


    staying here for long.¡±


    I instantly felt guilty. ¡°I mean


    if she wants to stay¡­¡±


    He pressed me unto him by my


    shoulder, his arm around my waist as he hugged me to him. ¡°Whatever happens


    next, know that it¡¯s not because of you.


    YUL Sed me, Anna Y


    ved the


    Hok,¡± he said in a pained voice. ¡°Leave the rest to me.¡±


    Liam found his male ¨C me. The


    reenerit shumild be hundred And yet, it. felt like things wouldn¡¯t go smoothly


    like he was leaving me. I wrapped my arms around his waist, hugging him back.


    He was so warm, he made me feel protected. It could¡¯ve been his nature as a


    Alpha, but I liked to think it was for a reason more than that.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I waste,¡± he said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there when you needed me.¡±


    I rubbed a hand down his back to


    them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± I said. Then a


    He chuckled at my wards, ¡±


    w


    ild if I


    VOL.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll be more careful


    next time.¡± The incident could¡¯ve been a simple rogue attack, but for a single 1


    rague to cross the pack¡¯s boundaries, it was a death wish. Patrols should¡®ve


    been aware, but it got almost close, and t o the Alpha¡¯s residence, not at the


    pack¡¯s. I wanted to ask him, but I understood this wasn¡¯t the time. I just hope


    that this wouldn¡¯t escte or happen again.


    Liam pulled away from me and met


    my gaze. ¡°There won¡¯t be a next time,¡± h e said, growling ¡°I promise.¡±


    His face came closer¡­ and


    closer, his eyes took on a deeper shade. And I closed my eyes as I felt his


    lips and I gave in to the kiss, granting him permission to push his tongue in


    and explore my mouth. He sucked the air out of me, and I greedily wanted him


    1. to. Then he let me go, both of us panting for air.


    I touched his cheek lovingly as


    he stared back at me with a soft expression on his face. I jerked my head u P.


    reaching for a kiss as I whispered, ¡°I trust you, my Alpha.¡± o

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Chapter 29 Little Things


    ¨C Liam


    I woke up with a weight on my


    chest. The tingling sensations that washed over me told me who it was. I was on


    a dopamine high, and so was Luca. Ever since I almost gave in to Salina¡¯s 2


    seduction, something I want to beat myself up to until today, and after the


    exhausting run, I put him through, he took advantage of my lowered guard and


    took over. I didn¡¯t have the strength to stop him, and at that point, I didn¡¯t


    care for what he intended to do. Turned out, he just wanted tofort our


    mate. He had been keeping quiet since.


    It was for the best.


    If it wasn¡¯t for him warning me that something wasn¡¯t


    .O REDMI NO Tight, I wouldn¡¯t have left the office to


    AI QUAD CA


    search for her. What was she doing


    Search for her. What was she doing


    out there anyway! I shook my head ¨C that was the wrong question. She should be


    safe everywhere she goes within the pack¡¯s territory.


    It was my fault. I took it back. Carson voted against it


    because he was worried for her safety, just in case she somehow got herself in


    trouble. Lexy voted against it because she was worried that Anna might try to run


    away. They were just worried that something might happen to her and neither


    wanted her to do anything that¡¯d hurt herself.


    But I couldn¡¯t bring it to myself to have m y men guard her


    at all times without her knowledge. It was an invasion of her privacy, and


    after she learned about my engagement the first day she was here, I felt like I


    at least owed it to her ¨C to give Anna her OO REDMI NOTEedsm, adhere to her conditions


    O AI QUAD CAMERA


    freedom, adhere to her conditions


    strictly.


    It didn¡¯t ur to me that she would grant me permission


    to break the first condition, to let me hold her in my arms.


    I ran my hand down her hair. Thank you ¡­ for letting me


    1. in.


    I let her down this time, but next time she calls for me,


    I would be there. I¡¯d keep her safe, at the cost of my life.


    The rogue¡¯s invasion was an urgent matter. Gale had been


    reporting the progress of the investigation while Lexy nagged me until she got


    tired and slept, both via a mind-link. She was letting out her frustration and


    guilt on me for not answering Anna¡¯s calls, and I was sureter today she¡¯d


    mumble an apology. As for Gale, he better OO REDMI NOTE 198 no stone unturned


    AI QUAD CAMERA


    mble an apology. As for Gale, he better leave no stone unturned.


    Of all the pack warriors, it had to be Rigel. My mate


    easily drew attention to herself and she doesn¡¯t even know it. She was either


    innocent or apathetic. Her best friend may be decent, but Rigel¡­ the


    word didn¡¯t exist in his dictionary.


    I kept the pack channel open just in case something came


    up, any small matter that could easily be overlooked. Listening to different


    voices in my head, filtering and analyzing every message that was sent, it¡¯a


    divide my attention and drain my mental energy, but for my Anna, it was a small


    thing.


    If the rogue was sent by the one person o n my mind, I swear


    .O REDMI NOT¨¦o better start praying. I wasn¡¯t losing


    AI QUAD CAMEPone anymore. I wouldn¡¯t let him


    anyone anymore. I wouldn¡¯t let him


    take another from me. As always, there was no proof that it was his doing. But


    someday, he¡¯d get what he deserved and more.


    A murmur reached my ears. Cracking an eye open, I looked


    down to see Anna blinking her eyes open. Then she yawned. Her arms went to my


    sides, hugging me as she rested her head back down on my chest. ¡°Good morning,¡±


    she whispered, still half-asleep.


    ¡°Good morning¡­ mate.¡± She was so adorable. And innocent.


    If it wasn¡¯t for her ankle, I¡¯d have already turned us over. Her scent was


    driving me insane that my canines were itching, and I just woke up for fuck¡¯s


    sake!


    I shook my head ¨C these thoughts need t o be stored in the


    DMI NOTE back of my mind for now. I had to AI QUAD CAMER?Oritize her safety¡­ and the party we


    had


    oritize her safety¡­ and the party we had


    to organize. If she¡¯d have me ¨C I know she would, but the doubt was still there


    for some reason. I¡¯d be honored to introduce her to the pack as my Luna. Let


    be known across the werewolfmunity that Anna Be Fiora was mine and Liam


    Rose was hers. Soon¡­ she¡¯d be more than Anna Be Fiora.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± she asked, interrupting my


    thoughts.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I replied.


    She was still using me as a pillow. Not that I mind, I


    would dly be her pillow, herforter, her mattress. Fuck, anything that


    REDMI NOTEUS make herfortable. Except that, AI QUAD CAME painfully hard down there and


    JU, Tsaid. wny would I want to forget seeing my


    girl¡­


    Pompf!


    A pillow came down on my face. I keptughing as she


    assaulted me with it. I raised a hand to cover my head, but my girl was


    me, she couldn¡¯t move her leg. Else, she might¡¯ve suffocated me instead ¨C who


    knew what she might do! She brought the pillow down onest time and left it


    there.


    So adorable. I couldn¡¯t help butugh. This was what I


    wanted ¨C moments like this where it was just the two of us and she was being


    adorable. It felt good. It felt right. I felt alive.


    REDM NO?Des¡¯t be mad, babe,¡± I said, taking the AI QUAD CAME


    pillow off. ¡°It


    won¡¯t be thest ¨C


    I stopped when I saw her. She had her small back to me.


    She was leaning forward with both her legs straight. I sat up and ced a hand


    on her shoulder to get her to turn around and face me, but her face was covered


    with both of her hands, her long hair falling to the sides of her face. ¡°Anna?¡±


    I asked, my mind working equations as to what just happened.


    Was it something I said? Which one? What did I say?


    ¡°You saw¡­ everything, didn¡¯t you?¡± she asked in a hushed


    tone.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t exactly hidden from sight,¡±I said, scratching


    my head. Was it that?


    ¡°You saw the scars.¡±


    00 REDMI NOTeosild feel her heart break the moment CO AI QUAD CAMESaid those


    words. I didn¡¯t want to talk to her about i t. I saw those scars the first time


    Iid eyes on her trembling body. It sent my blood boiling in anger amidst the


    excitement that I finally found my mate. I t was a very personal matter, and we


    were both, just as she said, ¡°basically strangers.¡± So, all this time, Lexy and


    I kept it to ourselves and we had never spoken a word about it.


    We weren¡¯t at a level yet where I could ask her about it.


    I knew I should¡¯ve done more on that fucking Flynn! Fuck!


    He touched my girl, and she didn¡¯t give a flying fuck!


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up,¡± said Luca, snarling.


    ¡°Now you show up.¡±


    ¡°Cause you won¡¯t shut up when mate needs you,¡± he said.


    REDMI NO Sigised. He was right. Damn it! That


    fucking Flynn ruined


    ¦¡¦© ¦¯¦©


    RISTRUTTUU


    everything, even the memory of our first meeting


    ¡°Anna,¡± I said, sliding down the bed to be beside her. I


    pulled her hands gently away from her face, tipped her chin up so she¡¯d look at


    1. me. ¡°Anna¡­¡±


    I cupped her beautiful face with both hands, swiping my thumb


    over her trembling lips. Her honey brown orbs stared at me; fear etched deep


    within them. I kissed her. I kept still, relishing the feel of her soft lips


    against mine. ¡°I don¡¯t give a fuck about your scars.¡±


    ¡°But ¨C ?


    No buts. I hushed her with my mouth before I could


    hear her belittle herself. My tongue danced with hers and as always, I gained


    dominance. I explored her mouth REDMI NO hungrily as her fingers tugged on my AI QUAD CAMERA


    hair. So


    hair. So


    sweet¡­


    ¡°Good mor!


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Someone interrupted. They interrupted. She broke away, and


    we both looked towards the door. Lexy stood there holding a tray on both hands,


    a wide grin on her face. Gale was already turning on his heels to walk away. He


    had more sense in him to know when his presence wasn¡¯t weed, unlike my sis


    who happily went to us.


    She was doing this on purpose. ¡°Sorry to interrupt but


    you¡¯re needed,¡± Lexy said, pointing at m e. ¡°Gale has to talk to you.¡±


    ¡°No, he doesn¡¯t!¡± Gale yelled. ¡°Take your time, Alpha!¡± 5


    Toote for that now, isn¡¯t it?


    REDMI NOTE es youter, gorgeous,¡± I said, then AI QUAD CAMERA


    pecked her


    TECRUTO


    lips. ¡°Don¡¯t go anywhere.¡± I got off the bed, giving Lexy a ring side nce,


    and went out of the room, closing the doors behind me. She better let me


    have this chance.


    Gale was already at the top of the stairs.¡° What is so


    important that it can¡¯t wait forter, Gale?¡± I asked as I calmly made my way


    over to him.


    ¡°Salina was looking for you since this morning,¡± he said.


    Is he fucking serious right now?


    He flinched and took two steps down.¡± And?¡± I asked,


    taking a step closer.


    ¡°Her father¡¯sing today.¡±

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    Chapter 30 Subconscious Denial


    ¨C Liam


    This was expected. I¡¯m surprised it took him a week to get here. He wasn¡¯t wee in my pack ¨C he


    never was until that day. This would be thest time he gets to see this ce. And it would be thest I


    get to see Salina. It¡¯d be hardest for me, but as Alpha, I must do what was best for the pack. 1


    ¡°Inform the pack,¡± I ordered. ¡°Find Rigel. Meet me in my office after twenty minutes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± said Gale and hurriedly went down the stairs then out the door.


    Lately, I¡¯d been thinking that I might actually have a shot at this. That maybe things would also be


    better for me, as long she was around, as long as she stayed by my side. That maybe, just maybe, this


    was what Sarina would¡¯ve wanted for me.


    I went to my room, half-expecting to see RED Salina bat she wasn¡¯t there. What


    ngered was her scent, the same familiar


    A


    gered was her scent, the same familiar scent ofvender and peppermint that I couldn¡¯t get enough of.


    This was wrong, I understood it since day one. But it kept m e afloat¡­ it kept me alive.


    I took a quick cold shower to clear my thoughts, feeling the weight of an impending decision. This was


    inevitable. The Moon Goddess granted my wish ¨C it shouldn¡¯t be this hard to let her go.


    I¡¯m happy with her.


    Anna was opening herself up to me, little by little.


    She trusts me.


    What more could I possibly ask for?


    ¡°Hey,¡± Luca said casually as I wrapped a towel around my waist and stepped out of the bathroom. I


    went into my closet and looked around for what to wear.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said again.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    A suit didn¡¯t seem proper. He wasn¡¯t O RED ICOM!Eorie to dress up for and I didn¡¯t need


    to assert my position. He knew who I am


    QUAD CAMERA


    assent my position. He knew who I am ¨C everyone in our world knew.


    ¡°Don¡¯t find a way out of this,¡± he said, growling


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    I should go casual. Dark denim jeans and a baby blue shirt; roll up the sleeves. Ibed my hair in


    front of the mirror; decided against putting on cologne. Then I chose an Oyster watch in yellow gold,


    with a ck dial, and a ck Oysterflex bracelet; the fluted bezel adding an elegant touch of luxury.


    Onest look and I was ready


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Luca whimpered. ¡°We have a mate now.¡±


    ¡°We also had a mate.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose her, you idiot!¡±


    I sighed as I closed the bedroom door behind me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose her, too.¡±


    He retreated to the back of my mind. I


    went down the stairs and to the right, REDMI Npassing the library and the study. Now at AI QUAD


    CAME


    the side of the mansion, I watched the


    side of the mansion, I watched the warriors train on their own. Which reminds me, we were set to


    For now, I had to win this messed-up game. Reaching my office, I opened the door to find Rigel and


    Gale already waiting for me. Rigel, as usual, was wearing nothing but basketball shorts. He¡¯d been


    spending more and more time i n the woods, with his wolf, and some pack members have reported


    seeing him asleep, naked, on varying areas. And by reported, it was more like the trending gossip in


    the pack channel by the she wolves. He yawned as I entered.


    What the fuck tires him?


    I sat on my office chair and gestured for them to sit across me.


    ¡°Who wants to go first?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, how long do I have to be here?¡± Rigel asked, earning a sigh from Gale.¡± What? Some of us


    have work to get backt


    0.¡± 2 REDMI NOTE 9S AI QUA CAWhat work?¡± Gale snarked. ¡°You rarely


    what work?¡± Gale snarked. ¡°You rarely train the warriors and word is that you¡¯re sleeping naked


    everywhere! I¡¯m getting tired of yourzy ass.¡±


    ¡°Well guess what, Beta?¡± said Rigel, pointing to himself. ¡°Thiszy ass saved our Luna.¡±


    He slid down his chair, hands behind his head, with a smirk on his face.


    Gale¡¯s upper lip twitched. He was losing i t. I don¡¯t me him ¨C he¡¯d been taking over Rigel¡¯s duties for


    months now.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Do you want us to build a statue for you? Award you a fucking


    medal?¡±


    My Beta was cussing now. I pinched the bridge of my nose ¨C why couldn¡¯t these two at least try to get


    along?


    ¡°I don¡¯t see a reason why not.¡±


    Gale got up and pushed the sleeves of his shirt up.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± he said, pulling an arm back,


    fist in the air. OO REDMI NO C AI QUAD CAM Gale.¡± I gave him a hard stare until he


    resigned back to his chair, sighing.


    signed back to his chair, sighing.


    ¡°Pussy.¡±


    ¡°Rigel! Salina¡¯s father ising and if talks break down, I need to know that you are with us.¡±


    ¡°With you?¡± he said, moving his jaw from side to side.


    ¡°No. No fucking way. Get yourself killed for all I care. You¡¯d like that, won¡¯t you? A t least when you¡¯re


    dead, you wouldn¡¯t have to pretend anymore.¡±


    My hands balled into fists as I fought to keep myself from punching that smirk off his pretty-boy face.


    This was fucking important for the pack ¨C at least as Head Gamma, he should take this matter


    seriously.


    ¡°Gale!¡± I said sternly as he was about to stand. He brought his fist to his lips, knuckles turning white


    from the urge to put Rigel back to his ce.


    Rigel chuckled.


    ¡°Look at you two. Can¡¯t fucking do shit.¡± REDMI¡¯Me raised himself up and crossed his rms. His eyes


    met mine, his smirk


    1. ns. His eyes met mine, his smirk reced by hardened features. ¡°With her? Yes. I¡¯ll have your


    back when you need me. Know that this is for your precious mate and not for you, Alpha.¡±


    I could make do with that. I just needed him to hear it from himself. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. ¡°We need you


    on this one.¡±


    ¡°No shit.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your duty as Head Gamma, Rigel,¡± said Gale while ring at him.


    ¡°Now you talk about my duty?¡± he replied in a bored tone. ¡°I¡¯m keeping her safe, Beta. Something the


    two of you always fail to do. So, don¡¯t fucking tell me what my fucking duty is.¡± He grinned at the two of


    us, his eyes flickering to a deeper and clearer forest green. If it wasn¡¯t for the circumstances of our


    situation, he might¡¯ve turned those eyes a t me ¨C hungry, angry, and murderous. The tension in the


    room grew tenfold. 2


    ¡°Are we done here?¡± he asked, his eyes back to their normal color.


    REDMI NOYes.¡± I said, sighing. There¡¯d be no AI QUAD point in keeping him here longer.


    §¦§ã§Ý§Ú§ê §Ü§Ö§Ö§â§êg III §á§Ör§Ö l§àng§Ör.


    ¡°Great!¡± he said, getting up and already heading for the door. ¡°Good luck!¡±


    For a few minutes, neither of us spoke a word. The shouts of the warriors could clearly be heard, a filter


    for the unspoken thoughts that ran through our minds.


    I broke the silence. ¡°He didn¡¯t mean it, Gale.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right though,¡± he said, gazing up a t the ceiling. ¡°He always is.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll protect Anna,¡± I assured him. Rigel, even with his carefree attitude, would protect her. It was the


    only thing h e could do now. ¡°I¡¯ve something else for


    you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± he asked, lowering his head.


    ¡°Set a separate team to continue the investigation on the rogue.¡±


    ¡°He used wolfsbane to hide his scent. Question is how he got past the patrollers. I have a team


    interrogating those on duty at that time. If someone¡¯s


    feeding an enemy information¡­¡± REDMI NOTE 9S O AI QUAD CAWis gaze hardened.


    His gazeardened.


    ¡°¡­ do I have your permission?¡±


    Torture. Not many in the pack knew this, but a special unit specializes in breaking a werewolf¡¯s will. It


    was organized by my father. The first unit, unfortunately, died from wolfsbane poisoning. Not long after I


    took over as Alpha, I organized another unit, personally handpicked from the best among the warriors.


    ¡°Yes. Do whatever is necessary,¡±I replied. No one¡­ harms my Anna. ¡°Keep your guard up. Do a


    thorough search.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve spies tailing them now. They should be reporting anytime soon. Anything else I should know?¡±


    I decided it¡¯d be best to be blunt. ¡°The agreement won¡¯t be honored.¡±


    Gale nodded. He didn¡¯t bother asking why ¨C he didn¡¯t need to. ¡°What¡¯ll you do?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one way out of this,¡¯ I said, looking him right in the eye.


    His eyes went wide in realization. We said


    the answer at the same time. REDMI NOTE 9S O AI QUAD CAME§¡n Alpha Duel.¡± 1


    An Alpha Duel.¡± 1


    ¡°Rigel knew,¡± he said. ¡°Do you have a fucking death wish, Liam?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve no other choice. This will make it clear to both packs.¡±


    ¡°There has to be another way,¡± he said, brows furrowing


    I kept quiet. This was the only answer to keep the Blue Moon Pack at bay without spilling innocent


    blood, as it should. This was personal, just between me and him. I¡¯d have to be the one to settle it. For


    my pack and Luna, I would win.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Chapter 31 Doubtful Vision


    ¨C Liam


    Salina stood beside me, wearing short denim shorts and a long thin shirt with a deep V-neck. She had


    her hair loose past her shoulders, and I forced a smile on my face. She clung to my side; I let her be.


    This would be thest she gets this close with me. 2


    ¡°You were with herst night, weren¡¯t you?¡± she asked quietly.


    Unlike her usual chirpy self, she was quiet today as we waited for her father to arrive. ¡°I waited for you,


    but you didn¡¯t


    ¡°Don¡¯t make it sound like you¡¯re my wife,¡± I said as gently as I could.


    All this time, she was beside me. She wasn¡¯t a horrible person, just¡­ clingy and too obedient, I guess.


    For thest two years, she spent her days here just because her father insisted that it¡¯d be better for


    her to stay with me, her fianc¨¦


    until the given grace period expires. OO REDN C AI QUAD TI R¨ªully, I found Anna before it did.


    FIT


    HY, ITUUTTU Anna before it can


    ¡°Can I stay?¡± she asked. ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave. I want to stay here.¡±


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    This was for the best. ¡°She doesn¡¯t want you here.¡±


    ¡°My family is here! I don¡¯t want to leave Aunty J and Rigel.¡± 2


    She removed her arm from mine and turned her back to me. I heard her taking deep breaths as if to


    calm herself.


    ¡°I¡¯ll live with them. I¡¯ll leave your room and won¡¯t bother you.¡±


    She faced me again, looking up at me with pleading eyes that I felt a pinch in m y heart.


    ¡°Please let me stay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Can Ie visit?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m sorry, Salina. The Blue Moon Pack won¡¯t be wee here after this.¡± 1


    I didn¡¯t have the right to take her away


    from the Johnson¡¯s. They were her REDMI Nether¡¯s side of the family, and Aunty J Al Q would be


    heartbroken. Rigel might finally


    have a more pressing reason to step down as Gamma.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I mean anything at all to you, Liam?¡± she asked with a tone of anger, poking my chest as she


    rebuked me. ¡°I know you kept me around because of her. Because I was a breathing, living reminder of


    her. Because I have her face, her body, and her scent. Because you could never forgive yourself for


    taking her away from me, from all of us.¡± 2


    Her lips trembled and a tear slid down her cheek which she quickly wiped away with the back of her


    hand.


    ¡°What? Now that you found your second mate, you think everything will be alright for you? No¡­ Her


    ghost will haunt you forever, Liam. My sister¡¯s soul won¡¯t rest until you¡¯re miserable.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± I asked through gritted teeth. I did use her. She made it easier for me to cope with the loss


    of Sarina because at the end of the day, I could still smell her¡­ see her, even though I never


    * touched her. Many times, I thought ¡°Why OO REDMI NDer? Why did it have to be my Sarina?


    O AI QUAD


    Those were horrible thoughts, but I couldn¡¯t help it then. Over time, those thoughts were directed at me


    ¨C ¡°why not me?¡±


    ¡°You and I both know what your father¡¯s after. You and I both know this day would eventuallye. We


    were never anything, Salina,¡± I said, watching her eyes throw daggers at me. ¡°You¡¯re her sister. That¡¯s


    all you will ever be to me.¡±


    ¡°Her sister who felt your dick pressed up against herst week,¡± she snide. 1


    ¡°That was a mistake.¡±


    ¡°Was it?¡± she asked, smirking. ¡°Settle what you will with my father. If you ever need me, you know


    where to find me.¡±


    Her lips pulled into a smile as a ck SUV came into view, a convoy of three. They stopped in front of


    the mansion, and the driver of the car in the middle came out. H e was wearing a suit, his ck shoes


    polished. He opened the door of the passenger seat and a trail of smoke


    disappeared into the air as he stepped out. OO REDMI CO ATQUAD¡°Daddy!¡±


    Salina squealed happily and skipped towards Alpha Myron. He opened his arms for her, and she


    jumped onto him, hugging him tightly. A heartyugh came from him as his free hand, the left that


    wasn¡¯t holding a stick of cig, patted the small of her back. ¡°I missed you so much!¡± she screamed.


    ¡°I missed you too, sunshine,¡± he said as she pulled away. He held her arm as he looked her over with a


    grin on his face.¡± Look at you. Still as gorgeous as ever.¡±


    ¡°Only for you, Daddy,¡± she chirped, then pointed at me. ¡°And my Alpha.¡±


    I went over to them, stering a smile on my face. If it wasn¡¯t for his status, both in the werewolf


    ¡°Liam!¡± he eximed. ¡°d to be here again. I see it hasn¡¯t changed much.¡±


    Take it all in because you won¡¯t be stepping in here again.


    ¡°It¡¯s still the same as always,¡± I replied.


    REDM He hugged Salina to his side, his arm AI QUAWEZAped around her waist like she was


    apped around her waist like she was his girl, and I don¡¯t mean his daughter. It was strange to me at


    first, but I was used t o it by now ¨C they were really close. 2


    ¡°Looks like it,¡± he said, his eyes scanning the mansion behind me.


    The other passengers had gotten out of the cars and were joining us. I recognized some of his men ¨C


    they¡¯d been his escorts during his visits. What caught my attention was a woman who got out of the


    third car. She wore a long silk ck robe with arge hood that hid her face. She wore a ck dress


    underneath it, the length reaching the ground. A pungent smell came from her, and my first instinct was


    to restrain her while her pale, wrinkly hands were still and to her sides.


    ¡°Sister Katrina,¡± said Alpha Myron, beckoning her over. ¡°Meet Alpha Liam.¡±


    He turned to me, and added, ¡°Liam, this i s Sister Katrina. She used to be from the ck Star Coven


    and is currently under m y employ.¡±


    REDMI NOShekeld the sides of her robe and VAI QUAD Curtsied before me.


    ZUILOTCU ULIOILMTC.


    It is an honor to meet you in person, Alpha Liam Rose of the Red w Pack,¡± she said in a raspy voice


    as she raised herself. ¡°Tales of your bravery and cunning are known throughout thends, it is a feat


    unlike no other.¡±


    ¡°The grapevine exaggerates, Sister,¡± I said, chuckling


    She raised a finger in the air, showing off a bony finger and a cracked hard nail. The tips of her fingers


    were ck. Their prolonged constant exercise of magic eventually changed the skin color, and it was


    said that the more the color covered, the stronger the witch. It showcased their practice, their


    knowledge, and thus the time they spent perfecting their craft. Hers was only until the first knuckle. She


    was strong, but I could still take her on in


    a one-on-one fight.


    ¡°To a certain extent, Alpha,¡± she said.


    She sucked in air slowly, then her bony figure trembled. Her voice changed into a n imposing tone.


    REDMI NO Beware, Alpha, of enemies known and C¨® AI QUA O C


    unknown, living and not living. Beware


    the man who seeks redemption. Beware the man who seeks destruction. A flower gone, a flower


    blooms, the flower wilts, and another blossom.¡±


    The way witches speak made me want to facepalm every damn time. The younger ones were well-


    ustomed to the modern world, but the older generations were averse to change. They also


    preferred to remain secluded in their covenants. I¡¯d imagine they were brewing potions and


    researching. Witches sought knowledge, for whatever purpose.


    Her shoulders shook as she muffled a low, dryugh.


    ¡°Their anger boils and simmers. The pressure begs to be released. Keep both eyes open. Keep both


    eyes closed. Win, lose, win, lose again.¡± 1


    I didn¡¯t understand what she just said.


    ¡°Thank you, Sister,¡± I replied with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll heed your advice.¡±


    She whispered, ¡°It¡¯s a vision.¡±


    REDMI NOTE Sister Katrina turned around, humming a AI QUAD CAMER


    tune to herself, pausing to mumble


    something iprehensible before humming again. Then, right before our very eyes, as she


    continued to walk, she suddenly vanished. As if there was an invisible door that only she could see and


    she slipped into that door that led to who knows where


    Alpha Myron slowly shook his head.


    ¡°She says it¡¯s a vision but who knows for sure what witches say? She also does that, disappearing into


    thin air. I hope you wouldn¡¯t mind?¡±


    There were no talks about a witch¡¯s involvement. To bring a witch into another pack¡¯s territory required


    certain permissions and protocols. No Alpha would be dumb enough to let a witch wander around¡­


    ¡°Not at all,¡± I said, leading the way into the mansion with the two of them following me. 1


    Alpha Myron¡¯s jaw dropped slightly, and I suppressed a smirk.


    On our way to my office, my mind


    wandered back to Sister Katrina¡¯s words. OO REDMI


    . She could¡¯ve lied about it being a vision,


    AI QUADCA


    Ce could¡¯ve lied about it being a vision, but what if it wasn¡¯t?


    If there was one thing witches had inmon, it was that they were all betrayers. Each acted to benefit


    herself, regardless of whose expense on a certain what, which was often life. Even sisters i na


    covenant betrayed each other.


    There were a few covenants still around, and fewer were like Sister Katrina, an outcast. Covenants


    kept to themselves, strictly living their lives ording to the rules that bound them to the covenant.


    Outcasts were more dangerous ¨C if a witch in a covenant was like a domesticated animal, these ones


    were wild animals, only looking out for themselves. For Alpha Myron to employ a n outcast, he must


    either be batshit crazy or scheming or both. Having known him for quite some time now, it was both. He


    had the witch on disy; an open show o f his confidence that he¡¯d surely seed i n his n.


    If he kept her hidden, he might just have a sliver of a chance at winning. Unfortunately for him, he


    should¡¯ve thought this more thoroughly ¨C the Red


    C¨® AI QUA


    REDON


    .O REDN


    pught this more thoroughly ¨C the Red w Pack prided itself with another ace, something¡­


    someone¡­ no other pack has.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    Chapter 32 Kitchen Introductions


    ¨C Anna


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked Lexy when Liam shut the door. It was too early in the morning for either of


    them to being t o my room. I¡¯m notining, just that we were kind of having a moment¡­


    Ah¡­ that was embarrassing. They saw it, didn¡¯t they?


    I was worried over nothing. He really did see them then, but he didn¡¯t mind them. I thought for sure he


    was going to flip when he saw those scars. If he ever saw the rest¡­ could he handle them just as well?


    ¡°Someone¡¯s in a good mood,¡± Lexy teased. She raised the cover and ta-da, an ice pack, and a


    bandage.


    I pouted. ¡°Thought you brought breakfast.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not room service,¡± she said, chuckling. ¡°We just had to get him out. It¡¯s about time you meet Aunty


    J. She¡¯s A. the Lead Chef.¡±


    RED


    EILE


    me Head titel


    ¡°I¡¯d love to!¡± I eximed. The food here was delicious ¨C I¡¯m sure I could learn a thing or two from Aunty


    J. 2)


    ¡°I know you would. How¡¯s your ankle?¡±


    ¡°It still hurts to move,¡± I whined.


    Lexy nodded and did the same things Rigel and Liam did yesterday. She helped me walk to the


    bathroom to wash up. I¡¯m starting to think I might need crutches and lo and behold, I went out of the


    bathroom and Lexy already had one ready for me.


    She let me get used to walking with it. It felt a bit weird to have something clipped under an armpit, but


    it was better than staying in bed all day. The stairs were the most difficult and scariest part ¨C I was


    seriously thinking of having Liam carry m e backter, but my pride wouldn¡¯t allow i t. I was no longer a


    kid. I could take care o f myself and these steps wouldn¡¯t stop m e from going in and out of this castle


    of a house!


    A group of men in suits passed us by on REDMI NOU: Way out. I hadn¡¯t seen anyone wear a AI QUAD


    Suit around here ¨C they all wore casual,


    JU ALUUTTU mere ¨C uley all wore casual, except for one oddball. ¡°Who are they?¡± I asked, noticing


    that Lexy didn¡¯t pay them any attention.


    ¡°Salina¡¯s father is here,¡± she said. ¡°They should be in a meeting with bro right now. Those are his


    ¡®bodyguards¡¯ if you could call them that.¡± 23


    ¡°Oh,¡± was all I said as we continued walking, out the gates, and into the little vige that we passed by


    when I came here. If her father was here, it meant that Liam would have to prove that I¡¯m his second


    mate. I¡¯m not entirely sure that Alpha Myron would believe him, but I really hope he does.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± said Lexy. ¡°Bro can handle them.¡± 1


    I nodded in agreement. I said I trusted him and trust him I will. So, I squashed the anxiety budding on


    my chest, something that kept me uptest night. If it wasn¡¯t for his warmth, convincing m e that it¡¯d


    be alright, I don¡¯t think I


    would¡¯ve slept. REDMI NOTE 9S ALOU AH. we slept together.


    It really did happen. I slept with him¡­ even used him as a pillow¡­


    ¡°You smell like Liam,¡± Lexy said, interrupting my shameful reminiscing.


    ¡°N-No, I don¡¯t!¡± I replied, waving my hand.


    She narrowed her eyes at me.


    Is she being protective of him now? Does she have a brotherplex or something?


    ¡°We didn¡¯t do anything, Lexy. I swear it.¡±


    She grinned. ¡°I know. I love seeing you getting flustered is all.¡±


    Goddess, this little brat!


    ¡°You guys are mean,¡± I said, pouting.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you two are getting along. I totally ship you and bro together!¡± she chirped. 4


    I felt like all the energy in my body had been drained just by talking to her. She


    could be so tant at times, it was REDMI Ner:barrassing. I guess this sort of made m


    e her older sister, but a little privacy


    AI QUAD CAME


    er older sister, but a little privacy would be really appreciated.


    On the bright side, at least I didn¡¯t havet o gain their approval. They¡¯d all been weing since day


    one, it made me more anxious questioning if the pack would wee someone like me too. It was


    scary to think about. I¡¯d have to prove myself to them, and it was a challenge I was willing to ept.


    Down into the vige, the pack members were busy going about their day. But the moment we showed


    up, it was like time stood still and all they could see¡­ was m e. Their attention was on me. They didn¡¯t


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    stare, but I could feel numerous pairs of eyes on me.


    I tried my best to smile and greet whoever we passed by. They responded with a smile and a simple


    ¡°good morning¡±. Two words, no more and no less.


    As we neared a particr building that was set apart from the houses, Lexy


    turned to me and smiled. She tightened REDMI her huid on my hand ¨C she must be really


    ¡°excited. It was three floors high and the


    ¡Þ


    Al QL


    Cited. It was three floors high and the first floor had ss walls. As we got closer, the inside could be


    seen. It was empty.


    Before we reached the doors, I stopped. Something didn¡¯t feel right. From the mansion until here, the


    feeling stuck. Someone was watching¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lexy asked, narrowing her eyes at me


    I looked behind me, then to our sides. There were only buildings, the woods, and pack members. And


    yet, it felt like there were more to it than what I was seeing.


    Someone¡­ was hiding¡­ somewhere.


    ¡°Anna?¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­ we¡¯re being watched,¡± I whispered, pushing her gently towards the building. ¡°How often do


    rogues get this deep into the territory?¡±


    I doubted he or she or they, were rogues. The pack should¡¯ve noticed their scent. If


    not rogues, then¡­ spies? AQUAD CAMERA


    ¡°How did you know?¡± shrieked Lexy. I


    turned to shush her, but she was staring a t me instead, wide-eyed and grinning.


    My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°Can you guys show yourselves, please? She has you figured out!¡± she shouted at the woods.


    From behind the trees, three people showed themselves.


    A blue-eyed woman had her hair in a long Dutch braid, her body¡¯s voluptuousness showing despite the


    Beside her was another woman who had the handles of two swords peeking from her back, her ck


    hair straight and short, the ends tickling the jawline of a diamond-shaped face.


    A man stayed a distance behind them. While both women looked to be in their


    early twenties, he looked to be in his


    early thirties. A long scar curved just REDunder his right eye, catching my Al Qattention. His narrowed


    gaze made his


    burly figure more intimidating.


    They all wore a hardened expression on their faces, almost scowling when Lexyughed mockingly.


    ¡°She¡¯s wary,¡± he said.


    The women smiled brightly.


    They stopped in front of me then got down on one knee.


    ¡°We fail you, Luna,¡± he said. ¡°If you can sense us so easily, then surely, the enemies can.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Ty. Loosen up!¡± said Lexy, skipping over to him. She ced an elbow on top of his shoulder


    and leaned into it coolly.


    Who are they?


    As if sensing my confusion, Ty spoke.¡± Luna, we are members of the Delta Unit, a special unit under


    the leadership of Head Gamma Rigel. The Alpha has ordered us t o keep you safe.¡±


    You mean babysit. REDMI NOTE 95


    i sighed. ERA


    Tsighed.


    The attack must¡¯ve gotten to him.


    I had to talk to him about this. I couldn¡¯t g o around wandering in the territory with warriors looking after


    me. I wasn¡¯t a kid who needed babysitting!


    ¡°Calm down, Anna,¡± said Lexy, nudging my side. ¡°Mr. Serious is Ty, the sexydy i s Nalia, and the


    other sexydy is Sabri.¡±


    ¡°It is an honor, Luna,¡± said Nalia.


    ¡°We will conceal ourselves better from now on,¡± added Sabri.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ but¡­ uhm¡­ you can just call me ¡®Anna,¡± I replied. ¡°And¡­ please stop with the kneeling


    thing.¡±


    Lexy chuckled as they all got to their feet.


    ¡°Would you like to join us for breakfast?¡± asked Lexy.


    Sabri smiled softly. ¡°Thanks, Lexy, but we¡¯re on duty.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re fine, Lexy,¡± said Nalia.


    Lexy crossed her arms but still smiled at


    them.


    REDMI NOTES AI QUAD CAMERA


    Ty¡¯s gaze softened. His lips curled


    slightly into a smirk.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see you around, Luna,¡± he said coolly.


    ¡°Anna,¡± I corrected, then I smiled at him. ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself too hard, tough


    guy.¡±


    With a short chuckle, he turned and walked away. Nalia and Sabri returned m y smile, slightly nodding


    before following him.


    ¡°He likes you,¡± Lexy teased.


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± I asked, amused.


    Ty oozed testosterone with his burly built and full beard. While intimidating, it tugged on a woman¡¯s


    need to feel... protected


    Liam crossed my mind, interrupting. That man had a way of sneaking into my thoughts.


    This day just keeps getting better!


    ¡°Ty lives with the humans. He looks REDMI NScary but that softie adopted a human CO AI QUAD


    daughter,¡± Lexy divulged.


    Appearances can be deceiving.


    ¡°Breakfast is about to be served and we¡¯re the first ones here!¡± said Lexy.


    She pushed open the door for me. ¡°This i s where the pack dines ¨C breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. It¡¯s


    open twenty four seven for everyone. It¡¯s usually self serve in the evenings though.¡±


    There were long tables with neat table settings and, on a countertop, jars of candies and choctes.


    On a table were three microwaves, an electric kettle, a coffee maker, and a water dispenser. I haven¡¯t


    had coffee for a long, long time.


    On the other side of the counter were covered cakes on cake stands and other baked goods like


    cupcakes on a three-tier ss server. A smaller table was in front o fit and backed against the wall, a


    dish cab and beside it, a freezer.


    ¡°We eat a lot. So, the Omegas always make sure to stock up on food and drinks, from savory to sweet,


    you name it,¡± she exined. I was in awe. My old pack


    didn¡¯t have this. Someone always had to b CO A 6 in the kitchen to attend to anyone.


    RELLVI


    Everything was well-provided for. No one had to wait for food to be served in between meals. And they


    were disciplined enough to serve themselves.


    It was a lot of load off the Omegas¡¯ backs. Werewolves eat a ton. Working in the kitchens was a


    burdensome task.


    I can¡¯t wait to meet Aunty J!


    ¡°See that?¡± she said, pointing to a door under the stairs that lead to the second floor. ¡°It leads to the


    cer. It¡¯s strictly for adults only, obviously. Anyone who takes out a bottle or barrel fills up a sheet. That


    way, the Omegas know if a certain inventory¡¯s running low.¡±


    ¡°Barrel?¡±


    ¡°The Gammas drink often¡­ for whatever reason. They¡¯ll take out a barrel of beer from time to time,


    sometimes two. We have other types of alcohol if you don¡¯t drink beer.¡±


    I don¡¯t really drink any type of alcohol.


    O REDMAnd you¡¯re alright with it?¡± Back at my CO A Qud packs, drinking was¡­ regted.


    ¡°Anything here is for everyone. No restrictions except for the children ¨C we obliviously can¡¯t have them


    drinking alcohol,¡± she said,ughing. ¡°Those jars used to be empty before the day was over. Now, even


    the children have learned that they won¡¯t run out of treats and the Omegas only have to restock


    weekly.¡±


    ¡°Lexy, this is all so amazing!¡± I eximed


    ¡°Come on. The kitchen¡¯s this way,¡± she said, leading me behind the counter and past the double doors.


    On the other side of those doors was another world. The Omegas nced at us and nodded curtly.


    Everyone was busy with something, be it cooking, chopping u p something, doing the dishes. And one


    voice cut through the noises ¨C she wore a chef¡¯s uniform in the pack¡¯s motif colors. Her hair was neatly


    tied to a bun and covered with a hai, and she was pinning her hat as she walked over to us.


    She had beautiful green eyes. They reminded me of Rigel¡¯s.


    REDMI NOTE 9 ATQUAD CAMERA


    \Wiping her hands on her apron, she


    walked over to us with a look that wasn¡¯ti n any way weing. ¡°Lexy,¡± she said dryly. ¡°What can I do


    for you today?¡±


    Her gaze was fixated on Lexy, uninterested in what either of us would say. Lexy didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    ¡°Aunty J, this is Anna. She¡¯s bro¡¯s mate,¡± she chirped.


    She eyed me up and down, judging me ordingly. ¡°I heard,¡± she said, then dismissed me as she


    talked to Lexy.¡± Sarina¡¯s recement. The Alpha¡¯s tastes had gotten¡­ less vorful.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s his mate, Aunty J,¡± said Lexy.¡° Please don¡¯t be like this.¡±


    Aunty J scoffed at her. ¡°Rigel told me what the Alpha ns to do. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be stopping


    him right now?¡± Her lips pulled to a knowing smirk seeing Lexy¡¯s brows furrow a little. ¡°You don¡¯t know,


    do you?¡±


    She frowned when Lexy shook her head. I didn¡¯t like this. Liam hadn¡¯t told Lexy


    O REDM


    CO Al Qua anything?


    ¡°Breakfast should be ready in ten. But seeing as you¡¯re already here, feel free to serve yourselves. You


    know your way around.¡± With that, she turned around and disappeared into the workstations.


    I¡¯d never seen her before my entire life, but my presence already offended her. I understand that I


    wasn¡¯t Sarina, but she didn¡¯t have to phrase it like that. Surely, I wasn¡¯t just a recement, even if I


    was, i n her words, less vorful. I could ept that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart,¡± Lexy said, smiling. ¡°She¡¯s strict on everyone, including Rigel.¡±


    Then it dawned on me. Her eyes ¨C she was his Mom!


    I simply nodded and followed her around. Everyone I met here knew more than me. I wish I knew at


    least half these things. Somehow, it had something to do with Sarina ¨C she must¡¯ve been a great Luna.


    Talk about setting the bars high.


    I wasn¡¯t particrly good at anything. I


    didn¡¯t even know what it takes to be a O REDMI


    AI QUA Liina But I have no intention of


    1. ha. But I have no intention of surpassing her ¨C it was neither a contest nor a self-serving position.


    Hopefully, it¡¯d suffice for my insufficiency.


    I took the other tray from Lexy and we sat on one end of a long table. Thoughts clouded my mind, and


    with her silence, she was too. The food was really good, but the taste wasn¡¯t as enjoyable with the


    atmosphere.


    When we were almost finished with dessert ¨C strawberry Shortcake, I noticed her eyes ze over as


    she talked to someone via a mind-link. I was still curious what that felt like ¨C to hear the voice in my


    head and reply in the same manner. What was it like to hear different voices at once? That¡¯d be pretty


    annoying and would immediately give me a headache, I was sure of it, but the more I see them use the


    link, its impression on m e deepened. And I¡¯m reminded time and time again that I was different from


    them.


    I finished my slice and waited. Her eyes resumed to normal a few minutester, and she looked at me


    worryingly.¡±


    What?¡± I asked. Something was wrong AI QUAD Les Her smile was gone as she narrowed


    REDMI NOTES


    C


    what I asked. Something was wrong here. Her smile was gone as she narrowed her eyes at me.


    ¡°Bro called,¡± she said quietly. ¡°They want to see you.¡±


    I don¡¯t think I want to know who she


    MeantNOTE 9S


    AI QUAD CAMERA


    C

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    ¡°She¡¯s a werewolf,¡± Liam replied, beckoning for me to go


    to him. I went to his side and he snaked a n arm around my waist, pulling me closer


    to him. Salina scoffed and rolled her eyes.


    For a second, I thought I misjudged her, o r maybe it was


    because I was taking Liam from her. If the person I love was snatched away from


    me, regardless of the reason, I¡¯d be bitter too. So, I understand where she was


    Liam¡¯s hold tightened around me as if assuring me that


    everything was alright. I hoped it was or a t least would. At this moment, I


    trusted him with everything ¨C mine, and ours. He had the power to take what he


    wanted in any manner he wished, and I trusted that we were in the same boat.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t smell like a werewolf,¡± said Salina, her tone


    Salina, her tone


    dry. ¡°She¡¯s human.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a werewolf and she¡¯s my mate. I found her on the


    day of the mating ceremony which means the terms of the agreement must be


    off.


    I managed a small smile on my face. He just called me his


    mate. He called me his mate! And he saw me as a werewolf? Me, the wolf-less 1


    one, the oddity, the one in a billion rarity of the bad kind.


    Pride swelled in my chest and my insecurities didn¡¯t


    matter anymore. Liam saw me as one of our kind and had fully epted me as his


    mate. I didn¡¯t care that I wasn¡¯t as beautiful as Salina. I didn¡¯t care that Aunty


    I thought I was a recement. I didn¡¯t care that Alpha Myron disapproved of


    care that Alpha vyron disapproved of


    1. me. I didn¡¯t care that Salina judged me.


    I had once hoped for my mate toe to find me and take


    me away from my old pack. I had once dreamed that my mate would look at me and


    find me suitable for him ¨C that he would ept me for who I am and not reject


    1. me. I once prayed to the Goddess for a mate who¡¯d treat me kindly. All these¡­


    because a small part of me wanted to use my mate if I ever had one. Use him to


    get out. It was a horrible motive, but I was imprisoned. Bound to a promise,


    held down by guilt.


    Liam did all of it. He took me away from there, he


    epted me, and he treated me like I was worth it when I couldn¡¯t even find it


    in myself. I was using him. When I started to feel this way towards him, I


    couldn¡¯t pinpoint the exact point in time. But I wanted this, now more than


    But I wanted this, now more than


    ever.


    They were discussing, more like debating about the


    agreement. I couldn¡¯t hear them. My thoughts were on him, all I could see was


    him ¨C his face cid, his hold on me tight


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    The world faded around me and he was the only clear


    picture. My mate, my Alpha. The one person in the world who could gather my


    broken pieces and put them back together. The man who brought out the best in


    me, the real me. It took me some time to realize that he meant what he said


    then.


    You are my Luna¡­


    It was so simple to him. I was his mate and so I was his


    Luna. My position, my condition, never mattered to him. The logic was simple.


    mattered to him. The logic was simple.


    Did I oveplicate things that didn¡¯t need much thinking?


    He knew what he wanted and how he wanted it and he had the


    power to take it. I now know what I wanted, and I¡¯d gamble my heart again to


    get it.


    I couldn¡¯t hear him now. All I saw was my mate¡­ and his


    soft, beautiful lips.


    My hand reached out on its own and touched the side of his


    face. He stopped talking, startled and looked down at me. I pulled his face


    towards mine as I stood on my toes to kiss him. It felt right. This was right.


    His soft lips and the sparks that lit up within me were


    proof enough. The arm around me that pulled me closer to him was proof. He was


    mine, and I was his.


    Alpha Myron and Salina and the rest of


    ha Myron and Salina and the rest of the world seemed so


    far away. It was now just Liam and me. M y other hand went to the back of his


    head to deepen the kiss. He dominated m y mouth, using his tongue to explore


    every deep crevice, seductively sliding with mine. I moaned into the kiss,


    letting go of the butterflies that were trapped in my stomach. They fluttered


    all over the confined space inside of me, their wings pleasantly tickling me


    all over.


    Liam pulled away and I gasped for air. His eyes were soft.


    They looked at me with a newfound twinkle and they darkened with desire. He


    desired me¡­ the girl who got rejected, the girl who was disgraced. Heat crept


    up my cheeks. I didn¡¯t care.


    Someone cleared his throat in the background.


    Oh right, Alpha Myron is here.


    Oh right, Alpha Myron is here.


    ¡°I can see you two have gotten¡­ well acquainted,¡± he said.


    Salina was gone. The door was left open. I didn¡¯t notice


    when she had left.


    ¡°The condition has been fulfilled,¡± said Liam. ¡°I found my


    mate within the given time.¡±


    Alpha Myron smiled a calcted smile.¡± Unfortunately, we


    have no way of proving that she really is your mate.¡±


    ¡°I am his mate!¡± I eximed, a little louder than I


    intended.


    ¡°Can you prove it?¡± he asked. ¡°We know little to nothing


    about¡­ wolf-less werewolves. For all we know, this is a show, and Liam¡¯s


    using you to break off his engagement with my daughter.¡±


    Unbelievable. He just wanted a share of


    believable. He just wanted a share of Liam¡¯s power! The


    union of the Red w Pack and the Blue Moon Pack would make him almost invincible.


    I might not know much about the politics among packs and their Alphas, but 1


    anyone who heard him would conclude the same thing.


    Arrogant, how his confidence was over the top that he


    could get his way.


    I intertwined my fingers with Liam¡¯s, the tingles sending


    waves of goosebumps on the surface of m y skin. ¡°Liam honored his word. I am his


    mate, and he is mine. I have no wolf to confirm it, but I know what I feel when


    I¡¯m around him,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Why should I believe you?¡± he scoffed.


    ¡°I im Anna Be Fiora as my mate. If you don¡¯t honor


    your word, I hope you understand the circumstances,¡± Liam said slowly.


    ¡°Do not im to honor your word without proof, Liam,¡±


    Alpha Myron replied. ¡°You¡¯d orchestrate this fake show just to push my daughter


    to the side? After taking her from me, you would dare go this far to reject


    Salina?¡± His fists were balled, and he was shaking in anger.


    ¡°Yes, I would,¡± Liam said calmly. ¡°I would go as far as to


    search for my mate.¡± He looked down at me and tipped my chin. ¡°The Goddess


    gave


    her to me. The term of the agreement has been fulfilled. Leave, now.¡±


    ¡°Not without a fight,¡± Alpha Myron said. ¡°There¡¯s only one


    way we can settle this.¡±


    Liam still had his eyes on me. ¡°I won¡¯t go there I was


    you, Alpha. I won¡¯t hesitate. You may be


    Alpha. I won¡¯t hesitate. You may be her father, but I am still the 1


    Alpha of this pack.¡±


    He let go of my chin and turned to face Alpha Myron.


    ¡°You leave me no choice, boy. This is for my daughters. I


    will not allow them to be disgraced.¡±


    Leaving my side, Liam walked up to him. ¡°Then say it,¡± he


    challenged


    ¡°I, Alpha Myron Knox of the Blue Moon Pack, challenge


    Alpha Liam Rose to an Alpha Duel, for the honor of my daughters.¡±


    My eyes widened.


    An Alpha Duel¡­


    ¡°I, Alpha Liam Rose ¨C ¡°


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± I shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t do this¡­¡±


    He ignored me. ¡°I, Alpha Liam Rose of *the Red w Pack,


    ept Alpha Myron Knox of the Blue


    cept Alpha Myron Knox of the Blue Moon pack¡¯s challenge.¡±


    Alpha Myron raised his arm and Liam sped his hand.


    Together, they said the words that would seal the challenge.


    ¡°Liam¡­.¡± I whispered but he was pretended not to hear.


    ¡°Under the Goddess¡¯ light,¡± they said together.


    There was no going back now. He had wagered his wolf, his


    life, his pack¡­ and me.


    Alpha Myron lowered his arm. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tonight,


    Alpha.¡± He went straight out the door with a smirk on his face. Either he was


    overconfident, or he could really take down Liam. Can he?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Liam said with his back to m


    ¡°Why¡­¡± I whispered.


    There could have been another way to


    ere could have been another way to make Alpha Myron


    understand that I was his mate. He didn¡¯t have to take it this far ¨C he had me


    now. We could¡¯ve at least talked about this.


    A lovely, intricate pattern crawled up his arm. It looked


    like a tattoo in ck ink, long lines intertwining and circling around each


    other like tendrils. I would¡¯ve admired it i fit wasn¡¯t a timer, of the time he


    had left to honor their duel, if it wasn¡¯t proof of his bet, if it wasn¡¯t


    death¡¯s mark on him.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Chapter 34 Getting Closer


    ¨C Liam


    ¡°How could you?¡± she whispered, teary eyed.


    While I was d that she cared for me this much, I was pissed at myself for making her cry the second


    time around. She had to understand ¨C this was the only way to get the Blue Moon Pack off our backs.


    I picked up the crutch that had fallen to the floor when she kissed me. Kissed me, on her own, from out


    of the blue. I didn¡¯t know what I did to deserve it. Her eyes were different that time too ¨C soft, full of


    adoration and newfound love.


    I let it lean onto the desk, then I pulled her close to me, stroking her hair and cing kisses on the top


    of her head.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Why?¡± she asked.


    ¡°For all of us, Anna,¡± I answered.


    She wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her face on my chest.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane,¡± she said, her voice


    ou¡¯re insane,¡± she said, her voice muffled


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Selfish jerk.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    She sniffled. I kept quiet as she recovered herposure. An Alpha Duel might kill me, but not if I end


    him first. I had no intention of killing him, he¡¯s their father. But I had no intention of losing either. Not


    when everything I had was on the line.


    There was so much she didn¡¯t know, and more that I wanted to tell her. I¡¯d been keeping her in the


    dark, every one of us was, but sooner orter she¡¯d start suspecting, she¡¯d get curious, then she¡¯d start


    asking questions. For the past days, Lexy had been feeding her information o n the things she asked


    about, but the rule was that Anna should only know menial details for now. 1


    It was my burden to tell her the truth, everything that she needed and wanted to know. After all, she


    was Luna. She deserved to know.


    deserved to know


    It was..different around her, and it wasn¡¯t simply the bond. When I first saw her, when I saw the cute


    childish drawings in her pink bedroom, when she smiled at me for the first time, when she manned up


    to me ¨C I couldn¡¯t find when this started. Maybe it was when I first found her. When she had one foot


    out the door.


    If I told her, she might leave. I didn¡¯t want her to go now. I had to find my second mate to keep myself


    from marrying Salina and merging the two packs. The sole purpose of my search was to use her. To


    save me and the pack, and t o continue the bloodline.


    My emotions weren¡¯t supposed to be involved. I steeled myself for when I met her and yet I yielded to


    the bond immediately. I was¡­ falling for her, faster than I expected from myself and it was starting to


    scare me. I was getting dependent on her presence around me that her absence was unbearable.


    I breathed in her scent, her ever-calming scent. I didn¡¯t deserve her. I wanted her. I¡¯d been debating


    with Luca regarding


    been debating with Luca regarding this matter for over a week now. When should I tell her ¨C when


    would I be ready t o reveal the Liam Rose who once was?


    ¡°What¡¯ll you do?¡± she asked, her voice steady now.


    ¡°What I should.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s thinking of doing the same,¡± she said quietly


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Then why would you ept his challenge?¡± she shouted, pushing me


    away.


    She red at me with those beautiful honey-brown eyes.


    Adorable.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to get yourself killed!¡±


    I smiled at her. ¡°Do you trust me?¡±


    She bit her lower lip. I was asking too much from her. I should feel bad, and I did, but I was really happy


    that I already had a ce in her heart and head.


    ¡°I do,¡± she said, sighing,


    TU, she saiu, signing.


    I held her hand, the electrifying sensations coursing through my skin.


    She hugged me again, tighter this time.¡± I trust you.¡±


    My heart must¡¯ve stopped beating for a split second. The blood rush in my head and the loud thumping


    in my ears left me inhaling deeply for air. It worsened the situation ¨C her scent filled my lungs.


    Loosening her hold on me, I tipped her chin, so she¡¯d look up at me. This beautiful creature did things


    to me at the speed of light I couldn¡¯t remember what I was like before I met her. I brought my face down


    to hers, and she closed her eyes, already weing my advance.


    I pressed my lips down on hers, slowly, feeling the softness of them. Nibbling at her bottom lip, tracing


    the curvature with my tongue. She granted me entrance, and after putting up a fight, she let me


    dominate.


    She tasted so sinfully sweet; I could kiss her forever. Her hands pushed at the back of my head as she


    moaned into the kiss. The loveliest sound ever made.


    me lovenest sound ever made.


    My hands traveled down to her waist, tracing her curves then settling on the sides of her hips. I didn¡¯t


    dare go lower; she wasn¡¯t ready¡­ yet. I tugged on her bottom lip as I let her catch her breath, hungry


    for more of her.


    I was in too deep now. She¡¯d pulled me underwater, leaving me needing air, and I wanted the high it


    gave me ¨C I hungered for the asphyxiation.


    That was all I needed from her ¨C the affirmation that she¡¯d entrust to me, blindly, what lied ahead. They


    were all depending on me now. This was what it meant to be an Alpha ¨C to carry everyone¡¯s future on


    the shoulders without so much as showing a hint of weariness, weakness. The weight just got heavier,


    not that I mind. Because this time and for years toe, I had my Luna. I wasn¡¯t alone anymore.


    This would be thest selfish decision I make for the pack. After this, it¡¯d be the two of us. That is, if she


    wouldn¡¯t push m e away.


    ¡°I hope she doesn¡¯t


    I hope she doesn¡¯t.


    ¡°Liam,¡± she whispered, pulling me in for another thrilling kiss. Luca was howling i n my mind, wagging


    his tail in excitement.


    I was losing myself with each passing second. I wished I could manipte magic and go back in time


    to relive this moment at my whim, if it was possible Then again, there¡¯d be more moments like this and


    better ones. We had all the time in the world.


    She made a move to break the kiss, but I held her head, gathering her hair in my fist. A sweetness


    tickled my nose, and I mentally gave myself a high five. It wasn¡¯t the right time. She had to be ready.


    I broke away so she could breathe. So, I could breathe. Then I met her forehead with mine, closing my


    eyes as I calmed Luca down.


    ¡°Liam ¨C ?


    ¡°Shh¡­¡± I said, interrupting her. This needed no words. Her actions, the emotions she poured into every


    twirl of her sinful tongue were more than enough to speak for what words couldn¡¯t possibly


    speak for what words couldn¡¯t possibly convey.


    It was perfect until someone cleared their throat. She immediately turned to face who it was ¨C Gale. He


    had an apologetic look on his face, but it couldn¡¯t be helped.


    Anna blushed, hid her face with her hands.


    So adorable.


    ¡°Let¡¯s you back to your room, babe,¡± I said, handing her the crutch. She stared a tit, then a corner of


    her lip pulled up. Without warning, she jumped on me. I held out my arms just in time to catch her,


    leaning back a little at her weight. 1


    ¡°Good boy,¡± she said, tapping my chest.¡± Now, carry me to my room.¡±


    I let out a chuckle. I think I spoiled her. ¡± That was dangerous, Anna.¡±


    She rolled her eyes at me. ¡°Please, like you can¡¯t carry me with those arms.¡±


    ¡°You could¡¯ve just asked.¡±


    ¡°If you can manhandle me whenever you -want, I can do this anytime I want,¡± she replied. ¡°Let¡¯s go.


    Come on. What are you


    lied. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Come on. What are you waiting for?¡±


    Gale moved to the side to let us pass.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at his ce,¡± I told him, and he nodded, smirking.


    ¡°See youter, Gale,¡± said Anna as we headed back inside.


    She was being cheerful and carefree for m e, so I wouldn¡¯t worry about her. So, I could focus on the


    uing match. I raised her higher and kissed her forehead. My time was yet toe.


    I lowered her down her bed. She wouldn¡¯t let go of me.


    ¡°Anna, I have to go.¡±


    She shook her head. Sighing, I sat on the bed and let her sit on myp.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Liam,¡± she said, her eyes downcast. ¡°I should¡¯ve realized you were my mate.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ am your mate. You know it now,¡± I said, confused


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I did those things with Flynn.¡±


    Myjaw clenched. ¡°That was stupid.¡±


    jaw clenched. ¡°That was stupid.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°He almost killed you.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°He could¡¯ve killed you.¡±


    She bit her lip. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know what came over me. I just¡­ I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m sorry, Liam. I¡¯m


    sorry.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Do you ¨C ¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see him,¡± she said, interrupting. ¡°I don¡¯t want to face him, o r talk to him, or be anywhere


    near him. H e humiliated me, and rejected me, and beat me¡­ and I let him do those things to


    me.¡±


    She hugged herself. ¡°It was stupid. I was stupid. I¡¯m sorry I let him touch me.¡±


    I kissed the top of her head. If she didn¡¯t want to be anywhere he was, she wouldn¡¯t go back to her


    pack.


    ¡°Apology not epted.¡±


    She sniffled


    ¡°Maybe if you ki


    §¯§Ñ§å§â§Ö§ß §å§à§Ú §Ú


    Her lips crashed on mine immediately. Straddling myp, she tugged on my hair as our tongues


    danced together.


    Fuck!


    My hands found their way on her waist, slowly going down to her thighs.


    She moaned into the kiss when I gave them a light squeeze.


    So, fucking responsive.


    I pulled her closer to me, no space between us.


    The sweet smell taunted my control. Luca was forcing his way out. I growled when she started moving


    her hips.


    Fighting him back, I turned us around and mmed her on the bed, growling as I captured her lips. I


    broke the kiss and she panted for air.


    ¡°Liam¡­¡±


    I sucked a deep breath, taking in her scent. I had to calm down.


    ¡°Anna¡­ I have to go,¡± I said, forcing myself off the bed.


    myself off the bed.


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡±


    ¡°T¡¯ll see you tonight, babe.¡±


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡±


    She seemed to be in shock as to what just happened. I must¡¯ve moved too fast.


    I left the room with a smirk on my face, her flushed face brightening my mood.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Chapter 35 Sleeping Ace


    -Liam


    Behind the mansion, deep into the woods where wolfsbane grew in abundance, which was about a


    kilometer and a half from the territory¡¯s boundary, was an isted house. It was a bungalow like the


    rest of the pack¡¯s houses, painted in the same red and gray motif. The only difference was that the


    blinds were all drawn, and the outside was unkempt.


    One person lived here, and no one else was toe near this area except for Rigel, Gale, Lexy, and


    myself. The rest of the pack knew better than to take the risk of getting close to the house anyway


    since he identally zapped a few members thinking they were intruders. Their timing was unfortunate


    ¨C he had just woken up.


    ¡°Is he awake?¡± I asked Gale.


    We stopped at about ten meters from the entrance. After thest incident, he might¡¯ve set some traps


    around the house. He didn¡¯t like being disturbed. At least not when he was asleep, which was


    st not when he was asleep, which was almost an entire year.


    ¡°If I knew, we wouldn¡¯t be standing here with you,¡± he replied.


    I surveyed the surroundings. Brown fallen leaves covered the ground thickly. I f there were markings,


    there was no way o f telling. The trees could¡¯ve been marked


    too.


    ¡°Do you want to do it?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t like pain.¡±


    ¡°Still going on about that?¡±


    Gale wasn¡¯t weak. He just abhorred pain with a passion he¡¯d do almost anything t o avoid it.


    ¡°Your arm,¡± he said, pointing to it.


    The lines lengthened, creeping up from m y elbow to my upper arm, intertwining to follow the same


    pattern. It was almost sad to see this lovely piece of art be regarded as a marker of the remaining time


    of its bearer.


    ¡°Leave it,¡± I said. ¡°The match will be over soon.¡±


    over soon.¡±


    Gale shifted his attention back to the house.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you need a warm-up before the duel,¡± he said.


    Going down on one knee, he picked up a piece of stone and threw it carelessly. We held our breaths as


    we waited for something explosive or shy ¨C whatever performance he wanted to show off. The stone


    Eight¡­nine¡­ten seconds, still nothing.


    Gale exhaled in relief.


    But it felt wrong


    ¡°He must¡¯ve undone them?¡± he asked. ¡° Maybe he¡¯s awake! We could be in luck, Liam.¡±


    It didn¡¯t feel like it. I picked up a stone and threw it as well. Itnded on the ground and ¨C


    One after another, rings with written sigils around the inner area lit up on the ground. The colors were


    red and yellow.


    Fire.


    Pire.


    ¡°Stand back!¡± I shouted at Gale and pushed him to his side.


    We each hid behind a tree, and a st of


    fire zed past between the trees. Itsted for a few seconds. The heat was more than enough to burn


    the skin.


    Thanks to Luca, I didn¡¯t have to worry about getting a burn.


    Peeking behind the tree, the other half of the trunk had burned to charcoal, and all around were embers


    from ashes of burnt leaves and nearby trees. That was overkill, even for him.


    ¡°Is he trying to kill us!¡± Gale shouted in frustration. ¡°Jaymer, you ass! Get out of here!¡± 1


    No response came from the house, no sound to indicate the presence of a person.


    ¡°He¡¯s still asleep?¡± I asked.


    Gale warily looked around. ¡°Was that all o fit?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s find out,¡± I said.


    Getting behind him and grabbing him by


    tting behind him and grabbing him by the cor, I dragged him towards the frontwn.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey¡­ don¡¯t ¨C ¡°he protested but I shoved him down the once marked areas anyway. ¡°I¡¯m


    indispensable you ass!¡±


    ¡°Nothing happened,¡± I said simply as I looked around warily.


    He got back up to his feet, brushing the dirt off his jeans.


    ¡°Thank Goddess. Look, I didn¡¯t know you were with Anna, alright? Maybe next time, mind-link me to get


    you after you two are done.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Rigel?¡±


    ¡°With Salina. Our spies reported a witch. Other than that, we¡¯ve got nothing,¡± he replied, narrowing his


    eyes at the front door.


    ¡°Sister Katrina. Used to be of the ck Star Coven. What do we know about her?¡± I asked, carefully


    making my way to the house.


    ?The coven¡¯s gone. She¡¯s the only one


    he coven¡¯s gone. She¡¯s the only one alive who used to be a part of it.¡±


    ¡°What happened to them?¡±


    He wouldn¡¯t set traps directly in front of the door, would he?


    ¡°Everyone burned to their deaths.¡±


    ¡°She survived?¡±


    ¡°She killed them all.¡±


    I stopped. Witches were nasty, to say the least, but a sister killing her sister, worse. Her entire coven¡­


    the rest of her kind would hunt her for it. They were a sisterhood, all of them, regardless of their


    covens. To kill one of them would normally go unpunished¡­ 3


    ¡°How¡¯s she still alive?¡± I asked.


    The sisters should¡¯ve hunted her down to avenge their kind. Or did they change their system to adapt


    to the times ¨C everyone was capable of change, especially if it meant their survival.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said. ¡°The team suddenly lost her, and the trackers can¡¯t pick up her scent. She¡¯s bad


    news, Liam.¡±


    pick up her scent. She¡¯s bad news, Liam.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s asleep,¡± I said, sighing,


    Of all times.


    We needed him now.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± he asked, sounding worried.


    ¡°We¡¯d have to handle this without him, Assign the Delta Unit to guard Anna. Tell Rigel to split the


    trackers and spies. Have them go by three¡¯s, two trackers, one spy on each team. Have a team join the


    Delta Unit, another to the patrollers, three teams on the vige.¡±


    I turned to head back to the vige.


    ¡°Inform Lexy to prepare for the worst. Have the medical unit on standby and distribute potions to our


    men. Keep all channels open.¡±


    ¡°Get a team here but keep them twenty five meters away. Jaymer can take care of himself but I have a


    feeling he¡¯ll need a bit of time if someone uninvited wanders here.¡±


    ¡°What about Rigel?¡± he asked.


    convince Rigel to stand by me.


    My eyes zed over as I tapped into the mind-link. Using the open pack channel, I called for their


    attention. The noise died down instantly. They had to be informed a s well. We needed everyone¡­

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Chapter 36 Alpha Duel


    Liam


    It was almost nighttime. The pack kept pouring in into the open field in the woods, which we used for


    pack gatherings, often for families to hang out at night. Rigel was helping set up the bonfire, keeping


    his distance from me for


    now.


    There was noughter in their eyes. Instead, a worrying tension that they failed to hide from me.


    Surprisingly, the children were present, a lot of them. They could¡¯ve chosen to stay at their homes,


    attending tonight¡¯s event was optional. Pride swelled in my chest ¨C they¡¯re a good pack.


    They could¡¯ve berated me for epting the challenge but here they were, supporting me. How could I


    possibly let them down?


    A link tried to connect. It was Gale.¡± Alpha, everyone is in position.¡±


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your guards down.¡±


    They replied with a unified answer, in a


    ey replied with a unified answer, in a reassuring tone.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    Opening a private link with Gale, I asked, ¡°How¡¯d Anna take it?¡±


    ¡°The Delta Unit is guarding her room for now. She¡¯ll be there soon. They¡¯ll be right behind her.¡±


    ¡°And Lexy?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with Luna, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯m cutting the link for now. Keep me updated on the Delta Unit¡¯s channel.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    Angry mes ate the wood prepared, casting pale yellow flickers on everyone¡¯s eyes, the shadows


    hiding their tight closed lips. I smiled as a familiar scent came from behind me. Pretending not to notice,


    I kept seated on the log.


    Then a pair of warm hands covered my eyes.


    I heard a giggling, and my smile widened.


    ¡°¡±Hmm¡­ who could this be?¡± Lasked


    mm¡­ who could this be?¡± I asked yfully, picturing a pout on her face.


    I molded my hands into hers, reveling at the sensations she woke in me.


    ¡°Let me guess. Should I start guessing from A or Z?¡±


    I heard the click of a tongue.


    That annoyed her?


    ¡°I¡¯ll start with A. Hmm¡­ Alia?¡±


    Those hands harshly pulled themselves off. Then a loud hitnded on the back of my head, shaking my


    brain cells.


    ¡°Who is this Alia?¡± she snapped, standing in front of me with a hand on her hip


    I¡¯d tell her but it was way too soon.


    Rubbing the back of my head, I replied with a smile.


    ¡°No one, babe. I was just messing with


    you.¡±


    She pouted.


    There it is.


    There it is.


    ¡°Come here,¡± I said, motioning for her to sit beside me.


    With a little assistance, she was seated, watching our people fill the grounds. Two more bonfires were


    set up, far smaller than the first. We sat in silence, with her leaning on me and my arm around her


    waist. This was almost everyone. The Red w Pack, my pack, and now hers as well.


    Her hand found mine and our fingers intertwined. I brought it up for a kiss. I could never get enough of


    her.


    If she looked closely, she¡¯d see that the mark had reached up the sleeves of my shirt now. And if I took


    it off, the mark was already on my chest. This would be thest ¨C her silence was killing a part of me.


    A new scent wafted into the air. They were here. Alpha Myron and Salina in front with their men behind


    them, joined my pack. They kept their distance, upying one side.


    ¡°Anna -¡°I began, but she cut me off.


    This time, she brought my hand closer to


    is time, she brought my hand closer to her lips. Soft, gentle, unrushed. Her eyes looked up at me with


    rity instead of fury.


    ¡°For the pack,¡± she said, and forget that everyone was there, I captured her lips, feeling the softness of


    them as I pressed harder.


    Then I got up, and without looking back, headed straight to where Myron stood ¨C i n front of the biggest


    bonfire. Salina and Rigel were on both sides of him.


    ¡°You showed up,¡± I said in a bored tone.


    ¡°I challenged you. As Alpha, I remain true to my word.¡±


    ¡°Remember that,¡± I said.


    They will always make you.


    ¡°Who will officiate the duel?¡± he asked.¡± This pack has no elder in sight.¡±


    All elders were at the Red Circle.


    And Sister Katrina was nowhere to be found as well. None of the members had seen her, and neither


    did I since this morning


    morning


    ¡°I¡¯d like to nominate Rigel. As you are already known, he¡¯s my Head Gamma. With your consent¡­¡±


    He gave Rigel a quick look. ¡°So be it.¡±


    ¡°Salina, why don¡¯t you find yourself a seat?¡± he said, an arm around her waist a s he directed her out of


    the way. ¡°I think their Luna needspany.¡±


    She gave me a side nce, the usual spite in her expression gone, reced by sadness. That¡­


    couldn¡¯t have been right. Salina knew no such thing.


    ¡°Such a beautiful thing,¡± he said, sighing. ¡°Pity how you can¡¯t see it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough,¡± I said coldly.


    Steel gray eyes stared back at me, determined to ¡°put me in my ce¡±. Ten years ago, I would¡¯ve


    looked away. I wasn¡¯t the same person now. I had grown and changed. I wasn¡¯t a young boy; I was


    now an Alpha


    As we stared down at each other, Rigel interrupted.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± he said,


    et¡¯s get this over with,¡± he said, yawning


    Did he just fucking yawn? 4


    I was risking my life here and he was bored from this? Maybe Gale was right ¨C I might¡¯ve been too


    lenient on him.


    My pack behind me, and his pack behind him, they gathered in an imperfect circle around us. They


    were about twenty-eight meters away to give us the space we needed. Rigel¡¯s voice was loud and clear


    a she addressed everyone present.


    ¡°Tonight, the two packs havee together to witness the traditional duel between Alphas, challenged


    by Alpha Myron Knox of the Blue Moon Pack and epted by Alpha Liam of the Red w Pack. Let


    the death marks bear testimony that the Moon Goddess has given them her blessing.¡±


    That was what it was ¨C a blessing. Myron began to unbutton his shirt as Rigel continued. A little girl


    came up to him, holding a golden goblet in each of her hands.


    ¡°Let the ceremonial wine warm their


    Det the ceremonial wine warm their spirits, that it may give them the courage to see the duel to its end.¡±


    Rigel took the goblets from her and handed them to us. I emptied the content, the fiery taste of


    wolfsbane burning all the way down to my stomach.


    It felt warm at first then it began to spread to my limbs, getting hotter and hotter by the second. I


    shrugged my shoulders and stretched my neck, ignoring the burning heat. I could feel everyone¡¯s eyes


    on me, the weight of their anxiety boring on my back. They supported me with a silent trust. None


    opposed my decision. It was all riding on me now.


    ¡°The Alpha Duel has two rules: One, the winner, or in his absence, his second-inmand, gets to


    enforce his terms, and the defeated must give his Alpha Word, or in his absence, his second-in-


    perishes first or surrenders.¡±


    ¡°Myron kept a calm demeanor all


    throughout, his arms to his sides with a thoughtful expression on his face. His


    ughtful expression on his face. His eyes were set on me, shifting from timet o time to the background.


    ¡°Alphas, name your Betas,¡± said Rigel.


    ¡°Beta Gale Gavyn,¡± I said aloud.


    A snarl came from behind me, followed b y howls.


    ¡°I have none,¡± said Myron. ¡°My daughter, the future Luna shall take the Beta¡¯s ce.¡±


    Howls came from his own pack.


    ¡°I ept.¡±


    Rigel nodded, then stepped back from us.


    Myron took off his shirt, showing the death marks that were almost upon his heart. We were running


    out of time,


    He lowered himself on a solid stance. His breathing was controlled, and his eyes on me. His pack


    howled for him, and he raised both arms in a defensive position.


    I raised my shirt over my head and threw i t to the side. My pack howled, a plethora o femotions pulsing


    through the open channel. It felt hotter still. I hadn¡¯t drunk


    Annel. It felt hotter still. I hadn¡¯t drunk wine with wolfsbane in a while.


    Almost close to where the pack had gathered, Rigel stopped and got on all fours. It took him a few


    moments to shift into his wolf. Once that once done, he looked us over.


    ¡°Come,¡± said Myron.


    Rigel raised his head to the moon and howled


    I was on him immediately, my first punch blocked by his arm. I didn¡¯t give him a split second to adjust


    as I continued to rainbinations on his head and body, finding a weak spot. He blocked them all.


    Not a single hitnded.


    When I was still training under him, I couldn¡¯t defeat him. But it was different now. This wasn¡¯t a


    practice session; this wasn¡¯t a game. There were too many at stake, too much to lose.


    I didn¡¯t let him breathe as I joined in kicks along with the punches, alternating between low kicks and


    high kicks. He was ¡®faster still.


    He dodged all my attacks, without having


    dodged all my attacks, without having taken a single step back. As expected of m y father¡¯s disgraced


    Beta.


    I retreated in five steps, keeping my distance from him. My body was heating up, my breathing ragged,


    and beads of sweat rolled off my forehead.


    That must¡¯ve been a really strong mix, I don¡¯t remember it having this effect on m e. 1


    I filled my air with lungs, keeping my face straight and my stance solid. 2


    ¡°You let your guard now,¡± a voice whispered in my ear, followed by a punch aimed at my abdomen. I


    dodged to the side at thest second, still keeping my distance. My limbs felt heavier, and my heart


    hammered in my chest as I struggled to breathe. Everything felt hot like I was burning in mes but on


    the inside.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look so good, boy,¡± said Myron who was suddenly beside me.


    A powerful roundhouse kicknded on the side of my head, and I was lifted off the ground only tond


    back down. A


    Oground only tond back down. A ringing in my ears made me dizzy, and m y vision a little blurry. I


    got back up with constrained effort, the cold wind making me shiver as it blew on my sweaty back.


    I swayed on my feet, confused as to what just happened or what was happening. I nted my feet


    firmly on the ground and raised my arms for defense, but before m y eyes could see clearly, a punch


    my brain from the beating.


    ¡°You should know by now, boy,¡± he said i n a harsh tone. ¡°You always lose to me.¡±


    A mind-numbing pain shot from my jaw and I lost bnce,nding on the ground with a heavy thud. I


    tasted metal in my mouth, and I could hardly see anything from my left eye. And yet, the fire from


    earlier continued to spread and burn, my body weighing like a ton as sweat poured out of my pores.


    He ced his foot on my chest, pressing down on my heaving chest and I coughed up blood. Too hot. I


    was burning inside *like an oven and my mind was foggy. I


    e an oven and my mind was foggy. I didn¡¯t understand how I was on my back, looking up at the man I


    hated most. From the flickers of the campfire¡¯s light illuminating his face, I could see him smirk


    triumphantly as if he had already


    won.


    Won? Won what?


    I couldn¡¯t think straight with the searing pain coursing throughout my body, the pain from the bruises


    and cuts and kicks h e gave me. Something weighed my body down, something far stronger than


    gravity held me on the ground and pinned my entire body to it. I couldn¡¯t even lift a finger.


    ¡°Yield!¡± he shouted, stomping on my chest.


    My body lurched forward on its own as blood shot up from my throat to my mouth, leaving more pain in


    its sudden reaction.


    ¡°Yield!¡± he shouted again and kicked me on the side of my stomach.


    I spat the blood in my mouth and forced the word out of me


    meworu Out on me.


    ¡°No!¡± I shouted.


    Why am I saying no?


    Another kick to my side. ¡°Yield!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I shouted with Herculean effort it felt like my lungs would burst open.


    Pain.


    All I could register was the agonizing protest of every part of me and the taste o f my own blood. All I


    could feel was the relentless fire that consumed me.


    Another stomp on my chest. I couldn¡¯t tell if my body was reacting anymore.


    ¡°Yield!¡±


    But despite all the confusion and the tortuous screaming of my body, the voice in my head shouted


    ¡°no.¡± I stuck to that voice as I felt myself drowning, the pain inflicted on my flesh and the scream of


    yield¡± fading¡­


    The small voice repeated itself over and over, saying only that one word. I clungt o it like it was my


    saving grace. I clung toi t like it was the light in the darkness that surrounded me. I couldn¡¯t breathe but


    Ofrounded me. I couldn¡¯t breathe but somehow, I was alive. I couldn¡¯t feel my limbs, the pain subduing


    as I focused on that faint voice. It said no other word but


    no.¡±


    Then I heard another. ¡°If you yield, the pain will stop,¡± it said. It was louder, it drowned out the small


    voice. ¡°If you yield, you¡¯ll be free.¡±


    I told it no.


    ¡°Yield and you will free yourself of the


    pain.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Why do I keep saying no?


    ¡°Yield!¡± it demanded, shouting at me.¡± Yield, now!¡±


    The booming voice hurt my head, but I was determined to keep saying no. With every reply, the pain


    returned¡­ increasing in intensity. It felt unbearable, The fire returned. I could picture the mes raging


    and burning everything inside me. I could feel the blows on my stomach, on my legs, on my head, and


    on my chest.


    my chest.


    And louder than the shouting voice in my head was something familiar. It said no words, it was but a


    sound. A sound that lit something in my mind. Something in me pulsed, slow at first then faster and


    faster


    A scream tore through my throat. A scream so low and guttural in my ears, it didn¡¯t sound human. I felt


    my bones crack, and my insides twist and move. Another scream forced its way out my mouth, and I


    mmed my head back down to stop the splitting headache.


    The pain grew tenfold than before. I was being split. I gasped for air as my lungs began to feel smaller,


    and soon I was struggling to breathe. My body spasmed, the mes jumping around.


    I was losing my senses, losing a sense of who I was. All I could feel and think of were the waves of


    furious torture that racked throughout my body, intent on destroying me.


    Someone screamed, her voice almost a


    cry.


    ¡°Liam!!!


    jam!!!¡±


    Then everything went ck


    When I opened my eyes, I was face to face with a wolf. The murderous gaze of gray eyes focused on


    me. The wolf in front of me snarled and snapped its jaw ¨C Alpha Myron.


    ¡°Stay with me,¡± said Luca.


    Luca?


    Realization dawned on me at the mention of his name. I was in his body, and he was in full control. The


    pain from earlier was gone, and I felt a lump gather in my throat. I still felt hot, althoughpared t o


    the raging wildfire earlier, this one felt like dying embers.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked him.


    The wolf attacked, jumping forward and aiming for our neck. Luca growled and tilted his head,


    sessfully biting at the wolf¡¯s left hind leg. It whimpered, then dragged itself a short distance from us.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he replied, warily eyeing him. ¡°I can¡¯t hold on much longer, Liam.¡±


    Myron limped but he wasn¡¯t backing


    ron limped but he wasn¡¯t backing down. He aimed for our neck once more that Luca and I had to fight


    him off again. He continued attacking, looking for the split-second opening that would guarantee his


    win.


    This had be what it truly was ¨C a fight to the death.


    ¡°You have to finish him,¡± said Luca, heavily panting


    Luca staggered, body leaning to one side that we almost tipped over.


    Myron jumped to our side.


    Luca whimpered. He got bit on his side. Taking advantage of our bigger size, Luca snapped his jaws at


    the wolf¡¯s head. Then, he paced back for some distance.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ fading,¡± he said.


    He didn¡¯t give me time to process what was happening or to reply.


    Growling, he lurched forward at an incredible speed and I understood this was hisst strength.


    -¡°I¡¯ll give you an opening.¡±


    il give you an opening.


    Luca found his neck and bit down, hard. H e moved his head from side to side, trying to tear the flesh


    apart as ast show of strength and defiance. Myron howled in pain before dropping to the ground,


    blood dripping down his neck.


    Luca howled at the moon, then he retreated. His body was returning, mine showing itself in ce of it.


    The fire returned to consume me; my insides had probably burnt to coal by now. A growl escaped me.


    Myron was shifting back to his human form as well. Lifting one heavy foot up, then another, and


    another¡­


    I dropped on my knees when I neared him. He was sputtering red, and he¡¯d choke on his own blood if


    this continued. Positioning myself right beside him, I dangled one arm from his shoulder, then slowly


    brought it up to capture his neck tightly.


    I was losing consciousness. Everything was beginning to fade again.


    I tightened my hold, strangling him harder. His legs kicked at the ground


    O der. His legs kicked at the ground while his nails wed at my arms and reached up desperately for


    my face.


    I was going¡­


    ¡°Yield!!!¡± I shouted, using up all the air i n my lungs as I poured thest of my strength into choking him.


    Itsted for what seemed like a long time¡­


    Until I heard him whisper something, and my body was beyond exhausted that my hold loosened, and I


    instantly fell on my back. The fire had fully consumed me. I felt nothing anymore. The beating of my


    heart, the unbearable heat, the pain in m y chest ¨C everything, gone. There was only tranquility. My


    breathing heavy with every intake, the moon high up in the sky watching my struggle.


    Am I dying?


    ¡°Alpha Liam has won the Alpha Duel!¡± someone shouted, and cheers and howls erupted, cutting


    through the peaceful feeling washing over me. I smiled, letting it take over. My body felt lighter and


    lighter until I couldn¡¯t feel it anymore.


    This feels¡­ peaceful.


    This feels¡­ peaceful.


    There was no pain, no pain of any kind. Just aforting quiet, a soft warm embrace. Every memory I


    treasured shed by in a blur.


    They¡¯re waiting for me.


    Something pulsed in my head. Curiosity took over and I opened it.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± a voice said. It was Gale, my best friend, and Beta. My little brother.


    I smiled, that snotty boy was all grown up now. His voice was urgent as he spoke again.


    ¡°Vampires were spotted near the territory. Rogues iing.¡±


    Vampires? Rogues?


    I think he was saying something else, but I was floating away somewhere. So light and so free, I was


    leaving for somewhere.


    Where?


    I felt a pleasant tingling on my skin. I felt warmth.


    That feels nice. Where do I go now?


    That feels nice. Where do I go now?


    If I floated away, I got the feeling these lovely sensations wouldn¡¯tst long. I didn¡¯t like that. I wanted it


    tost for as long as it could


    I felt the warmth spread. Then something


    ¡­ wet.


    Why would I feel wet?


    Sighing in my head, I went back down. There was something wrong. The warmth I felt was getting


    cold¡­ colder as I felt myself get heavier. I wasn¡¯t floating anymore, I was descending. It didn¡¯t feel right


    to float. The cold troubled me.


    All of a sudden, I heard a sniffle. My lids felt like lead, but I forced them open anyway.


    Anna.


    My heart sank. She had tears in her eyes, and her lips quivered.


    I¡¯m sorry.


    I could never do anything right by her. All I did to her since she got here was make her cry and worry. I


    couldn¡¯t even protect her when she needed me the most.


    I could, but I was too tired to reply. Luca was retreating further into my mind and soon the link would


    cut. I had to warn her.


    I opened my mouth to speak, but only my lips parted. She had to get to safety.


    Run. Run. Run!


    I was screaming in my mind, but she brought her face to mine instead and kissed me. So soft, so


    sweet, so right. But she had to leave.


    Please¡­ run.


    If something ever happened to her, I¡¯d never forgive myself. She didn¡¯t deserve this. None of them


    deserved this. They had to run, all of them. For now.


    I can¡¯t protect them, again.


    How much time had gone by? They had to get away from here.


    I tried to speak again. The darkness pulled me into itself. A breath left my lips as my eyes closed. I


    could only hope I said the word

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Chapter 37 Luna¡®s Pleas


    -Anna


    His body went limp as he closed his eyes, lips parted, a single breath leaving his mouth.


    ¡°No. No. Liam. Liam¡­¡±


    I pped his face gently for a few times t o wake him. He couldn¡¯t just leave me. He couldn¡¯t just¡­


    I screamed his name over and over as I pped his face harder, but he didn¡¯t respond. Sweat and


    blood slicked his face and arms. He had bruises all over his torso. He felt cold. Too cold like he had


    been submerged in icy water for hours.


    ¡°Liam¡­¡± I whispered, choking at the words I wanted to say. More tears flowed as I cupped his cheek.


    Please open your eyes. Please¡­ you can¡¯t just leave me¡­ us. The pack needs you. I need you.


    A firm grip on my shoulder made me jerk my head up. The pack members had surrounded us, looking


    down at us with


    nee your


    A firm grip on my shoulder made me jerk my head up. The pack members had surrounded us, looking


    down at us with pained faces, most of them in tears. I looked back to the person behind me. It was


    Rigel. He wore a calm expression, but his eyes flickered momentarily into a deeper shade of forest


    green.


    ¡°Anna! Liam!¡± a voice shouted. Lexy came running to us, the pack making way for her and three more


    members. ¡°Le¡­ he


    She got down on her knees and pressed two fingers below his ear.


    ¡°He has a pulse,¡± she said, beckoning for herpanions to put the stretcher down.


    I hesitantly handed him to them, and with Rigel¡¯s help, I shakily got to my feet.


    Lexy¡¯s face hardened and her brows furrowed.


    ¡°Come with us,¡± she said, joining the rest who were already carrying Liam away from the scene. I


    nodded and was about to follow when the murmuring of the pack stopped me. Their eyes were


    pack stopped me. Their eyes were glued to Liam, a glimmer of hope in their eyes. None of them looked


    back at us as they hurried to get him to the clinic.


    I took deep breaths to calm myself.


    He¡¯s going to be alright. Lexy¡¯s the best healer there was. He¡¯ll wake up, right?


    He fought hard for us. Seeing him get kicked and punched and stepped on was mortifying, but he


    always got back up. He didn¡¯t scream in pain, he didn¡¯t ask for a break, he never pleaded for his


    opponentt o stop. He kept denying, he kept saying ¡°n o¡±, and he kept fighting back.


    The pack cheered him on regardless. They believed he¡¯d win, and he did. They trusted their futures


    upon himpletely, even though he epted the challenge suddenly and on his own. And even now,


    they continued to hope that he would return to them.


    Noble. Admirable.


    For his people to ce this much faith in him, I was yet to understand how burdensome it must be for


    him. I was Willing to share it. He didn¡¯t have to bear the weight alone. Not anymore.


    ughtful expression on his face. His eyes were set on me, shifting from timet o time to the background.


    ¡°Alphas, name your Betas,¡± said Rigel.


    ¡°Beta Gale Gavyn,¡± I said aloud.


    A snarl came from behind me, followed b y howls.


    ¡°I have none,¡± said Myron. ¡°My daughter, the future Luna shall take the Beta¡¯s ce.¡±


    Howls came from his own pack.


    ¡°I ept.¡±


    Rigel nodded, then stepped back from us.


    Myron took off his shirt, showing the death marks that were almost upon his heart. We were running


    out of time,


    He lowered himself on a solid stance. His breathing was controlled, and his eyes on me. His pack


    howled for him, and he raised both arms in a defensive position.


    I raised my shirt over my head and threw i t to the side. My pack howled, a plethora o femotions pulsing


    through the open channel. It felt hotter still. I hadn¡¯t drunk


    zone immediately.


    The children began to wail, and their mothers gathered them in their arms.


    ¡°Mind-link everyone left in the vige. Retreat to the Forbidden Area, Block 2E.¡±


    As soon as he finished, the pack ran ahead of us. Most of them shifted into their wolves and sprinted,


    into the Forbidden Area Rigel had just mentioned.


    Everyone in the vige?


    I watched the pack members frantically run over to safety. This wasn¡¯t an evacuation. They were


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    retreating,


    Why?


    The Alpha was down. No one to issue orders and coordinate a counterattack among the different units.


    They couldmunicate via a mind-link but that¡¯d only lead to more confusion. They were sitting


    ducks, we all were. Loyal to the Alpha, the Gammas would fight to theirst. The howls grew louder.


    This time, it came in random intervals, and most sounded pained.


    Rigel was gripping my arm painfully as h e dragged me forward. I was a distraction,


    ragged me forward. I was a distraction. They needed their Head Gamma and here he was, dragging


    my sorry self to safety. Could we win without him?


    They knew more about this pack than I did. This was the Red w Pack! They took down other packs


    and they were thergest pack on the continent.


    I had to trust them¡­ trust Gale¡­


    And yet my gut shouted at me to interfere.


    They had a strong chain ofmand until the Alpha, the head, was cut off the picture. The Beta was


    next, but if the attack was widespread¡­


    Gale could handle it. I didn¡¯t underestimate any of them in the slightest. I shouldn¡¯t do this. I¡¯d only get i


    n the way. But¡­ I couldn¡¯t let them do this alone when I could do something¡­


    I forced myself to a stop.


    Rigel red at me. ¡°What are you doing? We have to get you out of here,¡± he implored.


    Take me to Liam,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Lexy will ¨C


    I shook my arm off his grasp and started t o run, more like limp, towards the clinic. He had no choice


    but to follow.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked, irritated.


    ¡°I need to be with him. Get me a map and give me a run-down of our units. You¡¯ll b erny eyes and ears


    until this is over.¡±


    ¡°Anna, I have to get you to safety!¡± he shouted, his eyes shing a dangerous re.


    I understood that keeping him here was frustrating him. His men were on the frontlines and he should


    be there with them. But he had to make up for my shoring. I didn¡¯t have a wolf.


    He made a move to grab my hand, but I jumped to my side to avoid it, bncing o n one foot. I kept up


    with my pace.


    ¡°Anna please!¡± he shouted. ¡°Listen to m


    e!¡±


    ¡°I need¡­ I need you to ry orders to our


    fighters!


    My mind was thinking up how we could survive this, years of training under my father kicking in.


    Tamen RICKING m.


    ¡°I¡¯m joining the fight.¡±


    ¡°Liam is unconscious, for fu-¡±


    ¡°Not Liam¡¯s,¡± I said, looking him right in the eye. ¡°Mine.¡±


    The door opened with a bang. One of Lexy¡¯s assistants was on his way out.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± I demanded, and he pointed to a hallway. My voice must¡¯ve shocked him ¨C I was


    beyond anxious and


    furious.


    We passed by a line of disyed lockers. A map was spread out on the wall beside the pack crest. I


    hurriedly removed the pins and clung to the map.


    ¡°This way,¡± said Rigel, passing me by and leading the way


    When we reached the room, from the small circr ss window, I could see him lying down on a bed,


    with an oxygen mask on and different tubes attached to his body. The people gathered around him,


    every single one of them busy with their own tasks.


    ¡°You¡¯re taking his ce?¡± Rigel asked


    ou¡¯re taking his ce?¡± Rigel asked silently, his lips set in a deep frown.


    He reached for my arm, but I pulled it back, avoiding him. ¡°No, Rigel!¡±


    ¡°I have to get you to safety, Sarina!¡± he shouted, making me gasp. He pped himself once, hard,


    leaving a red handprint on his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Anna, please¡­¡±


    I shook my head, dismissing his outburst. We¡¯d discuss itter. Right now, we had three forces to deal


    with.


    ¡°Their positions and units. Mark all of it o in the map.¡±


    ¡°Anna¡­¡±


    ¡°I am your Luna, and you will obey mymands!¡± I shouted.


    His eyes widened then he recovered, his eyes the normal clear green.


    ¡°Now do as you¡¯re told, Head Gamma.¡±


    His gaze hardened as he stared down at m


    ¡°Fine,¡± he said through gritted teeth. He snatched the man from muhand and


    atched the map from my hand and spread it on the floor. He pointed to several spots as he gave a brief


    summary of their positions and numbers.


    The rogues are here,¡± he said, pointing t o an area in the northeast borders, ¡°and here.¡± Another area


    on the eastern borders. ¡°Right now, the special units are on standby. The remaining Gammas have split


    into two.¡±


    From the north, it was closer to the castle. The attack on the east most likely targeted the vigers. But


    why? The timing was impable. There weren¡¯t many members in the vige. If they attacked earlier,


    they would¡¯ve had more advantages.


    Their number was too many and rogues usually acted alone or in small groups. This seemed like a


    coordinated attack. It couldn¡¯t have been a coincidence. What were they really after?


    ¡°Where¡¯s the Forbidden Area?¡± I asked,¡± Block2E?¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± he said, pointing to a spot the farthest from the attacks.


    ¡°Why¡¯s it forbidden?¡±


    Why¡¯s it forbidden?¡±


    ¡°The pack¡¯s craziest member lives there. He¡¯s isted for many reasons, but when need be, he will


    protect the pack,¡± he replied


    ¡°How?¡± I ask, ¡°Who¡­ what¡­ is he?¡±


    He hesitated in answering. ¡°He¡­ he¡¯s a very powerful witch.¡±


    Witch! That¡¯s it!


    ¡°Where¡¯s the witch who came with the Blue Moon Pack?¡± I overheard Lexy talking to some scary-


    looking warriors earlier at the mansion about a witch.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°Keep the channel open. Pass this to


    Gale.¡±


    His eyes zed over.


    ¡°Tell him I¡¯m takingmand. Pull back our fighters on the east borders and have them join our forces


    on the northeast.¡±


    ¡°The rogues will enter.¡±


    ¡°Let them. Mobilize all special units near the area. Draw them into the territory. The slope should slow


    them down. Tell


    The slope should slow them down. Tell those units to repeatedly engage and retreat.¡±


    ¡°More rogues areing,¡± he growled, rying Gale¡¯s reply.


    ¡°In the absence of the Head Gamma, the Delta Unit will lead them. All special units near the Forbidden


    Area are to gather there immediately. They have only one order: protect the pack at all costs.¡±


    ¡°The Delta Unit is for you, Luna!¡±


    ¡°I am with the Head Gamma. He is more than enough to protect me,¡± I retorted.¡± Where is this very


    powerful witch? Which border is he assigned?¡±


    ¡°He is asleep, Luna.¡±


    ¡°Wake him up!¡±


    A witch, who was no doubt a powerful one, would greatly increase our chances o f surviving. Then I


    was reminded, what happened to the Blue Moon Pack?


    I shook my head; they were none of my concern. They shouldn¡¯t be¡­


    ¡°We can¡¯t. He¡¯ll go on a rampage if we force him.¡±


    TULCEM


    I clicked my tongue in annoyance. This was my first to hear of a sleeping witch.¡° Get the spies to watch


    the Blue Moon Pack. Under no circumstances are they allowed to engage. Their orders are to observe


    and report suspicious activity immediately.¡±


    Rigel remained silent. ¡°Beta, please let m e help¡­¡±


    ¡°I have an Order,¡± said Rigel, rying his reply. ¡°What are your intentions, Anna? I f it goes against my


    Order, I will not let you take part in this.¡±


    ¡°I have no other intentions but to protect the pack and my Alpha,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°My Order is to protect our people,¡± he said. ¡°Very well. The Red w Pack ces their faith on their


    Luna.¡±


    ¡°Keep this a secret between us. Am I clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Luna,¡± he replied. Rigel¡¯s eyes fluttered as he came back to himself. ( Yes, Luna,¡± he repeated.


    This time, the ¡°answer came from him.


    This was supposed to be on the Beta¡¯s


    is was supposed to be on the Beta¡¯s hands.


    But, with Liam fighting for all of us, forgive me for being selfish, everyone.


    This would be straining for Rigel. I¡¯d apologize and prostrate before himter until he was satisfied, so


    let me be selfish for now.


    ¡°Keep me informed,¡± I said firmly, and h e nodded.


    The door suddenly opened and Lexy stepped out.


    ¡°How is he?¡± I asked, feeling a sting on m y already swollen eyes.


    She drew a sharp intake of air.


    ¡°Werewolf poison and ck magic,¡± she divulged, her voice cracking. 2


    She looked at Rigel with worrying eyes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­¡± she trailed.


    Hands covered her face, and her shoulders shook as she sobbed.


    ¡°Almost immediately, she showed us her face again. Blinking away the toare che


    e again. Blinking away the tears, she wiped the moisture off with her fingers.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t¡­ won¡¯t¡­ work,¡± she said.


    I didn¡¯t know if it¡¯d work. Lexy was about to have a breakdown. Liam lying on that metal bed with the


    machine beeping high


    and fast, he looked dead. It was up to me


    now.


    ¡°What does he need?¡± I asked, holding Lexy by her arms. ¡°Lexy¡­¡±


    ¡°B-Blood,¡± she hupped. She was shaking even worse now, and Rigel was already on her side. ¡°Po-


    poison¡­ in¡­ blood.¡±


    It¡¯s crazy for me to think I can save him.


    ¡°Use my blood,¡± I told her. ¡°It¡¯ll heal him.¡±


    I shouldn¡¯t get their hopes up.


    ¡°Wha-what?¡± she asked, gasping for air.


    ¡°My blood can heal. I¡¯ll exinter. Trust me. Change his blood with mine.¡±


    She stared at me with widened eyes like I had just gone insane. Maybe I was. It sounded insane in my


    mind, it sounded


    unded insane in my mind, it sounded desperate.


    ¡°Trust me,¡± I whispered, ncing at Liam behind her shoulder. ¡°Please¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll lose too much,¡± Lexy answered.


    I smiled in relief. She epted. ¡°To change all of it, you¡¯ll ¨C a


    ¡°Do it,¡± I said, interrupting her.


    We should wake that sleeping beauty and drag his ass over here so he could heal m y Liam!


    ¡°Now, Lexy!¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she breathed, as she led me into the room.


    ¡°Rigel, update,¡± I ordered as they prepared me.


    ¡°The Gammas have all gathered on the northeast border. The special units are slowing down the


    rogues on the eastern border. All pack members are ounted for and in the Forbidden Area. The


    Blue Moon Pack has fled to the south.¡±.


    ¡°Good. Whichever of the borders gets cleared first, order all units to assist the


    ared first, order all units to assist the remaining immediately. Block 2E team is still on stand-by. Send


    spies to check the vige. Make sure no rogue is left behind.¡± 1


    ¡°Yes, Luna.¡±


    Iid down on another bed beside his. His skin was going blue, and he was still as if he was a corpse.


    His chest neither rose nor fell, and hisshes didn¡¯t flutter in the slightest. It¡¯d be alright now. This had


    to work. No one was going to die again ¨C not under my watch. It was too early¡­ too early for him to go.


    Things were just beginning between us. It was a rocky start and we still had a lot to clear u p, but we


    were headed in the right direction.


    I don¡¯t ept it. You have to live.


    Someone squeezed my hand. ¡°Anna, if we do this, you¡¯ll lose¡­ you¡¯ll d-¡°


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± I said, smiling up at her.¡± After scaring the souls out of us, I won¡¯t forgive him until I give him a


    good smacking.¡±


    ¡®Her assistants chuckled at my statement.


    Her assistants chuckled at my statement,


    ¡°I¡¯m the Head Healer of the pack,¡± she stated, looking me straight in the eye. ¡°N o Alpha or Luna is


    dying under my watch. Trust me.¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± I replied, looking at my mate.


    I reached for his hand and intertwined m y fingers with his. They felt ice cold. A shiver ran up my spine.


    You¡¯ll be alright. I promise.


    I closed my eyes as I felt the soft wet cotton dab on my skin. Then a slight prick of the needle. I focused


    on breathing as the needle settled under my skin. It was ufortable, to say the least.


    ¡°Update, Luna,¡± said Rigel.


    I was still conscious enough for this. I nodded my head


    ¡°Vampires have entered the territory from the Northwest,¡± he said.


    Vampires? The packs have a treaty with the Vampire King, a truce that¡¯d been honored for millennia.


    Vampires weren¡¯t wee here, and werewolves weren¡¯t


    e here, and werewolves weren¡¯t wee on their own hunting grounds. Nasty species.


    What were they after ¨C the witch? Was he that powerful? Regardless, they needed to be captured alive


    as much as possible. This was a serious breach of the truce; it might bebeled as a rebelling against


    the werewolves.


    ¡°How many? What¡¯s the situation on the borders?¡±


    Lexy¡¯s assistants tensed and nced at each other with worrying looks.


    ¡°The scouts reported two. The Gammas need more time.¡±


    They wereing from the northwest, too close to the Forbidden Area. If I moved the Delta Unit, the


    pack would be left defenseless.


    There might be more of them. Or if it¡¯s just the two of them, then they¡¯re high ranking


    Either way, I couldn¡¯t risk it. We had to make a move.


    ¡°Mobilize the Delta Unit. Engage from a


    dobilize the Delta Unit. Engage from a distance. Avoid closebat for as long a s possible,¡± I


    ordered.


    ¡°Luna, half the Delta Unit can take on two vampires.¡±


    ¡°Do not underestimate them, Rigel. Two vampires can easily ughter a pack if they¡¯re high-ranking.¡±


    ¡°Do not underestimate my team, Luna,¡± he said. I could see him smirk. His team?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I heard a crumbling sound. Opening my eyes, I saw that he had punched the wall outside, a small


    cloud of cement dust clouding his fist.


    ¡°They need me out there¡­¡± he whispered.


    ¡°With all due respect Head Gamma, you¡¯d be of more use here. One more man can¡¯t change the tides


    of battle.¡±


    ¡°Anything can turn the tables, Anna,¡± he said sternly, looking me straight in the eye.


    His fist was shaking in fury, but I couldn¡¯t let him go. He strode towards m e with a scowl on his face.


    ¡°Gale and the


    with a scowl on his face. ¡°Gale and the warriors, the medics¡­ they¡¯re all risking their lives for the pack


    and here I am acting as a phone. I¡¯m more useful in the face of battle, Anna. In here, I¡¯m nothing but a


    coward. But I can¡¯t leave your side because I¡¯ve been given an Order.¡±


    Lexy got between us before he could get any closer.


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± she said sternly.


    My head was spinning as more blood traveled through the tube. I squeezed Liam¡¯s hand, hoping to feel


    the warmth from them again. They were cold.


    ¡°I need my knight.¡±


    My vision blurred and I could only hear their voices faintly. I tried to concentrate on what they were


    saying but only inaudible sounds registered in my brain. The pack must survive. Liam must live.


    I think I heard howls from a distance.


    It must¡¯ve been my imagination. The rogues shouldn¡¯t be nearby.


    ¡°Jaymer woke up,¡± said Rigel. ¡°He¡¯s¡­¡±


    I couldn¡¯t hear him anymore. My body


    buldn¡¯t hear him anymore. My body felt too light yet too heavy. The blurry images were a pain that I


    closed my eyes instead. As I held his arm, my mind wandered back to when we first met, the events


    that took ce within a week ¨C it was all rather interesting.


    Almost everything was now new to me. The world was full of colors and everything vibrant and full of


    life.


    It all happened because Liam found me that night, and he epted me as his mate. He never once


    called me hurtful names, or shouted at me, or treated me like I wasn¡¯t a person.


    My body was protesting. All the blood was leaving my system and I could feel m y heart frantically


    jumping.


    Goddess, please don¡¯t take them away from me.


    ¡°Keep them safe,¡± I whispered as the world faded into the background.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    Chapter 38 Tiring Wake


    -Anna


    Beep Beep. Beep.


    What an annoying sound


    I cracked an eye open, staring at a white ceiling. To my right was a machine that constantly emitted the


    sound.


    Very annoying.


    I tried to sit up, but my muscles ached. I felt weak and tired all over. A muffled groan vibrated from my


    throat.


    ¡°Anna?¡±


    Gale came into view, and I opened my other eye. He stared down at me with a ck jaw, before


    running out of the room.


    What the


    ¡°Anna?¡±


    It was Lexy this time. She came over to m e, with a huge smile on her face. I smiled back, just a little.


    My vision was spinning,


    and I felt lightheaded. I shook my head REDMI NOTE


    gently, but it worsened the dizziness. CO AI QUAD CAMERA


    gently, but it worsened the dizziness.


    How do you feel?¡± she asked, sitting on the bed.


    ¡°Ghe¡­¡± I meant to say ¡°great¡± but instead managed a raspy whisper.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. You should take it easy for now,¡± said Gale.


    I caught the aroma of bittersweet coffee.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± someone said breathily.


    Straining my neck, I looked up to see Rigel standing by the door with two cups of coffee in his hand.


    They all looked like they hadn¡¯t slept in a while. Lexy¡¯s lips were chapped and her greasy hair was tied


    in a messy bun. Gale still had morning stars in his eyes, and Rigel¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. Despite the


    strong smell of alcohol and room freshener, their stink still permeated through ¨C they could all use a


    long, warm bath.


    My gut clenched. I remembered passing out. I swallowed then licked my lips.


    ¡°The pack?¡± I whispered, unable to form proper sounds. I kept my eyes closed,


    moper sounds. I kept my eyes closed, trying to ignore the swirling fog in my head.


    ¡°We¡¯re alright,¡± said Lexy. I felt her hand on mine. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ we¡¯re¡­ we¡¯re¡­ thank


    you.¡±


    Thank you?


    I left them when they needed me. Taking care of the pack had left a toll on them. The pack was alright


    ¨C we survived the attack.


    Attack?


    Liam. He¡­


    My eyes shot open and I felt a twang in m y heart. He wasn¡¯t here. He should be here.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Where ¨C where is he?


    The beeping became louder. My head hurt. Listening to it, thinking about this¡­


    As if sensing my panic, Lexy squeezed my hand.


    Bro¡¯s in the other room,¡± she said.


    Room?


    ¡°ROONITE


    Something wet stung my eyes and I realized I was crying. He should be here with me, standing beside


    me and holding my hand.


    What¡¯s he doing in the other room? Is he still alive? Wha- what¡¯s this ¡°other room¡±?


    A hand wiped the tears that slid down my temples


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Anna. He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s going to b e fine.¡± Lexy¡¯s voice cracked. I must¡¯ve been out for days. And


    Liam wasn¡¯t awake yet.


    ¡°He¡¯s the Alpha, Anna,¡± Rigel said gently. ¡°He just needs more time.¡±


    ¡°You were out for a week,¡± said Gale, holding my other hand. ¡°He¡¯ll wake up soon. If there¡¯s one thing I


    know about him, it¡¯s that he always keeps his promises.¡±


    I sniffled. I just woke up and I was already bringing the atmosphere down on them. I should be doing


    the opposite ¨C cheering them on and raising their hopes up. This should be a happy moment for us.


    stou DomainaPPY TITOTTEN TOT US.


    Stupid Anna!


    I nodded my head in agreement ¡°Yes¡­. he¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    Pulling my hands off their grasps, I wiped the tears with my palms. There would be other days to cry. I


    needed to be strong right now.


    ¡°Up.¡±


    Gale supported my back as he and Lexy helped me sit up, my back leaning on pillows against the


    headboard. Rigel handed me a ss of water. I took small sips until it was half-empty, the warm water


    soothing my dry throat.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked, my voice now full.


    ¡°Rigel and I were a match, and so were other members of the pack,¡± Lexy exined. ¡°Surprisingly, you


    lived long enough for us to replenish the blood loss. We ran some tests on your blood, and¡­¡±


    I nodded. They shouldn¡¯t have done that without my consent. This was our secret ¨C Carson and I, until


    Alpha Fraser and m y father caught me using my blood to


    ther caught me using my blood to heal a scratch on his knee.


    There was nothing strange from the results. It all came out normal,¡± she said.


    I guess we¡¯d never know why I was like this.


    ¡°Liam?¡± Tasked.


    ¡°We changed out his blood with yours. Toxicity levels went down drastically. Damaged tissue repaired


    itself¡­¡± she said, raising her eyes at me.


    ¡°Restored¡­ would be more appropriate. I t was like he never had any injury.¡±


    I sighed in relief. It worked. I only knew it healed physical injuries¡­


    I see. I¡¯m d.


    My eyes were starting to tear up again. I pinched my arm to keep myself grounded. This was no time to


    get emotional


    ¡°Ooofff!


    Lexy suddenly threw herself on me.¡± Thank you for saving my brother,¡± she whispered.


    whispered.


    Galejoined her from the other side. Thank you for saving my brother and best friend.¡±


    Rigel cleared his throat. I smiled at him a s he turned his head, hesitating. He came over and joined


    from Gale¡¯s side.¡± Thanks for not dying on us.¡±


    Smack!


    We shared augh as Rigel rubbed the back of his head.


    ¡°Can you stop being an ass for a minute?¡± Lexy reprimanded.


    ¡°I missed you guys.¡±


    ¡°We missed you too,¡± replied Gale, pulling away.


    ¡°Can I see him?¡±


    ¡°Maybe not now,¡± said Lexy.


    I nodded. My body didn¡¯t feel like me for now. And¡­ I wasn¡¯t ready to face him yet.


    ¡°You should rest for now,¡± said Rigel.


    But I¡¯ve been resting for a week already,¡± I whined.


    plecady,¡± I whined.


    A week?


    ¡°Lucky you, Rigel said, smirking.¡± We¡¯ve been working our asses off since the attack. I¡¯d love to take


    your ce right now.¡±


    I smiled up¡­ he was suddenly behind Gale. Lexy was ring at him.


    Goddess, they¡¯re a yful bunch.


    ¡°Come on, children. Break it up,¡±I chided. They narrowed their eyes at me.


    ¡°Children?¡± asked Gale.


    ¡°Children¡­¡± trailed Lexy, already blushing


    Rigel stuck his tongue out at me, making me snicker.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child,¡± he said, crossing his arms and turning his head in a scoff.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said, chuckling. ¡°Do you guys mind telling me what happened while I was out?¡±


    Lexy gasped, looking at her watch. ¡°I¡¯ve t o make rounds. I¡¯ll see you guyster.¡± She went beside me


    and gave me a quick


    went beside me and gave me a quick hug


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving on purpose, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no. I¡¯ll be checking up on you too as soon as I¡¯m done,¡± she said, smiling as she disappeared


    out the door.


    I looked over at the two and raised a brow. ¡°Well??


    Gale let out a silent yawn, forcing his lips to stay sealed


    Rigel sighed and ced a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Go get some sleep. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    He yawned again and went to where he was sitting on a couch pushed up against the wall on the far-


    left corner of the room.


    ¡°How long has he been here?¡± I asked, watching how he almost copsed as he neared the couch


    ¡°We¡¯ve been taking turns. It really isn¡¯t much, but with Liam asleep, he¡¯s in charge of keeping the pack


    together,¡± he answered.


    ¡°This can wait. You look tired too. You should sleep.¡±


    should sleep.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± he asked, yawning.


    ¡°Positive,¡± I replied. ¡°I need my knight energized.¡±


    Rigel grinned. He helped mey back down slowly, something I was thankful for because I didn¡¯t miss


    the dizziness.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I heard the door click, and his footsteps a she went to the opposite corner from where Gale was. A soft


    flutter of sheets, then silence. I took a deep breath to calm my thoughts.


    ¡°Thank you foring back,¡± he said. ¡°I thought I¡¯d lose you.¡±


    His voicecked the usual yful hint. It was low, dry, almost inaudible.


    I smiled. ¡°And leave my knight behind to serve another princess?¡± I questioned, then scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m your


    princess until you find your mate, Rigel. Get used to it.¡± ¨C


    He didn¡¯t reply. I could picture the grin across his face. Gale¡¯s loud snores filled the silence. Minutes


    Might as well join in.


    ght as well join in


    Hourster, I was up to date on the events. I¡¯d taken a short warm shower and changed into more


    training in the world could¡¯ve ever prepared me for this.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Chapter 39 Coldest Dark


    Liam


    When I came to, warmth seeped into mei n electrifying currents. My lids felt heavy still, and in the


    darkness that I found myself floating in, I clung to thisforting warmth that melted away the cold.


    Here I felt nothing, heard nothing, tasted nothing beyond what was supposed to be my physical body. I


    contemted if this was death, or the transition to it, but the warmth calmed m e down. I could feel it


    inside me,ing from my wrists then up to my arms, as it dispersed through every part of me. It made


    me feel alive, gave me hope of something¡­ that I couldn¡¯t quite point out.


    There used to be voices I couldn¡¯t decipher, whispers and a far distant scream. There used to be a


    woman with the light behind her that I couldn¡¯t see her face. I didn¡¯t hear them anymore. I couldn¡¯t see


    her anymore. My mind was s o sure of these and now¡­ I wasn¡¯t.


    I continued to drift in and out of consciousness, and every time I was awake, I was still floating, and I


    couldn¡¯t open my eyes. The cold was gone. There were only darkness and warmth. I had forgotten who


    I am and how I got here. I tried many times to bring back something in my mind, for an image toe


    up¡­ anything; there was none.


    It was like my mind was a nk te, and it scared me because it felt like I was forgetting something


    important. The longer I stayed here, the more I wanted out. To open my eyes, to move my limbs, t.


    outter a single sound¡­ but I was helpless. It was getting lonely, and it was scaring me.


    If I didn¡¯t leave this ce, I felt like it would consume me. I would lose something¡­


    Something¡­


    The warmth itself was fading and the cold was returning. It wasing back with an unforgiving freeze


    that enveloped me whole. I couldn¡¯t feel my legs now and I could feel it creeping up m y body. There


    was no pain. Still, I refused t o sumb to it.


    There were darkness and cold now. Where had the warmth gone? It was moreforting


    My fingers had gone numb. My entire lower body had frozen. It felt like it would only be a matter of time


    before the cold had covered me entirely, turning me into a numb, unfeeling being. I missed the warmth.


    I missed that something¡­


    Darkness is pulling me back into itself again¡­


    When I came to, I felt it! It was faint, but i t was there¡­ warmth. I felt it in my fingers then it slipped


    away. I felt it again.


    Please don¡¯t leave me¡­


    Something fell on my cheek. Something warm and wet. It slid off my cheek and then I felt a brush of


    warmth across it. M y heart beat louder than before. I could hear it in my ears, the first sound I heard i n


    a long time. It beat faster and faster¡­ it was getting hard to breathe. It needed to calm down, but it


    wouldn¡¯t stop.


    With every raging beat, with every gasp o fair, the tightening in my chest and the warmth on my cheeks


    pushed away the


    TEST TNumE Ormth on my cheeks pushed away the cold ¨C down my waist to my thighs, to m y


    calves, then out my toes. I tried wiggling the big toe, and it moved!


    My arms were starting to float again, and trying, my fingers flexed! More wet drops fell on my skin, only


    this time it was on m y right hand, where it was warmest after i t left my cheeks. I focused on the


    warmth ¡­ the source¡­


    I was getting lightheaded. My heart seemed to want to tear itself out of my chest and my lungs were


    expanding more than they should. To my surprise, my mouth opened. No sound came out, but I was


    able to move it!


    I focused on opening my eyes, forcing the weight off them. The warmth called to m e. I didn¡¯t want to


    lose it again¡­ the paralyzing cold might return. The darkness, the cold, it was terrifying. I couldn¡¯t


    breathe. I was about to drift off again.


    My chest rose to keep up with my heart. I gasped for air, then bright light shed i n my mind and my


    lids flew open. I quickly closed them again for theickly closed them again for the overhead light was


    blinding.


    A gasp came from my side. Slowly opening my eyes, I let them adjust to the light. Light ¨C no more


    darkness. Someone appeared in front of me I squinted my eyes to see the person better ¨C my vision


    was blurry that I was seeing more than one image.


    When I could see the person better, I realized it was a woman. A beautiful woman. Long ck hair that


    fell to the sides of her face. She held my hand in her warm, soft hands. Did the warmthe from her?


    Something wet fell on my hand and I realized that it was tears. Her lips quivered and her eyes were red


    from crying. Why was she crying?


    ¡°Liam,¡± she whispered, and a smile graced her face. She brought my hand to her lips and her smile


    widened. ¡°Liam,¡± she repeated


    Was she crying because of me? I hated seeing her cry. She saved me from that


    Bring her cry. She saved me from that dark and cold ce. She kept saying Liam¡¯ as she cried harder,


    but the smile never left her lips. Her smile suited her more than her tears.


    I wanted to raise my hand and touch her face, wipe those tears with my hand. But the darkness tugged


    at the corner of my mind, pulling me back into it. I forced to move my fingers, to wrap them around her


    hand so she¡¯d never let go. I don¡¯t know if she did, the darkness took over quickly.


    I don¡¯t know how long I¡¯d been out. I woke up with a heavy feeling on my chest.


    Straining my neck to look down, I saw ck hair. She smelled really nice ¨C like freshly-cut roses and


    vani. My right hand was sweaty ¨C her fingers were intertwined with mine. A tingling sensation crept


    under my skin.


    It all felt pleasant. I sank my head back down on the pillow and inhaled deeply ¨C S o sweet and


    calming. She murmured something. I failed to catch what she said.


    Slowly, I raised my left hand. It weighed like a ton that it dropped back down.


    Daton that it dropped back down. Sighing, I closed my eyes and basked in these sensations. I didn¡¯t


    know where I was, but I was safe. She made me feel safe.


    I felt her shift, then groan. The weight left my chest and her fingers left mine. She exhaled and yawned,


    then I felt a peck on my cheek. It sent sparks all over my skin.


    ¡°Good morning, mate,¡± she said sleepily.


    Mate? She¡¯s my mate? Where¡¯s my wolf? Why isn¡¯t he talking to me?


    He should be howling right now and telling me that we found our mate!


    I felt another peck on my lips. It lingered longer than the first.


    Goddess, she feels so soft.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you open your eyes, again?¡± she asked sadly. ¡°Please, Liam?¡±


    Who is this Liam? Is she referring to me? I s she talking to someone else? Where¡¯s m y wolf!


    Curiosity taking over, I opened an eye, ready to pummel whoever this Liam was. No one was taking my


    mate from me.


    No one was taking my


    te rom


    She gasped when I saw her, mouth shaping into a small ¡°o¡±. I must¡¯ve surprised her.


    Now, where is this Liam¡­


    ¡°Liam!¡± she screamed, then wrapped her arms to my sides and rested her head on my chest.


    I¡¯m Liam?


    ¡°You-You¡¯re¡­ You¡¯re awake,¡± she said, her voice breaking


    She looked up at me and I saw that she was crying. She cupped my face and brought her lips back


    down on mine. She kept sniffling andughing as she cried, and she kept saying I was awake. Had I


    slept for too long?


    She kissed my face all over and I pulled m y lips into a smile. My heart jumped in joy and the tingling


    spread. She was getting too excited about me waking up. I had a clingy mate.


    What is she doing here? Where is here?


    Thest thing I remember was¡­ was¡­


    Nothing.


    Nothing


    I opened my mouth to speak but all that came out was a throaty whisper. She wiped her tears off, the


    smile staying on her face.


    Goddess, my mate¡¯s beautiful. Why¡¯d she stop kissing me?


    ¡°I knew you were awake!¡± she eximed. ¡°You came back. You promised me you¡¯de back. I


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    waited, and waited¡­ I knew you¡¯de back to us, to me.¡±


    She caressed my cheek and fresh tears fell from her eyes


    ¡°I love you so, so much,¡± she said, then kissed me again. 2


    I never left, did I? Did I go somewhere? She looked so relieved at seeing me awake. Did she say she


    love me?


    My mate loves me!


    As much as I loved her kisses, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of dread that came over me. She seemed to


    know me more than I knew myself ¨C talking about promises anding back and waking up and


    saying names I didn¡¯t know. Try as I might, I couldn¡¯t remember¡­ anything.


    I heard something click and a Lexy came i n, followed by a kid with strawberry colored hair and a taller


    one with no shirt on. They all wore shocked expressions on their faces and none of them moved for a


    few moments.


    Then the girl screamed brother and rant o my other side. She began to cry too and then she ran her


    hand on my hair.


    ¡°You-You¡¯re really awake,¡± she said as she ugly cried. 2


    The two men turned their heads as they raised a hand to their faces. Were they crying too? Why was


    everybody crying? Did somebody die? Did¡­ did I almost die?


    It made me ufortable. I couldn¡¯t remember anything, and my body weighed like lead. My wolf


    wasn¡¯t responding and the only thing I was sure of was that this beautiful woman in front of me was my


    mate. I could trust her. The rest of them, especially that half-naked guy, I didn¡¯t want him anywhere


    near her. No one was seducing my mate but m


    ¡°He¡¯s ring at you,¡± she said with a


    e¡¯s ring at you,¡± she said with augh, turning to look at him.


    Don¡¯t look at himn!


    ¡°His ass is on a hospital bed. I¡¯m scared, alright,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, Liam,¡± she said, kissing my hand. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    Not good.


    Who is he and why do you two seem close? And what is your name?


    The girl beside me spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll have to check on his vitals and run some tests, but he should be alright.


    You idiot! You had us worried sick! Idiot, idiot, idiot brother!¡±


    She¡¯s my sister? She talks a lot.


    I swallowed gathered saliva then wet my lips. Taking a deep breath, I tried to speak. I sounded like I


    gargled nails.


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked, and my mate drew closer. I inhaled her scent to calm my nerves. ¡°Who¡­ are¡­ you?¡±


    She stilled. She blinked her eyes a few times. The sparkle in her eyes


    nes. The sparkle in her eyes disappeared as the color drained from her face.


    ¡°Wha-What is he talking about?¡± she asked the girl, who was my sister.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± she said, caressing my cheek.¡± Anna, your mate. Don¡¯t you remember m e?¡±


    I shook my head slowly to indicate no.


    Should I remember her? Why can¡¯t I remember her?


    ¡°Bro, don¡¯t you know I am?¡± the girl asked.


    I now knew her name¡¯s Lexy, and that she¡¯s probably my sister. I shook my head again.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me,¡± the strawberry colored hair said.


    The two walked towards me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you remember me?¡± he asked.


    I stared at him and shook my head.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry for what I said earlier. -Don¡¯t stoop this low. It¡¯s my specialty to b e the asshole, not


    yours,¡± said the half naked man, who was now standing beside my mate.


    Stay away from her¡­


    ¡°No¡­¡± she wailed. ¡°Liam, this isn¡¯t funny!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t. I wasn¡¯t even trying to be funny. If I did, I wished to make herugh instead. Her tears pained


    me.


    ¡°Do you remember what happened before you passed out?¡± asked the stripper. I shook my head


    without looking at him. ¡°The Alpha Duel? Alpha Myron? Nothing?¡± 3


    ¡°The attack?¡± the strawberry added.


    ¡°No,¡± I whispered. Their faces became


    pale.


    ¡°Lexy¡­¡±


    The girl was shaking her head while she stared at me. She dropped to the floor, but I heard her muffled


    cries.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be,¡± she whispered.


    My mate forced me to look at her.


    mate forced me to look at her.


    This is a joke, right?¡± she asked, her eyes hopeful.


    Her name was Anna. ¡°Liam¡­ Liam Rose, tell me you are joking right now!¡± she screamed when I didn¡¯t


    respond.


    I was this Liam Rose. I was the reason she was crying. Had I forgotten her? All of them?


    Are they important to me? Who are they? Who am I? And why do their silence and cries cause me so


    much pain?

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    Chapter 40 Hopeful Return


    ¨C Anna ¨C


    He stared at me for an ufortable amount of time, brows furrowed in concentration. Then he looked


    away with downcast eyes, sighing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he mumbled.


    It had been like this for three days now. He¡¯d randomly stare at me to figure out who I was only to look


    away and mumble an apology. It was painful seeing him so confused, so lost within his own world.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± I said as I molded my hand into his.


    We sat on the side of my bed in silence, waiting for Lexy and the others. They¡¯de every morning to


    check up on him, and talk to him, bringing up memories that might help him remember or at the very


    least trigger something.


    For three days, I was beside him, never once leaving his side. He¡¯d be scared if he was left alone, and


    when I use the bathroom to relieve myself, I¡¯de back to the room to see him waiting for m


    k to the room to see him waiting for m e. I¡¯d never imagined I¡¯d see the big bad Alpha so broken, so


    helpless¡­


    He was Liam and yet not Liam at the same time. He understood that I was his mate. The sensations


    that erupted from simple touches were proof enough.


    Luca wasn¡¯t talking to him for some reason; hopefully, he would soon.


    What were we to do but wait? He intertwined his fingers with mine and with an arm around my


    shoulders, pulled me closer to his side.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    We introduced ourselves, told him who h e was ¨C a name and a title. Rigel and Gale exined what


    happened after I passed out during the attack. I remember how he looked at me like I was his


    salvation.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he had said then, but I doubt he understood what it meant.


    The pack was waiting for his return too. They worry about him, but just like that night, they trusted their


    Alpha. Red w Pack ¨C they never ceased to amaze me. And he amazed me even more. His people


    lhe amazed me even more. His people looked up to him, trusted him without a shadow of a doubt.


    My Alpha¡­


    A knock came from the door. I stood to open it, but he pulled me back down, feari n his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to open the door,¡± I said with a small smile. He let me go then.


    ¡°Hey, Anna,¡± said Gale as he walked in behind Lexy. ¡°How¡¯re you doing?¡±


    ¡°Same as yesterday,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Good morning, bro,¡± said Lexy.


    He nodded in response.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Have you experienced any changes since yesterday?¡±


    He shook his head.


    Lexy ran her hand through his hair. ¡°If you feel anything¡­ anything at all, you can tell me, alright? You


    can tell Anna, LOO.¡±


    Thank you,¡± he replied.


    Lexy checked his vitals again as Gale and I watched. He didn¡¯t want Rigel anywhere near me, and so


    my poor knight hadn¡¯t stepped foot in this room since we brought Liam here.


    ¡°How¡¯s the pack?¡± I asked Gale in a soft whisper.


    ¡°They¡¯re doing what they can. We lost four men from the attack and now our Alpha¡¯s¡­¡±


    He paused, pocketing both hands in his jeans.


    ¡°We¡¯re gathering information as we speak. We¡¯ll know who¡¯s behind this, Anna. I promise you.¡±


    I nodded. Determination in his eyes and his hands balled into fists. I missed his carefree nature too but


    right now we needed our Beta.


    ¡°Thank you, Gale.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t do much, only spend time with Liam. He was taking care of everything in the pack, along with


    Rigel and Lexy. If he


    C


    Wee pack, along with Rigel and Lexy. If he were to falter, the growing unrest would weaken the pack,


    making us more vulnerable to an attack.


    The word should be out by now that our Alpha was incapacitated. The spies had reported that rumors


    about his death were spreading fast among the other packs.


    Rigel was in charge of the warriors, and unfortunately for us, our witch was, as they told me, asleep.


    Why did he have to b e asleep during this time?


    ¡°How¡¯s Rigel?¡± I asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s coordinating the warriors. The Delta Unit will continue to guard over you and Liam. As you


    requested, we have two units watching over Jaymer. We also have scouts on vantage points just in


    case vampires appear.¡±


    ¡°What were they after?¡±.


    He grimaced. ¡°Jaymer killed them before we could apprehend them. I¡¯m sorry, Anna. He gets cranky


    when he¡¯s forcibly awakened.¡±


    The vampires might have been after


    e vampires might have been after Jaymer. Just how powerful was he that the pack would hide him?


    The rogues¡­ after the pack? Their motives were unclear at the moment, but we all agreed on one


    thing the timing was too impable to be dismissed as a coincidence.


    The vampires breached the truce ¨C I heard their king was out ofmission for millennia, but they


    couldn¡¯t be trusted. This might¡¯ve been a deration of war, and the start of a more coordinated attack.


    The Blue Moon Pack?¡±


    ¡°We have spies keeping a close watch on them,¡± he replied. ¡°Their Alpha has recovered. They¡¯re


    staying low at the moment. No one has left their pack since the incident.¡±


    My mate was poisoned with wolfsbane and ck magic. Why didn¡¯t we notice it sooner? Everyone


    assumed the little girl belonged to the Blue Moon Pack, something we learned only after the pack


    meeting. Since I wasn¡¯t familiar with the pack yet, I assumed she was one of us.


    Back yet, I assumed she was one of us.


    Il flew right over our heads. The anticipation and tension of the duel had our attention that we didn¡¯t


    notice the smallest thing, the most crucial mistake,


    That little girl handed them the cup ¨C the ceremonial wine ¨C it should¡¯ve contained a tolerable amount


    of wolfsbane, to bring out the courage in them as they faced the possibility of their death, but¡­


    ¡°Liam! Liam!¡± Lexy¡¯s screaming pulled m e out of my thoughts.


    Liam shook violently, the whites of his eyes showing as he fell back on the bed.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I ran towards him.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡°His body¡¯s rejecting the poison,¡± said Lexy.


    His limbs were shaking nonstop. He¡­


    ¡°Get her out of here!¡± Lexy screamed.


    I felt Gale tug at my arm.


    She straddled him and ced both hands on his chest. Her hands glowed a faint red light and he


    screamed.


    C


    licht and he screamed.


    ¡°What are you doing!!!


    ¡°Get her out!¡± she screamed again.


    ¡°No, let me go!¡±


    Stop it. You¡¯re hurting him.


    His arm shot up towards me, hand clenching and unclenching like he was searching for me. I reached


    out for his hand, but Gale grabbed me by my waist.


    Liam screamed again.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± I shouted. ¡°Stop! You¡¯re hurting him!¡±


    I struggled out of Gale¡¯s hold, but he wouldn¡¯t let go. He dragged me out the door, ignoring my


    screams.


    ¡°He¡¯s calling for me!! I pleaded, watching his arm drop back down, his palm up. I had to let him know I


    was with him.


    He didn¡¯t want me gone beside him. Liam screamed as he thrashed around. It was thest I saw of him


    before the door shut i n my face


    Liarn¡­


    Liam¡­


    I went limp in Gale¡¯s arms as I sobbed. I could feel his pain. It was like getting kicked in the stomach


    over and over again. Then it felt like my limbs were getting stepped on mercilessly, the weight crushing


    my bones. I gritted my teeth and let the tears fall as I felt a fraction of the pain that he was going


    through. His pained screams echoed throughout the hallway, ringing loudly in my ears. I felt a searing


    pain in my chest; i t burned the skin, but it was simply a shared connection ¨C there were no marks on


    me.


    The bond had grown stronger¡­


    ¡°Liam,¡± I whispered. ¡°I¡¯m here. I¡¯m right here.¡±


    I hugged my arms to myself and I heard Gale take a deep breath. He was trying to calm himself down.


    While we could only hear his pain, while I could only share a bit of it with him, Lexy was watching it


    unfold in front of her. This was painful for Liam. It was painful for all of us.


    ¡°Gale and I stood there and endured the ordeal until he suddenly stopped


    leal until he suddenly stopped screaming. The silence heightened my anxiety, multiplying the gnawing


    uncertainty at my heart. With shaky limbs, I grabbed the handle. The room was too silent.


    What happened to Lexy?


    I turned the handle in what seemed like minutes before pushing in slowly. Liamid on the bed, his


    eyes closed and his breathing calm. But Lexy had copsed o n top of him.


    Gale quickly pushed me to the side and went to her. Rolling her off of him, he checked for her pulse.


    Sweat shone in her face, hair sticking to her cheeks.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine,¡± he said. ¡°It must¡¯ve used up so much of her.¡±


    Climbing unto the bed, I neared Liam. There was a ck liquiding out the sides of his mouth and


    his closed eyes. I reached to touch it, when his eyes suddenly opened and he turned to his side,


    coughing. He coughed harshly, ck liquid dripping from his chin into the sheets. I ran a hand down his


    back and whispered sweet nothings, tears


    l whispered sweet nothings, tears streaming down my face. How much more must he endure?


    My chest tightened and the force of his coughing left me wheezing for air. With every cough, more of


    this strange liquid erupted from his mouth, until he fell forward. I rolled him to his back. My eyes met


    Gale. We were both confused, but in his eyes, I saw hope ¨C that it was what we thought it was.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Chapter 41 One Soul


    ¨C Anna


    ¡°Will he be alright?¡±


    ¡°I believe in him, Carson.¡±


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re doing fine. Thanks for checking u pon me,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Be, you know you can always lean on me. If anythinges up, anything at all, please give me a


    ring?¡± he asked.


    He¡¯d been calling every day, something I. was thankful for. I almost forgot to call him with everything


    that¡¯d been happening


    ¡°You¡¯ll be the first to know, I told him.


    Liam stirred in myp. ¡°Got to go now. He¡¯s awake. Talk to you soon?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you. Take care of yourself, Be. Please¡­¡± he said before hanging up.


    I tousled Liam¡¯s soft brown hair, letting i I slide between my fingers. With him facing towards my knees,


    I admired the profile of his face, tracing the dips and


    file of his face, tracing the dips and curves, from his forehead down to his perfectly aligned nose,


    stopping momentarily at the tip, before continuing down to his soft lips. I let my forefinger linger on the


    bottom lip, before finally finishing its travel at the curve of his chin, then halfway through his throat.


    ¡°You¡¯re so cute when you¡¯re asleep,¡± I whispered


    ¡°Cute?¡± he asked, lips pulling into a smile.


    I knew it! He turned on his back and looked up at me.


    ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°A quarter before twelve,¡± I answered.


    He¡¯d been asleep since this morning. Lexy had already woken up byte afternoon. She dropped by


    with Rigel to check up on him and me.


    My knight looked so worn-out. More and more rogues dared get close to the territory. Thankfully, there


    had been no Vampires since the attack.


    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, raising an


    Vhat happened?¡± he asked, raising an art over his eyes.


    He could hide it all he wants, the forced enthusiasm in his voice gave everything away.


    ¡°You coughed it all out, babe,¡± I said gently. I didn¡¯t want him to remember that it came out of his eyes


    too. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you.¡±


    His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down.¡± Will I get better?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be here with you until you¡¯vepletely recovered.¡±


    His arm shot out to touch my face, startling me.


    ¡°Then you¡¯re leaving?¡± he asked, sitting u


    1.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I said,ughing slightly.


    There was no way I was leaving him now; he was stuck with me!


    ¡°Stay with me,¡± he said, pushing me unto the bed by my shoulders. His eyes ¡°found mine as he


    pleaded. ¡°Stay here. Please. I promise I¡¯ll get better. I¡¯ll remember, so¡­¡± remember, 50¡­¡±


    I ced my hand over his mouth and a finger on my lips.


    ¡°T¡¯?n not going anywhere. I¡¯ll stay here with you, always,¡± I whispered, moving my hands to cup his


    face.


    He tilted his head to kiss my right hand, sending shivers down my spine. He leaned down to me, his


    warm breath fanning the base of my neck.


    ¡°If¡­ If I¡­¡± he trailed, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply like he was taking in my scent. He pressed


    his body on me, carefully so as not to crush me as his hands went around my back, trapping me


    He was the closest he¡¯d ever been, with n o space between us, and my heart hammered in my chest


    that I could hear every beat in my ears. It felt hot, swelteringly hot, his body heat permeating into my


    skin. And yet it wasn¡¯t ufortable, and I made no move to push him from me.


    His now ragged breathing moistened the


    C


    now ragged breathing moistened the skin on my neck, and when his lips pressed down on my marking


    spot, I inhaled sharply. It was starting to feel weird down there, so much so that I had t o urge to rub my


    thighs together. That was when I felt him, and my cheeks red in both embarrassment and delight. I


    did this to him.


    He groaned at the contact, then his teeth grazed the skin softly that I let out a moan.


    ¡°You¡­ like that,¡± he whispered before he nipped around my marking spot.


    I bit my bottom lip to suppress more shameful sounds that threatened to leave my throat, pressing my


    thighs tightly together.


    ¡°Liam¡­¡± I breathed, feeling hot all over.


    He kissed my marking spot then sucked o n the delicate skin, sending shivers of delight all over me.


    ¡°Liam!¡± I gasped as he sucked harder, then he licked at where his mark would b e. I felt the sharpness


    of his canines digging into the skin and a surge of panic pulled me out of the haziness.


    ¡°Liam¡­¡±


    He raised his head suddenly, a sullen look on his face as he stared at my marking spot. I couldn¡¯t move


    my arms, so all I could do was talk to him.


    ¡°Liam, look at me,¡± I cooed.


    He raised his eyes to me, sad and empty.¡± If¡­¡±


    ¡°If?¡± I asked, encouraging him to tell me.


    Please talk to me.


    He averted his eyes and sighed.¡± Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Please tell me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he said, sounding like he was convincing himself. ¡°No. If I tell you, you¡¯d leave me.¡±


    Why? Why was he afraid of me leaving him? I did try the first day I was here, but that was because I


    got to know he was engaged so it was reasonable. I threatened him beforeing here that I¡¯d leave


    him if he broke any of my conditions but we¡¯re over those now I


    leave him if he broke any of my conditions but we¡¯re over those now. I never tried to get away from


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    here, from him, since then.


    Did it scare him this much? That I was going to leave him? The thought had only crossed my mind


    once ¨C that was when h e hugged so tightly on my first day, when he looked like he had just gotten


    back from a run. Panting heavily and sweating, he forced his arms around me when I was determined


    to push him away, and he held me without saying a word before turning on his heels and stomping out


    my room.


    I never realized I meant this much to him. I never realized how much I scared him. But it wasn¡¯t really


    me, was it? Not entirely. He still loved her ¨C his first mate. And he was yet to get over her sudden


    passing, and perhaps he never will.


    She would always have a ce in his heart that it wouldn¡¯t be mine entirely, and though it pained me


    that I could give him my all while he could only give me what was avable, I made a deliberate


    decision to stay by him. This crippling fear it wasn¡¯t because he was scared of losing me, his second


    mate. It was because of the deep-seated trauma of his loss that etched itself into his soul.


    More than a reality p, this was a hard, merciless kick in the gut And yet I found myself making up


    excuses. My favorites ¨C that I was his mate now and nothing was changing that, that he also wanted to


    be with me and wanted me in more ways than one, and that I was special to him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll always stay with you.¡±


    I would. Goddess knew I would. Try as I might, there was no denying that I¡¯d fallen for him, deep, and I


    was still falling in this seemingly unending abyss. I allowed myself to fall without the guarantee that he¡¯d


    catch me when I reach the bottom. It was foolish of me to think that he would, but there was no


    stopping now.


    He gritted his teeth and hugged me tighter, my breasts ttening against his broad chest


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t remember? I know you¡¯re my mate. I know your name. I


    l¡¯re my mate. I know your name. I know I¡¯m the Alpha. I know Lexy¡¯s my sister, Gale¡¯s my Beta, and


    that dick¡¯s my Gamma. I know nothing else,¡± he confessed, his voice cracking at thest line.


    For all the times we were together, he had this domineering presence thatmanded respect and


    garnered awe. His voice was always full and sure. He knew what he wanted and without any trace of


    fear, he said what he wanted.


    My heart broke at seeing him this way and was jumping in joy that he was being vulnerable with me. It


    was horrible. I was horrible, convincing myself that this side of him was just something he hadn¡¯t


    exposed yet, that he always had this softer, weaker side to him.


    ¡°I try to remember but I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t remember how I met you, the things I did to you, I can¡¯t remember


    what I thought about you,¡± he said, letting our foreheads meet.


    His minty breath fanning my face, he continued to speak. ¡°But I can¡¯t deny how I feel. I feel ted when


    I¡¯m with you.


    When you hold my hand and rest your head on my shoulder, my heart races. When you let me sleep


    on yourp as you y with my hair, I feel at peace. And I¡¯m afraid¡­ I¡¯m afraid of losing you. I¡¯m afraid


    of letting go of your hand because i t might be thest time. I¡¯m afraid of sleeping and waking up with


    you gone. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll still remember who I used to be. I try so hard but nothing¡­ my mindes


    up with nothing.¡±


    A tear dropped from his chin unto my cheek. My vision was getting blurry. He sounded desperate,


    helpless.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t remember anything, you¡¯re going to leave me, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    He held me tighter still that it was difficult to breathe. His chin rested between the base of my neck and


    shoulder. He was shaking as he kissed the delicate skin. ¡°Please don¡¯t leave. I¡¯ll¡­ I


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± I replied, my voice shaky. ¡°I won¡¯t leave you, ever. Memories or no memories, I¡¯ll always stay


    with you.¡±


    He shook his head slowly. ¡°No. No, you¡¯ll hen. Der buldor


    shook his head slowly. ¡°No. No, you¡¯ll leave me. Because¡­ because I don¡¯t know the truth from the


    lies. Because I won¡¯t be who I used to be. I¡¯ll be different and not the Liam you knew, and you¡¯ll see that


    I¡¯m different and¡­ and then you¡¯ll get fed up and one morning, I¡¯ll wake up and you won¡¯t be here.


    You¡¯ll realize that I¡¯m not the same Liam.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll always be my Liam.¡±


    For three days, he kept these to himself. For three nights, he slept only when he was sure I was


    sleeping and always with a n arm securely around my waist. He¡¯d awaken when I get up to use the


    bathroom and went back to sleep when I pretended to be sleeping.


    ¡°I¡¯ll always love you, no matter what or who you are.¡±


    ¡°You love me?¡± he asked in disbelief, pulling his arms from behind me to raise himself. Hands on both


    sides of my head, his eyes held a hopeful glint. ¡°You¡­ really love me?¡±


    He cupped my face, thumbs brushing away the tears. ¡°D-Did you say ¡±


    gay the tears. ¡°D-Did you say ¡°.


    ¡°I do. I really do. I did,¡± I answered, surprised at myself for having blurted it out.


    Wiping his own tears, I brushed my thumb past his lower lip.


    Dare I say it once more?


    I breathed deeply, filling my lungs with his woond scent that only I could smell. I brought his face


    closer to mine.


    ¡°I love you, Alpha Liam Rose.¡±


    His lips pressed on mine, gentle and soft, letting it linger. He inhaled sharply as his lips began moving,


    tongue licking, asking for entrance. I parted my lips, and he explored my mouth slowly, twisting his


    tongue around mine in the most sensual way possible.


    Pouring every swirling emotion in my heart into the kiss as I pulled him closer, a in almost unbearable


    heat traversed from my stomach down to my core.


    I pressed my thighs together, and he groaned as the slight shift caused his bulge to brush against my


    thigh. Hot¡­ I fattomat


    Ige to brush against my thigh. Hot¡­ I felt too hot.


    Something switched in my mind, igniting a desire I felt bold to act upon. I moaned into his mouth as his


    kissing became rougher; rushing; ravenous.


    And when he pulled away, I gasped for air and craved another.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he whispered, kissing my forehead.


    ¡°So much,¡± he said as he kissed my nose.


    ¡°My Anna,¡± he growled then captured m y lips once more.


    I wrapped my legs around his waist, moaning as his bulge pressed down on m y thigh. This was


    embarrassing. I shouldn¡¯t be doing this¡­ but when he bucked his hips, rubbing it on my thigh, the


    anxiety died.


    He groaned into the kiss, and the sense of control I had over him excited me further. I didn¡¯t know what


    to do. I didn¡¯t know how this should go. But I was more than willing to learn with him.


    My core clenched in anticipation as he


    core clenched in anticipation as he sucked the life out of me. He let me go and sat up, adjusting his


    position so he was stradaling me, something poking at my stomach. Gorgeous brown eyes clouded


    with lust and dark with desire, his chest rapidly falling and rising¡­


    I did this to him.


    Only I can do this to him.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± I whined, painfully throbbing down there. What was I asking for?


    He leaned closer to my face and whispered. ¡°Are you sure? My memories might never return and -¡±


    My arms shot forward and I pulled him to me, crashing his lips on mine. He growled and kissed me


    back as he parted my legs with his knees.


    ¡°I can smell you,¡± he said softly, then sucked on my sweet spot. I bit my lip to suppress a moan, feeling


    myself moisten down there. It was aching, begging to be touched, by him, as shameless as that


    sounds.


    ¡°I want to mark you,¡± he breathed.


    modded. I wanted it too,


    Was I ready for it? To bear his mark forever, to give myself to him fully and have him give himself to


    me? Wait, could I markhim without a woll?


    His hands moved up and down my thighs, pressing down hard that my dress was bing a bother.


    Boldly, my hands tugged at the end of his shirt. He sat up again and hurriedly raised it over his head,


    then threw it somewhere in the room.


    Oh, Goddess¡­


    My eyes feasted on his hard pees and well -chiseled abs and the tempting V-line that led to a huge


    bulge in his pants.


    Oh, Goddess¡­


    I gulped nervously as I watched his chest rise and fall, craving for his body to be on top of me, caging


    me with those bulky arms.


    ¡°Eyes up here,¡± he said, chuckling.


    I raised my eyes to his face to see him smirking. ¡°Like what you see?¡±


    ng UKC Miran you see!


    I nodded. He took my arms and ced them on his abs¡­ rock hard abs, I think I was drooling. I slowly


    moved my hands u p his chest, feeling them rx by my touch. I was going to remember the very


    outline of this mouthwatering form.


    ¡°Your heart¡¯s beating so fast,¡± I whispered, my palm stopping where his heart was beneath.


    ¡°You do so many things to me, Anna,¡± he replied, voice husky. ¡°You make me want to do many things


    to you.¡±


    I bit my lip, practically dripping down there now.


    Oh, Liam¡­


    He leaned in to kiss me, and his hands found their way to my breasts, massaging and squeezing. My


    nubs hardened in response.


    ¡°I want you off this dress,¡± he said, growling, already lifting up the skirt.


    I giggled and sat up, with him on his knees between my legs.


    C


    He nipped at my marking spot as he


    nipped at my marking spot as he raised my dress up my thighs, then my chest. It got stuck when it was


    halfway past my face, and he stopped pulling. I reached for his hands, but he swatted them away,


    kissing me immediately to stop me fromining.


    I love this man.


    ¡°Get it off,¡± I whispered, pushing my body against him that my breasts ttened against his chest.


    ¡°Now.¡±


    He growled then fully took off the dress, throwing it somewhere and guiding me back down the pillow.


    His handzily lingered on my inner thigh, creeping ever so slowly to where I wanted him to touch me. I


    arched my back to help him unhook my bra, exposing my erect buds,


    His eyes darkened.


    My arms moved to cover my chest. His intense stare embarrassed me further, and he had to force


    them to the sides.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cover your beautiful body, mate. Don¡¯t hide what¡¯s mine.¡±


    His mouth closed around my left breast and sucked hard as his tongue swirled around my nip. It sent


    delightful shivers down my spine. Then he caught it between his teeth, and I gasped.


    ¡°Liam¡­¡±


    The hand on my thigh finally reached my core and settled on my mound. I groaned i n frustration, and I


    swear to Goddess he smiled. Clearly, he was enjoying this. Well, two could y that game. I ced a


    hand over his bulge and rubbed, earning a hiss from him. I didn¡¯t stop until his hand gripped my wrist.


    He turned his attention to my right breast, and I swear to Goddess if he didn¡¯t touch me right now, I¡¯d


    push him off me.


    He suddenly let go after giving it a lick. Then he fumbled with the button of his pants and I heard a zip.


    Groaning, he got off the bed to take off his pants. I raised myself on my elbows and watched with bated


    breaths as his pants dropped to the ground, then his ck boxers, and my eyes widened.


    It would never fit.


    He climbed back up the bed, pulling me


    C


    climbed back up the bed, pulling me down by my ankles. I bit my lip as he fisted his dick.


    But he didn¡¯t push it inside¡­ just yet.


    His mouth enclosed on my core and his tongue slid up and down the fabric. My hands clutched at the


    sheets as my back arched. Ripping the flimsy piece of clothing off, his tongue rapidly went in and out of


    me, then slid up to my clit.


    ¡°Liam¡­¡± I moaned, unable to stop myself. He then sucked on it as he slid a finger in, then two, curling


    them inside m e, hitting a particr spot that made me lose my breath.


    Heat pooled in the base of my stomach. H e softly bit on my clit and I gushed, my thighs kept parted by


    his hands. His tonguepped me entirely, and when he hovered above me, he licked his glimmering


    lips in satisfaction.


    ¡°So¡­ fucking sweet,¡± he said, his voice husky.


    I felt him poke at my entrance. He looked me in my eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation.


    Narrowed eyes clouded with


    sitation. Narrowed eyes clouded with lust, and I was sure he saw the same in m y brown ones.


    Deep within myself, I wanted this. I wanted to feel him and take everything h e could give me. Now and


    forever.


    I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him into a kiss. This was my answer.


    He pushed inside me, slowly easing in, then pulling out only to push back in, more of him every time.


    My walls stretched painfully to amodate him; I still doubted he¡¯d fit all of him in. His mouth hushed


    my groans and his tongue seduced me, taking my mind off the pain.


    He stopped, then pushed further in, and I felt something tear. Something tore and i t was too painful


    that tears rolled off the corner of my eyes. He kept pushing, and then he stopped and stayed still. As he


    sucked and kissed my sweet spot, I took deep breathes to calm myself.


    ¡°Are you alright? We can stop if you¡¯re -¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I said, cutting him off. ¡°Don¡¯t stop now.¡±


    SOPTIOW.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to move,¡± he said as he nipped on the skin.


    I nodded.


    He slid out of me slowly before pushing back in. I whimpered at the pain, as I felt every inch of his


    length, as his size stretched me. My nails dug on his back, making him groan.


    He was patient with me, letting me adjust to his size. Then the pain began to fade, sweet, sweet


    pleasure taking its ce.


    ¡°Faster,¡± I breathed, and heplied, eventually building a rhythm.


    He felt hot inside me, throbbing, and hitting ces I never knew existed.


    Warm breaths fanned the side of my neck, and his hand twisted and yed with my nips.


    ¡°Faster¡­¡±


    Oh, Liam.


    I moaned his name wantonly as he dove his entirety into me fiercely, rapidly; the sounds of our


    lovemaking arousing me more. Then he parted my legs wider still,


    you passed out,¡± he said, smiling ¡°How do you feel?


    ¡°Amazing,¡± I replied, smiling back at him. I missed that look on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine now,¡± he said.


    I circled my arms behind his head. ¡°I¡¯ve always been yours, Liam.¡±


    My canines itched. I swiped a tongue over them and felt them grow longer.


    ¡°Always?¡±


    ¡°Always.¡±


    He leaned in, offering his marking spot to


    1.


    ¡°Mark me. I¡¯m yours too. Always.¡±


    I bit down, hard, surprised that I could mark my mate even without a wolf. I tasted metal in my mouth,


    then a strange sweetness. My canines retracted after, and it didn¡¯t itch anymore. Ipped up the blood


    and kissed my mark


    It was finally official. We mated. The marking wasplete. He was mine in every way I was his.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I whispered, holding back


    love you,¡± i whispered, holding back the tears.


    I didn¡¯t care if he ever recovered his memories or not, I¡¯d stay by his side and create new ones with


    him= our memories


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to pull out?


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked, chuckling.


    ¡°Because we¡¯re done?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe he was still inside me even when I passed out!


    ¡°Who said we were done?¡± he said, chuckling as he began to thrust slowly


    into me.


    ¡°Liam¡­¡± I moaned his name at the pleasure of it, overjoyed that we were now one.


    My mate had found me, epted me, and imed me. I had epted him and imed him.


    ¡°I love you, I breathed as he began to thrust faster and harder.


    This was going to be a long night.


    I pulled him into a kiss, pouring all that I

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Chapter 42 Gamma¡®s Pride


    ¨C Rigel ¨C


    Fuck his possessive ass if he thought he could get rid of me. I wanted to see my princess in person; it


    was my duty as her knight. Lexy and Gale might tell me that she was doing fine and so was Liam, but


    that I had to see for myself.


    It¡¯d been four days. They were hiding something from me and if I found out Anna wasn¡¯t well; someone


    was going to pay, preferably Gale.


    ¡°Last chance,¡± he said as we were almost in front of her bedroom door.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see him try.¡±


    There was no way I was letting myself get pummeled by him. Just because he was the Alpha didn¡¯t


    mean he could push me around. Getting overly jealous when I was around his mate, I swear to


    Goddess he was the most paranoid werewolf I had ever met. Like I could help it when women were


    naturally drawn to me.


    I might be a yer, but that didn¡¯t mean I wasn¡¯t loyal to the Alpha. For fucks sake,


    ight be a yer, but that didn¡¯t mean I wasn¡¯t loyal to the Alpha. For fucks sake, why couldn¡¯t Lexy talk


    him out of it!


    It¡¯s the one thing she¡¯s good at besides healing!


    ¡°He¡¯s going to kill you,¡± Gale warned.


    ¡°In front of my princess? That wouldn¡¯t b e right. Threaten me, maybe, but kill me? Not if he wants her


    to stay.¡±


    I knocked on their door but there was no response.


    ¡°I told you we were too early,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Shut up, Gale. Liam never slept in before. Remember our training days?¡± I replied and he shuddered.


    Those days were worse than dying that they left a scar in our minds.


    I ced a hand on the handle.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Going in,¡± I said, then turned it and pushed the door open.


    The bed was¡­ there was only a mattress now, the bedsheets barely clinging to it.


    w, the bedsheets barely clinging to it. Then we heard a universally recognized sound from the direction


    of the¡­ bathroom.


    I immediately closed the door and walked away. Gale was silent as he followed beside me.


    ¡°I heard nothing,¡± I said nonchntly.¡± How about you?¡±


    ¡°How can I hear anything when they¡¯re still sleeping,¡± he replied. 4.


    We looked each other in the eye and nodded in agreement. That never happened, and because it


    never happened, we could never talk about it. Best keep it that way.


    My princess was all grown up now. Guess she wouldn¡¯t be needing me much now. I¡¯d been cheering


    her up since I became her knight, which I volunteered to be just to annoy Liam.


    She was a strong kind soul; it was easy to talk to her. She turned me into a real knight, eliciting a


    natural need to protect her at all costs. In many ways, she reminded me of my cousin.


    reminded me of my cousin.


    In my opinion, she deserved better than Liam. Then again, who was I to question the Goddess¡¯s


    intentions? She must¡¯ve been drunk when she mated Anna to the Alpha of her previous pack though,


    that was undoubtedly a mistake. If I ever meet that guy, I¡¯d punch him so hard his jaw would


    disconnect. 2)


    Gale would do worse, no doubt about it.


    That poor bastard.


    Who gives a shit? If it ever goes down, it¡¯s well deserved.


    Beating up our Anna until she was almost dead¡­


    ¡°Good morning, you two,¡± chirped Lexy, disturbing the silence between Gale and m e. ¡°Rigel, what are


    you doing here?¡±


    I raised a brow at her. ¡°What? I¡¯m not allowed in the mansion now? Is Liam going to sniff me out all the


    way here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± she said,ughing. ¡°You look horrible.¡±


    ¡°No shit.¡± I grinned. This worrisome workaholic could use one less patient to worry about. ¡°You don¡¯t


    look any better


    arry about. ¡°You don¡¯t look any better yourself.¡±


    She looked down at her outfit, dark blue jeans, and a loose cotton shirt.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my clothes?¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been sleepingtely,¡± said Gale silently, stepping up to her and cupping her face.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You have bags carrying bags and you¡¯re getting skinnier and your lips are chapped,¡± he said.


    Quite the observant. In fact, I¡¯m shocked they weren¡¯t mates when Gale came of age. Liam would¡¯ve


    been alright with it and so would I.


    With that, it was proven. Our rtionships with each other were meant to be nothing more but familial.


    Just four abandoned kids who fucked up at one point or another, still trying to keep it together


    ¡®I watched them bicker back and forth


    about their jobs and who needed a break.


    put their jobs and who needed a break. Damn both of them, I needed a fucking break. At least one of


    us was on a break and having the time of his life. Ah¡­ I shouldn¡¯t be thinking about that ¨C she¡¯s my


    princess.


    ¡°Pervert,¡± said my wolf.


    ¡°Shut up, Rain. I don¡¯t see her that way.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t the kind of guy who¡¯d hit on anything that moved. Besides, she was m y princess, not my


    queen. Thetter was reserved.


    ¡°Calm down, man. I¡¯m your wolf,¡± he said, yawning


    ¡°Get your sleep. There might be more of themter, and who knows when packs will start attacking.¡±


    ¡°dly,¡± he said and retreated to the back of my mind.


    We had almost no time to recover since the attack that night. It didn¡¯t help that Jaymer went back to


    sleep. My men were getting exhausted by the day and with more of them getting sent to Lexy¡¯s, she


    and her team had to work double.


    and lier team liad to work double.


    While the news of our Alpha waking up was a huge relief, the loss of his memories rendered him


    unable to perform his Alpha duties. So now, it was u p to the three of us, and for Anna to look after him


    in hopes that something would trigger his memories to resurface.


    ¡°I have to go back to the borders,¡± I said calmly, interrupting the two.


    They stopped in their game of stretching each other¡¯s cheeks and gawked at me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see you for lunch?¡± asked Lexy.


    I nodded. If I talked, she¡¯d notice that I was lying


    ¡°Be safe out there,¡± said Gale.


    ¡°That¡¯s your job, isn¡¯t it?¡± I said, waving a hand in the air as I pushed the doors open.


    He coordinated all our forces, including the rest of the pack. The brains behind every n, he had to


    disseminate information and orders quickly, most of which only between the special units, including me,


    and the rest, to the entire pack.


    For now, everyone blocked out Liam¡¯s link. His was constantly a sharp static that would make one¡¯s


    ears bleed. Until that stops and until he¡¯s back, we¡¯d havet o keep him in the dark.


    I jogged to the borders, joining my men who were assigned in the northern section. There were only six


    of us, including me. Every single one of them, personally handpicked from the rest for the simple


    reason that they were needlessly loyal to me.


    I saved them from whatever miserable life they had before in their packs, the names of which I¡¯d


    forgotten. And though I tried to get rid of them, they stuck to me like glue.


    ¡°Rigel, the scouts are back,¡± said Nalia. She was tall with a slender figure that she looked out of ce.


    It had its merits. Fearless is what she was. As ast resort, when all else fails, she was bait. She


    picked the shortest stick, and she justughed it off.


    Two scouts, both still neen, came running towards us. They shifted back into their human forms as


    they


    o their human forms as they approached, stopping right before me.


    ¡°Gamma, there are roguesing from the northwest, twenty in total. Another twenty to follow. Three


    kilometers.¡±


    Although there was no pattern or any discernable motive besides the usual, these rogues were too


    many in number. Someone was coordinating these attacks, and we had no idea who. 1


    ¡°Good work. Continue with the rotation. Make sure to get your rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Gamma,¡± they said in unison.


    No sooner did they take a step did the other guy copse. Luckily, his partner caught him before he hit


    the ground.


    My men were quick to assist. They brought out a stretcher for him toy.


    ¡°Ethan, Ty, get him to Lex,¡± I ordered, and to his partner, I said, ¡°Don¡¯t get distracted. If you¡¯re scared


    go back to your Mom. No one will me you for it.¡±


    I turned my back on him, ignoring his re.


    ¡°We¡¯ll return asap,¡± said Ethan.


    We¡¯ll return asap,¡± said Ethan.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    When they left, Reese spoke. ¡°They¡¯re doing what they can. Your strictness might demotivate them and


    we need everyone, especially right now.¡±


    He was the youngest in our team, having turned eighteenst month. Skinny as fuck, but the pup can


    fight. His wolf was vastly different from his human form, I mistook him for a stray when he jumped me


    as a wolf and almost choked him to death when he shifted.


    ¡°Nalia, what¡¯s the number?¡±


    ¡°We lost eight scouts today, all from exhaustion.¡±


    If we start losing more than ten, we¡¯d have to restructure our forces just to fill the gaps. However, it


    would only cause more damage on our side. Losing one¡¯srades, only to be reced by a higher


    rank. It didn¡¯t help that some of our men were taken out.


    ¡°You¡¯re ignoring me again,¡± Reese muttered.


    ¡°I need warriors, pup. Skilled, focused warriors who¡¯d give up their lives to


    rriors who¡¯d give up their lives to protect this pack and the man right next t o him. Those who run to


    their mothers with their tails between their legs have n o ce in our ranks, not even as an Omega.¡±


    He turned away with a tsk, and I held out my hand to stop Nalia from knocking some sense into the kid.


    ¡°Forget it. Disruptions on our side are advantageous to the enemy.¡±


    ¡°But he ¡±


    ¡°Nalia,¡± I said firmly, and she backed off.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need my team fighting now. Settle your shit when this is over.¡¯


    ¡°Any news with the Alpha, Rigel?¡± asked Sabri. She was almost as tall as Nalia but o n the thicker side.


    She was wild with guns ¨C all kinds of guns and knows how to use them. Our marksman: never missed


    since the day I crushed her pride and humiliated her in front of everyone in the pack. Fond memories.


    I grinned. ¡°He¡¯s good. Our Luna¡¯s keeping himpany.¡±


    neepmg


    A link tried to connect just then.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Head Gamma, the rogues split. Fifteening in your direction. Assistance is on their way.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have reserves for assistance,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Thirty percent from the south, Head Gamma. Beta¡¯s orders.¡±


    Thirty per- What the fuck is he using percentages for! Our men weren¡¯t statistics he could measure in a


    fucking chart! Thirty percent¡­ how many the fuck was that!


    I addressed my team. ¡°Fifteening our way. Do you need assistance?¡±


    I heard knuckles crack and guns load.


    Keeping my anger under control, I replied, ¡°Tell Beta to hold off assistance. We can handle it.¡±


    My team joined my sides, already preparing themselves, their game faces o


    ¡°But Head Gamma, Beta said -¡°


    ¡°Fuck what Gale said,¡± I said proudly.¡± Send them back. We can handle things from here. Order the


    northwest unit to not fuck up on their side.¡±


    I cut the link then.


    Howls came from the distance. I stepped forward and my men followed, smirks on our faces.


    ¡°Leave one alive.¡±


    Gale might appreciate a gift to calm him down.


    ¡°Yes, Head Gamma,¡± they replied, excitement in their voices.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Chapter 43 Recognizing Mirrors


    Anna


    He settled his head at the crook of my neck and inhaled my scent. It sent shivers down my spine and


    his teasing soft lips o n my skin made me smile.


    ¡°We have to shower again,¡± I said, giggling


    ¡°We can showerter,¡± he whispered as h e trailed kisses along my jaw.


    Sighing, I turned to my side to face him. I traced a finger on his stubble, rough and prickly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you


    hungry?¡±


    ¡°We can eatter,¡± he said, taking my finger into his mouth and sucking it. This man was dangerously


    seductive; I could feel my core ache for him, again.


    I took my finger off his mouth and sat up, sheets covering me.


    ¡°I have to check up on them, Liam. They didn¡¯te by today.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you d they didn¡¯t?¡± he asked, smirking


    irking


    ¡°Come on. Help me out of this. Get up,¡±I urged before he managed to change my mind, again. I pulled


    the sheets from him to force him to get up, but he pulled it back to him.


    ¡°Oh no, you didn¡¯t-¡°I said, gasping.


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    I was rolled on my side of the sheets but his was just on top of him.


    ¡°Get up, now,¡± I said firmly.


    Heid back with both hands behind his head.


    Mm¡­ Anna likes.


    ¡°I know. You can¡¯t resist me,¡± he whispered


    ¡°Watch me,¡± I replied, rolling on the bed t o get the sheet off. Just as I reached the edge, he caught me


    with an arm around m y stomach. His chest pressed on my back and¡­ something else.


    ¡°Liam, I need a break.¡± As much as my body wanted him, I was getting worried a s to why neither Lexy


    nor Gale came to


    o why neither Lexy nor Gale came to check on him, especially since Liam just expelled the poison


    yesterday. He was in excellent condition, too good actually, but I couldn¡¯t help but feel something was


    wrong with those guys.


    ¡°What¡®s wrong?¡± he asked, sounding concerned. ¡°Did I upset you? I¡¯m sorry. You¡¯re right. Here, we¡¯ll


    take a shower and then we¡¯ll eat and then we¡¯ll see those two. I¡¯ming with you. That cheap half-


    naked stripper might try something when you¡¯re alone.¡± 1


    I burst outughing at how ridiculous that sounded!


    ¡°Liam¡­ did you just¡­ aha¡­ call your¡­ haha¡­ Gamma¡­¡±


    ¡°Show off your mark. That¡¯ll tell him to back off. Or don¡¯t. Either way, you smell like me now.¡±


    I suddenly stopped and blushed. That came off a bit strong, but I liked it.


    Goddess, I love this man.


    ¡°Carry me to the bathroom, one who rubbed his scent all over me.¡±


    Tubbed 1115 scent all over me.


    ¡°You could be so dramatic,¡± he said, carrying me bridal style. I couldn¡¯t even grab onto the sheets, so I


    was keeping his eyes fixed in front by pushing up on his jaw.


    He strained to talk. ¡°I¡¯ve already¡­ seen you¡­ and more.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean I can just let you see me naked!¡± I gasped.


    ¡°We¡¯re about to¡­ shower together.¡± He reasoned. Good point, but still!


    After shower, breakfast, and resistance, I finally got him out of the room. Holding his hand, we went out


    together, and into Lexy¡¯s. I wasn¡¯t going to bother her or anybody else, I just wanted to see how we


    were doing for ourselves ¨C I had a feeling they weren¡¯t telling me everything. The warriors that passed


    us by recognized their Alpha and stopped for a moment to greet him and me. They called me Luna¡­


    A glimmer of hope shone in their eyes when they saw him, but one look with mine shared a piece of


    disappointing news, one that snatched that light. My stomach tightened every time, and I


    mach tightened every time, and I found myself asking if it would really be alright even if he didn¡¯t


    remember. The pack needed him, now more than ever.


    As we spotted the facility, I froze. Men carrying an unconscious warrior arrived a t almost the same


    time. It hadn¡¯t been five minutes yet when the doors opened and they went out and headed back to


    where they came from, hurrying.


    ¡°Are you alright? Anna, you¡¯re shaking.¡±


    I hadn¡¯t realized it until he pointed it out. My hands visibly shook, and I couldn¡¯t get them to stop. My


    throat felt dry. I licked my lips before responding


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t look -¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine!¡± I snapped, shocking m e. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡­ It¡¯s just that¡­ I was reminded of something.¡±


    He rubbed small circles on my hand with his thumb


    ¡°Do you still want to go?¡±


    I nodded.


    I nodded.


    We were almost at the doors when two more men, carrying someone on a stretcher, emerged from the


    woods. A bloody arm hanging from one side; hisrades had stern look on their faces. M y eyes


    widened when they got closer and I finally recognized who it was ¨C Rigel!


    They looked shocked when they saw us but immediately headed inside, with the two of us following


    them. A wave of antiseptic, metal, and death crashed through me upon entering. Medics paced back


    and forth; patients lined in the waiting room.


    Spotting Rigel, I dragged Liam across the busy floor into the hallways, which was worse than the


    waiting area. Thankfully, although it was crowded, everyone made way for the medics who were


    rushing to get Rigel in the¡­ emergency room.


    ¡°Send me anyone avable,¡± said a familiar voice.


    Lexy was walking towards us, surprised that we were there. I must¡¯ve looked like ¡®I¡¯d seen a ghost


    seeing as how deep she


    frowned.


    Trowned.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do what we can,¡± she said, before pushing the doors open.


    ¡°Alpha, Luna, we are from the Head Gamma¡¯s team,¡± said one of the men who carried him here. He


    looked to be a teenager, tall andnky. If appearances were the criteria for a warrior, he wouldn¡¯t make


    the cut.


    His hands balled into fists, and he blinked rapidly to hold back tears.¡± Gamma Rigel saved our lives.


    We¡­ I¡­ I promise I¡¯d get stronger. I promise I¡¯d get stronger and surpass even you¡­,¡± he said aloud,


    pointing at Liam.


    Hispanion, bulkier with heavyset muscles, and three small X scars right under his left eye, nudged


    his side and forced him to lower his hand.


    ¡°¡­then I¡¯d kill off all those rogues in the blink of an eye that he wouldn¡¯t have to risk his life for me.¡±


    The tears fell. He covered his eyes with his forearm, shoulders shaking as tears streamed down his


    cheeks.


    Hispanion looked at us with a


    ¡°I apologize for my friend here,¡± he said a she smacked his back sharply. ¡°We¡¯d best be going back to


    the borders. Please take care of Rigel.¡±


    He spun the teenager around, guiding him back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Liam said suddenly, his voice clear and loud like he was addressing everyone present.


    Alpha voice.


    They stopped what they were doing, and all heads turned to him. I looked up at him, mouth gaping, and


    eyes wide.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry it took me this long. You all did your best up until now. Please let me handle things from here


    onwards.¡±


    His face was stern, shoulders tense, anger rolling off him in waves.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha!¡± they all answered, eyes hopeful, and furious


    He looked down at me and his eyes softened. He smiled a little, then cupped my face. It took me a


    while, but I found m


    face. It took me a while, but I found m y voice.


    ¡°Wh-When did you¡­ re-rem


    He kissed my forehead and my mouth shut.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk when I get back. Trust me.¡±


    I remained frozen on my spot as I watched his back disappear into the


    crowd. The loud thumping of fists on chests bounced off the walls, ceding only when he was gone. My


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    mind was a mess o f questions that demanded answers, and undiscernible emotions swirled in my


    heart. 1


    Rigel was fighting for his life. Liam was heading to the frontlines. And here I was, rooted in ce,


    unable to move my legs. Unable to catch up to him¡­ to hold on to his shirt and beg him to stay¡­


    I was rooted in ce just like that day when I couldn¡¯t run to save myself. When Head Gamma Aiden


    turned his back to me for thest time, and thest I saw was the fleeing figure of Alpha Fraser¡¯s wolf.


    I was rooted in ce, clutching at the vial that hung in my neck, my mind nk and


    TUOLITIK t hung in my neck, my mind nk and the world fading¡­


    I¡¯m still the same Anna as back then¡­


    I don¡¯t know how I found myself back at the mansion, in our room. Night had already fallen and he still


    hadn¡¯t returned.


    I bit on my nails, hands shaking, and an ufortable knot in my stomach. My nerves on edge, my


    mind an anxious mess. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, ask him; I was beyond furious


    that he kept this from me but also worried that I wouldn¡¯t get a chance to. The lights turned off, and the


    absence of i t from outside worsened my agitation.


    Howls came from all directions. They had been for hours on end, suddenly disappearing only for me to


    hear them again after a few minutes of intervals. Every time, my heart shrank, for it could be his howl


    that was suddenly cut off.


    How long had it been? My swollen eyes stung, and his pillow was drenched. I hugged it tightly to my


    chest, letting his scent cloud my mind to distract me.


    Not another one¡­


    Not another one¡­


    I pleaded with the Goddess to watch over him, although I wasn¡¯t entirely sure she would be with the


    new moon. Clouds blocked the stars tonight. Nothing was helping¡­


    I needed him ¨C his breathing, physical presence beside me. I needed his warmth t o engulf me, for him


    to whisper that it was alright. It made me hate myself more. He was risking his life¡­ everyone was


    risking their lives¡­ and all I could do was sit on my butt and cry and worry. My fingers brushed past his


    mark ¨C I shouldn¡¯t have let him mark me. He was a strong Alpha; he led a strong pack. Gale, Lexy,


    Rigel¡­ everyone.


    I was a useless Luna. I didn¡¯t deserve his mark. I shouldn¡¯t have marked him. He deserved someone


    else¡¯s mark. Someone stronger, someone who had a wolf, someone who could help him lead, and


    fight. That wasn¡¯t me. I was nothing but a scared human who didn¡¯t belong. A baggage to everyone


    here.


    Salina was right. She was right about everything. I could never measure up to her sister.


    her sister


    The door swung open, ever so slowly. He stood there with the light behind him casting a long


    silhouette. His breathing ragged and his scent instantly filling the room but with a tinge of blood.


    Scrambling out of the bed, I ran towards


    him.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Chapter 44 Full Counter


    ¨C Liam


    Memories came flooding back to me as I watched her sleep. Everything¡­ a blur, a sh, a series of


    images on y. I remembered everything¡­ but was still a scramble. 2


    An arm flung around my waist, and her leg came over my thigh. She was anything but a still sleeper,


    but she looked adorable with her hair messy. My Anna, I remembered her then, as with everything else


    that preceded, and I understood what was happening with the pack.


    Luca wasn¡¯t responding, yet. Even when I marked her and she marked me, he didn¡¯t make his


    presence known. I knew h e was still with me, but he was keeping himself shut off.


    He tried to poison me and seeded; Luca must be in a worse condition than m


    She mumbled my name and I smiled. Was she dreaming about me? I couldn¡¯t be any happier. It felt


    right, and with our marks


    dreaming about me? I couldn¡¯t be any happier. It felt right, and with our marks, I feltplete.


    Goddess, I love this woman.


    I adjusted the sheets to cover her back. Then, pulling her close to my chest, I kissed her head and


    drifted to sleep.


    ¡°Alpha, the eastern borders request assistance,¡± said amunicator via the mind-link, snapping me


    out of my thoughts. I issued orders as I darted to the east, hearing a ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    As the night progressed, the rogues were getting more aggressive in their attacks. Their numbers had


    no pattern, and their careless attacks were just a means to throw us off. We¡¯d been cautious in going


    offensive since we couldn¡¯t figure out their n and focus on the defensive instead. They didn¡¯t have a


    n, at all. These attacks were meant to weaken our forces.


    On the defensive, we isted ourselves. Food had to be conserved and medical supplies would soon


    need replenishment. Outside help wasing, but until then w e had to advance as far as we could. It


    was time to go on the offensive. 1


    TC U U U UTEUITERISIVE.


    Information passed in my head like lightning, and I had to sort and analyze each one ande up with


    a decision. Even for regr werewolves, this would easily drive them insane and they¡¯d lose their


    sense of self. The numerous voices that chattered, the ongoing fight on the outside ¨C even to us


    Alphas, this was a daunting and heavily exhausting task. I had to. I was trained to take the strain of


    keeping too many links open; so were my Beta and Gamma.


    Under Anna¡¯s leadership, they held back the first wave with the least number of casualties, effectively


    buying them timet o prepare for the next. Lexy was pushing past her limits to keep up with her work ¨C


    sooner orter, her excessive use would take its toll on her. Gale was now o n the frontlines. He was on


    the south, and he covered both the south and western borders. Rigel did an excellent job at guarding


    the northern borders, considering his team was the smallest in number. They all did well. Amazingly


    well. Now it was my turn.


    Upon reaching the eastern borders, Nalia and Sabri were already there.


    a Sant were already there.


    Luca growled; the stink of rogues left a bad taste in the mouth. ¡°Liam¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say it,¡± I replied, slipping back, and giving him full control. When we switched, he


    gave out a howl and sped faster. With him controlling his own body, I had more leeway on my side.


    Isting the links of everyone in this area, I grouped them together to create our own channel and


    focused my attention on it.


    They responded fast as I issued orders. Dividing the warriors into the three of us allowed us to cover a


    wider area. These she-wolves were extraordinary and were more than capable of leading a team of


    their own. Gunshots rang and blood spurted.


    Rigel really smoothened their edges. His team was as crazy as him. 1


    Luca took out as many as he could and assisted those who almost met their end. None of my men


    were dying ¨C not on my watch.


    A rogueunched itself on us. Luca


    Aogueunched itself on us. Luca grabbed him by the neck and swung his body to the side, to be


    finished off by our warriors.


    A bullet went past me before my paws hit the ground. A wolf whimpered then fell, blood seeping out


    from the hole in its head. Luca growled at Sabri. She smirked at us as her team regrouped with ours.


    ¡°Clear on our side, Alpha,¡± she reported, now beside me.


    ¡°How much do you have left?¡± I asked via mind-link


    She loaded her Glocks then tossed her braided hair.


    ¡°Enough,¡± she answered.


    More of the rogues came running towards us.


    Nalia and her team arrived. Pure white wolf shone beautifully in the night.


    ¡°Clear on our side, Alpha,¡± she said via mind-link


    The stink intensified. I mind-linked the group.


    ¡°Keen your guards in There are more


    soup.


    ¡°Keep your guards up. There are moreing.¡±


    Someone tried to link. I lifted the barrier.


    ¡°Wee to the party,¡± I greeted.


    ¡°What news from the north, Alpha?¡± asked Nalia at the same time a red re went up the sky.


    A group of wolves approached us from the left nk, a woman donned in ankle length robe riding one


    of them. She held a crossbow and a sling of arrows on her back.


    They came to stop before me.


    ¡°Alpha Liam, we are the sisters of the Red Circle, here to be of aide,¡± she said aloud as she got down.


    She smelled like one of us, but she was the only one still in human form from their group, and she kept


    her eyes closed.


    ¡°I am blind, Alpha, but I won¡¯t be a burden,¡± she said, smiling.


    Helia had shared the new recruits this year.


    I didn¡¯t think you¡¯ll be a burden. Luan


    ????


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯ll be a burden, Luan,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Thank you, Alpha.¡±


    They joined our ranks like they had always been a part of us. Then again, they were our sister pack.


    Another set of res lighted the skies,ing from all four directions. The color was green.


    I grinned and sent another message, this time to the whole pack. They dared attack my pack, dared


    harm my Luna, and dared kill my warriors. Whoever was behind this would pay tenfold and more.


    ¡°Red w Pack, our sisters from the Red Circle has answered our call. The Moon Stone Pack has


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    the Red w.¡±


    Howls erupted from all directions, and more red res, quickly followed by green res, from the south


    and from the west, lit up the dark skies.


    ¡°Show them what happens when they


    ¡°Show them what happens when they dare spill blood on ournds.¡±


    The warriors with me charged forward, keeping up with my pace. I was sending orders, filtering


    information from the different units, and checking up with Gale on how things were on his side.


    ¡°Quite a speech there, Alpha,¡± she said teasingly


    ¡°I had a great teacher,¡± I replied, hearing augh from the other line. ¡°Thank you foring, Helia.¡±


    ¡°Always a pleasure to be here, Liam. Now let¡¯s clean up quick so we can catch up. I heard you found


    your mate.¡±


    Never missed a single news, to this day.


    ¡°You¡¯ll love her, Helia.¡±


    Sheughed a little as she replied, ¡°I¡¯m sure I will.¡±


    I sensed someone nearby andmanded them to stop.


    A ball of fire came from behind us, crashing unto the oing enemies. Pained howls and the smell of


    burning


    meat¡­


    incat¡­


    I growled in annoyance and found that one particr link.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a barbeque, Jaymer.¡±


    Fuck. It stinks.


    ¡°Why the fuck did you show up now?¡±


    He was now beside me, clothed in a long robe with arge hoodie that hid his face. He raised his


    hands and the sleeves pulled back a little. Purple electricity danced in his fingers.


    ¡°I felt Mom,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Keep up and no friendly fire this time.¡±


    Luca howled. He was getting impatient.


    With a howl, Luca led them into nothing short of victory.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Chapter 45 Losing Scares


    ¨C Liam


    A solemn look fell upon everyone¡¯s faces a s ourrades retrieved our fallen. Seventeen from our


    borders with six more from the infirmary. All their lives were on me. I should¡¯ve been more


    careful at the Alpha Duel. I should¡¯ve woken immediately. I should¡¯ve remembered soon. They needed


    me and I wasn¡¯t aware they needed me.


    Growing up, our predecessors instilled that there was no greater honor than giving our all to the pack in


    honor of the Moon Goddess. Now I hoped that our fallen brothers and sisters found peace in her arms.


    I felt a hand squeeze down on my shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Alpha.¡±


    A rumbling came from the skies and harsh winds blew. Then it rained heavily, drenching all of us. They


    shifted into their wolves and howled and whimpered, There was no moon tonight, but their


    their wolves and howled and whimpered. here was no moon tonight, but their cries should reach Her,


    nheless.


    They shed tears masked in rain and sent silent messages on links that¡¯d never light up again. The


    stench of death, blood, and salt brought up memories I¡¯d rather forget. Thest time and this time


    Goddess, help whoever set this up because I¡¯ming for him¡­


    ¡°We don¡¯t get to choose tomorrow Liam. We can¡¯t undo the past. We can only trust that they¡¯re with the


    Goddess,¡± said Helia.


    I turned my back on them, dragging my feet in the mud, thinking of nothing. When I looked up, I was


    already at the front of the mansion.


    I kept her waiting. She must¡¯ve had questions for me to answer.


    It was early in the morning. She was most likely asleep by now. Sighing, I made my way inside. I took


    my shoes and socks off, dropping them before I reached the bottom of the stairs.


    Shield mast lizalyvallt me for leaning it


    DULLUM UI Te Stairs.


    She¡¯d most likely yell at me for keeping it a secret. If I was in her shoes, I¡¯d get furious at myself. She


    had every right to, but this could all wait forter.


    I hesitated in opening the door. If it was I who got mad, I knew what the room would look like. Gathering


    courage, I slowly turned the handle and pushed it open slowly.


    Her sweet scent instantly calmed me, but I frowned at the saltiness, which was simr to the night I


    found her. She was o n the bed, hugging a pillow between knees and chest. Then she stirred, putting


    the pillow down to the side.


    Did she wait for me? I couldn¡¯t find the words to speak.


    She got out of bed hurriedly, then ran to me.


    Here ites.


    I waited for a sharp p, maybe another kick down there, for her to scream at me and call me a jerk for


    lying to her. I waited for her to break down in nervousness for leaving her alone while I joined the fight. I


    waited for her to cry so


    VTILCUPIUTTICI LUULECI CU VITIT


    vousness for leaving her alone while I joined the fight. I waited for her to cry so I couldfort her the


    soonest.


    She didn¡¯t do any of those. She wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her head in my chest,


    holding onto me tightly like I was going to disappear if she didn¡¯t.


    I stiffened at the suddenness, my arms to my sides.


    I felt her warmth through my drenched shirt. I heard the relief in her voice when she murmured my


    name.


    I could hear my own breathing and the racing beats of my heart. I let her scent calm me, then I hugged


    her back.


    She made a move to let go but I didn¡¯t. Not yet. She was warmth¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re soaked,¡± she whispered.


    Not only was I dripping on the carpet, but my clothes were also sprayed with blood and mud.


    Hesitantly, I let her go.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    She held my hand and pulled me towards the bathroom


    the ballroom.


    ¡°You need to change out of those clothes before you catch a cold.¡±


    That made me smile. I hadn¡¯t caught a cold since I shifted. A little rain wouldn¡¯t get me sick, although


    the idea of staying i n bed with her doting on me appeared rather pleasant. Could I still get sick? Since I


    shifted, I never had a fever.


    I helped her take my shirt off, noticing how her fingers lingered longer on my skin, then I let it drop to


    the floor. The glint in her eyes made me smirk. Unbuckling my belt, I pulled it off before i t mored on


    the floor. Her eyes still glued on mine, she breathed through slightly parted lips.


    A zip, a struggle, and my pants were on the floor. I stood before her, revealing all of me. My breathing


    asborious as hers, my eyes just as hungry.


    As if snapping out of a trance, she shook her head slightly and held my hand, leading me inside the


    shower. With her clothes still on, warm water cascaded on * both of us as I held her by her hips.


    I kissed her hair, then her forehead, her


    issed her hair, then her forehead, her nose, then her soft sweet lips.


    She relinquished control, and I explored every inch of her mouth, gliding my tongue against hers.


    Intoxicating, addicting ¨C every aspect of her was mine. I grabbed her thighs and pulled her up, then


    mmed her to the wall. I pressed myself against her, the scent of her sweet arousal clouding my


    mind.


    ¡°You do this to me,¡± I whispered in her ear, then I nibbled lightly at the tender flesh.


    She rxed in my hold as she sighed. Then her hand grabbed my length and pumped it gently, swiping


    her thumb over the head with added pressure. I growled when she looked me in the eye and flicked her


    tongue at her thumb to taste me, hershes fluttering as she savored my cum.


    Unable to hold back any longer, I impaled her in one hard thrust.


    So tight¡­


    ¡°Her beautiful moans made me harder as I built a steady rhythm, pumping in and out of her faster and


    faster Her legs.


    So tight¡­


    Her beautiful moans made me harder as I built a steady rhythm, pumping in and out of her faster and


    faster. Her legs swung to the side as I kept her thighs parted, my hands on her breasts as I ced


    kisses on her neck.


    Liam¡­¡±


    My name left her lips in the most sensual manner. Her moans, her sweetness, this blissful feeling we


    shared¡­


    I don¡¯t want to lose you, Anna.


    Liam!!!


    Her limbs shook, she bit down on my chest, then she mped down on me as she came. Beautiful¡­


    So fucking beautiful


    Eyes shut as she threw her head back, her walls clenched around me, milking me as her sweetness


    coated me. Her parted lips begging to be bitten.


    This face she makes was mine. No one will ever see it but me.


    As she came down from her high, I could feel mineing. Thrusting faster and


    Landar Laragnade Lelesend daan


    I mineing. Thrusting faster and harder, I groaned as I released deep inside her. I kept spurting as I


    moved in and out slowly, determined to let thisst longer. Her warmth exploded on my dick once more,


    and I shuddered as I filled her again.


    Don¡¯t leave my side. I¡¯ll protect you so stay by my side.


    ¡°I love you,¡± she whispered between pants. ¡°I love you, Liam.¡±


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I¡¯ll make you happy.


    I kissed her breathless then pulled out. 1


    I¡¯ll let you break down my walls¡­ just promise me your words are true ¨C that you¡¯ll always stay beside


    me.


    We showered, dried ourselves, then slipped in bed. Both of us didn¡¯t bother with clothes, and I was


    more than alright with it. I sighed as my body sank.


    Exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks, the adrenaline from my system now gone. With her head on my


    chest and an arm around my waist, her body heat warmed


    1. me.


    What are you thinking of Loked


    und my waist, her body heat warmed


    1. me.


    ¡°What are you thinking of?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    I was tired, but I exined everything to her.


    She pecked me on the lips as a sign of forgiveness. She could be so adorable. 5)


    ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    ¡°Carry on,¡± I replied.


    Bury our brothers and sisters, keep their memories in our hearts, and live on with our lives. Wounds


    heal into scars, and some wounds never heal, but¡­ if the Goddess wills..


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You have nothing to be sorry for, Anna. This happens all the time with our kind. There will always be a


    conflict between packs, among pack members, and we will never run out of rogues. The most we can


    do is carry on.¡±


    She kept quiet, keeping her thoughts to herself. I kissed her hair and inhaled her


    e kept quiet, keeping her thoughts to herself. I kissed her hair and inhaled her scent. Her breathing now


    calm, I pulled the sheets over us.


    I love you, too, Anna Be Fiora. But if I told you, I get this feeling that I¡¯d lose something¡­

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Chapter 46 Opening Locks


    ¨CAnna


    The elders prayed to the Moon Goddess with the rest of the pack silently prayingo n their own. Dressed


    in ck from head t o toe, we gathered around the graves of the brave men and women who fought for


    us. Their families wailed in their dirt covered graves, clutching at the headstones that summarized their


    entire identity, the life they lived. Soon, nts o f their choosing would be nted by their spouse, or


    their parents, or their children, whoever they have left behind.


    Today was particrly chilly. Mud dirtied our shoes and the atmosphere, mncholic.


    I watched all these unfold with a heavy heart, holding back the tears as I felt their pain ¨C the pain of


    losing a loved one. They were warriors to me, as someone else to the rest ¨C a son, a daughter, a


    mother, a father, a wife, a husband, a friend. They lived their lives with a different identity to each


    person in their life but died with the same everyone had and will remember them by.


    It was nothing short of cruel, but such was reality, and it¡®d take time to ovee the grief, though it


    didn¡®t always happen.


    The memories were our attachments to them that transcended their physicalpany, and it¡®d


    continue to remind us that they once were, by our sides. Sometimes the feeling of a ghostly presence


    would linger when we found ourselves staying in ces where we used to spend time with them, and


    the nights were worse because of the eerie silence that filled the room.


    At least it was how it was for me. I felt their pain in every way because I knew what it was like to lose


    someone, to have someone fight bravely for me that it cost them their life. To me, it was an exchange.


    Their life for mine ¨C so I could live one more second, one more day, one more year ¨C then celebrate a


    ¡°birthday¡°.


    They were brave, fearless even; my only regret was never getting to know who they were when they


    were still around. It was an honor, to be a part of the pack they served, loved, and protected.


    they served, loved, and protected.


    The warriors stood straight in formation, with Rigel and Gale on the front. Their faces solemn, hearts


    grieving and undeniably even more furious than mine.


    Gale shifted first, into a gray wolf with ck patches of fur and clear blue eyes. Rigel followed, then the


    rest of the warriors.


    Liam let go of my hand, then shifted into his own. Bigger than the rest, he was a beautiful ck wolf,


    too dark it almost looked like a thick dark blue, his eyes ck. He sat on his hind legs, then raising his


    head, he let out a long, pained howl, soon seeded by the warriors. Then everyone in the pack had


    shifted into their own wolves and howled along with him.


    Their families had shifted too, some of them whimpering. I wished I could shift too. At this very moment,


    I wanted to. I wanted to join the pack in their grievance, in sending them off, a farewell for our dead, but


    I couldn¡®t.


    Tears didn¡®t measure, and so I continued t o pray instead. Afterward, the pack started to leave until it


    was only their


    rted to leave until it was only their families. Then, it was only Liam and me. Heid on his stomach, his


    head on his forelegs. I squatted to reach his level, then ran a hand on his back, soft, thick fur


    enveloping my fingers.


    Luca whimpered. I kissed the top of his head. Looking around the graveyard, it was near impossible to


    get a picture of the number of the deceased for there were different nts growing around, from


    flowers to shrubs to evergreens. The pack lost many, yet at the same time, it didn¡®t feel that way with


    the view. Perhaps this was their way of immortalizing their loved ones ¨C by giving them another life in


    this world.


    His tongue darted out and licked my hand. I scratched from below his jaw down to his side. I smiled


    softly at him. H e didn¡®t do anything, but I could feel just how much it grieved him, and the regreto f not


    supporting them sooner weighed on his shoulders.


    It¡®d be easy to tell him it wasn¡®t his fault. I treally wasn¡®t. He shouldn¡®t me himself for their deaths.


    However, I felt like keeping my mouth shut and just


    He keeping my mouth shut and just staying beside him would speak more than whatever word might


    leave my mouth. In whatever way I could, I¡®d let him know that I was right here with him, all the way.


    Getting up on his paws, he rubbed his head on my thighs before turning around. I walked beside him,


    asionally rubbing his back. He kept his head down, ears t on his head. I wished I could do


    more...


    Instead of walking out the graveyard, he led me behind a curtain of thick vines. Hidden and separated


    from the rest were more headstones. The graves had different nts, too, and as we passed them by, I


    noticed on the visible headstones a recurring name, ¡°Rose¡°. It was his family¡®s


    He stopped in front of two graves that were side by side. White roses grew on each grave. Heid right


    at the middle before these, closed his eyes, then whimpered. One read ¡°Sarina Rose¡°, his first mate,


    and the other, ¡°Sam Rose¡°. I didn¡®t know who thetter was, but I could tell both of these women


    mattered the world to him.


    He kept whimpering like he was physically hurt but he wasn¡®t, it was more than that. I sat on my butt


    this time and patted his head. Holding both sides o f his head, I motioned for him to spread himself


    across myp, to which he did.


    His massive body was heavy. But he was also warm. I could tell he was being careful to not put all his


    weight on me. I ran my hand soothingly across his massive body, sometimes leaning forward to kiss


    him wherever. His scent was stronger, and it calmed me down. He also quieted down; his eyes still


    closed.


    Then he blinked them open, got off myp, and shifted back to his human form. He sat beside me with


    a in expression. Putting a hand on his shoulder, he raised those eyes at me. Profound sadness


    stared back from his brown gaze. They said, ¡°eyes are the windows to the soul¡± ¨C I was staring straight


    into it right now. He was letting me in, showing me what was usually concealed. Oh, Liam.


    A tear escaped an eye and I wiped it with a thumb. After all these years, he carried i talone ¨C regrets,


    grief, anger...


    Talone ¨C regrets, grief, anger...


    He was no different than I for although I acted like I had moved on; the truth was that I still cared so


    much about the past. Living with the White Lake Pack was all I had to keep me going. Their sacrifice


    and a promise ¨C I would¡¯ve ended my life a long time ago if it wasn¡®t because of them.


    Going to the human world was me thinking I¡®d live a better life away from werewolves. That maybe, if I


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    wasn¡®t involved with them, I¡®d find a reason to continue living. I should¡®ve realized it was far from that. I


    questioned the Goddess often why I didn¡®t die that night, why I was saved by a second mate. And


    perhaps this was her answer ¨C we were a somewhat perfect fit. Just two broken souls trying to live life


    because of a past that chained us down.


    His lips parted, then he bowed his head a sa sob broke from his throat. I pulled him to my chest,


    running a hand down his back as he clutched on my sleeves and cried. And I cried with him.


    Surrounded by the graves of his bloodline, in their silent embrace, our tears fell freely, and the only


    sounds we


    rs fell freely, and the only sounds we heard were our own cries. At this moment, the world faded, and it


    was just the two of us once more.


    Eventually, our wails turned to sobs, to hups, then heavy breaths. My clothing was soaked where he


    cried, and so was the back of his shirt, for my chin rested just past his nape. I took out a handkerchief


    from a pocket to blow my nose and he let go of me and turned to his side to do the same.


    Then he turned to face me, and I chuckled. Eyes swollen; nose, red; and his lips still quivering. He


    offered a small smile, then tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. ¡°Between the two of us, I think you


    look worse,¡± he said, then weughed aloud like we haven¡®t been crying just a minute ago.


    It felt good to cry, and have someone to cry to, but it felt better to have some ough with. I rested


    my head on his shoulder. My lower back ached from our previous position. He intertwined his fingers


    with mine, and I wasforted b y the warmth that came from him. He kissed my hair and sighed. I


    smiled.


    Nissed my hair and sighed. I smiled.


    ¡°Sarina was my mate. She¡®s the first. But you already know,¡± he said as he ced a 11 arm around my


    shoulders. ¡°I met her when the Blue Moon Pack came to visit, years after my uncle had taken over as


    Alpha of the pack. He married the daughter of theirst Alpha, who was sick at the time. When he was


    my father¡®s Beta, he was married to his mate in this pack. Sarina and Salina, their mother was from our


    pack. But she passed away at childbirth, and my uncle insisted on taking his daughters with him when


    he was banished for fucking mated she wolves, one too many times. Dad had no choice but to let them


    go. He was the Alpha, but he wasn¡®t the children¡®s father.¡± 3


    My head shot up to find him looking down at me with a soft smile. I was curious about this since Lexy¡®s


    short version, but was I ready to hear it? He didn¡®t have to force himself.


    As if he could read my thoughts, he leaned forward to kiss my forehead.


    I rxed then and snuggled closer to him.


    ¡°He was banished, but he wasn¡®t a rogue.


    e was banished, but he wasn¡®t a rogue. He became an Alpha. It was a meeting of Alphas; Dad couldn¡®t


    lose face and I think he was relieved to see that his brother was doing well for himself. I was in my


    mid¨Ctwenties, five years ahead of her. He brought her daughters with them, and that was how we met.¡±


    3


    He stared at her tombstone with longing. My heart ached with jealousy, much to m y dismay.


    ¡°She was... bubbly and bright, and constantly annoyed me. I was sleeping around with whoever, I felt


    like I didn¡®t deserve her.¡±


    I rolled my eyes ¨C typical. Just how many came before me.


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For sleeping with a number of women.¡±


    He didn¡®t have to ask! No mate would be happy about it. While most of us kept ourselves untouched for


    our mate, some, especially Alphas, Betas, and Gammas still chose to do it with whoever was willing,


    which I¡®d imagine was never a


    ling, which I¡®d imagine was never a problem since many women were as thirsty as them.


    ¡°Would you be happy if I slept with men before you? You almost killed Flynn that night, and that was my


    first,¡± I retorted.


    ¡°No. I¡®d be angry at you, too,¡± he said as h e rubbed small circles on the back of my hand. ¡°Babe, he


    wasn¡®t your first. I am. H e saw nothing while I saw everything. He tasted nothing while I tasted all of


    you. H e doesn¡®t wear your scent; I do. And if he took these away from me that night, I would¡®ve killed


    him, no regrets, even if it brought a war at our borders. You saw how far my warriors would go to


    protect the pack. How far do you think they¡®ll go t o protect their Luna?¡± 1


    He asked the question with conviction that it scared me. I didn¡®t want anyone dying for me, and yet a lot


    of them just did. I didn¡®t want anyone fighting over m e; I wasn¡®t worth it.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I mumbled, unsure of what I was saying it for.


    ¡°I¡®m sorry, too. I felt like I should let it out,¡± he said, sighing. ¡°Do you want met


    ,¡± he said, sighing. ¡°Do you want met o continue?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°I didn¡®t fall on my knees in front of her o r changed into a one¨Cwoman man overnight. I silently rejected


    her for two straight days and avoided her as often as I could. But as I said, she found ways to annoy


    me. She¡®d follow me wherever I go and keep talking non¨Cstop. I even kissed a girl in front of her, so


    she¡®d leave me alone. I felt like shit, but it worked. She left me alone for the rest of the day. You can


    already guess what happened next.¡±


    ¡°You bastard,¡± I said firmly. My first seriously wanted to hit him right now. I was hurt too ¨C hurt that he


    did that to Sarina. ¡°You jerk of a bastard.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he breathed. ¡°I deserve every curse word you throw at me. I was an asshole, and more. I


    didn¡®t deserve her. Lexy even lectured me that night. The meeting was over the next day. I¡®d never see


    her again and I convinced myself I was fine with it.¡±


    He suddenlyughed, and my eyes narrowed at him.


    Tamrowed at num.


    ¡°You¡®d never believe what she did! She came to my room at two in the morning, o I was it three? She


    picked the lock, snuck into my room, and woke me up ¨C so she could tell me she forgives me, and that


    if I really didn¡®t want her, she asked me to reject her and she¡®d respect any decision and ept.¡±


    I smiled. She sounded like a strong


    woman.


    ¡°Long story short, she changed me. I cut off all my connections with... them, and after the meeting


    ended, we told our parents. And well, Lexy already told you the rest.¡±


    ¡°She told me about the agreement,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°I didn¡®t care for it. I was happy with her and it was all that mattered. She lived with us and so did her


    sister. They reunited with their mother¡®s side of the family. I¡®ve never seen Aunty J as happy a s she did


    then. She loved those two like they were her own. She still does.¡±


    That exined why she was cold towards me. It was hard for her to lose Sarina, and


    It was hard for her to lose Sarina, and she knew she was about to lose Salina because of me.


    ¡°We were happy then,¡± he whispered fondly. ¡°But all good things muste to an end. Our parents


    were ambushed by rogues when they left the pack for a meeting, I took over as Alpha, and it was


    difficult for the pack, for the family, but w e pulled through because of her. We eventually got married,


    and I thought it¡®d be great from then on, but she suddenly got sick. Lexy was still training then, and she


    had suspicioned that Sarina was poisoned. I think she still does; I do now. She got well, fortunately, and


    her pregnancy wasn¡®t affected.¡± 1


    My blood ran cold. This wasn¡®t what Lexy told me.


    His hand started shaking.


    ¡°I ced more guards around her before I left for a meeting. Three hourster, my pack was screaming


    at me to get back. Rogues were attacking from all sides.¡±


    He inhaled sharply.


    ¡°¡°Liam,¡± I called, holding his hand


    jam,¡± I called, holding his hand between mine. ¡°It¡®s alright. You don¡®t have to¡±


    ¡°You have to know,¡± he said, cutting me off. ¡°Nobody knew how she got out of the mansion, what she


    was doing in the woods. She was guarded, but...¡±


    He took a sharp inhale. ¡°I watched her life get taken in front of me; I didn¡®t drive fast enough, didn¡®t run


    fast enough to get to her. I killed the rogue; my men killed the rest. But we lost her.¡±


    His voice cracked as he continued, breaking my heart further. ¡°She died in m y arms. And do you know


    what she said? She told me to carry on. Sam¡®s the name of our child, our first, our baby girl. I lost


    them both. I lost them together. And I had myself to me for it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Liam,¡± I whispered, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.


    ¡°The rumor¡®s true, Anna. I did kill my mate. We had an argument the previous night. She didn¡®t want me


    to go to the meeting. I think there was more to it, but I can¡®t remember. Now, I can¡®t remember why I


    was so eager to gain allies. I


    y I was so eager to gain allies. I couldn¡®t even tell her how sorry I was that morning. She sent me off


    with a smile. I nned to surprise her when I got back... something good, something she liked. But I


    killed them instead. I killed them...¡±


    ¡°You didn¡®t kill them, Liam,¡°I whispered as I ran a hand down his back.


    His shoulders shook as he sobbed. The big bad Alpha crying, shaking, and afraid beside me ¨C this was


    the real Alpha of the Red w Pack. He had a taste of life just like everyone else, and he had a heart


    that could withstand life¡®s beatings. Here he was with his shoulders hunched and head down like he


    was a scared little boy. This was Alpha Liam Rose ¨C a beat¨Cup soul who still carried on.


    I waited until he calmed down.


    He looked worse than before now ¨C his eyes were puffed up; I was sure he¡¯d be squinting by


    tomorrow.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should¡®ve told you earlier. I kept you in the dark for so long. I¡®m so sorry,¡± he said,


    whispering thest part.


    m not,¡± he replied, pulling me into hisp. ¡°You¡®re right. I have ¡®absolutely no reason to be jealous of¡°.


    He leaned forward, his hand creeping to the back of my head.


    ¡°Say it,¡± he murmured, kissing my hair.¡± Let me hear you say why.¡±


    His warm breath fanned the side of my neck, his lips teasingly gliding down to his mark. ¡°Anna...¡±


    My name rolled off his tongue in a soft whisper, luring me into his trance. I gasped when his tongue


    licked at his mark, my thighs closing tight.


    ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°I¡®m yours,¡± I breathed, shivering when he inhaled my scent.


    He growled.


    ¡°Liam...¡±


    ¡°Mine!¡± He sucked on the skin harshly that I couldn¡®t suppress a moan. Then he traced kisses all over


    his mark, then my neck to my jaw, before finally iming m y lips into a dizzying kiss.


    vlips into a dizzying kiss.


    I¡®d never get enough of this.


    It got colder, suggesting it was time we got back. My chest felt lighter now that w e had this talk, and I


    could tell he unloaded a heavy weight from his back.


    I whispered a silent ¡°Thank you¡± to Sarina and Sam.


    We left the graveyard and headed back to the mansion, walking hand in hand. The smile on his face


    was brighter than before.


    ¡°I just have one question,¡± I said, resting my chin on my fingers. ¡°If Aunty J is Rigel¡®s mom, and she¡®s


    Sarina¡®s aunt, that means Rigel¡®s their cousin, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± he replied.


    ¡°But if her father¡®s your uncle, doesn¡®t that make her your cousin, too?¡±


    It¡®d make them first cousins! A rather valid reason for her father to disapproveo f their rtionship,


    whatever his reason was. I never wanted to see him again ¨C he nned to kill my mate! And I was too


    scared to ask Liam what his ns were...


    What means Rigel¡®s their cousin, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± he replied.


    ¡°But if her father¡®s your uncle, doesn¡¯t that make her your cousin, too?¡±


    It¡®d make them first cousins! A rather valid reason for her father to disapprove o f their rtionship,


    whatever his reason was. I never wanted to see him again ¨C he nned to kill my mate! And I was too


    scared to ask Liam what his ns were...


    ¡°He¡®s adopted,¡± he replied. ¡°My grandfather found him in a pack that had just been attacked. He was


    the only survivor unless there were others who escaped. Pack wars aren¡®t as frequent now because of


    alliances and truces, but i t continues in other ways.¡± 1


    That was a relief. It was sort of weird if it were the case.


    ¡°Liam?¡±


    ¡°Yeah? Ask me anything, babe.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°I love you.¡±


    My heart dropped. He didn¡®t say it back, again. At least his ¡°I forgot everything self¡± said it back.


    ¡°Thought you should  Of¡± said it back. ¡°Thought you should know.¡±


    ¡°I do. I feel the same way about you,¡± he replied, pulling me to his side and kissing my hair. 2 So why


    won¡®t you say it?

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Chapter 47 Bnced Life


    Rigel ¨C


    The pack was recovering from the attack. I was forbidden to involve myself in the cleanup and other


    matters that needed m y attention by none other than the one woman who controlled my life ¨C my


    Mom. We¡¯re all we had since Dad died in a n attack, and she¡¯d been looking after me like I was still a


    child. So here I was, lying in bed, nursing my recovering wound, bored out of my mind.


    The thought of Gale picking up the ck made me happy ¨C poor kid. None of them contacted me yet


    today, and it was already seven past two in the afternoon, Must be busy.


    Mom was in the kitchen ¨C she was working overtime again to feed everyone. While she was my


    biological mom, everyone in the pack considered her their paternal mom and so everyone had a soft


    spot for her. Strict in the kitchen but was a real softie inside ¨C I should know.


    Sighing, I swung my legs to the side and


    thing, I swung my legs to the side and stared at the ceiling. The cool draft from the window right above


    the headboard made the heat bearable. My wolf wanted t o run, but it might open up the wound so he


    could only whimper, and he¡¯d been whimpering since this morning.


    ¡°Shut up, will you? Can¡¯t you stay quiet for five minutes?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m bored,¡± he replied.


    ¡°So am I. Now keep quiet.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t we go outside?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m bored and hungry. We¡¯ll take a walk when Mom gets back,¡± I answered.


    Lunch was over hours ago, and I was waiting on my Mom for my lunch. I could fix myself something,


    but I felt toozy today to do¡­ something as boring as making a sandwich.


    Our conversation was cut short when a familiar voice came from below.


    ¡°Hello?


    I immediately sat up, rubbed my ears, and listened in again.


    al


    ISTTTeu


    gulti.


    ¡°Aunty ), are you home??


    My wolf growled. She wasn¡¯t supposed to be here! Footsteps thudded on the stairs,


    ¡°Aunty J?¡± she asked again.


    ¡°She¡¯s not here!¡± I yelled from my room.


    The door opened, and she peeked in before opening it wide. She stood by the doorway with a grin on


    her face. Pink crop top and skintight jeans showed off her skin and figure, and she had light make-up


    on. Drop-dead gorgeous; it


    could drive any person at her mercy until they found out what kind of person she really was.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, growling. ¡°Who gave you permission to b e here?¡±


    She rolled her eyes at me and crossed her arms across her chest.


    ¡°Seriously, couz? For once, can¡¯t you be happy to see me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Aunty J?¡± she asked, leaning on the frame.


    frane


    How did you get in?¡±


    Right after the attack, she was suddenly paying a visit?


    I didn¡¯t buy it. She wasn¡¯t allowed within the territory, so how did she get this far without anyone


    apprehending her?¡± You¡¯re banned from the territory.¡±


    ¡°Am I? Your guards didn¡¯t think so,¡± she replied, making quotation marks in the air with her fingers as


    she said ¡°guards¡±.


    I growled. Nobody insulted my warriors.


    She eyed me up and down then scoffed.¡± What happened to you?¡±


    My stomach was wrapped in bandages and I had bruises and cuts all over. I raised a brow at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you don¡¯t know. I asked you a question, Salina. I expect an answer,¡± I said, getting up


    and walking over to her.


    ¡°Aunty J missed me, and I missed her. Guess who asked me toe over?¡± she said, raising her brow


    higher. ¡°If she¡¯s in the kitchen, I hope you don¡¯t mind me


    kitchen, I hope you don¡¯t mind me waiting for her. I¡¯ll also be staying for a couple of days¡­ or a week. I


    don¡¯t have any ns on leaving anytime soon.¡±


    The pack knew about my Mom¡¯s condition. She was her usual self in front of them, but within these


    walls, she needed help. While Sarina¡¯s death affected all of us, she took it hardest. Mom saw Sarina in


    Salina, and just like m e, she treated my cousin as a little girl. They were close like they were mother


    and daughter and I had no problem with i t, but it wasn¡¯t healthy for her.


    The more time Salina spent with Mom, she became convinced that Sarina was still alive. At times, I


    caught her calling m y cousin Sarina and asking for Salina instead. I thought it was an honest mistake


    the first time it happened, but it was urring more frequently recently.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be around her,¡± I said, grabbing her wrist but she pulled her arm back. ¡°You have to


    leave now.¡±


    She had to go before Mom found out she was here. However, I was toote for I heard Mom yell from


    below.


    neand mom yeun rom below.


    ¡°Rigel Axia Johnson! Why is the front door open, young man?¡±


    Salina smirked at me and said loudly, ¡°H i, Aunty I! Guess who¡¯s here?¡±


    My mom shrieked in excitement.


    I had to cover my ears.


    ¡°Sarina? Is that you?¡±


    There she was again. This bitch was aware, and she was letting it happen!


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± I warned, ring at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not what you think of me, Rigel,¡± she spat as she turned around and went down the stairs.


    ¡°Aunty, it¡¯s me, Salina!¡± she whined.¡± You didn¡¯t miss me at all!¡±


    My momughed. Only Salina could make herugh right now. I was spending more and more of my


    days and nights out of this house just to get away from her. It was just the two of us, but she never


    smiled orughed around me. Since I took after my Dad, the more I grew, the more she was reminded


    of him. It should exin why her eyes never lit up the way


    ¡°Should we tell Liarn?¡± asked Rain.


    To be honest, I didn¡¯t know. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too much of a coincidence,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    ¡°So how do we do this?¡± he asked, wagging his tail.


    I locked the door and went to the window; pulled myself up then jumped right out. My feetnded on


    the grass. They were talking and giggling in the living room. Now was my chance. I sneaked over to the


    next house before speed walking it out of there.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you heal me faster?¡± I asked, annoyed that the wound was throbbing


    now.


    ¡°Wolfsbane, man. You should me yourself for your hero syndrome.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fuckingzy. And I don¡¯t have a hero syndrome,¡± I retorted.


    ITTOSUTOM


    TOLOTTO


    Teventually reached the inansion. Hopefully, this wouldn¡¯t end up like that morning. I shrugged at the


    memory.


    Why bring it up now!


    I found Anna and Liam in the dining room. They stopped talking at my arrival.


    ¡°Rigel!!!¡± Anna screamed as she pushed back her chair and excitedly ran over to m e. She hugged me


    tightly as she jumped u p and down, rubbing herself on my front.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you all day! How¡¯s your wound?¡± she asked, pulling away, ignoring the growling Alpha.


    I smirked at him. He red back. It was always fun to annoy him.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing well, princess. Do you mind if I join you for lunch?


    ¡°Not at all!¡± she said.


    She grabbed my arm and led me to sit on the chair beside her. Liam red at me as she fixed me a


    te of vegetable stew. She even got me a ss of pomegranate juice.


    She¡¯s sweet.


    ane STE


    Thank you, princess. You didn¡¯t have to do this,¡± I said, ruffling her hair.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± she replied. ¡°I¡¯d like to d o something for my knight too.¡±


    By this time, Liam was silently drinking from his ss.


    Anna got up from her chair, saying, ¡°Oh, grow up, will you?¡± then moved beside him to ce a kiss on


    his cheek before quickly sitting back down.


    She just shut the Alpha up and made him blush.


    Now that¡¯s a sight you don¡¯t see every day.


    ¡°Should¡¯ve brought my phone,¡± I said, fake sighing


    Giggling, she reached up and kissed my cheek too.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re back, Rigel,¡± she said, smiling up at me.


    I smiled back at her.


    ¡°Get the fuck out,¡± Liam said in a mind link.


    It was more fun with the two of them around. I should¡¯ve left the house sooner. Ileaned to my side to


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    whisper something i n her ear and she giggled.


    Then we both started eating like nothing had just happened.


    Liam red at us. If a re could kill¡­


    When we were done, Liam asked me to go with him to his office. Anna gave me a worried look. I


    winked at her. Standing, I ruffled her hair as I said, ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, princess.¡±


    She nodded.


    Once in his office, Liam sat on his chair and took a deep breath.


    ¡°Happy?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I was bored back at the house. It¡¯s fun hanging out with you two. I might do i t more often,¡± I


    replied, plopping down o na chair opposite him.


    ¡°Goddess, when will you grow up¡­¡± he said, sighing


    ¡°Beats me,¡± I said, shrugging. I was in m yte twenties now. Werewolves usually


    te twenties now. Werewolves usually found their mate by eighteen. Then again, having a mate would


    cost me my freedom so I was just fine with things as they were now. Also, there was too much shit that


    went into rtionships.


    ¡°Why are you here, Rigel? Last I heard, you were grounded.¡±


    ¡°Grounded?¡± I asked, sounding annoyed.


    He chuckled. ¡°Yeah, grounded. Your mom¡¯s been telling everyone since this morning. You¡¯re trending


    again.¡±


    Fuck, that¡¯s fucking embarrassing.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Gale at?¡±


    ¡°Doing what you¡¯re supposed to,¡± he answered.


    I really was covered for now


    ¡°So, what are you here for?


    ¡°Salina¡¯s at the house,¡± I replied.


    His brows furrowed as he leaned forward on his table.


    *Fuck,¡± he said, turning his head to the side. ¡°She¡¯s banned! How did she get in?¡±


    St


    SO Varmeow a stie gee


    He was barely keeping it together because this was my Mom.


    ¡°Mom invited her over.¡±


    ¡°What about the guards?¡± he asked.¡± Goddess, Rigel, we just had an attack! We already talked about


    this.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know,¡± I said, trying to calm him down. ¡°I¡¯ll ask her to leave but let her stay with my Mom for


    now. She¡¯s been missing hertely.¡±


    Liam sighed. I knew this was difficult to ask of him, and as much as I didn¡¯t like her presence, it was the


    only thing I could do for my Mom right now. Until we had concrete evidence that the Blue Moon Pack


    was involved in the attacks and that Alpha Myron nned to poison Liam, Salina was in a way, neutral.


    Fuck! Something about this whole thing didn¡¯t settle well with me. Everything about this and that


    bothered me.


    His swivel chair turned.


    ¡°Two days, one night. Nothing more,¡± he said. ¡°She¡¯ll be tailed for the duration of her stay and a


    kilometer from the borders


    stay and a kilometer from the borders when she leaves. I¡¯ll take care of the


    guards.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Liam,¡± I said, getting up.


    ¡°It¡¯s for Aunty J. As much as I don¡¯t want to do this to her, she has to ept that she can¡¯t entertain


    Salina within the territory, again. If she wants to meet her, she has to do it outside the packnds,¡¯h e


    said firmly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rigel. I can¡¯t risk it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than what I hoped for. Thank you for doing this,¡± I said, and I meant it.


    ¡°Now get out of here. Hearing you thank me is sickening.¡±


    Laughing, I left his office and went out of the mansion. It was peaceful again. The tension in the air was


    gone and the stench of death cleared off. I could hear the warriors training, and there were children


    ying hide and seek in the woods near the mansion.


    The pack was recovering. They had their own tasks and I had mine. Sighing, I disappeared into the


    woods, into the opposite direction of where the children were ying. A sudden gust of wind came


    re ying. A sudden gust of wind came from their direction, carrying with it the scent of arousal.


    It¡¯s fucking mid-afternoon for Goddess¡¯s sake!


    I mind-linked my team. The wound was healing, but there were other wounds that needed treatment.


    I sighed. There was much work to be done. I might need a certain form of¡­ rxation.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Chapter 48 Hard p


    Anna


    I was in the kitchens with Aunty J and the Omegas, helping them with the dishes for tomorrow. It¡¯d


    been three days since the burial and the depressing aura that hung around everyone was dissipating.


    Also, Liam¡¯s birthday was in seven months!


    Early this morning, Rigel banged on the door to wake us up, telling me that Aunty J asked for me. It


    surprised me that she wanted to meet me, in her kitchen! She was still cold towards me, but I guess


    that was her way of warming up to me. 3


    This felt amazing! I didn¡¯t realize how much I missed cooking. I hadn¡¯t cooked a single dish since I left


    my old pack!


    We were now cleaning up, ready to call it a day. The Omegas started to leave, and I think we built a


    connection with my day spent here. We talked like old friends, got to know each other a bit more. I¡¯d


    always have time for my three best friends, of course.


    ¡°Taking my stained apron off, I added it to


    making my stained apron off, I added it to the pile ofundry ¨C dirtied aprons and kitchen towels.


    ¡°Good work today, Luna,¡± said Aunty J with a poker face on.


    I smiled at her. ¡°Thank you, Aunty J. And please, call me Anna.¡±


    She nodded


    Goddess, this is actually happening!


    ¡°You cane by anytime you want,¡± she said, walking towards the door. ¡°My girls could use more


    energy. Now,e. The kitchen¡¯s locked at night.¡± 1


    ¡°Actually, Aunty J. Do you mind if I stay here for a bit more?¡± I asked nervously.


    She raised a perfectly shaped brow and asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    I hope this wasn¡¯t too much to ask for.


    ¡°It¡¯s Liam¡¯s birthday in seven months and I want to prepare an early surprise for him.¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± she said, tossing the keys in the air. I barely caught it between my hands when she was already


    going out the door.


    uu ya L LLWLLIT TT Trum Olen she was already going out the door. ¡°I have a spare key. Make sure


    you clean u


    Thank you, Aunty J!¡± I said as the door swung back. I guess that meant she¡¯d epted me?


    I¡¯d talked to some really great sisters from the Red Circle. I met Liam¡¯s mentor and one of the elders,


    Helia. I became friends with Luan. Her archery skills were breathtaking. Liam didn¡¯t tell me we had a


    sister pack! They were all strong warriors.


    I was being epted by the pack. I was more anxious now, but I also felt like this was a huge step. The


    I went to the cupboard to gather the ingredients that I needed. Flour, yeast, milk, eggs ¨C as I checked


    each ingredient in my head, I suddenly stopped.


    Did Aunty J call me ¡°Luna¡±?


    My jaw dropped and I squealed. She did! She did! Why didn¡¯t I notice that? No matter ¨C I was


    recognized in the pack now, at least with my fellow kitchen


    w, at least with my fellow kitchen warriors. This was turning out to be an amazing day!


    After gathering all that I needed, I begant o follow the recipe. I taught myself how t o bake using old


    cookbooks I found on the shelves back at the old pack. Over time, I made my own recipes ¨C which


    tasted better by my standards.


    While I wasn¡¯t entirely sure if Liam liked sweets, he wouldn¡¯t reject what I personally made for him,


    would he? The timer came off and I took the cake out of the oven. It smelled so good and looked just


    the way I wanted it. It had to cool off immediately, so I ced it in the st chiller.


    The icing and filling were ready ¨C all that was left was assembly. I wasn¡¯t good at decorating cakes, but


    I did my best. It actually came out decent. I was happy with it. I then ced it on a box and tied a cute


    simple red ribbon on top. This kitchen had everything


    After cleaning up, I flipped the switches off and locked the doors. It was still six ¨C too early for bed. I


    walked back to the


    yearly for bed. I walked back to the castle, enjoying the cool night breeze. A few warriors passed me


    by, and we exchanged pleasaritries. Tonight, I¡¯d ask Liam if I could train with the warriors.


    Having them fight off rogues with me doing nothing ¨C these days were over. Next time the pack was in


    danger, I wanted to be able to do something as well, even if it was as support.


    The castle came into view. It¡¯d been almost about a month already and I still found it a dream to be


    living here. I walked faster, excited to see the expression on his face. This was the first I made for him.


    Butterflies flew in my stomach at the thought of him not liking i t. Lexy told me his favorite was vani. I


    added a bit of rum in the filling for an extra kick. Just a little surprise for my busy-busy Alpha.


    I was just behind the hedges when Liam came into view through the floor-to ceiling ss windows. The


    curtains were drawn. All the lights were on. Was he waiting for me? I smiled at the thought.


    What I saw next made my smile drop. Salina came into view, and she was


    Salina came into view, and she was looking as stunning ¨C no, more beautiful than thest time I saw


    her. The jade dress she wore fit her perfectly. I hid behind the hedges. They were talking but I was too


    far to hear them. Salina smiled a t him. Evendies would fall for her after seeing that.


    What was she doing here? Liam said the Blue Moon Pack was no longer weed here after he won


    the Alpha Duel.


    She ced her hand on Liam¡¯s arm. That made me mad. No one touched my man!


    Liam promptly took it off and raised both his arms in surrender. That¡¯s my Alpha! I t seemed like they


    were having an argument because Liam pinched the bridge of his nose, but Salina was still smiling at


    him.


    I was about to step out of my hiding ce to tell Salina off but the moment I raised my head, my heart


    mped. Liam had his hands on her hips. She had her arms around Liam¡¯s neck and her lips¡­ on his.


    They both had their eyes closed. I immediately hid again, refusing to watch i t for a second longer. 1


    mor Serond longer.


    My knees felt weak, and before I knew it, tears rolled down my cheeks. That¡­ how could he? They


    were all this time, they


    were¡­


    I couldn¡¯t wrap my mind around what I just saw. I thought they were never together. Wasn¡¯t Salina his


    first mate¡¯s sister? I thought it was us now. Wasn¡¯t hemitted to me? He marked me. He opened


    himself up to me. I gave myself to him,pletely. So why ¨C why would he cheat on me?


    Am I not enough for you, Liam?


    Was she so beautiful, was he so in love with his first mate that he would do this t o me? I understood


    that I was nowhere close to being her. She was stunning and I wasn¡¯t. She had a wolf, and I didn¡¯t. She


    was a strong woman¡­ I was trying to be


    One.


    Am I not enough?


    Was he lying to me all this time? Making me fall for him just so he could keep his


    affair with Salina?


    My heart tore. Something wed at it and


    heart tore. Something wed at it and squeezed it mercilessly that it was getting hard to breathe. I


    heard the door open and her heels click on the pavement, then the crunching of small pebbles. I hid


    further into the dark, hoping she wouldn¡¯t notice me when she passed by.


    With a hand over my mouth, I breathed i n relief when she continued walking past me I sank on my


    knees when she was out of sight, the box held out in front of me.


    It hurts, Liam. It hurts so much more than getting rejected.


    They yed me well. I hope they were happy. How could he ¨C how could he when I did everything I


    could to measure up to everyone¡¯s expectations of me.


    Maybe Flynn was right. My sole purpose for living was to atone for my sins. Maybe it wasn¡¯t over yet.


    The Goddess was still punishing me. I was destined to live my life in penance, never receiving the kind


    o f love my father gave to me. He was the only one who truly ever loved me. He was the only one who


    truly epted me.


    Head Gamma Aiden Fiora ¨C my father, m y best friend, my shoulder to cry on. He


    est friend, my shoulder to cry on. He was the only one who saw me for me and drove me to be


    stronger. Now that h e was gone, the rest of the world just wanted to use me.


    If this was what the Goddess wanted, I condemn it. I red at the full moon.


    For countless nights and mornings, I prayed to You. I believed in You. Do You hear me now, Moon


    Goddess? I condemn this path You chose for me!


    No more. No more mates. No more Alphas.


    I loved with all in me and this was what I got in return ¨C pain. My chest ached like my heart wanted to


    be out. If I could rip it out myself just to stop the pain, I would. H e didn¡¯t deserve me.


    You jerk. You bastard. You cheater. I love you. I love you so much that the pain of losing you scares me


    to death.


    I wiped my tears with the hem of my shirt. My eyes stung. Taking deep breaths to calm myself, I forced


    a smile on my face.


    Look at that.


    Lookat utal.


    I still got it. Who knew it was this useful? 1


    I made my way to the mansion with a skip in my step and a grin, and a painfully tight knot in my


    stomach. He was seated a t the foot of the stairs when I opened the door. Immediately, his head shot


    up and h e promptly strode to me.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± he asked worriedly.¡± Aunty I said she _?


    ¡°I wanted to surprise you!¡± I eximed, smiling even more as I pushed the box to him.


    ¡°Have you been crying? What¡¯s wrong? Did you get hurt?¡± He asked the questions in one breath as he


    bnced the box in one hand and grabbed my shoulder with the other, his eyes roaming all over my


    body


    I felt disgusted. Those eyes that saw all of me saw all of her


    Treacherous.


    That hurt. He didn¡¯t have to pretend he actually cared. Someone should give him a. in award for best


    acting. What else did he lie to me about? Did Lexy and Gale know?


    to me about? Did Lexy and Gale know? What about Rigel? Aunty J?


    ughed a little. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Liam. The cake got me all emotional is all.¡± I reasoned. ¡°Open it. It isn¡¯t


    much, but I hope you like it.¡±


    ¡°You baked me a cake?¡± He had a surprised expression on his face. If I hadn¡¯t seen what happened


    minutes ago, I¡¯d be jumping in joy right now.


    I nodded, still smiling, knowing that my voice would give everything away. He wrapped an arn? around


    my waist and pulled me close to him. I loved it when we were intimate.


    It made me feel protected, safe, and the world faded away. I loved how his scent filled my lungs,


    knowing it was just for m e. When he held me this close to him, it was just the two of us, and nothing


    else mattered


    Not anymore. It mattered. These arms didn¡¯t want to hold me ¨C they wanted to b e with Salina. There


    was a flowery scent that clung to his shirt, it made me want t o vomit. He held me close to him, but it


    wasn¡¯t just us anymore.


    WEST LJUSL LS anymore.


    He leaned in to kiss me. I looked to my side to avoid those lips which were kissing Salina just minutes


    ago. I didn¡¯t want those lying, cheating lips on my skin. 3


    ¡°Babe, what¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, holding my jaw and gently urging me to look at him. I couldn¡¯t. I knew


    if I looked into his gorgeous eyes, I¡¯d reason with myself and forgive him. I¡¯d lie to myself and force


    myself to be happy with him.


    ¡°Anna? What happened? Did someone hurt you?¡±


    Yes, Liam.


    Someone did hurt me.


    It¡¯s you and even at this very moment, you¡¯re ying innocent.


    He gently brushed his fingers on my cheek. I hated the sparks that traveled iny skin. It made me sick to


    my stomach that these hands used to touch me in ways that promised me a lifetime, with him.


    ¡°Please talk to me. What¡¯s wrong, Anna?¡±


    His voice pained yet gentle, it awoke


    His voice pained yet gentle, it awoke feelings of sympathy for him that I immediately squashed. Anger. I


    should be feeling angry at him right now. Even more so, I was furious. Furious that he lied! He lied to


    me even when his memories were hidden. He lied to me right in front of his first mate and child. H e


    lied to me right in front of everyone, and I was blinded by my feelings for him t o see it.


    ¡°Anna, please.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t do it. With both hands, I pushed him on his chest. Then I ran up the stairs with him running


    after me.


    ¡°Anna, please talk to me!¡± he shouted, now sounding more worried than before.


    The tears fell and I bit my lip and ran faster.


    I was no match for his speed. He grabbed my arm and spun me around. I saw his eyes soften through


    tear-filled eyes.


    ?Who hurt you, Anna?¡± he asked with a hint of anger. ¡°Is it Salina? Did she do something to you?¡±


    I scoffed. His first guess was Salina. He


    poffed. His first guess was Salina. He knew she was here!


    Salina did say something during the Alpha Duel. She told me how I¡¯d never be like her sister nor would


    I ever be like her.


    She told me you still loved Sarina and you were just using me to ban her father from your territory.


    I defended you, you jerk! I was mad at her for telling lies about you. I told her she was spouting


    nonsense, that you loved m e, even though I knew within myself that I would never be like Sarina.


    I¡¯d epted it, Liam. I knew you still loved her, and I was alright with it because she used to mean the


    world to you. You mean the world to me. I assumed I was of equal worth to you.


    I yanked my arm out of his grasp.


    ¡°Stop,¡± I said weakly.


    ¡°You can tell me -¡±


    ¡°I said ¡®stop¡¯!¡± I yelled, shocking myself b y the power of my voice.


    This is more than enough, Liam.


    This is thore than enough, Liam.


    My heart can¡¯t take anymore. Lies. Betrayal. I can¡¯t¡­ I just can¡¯t¡­


    He tried to grab my hand, but I pulled it back


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Anna, just tell me what¡¯s wrong,¡± he pleaded. 2


    ¡°Everything!¡± I shouted in his face then quickly got inside my room and locked the door. My back


    against the door, I slid down on the floor and hugged my knees. He banged the door on the other side,


    shouting for me to open the door, asking me what was wrong.


    I couldn¡¯t form a single word to reply. My heart was getting stabbed repeatedly, torn into a million tiny


    pieces with no way of fixing it whole.


    You broke me, Liam.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± he said, his voice breaking. The pain in my chest intensified. He was hurt, too. I could feel it


    now because of the marks. We mated, and yet he still -kissed her. How long had this been going


    on?


    I clutched at my chest and cried. It was all too Izuchi¡­


    Liam eventually stopped and all I heard were my own torment. It was my fault. I fell for him, and I fell for


    him hard.


    Finally getting the strength to stand, I wobbled to the bed. Taking a piece of paper and a pen, I wrote a


    goodbye. Tears dripped unto the paper. I couldn¡¯t help it.


    I thought everything was alright now. I finally found a ce where I belonged. I was happy with Lexy


    and Gale and Rigel. I was happy with Liam.


    Now I knew why he wouldn¡¯t tell me he loves me. All this time, it was the reverse. It wasn¡¯t I who took


    up much space in his heart. I was the one taking valuable space for someone else¡¯s. It hurt more that I


    couldn¡¯t me him for it.


    He loved Sarina. I could never take that away from him, and I epted it. She was his first mate; it was


    a devastating loss for him. Seeing Salina, letting her stick around, and even stay in the same room a s


    him ¨C it was his way of coping. He saw his mate in Salina.


    He was only with me because their rtionship was taboo. I could see it clearly now, and I couldn¡¯t


    hate him entirely for it because he was just¡­ so full of love for her that¡­ he couldn¡¯t let her g


    He deserved to be happy and so did I.


    I swear to Goddess I love you.


    But this wasn¡¯t going to work if you couldn¡¯t see a future with me, while I could see the both of us


    together with a beautiful daughter cradled in your arms years from now.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I cried. I hugged his pillow to my chest and cried until no tears fell. When I finally


    calmed down, I got my phone from the drawer and tapped on a number.


    It rang a few seconds before he answered.


    ¡°Hey, Be,¡± he answered sleepily.


    I silently took a breath and licked my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I woke you,¡± I whispered.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± he asked, yawning


    yawing


    ¡°T-¡°I cut myself off as my voice broke.


    ¡°Be, what¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, sounding wide awake now.


    I took deep breaths. I needed my best friend. ¡°Carson -¡±


    ¡°Is it Liam? It¡¯s him, isn¡¯t it? Sit tight, Be. I¡¯ming¡±


    I could only gasp as I fought the tears back. Turned out, I had more in store.¡± Carson, I need you.¡±


    ¡°I know, Be. I¡¯ming. I promise. Don¡¯t hang up.¡±


    ¡°I need you¡­¡± I cried.


    My father was gone. Carson was the one friend I had left. And soon, I was leaving him too.


    ¡°I¡¯ming, Be. Did he hurt you? Can you get out?¡±


    My hands shook and the phone fell. Carson was yelling over the phone. I was making him worry. I


    should answer, but I couldn¡¯t. I clutched at the empty vial that was all I had left of my father. It just hurt


    too much to talk

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Chapter 49 Broken Promise


    ¨C Liam


    Her muffled cries seeped past the door. I didn¡¯t understand why she pushed me away, why she was


    crying. My chest tightened as I shared her pain. I pounded at the door and pleaded but she wouldn¡¯t let


    me in.


    I had to tell her something. When Salina kissed me, a switch flipped in my brain and I just had to tell


    her.


    I pleaded. Her cries grew louder. My heart was tearing itself apart. Who hurt her? Who did this to her?


    My baby was crying o n the other side and I couldn¡¯t do anything tofort her. If only she¡¯d let me in. I


    could break it down, but I was afraid of hurting her. I could sneak into the balcony, but I didn¡¯t want to


    invade her space,


    I didn¡¯t know what to do. I was feeling her pain and I was hurting, too. Why was she suddenly shutting


    me out? I could only think of Salina. She must¡¯ve done something or said something. Did she know?


    Did she see us? Why else would


    Dow? Did she see us? Why else would she be crying?


    Baby, it wasn¡¯t anything like that. She¡­ kissed me. I ¨C It was nothing. I swear it was nothing. 1


    Goddess, it was me. I was the one who hurt her. I let Salina inside the territory and now she was


    seeding my baby lies. It wasn¡¯t true. I swear it wasn¡¯t true. Whatever she told you wasn¡¯t true.


    I raised my hand to knock at the door again but suddenly lost the strength to. Powerless, I fell on my


    knees. Something warm and wet crept down my cheeks. I just kept on hurting her. It was all I ever did


    to her. From the moment she arrived here, it was because of me that she kept getting hurt.


    I should¡¯ve told her. Luca wanted me to. When I refused, he fought for control, so he could do it himself.


    I was afraid, babe. I¡¯m sorry.


    I thought everything would be alright now. I marked her, she waspletely mine. I told her about my


    past, and she epted me. So why was she pushing me


    cepted me. So why was she pushing me away instead of talking with me?


    I had no feelings towards Salina. My baby helped me let go of my mate. We were supposed to look


    forward to our future now, so why would she trust her words instead of mine?


    My legs were cramping. I didn¡¯t count how long I¡¯d been here. It was silent now. She must¡¯ve fallen


    asleep = more urately, cried herself to sleep. Sighing, I got on my feet and stretched my legs. Luca


    wasn¡¯t talking to me ¨C he¡¯d been silent since I refused to tell her.


    My hand slid along the smooth railing as I made my way down the stairs. This was the first time she


    made something for m e, and I ruined it. I was ushering Salina out of the mansion, Anna. I swear I


    didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with her. 3


    I picked up the box with a cute red ribbon on top of it. Did she want to celebrate something? Was it just


    something she wanted to do for me? Either way, it was for me and the night turned out disastrous


    because of my mistake.


    I didn¡¯t feel like going to my bedroom. It


    lidn¡¯t feel like going to my bedroom. It was just a cold, empty space without her. Instead, I made my


    way to my office and ced the box on the table.


    I really am ajerk.


    When I woke up, it was around five in the morning. The day was longer than night, so it was already


    bright out. I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d fallen asleep. She was usually awake by this time. I left my office to go t


    o her room. I had to talk to her. Hopefully, she¡¯d let me.


    As I passed by the first floor, I saw an SUV parked outside. Lexy, Gale, and Rigel stood beside it,


    blocking my view.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± I asked as I neared them.


    This didn¡¯t feel right. As I got closer, I saw my Anna inside the car. My chest tightened.


    She didn¡¯t even nce at me. The tinted window went up, hiding her from me.


    ¡°Anna!¡±


    Ijogged to them, and the three backed away as the engine started. This wasn¡¯t


    ay as the engine started. This wasn¡¯t happening


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Anna!


    This couldn¡¯t be happening.


    Why weren¡¯t they stopping her? Why were they letting her go?


    Why are you leaving me?


    Just as it reached the gate, it stopped. I felt relief wash over me. Maybe she changed her mind.


    The door opened and the driver stepped out ¨C Carson.


    In the blink of an eye, he was in my face. A hard punchnded on my cheek, making me lose my


    bnce a bit. My eyes watered. I could¡¯ve stopped him, but I didn¡¯t. I deserved it.


    ¡°Stay the fuck away from her!¡± he yelled.


    When I raised my head, he¡¯d already shut the door and the car was now quickly disappearing from


    view.


    I had to talk to her. She had to listen. It was nothing. It meant nothing. I couldn¡¯t even think what¡¯d


    happen to me if she


    an think what¡¯d happen to me if she was gone.


    I took a step forward, ready to shift into Luca when someone¡¯s arm bumped my chest. I growled. This


    was a bad time to mess with me


    Luca was awake, furious at me, and anxious to get his mate back. I ignored Gale and focused on Luca.


    I didn¡¯t have time for their games. My mate was fucking leaving, and they stood by and let it happen!


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he said, cing his hand on my shoulder.


    I growled. Shrugging his hand off, I was about to shift when Lexy interrupted.


    ¡°Leave her alone.¡±


    I ignored her. Shifting into Luca, I immediately sprinted, but they blocked m e. Rigel shifted into his wolf


    and with those two beside him, they blocked the gate. If that was how they wanted to y


    Backing up a little, I pounced into the air when Rigel met me


    wonen


    gemmer me.


    What the fuck!


    Luca growled at him, warning him to back off but he instead growled back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me do this, Gamma!¡± I shouted in the mind -link.


    ¡°You made me do this, Alpha!¡± he snapped.


    I was wasting time. They were provoking me. I was about to run past him when Gale blocked my way.


    He had shifted into his wolf and was snarling at me. He¡¯d never gone against me ¨C so of all times, why


    now?


    ¡°Let her go, Liam,¡± said Gale.


    Luca growled at the two of them. ¡°Do not defy your Alpha!¡±


    ¡°I will defy you for you have wronged my Luna!¡± shouted Gale.


    That took me aback. He¡¯d never taken a stance on me before.


    ¡°I need to talk to her, Gale! Fuck off before I hurt the two of you,¡± I warned.


    ¡°Let her go,¡± said Lexy, going between


    Det her go,¡± said Lexy, going between them.


    Luca whimpered.


    She was crying¡­ our little sister was crying. Neither of us could stand it when the tears fell. I


    immediately shifted back and went to her, still more anxious about Anna


    The two shifted back, too, and stood beside her. She was our little sister. We hated seeing her cry.


    ¡°I believed in you, Liam,¡± said Gale. ¡°I don¡¯t think I made the right choice.¡±


    He started to walk away with his head down.


    ¡°You know I really want to punch you right now,¡± said Rigel. He had his hand balled into a fist and a


    look in his eyes that was just¡­ tired. ¡°But it won¡¯t bring her back. I¡¯m calling the investigation off.


    There¡¯s no point in it when you¡¯re banging your ex-wife¡¯s sister.¡±


    His words made my blood boil. Lexy kept me from killing him right then and there. I never touched


    Salina! It got really close that day, but nothing happened, ever! I


    at day, but nothing happened, ever! I wouldn¡¯t betray Sarina.


    ¡°We all love Sarina. I still miss her too. I miss Sam. And I¡¯m so, so sorry that you lost them. I


    sincerely believed that you wanted to take your second chance seriously, but I was wrong. You have to


    let her go, Liam,¡± said Lexy, raising her eyes up to me. I held my breath. ¡°They¡¯re with the Goddess


    now. Anna loved you, bro. How could you¡­¡±


    [KET-I didn¡¯t, Lex. If I could just ¨C ¡±


    ¡°Just stop,¡± she breathed, cutting me off. Touching my cheek, she looked me right i n the eye. ¡°I feel


    like I don¡¯t know who you are anymore.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Lexy,¡± said Rigel, holding her arm and tugging her away.


    They went past the gates, ignoring me Ignoring the pain that stabbed at my heart repeatedly. I watched


    their backs slowly disappear. I watched her leave


    You promised me you¡¯ll stay beside me forever. You promised me you¡¯ll never leave me. You told me


    you love me. Is this how you show love, Anna? I¡¯m hurting


    Fateo-To-The-A)epub


    CODE


    Fated-To-The-4


    w you show love, Anna? I¡¯m hurting here. No one believes me and I¡¯m missing you. I¡¯m sorry. I thought


    it was enough to make you feel loved. I thought my feelings were getting through to you. I was wrong. I


    was wrong because you still left me. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll shout it loud for the world to hear. So, pleasee


    back. I can¡¯t lose you too¡­

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Chapter 50 Once More


    -Liam


    Three days. I couldn¡¯t feel her presence for three days. The door locked; the curtains drawn; I kept


    myself isted in her room. The only time I left was to retrieve the cake. It was fucking delicious.


    I hadn¡¯t eaten cake for as long as I could remember. I¡¯d never been a fan of sweets. But if it was from


    her, I couldn¡¯t resist. She made it just¡­ for me.


    It could¡¯ve been a fun night. I nned to watch a movie with her. The popcorn was ready to go into the


    microwave.


    My mind kept going back to what could¡¯ve happened. She should be beside me right now, peacefully


    asleep in my embrace. Now, it was just an empty space with a piece of paper lying on top of the


    sheets. Iid on my side as I hugged her pillow to my chest. It wasn¡¯t enough.


    I missed her warmth. I missed her smile. I missed her fingers on my face when she wakes up and


    thinks I was still sleeping. I missed her scent ¨C it was gone now. Only her pillow had it. faintly. Despite


    my


    musseaner scene was gone TOW.UNTY


    pillow had it, faintly. Despite my efforts to keep it contained in the room, it still went away. I missed her


    and everything about her.


    [Alpha


    I don¡¯t know how to start. There¡¯s a lot o n my mind I wish I can tell you. I don¡¯t know when I fell for you


    and how. I simply know now that I do.


    I love you, Liam. I can say that now. I used to be afraid to tell you.


    I¡¯m not mad, Liam. You are not at fault for following your heart.


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t see it sooner. And I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t keep my promise.


    You deserve to be happy. I can now see that your heart yearns for her, not me.


    I¡¯m sorry for being selfish. I have already said the words. I hope it will at least suffice.


    Anna] 2


    It was my fault. I should¡¯ve told her everything I felt for her. Now it was toote. Even if I spoke the


    words, she


    Ke Even if I spoke the words, she wouldn¡¯t hear me. I cliose to ignore her feelings; how could I have


    expected her to understand me


    I had no energy left in me. Everything felt heavy. Nothing mattered but her¡­


    I tried to call her, but the familiar ringtone of our voices echoed in the room instead. Every once in a


    while, I¡¯d tap on the call button just to hear her voice. She sounded happy then.


    ept? Was this what she wanted? To leave everything behind and start again? To forget about me¡­


    You cruel woman. 2


    My phone rang. The screen lit up showing a picture of her sleeping. I used t o watch her for hours on


    end. I couldn¡¯t believe someone like her loved someone like me. I fucking won the lottery and I lost it


    all¡­ because I was a jerk of a bastard.


    She was back at the White Lake Pack. Carson would protect her. As for that bastard, I wasn¡¯t feeling


    anything yet, so i I was safe to conclude he didn¡¯t touch my woman. The mark must be keeping him


    man. The mark must be keeping him away. At least, she was around Carson.


    I inhaled the sweet scent that remained i n her pillow. How could she stay around him? She must be


    terrified to be near him.


    I won¡¯t ept. You are mine now. I¡¯m yours¡­


    What did she expect of me? To ept her rejection and free myself from her? Never! I wanted to be


    caged with her. Tied down with her for the rest of my life. Share her pains and joys and sorrows. My life


    was nothing without her. So why would I break away from the very reason I was still breathing at this


    very second. 1


    The morning she left I felt her pain. Something felt wrong. Luca urged me to g o to her. I couldn¡¯t. She


    left.


    When I went to her room, she had left me a note¡­ and I understood that she wanted nothing more to


    do with me.


    My phone rang again and again and again. I waited when it ended so I could see her picture. The three


    were calling ¨C the only call I was picking up was an unknown number. And if it wasn¡¯t Anna,


    known number. And if it wasn¡¯t Anna, I was adding it to my cklist.


    The calls ended. I didn¡¯t mind. I was tired. Maybe if I slept, I¡¯d wake up to find her beside me. I closed


    my eyes when someone pounded at the door.


    ¡°Liam!¡± the voice shouted.


    It was Rigel. The fucking yer ¨C if Anna only knew how many women he broke, she would¡¯ve avoided


    him.


    ¡°Fuck, open up!¡±


    Fuck off. I¡¯m about to sleep.


    ¡°We found the car wrecked half a kilometer from here. She never got backt o her old pack, Liam. She¡¯s


    been missing since that morning!¡±


    My eyes snapped open. I immediately stood. My head felt dizzy at the blood rush but fuck it, I swung


    open the door.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Anna¡¯s missing,¡± he confirmed, growling. ¡°Someone took her and sent Carson to the ER.¡±


    Someone dared take my Anna?


    meone dared take my Anna? 2


    I stretched my neck to the sides, the stiff muscles rxing. Then I rolled my shoulders as I fought to


    keep Luca from gaining control. Someone took her¡­


    Someone earned a one-way ticket to the Goddess. It¡¯d be a shame if delivery was dyed


    I went past him and he followed behind. I opened the links to reconnect with everyone in the pack


    I hope you¡¯re not hurt. I promised you I¡¯ll always protect you. I promised you a lifetime. I cannot ept


    your rejection. It¡¯ll kill me. I¡¯ll be there soon, mate. Trust your Alpha once more¡­

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Part Two: Cures and Soulmates


    Chapter 51 Jagged Scar


    ¨C Anna


    I opened my eyes to meet an unfamiliar ceiling


    How many more times must I wake up to this?


    I could already tell from the colors around the room and theyout that this was neither back at the Red


    w Pack nor the White Lake Pack.


    We were well on our way, with me crying on the backseat like a baby when from out of nowhere,


    wolves attacked.


    Before I knew how to react, the car swerved out of the track, into the woods, before finally crashing into


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    a tree. The impact knocked the air out of me.


    Carson was quick on his feet. He hurriedly got out of the car and went to m y side to help me, but the


    door wouldn¡¯t budge so he ripped it out.


    The rogues surrounded us. Five of them and two of us. As always, I was the


    and two of us. As always, I was the useless one. He told me to stay close behind him, and he did what


    he could to keep me safe. Thest thing I remember was lying on the ground after getting hiti n the


    head, my consciousness seeping out of ine, Carson¡¯s bloody face across mine.


    He couldn¡¯t have died, right? He was strong. He was Beta. And yet, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that I


    might never see him again.


    The door opened. I turned to my side. Without having to look, I knew it was an Omega here to bring me


    breakfast. Two warriors were by the door to ensure I wouldn¡¯t try to escape. I had the curtains drawn ¨C


    looking at the unfamiliar faces outside further reminded me that I was being held captive. I was no one.


    What importance I held to them, only they knew.


    The Omegas never talked. They merely shook their heads and ran out the door as quickly as they


    could. I hadn¡¯t given up. I¡¯d get out of here, one way or another. Their Alpha was yet to show his face. I


    needed answers, but right now, I had to n.


    Once the door was shut, I got out of bed and ate breakfast. The food was decent and so far, none of


    them tried to do something to me.


    Since I had nothing else to do with my time, I tried to practice what Lexy taught me. Apparently, her


    magic had limitations. She believed my blood was magic, and if I could channel it out of me, I could use


    it to heal the way she did with Liam.


    So far, it wasn¡¯t working. I couldn¡¯t feel the warmth and cold and something about a pull that she talked


    about.


    Pushing thoughts of Carson and Liam out of my head, I peeked out of the curtains t o see what the


    pack was up to. .


    It didn¡¯t appear to be a huge pack like the Red w, and it was smaller than the White Lake Pack


    Whatever this pack was, they weren¡¯t looking to be in good shape. Less than twenty warriors were


    training by themselves on the frontwn, and most o f them looked too young. Again, no one of rank


    showed up. No Head Gamma, no


    ak showed up. No Head Gamma, no Beta, and no Alpha.


    At least it was livelier during the day. At night, there would be a man out in the open drinking alone.


    He¡¯d sing some songs I didn¡¯t recognize, and when I listened hard enough, I could make out the


    sadness in his voice.


    Sighing, I moved away from the windows and to the closet. Whoever was keeping m e here didn¡¯t think


    about undergarments ¨C all it had were ankle-length dresses. I didn¡¯t bother with the tight-fitting dresses


    or those that revealed too much skin. At least most of these hid my scars.


    I went to the bathroom and did my business. Staring at my reflection, Liann¡¯s mark stood out, sending a


    shooting pain a t my heart. I shook my head. He was happy now and that was all that mattered. As for


    me, I had to get out of here.


    I froze by the doorway as a man stood in the room. With his back to me, the ne dangled in the air


    as he held it b y a hand, as if expecting it. 2


    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± he asked,


    There did you get this?he asked, growling. His hair had gray streaks, but h e appeared to be fit in the


    blue suit he wore.


    ¡°My father gave it to me,¡± I replied. 1 wanted to snatch it from him. He had no business with what


    belonged to me.


    ¡°What¡¯s your father¡¯s name?¡±


    It triggered something in me, and I was suddenly angry.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to tell you. Who are you? What did you do to my friend?¡±


    He chuckled dryly then opened the cap.


    ¡°Give it back!¡±


    ¡°Dear, I gave this to your mother,¡± he said.


    My eyes narrowed at him. He knew my Mother?


    ¡°Your Mom and I knew each other since w e were young. I loved her dearly.¡±


    Father didn¡¯t talk much about Mother. It always saddened him whenever he talked about her, except on


    times when he seemed to miss her so much that he¡¯d tell


    med to miss her so much that he¡¯d tell me things.


    ¡°You knew my mother?¡± I asked slowly.


    ¡°She¡¯s my wife, my mate, my Luna. I loved her dearly until the day our link broke,¡± he said, then turned


    to face me.


    I gasped when I saw him. I¡¯d recognize it anywhere ¨C that ugly scar = roughly cut down his left eye. It


    haunted me for months.


    ?Hello, Be.¡± He smiled at me. ¡°We finally meet.¡±


    Crows-feet lined the corners of his tired eyes. While he looked physically well, his face showed a


    different story. It seemed like he¡¯d seen all the cruelties this world had to offer, and maybe he had, for


    his smile felt nothing less than genuine.


    ¡°Your mother wanted the name ¡®Be¡¯ for you. She said it was thebination o four names, but I


    doubt it.¡±


    Heughed lightly after, and I was lost on how to react. He could be lying, but he was the only one who


    shared this much about her.


    aboul Ter.


    My mind cautioned me, this was the man who killed my father and Alpha Fraser. H e was the reason I


    was degraded, but my heart ached to learn more about the woman I killed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know her name,¡± I replied, the words leaving my mouth before I could stop them.


    ¡°Arabe. She said the ¡®e¡¯ was mine, as in Emery,¡± he said fondly.


    Opening his arms, he stepped towards m e. I remained frozen on the spot. He wrapped those arms


    around me. He smelled of aftershave and evergreens and sap. His hug was warm, tight, one long


    overdue.


    ¡°I thought I lost you both,¡± he whispered in my ear. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear. I¡¯m sorry I gave up on you.¡±


    This couldn¡¯t be happening. All my life, all this time, was a lie? My father¡­ was not my father?


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± I said weakly.


    He pulled away from me and held me by my shoulders, leaning to level with me. I


    shoulders, leaning to level with me. I kept my eyes down, staring at his polished ck shoes. 1


    ¡°I see,¡± he said softly. ¡°Come. I have something to show you.¡±


    He held my wrist and pulled me out of the room. The guards by the door simply closed the door.


    Looking around, we were in an empty hallway.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡±


    He looked back at me and grinned.¡± You¡¯ll see.¡±


    He took me through turns until we came upon a wooden door.


    ¡°Go on,¡± he said, motioning for me to enter.


    I looked at him in hesitation, but I sensed no malice in his eyes. It was strange how I wasn¡¯t scared of


    him. He made me feel safe like a father did. Was it our bond? Was he really¡­


    I shook my head and opened the door. It was a¡­ library?


    ¡°This was her favorite ce,¡± he said as h e closed the door behind us.


    ALIONLEHTI LUUL OLTIIN


    It had shelves upon shelves of books and more on the second tier. It was bigger than the one back at


    Liam¡¯s. There was a round table at the center, with books on top of it and one hardbound book opened.


    Near the tall ss windows was a loveseat, with an unfolded nket. It felt cozy¡­


    ¡°She loved to read books, any kind of books as much as she loved collecting them. I had this built for


    her. She always told me you¡¯d grow up here and I¡¯d be searching the entire house for you only to find


    you here,¡± he said,ughing.


    At the table, to my right, I saw a painting mounted on a wall. It was of a woman. She had pretty brown


    eyes, a straight nose, and pink lips. Her heart-warming smile sent a jolt of pain in my heart, but I found


    myself smiling back at her. Long ck hair that ended in curls bounced off her shoulders, a contrast to


    her milky skin.


    ¡°Your mother,¡± he said quietly, confirming my thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re the spitting image of her.¡±


    I shook my head at that. I looked nothing


    ook my head at that I looked nothing like her. She was¡­ she was really pretty, and I killed her.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be happening,¡± I whispered.¡± You¡¯re not my Father. She can¡¯t be my mother.¡±


    Pain shed in his eyes and I almost regretted what I said. ¡°Be¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that! Only Carson can call me Be!


    Why am I suddenly mad?


    He smiled gently at me and I felt guilty.


    ¡°Is he your mate? I can see that you¡¯ve been marked.¡±


    My hand immediately went to my mark, but my mouth continued to spit words.


    ¡°He¡¯s my friend that your men beat up! Where is he? What did you do to him?¡±


    ¡°Calm down, dear. I understand you¡¯re upset but _¡±


    ¡°Upset?¡± I repeated, cutting him off.


    My voice rose as I screamed my thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m Anna Be Fiora, daughter of the former Head Gamma


    of the White Lake


    mer Head Gamma of the White Lake Pack, Aiden Fiora. I¡¯m not your daughter and I demand to know


    where you¡¯re holding my friend hostage!


    ¡°We don¡¯t have him here,¡± he said quietly. ¡°You¡¯re the mission. You have m y word that my men didn¡¯t


    kill him. We don¡¯t kill unless we have to.¡±


    They left him back there. He ¨C he could still be alive. Carson could still be alive!


    ¡°Be, I understand that this isn¡¯t easy for you to take. We¡¯ve been separated for twenty years,¡± he said


    as he took my hand and patted it with his free hand.


    The veins at the back of his hand looked painful, bulging from the skin like that.¡° I will never learn or


    understand why your mother betrayed me, but I¡¯ve never been this happy in years. You, my daughter,


    are alive and well, and¡­ and¡­ look at you! You¡¯re all grown up now and you already found your mate


    and you


    ¡°You killed my father,¡± I said icily as I pulled my hand back harshly. ¡°You were the ck wolf with that


    ugly scar who ripped my father¡¯s throat open and killed Alpha Fraser. And you would¡¯ve killed me


    ha Fraseri And you would¡¯ve killed me if they hadn¡¯t sacrificed themselves. You¡¯re not my father. You


    are a murderer.¡±


    His eyes widened and his eyes avoided m e. I knew it.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back,¡± I said as I passed him.


    I only have one father and I never knew m y mother.


    He grabbed my arm, but I yanked it away from him.


    ¡°Leave me alone!¡±


    ¡°I have left you alone, Be!¡± he roared.¡± I¡¯ve left you alone for eighteen years thinking you were dead.


    But you weren¡¯t. I¡¯ve left you alone for two more years, thinking you had gone rogue. You were alive


    this whole time and now you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°I am not your daughter!¡± I yelled. Why was it so hard for him to understand?


    ¡°Do you why I killed this man you call father?¡± he asked with a cold calmness a s he stepped closer to


    me. Onyx ck eyes kept me in ce.


    §å§Ý§à §á§â§Ú §ß§Ö§á§â§Ñ§ã§Ö§Ó


    ¡°Because he took my wife away from me when she was a month away from giving birth. She¡¯s a Luna.


    You know how dangerous it is for her to carry a child.¡± 2


    He stopped in front of me, his eyes never leaving mine. It was dangerous, but weren¡¯t those just


    stories?


    It is said that bearing the child of a ranked wolf, especially an Alpha, posed additional risks to their


    mate. Her spirit i s split, as a part of her is imbued unto the child. It was how the Goddess blessed us


    with our wolves. Just as She was our mother, so did our mothers bless us through birth. Sadly, it


    required immense energy from them, and it almost always took their lives. It was how Flynn lost his


    mother; it was how I lost mine.


    Tears pricked my eyes, and I was forced t o hold them back


    ¡°Did you think you killed her?¡± he snarled.


    Father cared for me a lot and never made me feel that it was my fault Mother was gone. I kept it to


    myself for even as a child, it was what we were told. Flynn¡¯s


    ild, it was what we were told. Flynn¡¯s mother was a Luna, and I was the Head Gamma¡¯s daughter.


    However, whenever h e spent some nights drinking himself to sleep as he held her ne, I couldn¡¯t


    help but feel aversion towards myself for taking my own mother away from us.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t,¡± he whispered then pulled m e into a hug.


    He stroked my hair lovingly and I sobbed. He was the enemy ¨C he kidnapped me, left Carson to die,


    killed¡­ but he also felt like someone I¡¯d known for a long time. H e whispered sweet nothings in my ear


    and lifted the guilt off my heart. That it wasn¡¯t my fault. That my Mother loved m e. That she wanted me.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Chapter 52 Dying Man


    -Anna


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said to the Omega as sheid down two sses of mango juice and a tray of treats. She


    smiled at me then left the two of us alone in the balcony of my mother¡¯s study. Much like the library,


    there were shelves of books here too, except that it didn¡¯t feel as stuffy.


    It was a hot mid-afternoon, and Alpha Emery was seated across the round table from me. I took a sip


    of the juice, savoring the cold that ran down my throat. We sat in silence for a few minutes before he


    spoke.


    ¡°Here,¡± he said, handing me the ne. ¡°Have you seen what¡¯s under the cap?¡±


    I took it from him and checked what was under. I stared at the shaped ¡°A¡± on the ss.


    ¡°A?¡± I asked, confused.


    Emery softly smiled.


    ery softly smiled.


    ¡°Your mother,¡± he began, then cleared his throat before adding, ¡°_ was wolf less.¡±


    I gulped at the juice, almost choking on it.


    ¡°Easy, dear. I know it¡¯s almost impossible, but it does happen on our kind,¡± he said, chuckling. ¡°She


    was amazingly unique in so many ways.¡±


    ¡°She was wolf-less?¡± I asked. I could¡¯ve been hearing things. Two wolf-less werewolves in session?


    The odds are astronomical!


    ¡°Yes, she was. But it didn¡¯t matter. I loved her far before I knew she was my mate,¡± he replied. ¡°Would


    you like to hear the story of how we met?¡±


    I nodded, choosing a brownie.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ are brownies your favorite?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t getfortable,¡± I answered coldly. I was yet to wrap my head around *this whole thing


    ¡°Arabe loved them. She used to have


    rabe loved them. She used to have them almost every day when she was pregnant,¡± he said, with a


    tone of sadness in his voice.


    I shouldn¡¯t sympathize with this man. However, he had nothing to gain from lying


    ¡°They¡¯re my favorite,¡± I said quietly as I nibbled on it. When was thest time I had one ¨C I couldn¡¯t tell


    anymore, it¡¯d been so long!


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t exactly romantic, how we met. As a young boy, I was already attracted to her. She was lively


    and kind, and she always had a smile on her that everyone around her admired, including me. I always


    saw her as a butterfly ¨C a free spirit, she was. E was four years older than me, and so you can


    imagine how nervous I was when she was about to turn eighteen. I didn¡¯t know what I would do. What if


    she was mated to someone else? What was I going to do if she fell in love with someone else? As a


    young boy, I


    couldn¡¯t tell her my feelings ¨C not because I was afraid of rejection. I think I was more afraid¡­ that she


    would misunderstand my feelings as that of a


    isunderstand my feelings as that of a child¡¯s.¡±


    He reached for a brownie and finished it i n three bites. Then he drank a quarter of his juice.


    ¡°What happened when she didn¡¯t shift?¡±


    ¡°She was¡­ shocked. We all were. I could still remember how upset she was, standing in the middle of


    everyone, holding back the tears and forcing a smile. I was worried then, worried that m y father, your


    grandfather ¨C¡± he said, ncing at me as he emphasized the word, then adding, ¡°- will banish her.¡±


    ?Did he?¡±


    Alpha Emery smiled.


    ¡°No. He walked up to her and announced t o the pack that we have a new healer.¡±


    ¡°Healer?¡± Could this exin my blood?


    He leaned closer to the table and I did the same.


    ¡°You have to promise me not to tell anyone outside of our pack. This is a secret known only to us. Can I


    trust you with it, Be?¡±


    WII, Denah


    I nodded, dubious that he was trusting m e, a stranger¡­ uhm¡­ lost daughter with a pack secret two


    hours after he dropped this bomb on my true roots.


    ¡°In our pack, there have been eighteen werewolves who were born without wolves,¡± he said.


    I slowly pulled back until my back hit the backrest as I looked at him dubiously. Everyone knew those


    like me were¡­ rare. So rare in fact that most believe we were just a story. Born millennia apart that


    there was almost no known fact about us. Stories even say that in the olden times, w e used to be


    killed, because we had no use in war.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. The pack records prove it. Your great, great grandmother was a wolf-less Luna. And although


    they have no werewolf, they are gifts by the Goddess. Your grandfather told me they were healers, the


    most powerful there is,¡± he exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ impossible. They can¡¯t even heal themselves because they don¡¯t have a wolf. How can they


    be healers?¡± This could be a set-up.


    CPLL up.


    Does he know about my blood? Is this what he¡¯s after?


    ¡°It¡¯s their blood,¡± he said, then drank more juice. He leaned back and sighed. He seemed to be growing


    more tired by the minute. 1


    ¡°Do you know the story of the witches, dear?¡± he asked as he closed his eyes.


    It was one of the stories Father shared while he was drinking


    ¡°They used to be humans but their jealousy for the werewolves drove them t o search for power. The


    Goddess¡¯s twin, pleased by their hatred, granted them power. She was jealous of her sister since the


    werewolves only knew to look up to the Moon. She was in the Goddess¡¯ shadow, the New Moon, the


    phase where nights are darkest and werewolves are at their weakest,¡± I answered. It was a well known


    story, often told as bedtime


    stories to children.


    Alpha Emery inhaled deeply and loudly exhaled.


    ¡°My father said the witches only knew to destroy, and so the werewolves, who can


    troy, and so the werewolves, who can only heal themselves, had to watch their own kin sumb to the


    witches¡¯ power. Our kind had enough. The first Alpha prayed to the Goddess to save his people. I tis


    said that he prayed as he held his deceased Luna who was carrying their child.¡±


    He fell quiet after, his chest heaving slowly.


    Was he asleep?


    As if on cue, his chin dropped. I waved a hand on his face. He really was asleep!


    ¡°He¡¯s been doing that more often,¡± someone said behind me that I jumped on my feet. He looked to be


    at the same age a s Alpha Emery, with a simr build and the same tired smile. Dark blue eyes stared


    back at me; too dark it could easily be mistaken as ck. His aged face tired, and his peculiar eyes


    kind.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to scare you.¡±


    ¡°I-It¡¯s alright. Who- Who are you?¡±


    ¡°David Nate. Beta of the ck Mist Pack,¡± he said, smiling. ¡°Could you¡­¡±


    Pack,¡± he said, smiling. ¡°Could you¡­¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ sure,¡± I said, awkwardly stepping t o the side. He crouched to his knees beside Alpha Emery,


    checking his pulse o


    n his wrist.


    ¡°Is he¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s asleep,¡± he said. Standing, he positioned himself to carry Alpha Emery.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, old friend,¡± he said when the Alpha stirred then went limp again. Beta David carried him inside


    the room and spotted the bed.


    ¡°Be a dear and lift the sheets, will you?¡±h e asked.


    I did as I was told, and heid Alpha Emery down before covering him with theforter. When I


    looked at him, he had his eyes closed ¨C probably talking to someone in a mind-link. I waited for him to


    finish before I asked, ¡°What¡¯s¡­ uhm¡­ What happened to him?¡±


    Beta David sighed. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want you t o find out, but I think it¡¯s better if you know. You were taken


    here against your will. I¡¯m sure you have a lot of questions.¡±


    I nodded.


    1 nodded.


    ¡°First, I would like to apologize for kidnapping you and hurting your friend. We don¡¯t know how he is


    since you were our mission, but when we left him, he was still breathing.¡±


    ¡°You expect me to take that as constion?¡± I spat.


    ¡°If it¡¯s any constion at all, yes. I won¡¯t justify our actions, but we don¡¯t kill for n o reason. Second, I


    understand that you want to get away from here as soon as possible. But I hope you will stay with him


    for now.¡±


    ¡°With my kidnapper? A stranger who ims to be my father?¡± I said, my voice a little higher. ¡°Sure. No


    big deal,¡± I added in a sarcastic tone.


    He sighed. ¡°He is your true father. I understand it¡¯s a lot to take but this is your pack, Be. You are an


    Alpha¡¯s daughter¡­ and his sole sessor.¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m his daughter then why have I never known? Why was I born and raised i nanother pack by MY


    father?¡± I said in a hushed scream. Growing up, I watched other kids my age get called by their


    other kids my age get called by their mothers. I watched how they were pampered. Most times, I¡¯d visit


    Mother¡¯s grave just to talk to her, to make me feel better, or to simply cry.


    The graveyard was a quiet ce, and hardly anyone ever went there ¨C it was where I met Flynn, the


    Alpha¡¯s son. He was rarely seen around the yground,


    and the grown-ups said he was sick. Turned out, he was just the same as me ¨C sneaking into the


    graveyard to meet with a deceased parent. I loved my father, but I wished I knew more about her¡­


    ¡°He thought he lost you. We all did,¡± he said quietly. ¡°That day, when your father felt the bond broke, he


    believed he lost his wife and child. He was never the same after that. Eighteen years¡­ he sought


    vengeance. Then for the next two years, w e waited¡­ waited for you to return to the White Lake pack.


    We couldn¡¯t send spies, and you were never seen outside the pack territories or anywhere near the


    boundaries. Twenty years¡­ and I never saw him as happy as he did when he saw you. Thank you,


    Anna Be. You brought my friend back.¡±


    my friend back.¡±


    He knew I was his daughter when they attacked? But he¡­


    ¡°What happened, exactly? How did I end up in the White Lake Pack? How did you know I was leaving


    the Red w Pack?¡± I I couldn¡¯t have been a coincidence¡­ unless they were waiting for it.


    He scooted to a bedpost and leaned over i t. ¡°Will it change your mind if you knew?¡±


    ¡°Depends. I feel like I¡¯m having an identity crisis, and this is supposed to be for middle-aged people,¡± I


    said, shrugging


    Beta David chuckled then sighed. ¡°If you really must know.¡±


    He threw me a tired nce. ¡°Twenty years ago, three of the biggest and strongest allied packs


    attacked. They imed that we were abusing the children and that your father was abusing our Luna. It


    wasn¡¯t a rescue. It was a massacre. And their ims ¨C their ims are just as ridiculous as their


    reasons behind it. I can¡¯t tell you what exactly happened that night, only your father knows since he


    was with her. She


    ¨C ows since he was with her. She betrayed me,¡¯ was all he said. Goddess knows he loves her still.¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t understand,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°She ran away with them,¡± he said tiredly. ¡°I will never know why. Your father has never talked about it.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He didn¡¯t give up on her, on you. He searched for her nonstop, Anna Be. He kept searching until the


    day the bond broke. After that, he was never the same. They took everything from him, and soon, the


    pack weakened and was forgotten.¡±


    ¡°Father and Alpha Fraser would never attack a pack on baseless usations!


    ¡°Alpha Fraser of the White Lake Pack, Alpha Lynall of the Red w Pack, and Alpha Tyler of the Blue


    Moon Pack. Ranked as the fourth strongest pack, the second, and the third¡­ from our times. Now


    they¡¯re the top three and our pack is history,¡± he replied. ¡°At least your father and I lived long enough to


    watch them die. Think what you want of Fraser and your father. They kept this fact hidden from you


    since you were born ¨C what does that say about them?¡±


    es unat say about TTC


    ¡°Is that why you killed them?¡± I said slowly, my nails digging into my palms.¡± I was there. I remember


    that scar. I remember the blood. I remember everything that happened like it was yesterday. What am I


    doing here anyway? You said I was a mission. Why? What do you want from me? To fill my head with


    these stories¡­ these lies?¡± I questioned, my voice getting higher, but I didn¡¯t care. ¡°What do you want


    from me!¡±


    Alpha Emery groaned. I covered my mouth while Beta David opened his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, old friend,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s just m e.¡±


    The Alpha turned to his side, still asleep.


    ¡°Our mission was to kidnap the Luna of the Red w Pack, who goes by the name Anna Be Fiora.


    We were to hold you hostage until the n was executed. Don¡¯t concern yourself with it. Your father


    and I will take care of it. With you being the Alpha¡¯s lost daughter, this changes everything.¡±


    He stood to close the doors that led to the balcony. With his back to me, he


    cony. With his back to me, he continued.


    ¡°Over the years, our pack has lost many. Some in attacks, some left only to die. My wife¡­ she left. Our


    pack was no longer safe to raise a child. Before I could find them, my wife died on the same day. She


    was pregnant with our daughter.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whispered. He raised a hand to his face as he breathed deeply.


    ¡°My daughter¡­ Marianne, she would¡¯ve been five by now. Emery and I lived for the pack. Even after


    getting revenge, it did nothing to satiate the pain. We still lost our everything. But you¡¯re here now.¡±


    He turned around and looked me in the


    eye.


    ¡°Emery is dying. His wolf has weakened. I f you want to leave, you have my word that you can walk out


    that door and drive the car parked right outside and no one will stop you. But if you have, even the


    slightest bit of pity, please stay with him. I don¡¯t think he has a long time left.¡±


    I looked away and eyed Alpha Emery ¨C m y maternal father. Was all that I had thought about my father,


    all this time, a


    pught about my father, all this time, a


    lie? Who I believed I was ¨C was a lie? 6


    ¡°Please think about it,¡± said Beta David a s he headed for the door. Who am I?

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Chapter 53 Family Reunion


    Anna


    As if in a trance, I found myself standing and going for the door. I passed by the hallway, then found a


    set of stairs that led down. The ce eerily quiet, my own breathing creating a piece of rhythmic music


    in my ears.


    Somehow, I managed to find my way into the front door, and just as promised, there was a car sitting


    right outside. No guards in sight, not a single werewolf around. Just me, and a car that I didn¡¯t know if I


    could still drive. How long since Ist drove one-two years, and I was a really bad driver. I crashed


    three of Father¡¯s cars, and all of those were during driving lessons. From on the road t o off the road


    and into a tree when all I was supposed to do was keep driving straight


    Father. I should have only one, not two, and yet I did. Convincing myself that this was a lie only added


    to the weight on my chest. He was my father, my flesh and blood. I knew it within me regardless of


    what lies I kept telling myself.


    WITH NO


    PULITID


    DET.


    A dying man would have no reason to hold me captive in an almost nonexistent pack.


    Instinctively, I fisted my right hand and felt something crumple ¨C the envelope, now a dirty white from


    the passage of two decades. I didn¡¯t realize my hands were shaking until I looked down.


    Freedom was a few steps away. I could put all this behind me and start anew. I forgot my phone, but I


    could find a way to contact Carson to check up on him. I wouldn¡®t be able to visit my parents anymore,


    but¡­ 1


    I clutched at the vial around my neck.


    I¡¯m sorry I never visited you, Father.


    He¡¯s dying.


    You¡¯re the spitting image of her.


    Their words resonated in my mind.


    Goddess, why do you always make me do this?


    Turning my back on the way to freedom, I made my way back up the stairs, into the hallway, then inside


    the library.


    the hallway, then inside the library. Sitting around the table, I smoothened the crumpled envelope. My


    name was spelled in beautiful, cursive writing ¨C Be ck, a name I never knew until now.


    Ripping the p open, I took the folded sheets of paper out.


    [Anna,


    You must be all grown up now. I often thought about what kind of person you¡¯ll grow up to be. Beautiful,


    no doubt, both inside and out.


    I understand that there isn¡¯t much I can d o for you. Even as I write this letter, I cannot write a lifetime¡¯s


    worth in a few pages. I can¡¯t be with you to hold your hand when you¡¯re scared, hug you when you cry,


    and make you a brownie when you¡¯re feeling blue. I can¡¯t be there to tell you bedtime stories, sing you


    to sleep, and kiss you goodnight. I can¡¯t be there to cheer you on, push you further, and guide you as


    you grow. I can¡¯t be there to y dress-up, help you withdy talks, and gossip about boys you like. I


    can¡¯t be there to teach you how to cook, how to bake, and how to fight. There are so many


    hke, and how to fight. There are so many things I want to do with you and say to you. Sadly, I cannot. 1


    For this, I am sorry. I am sorry that you had to grow up without me. I can only imagine how hard it


    must¡¯ve been for you, but I trust you have found a way tog


    oon.


    I hope you surround yourself with friends and family and find love like your Dad and me. There will be


    sufferings along the way, but I hope you can find it in your heart to stay strong.


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    When you feel like giving up, I hope you can be hopeful enough to keep going. When you feel let down,


    I hope you can be humble enough to ask for help. When you feel like the world is against you, I hope


    you can be responsible enough to take control. When you feel like you are alone, I hope you can be


    vulnerable enough to trust the people around you.


    I believe you have the heart of an Alpha. I hope you let it guide you when you are lost. Trust, and it will


    lead you to what you need.


    Don¡¯t cry for me, my love. I have always


    n¡¯t cry for me, my love. I have always been with you and your Dad and I always will be.


    Happy 18th Birthday, Anna. My beautiful baby girl.


    Love,


    Mom]


    ¡°She was a kind soul, your Mother,¡± said Alpha Emery


    I couldn¡¯t reply. Tears blurred my vision, and my mind couldn¡¯t think of what to reply as Mother¡¯s words


    echoed in my head.


    ¡°I miss her every day since.¡± He took my hand in his, rough and veiny. ¡°I cannot force you to stay when


    you don¡¯t want to. But know that there was never a day when I didn¡¯t think of you and your Mother. I


    died the day your Mother passed away; the same day I thought I lost the two of you. When my wolf,


    Erthu, sensed that you were ours, I couldn¡¯t be any happier. You were alive all this time. I¡¯m sorry I


    gave up on you. I¡¯m here now. You¡¯re here now. I cannot change the past, but will you give me the


    chance to b


    1


    .


    1.


    2


    st, but will you give me the chance to b


    e the Father I couldn¡¯t be?¡±


    Mom told me to trust my heart. It was conflicted but at this moment¡­.


    I threw my arms around him and buried my head in his chest. There was so much t o clear between the


    two of us. I didn¡¯t know if I could ever forgive him. I was angry at Father and at Alpha Fraser for hiding


    the truth. I was angry at him, but i t would be a lie if I told myself that I didn¡¯t feel our connection.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Chapter 54 Beta Order


    -Gale


    Alpha Flynn was seated on his office chair and I opposite him. The more I visited packs, the more I


    confirmed that our pack was the odd one out. Every high ranking wolf dressed to show off their


    position, while we usually wore casual and avoided wearing a suit and tie unless necessary. Either we


    were weird, or we simply didn¡¯t have the same fashion taste. Or I was distracting myself with


    nonsensical thoughts because the long wait was getting to me.


    They should be here any minute now.


    Right on cue, the door opened with a bang. Liam entered first followed by Rigel. Both had a heavy look


    on their faces. I didn¡¯t have to ask. There were no leads again this time


    Alpha Flynn sighed. Getting up, he paced t o a corner of the room and began to pour drinks for the four


    of us. Meanwhile, my brothers settled themselves on the single -seaters, exhausted from the search


    and from the dark circles under their eyes,


    m the dark circles under their eyes, they needed a long sleep. We could all use some.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± said Rigel as Alpha Flynn handed him his drink. Minutes ticked by and none of us said a


    thing. Drinking, letting the bitter drink take the edge off. Personally though, I would¡¯ve preferred coffee.


    ¡°No more,¡± my wolf whined, sticking out his tongue.


    ¡°Just for a few more, Gil. At least until we find her.¡±


    Gil whimpered in my head. It¡¯d been three months and we still had no clue as t o where she might be.


    Every lead turned t o a dead end.


    ¡°The car¡¯s been parked there for months. Clean,¡± said Liam tiredly. His patience was running low, but


    so was hope. We knew who our enemies were. We kept tabs on them and none of them did this.


    Whoever did this, they weren¡¯t on our list. This was a new enemy, one bold enough to take our Luna


    yet too scared to show themselves.


    Luca wasn¡¯t acting up. For now, it was a


    na wasn¡¯t acting up. For now, it was a good sign. She wasn¡¯t hurt, at least. But how much longer will


    this reliefst? The anxiousness was beginning to take a tollo n each one of us, wearing us down and


    making us lose hope that we¡¯ll find her soon. It¡¯d be easy to point fingers, but that wouldn¡¯t solve a


    thing. We needed everyone. But if this went on any longer, this already delicate truce would soon tear.


    They didn¡¯t have to say it. We were guilty of letting her go and turning our backs on Liam. He was guilty


    of something he¡¯d rather keep to himself. And Alpha Flynn ¨C he might just challenge Liam into another


    death battle even if it¡¯d kill him.


    Knowing Liam, he¡¯d ept just for the sake of it. I¡¯d seen him lose his world before, saw what it did to


    him. It was my fault. And over my dead body would he have to go through it again. I don¡¯t think he


    could, and I didn¡¯t want to see him sumb to grief once more. This time, it¡¯d kill him.


    I¡¯d already lost way too many brothers ¨C I wasn¡¯t losing another.


    ¡°Your sister came over,¡± said Alpha


    our sister came over,¡± said Alpha Flynn. ¡°She¡¯s been looking after Carson all this time. I can¡¯t thank you


    enough.¡±


    ¡°He defended our Luna,¡± Liam replied.


    Alpha Flynn¡¯s hand tightened around the ss.


    ¡°It¡¯s the least we can do.¡±


    Setting down the empty ss, I slowly rose to my feet. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I best be going now.¡±


    ¡°Call me if anything happens,¡± said Liam. ¡°Anything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call when I get there,¡± I replied then after nodding at Alpha Flynn and Rigel, promptly left the room.


    The pack was getting restless. News of their kidnapped Luna had them worried for all of us. They were


    doing well by handling the small matters themselves, though it was still my duty to make sure they were


    safe. Some of our sisters from the Red Circle were lending a hand, but with the four of us frequently


    away, a surprise rogue attack like thest one would be catastrophic.


    .pom.


    From the office, I made my way around the mansion. Having spent some time here, I had almost the


    entireyout memorized. We were given rooms of our own, and so I headed inside mine which was on


    the third floor¡¯s right-wing. It was almost as wide as the one back home. It still didn¡¯t feel like it. After


    gathering all myundry in a bag, and checking that the room was clean, I locked the door then made


    my way to the fourth floor.


    It was the only room with a sliding door. I knocked to let her know I was outside.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I said softly, offering her a weak smile as I walked inside.


    Carson was a minimalist. One look around the room led to the conclusion. The only pieces of furniture


    were the bed, the nightstand, and the dresser. Brightly illuminated through the ss walls, Carsonid


    on his bed with wires and tubes exposed outside the nket.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she replied.


    Lexy hadn¡¯t been enthusiastic thesest months. My noisy, loud-mouthed partner in crime sat with him


    on his bed


    Ortner in crime sat with him on his bed looking the thinnest I¡¯d ever seen her. She seemed to have lost


    her spark, the sunshine vibe that she always gave off, but the way she looked at him brought a glimmer


    in her eyes that couldn¡¯t be mistaken for anything else.


    Lexy knew since Liam and her came here for the ceremony. She never said a word about it for the


    sake of Liam and Anna. It was crucial that the Blue Moon Pack fuck off. She understood it well, thus,


    she sacrificed her rtionship with her mate. 2


    You silly thing.


    ¡°How¡¯s he doing?¡± I asked, standing beside the bed. Carson had a bandage wrapped around his head


    and more on his torso and left arm. His right leg was i na cast and was held up. They did quite a


    number of him ¨C thank Goddess he lived. His wolf had been healing him, but the process was too slow.


    Lexy was passed out for three days after she was done with


    him.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± she answered without taking her eyes off him. ¡°He¡¯ll wake up.¡±


    ¡°When were you nning to let us


    When were you nning to let us know?¡± I asked and her head shot up in


    shock. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell them.¡±


    She sighed. ¡°Is it too obvious?¡±


    ¡°Your hair is tidied up in a high ponytail when it¡¯s usually in a messy bun. You smell like vani


    whenever you pay him a visit, which ording to my count is at least three times a week,¡± I said,


    smirking as she blushed. ¡°Do I have to say more? Liam and Rigel don¡¯t see it now, but they¡¯ll eventually


    catch up.¡±


    With a sigh, she raised her head and stared at me with dejected eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself, Lex. We couldn¡¯t have known.¡±


    ¡°If we believed bro, none of this would¡¯ve happened,¡± she said, looking back at Carson. ¡°Lia¡¯s not


    talking to me. Our mate might never wake up, and Anna¡¯s missing.¡± 1


    ¡°We¡¯ll find her,¡± I replied. Tipping her chin so she¡¯d look up at me, I smiled at m y little sister. ¡°Lia¡¯s not


    upset with you, Lex. Let Gil talk to her.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, bro,¡± she said, forcing a smile.


    Thanks, bro,¡± she said, forcing a smile


    ¡°Leave our brothers to me. You focus on your mate.¡±


    ¡°Are they here yet? How¡¯d it go?¡±


    I slowly shook my head.


    ¡°I asked him to reject me,¡± she said, holding his hand. ¡°He was from Anna¡¯s pack. I didn¡¯t trust him


    then. When he didn¡¯t, I rejected him. He never epted. I couldn¡¯t understand why.¡±


    She raised his hand to her lips. ¡°Our packs weren¡¯t rivals, but we weren¡¯t allies either. Alpha Flynn


    abused Anna. That, I can¡¯t forgive. He¡¯s the Beta. He should¡¯ve understood the consequences. Lately,


    I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ that maybe I was too cruel to him. He asked me what it¡¯d take for us to be


    together. I told him it was impossible because our packs weren¡¯t allies ¨C¡± she paused, taking a deep


    breath to calm herself, then continued, saying, ¡°- and he said it didn¡¯t matter. The night we left for


    home, he promised he¡¯d go rogue if it¡¯d make m e change my mind. Could you believe he said that?


    She let out a smallugh. ¡°A Beta going


    e let out a smallugh. ¡°A Beta going rogue for a mate? He must be out of his mind!¡±


    ¡°Lexy¡­¡±


    Her shoulders shook and her voice cracked. ¡°He asked me again that morning and I said ¡®no¡¯. I pushed


    him away. I wanted my mate, Gale. Whenever Anna talked about him, I realized I was wrong, but I


    couldn¡¯t simply ept him. I ¡­ I rejected my mate and now¡­ I¡¯m starting to think I might never have


    the chance to take it back.¡±


    She looked at me through tears. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted my mate; you know it more than anyone. What if


    he never wakes up? What if he wakes up and epts my rejection? What if-¡°


    I quickly wrap my arms around her, and she breaks down. I came here to cheer her up, but I somehow


    ended up doing the opposite.


    Way to go, Gale.


    I patted her back as she cried.


    ¡°Do you remember what your Mom used t o say to your Dad all the time? We often


    ay to your Dad all the time? We often heard it from her when your Dad does something stupid.¡±


    She giggled between sobs.


    ¡°Say it with me.¡±


    ¡°Unforgivable!¡± we said at the same time. I smiled. ¡°Then your Dad will say the cheesiest lines and


    she¡¯ll forgive him anyway? Remember those, Lex?¡±


    ¡°They were embarrassing,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Remember those times he upset her, and we¡¯d gang up on him to avenge your Mom? He¡¯d knock the


    three of us right away, but you¡¯d only get pushed aside gently.¡± Lexy giggled.


    Letting her go, I held her by her shoulders.


    ¡°If your Mom can forgive your Dad many times over, even on those times, I¡¯m sure Carson will


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    understand. You are a strong and loyal sister and I¡¯m proud of you. You put the pack first before your


    mate. Now please trust the pack and those two to me. You deserve your mate, Lexy. Don¡¯t you dare


    think otherwise. You deserve to be


    re think otherwise. You deserve to be happy, too. Trust your brothers, alright?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°And no more hiding secrets like this, alright?¡±


    She nodded again.


    ¡°As of now, you are temporarily relieved o f your post. Your priority is to look after your mate. Any


    medical assistance to the pack should be authorized,¡± I said firmly.


    Her eyes widened and her mouth slowly gaped.


    ¡°This is my Order, as Beta of the Red w Pack.¡±


    Our link glowed a bright red, signifying that the Order was in ce.


    ¡°Wha-Why?¡±


    I stood and turned my back to her. As the door slid, I looked back at her and smiled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it when my sister¡¯s a crybaby.¡±

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    Chapter 55 Missed Details


    -Gale


    It was early morning when I got back in the pack. Instead of heading to the mansion, I ditched the car


    right outside the vige and went into the woods. I should get myself a car, one for personal use. These


    SUVs were getting tiring to drive around


    This was forbidden grounds. Only the Alpha, the Head Gamma, and I coulde here freely until the


    Red Point Unit


    was authorized


    Not long after, the building came into view. Its walls fifteen three meters of concrete and steel, the


    windows barred and set at the top. The high ss ceiling was the only way out, but they were tied


    down to ensure an escape wouldn¡¯t happen. It¡¯d be too dangerous to let any prisoner out, not for the


    pack, but for the escapee. The Red Point was¡­ oddly creative with what they¡­we¡­ do.


    The tools and toys, including the experimental ones, hung on the walls, some in ss casings for


    disy and


    experimental ones, hung on the walls, sume in ss casings for disy and some for ¡°special


    asions¡±, whatever those were. The neatlyid-out des on top of the metal table were a mix of the


    usual everyday tools and their own¡± inventions¡±. It was a hobby of theirs too bizarre for my taste that it


    being around them took getting used to when we were with the pack. They cared for the pack and for


    each other, their loyalty proven time and time again.


    No one would suspect these guys were cold-blooded, torture-loving people. If I didn¡¯t know any better,


    Liam kept them because they were the best at it.


    But who am I to judge? We all have our shadows.


    They had their own morals to abide with, and I had mine. It just so happened that this time, we were on


    the same side.


    ¡°Enough,¡± I ordered, and the masked man stepped back. Here, we used no names. They were


    different, and so they wore masks, each custom-designed to their liking. This one wore a metal mask


    with a line of chains from where the cheeks ought to be. It had holes for his


    peeks ought to be. It had holes for his


    eyes, ashen gray ¨C his wolf was in control.


    ¡°Leave us.¡±


    After a slight bow, he hung his mask by the door then left. I sat on a chair opposite the prisoner. At least


    Rigel had enough sense in him not to kill the rogue, immediately. The cuts on his face began healing,


    and so did the rest of him. He must¡¯ve pissed Metal Mask off¡­


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    His face shined with ayer of sweat and blood as he panted heavily for air. Gil growled at me.


    This was taking too long. Taking a bottle from the table, I opened the cap and


    moved closer to him.


    Impressive.


    He held his murderous gaze without flinching.


    ¡°Tough, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Bound on the floor with wolfsbaneced silver chains on a kneeling position, the rattling sounds made


    as his bundled muscles flexed were always, to some


    iscles flexed were always, to some


    degree, satisfying.


    Fisting his matted brown hair, I held his head up.


    ¡°Drink,¡± I ordered, as I held the bottle close to his chapped thin lips.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ you¡­,¡± he said with much difficulty.


    The hard way it is then¡­


    His wounds healed faster after drinking the potion. I waited for his breathing to normalize. Too tired


    myself, I wanted this to be over with so I could report to Liam.


    Thankfully, Liam spared his life. When Anna went missing, almost all our prisoners¡­ died¡­ in the


    most gruesome way. It was rather creative, what he did. Then again, he revived the Red Point Unit


    when the founding members were all killed, and the program was shut down.


    ¡°You know, this can all end once you start talking. Which pack are you from?¡±


    ¡°Aghost pack,¡± he answered gruffly.


    I¡¯m not in the mood for this. I shouldn¡¯t


    y not in the mood for this. I shouldn¡¯t


    have sent Metal Mask away.


    ¡°A few days after you attack our Luna, our packes under siege,¡± I said calmly, then shouted,


    ¡°Where is she?¡±


    He raised his eyes at me, mockery visible i n them. My wolf whimpered in my head.


    We shouldn¡¯t sympathize with the enemy!


    ¡°Every once in a while, the Beta takes pity on his prisoner and asks for some time alone. At first, he


    watched on the sides. Over time, his pity gets the better o fhim. He gives his prisoner potions,¡± he said


    with a mocking tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t do it out of pity.¡±


    A burst of roaringughter erupted from his mouth. ¡°Your hair color matches your scent. Do you want to


    know what you smell like to your mate, Beta?¡±


    Gil whimpered louder.


    ¡°Enough! Tell me where she is right now, or I will end you myself. Don¡¯t you think for a second I won¡¯t


    do it.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Do it, then. Let¡¯s see if you have the


    ¡°Ha! Do it, then. Let¡¯s see if you have the balls to do something other than bark.¡± His lips pulled into a


    smile as he beckoned me to act upon my words.¡± What¡¯s wrong, Beta? Can¡¯t walk the talk? Can¡¯t¡­ kill


    your own mate?¡± He startedughing as I stood frozen


    Then he stopped. I threw a knife at him, shutting him up.


    ¡°Well, well, well¡­ looks like you have a soft spot for me after all.¡±


    The knife merely grazed his cheek. It was already healing when I raised my head at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not my mate,¡± I said firmly.¡± You¡¯re my enemy.¡±


    ¡°Ooh¡­ I don¡¯t think my niece would be happy to hear that,¡± he said smirking.


    Who?


    ¡°You look surprised, Beta. Well, frankly, you look like shit.¡± He chuckled. ¡°For giving me a cut, I¡¯ll tell you


    something good. Don¡¯t you think if she wanted to be here, she¡¯d be here by now?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± I asked, sweat breaking out on my back.


    breaking out on my back,


    ¡°I¡¯m saying she¡¯s home now. Her true home. My Alpha has returned, mate. Why would she want to


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I demanded as I stomped over to him and grabbed him by the cor, the smirk


    stered on his lips.¡± You can¡¯t be her -¡°


    ¡°Uncle?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯m her mother¡¯s brother. Anything else you want to know about me?¡±


    ¡°Where is she!¡±


    ¡°Home.¡±


    I released him then made my way back to the table. I put on a pair of leather gloves with silver spikes


    attached around the knuckles.


    ¡°Fine. Have it your way,¡± I said as I tightened each on my fist.


    He raised a brow at me. ¡°You can¡¯t be-¡°


    I cut him off with a kick to his head. ¡°Tell me where she is, right now!¡±


    He spat blood and chuckled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you suck my dick and maybe I¡¯ll tell you?¡±


    YOU SUCK MY UICK and mayUCT TITEL YUU!


    Don¡¯t make me do this!


    I raised my fist. I froze when deep blue eyes met mine. His wolf was in control.


    ¡°The Alpha is home,¡± he said in a voice that didn¡¯t sound quite human. ¡°If she wants to return, she will.¡±


    ¡°She cannot be an Alpha! She is our Luna. Where have you taken her!¡±


    ¡°Home,¡± he answered. ¡°We will not tell you anymore. We cannot.¡±


    His chin dropped to his chest as his wolf retreated. He¡¯d passed out.


    ¡°Mate,¡± said my wolf.


    ¡°He¡¯s not our mate, Gil. He can¡¯t be.¡±


    Gil whimpered.


    ¡°He¡¯s under an Order. You let them hurt him,¡± he said.


    A link asked to connect. It was Lexy. Putting down my guard, I answered her.


    ¡°Gale,e back. We need you back here,¡± she said urgently.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you alright? What¡¯s


    hat¡¯s wrong? Are you alright? What¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the White Lake Pack,¡± she said, sounding panicked. This wasn¡¯t like her.¡± Their Alpha is back.¡±


    ¡°What Alpha? Flynn?¡± I asked, confused.


    His father,¡± she replied. But¡­ his father¡¯s¡­ dead.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Chapter 56 The Escapee


    -Anna


    I smiled at the children ying on the training grounds and they waved back to


    1. me.


    ¡°I told them not to y around here,¡± said Alpha Emery. ¡°Children never listen.¡±


    ¡°I find that adults are more hard headed,¡± I replied, and he chuckled.


    On a pic nketid down on the soft grass, shaded by ovepped branches of trees, we watched


    them y catch. Back a t the White Lake Pack, children of their age were already ced into training.


    In the Red w Pack, the children were given days to train and a rest day for ying. Here, the


    children weren¡¯t being trained. They were free to run around all day and y to their heart¡¯s content as


    if they were innocent of the dangers the world held for them. The next protectors of the pack ¨C they


    should be training for i


    1. t.


    Why aren¡¯t they in training?¡± I asked,


    Yhy aren¡¯t they in training?¡± I asked, unable to hold back the curiosity.


    ¡°Let them be children,¡± he said simply.


    ¡°What about the pack?¡±


    He frowned. After a while, he said, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t put the burden of our disputes o n the children.¡±


    ¡°I began training when I was five. I was raised to protect the pack.¡±


    ¡°And in the end, what did your pack do to you?¡± he asked.


    I stayed silent. I didn¡¯t want to be reminded.


    ¡°All these pack wars and rogue attacks, alliances and betrayal, breeds more hatred among our kind. It


    is passed down to the children, then their children, then their grandchildren; generation after generation


    of endless killing and fear. I¡¯ve seen deaths and suffering in this lifetime that couldst me another.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just the way it is. We can¡¯t do anything about it. Not all Alphas are good, and most of them want


    power,¡±I replied. ¡°Liam is one of the good ones. He


    lied. ¡°Liam is one of the good ones. He helps packs in need, packs whose Alpha abuses his power.¡±


    ¡°If he is what you say he is, then why did you leave him?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You never asked about him before. Why


    now?¡±


    He turned to me with a small smile on his face. In the course of three months, he had exponentially


    grown older as his strength ebbed away. The lines on his face were more pronounced, and he had a


    full set of gray hair now, but his eyes held joy instead of the tiredness I first saw in them.


    ¡°Simple. You said his name just now.¡± His smile grew wider.


    My mouth fell into a small ¡°o¡±.


    ¡°Did he do something?¡±


    I nodded then hugged my knees to my chest, resting my chin on my knees.


    ¡°He did something different from what h e said, just like I did,¡± I confessed. ¡°I promised I¡¯d never leave


    him, and I did. I didn¡¯t hear what he wanted to say. I knew


    In¡¯t hear what he wanted to say. I knew if I did, even if he lied, I¡¯d forgive him. S o, I left before I


    changed my mind. Then I ended up here.¡±


    ¡°Be¡­¡±


    The familiar pain in my chest returned, and so did the burning bite of anger. I stretched my legs out and


    leaned back.


    ¡°But what does it matter? I bet he¡¯s really happy now that I¡¯m gone. He may not even be looking for me.


    I don¡¯t care. He has what he wants. I learned who I really am.¡± I gave out a smallugh. ¡°Who does he


    think he is, anyway? I¡¯m an Alpha too!¡± I said, turning to face him. ¡°I¡¯m your daughter. I¡¯m of Alpha


    blood. I¡¯m next in line as Alpha. He¡¯s not the only one¡­¡±


    I stopped when my voice cracked, and I wiped the stupid tears away. He didn¡¯t deserve them. He didn¡¯t


    deserve my heart ¨C why should I hurt because of him? I couldn¡¯t erase the image of them kissing. For


    months, I¡¯d been seeing it in my dreams, and I hated it. I hated how I still missed him, everything about


    him ¨C his ¡®scent, his arms around me ¨C I missed


    nt, his arms around me ¨C I missed how the world faded away whenever I was with him. It hurt that he


    did that, but it hurt more that I still loved him despite i


    Is he looking for me? Is he worried about me?


    A part of me hoped he was. A part of me was in spite of him if it was a yes. A part o fme believed


    otherwise.


    ¡°We¡¯re not a perfect couple, your mother and me. We argued over the smallest things from the color of


    the sheets to the words I use topliment her,¡± he said a s he soothingly ran a hand down my back.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t always perfect, but would you rather go to sleep with a grudge, or swallow your pride and


    apologize, no matter who was right or wrong, because, at the end of the day, the truth is you love her


    ande next morning, the smile that graces her lips as she awakes is iparable to worthless


    anger and pride and frustration?¡±


    I thought about it. I¡¯d been bitter about the whole matter for months now. It¡¯d kill me if I kept living like


    this. What


    me if I kept living like this. What would I ask him ¨C to give me closure?


    ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t want to talk to me?¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Does he have to talk to you?¡±


    I smiled.


    No.


    Someone cleared their throat behind us, interrupting our moment. Looking up, it was Beta David.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disturb, Be, but I have to talk to your Father,¡± he said sternly.


    ¡°Uh¡­ sure,¡± I said, getting up. ¡°I¡¯ll just¡­ take a walk.¡±


    Alpha Emery nodded at me and I left the two of them to talk. Must be about pack matters.


    What should I say?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve been away?¡±


    No, that wouldn¡¯t do.


    ¡°Hi! It¡¯s me. I know I¡¯ve been gone for like a short time¡­ well, not really a short time¡­¡±


    I groaned. This was going to be harder than it seemed. Maybe I could get him a present? His birthday


    was in about four months. No, that wouldn¡¯t be right. 2


    I bit my lower lip. What should I do? Knots tightened on my stomach the more I thought about seeing


    him again. Would he even want to see me now, after I left him just like that?


    Stupid Anna.


    I shouldn¡¯t have let Salina get into my head. She could¡¯ve been lying ¨C I was yet t o hear Liam¡¯s side.


    Maybe it wasn¡¯t what i t looked like? But¡­ I know what I saw¡­


    Sighing, I came to a stop. I should be getting back¡­ but, where was I?


    There were only trees around me, and I couldn¡¯t hear the children ying. I must¡¯ve gotten carried


    away that I didn¡¯t notice where I was going. It should be alright ¨C turn around and walk back.


    I kept walking but the training grounds seemed so far it felt like I was walking in circles. I was officially


    lost within the pack territory. Should I scream for help? That¡¯d be embarrassing. As I thought of


    at¡¯d be embarrassing. As I thought of whether I should change directions, a growl came from behind


    me.


    A chill ran down my spine at the sound. Gathering the courage to face it, the first thought in my mind


    was to run and scream. It was a ck wolf, huge like an Alpha, but there were cuffs on all its paws, a


    few links of metal chain still attached to each. It snarled at me, then just¡­ stopped. Deep blue eyes


    watched m e intently as if trying to recognize who I was, and I felt like I¡¯ve seen those eyes before¡­


    somewhere.


    It drew closer to me and I remained rooted on the spot. Where had I seen them?


    Howls came from our left and he stopped. Giving me onest look, it sped away.


    I released a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding. I knew who he was¡­ but it was impossible. 2


    A couple of wolves came into view then disappeared as they chased after it ¨C him. Another wolf


    showed itself, chocte brown fur and dark blue eyes. He stopped and shifted into Beta David.


    and shifted into Beta David.


    ¡°Be! Are you alright?¡± he asked, jogging over to me.


    ¡°It-He¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Be, what are you doing here?¡± Alpha Emery asked. I didn¡¯t notice he was here a s well.


    ¡°I¡­ I was taking a walk and¡­¡±


    I know who he is.


    ¡°Alpha, please take her back. We¡¯ll hunt the prisoner down,¡± said Beta David before shifting back into


    his wolf.


    ¡°Come. You shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± said Alpha Emery, holding my wrist and dragging me back with him.


    ¡°You could¡¯ve been hurt¡­ or worse.¡± He whispered thest part, but I still heard.


    Why is he alive?


    I didn¡¯t notice when we were back at the mansion until the doors closed.


    ¡°Go to your room,¡± he said, but I just stared at him. ¡°Be?¡±


    STORU OLMU. Den


    It¡¯s impossible.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± I asked.


    ¡°An enemy,¡± he said firmly. ¡°He escaped from his cell and he could¡¯ve done something to you if the


    guards weren¡¯t chasing him.¡±


    He cupped my face and kissed my forehead. ¡°You¡¯re alright now. We¡¯ll keep you safe here.¡±


    You¡¯re not telling the whole truth.


    ¡°Who is he, Father?¡± I asked, raising my voice.


    He gripped my arm. ¡°Go to your room!¡±


    ¡°No! Why is he alive? Why is he here?¡± I shouted.


    He let go of my arm and sighed.


    ¡°Be, go to your room,¡± he said coldly.¡± Please.¡±


    ¡°You kept him here,¡± I said as I backed away from him. ¡°Why?¡±


    Anger shed in his eyes and his lips tightened into a straight line.


    He is my enemy, Be. He took your Mother away from me. He took you away from me. I lost


    everything because of him. Everything!¡±


    I shook my head slowly as I retreated from him. ¡°You have to understand. This was necessary.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ kept this from me¡­¡±


    ¡°He lied to you, Be! Have you forgotten? He knew you were mine and h e never told you. Look what


    his pack did t o you! For two years, I searched for you, but I never saw even a shadow of you. I


    convinced myself it wasn¡¯t true ¨C that it wasn¡¯t you that day. But I was wrong¡­ I sent spies to look for


    you, but it was as if you never existed. I thought they banished you, or worse. Two years, Be!¡±


    His eyes flickered from deep brown to ck. ¡°What was I supposed to do? Free the man who took my


    world from me?¡±


    He reached for me, but I stepped away from his touch. It hurt him, but I was hurting, too.


    ¡°Be¡­¡±


    Be¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s Anna,¡± I replied, then raced up the stairs to the hallway to my room. I closed the doors with a bang


    then slid down onto the floor.


    Alpha Fraser was alive. He knew I wasn¡¯t Father¡¯s. They kept it from me. Why? Why would Mother¡­


    Why would ¡­


    I don¡¯t know what to think of anymore¡­


    A knock came from the other side.


    ¡°Be,¡± he said


    It felt like d¨¦j¨¤ vu. I was pushing him away like I pushed everyone away. I did the same to Father when


    I didn¡¯t shift, I did the same to Liam, and now I was doing it again to Father.


    ¡°Your mother went with them willingly that night. Our allies attacked all of a sudden and I tried to get her


    to a safer ce, but she fought me. This scar¡­ she gave it to me. The attack killed half of the pack. I


    don¡¯t know why she did what she did, but the look in her eyes when she stabbed me¡­ someone forced


    her to do it. Your mother, Anabe¡­ they used her. News of the broken alliance spread, and w e


    suffered attack after attack from rogues


    uffered attack after attack from rogues and packs. Then, one day, I felt the bond break.¡±


    ¡°Alpha Fraser would never do that,¡± I said, opening the door. ¡°He took care of m e. Father raised me to


    take over him. He loved me like I was his!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks. ¡°But what can I do? He took everything from


    me.¡±


    ¡°You took everything from me, too,¡± I said then closed the door in his face.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    Chapter 57 Deserved Regrets


    ¨C Flynn


    My throat felt dry as I stood outside the door. I put up a wall to get some quiet in my head for the pack


    wouldn¡¯t stop talking about him. I understood their confusion, concern, and anger, but I needed to think


    for myself.


    ¡°How is he?¡± I asked as the pack healer


    went out.


    She smiled softly then replied, ¡°He needs to rest, Alpha. Wherever he was, he wasn¡¯t treated kindly.¡±


    Her smile dropped into a frown. She looked like she wanted to ask something but hesitated.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said before she could ask me a question, I didn¡¯t know the answert o. I felt the bond


    break then and so did the rest of the pack.


    ¡°Is he awake?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s asleep. It¡¯s good to have him back, Alpha,¡± she said then walked away.


    His room was kept clean after his death. Now heid there, in the dark, as if he


    had always been. There was so much I wanted to tell him after he died, so much pain that had never


    truly left, but now that he was here, I didn¡¯t know where to start. 1


    Turning themp on, I stood beside the bed looking down at him. He had lost so much weight that his


    cheekbones


    protruded, his arms almost meat and bones. Scars and fresh woundsced around his arms. He had


    be too weak that he wasn¡¯t healing as he should.


    I used to look up to him. It was my dream to surpass him. He had always been strong and in my eyes,


    insurmountable, but now he was nothing but meat and bones. My hands balled into fists.


    ¡°Who did this to you?¡± I whispered.


    We dismissed the attack as rogues. It was difficult to believe that rogues could take down the Alpha


    and Head Gamma, so we med Anna. We made ourselves believe that she was a distraction, and


    they couldn¡¯t fight because they had to protect her. It was injustice, but she carried everyone¡¯s anger,


    frustration, and grief o n her shoulders, alone.


    Everyone but Carson. He believed she was innocent. His father went rogue which drove his mother


    mentally unstable. One day, news of his father¡¯s death reached the pack, and his mother soon died,


    heartbroken. But he never med it on her.


    I didn¡¯t deserve my Beta as much as I didn¡¯t deserve her. When Carson said he was bringing her back


    for a visit, it was m y chance to ask her to take me back, not a sa mate, but as her friend ¨C the shoulder


    she used to cry on, depend on, trust on.


    Father groaned softly, snapping me out o f my thoughts. His eyes fluttered open; those same blue eyes


    that I took after stared back at me.


    ¡°Flynn,¡± he said, his voice hoarse.


    I poured him a ss of water as he sat up, visibly ufortable with the IV drip. I gripped my right


    wrist with my left handt o keep it steady, but it kept shaking that a bit of water spilled.


    ¡°He-here,¡± I said, handing it to him.


    His fingers touched mine as he reached for the ss, calloused and bony but


    warm. Then his hand fell. Shakily, I helped him drink a quarter.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown,¡± he said after a short silence.


    He watched me like he was studying my face and I tried to look at anything but him. I couldn¡¯t. I failed


    him. I wasn¡¯t like him. I made a member of my pack suffer, I shunned out the love of my life ¨C he¡¯d hate


    me for these. And I deserved it.


    As I thought about all my mistakes, a weight was ced on my shoulder. I raised my eyes to see his


    hand on it, and looking at him, he had a beaming look on his face ¨C the same look he gave me when


    he was proud of me. I didn¡¯t deserve it.


    Why are you looking at me like that?


    ¡°You¡¯re the Alpha now,¡± he said as he cupped my face and smiled. ¡°It must¡¯ve been tough.¡±


    I nodded. It was. Losing him, I couldn¡¯t keep myself together for months afterward. It was with Carson¡¯s


    help that I found the courage to get out of my room. That very same day, I saw Anna,


    and my blood boiled, but upon closer inspection, I saw that she was crying. She was foldingundry


    and her tears kept


    falling down her cheeks, then to the clothes.


    I heard the Omegas. I heard the warriors. I heard what the entire pack had to say about her. And I


    knew within myself that they were wrong. It wasn¡¯t her fault. It wasn¡¯t right to me her. I had the power


    to change things, but I didn¡¯t, because it was easier to have someone to me for it instead of ming


    myself. If only I hadn¡¯t doubted myself that night she didn¡¯t shift. If only I defended her then¡­ 1


    The guilt I felt that day I saw her because of my cowardness, remained buried in m y heart and mind ¨C


    an emotion that let itself known over and over, but I continued to ignore it, even when I rejected her.


    Only after I did have it blown. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. I was toote. I realized it when I lost her to


    someone else.


    ¡°I¡¯m not¡­ an Alpha, Father,¡± I replied, looking him right in the eye. ¡°Not like


    you. I did things¡­ to Anna, I-¡±


    ¡°Anna,¡± he eximed, eyes going wide. His hands gripped my shoulders. ¡°We have to get her back!


    She-she->


    As if possessed, he threw the sheets aside and tugged on the tube. I caught his arms as I questioned


    him. ¡°What do you mean she¡¯s in danger?¡±


    Does he know where she is?


    ¡°How? Why-¡±


    ¡°Listen to me,¡± he said firmly as he grabbed me by the cor and brought his face too close. ¡°We have


    to get her back before she learns the truth. It might even be toote! She¡¯s in danger around him. He¡¯s


    sick.¡± He pushed me away then scrambled to his feet. 1


    ¡°He can¡¯t protect her. The rogues and that backstabbing son of a-¡±


    He swayed on his feet and I caught him before he fell. He was too light. I helped him sit back down on


    the bed.


    ¡°Father calm down. I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying!¡±


    I was starting to get worried¡­ about her, about him. I had too many questions in m y mind.


    ¡°We¡¯re running out of time,¡± he said grimly.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    An hour and a halfter, I was stomping my way to my office while trying to wrap my head around what


    he just told me. I¡¯d asked for Alpha Liam and his Beta and Head Gamma to meet me there. We hadt o


    n and fast. It¡¯d only be a matter of time. They might be under attack right now and I was still here,


    safe in my mansion, while she was fighting for her life!


    The office door was open when I got there. Alpha Liam and his Beta were already inside. His sister was


    there too.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Liam asked, restraining anger. His eyes flickered from brown to ck ¨C everyone had


    been losing patience each day.


    I sighed. ¡°Calm yourself, Alpha. This n highly depends on you. If you fail, we won¡¯t be able to get her


    back.¡±


    He took a step towards me, but his sister


    held out her arm to stop him.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your Head Gamma?¡± I asked. After proudly introducing himself as her knight¡± like we were in


    the Medieval Era, he should at least be here at this crucial time.


    ¡°He has matters to attend to,¡±answered his Beta, Gale. Always speaks and acts politely, but I doubt that


    was his real nature. I shrugged it off. It wasn¡¯t any of my business.


    We formed a truce with one objective ¨C find her and get her back. I didn¡¯t fully trust any of them, maybe


    except his sister who had been looking after Carson all this time. There was no doubt the feeling was


    mutual.


    ¡°You think I can¡¯t get her out?¡± Liam challenged


    This overprotective bullshit of his was getting to my nerves. If he wasn¡¯t Anna¡¯s mate, I would¡¯ve kicked


    his ass out the door. I needed Anna back, and so did he. A s much as I hate to admit it, right now, he


    was our best bet on getting her out. Mates did share a connection and marked ones, even stronger.


    ¡°If you can convince her to leave this pack, surely, you can do it again,¡± I replied.


    His Beta and his sister looked at each other in confusion.


    ¡°Have a seat. This is going to be a long night.¡±

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    Chapter 58 Rogue Gamma


    ¨C Rigel ¨C


    Gale should be back at the White Lake Pack by now. I could¡¯ve started earlier but I had to make sure


    he wasn¡¯t going toe back. It¡¯d ruin the n. My friend had been waiting for months ¨C what were a


    few more hours?


    ¡°Rigel!¡± shouted Mom from downstairs. ¡°Come have dinner!¡±


    I went down and joined her in the kitchen. She already had it ready for me o n a hot te ¨C roasted


    beef and mashed potatoes. My mouth watered. No one cooked like Mom. I sneaked behind her then


    gave her a hug.


    ¡°Thanks, Mom!¡± I eximed then kissed her cheek.


    Sheughed as she put the te down.¡± Grow up, will you?¡±


    ¡°I am grown,¡± I replied, motioning to my body. She rolled her eyes and took off her apron.


    ¡°What are you doing back here? Are you


    escaping work again?¡± she questioned with her hand on her hip.


    I stuffed my mouth with the mashed potatoes. ¡°Mmm¡­ so good, Mom. Your cooking¡¯s the best!¡±


    ¡°So you are,¡± she said, sighing. She sat beside me as she folded the apron. ¡°Rigel, I understand it¡¯s


    been hard on you, but you have to let her go.¡±


    Next, I cut a huge chunk of the roast beef s o I could chew longer. ¡°It¡¯s what she would have wanted,¡±


    she said softly.


    I paused then shook my head and continued. It wasn¡¯t about what she wanted, it¡¯s about what I


    wanted. I wanted a future with her, and it was taken from me. I couldn¡¯t help but me myself for what


    happened. Her life was o n me thus, it was only right that I get my revenge. I¡¯d never have peace until I


    avenge her, until that asshole was killed b y my own two hands.


    Mom held my hand. She spoke with that soft loving voice full of motherly love. ¡°I know you¡¯re up to


    something.¡±


    I turned to face her.


    What does she know? How?


    She only smiled and ced a hand on my cheek.


    ¡°I know because you¡¯re my son. I can tell when you¡¯re hiding something. I can tell when you¡¯re hurting. I


    won¡¯t stop you from doing what you think is right, but always remember that I love you and Maya


    always loved you. If she was here right now, she¡¯d want you to be happy.¡±


    I smiled at her. Taking her hand off my face, I ced a soft kiss on the back of her hand.


    ¡°I could never hide anything from you,¡± I said, and she shook her head. ¡°I want to b e happy, Mom, but I


    can¡¯t be until her soul rests in peace.¡±


    ¡°Who are we to say she isn¡¯t? The Goddess


    ¡°The Goddess understands what I¡¯m about to do,¡± I said, cutting her off. I let g o of her hand then


    moved toward the door.


    Even at this moment, I still won¡¯t see her cry. She had always been strong. After


    Dad died, she kept it together for me. And now, just like Dad, I might nevere home.


    I felt her hug me from behind, her arms around me tightly like she wanted to keep me in ce. At least,


    in ourst moments, she wasn¡¯t distant and cold.¡± Will I see you again?¡± she whispered, her voice


    cracking at the end. Gently, I removed her arms and opened the door, going outside without turning to


    look at her. I knew if I did, I¡¯d run back to her and abort the mission.


    I¡¯m sorry, Mom, but I have to do this.


    I¡¯d alreadye this far. I¡¯d already waited this long


    I can¡¯t turn back now.


    Slipping into the shadows, I carefully headed to the ¡°Fun House¡±, a moniker Gale didn¡¯t approve of


    explicitly. He liked it. It was just like him. It hid the true nature of the ce.


    Thick concrete with a customized interior to keep their screams shut from the rest o f the world and a


    ss ceiling to give them a ray of hope. It was Gale¡¯s idea, the


    sick bastard.


    My friend hadn¡¯t talked yet so he should still have his sanity intact. Inside the building, the smell was


    nothing short of disgusting, and yet Gale¡¯s team of simr -minded bastards could spend hours in here.


    ¡°Rhea! Why don¡¯t you take a break, sweetheart?¡±


    Something metal fell on the floor. Rhea was in my face the moment the nging sound echoed in the


    room.


    ¡°We don¡¯t use names here, Gamma,¡± she hissed through full red lips. A cutesy mask that resembled


    that of a cat¡¯s, covered half of her face. It was weird that one corner was decorated with a long feather


    when cats have fur.


    I smirked at her then gently shoved her t o the side. The man chained down on the floor had his head


    hung low, blood and sweat and saliva dripping into a pool under him.


    ¡°Are you scared he¡¯ll free himself and kill you?¡± I mocked.


    Beta said


    ¡°You know what, why don¡¯t you do a little something for me?¡± I said, cing a n arm around her


    shoulders.


    I took out a box from my jeans pocket then handed it to her.


    ¡°I need you to send that to Liam. He¡¯s over at the White Lake Pack and I¡¯m too busy to have to deliver it


    in person. Think you can do it?¡±


    She escaped from my hold then faced me, tearing her mask off to show a very pissed -off expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your errand girl, Rigel! What are you even doing here? You hate this ce.¡±


    ¡°Not everything about it,¡± I smirked.


    We were an item for a while before Maya came into my life. She backed off without any fuss, but there


    was no mistaking that she still wanted me. She could hold up a front all she wanted ¨C she loved it when


    I was calling the shots.


    I closed the small distance between us then tipped her chin.


    ¡°You¡¯re being disobedient, Rhea. You know I don¡¯t like that.¡±


    She rolled her eyes at me. ¡°I won¡¯t fall for that, Rigel. It¡¯s been two years. I¡¯ve changed,¡± she said,


    forcing herself out of my hold. ¡°I¡¯ll send your stupid box, but you don¡¯t have to stoop this low.¡±.


    She backed away from me then opened the door. ¡°Maya wouldn¡¯t want you to either,¡± she said as she


    mmed it in my face.


    I stood still, blinking at what just happened, my ego damaged. Augh came from my friend.


    ¡°Smooth,¡± he said hoarsely in betweenughs.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    Everyone around me was changing in one or another. They were all moving on with their lives while I


    was frozen in time. I had to do this ¨C else I¡¯ll be stuck in the past. I got the keys off the hook and began


    to set the prisoner free.


    He fell face t on the floor with a grunt. Groaning, he stood up and stretched his


    arms and legs.


    ¡°How are you still alive?¡±


    He smirked. ¡°My fruit basket didn¡¯t want me to die,¡± he said as he helped himself into the potions to


    help his wounds heal faster.


    Whatever the fuck that meant.


    ¡°Your pack has a witch?¡±


    ¡°None of your business,¡± I replied, and h e chuckled. He groaned as his wounds started to close up.


    The eleration intensified the pain.


    Investigating matters that involved rogue involved rogues, themselves. That rogue was supposed to


    wait by the borders. He was selling information on the Blue Moon Pack and I was his client. Apparently,


    so was this bastard.


    Unfortunately for the two of us, fucker just had to breach the boundaries and attack Anna. Then he was


    taken out because he was hanging around the boundaries. He was simply at the right ce at the


    wrong time.


    ¡°Serves you right for volunteering to get


    caught.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to see her,¡± he said nonchntly.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have gotten the chance to i f I wasn¡¯t there. The rogue almost killed


    her.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s dead and she¡¯s alive. That¡¯s all that matters.¡± He ripped his shirt off and threw the rag on the floor.


    ¡°I need a bath.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d need more than that,¡± I replied. His wounds were finally healed. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here before the


    next shift. My team¡¯s next and with your slow shitty ass, we¡¯ll both get caught.¡±


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t do shit,¡± he replied, opening his arms.


    ¡°By the way, your prisoner escaped. He¡¯s back at the White Lake Pack as we speak.¡±


    He grunted. ¡°Doesn¡¯t change a thing. We¡¯re still doing this, yeah?¡±


    ¡°All the way,¡± I said firmly as I went out.


    I was the only one who knew about that rogue. Until he spouted shit that he was


    meeting with him. I got to learn that a ghost pack was looking to take down Myron. I met up with his


    Alpha. We got talking, and now, I was helping his Head Gamma escape so we could proceed with the


    n.


    We had only one goal: kill that fucking bastard.


    Andrix inhaled loudly beside me then chuckled. ¡°I feel like going for a run.¡±


    I ignored him and made my way towards the borders. He followed in silence. Until five minutester,


    and after every thirty seconds, he kept asking, ¡°How much longer?¡± in annoyance.


    As Head Gamma, I knew where everyone was posted and when. One would think it¡¯d be easy for me


    to slip in and out of this territory unnoticed, but I also knew what they were capable of ¨C what my own


    team was made of.


    I could maybe pull this off alone, and with a plus one, my chances drastically took a plunge. Still, it


    wasn¡¯t impossible.


    Voices came from our side. I paused then hid behind a tree. ¡°This should be fun,¡±


    Andrix whispered as he made to move towards those voices.


    Getting louder now, I lunged at him and tackled him to the ground. ¡°Shut the fuck up and wait,¡± I


    warned. I wasn¡¯t going to lose everything at this point because his short-tempered ass wouldn¡¯t wait.


    So here I was, on top of a full-grown man, a hand covering his mouth to shut him up.


    The patrols passed us by, none of them taking notice of two men behind the bushes. I was relieved but


    also disappointed at these assholes. An enemy could¡¯ve been in my ce! What the fuck was Gale


    teaching these kids! 1


    When I was sure that they were gone, I got back up on my feet and gave him a hand. ¡°Now shut it. We


    don¡¯t have much time. We have to get out of here before m y team takes over the shift,¡± I said firmly as


    I turned my back on him and continued walking


    ¡°Are you gay?¡± he asked, catching up to m e. My wolf gave me a mocking look.


    ¡°You know why I¡¯m doing this. What the fuck makes you think I¡¯m like you,¡± I


    spat in a low voice,


    The fact that you were on top of me just moments ¨C


    I smacked him in the head with a fist to shut him up. He groaned silently as he massaged his scalp.


    Now close to the borders, the current patrols were preparing to receive my team. I had purposefully


    assigned the newbies on the northern borders for this very purpose.


    ¡°Stick to the n,¡± I told him then left him in the trees as I showed myself to my


    men.


    ¡°Who goes there?¡± one of them asked as the others aimed their Moosberg 500 shotguns at me.


    Nice.


    ¡°It¡¯s Rigel!¡± another eximed and they lowered their firearms.


    Not nice.


    I walked up to them with a smile. ¡°Goodt o see you fuckers are awake.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t sleep on the job, Sir!¡±


    ¡°Call me Rigel. My team here yet?¡±


    As I made small talk with the gathered crowd of five, Andrix sneaked around them and knocked off one.


    The kid fell limp on the ground. Having caught them off guard, I knocked two to sleep while he dealt


    with the remaining two.


    ¡°That was easy,¡± hemented.


    ¡°Newbies,¡± I answered. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    ¡°Rigel?¡± said a familiar voice behind me.


    Shit, they¡¯re early.


    ¡°It¡¯s the prisoner!¡± shouted Nalia.


    I turned around to face them ¨C my team. Except for Reese, they were all handpicked and trained by


    Liam and me a t the initial stages of their unit¡¯s development before I was given full authority over them.


    Their purpose: keep the Alpha blood safe.


    We werewolves prided ourselves with the bond within the pack and respected the hierarchy. The Alpha


    bloodline, the Beta bloodline, the Gamma bloodline ¨C these were all utmost importance for they held


    the pack together, generation after


    generation.


    Nalia had of her katanas out. Sabri had one revolver aimed at me, the other at Andrix.


    ¡°Where are the others?¡± I asked casually.


    ¡°We¡®re enough to take you down,¡± Nalia replied.


    I trained them well. One look and they already gauged the situation.


    ¡°You¡¯d raise your arms at me?¡± I questioned authoritatively.


    ¡°We serve one purpose. You endanger the pack¡­¡±answered Nalia.


    They began to move in a slow arc to surround us.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to do this,¡± I said as I shielded Andrix from them.


    ¡°You betrayed us,¡± said Nalia with a stern look on her face.


    ¡°Run,¡± I told Andrix.


    ¡°One versus two hardly seems fair,¡± he replied, chuckling as he faced the two women.


    weun nave me TUI TITS, you ass. UIT my signal¡­¡±


    Andrix sighed, understanding my words. With a wave of his hand, he said, ¡°Send m y regards to your


    Beta.¡±


    At the same time, Sabri fired two consecutive rounds while Nalia came charging at me.


    Now!¡± I shouted as I dodged the bullets and a razor-sharp de. Andrix shifted t o his wolf and


    sprinted.


    Nalia attacked with both katanas now out.


    Fuck. I brought no weapons with me.


    I let her go and escaped her range, only to have to dodge as Sabri fired consecutive shots at me while


    Fuck, they¡¯re good.


    Now that I was within Nalia¡¯s range again, she moved faster with every thrust and sh of her katanas,


    powerful, intended to kill. I moved towards Sabri as she loaded her guns, but now I was trapped


    between them..


    As I got closer to Sabri, Nalia¡¯s moves got faster still. It would¡¯ve been impossible to


    dodge had I been an ordinary human. Sabri had reloaded her guns at the same time I within her


    range. Quickly, I dodged the shots and grabbed her by the wrist, hard, to me, then twisted her body to


    the side with more than enough force to take her down. Her guns now on the ground, I picked up one


    and smashed her face with i


    Nalia came charging. Blood dripping off her face, I picked up Sabri and aimed the gun at her temple.


    With an arm around her neck, she struggled weakly with her head still dizzy.


    ¡°How could you!¡± Nalia shrieked.


    ¡°Drop them.¡±


    She didn¡¯t.


    I pressed the tip of the barrel on Sabri¡¯s temple. Sheplied, both swords dropping to the ground.


    ¡°One move and you can kiss Sabri goodbye.¡±


    Sabri began to squirm that I squeezed her neck more as I dragged her towards the borders. Nalia


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    red at me the whole


    time, watching helplessly as Sabri and I disappeared into the woods.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Rigel¡­¡± said Sabri.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± I shouted then threw the gunt o the side with much force that it broke into pieces as it hit a


    tree. I freed her and she dropped on all fours, coughing. Squatting in front of her, I tried to cup her face,


    but she kept swatting my hands.


    ¡°Hold still,¡± I hissed.


    Ripping my shirt off, I moved her hair out the way and wiped the blood on her face with it as gently as I


    could. Her lips pulled into a snarl. With a grunt, her fist met my jaw in a powerful uppercut, it had me


    falling on my back.


    Fuck. woman!


    Straddling me, I caught her fist as she attempted another hit, then caught the other as well. She pulled


    to free her arms but when I didn¡¯t let go, she head bumped me. Sabri groaned, as did I. Her fists lightly


    pounded my chest as tears fell on my face.


    ¡°You¡­you¡­ you!!!¡± she screamed in rage.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whispered. Pushing herself off me, she stood shakily.


    ¡°Sabri¡­¡± I whispered, raising a hand to touch her face. She avoided it like my touch would burn her.


    My wolf whimpered.


    I didn¡¯t have time for this! I forcefully cupped her cheeks to force her to look at me, but she kept


    averting her eyes.


    ¡°Look at me!¡± I demanded.


    She red at me with heated fury like she wanted to kill me that I lost the words I intended to say.


    ¡°You piece of shit,¡± she spat.


    ¡°Your piece of shit,¡± I replied before capturing her lips. She squirmed to break the kiss, but I wasn¡¯t


    having it. Pushing her against a tree, her lips parted, and I took advantage of it by plunging my tongue


    inside. She fought me, but like always, I won. Soon, her hands were on the back of my head, pulling


    me to her.


    I kissed her until we both needed air. Gasping, I brought my forehead to hers a s I closed my eyes. This


    was for Rain. One


    Shortly after Maya passed away, we found out that we were second chance mates. I wasn¡¯t ready,


    and she understood so we kept our rtionship secret from everyone. I cared for her. Rain cared for


    her, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to love her the way he wanted met o. It felt like I was betraying Maya.


    Instead of mates, we were more like fuck buddies who helped each other out when


    either one of us was in heat. She had fallen for me. She said so herself. Just after the pack¡¯s attack, I


    got a confession.


    Sadly, I couldn¡¯t reciprocate her feelings. I turned her down and rejected her. After sharp ps to the


    face, the door mmed.


    I cared for, but it wasn¡¯t enough to make me forget Maya. I could only love my first mate, my true mate.


    Sabri deserved someone better. She was a strong, marvelous, gorgeous woman, but she wasn¡¯t mine


    to mark. I already had a mark, and I had already marked Maya.


    This was enough for me.


    ¡°I won¡¯t involve any of you,¡± I promised.


    Her brows furrowed ¨C she¡¯d understand soon.


    My wolf howled in pain and fought to emerge.


    I¡¯m sorry, Rain.


    I stepped back from Sabri, watching as her face changed to that of shock.


    ¡°No,¡± she whispered. I simply smiled then turned my back on her.


    ¡°Rigel,¡± she cried. Rain growled at me.¡± Why?¡±


    For Maya.


    ¡°ept my rejection,¡± I said coldly as I shifted into my wolf. Now free, he pushed me back harder, but I


    fought to keep him i n the backseat. Then, I sprinted before I could hear her cry.


    The feel of the wind on my fur, my feet pounding on the dirt ¨C the world zoomed past me in a blur.


    I¡¯m sorry. I cut myself off the pack¡¯s link.


    I¡¯m sorry. I cut myself off from Lexy¡¯s link.


    I¡¯m sorry. I cut myself off from Gale¡¯s link.


    I¡¯m sorry. I cut myself off from my mate¡¯s link


    I tried to be patient. I spent my time investigating, looking for clues, and interrogating countless


    assholes just to search for concrete evidence that the Blue Moon Pack was responsible for their


    deaths. For two years, I kept looking¡­ 1


    I had run out.


    Why must that bastard Myron live while Maya and Sarina and Sam died?


    It wasn¡¯t right. I had to set things right.


    He was too weak to do it, but I¡¯m not. I didn¡¯t give a fuck on who he was, who he used to be, and what


    he is to Liam. I didn¡¯t give a fuck about Salina. I was going to even out the scales. A life for a life.


    Fuck you, Alpha. I cut off thest link, officially branding myself a rogue. Pain throbbed in my head,


    pulsing in my ears. I slowed down and swayed on my feet. I could feel my connection to the pack pull


    itself apart, stretching and stretching, until at longst, it snapped.


    I fell to my side, exhausted and panting. I had no intentions of going back. I had no desire to be


    epted back into the pack. Gathering enough strength, I got back up on my feet.


    I was a rogue. I was free. I was alone.


    Sympathizing with my wolf, I stared up a t the moon and howled. He understood m y reasons, and


    whichever I chose to do, h e was with me.


    It¡¯s just you and me now, Rain.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± said Andrix, emerging from behind a tree. ¡°You stink.¡±


    I shifted back into my human form.¡° That¡¯s you, asshole.¡±


    He chuckled as he came over. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d actually do it.¡±


    ¡°Any news from your Alpha?¡±


    ¡°Like I said, we¡¯re still doing this,¡± he said, grinning


    ¡°About time,¡± I took a step forward when vertigo took over and I fell.


    Andrix caught me halfway. Going rogue drained my physical body.


    Andrix held me up with my arm around his shoulders and let me lean into him


    ¡°I know a ce where we can camp for the night,¡± he said.


    I closed my eyes and nodded. Dragging m y feet, I let him lead me to safety. I should be alright after a


    few hours of rest.


    ¡°If we make it out alive, you¡¯re more than wee to join our pack,¡± he said.


    I let out a soft chuckle. ¡°No, thanks. I only have one pack.¡±


    ¡°Offer still stands, my friend.¡±


    I was a rogue now, but my heart would always be set on the Red w Pack ¨C my home, Maya¡¯s home,


    Sarina and Sam¡¯s home.


    I was a rogue now which meant there were no restrictions. Sleep well. I¡¯ming..

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Chapter 59 These Conclusions


    ¨C Liam


    I yed with the Head Gamma¡¯s ring on my hand, my thumb rubbing over the center stone, an oval-


    shaped star ruby. A star-like pattern appeared as the light hit it.


    He finally did it. I expected it to happen but hoped it wouldn¡¯t since the slight change in him when Anna


    was around. H e cared for her in the same way he cared for Sarina. However, it wouldn¡¯t have been


    enough to make him do this. It was something else, or more urately, someone¡­ who meant the


    world to him ¨C Maya.


    ¡°He¡¯s going after him,¡± said Luca.


    ¡°He¡¯s not our concern now,¡± I replied.¡± He¡¯s a rogue.¡±


    ¡°Rigel and Rain are our brothers!¡± he shouted, growling.


    I drank thest of the bourbon then set the ss down. ¡°If he was really our brother, he wouldn¡¯t cut the


    bond. Face i


    t, Luca, he hated me for it.¡±


    He growled. ¡°It¡¯s suicide! We have to go after him. I¡¯m not losing my brother.¡±


    ¡°That was his choice to make¡­¡± I said calmly.


    We grew up together and trained together. We weren¡¯t brothers by blood, but we shared a strong bond,


    nheless. It had always been the four o fus ¨C me, Gale, and Rigel as the three idiots with Lexy as


    the only voice of reason. I didn¡¯t want to believe things had changed since we both lost our mates, but


    he proved me wrongst night.


    ¡°¡­ and I choose to save my Luna over a traitor.¡±


    Someone mmed the door open, interrupting my thoughts. It was Lexy. Her high ponytail now a


    hanging mess, she stood by the door seething then strode over to me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it, Lex.¡±


    She pointed a finger at me with a hand on her hip.


    ¡°You have to get him back,¡± she said


    firmly. ¡°I¡¯m not losing my brother over a stupid suicide quest.¡±


    I rubbed my temples in annoyance.


    ¡°Lex, he let the most important prisoner escape. He threatened to kill Sabri in front of Nalia,¡± I argued


    as I showed her the ring. ¡°He returned his ring, Lex. He denounced his position before going rogue.


    He¡¯s not one of us now. Whatever h e does is none of our business.¡±


    ¡°He is our brother!¡± she shouted, emphasizing each word. ¡°We four stick together no matter what.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not having this talk,¡± I said, standing up. ¡°He¡¯s not one of us, Lex. Let that sink in.¡±


    She narrowed her eyes at me like I just said the most stupid thing in the world. It sounded stupid to me,


    but his actions proved otherwise. This was Luca trying to manipte me into changing my mind. I


    ignored her and headed for the door. I had a meeting to attend to. I had to save m y mate.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t do anything, then I will!¡± she screamed.


    I stopped. Slowly, I turned around to face her and she stepped back until her leg touched the edge of


    the bed.


    Is she stupid?


    I wasn¡¯t going to let her risk her life for that traitor.


    ¡°No, you won¡¯t,¡± I said firmly.


    Her eyes widened. She tried to get past m e, but I held her arm. I was faster.


    She pushed at my hand to try to free her arm. I tightened my grip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡±


    I can¡¯t lose you, too.


    ¡°You will not involve yourself in any matter concerning Rigel.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t. Please, bro¡­¡±


    Tears began to build in her eyes.


    You have too much to lose.


    ¡°You are to stay with your mate until he recovers,¡± I continued. She froze. ¡°I give you this Order, as


    Alpha of the Red w Pack.¡±


    Our link glowed red indicating that the Order had been set.


    Gale gave her an Order? No matter.


    She looked away, defeated. I let go of her arm and sighed.


    ¡°Since when?¡± she asked softly.


    ¡°I was counting. First, it was twice a week. Now, it¡¯s four to five, twenty-four hours,¡± I replied.


    I was busy with the pack, the investigation, and with the search, but it didn¡¯t mean I pushed my little


    sister to the side.


    ¡°Also, Gale confirmed ¨C ?


    ¡°Does he know?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Sorry, Lex. There¡¯s nothing more we can do for him.¡±


    Her eyes wandered to the ring in my hand. ¡°That¡¯s his,¡± she said.


    Luca agreed with a howl. When the three o fus ascended into our positions, it was understood that


    we¡¯d always have each


    other¡¯s backs no matter what. The three o fus, looking out for our little sis and keeping the pack


    together. And when Goddess willed, our tight circle would expand to our own mates.


    ¡°Liam,¡± said Gale, entering the room.¡± It¡¯s time for the meeting.¡±


    That was what I needed to hear. I strode out the room, leaving her behind.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t given up on him, Liam. He¡¯s still our brother.¡±


    He was our brother.


    Gale followed silently.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± I said as we rounded a corner.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve killed him,¡± he spat. It was the first prisoner to ever see the outside world, but¡­


    I looked him in the eye and firmly said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about the prisoner.¡±


    When the rogues attacked that day, Gale did what he could. It wasn¡¯t his fault Sarina was outside,


    wasn¡¯t his fault that Maya was with her. Someone had to pay.


    Rigel was just impatient.


    The Blue Moon Pack was one of the strongest packs. We neededpelling evidence to take them


    down, not mere spection. I would not have my warriors attack the innocent. I would not have Myron


    have his way and destroy everything my pack stood for.


    We reached the kid¡¯s office and barged in like we owned the ce. He¡¯d been helping out with the


    search and although i t was still tense between us, he wasn¡¯t asserting a useless im anymore. Good


    for him because I would¡¯ve pummeled him if he pissed me off.


    There was a mapid out on a long table that wasn¡¯t there before. Two Alphas and my Beta. He had no


    Head Gamma because


    I have her


    I could only imagine what my mate was going through right now. She loved her father, but her true


    origins were hidden from her. Was she confused, lost, alone? Luca whimpered. Could I bring her back?


    It¡¯d been three months and no word from her.


    Are you still mad at me?


    I did some digging with the paperwork. M y pack was associated with the Old Alliance. There had to


    records. 2


    The three of us discussed the n. This wasn¡¯t an attack. It was a retrieval, a covert mission. Sneak in,


    sneak her out.


    ¡°Do you know about the Old Alliance?¡± Flynn asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re a ghost pack,¡± I replied. ¡°The alliance attacked their pack, weakening them. Do you know what


    happens to a pack recently attacked?¡±


    ¡°The smaller packs band to steal theirnd if they¡¯re being merciful. Rogues tend to get bolder,¡± he


    answered.


    At least he knew his homework.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good n,¡± I said, stretching my neck from side to side.


    He raised a brow at me. Gale had a stern look on his face.


    Will this work?


    ¡°My pack will take back our Luna. She is n


    o longer of your concern.¡±


    His brows furrowed then his lip twitched. ¡°You¡­ You are not cutting me off from this mission. We have


    a truce!¡±


    (Then I have a favor to ask.¡±


    It has to.


    ¡°What favor?¡±


    ¡°You want Anna back, don¡¯t you? When this mission seeds, there¡¯s no guarantee she¡¯ll talk to you,


    let alone see you,¡± I said, and he frowned.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡±


    ¡°After what you did? She hasn¡¯t spoken a word about you since she left this pack.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t my ce to forgive him. He¡¯d been helping us, and I could tell he regretted it and he¡¯d given


    up on her, but just like Rigel, leaving the pack doesn¡¯t sever the bond. Growing up together, going


    through life and death situations together ¨C these create a bond far stronger than links and blood.


    Damn it, Rigel!


    ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked, sighing,


    shook his head. ¡°Their location allows them to see all that approaches their pack from a good distance.


    Guests must be escorted because of the spells. Pack hasn¡¯t seen a rogue in years¡­¡±


    Since Myron took over, or so I heard.


    ¡°What does this have to with Anna?¡± he asked. ¡°I heard about your Alpha Duel with Alpha Myron. Don¡¯t


    think I¡¯ve forgotten that you turned us down when you were under siege. She could¡¯ve been ¨C been¡­¡±


    ¡°That was me,¡± said Gale, avoiding my gaze. ¡°Frankly, we couldn¡¯t risk epting aid from a pack that


    abused our Luna.¡±


    You didn¡¯t tell me about this.


    Flynn¡¯s face hardened. None of us said a word for a while.


    ¡°You have to let me talk to her,¡± said Flynn.


    ¡°I can arrange that.¡±


    She¡¯d probably hate me for it, but¡­ I had t o take my chances.


    ¡°Mate will understand,¡± said Luca. ¡°Shei s kind.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re exploiting her kindness now? What kind of mates are we, Luca?¡±


    ¡°The sweetest, most caring, and most protective. We¡¯ll get her back and let her decide on her own, but


    whatever she decides on, we¡¯ll continue to love her every day like it¡¯s thest. For every moment


    without her is agony, and every moment with her is sinful bliss. Anna ¨C she¡¯s the air that we breathe


    that¡¯s never enough. Her voice is the music that ys, a serenade in the wind. A fully bloomed rose


    who captivates all despite her thorns. She¡¯s our captor, bound to her in more ways than one. Our sole


    liberator, and yet we¡¯d rather she keeps our freedom. A gift born from an alignment o f the stars, the


    one speck from this vast universe destined for us. What kind of mates are we? We are but lucky;


    undeserving of her. What kind of mates are we? We are but the speck destined for her. Nothing more


    and nothing less.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You incurable romantic.¡±


    He smiled.


    IMtu.


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°We¡­ incurable romantic,¡± he corrected.


    ¡°Gale will go with you. Help me get our brother back, and I¡¯ll get my mate to talk t o you.¡±

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    Chapter 60 Forgiving Imperfections


    Anna


    ¡°Please talk to me,¡± said Alpha Emery. For thest thirty minutes or so, he¡¯d been begging me to talk to


    him. Why couldn¡¯t he understand that I didn¡¯t want to talk to anyone, especially him! I pulled the covers


    up to my neck and didn¡¯t reply. He could keep talking for all I care.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Be,¡± he repeated. For what ¨C for lying, for kidnapping me, for killing my father? Why


    did I even stay in the first ce? I was free to go. Why didn¡¯t I just up and leave?


    Why do I keep getting myself stuck in messed-up situations!


    He sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll leave you alone.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for any of this to happen, Be. I¡¯m sorry couldn¡¯t tell you. How could I, knowing you¡¯d


    hate me for it,¡± he said softly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just wanted my daughter back.¡± 1


    I heard the door click close.


    I moved out the covers, resting my back against the headboard. Staring at the walls, with the moonlight


    seeping through the blinds, I let my thoughts wander.


    I thought about the days I was growing u p ¨C my time with Father, with Alpha Fraser, with Beta Colton,


    with my best friends, Flynn and Carson. Trained as the next Head Gamma, I learned to fight for myself


    and to put others before me. It was my duty.


    I thought about the day they were taken from us, and what my life was like after. I t was hell. Being


    scorned every day for their deaths, my love for cooking, and Carson risking his position were the two


    main things that gave me hope. Along with a promise that I¡¯d fulfilled. I returned the Alpha ring, not as


    his Luna, but as his friend. That should be enough t o free me from my promise.


    I took a deep breath.


    Then, I thought about my days at the Red w Pack. They¡¯d been kind to me. Right from the start,


    they treated me like I was one of them. Me, a stranger! They looked


    after me like a sister. Lexy, Gale, Rigel ¨C I missed those three. Lexy and Gale fighting over the simple


    things like children, Rigel being the dirty-mouthed oddball that he was, would cross his arms and watch


    them with an amused face until he gets annoyed and smacks Gale in the head. In the end, all three


    wouldugh like idiots ¨C actually, it was all four of usughing like idiots. We¡¯d create a racket that Liam


    would have to ask us to keep the ¡°noise¡± down because he had to work.


    I missed those days ¨C when we were having fun.


    When the pack was under attack, I saw just how strong their bond was. I saw the strength of the pack


    under their leadership, under his rule. What did I do t o deserve him?


    He was simply amazing. His pack respected him, and he stuck to his principles. Then I saw the man


    behind the statue. He was broken, alone, and hurt ¨C just like me. Willingly, he showed me the ugly


    parts of him. He trusted me enough to let me in¡­


    Why did I ever doubt him? I know what I saw, but he wasn¡¯t that kind of man. He wouldn¡¯t cheat on me.


    How could I have been blind? So, what if I didn¡¯t hear him say it back ¨C hadn¡¯t he always looked out for


    me? Even without his memories, he¡­


    A sob escaped my lips.


    What have I done?


    I promised I¡¯d always stay beside him. I left. I saw what he was like¡­ but I- I still left him.


    Liam¡­


    If Father was here, what would he say? If Mother was here, what would she say? I was confused. I


    understood what happened. I understood their intentions, and yet I was still mad. At the lies. All their


    lies!


    I miss you, Father. If I forgive him, I¡¯m betraying you. But he¡¯s still my father and I can understand why


    he did those things.


    ¡°Goddess, won¡¯t you show me a sign? I don¡¯t what to do. My father killed my father. I¡¯m doubting what I


    saw my mate de Luet found out my motheruad ma


    1. do. I just found out my mother loved me, too.¡±


    You have the heart of an Alpha.


    What she meant; I had no idea. The only thing I knew was that I was confused, and I didn¡¯t know what


    to do.


    I missed them a lot. I wanted to see him again. I was worried about them. It shouldn¡¯t have taken this


    long for me to realize that I cared about them regardless of their shorings ¨C I was nowhere near


    perfect myself.


    So why did I stay? What is it that I wanted?


    For two years, I wanted my freedom. And yet, every time it was presented to me, I turned my back on


    it.


    Why did you do it, Anna?


    I don¡¯t know.


    Did you regret it?


    I let the question ask it itself over and over again in my mind. The oues weren¡¯t easy, but¡­


    My lips pulled into a smile.


    Moving the covers aside, I got out of bed and headed to the door.


    One father. Two fathers.


    I am your daughter.


    It¡¯d take time ¨C to forgive myself, to forgive him ¨C but I was willing to use that time to heal.


    All my life I had been running. I thought that if I wasn¡¯t around them anymore, if I left for somece


    else, things would be better ¨C that I¡¯d feel better.


    I was done running. I was done being afraid. We didn¡¯t have much time left ¨C I didn¡¯t want to die with


    regrets.


    Mother gave her life for mine. Living this gift to the fullest, with no regrets, with people I cared about


    and cared for me ¨C she would¡¯ve wanted me to be happy.


    I wasn¡¯t sure about this Alpha thing. It was something we could decide onter. Right now, I needed to


    talk to my father, Alpha Emery.


    I needed to go back to my mate, to my


    Alpha


    I needed to go back to my old pack and see Carson, and¡­ maybe talk to Flynn. I had to know why


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Alpha Fraser hid the truth. I had too many questions that only he could answer.


    There was so much I had to do than stay i n bed and push them all away.


    Running through the hallway, my steps sounded on the cool tiles. Past the library, past mother¡¯s room,


    down the stairs, and across the living room ¨C I came to a stop. It couldn¡¯t be. This woond fragrance,


    fresh and calming, could only belong to


    him.


    I turned around at the sound of footsteps. A gasp escaped my lips.


    He stood in the shadows, a tall silhouette.


    ¡°Anna,¡± he whispered, sending a shiver down my spine. Wha-what is he doing here?

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Chapter 61 Rose Thorns


    -Anna


    My heart skipped a beat as he came closer, stepping into the moonlighting from the ss wall


    behind the wide stairs.


    How did he get in?


    His eyes fixated on me, a slight pull on the corner of his lips. I opened my mouth to utter his name, but


    his lips suddenly crashed onto mine as his hand went to the back of my head, and his other arm


    wrapped around my waist, pulling me close to him. His tongue licked my lips, asking for entrance, and


    a soft grip on my side made me gasp, giving him what he asked for


    My lips parted for him and he plunged his tongue inside, dominating me as he always did. Hungry and


    urgent, his kiss sparked a fire in me that could only be extinguished by his touch. I cupped both sides of


    his face to bring him closer, to close the gap between us, for it wasn¡®t enough ¨C I needed him like he


    was the blood coursing through my veins ¨C my


    source of life. A groan escaped his lips, muffled by my mouth, and I responded with a muffled moan.


    With a sharp inhale of breath to make itst longer, I kissed him like it was thest until he pulled away


    for air, leaving u s both panting. He met my forehead with his, eyes closed, minty breath fanning m y


    face. Why did I ever leave? Would a man kiss me the way he did when his heart wasn¡¯t mine?


    He pecked my lips once, twice, biting and tugging on my lower lip for a kiss wasn¡¯t enough. I needed


    more, and so did he.


    ¡°Liam,¡± I whispered, now breathing heavily for my heart raced in my chest. His response was one I


    hadn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he breathed.


    The only three words that I wanted to hear from him.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he repeated, taking my lips again on another kiss, this time slow, passionate, and I knew


    those words were meant only for me as they had always been.


    ¡°I love you, too,¡± I replied, looking him i n the eyes.


    Lustful, loving, and gentle gorgeous brown eyes saw right through the fa?ade I put up. I was


    defenseless in front of him as was he the man without a shell in front of me.


    Grabbing my wrist, he pulled me into the shadows. ¡°Come with me,¡± he said urgently. I woke from the


    daze I was in and halted.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± I replied, ¡°I have to talk to father.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time. We have to go now,¡± he said, turning to face me.¡± You¡¯re not safe here.


    Sooner orter, this pack will be overrun by rogues. I can¡¯t lose you, Anna.¡±


    ¡°Alpha Liam,¡± he eximed. ¡°I see you¡¯vee to take my daughter away.¡±


    Cane tapping on the tiles, he made his way over to us with a grin.


    Liam¡¯s face hardened, his grip tightened,


    and a dangerous growl made Father stop.


    ¡°I¡®ve been meaning to talk to Be¡¯s mate,¡± he continued. ¡°If you could both follow me in my office.¡±


    Liam looked at me expecting an answer. I shook my head slowly. I didn¡¯t know, too. Was he nning to


    talk to Liam all this


    time?


    Father had already gone ahead. The two o fus could escape. He made no move to pull me, instead, he


    let go of my wrist.


    ¡°He¡¯s my father,¡± I said, and he nodded, stealing a quick kiss.


    Does he know? Is Alpha Fraser home?


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll approve?¡± he asked with a grin.


    Why isn¡¯t he nervous about this!


    I smiled up at him. ¡°He¡¯ll love you,¡± I replied, taking his hand, and following Father.


    We entered his office hand in hand. He was seated on his leather chair behind a wooden desk free of


    anything. This was the first time I¡¯d been here.


    ¡°Sit,¡± he said casually, motioning to the two seats in front of him.


    My palms felt sweaty. Introducing my mate to Father felt weird¡­ like I did something I wasn¡¯t supposed


    to, and it was embarrassing. It wasn¡¯t like he had any choice ¨C we already marked each other.


    Liam smiled at him and boldly followed, repositioning one of the chairs right in front of Father so they


    were face to face, then pulling me down to sit sideways on hisp. I red up at him, my fingers


    clutching onto the soft fabric of my dress as my cheeks heated up. He ignored me b y looking straight


    ahead.


    I could feel Father¡¯s gaze on me. I kept m y head down, too embarrassed to look at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get straight to the point,¡± said Father in an imposing tone. ¡°I don¡¯t like you Roses.¡±


    I shot him a surprised look. He was telling me to talk to my mate a few days ago, why was he taking it


    back now?


    ¡°With all due respect, Sir, I¡¯m not here to


    impress you,¡± Liam replied in the same manner.


    What are you doing?


    I pinched his hand, but he didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, his gaze shifted to me, eye color shifting from brown to


    ck.


    ¡°She¡¯s my rose among a bed of roses and I, the thorn that pricks any who dares pluck her. She¡¯s the


    soft petals that capture the morning dew, sparkling as the first rays of the morning sun bless her,


    gracing those who see her with a desire to own her but never will for I am present still. She¡¯s the


    wonderous bloom underneath the moonshine, with a fragrance so divine it soothes the weariest of


    souls.¡± He ced a soft kiss o n the back of my hand, eyes never leaving mine.


    I forgot to breathe. I didn¡¯t think he was a romantic


    He pierced his gaze to my Father, and I found myself wishing he hadn¡¯t.


    ¡°Your daughter is a Rose now, Alpha Emery ck. She is ours and always will b e, with or without your


    blessing.¡±


    ¡°Is it true, Be?¡± he asked.


    I could feel them waiting for me to answer.


    Am I a Rose? Am I his?


    I met Liam¡¯s gaze. Those gorgeous brown eyes were my undoing.


    ¡°He¡¯s my mate, he¡¯s my Alpha. He¡¯s the thoughts that run in my mind from the second I wake to thest


    second before I sleep. He¡¯s the beating of my heart, untamed in his presence, the rush in my veins.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know I had it in me. 1


    I got up from hisp and went beside father. He turned to his side to face me and I got down on one


    knee before him.


    ¡°I love him, Father, but I love you as well. I cannot force you to ept him, but I ask you to please give


    him ¨C us- a chance to prove to you that this is real, just like you and Mother.¡±


    His eyes softened. ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Be. His father took you both from me. Then, because of


    him, I lost many from the pack.¡±


    ¡°My family never took anything from you,¡± said Liam icily. ¡°If you¡¯re talking about thends, I saw the


    papers. They were all legally transferred, or are you saying the signatures were forged?¡±


    Father scowled at him. ¡°Your treacherous father promised to protect my pack from rogues in exchange


    for ournds!¡± he spat, standing up. ¡°The transfer was made; the papers were signed. I watched my


    own pack die from one rogue attack after another because you Rose ¨C ¡°he pointed at Liam, then


    added, ¡°- betrayed me for the second time! I shouldn¡¯t have trusted you. Now, you want to take my


    daughter away too?¡±


    ¡°An Alpha should protect his pack,¡± said Liam, standing up, too. ¡°You were too weak that you me it


    on my predecessor. I¡¯m taking Anna with me one way or another.¡±


    ¡°Your predecessor and his treacherous friends broke the alliance and attacked our pack! Over what?


    An unjustified reason¡­ a hearsay¡­ What makes you think I¡¯ll let you take more from me?¡± said father,


    growling. He snapped his


    fast for me to follow.


    A gunshot rang, echoing in the small space, ringing in my ears. Liam¡¯s eyes widened, then his gaze fell


    to the wetness spreading on his chest. He coughed up blood, then meeting my eyes, he fell backwards


    to the floor.


    I screamed.


    ¡°Liam!¡±


    Scrambling to my feet, I rounded the desk to go to him, but Father wrapped his arms around my waist


    and held me tight.


    He was bleeding¡­


    ¡°Liam!¡±


    I thrashed in Father¡¯s arms, but he wouldn¡¯t let me go


    ¡°No! No! Liam! Liam!¡±


    Tears began to cloud my vision.


    Who¡­what¡­ who shot him?


    Beta David showed himself from behind the door, a gun in his hand.


    I slowly shook my head in disbelief, my


    voice cracking. I could feel his pain¡­


    ¡°No¡­no¡­¡±


    ¡°How could you!¡± I screamed, pushing at the arms that trapped me. If looks could kill, I would¡¯ve killed


    Beta David then.


    In my frustration, I elbowed Father in the face, hard. He groaned as he let me go instantly and I went to


    Liam, pping at his cheeks to get a response from him.


    ¡°Liam! Liam, please¡­ wake up,¡± I begged.


    Don¡¯t do this to me again.


    ¡°Liam! Liam!¡±


    Don¡¯t close your eyes again.


    Wait¡­


    Hisshes¡­ moved?


    ¡°Liam!¡± I screamed as I gave him a sharp p.


    His eyes opened, a hand instinctively going to his cheek as he groaned while sitting up. I couldn¡¯t help


    but smile in relief.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m hurt,¡± he whined.


    I rolled my eyes at him and pped his arm repeatedly. ¡°You scared me; you


    jerk!


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you just die,¡± said a voice from behind us


    My blood ran cold.


    ¡°Ah!¡± A dart hit Liam¡¯s neck. He took it out then dropped it on the floor.


    ¡°Liam?¡± I asked as he swayed to one side.


    ¡°What did you do!¡± I shrieked. He begant o close his eyes¡­


    ¡°Take him,¡± ordered Alpha Myron. A couple of men barged in and ripped him from my arms.


    ¡°Liam!¡±


    ¡°Be, no,¡± said my Father, grabbing my


    arm.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± I screamed. He tightened his hold on me to the point that it hurt. The two men dragged


    Liam out the door.


    ¡°Liam!¡±


    Al- Myron smirked at me.


    ¡°Let him go,¡± I said sternly.


    He didn¡¯t scare me. What kind of father would use his own daughter? He was a maniptive, power-


    hungry psycho who


    didn¡¯t deserve to be Alpha.


    ¡°Be, stop it.¡± Father reprimanded.


    I red at him.


    ¡°You put me through a lot of trouble, youngdy,¡± said the Alpha wannabe.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a coward,¡± I spat. He nned it all. I was sure of it.


    Heughed aloud, amused. ¡°Call me what you want,¡± he said, walking to me. ¡°It took longer than


    expected, but¡­ I win.¡±


    Father pulled me to the side. ¡°We held our end of the deal. Now leave!¡±


    ¡°Of course. There¡¯s nothing to gain from this pack of yours,¡± he replied smoothly then turned on his


    heels.


    ¡°Come back here! I¡¯m not done with you!¡± I screamed. I struggled to get out of his grip until he finally let


    go.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°What did he promise you?¡±


    ¡°What did he promise you?¡±


    His eyes hardened. ¡°The pack has grown weak, Be. If I didn¡¯t give him Liam, they would¡¯ve attacked


    us.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at him, not knowing what to say. He knew Liam woulde for me. Was he


    searching for me?


    He¡­ he was waiting for my mate toet o rescue me. I¡­ I was¡­ bait.


    ¡°He¡¯s my mate! How could you hand him, my mate?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Be,¡± he said, cing his hands on my shoulders. ¡°When you be Alpha, you will


    understand. I have to ensure the survival of our pack.¡±


    I backed away from him, irked by his touch. ¡°No.You did this because of what his father did. I don¡¯t care


    if it¡¯s a lie or truth. You told me that children shouldn¡¯t bear the burden. I trusted you!¡±


    ¡°Be, listen to me _


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± I shouted, putting up a finger. ¡°I left my room to tell you I wanted to work this out. That


    I¡¯d try to forgive you¡­ How could I not?¡± My voice


    began to crack. ¡°You¡¯re my father.¡±


    He took a step towards me and I stepped back while shaking my head. I clutched at the vial that hung


    on my chest. ¡°I¡¯m getting my mate back. Don¡¯t try to stop m e¡­ Emery.¡±


    Pain shed in his eyes at the mention of his name while I felt a twang of guilt.


    I thought we can fix this. Maybe some things are simply damaged beyond repair.


    Beta David blocked my way. ¡°I can¡¯t let you do that, Be.¡±


    Fa- Emery shook his head and he reluctantly lowered his arm. My eyes were on the gun in his hand.


    Why did we have to fight? A seemingly never-ending cycle of killing and abuse, grudges that ran deep,


    vengeance and hatred. Why did we have to suffer from the decisions of our predecessors? Why did we


    have to train children to kill?


    I choose a different path. A future surrounded with people I love¡­ a future where children don¡¯t know


    what it¡¯s like t o hide in fear, to cower in their mother¡¯s


    arms as their fathers and brothers and sisters fight rogues and enemy packs with their lives on the line.


    ¡°Luna,¡± said a voice from the shadows. Three familiar people showed themselves ¨C the Delta Unit.


    They knelt on one knee simultaneously. ¡°Your orders.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you stop them?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°The Alpha gave an Order. We are to protect you at all costs, and in the event, h e is incapacitated to


    issue orders, we are under yourmand, Luna,¡± answered T


    You jerk! Why can¡¯t you think of yourself for once!


    I headed for the door. ¡°Get up. We¡¯re rescuing the Alpha,¡± I said sternly.


    ¡°On our honor,¡± they replied.


    ¡°Be, wait!¡± Father called behind me. Beta David shuffled behind him. I ignored him and continued out


    the door, the Delta Unit following


    A ck van came over and parked in front. Reese was on the driver¡¯s seat,


    smiling brightly. Ethan slid the door and stepped out.


    ¡°It¡¯s a relief to find you well, Luna,¡± he said as he bowed slightly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get our Alpha back,¡± I said, smirking


    Sabri went ahead of me, Nalia to my right and Ethan to my left. Ty got our backs covered, also serving


    as the wall between Father and me.


    No sooner was I on the other side did Ty suddenly lift me off the ground and throw me harshly to the


    side.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Chapter 62 Grandly Fucked


    -Rigel


    ¡°You stink,¡± said Andrix as he covered his nose with a hand. He¡¯d been constantlyining about


    my scent that I was entertaining the thought of going ahead of him or using him as bait. Thetter


    sounded more reasonable if I didn¡¯t need him to get in.


    ¡°Did you take at least take a shower?¡± he asked, making a gagging sound.


    I spun around and gave him a death re. I couldn¡¯t smell myself. I knew going rogue would make me


    stink, but he didn¡¯t have to rub it in my face! I didn¡¯t need a constant reminder that I was now alone.


    He put his arms up in surrender and grinned. ¡°T¡¯ll stop.¡±


    ¡°How do we get in?¡± I asked, resuming m y pace.


    The Blue Moon Pack was located at the most advantageous vantage point ¨C from all directions, the


    surrounding areas were visible for at least a kilometer. The woods hid most of it, but at least half a


    kilometer from their pack was a clearing,


    Rogues stayed away from their pack, and the few dumb enough to breach their territory, well¡­ they got


    what they asked for, or so the rumors say.


    It was what I needed Andrix for. He knew another way in, a safer alternative from alerting every warrior


    of the pack miles away. I must¡¯ve been insane to agree with Alpha Emery without proof of this secret


    entrance ¨C maybe I wasn¡¯t ¨C desperate sounded more appropriate. After years, it was the closest shot I


    got to get my revenge. I could¡¯ve talked Salina into helping me, but my guts told me she was a part of


    the whole thing, and my instincts had never proved me wrong.


    Right now, it was telling me to turn back. I¡¯d follow it, but this could be my only chance. I wasn¡¯t about to


    turn back now that I was this close.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­,¡± he said, looking around.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost at their borders. We can¡¯t let any of their patrols see us.¡±


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    There was something wrong here. He seemed too¡­ rxed. On the way here, he


    purposefully slowed down his pace and w e kept stopping as he tried to remember where to go. I


    wasn¡¯t told everything.


    ¡°Rain.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± he replied.


    In case Andrix pulled something off, we¡¯d be ready to take him on. His Alpha wanted Myron dead and


    he, himself had a good reason too. All I had to do for them was to find a way to get Anna to leave the


    pack so they could get her back.


    Myron¡¯s men almost killed Carson. If I wasn¡¯t mistaken, the ck Mist Pack had betrayed Myron then. I


    doubt Andrix was oblivious. There must be a reason he hadn¡¯t made a move to off me just yet. When I


    lost consciousness from breaking the links, he could¡¯ve killed me then but didn¡¯t.


    I smiled inwardly. What did it matter? If I die tonight, at least I¡¯d be with Maya.


    And my pack wouldn¡¯t be involved in any of these. My actions were my own.


    ¡°This way,¡± he said, going to the left.¡± The Blue Moon Pack don¡¯t have patrols.


    Not tonight.¡±


    I raised a brow


    ¡°How do you know?


    I slowed down to maintain a few meters from him.


    They¡¯re expecting a guest. Alpha told m e while you were getting your beauty sleep.¡±


    He turned another left, and now we were getting even closer to the border. ¡°I don¡¯t know who it is.¡±


    Andrix stopped just before the clearing that surrounded their base. It was a straight path to death. ¡°It


    should be¡­ right around here.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing here,¡± I said, growling,


    Trees then a clearing. No secret entrance i n sight.


    ¡°That¡¯s what they want you to think.¡±


    There were two trees in front of him, their tops arching to meet at the center, branches intertwined. He


    raised a hand between their trunks, and my eyes went wide as his hand was suddenly gone. He


    pulled back his arm and there it was


    again.


    ¡°What is that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°A portal of some sort?¡± he replied.¡± Alpha warned of a witch. We can¡¯t be sure this leads to inside, so if


    you want to back out, this is a good time.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    He grinned, easing his right arm between the trees, into what seemed like an invisible door, up to the


    elbow.


    ¡°Magic¡­,¡± he said, voicing my thoughts.


    I had an idea as to who it might be ¨C the same witch who poisoned Liam. Myron had the guts to


    dishonor an Alpha Duel. H e didn¡¯t deserve any respect for his name. I¡¯d dealt with a witch before by


    smacking him in the head.


    How should I deal with this bitch?


    ¡°What do we do about the witch?¡± I asked casually


    He pulled his arm back then shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t have experience with witches. Do you?¡±


    I sighed


    ¡°Guess we¡¯ll just have to wing it.¡±


    ¡°Are you fucking with me?¡±


    He grinned. ¡°You and I both know the chances of getting out of here alive. I warned you, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Right. If I wasn¡¯t ready for this, I wouldn¡¯t have left everything behind me. It was all in or nothing and I


    made my choice.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me twice.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± he said, disappearing into the portal


    I gulped a lump in my throat before touching where it should be. Wet and squishy ¨C it felt disgusting. I


    watched as my arm got into the other side until my


    shoulder, then took a look around me before joining him.


    I pushed through something like cold slime. It covered me from head to toe and for a split second, I


    couldn¡¯t breathe. Then I found myself standing on the other side with Andrix looking at me with an


    amused face.


    ¡°You took your sweet time,¡± hemented


    ¡°Scared to die alone?¡± I replied and he chuckled


    The ss walls showed a widewn, the sprinklers on


    ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing¡­ his house,¡± he said, opening his arms wide as if weing m e into it.


    The lights were on. We stood in the middle of a living room or maybe a reception area? It had nothing


    but a potted nt on a corner and a round sofa.


    This was far from what I expected. Something was off here. There were no guards, and the house felt


    empty. Adrenaline coursed through my veins and I could feel the small hairs at the back of my neck


    stand. We were being watched. I couldn¡¯t point out which direction, but it was there ¨C that weird eerie


    feeling.


    ¡°You thinking what I¡¯m thinking?¡± asked Andrix as he went behind me, our backst o each other.


    It suddenly urred to me that I didn¡¯t bother to ask a very important question.


    ¡°How¡¯d you know about the portal?¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± He groaned then he fell on the ground, a dart on his neck.


    Shit!


    Before I could react, I felt a prick on my neck. I pulled it out and my feet swayed a s my surroundings


    spun. Lightheaded, with sleep pulling me, Iid face t on the hardwood floor.


    ¡°Hello, couz,¡± said a voice that apanied a pair of red heels that came into view. I tried to speak but


    it was like I lost the ability to move a single muscle.


    ¡°Sleep. Your brothers will join you soon,¡± she said, a hint of excitement in her voice.


    No¡­ what¡­ they..


    ¡°It¡¯ll be a family reunion!¡±


    She kept talking but I couldn¡¯t hear her. With thoughts of my brothers getting captured, I closed my


    eyes.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    Chapter 63 Blind Rescue


    -Gale


    ¡°I¡¯m sleepy,¡± said Jaymer as he let out a loud yawn, the sleeve of his robe pulling back as he brought


    up a hand in the air.¡± Why do you need me, again?


    I rolled my eyes before answering,¡± We¡¯re rescuing our brother. We need you, Jaymer.¡±


    Waking him up was difficult enough with the additional traps he set this time around that we almost lost


    one of ours from a st of fire. Dealing with his attitude was more of a pain. We were almost close to


    the borders of the Blue Moon Pack and we needed him to focus.


    ¡°He¡¯s rogue¡­,¡± he whined.


    ¡°He¡¯s still our brother. Now shut up and follow along,¡± I replied, getting annoyed.


    For a witch who lived across centuries, he was more of a child. Since the Red Point Unit didn¡¯t exactly


    specialize in covert operations, Jaymer and I, along with Flynn and a handful of his men, took on


    this mission. His warriors, as well as ours, were positioned about a mile away just in case we blow this


    up. Alpha always had a n B.


    Speaking of the Alpha, he was trying to connect. I lowered the barrier, which I raised so I could best


    concentrate on the task.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± I asked, hoping to hear good news from their side.


    ¡°Change of ns,¡± he replied, the link weakening, and I knew something was u p. ¡°Delta to Luna.


    Target on his way.¡± He ended it with that, then I couldn¡¯t link with him anymore.


    Delta to Luna. They received an Order to protect Anna which meant something went wrong and he was


    in danger.


    Target on his way. Myron wasn¡¯t in his pack. If I put two and two together, he was in the ck Mist


    Pack and was involved in the whole thing.


    What were the new ns? We couldn¡¯t go back now. My brothers were in danger. M y mate was in


    danger. We weren¡¯t exactly safe here either. If the three of us were


    together, we might have a fighting chance. Also, Jaymer was helping us out.


    This changes nothing ¨C the mission hadt o go on, only this time, we had to rescue Liam too. Knowing


    Rigel, he¡¯d already gotten himself into deep shit by now.


    How long before Liam gets here? We have to act fast and be in position¡­


    I abruptly stopped and faced the party.¡± Alpha Liam¡¯s been captured. He¡¯s being transported here as


    we speak, with Myron.¡±


    ¡°And what of Anna?¡± Alpha Flynn asked immediately.


    ¡°She¡¯s with our Delta Unit,¡± I replied, giving him a slight nod. ¡°She¡¯s safe with them.¡±


    Jaymer narrowed his eyes at me. ¡°Alpha Liam has the Delta Unit. How can he get captured when he¡¯s


    with them?¡± he asked.


    Good point. Unfortunately¡­


    ¡°I don¡®t know,¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°I can¡¯t reach him now, so they must¡¯ve knocked him out.¡±


    If I had to guess, he did it for Anna.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± asked Alpha Flynn as he scratched his chin. ¡°If we stay here, we¡¯re as good as


    dead. If we continue, there¡¯s no guarantee your brother and his friend will help us save him. We have


    an army behind us, but truth be told ¨C ¡± he looked into my eyes sternly, then added,¡± ¨C I¡¯d rather avoid a


    full-blown war between packs.¡±


    I nodded in understanding. A war would weaken his pack. Our pack was still recovering. With the


    alliance, we had a chance of taking down the Blue Moon Pack, but neither of us wanted to pay the


    price. The aftermath was just as problematic. A short-term win was nothing if rogues or enemy packs,


    whichever seeded first, took over soon after.


    ¡°My brother will help us out. Also, Jaymer here may not look like it, but he¡¯s more powerful than any


    witch Myron has,¡± I said, ncing at Jaymer.


    ¡°And if we fail?¡±


    I clenched my jaw.


    It¡¯s not an option.¡±


    Alpha Flynn held my gaze for a few seconds


    ¡°You¡¯re either very brave or very stupid,¡± he said, sounding amused.


    I smiled.


    ¡°Neither,¡± I replied. ¡°But I know someone who is.¡±


    I inhaled deeply to pick up his scent once more. It was all over the ce like he¡¯d been walking in


    circles as if he knew I¡¯d b e tracking him. I wasn¡¯t the best tracker, but with our warriors divided, the


    trackers upied in investigations, I¡¯d offered to do it myself. There was no one more suited than me. I


    could urately track him down because of the unique scent that only I could smell. They didn¡¯t have


    to know


    It calmed me down, but my wolf was getting restless. If we didn¡¯t find my mate soon who should be with


    my brother turned rogue, Gil would start pushing back. Relenting control to him was thest thing I


    needed right now. Unlike Rigel, I had more sense than


    barging into the Blue Moon Pack from the front door.


    ¡°Are you sure we¡¯re going in the right direction?¡± asked Alpha Flynn, raising a brow at me.


    We were now heading southwest, which was to our left, instead of going straight ahead. It led us to an


    obviously unexplored section of thend. It raised m y suspicions, but the scent was our best bet.


    He reminded me of Christmas, a human tradition. The aroma of a steaming cup of hot chocte both


    intoxicating and undoubtedly delicious.


    Quit it.


    Gil was trying every method to manipte my thoughts.


    The scent grew stronger, and I could tell we were close. Anxiety grew in my chest a t the thought of


    seeing him again, unbound. I liked him the way he was for months ¨C chained, sedated, roughed up.


    Next time we meet, he was in full control and while I didn¡¯t like it one bit, it was exciting. How would he


    react ¨C would he


    show fury and unleash it all on me, or maybe aim to kill me? It¡¯d be entertaining, taunting him until he


    decided. My wolf wagged his tail at the idea of us in a ¡°normal setting¡±.


    We continued our path until the scent suddenly ended. I inhaled deeply, tryingt o pick up where it


    continued but it ended i n the middle of nowhere.


    A wild goose chase?


    Impossible. I followed the scent perfectly and there was nothing in sight that might have led us here.


    ¡°Why are we stopping?¡± Alpha Flynn asked, now beside me. His men tensed and encircled him,


    drawing out their weapons while half-drawing their wolves.


    I sighed. ¡°The scent stops here.¡±


    I paced around for a little, but it wasn¡®t in any direction. It ended here.


    ¡°If we wanted you dead, Jaymer could¡¯ve easily done it since I introduced him to you.¡±


    The Alphas had a temporary truce set up.


    Killing or much less, threatening the Beta of the Red w Pack and Jaymer would end up in their


    deaths and they knew it. N o one challenged our pack, and the stupid ones ¨C I¡¯d forgotten their names,


    I sighed as his men gave Jaymer death res as well.


    ¡°I sense magic,¡± said Jaymer. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ close.¡±


    What Jaymer can do ¨C nobody knew but himself. I doubted he knew everything too. He walked past me


    then stared into¡­ nothing. Between two young trees that were close to each other, his passive face


    beamed as if he could see something we couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen this for a long time,¡± hemented


    ¡°Trees?¡± one of Alpha Flynn¡¯s men asked, earning him a nudge from hispanion.


    Jaymer looked behind him, grinning. ¡°An easier term would be ¡®portals¡¯, I guess, or ¡®teleportation tunnel¡¯


    or something like that. They¡¯re not exactly that but the end result is just the same.¡±


    Then in a low voice, as if fascinated, he said, ¡°How many bodies did she use for this¡­ ancient


    technique¡­ dark magic¡­¡±


    Before we could process what he just said, we heard ps from behind us followed by a hoarse voice


    that dripped with evil intentions.


    ¡°Well done, Phoenix. I expected nothing less.¡±


    Alpha Flynn¡¯s men directed their weapons at her ¨C the witch who worked for Myron, the bitch who


    poisoned my brother.


    Gil growled at her and so did Alpha Flynn¡¯s men. Liam warned that she was powerful, but also said she


    was easy picking for Jaymer.


    Let¡¯s see what this sack of potatoes cand


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to finally meet you, descendant of the First One,¡± she said between creepy chuckles as


    she bowed to Jaymer.


    He had a smug look on his face. That information was kept confidential within


    high-ranking pack members. Banishing Myron had countless disadvantages.


    Alpha Flynn and his men had disbelief written all over their faces. The First One was nothing but a


    scary story told to discipline children. And yet here was = the First One¡¯s flesh and blood, or perhaps


    Jaymer were the First One himself. We didn¡¯t really know ¨C his past was his business, and he kept it


    private, if he even knew it himself.


    ¡°To whom do I owe the honor?¡± he asked with an almighty tone. He was enjoying this.


    ¡°Sister Katrina, previously of the ck Star Coven,¡± she replied curtly.


    ¡°So, Sister Katrina, surely you wouldn¡¯t mind us using your little pocket here, do you?¡± he asked, raising


    his hands in front of his chest. Unlike typical witches, his fingers looked normal like he was a regr


    person. He was¡­ a special case.


    Her face was hidden by the shadow of her ck robe¡¯s oversized hood, but I could sense the smirk


    that yed on her lips. Jaymer gestured with his chin that we get


    behind him?


    Where ¨C to the two trees behind him?


    We could fight her together.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The witch opened her palms, flexing her fingers, ready to cast a spell.


    ¡°Do you see it?¡± asked Jaymer. ¡°Right between them.¡±


    He moved to his side and the witch followed suit. I stared hard at the space between their trunks and


    then I saw it ¨C a weird transparent-looking sheet that was easy to miss. It glistened at a certain angle


    and something about it made me sick.


    ¡°Where does it lead to?¡± Jaymer asked.


    ¡°Inside,¡± she answered with a snigger.


    This was why I hated witches. They had this gift of getting under one¡¯s skin, and this wasing from


    someone who managed the Fun House. Wherever this inside was sounded more inviting than staying


    here and dealing with her.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡±


    He smiled yfully as he sped and


    unsped his hands. Then, ck begant o color his fingers. It started from the tips of his fingernails all


    the way down to the base, levels lower than that of the bitch¡¯s.


    ¡°Cocky witch.¡±


    I called Alpha Flynn and his men over. I pushed one of his men without warning and he passed through


    the weird film, suddenly disappearing. Without havingt o say another word, hispanions followed


    suit. Alpha Flynn entered too.


    A ck cloud began to gather around Sister Katrina¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Myron and Liam are already inside, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    She cackled. ¡°Leave now, Beta!¡±


    The cloud that gathered in her hand stretched out to me when she raised her hand, but it was


    immediately blown back by a gust of wind that she had to dodge, sliding to the side. Jaymer spun his


    pointer finger, creating a visible mini tornado from the motions.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving her a handicap,¡± he said,


    flicking the mini tornado to me. I didn¡¯t expect it to have so much force that it practically blew me into


    the portal. It felt disgusting going through it. For a split second, I had the mental image of squirming


    under human skin. Well, now I know what that felt like. I might create a tool for it when we get back.


    I got to the other side to find Alpha Flynn¡¯s men lying on the floor unconscious in what appeared like a


    living room. He was the only one standing, staring at Salina. Both had surprised looks on their faces.


    Alpha Flynn swallowed. His voice sounded dry.


    ¡°Mate,¡± they said at the same time.


    For a second, I stood in silence processing their exchange before I turned my attention back to his


    men. A dart was on their necks. It looked familiar.


    He took a step towards her and stopped when a dart hit his neck. In a split second, I received one too.


    Salina watched with a frozen look of shock on her face. As much as this was


    interesting, we fucking wandered into a trap!


    My mind began to fog, and I was quickly losing consciousness.


    I had to rescue my brothers. I had to see m y mate.


    ¡°Red,¡± I said in a mind-link to the open channel before I gave in to the pull.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    Chapter 64 Eyes Closed


    Anna


    My ears rang as I regained consciousness, the sharp piercing sound splitting my head into two. My


    body felt sore and weak and heavy as I pushed myself off the ground. Screams sounded around me, a


    low echo amidst the ringing. And where the mansion had once been, a great fire that reached the


    heavens. The van burned, too, a zing yellow and orange eating its interior.


    Father.


    I swayed to the sides when I stood, thoughts of his death consuming my mind.


    Father. Beta David. The Delta Unit.


    My legs like lead as I dragged my feet into the burning structure, warmth creeping down my cheeks. It


    couldn¡¯t be. This hadt o be a nightmare ¨C a very surreal nightmare.


    Images of Father getting his neck ripped off shed before my eyes; of Father


    calling behind me with an arm outstretched; of my knight¡¯s brave team. My stomach churned. I tasted


    acid in my mouth. Unable to hold it back, my knees gave away and I vomited all the contents o f my


    stomach. Tears and snot mixed with the disgusting bacterial infestation that spilled on the ground. After


    several heaves, I¡¯d let out all it contained. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I stared at the


    mansion, the weight of their deaths crashing down on me


    The ringing on my ears had calmed a little, in its ce the fire¡¯s remorseless crackling


    ¡°Anna,¡± I heard someone say.


    I hadn¡¯t realized someone was shaking m e by the shoulders. I tensed then slowly turned my head to


    the side.


    ¡°Anna,¡± he repeated, his hands cupping my cheeks.


    I held out my hands to touch his face. My fingers sank on soft skin. It was real. He¡­ was real.


    Tears rolled down his cheeks as his hands went up to my head then down my hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here,¡± he whispered.


    My arms wrapped around him


    immediately, pulling him close to me as I cried.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± he repeated, rubbing a hand down my back


    I couldn¡¯t form any word as I reeled my emotions in to keep me in control but the relief from seeing him


    again was making i t impossible.


    A group of young men emerged from the woods, running towards us.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± they called


    The pack. What about the pack?


    ws clutched my heart as I was reminded of the children.


    What about the children?


    I pulled away from him and shakily got to my feet. He helped me up and only then did I notice that he


    was in no better shape than I was. His clothes were a burnt and tattered mess, and he had scrapes


    and burnt skin where it showed. I grimaced, afraid to look down at myself.


    A young boy, appearing to be in histe teens, came over to us as the group of young men dispersed


    in different directions


    ¡°Look for survivors!¡± one of them shouted


    To my relief, he said, ¡°Alpha, the women and children are being evacuated to the safehouse.¡±


    He looked at me with an anxious expression. ¡°Pleasee with me.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s alive!¡± someone shouted, a few meters away to our right. A couple of warriors immediately went


    over to assist.


    ¡°Alpha, we have to get you to safety,¡± he urged.


    ¡°Come,¡± said Father, holding my arm.


    Looking back, I recognized that it was Sabri.


    Where are the others?


    ¡°Medic!¡± another shouted, just a couple meters from Sabri.


    They¡¯re alive!


    I halted in my tracks and freed my arm. Father looked at me confused.


    ¡°I have to go to them.¡±


    I ran towards Sabri, but he grabbed my arm.


    ¡°I have to get you to safety, Be.¡±


    Just then, howls came from the direction of the packhouse. Father¡¯s face hardened. He shoved me to


    the warrior and in a cold voice said, ¡°Take her to the vault, Chuck. Use force as needed.¡±


    His bleeding had stopped, and the burns were mostly healed.


    ¡°No!¡± I screamed, earning a hardened gaze from him. ¡°I am not going to sit around in a vault when I can


    do something to help. They¡¯re under my Order, Father. Let me, us, help you.¡±


    His eyes softened as he cupped my cheek.


    ¡°You are brave, Be, just like your Mother. But now, I need you safe.


    He ced his forehead on top of mine.¡± The pack needs their Alpha.¡±


    He kissed the top of my head before shifting into his wolf, eyes a deep ck with an ugly jagged scar


    that ran across his left eye. Howling, more of the warriors joined him and they disappeared


    into the woods.


    ¡°This way, Alpha,¡± said Chuck, dragging me away.


    I¡¯m not the Alpha. Father wille back. I¡¯m not the Alpha.


    Sabri was already on her feet, and so was Nalia.


    Kicking Chuck behind the knee, he bento n his right, letting go of my arm. Before h e could spin


    around, I sprinted to Nalia. Ten meters away from her, a shout came from the woods.


    ¡°Breachhh!!!¡±


    The warning was cut short as a man went flying out of the woods, his body rolling o n the ground


    before it stopped. He didn¡¯t move after.


    The warriors gathered as Chuck ran in m y direction. Then, rogues emerged from the woods. Howling


    and snarling, the


    warriors charged on them.


    ¡°Luna,¡± said Sabri.


    I hadn¡¯t noticed they were on my side.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± said Chuck, grabbing my arm.


    Nalia pointed her sword to him, threatening to pierce through his neck should he make the wrong


    move.


    ¡°Let go of my Luna.¡±


    Chuck growled but she didn¡¯t flinch. He let go of my arm and she slowly lowered her sword.


    My eyes widened at the next thing I saw. After a single blink, Chuck was sucking the life out of Nalia¡¯s


    mouth.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± said Ethan, chuckling.


    My head shot up to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re alive,¡± I whispered.


    He grinned but there was no light in his eyes.


    ¡°Reese, status: deceased. Ty, status: deceased. Nalia, status: aroused. Current Mission: In Progress,¡±


    he reported.¡±


    Luna -¡± he said, his eyes shifting to the battle happening behind me before adding,¡± ¨C your call.¡±


    Reese¡­ dreamed of surpassing the Alpha. Ty¡­ had a daughter to take care of.


    He threw me away to save me. He sacrificed his life for mine.


    ¡°I-I


    ¡°Luna,¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°Please¡­ respect their passing.¡±


    I bit on my lip and held back the tears. They were brave warriors until the end of their duty.


    I will not sully their honor by apologizing.


    Sabri joined beside him, their faces determined, looking forward to joining the action.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let my people die,¡± I replied. ¡°We have to help them.¡±


    ¡°What about the Alpha?¡± asked Nalia, casually standing beside Chuck.


    ¡°How fast can you clean up?¡± I taunted.


    Their lips pulled into a smirk. Sabrina


    reloaded her guns, Nalia drew out both swords, and Ethan, while chuckling, shifted into a dark brown


    wolf.


    ¡°Protect my Luna,¡± warned Nalia to her mate before joining the others.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll protect my Alpha,¡± he said firmly, looking me in the eye. ¡°We¡¯ll have to take a detour, but I¡¯ll get you


    there safe.¡±


    He grabbed my wrist and dragged me with him. I wished I hadn¡¯t looked back. Many of Father¡¯s


    warriorsid lifeless on


    the ground while more rogues kept spilling into the open. The Delta Unit fought alongside the warriors,


    but at his rate, we¡¯d get run over. There were too many of them.


    Father¡­


    A growl made Chuck stop. A rogue spotted us fleeing from the main battleground and was now running


    towards us. He pulled me behind him protectively.


    ¡°At my count, run as fast as you can and never look back.¡±


    No. There has to be something I can do.


    ¡°Three.¡± Two more rogues joined the pursuit


    ¡°Two.¡± I looked around for anything I could defend myself with.


    ¡°One!¡± he shouted, pushing me to run.


    ¡°I can¡¯t leave you here!¡± I screamed, trying to look for anything¡­ anything I could use.


    ¡°Alpha, please¡­ run,¡± he urged.


    Why isn¡¯t there anything! No, wait¡­


    I raised the skirt of my dress and from the thigh holster around my right thigh, I pulled out the small


    de Father gave m e. The handle a perfect fit in my hand, I held it in front of me.


    ¡°I can help,¡± I said firmly. ¡°We will fight, and we will win, and we will live.¡±


    The rogues now close, Chuck shifted into a wolf with brown and blonde patches of fur. With a snarl, he


    charged at the three, attacking the one in the middle. Since he was slightly bigger and faster, the rogue


    i n the middle fell on the ground. Within seconds, it was drowning in its own pooling blood. The one on


    the left tackled


    ¡°Three.¡± Two more rogues joined the pursuit


    ¡°Two.¡± I looked around for anything I could defend myself with.


    ¡°One!¡± he shouted, pushing me to run.


    ¡°I can¡¯t leave you here!¡± I screamed, trying to look for anything¡­ anything I could use.


    ¡°Alpha, please¡­ run,¡± he urged.


    Why isn¡¯t there anything! No, wait¡­


    I raised the skirt of my dress and from the thigh holster around my right thigh, I pulled out the small


    de Father gave m e. The handle a perfect fit in my hand, I held it in front of me.


    ¡°I can help,¡± I said firmly. ¡°We will fight, and we will win, and we will live.¡±


    The rogues now close, Chuck shifted into a wolf with brown and blonde patches of fur. With a snarl, he


    charged at the three, attacking the one in the middle. Since he was slightly bigger and faster, the rogue


    i n the middle fell on the ground. Within seconds, it was drowning in its own pooling blood. The one on


    the left tackled


    Chuck and the one on the right came straight for me.


    Crouching, I waited for it to approach. Closer¡­ and closer¡­ my hand tightly gripping my weapon. At


    longst, it leaped into the air.


    While airborne, I carried my body forward as swiftly I can, bending backward as low as possible as both


    hands gripped the handle and raised it high. The de sunk on its stomach, and as its motion


    continued, so did the cut. Warm liquid coated my hands, trickling down to my arms, a few dropping on


    my face.


    The rogue dropped to the ground, its organs spilling out of its stomach. As the paws began to shift back


    into feet, I turned away, my breathing loud in my ears.


    Kneeling into the ground, I felt sick to my stomach as I saw the blood on my hands. I took a life.


    Rogues were enemies. It wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to kill me, but it didn¡¯t discount the fact that I killed a


    person.


    I felt nothing but sickness to the very depths of my stomach. Looking around, I saw the battle unfold


    before me.


    I saw the Delta Unit support each other as they took down rogues. I saw my warriors, young men in


    training, get their lives ripped out of them.


    I saw rogues ruthlessly take life away for seemingly no reason. They didn¡¯t care for the wolf beside


    them, each hungry for their own fill of violence and murder.


    Where was the honor? They were defending the pack, defending themselves, defending their


    All I saw was duty. Duty to protect that which they cared for to the extent of their own lives instead of


    the warrior beside them. This was what they took pride in. Amidst the violence, blood, and chaos lied


    honor.


    I felt like vomiting, but I had no more to heave out. The knife slid from my hand. I rubbed them on my


    skirt. I stank of a man¡¯s blood.


    A growl made me look to the right. My


    eyes widened in shock to see a scruffy looking man aiming a gun at me. I¡¯d never seen him before. I


    didn¡¯t know who he was and neither did he know me, but his ck eyes reflecting flickering yellows


    burned with cold, cold hatred and fury. With the fires casting streaks of pale yellow on his face, his dark


    eyes gleamed a dangerous red that froze me in ce.


    He smirked. A gunshot rang aloud. Then ck covered my vision before his figure came into view


    again. A wolf emerged from out of nowhere and tore down the man that fired. His screams rang in my


    ears, drowned out by a sound that sounded nearer to me.


    A growl reached my ears, followed by a whimper, then the heavy breathing of a man. I blinked, then


    slowly turned my head to follow the direction of the sound. My jaw dropped.


    No¡­


    My hands and knees felt the ground, Slowly, I crawled to him until I met his


    face.


    ¡°Father¡­¡± I whispered, tears creeping


    down my cheeks. His body jolted as his coughing worsened, but he still smiled up at me. His hands


    found mine, gripping them tightly on his chest, blood spurting out of a bullet hole near his heart. It


    wasn¡¯t healing.


    ¡°Bel¡­¡± He smiled up at me, his grip tightened, and his voice sounded constrained.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ so-sorry,¡± he said, tears escaping his eyes.


    ¡°Be,¡± someone said, his knees beside my father. His voice sent butterflies flying in my stomach. It


    was Carson.


    ¡°Here,¡± he said, handing me a knife.


    ¡°No,¡± said Father, coughing up more blood. He shook his head as he forced another smile.


    ¡°I can heal you,¡± I whispered. ¡°Let me heal you.¡±


    Carson produced a white cloth and applied pressure on his wound. Blood soaked the cloth


    immediately.


    ¡°Hurry, Be,¡± he urged.


    I tried to concentrate on channeling my energy, hoping it might do something to help him. My hands


    glowed a faint green, then it disappeared. I couldn¡¯t¡­


    ¡°Please¡­ Father.¡± I pulled my hands away from his, but he wouldn¡¯t let go. He needed my blood.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s¡­ my¡­ time,¡± he said weakly.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be!¡± I shouted, pulling harder. ¡°Please let me heal you. I can heal


    you.¡±


    I could feel his grip weakening. I was losing him. The only family I had left. My very own father.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose you. Please¡­¡±


    ¡°Be! Now!¡±


    Father smiled up at me. On the brink of death, he had an odd calmness in his eyes as he stared up at


    me.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this to me!¡± I screamed.¡± Father, you can¡¯t leave me!¡±


    ¡°I love you,¡± he mouthed. His body jerked again as he coughed then with onest breath, his head fell


    to the side. His


    hands let mine go. The warmth lingered i n them, but his eyes were now nk. No tiredness, no joy, no


    anger, no shock, no calmness ¨C nothing. He just stared to the side¡­


    It can¡¯t be. This isn¡¯t real. You¡¯re the only family I have left. You¡¯re my father. I haven¡¯t even told you


    yet¡­ that I¡¯m grateful that you found me, that I¡¯m happy I get to spend time with you, that you epted


    me for who I am. I haven¡¯t told you that you and Mother look like a perfect pair, haven¡¯t told you that I


    forgive you for what you did. I haven¡¯t told you yet¡­ that I¡¯m sorry for hurting you, for pushing you


    away, for being stubborn.


    I raised him to my chest, hugging his heavy, lifeless body.


    You have toe back, Father. You have t o hear me say it. You have to hear me say that ¡°I love you,


    too.¡±


    I felt a hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off. ¡°Be, we have to go now!¡±


    ¡°Aaahhh!!!¡± I screamed my heart out, the loudest I ever did.


    You can¡¯t leave me.


    I kept my eyes on the skies, my heart breaking at the reality in my arms. I didn¡¯t dare look down, didn¡¯t


    dare ept that this was real, but it was.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Be,¡± said Carson.


    The next thing I knew, someone grabbed both my arms and dragged me back.


    ¡°No. No! Let me go! Let me go!¡± I screamed as I watched Father¡¯s body settle back onto the ground.


    Carson continued to drag my butt across the ground. I thrashed around in his grip.


    I won¡¯t leave you alone. I¡¯m here now, Father


    Carson pulled me to my feet, turning me abruptly so I was facing him. ¡°He¡¯s dead, Be!¡± he shouted.


    I shook my head. ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is ¨C


    ¡°No¡­ 1


    ¡°- and I¡¯m sorry, but I have to get you out of here,¡± he said firmly.


    To where? Father was gone. Anywhere Ig o now, he wouldn¡¯t follow me after. There would be note-


    night knocks on my bedroom door, with him holding a tray of hot chocte and brownies. There would


    be no one to sit with underneath a tree on a pic mat, watching the young warriors train under the


    sun;menting on their mistakes, andughing at their struggles. There would b e no stories now¡­


    sweet and corny stories of Mother.


    ¡°Be, snap out of it!¡± I felt a sharpness o n my right cheek, and a tear slid down.


    ¡°Look around you. Warriors are dying around us, Be. Backup is on its way. For now, I have to get you


    to safety.¡±


    He pulled me along and like a ventriloquist doll. My feet moved to follow him. As we ran, I looked back


    and saw that our side¡¯s number had dwindled. The Delta Unit was all alive and fighting, with fewer


    warriors with them. The rogues¡¯ bodies were scattered around, but more of them kepting like


    they¡¯d be n o end to them.


    Rogues. Filthy, savage, hateful rogues.


    If it wasn¡¯t because of them, the warriors of my pack wouldn¡¯t have died.


    My mate wouldn¡¯t have had to risk his life.


    If it wasn¡¯t because of them, those young men would still be alive, snoring in their beds from the


    tiresome training.


    If it wasn¡¯t because of them, Beta David would still be hanging around outside the mansion, drinking a


    bottle as he sang to himself.


    If it wasn¡¯t for them, Father¡­ Father would only be asleep by now, resting in his bed to wake up to


    another day.


    Rogues. They take and take and take without a care in the world.


    A couple of rogues spotted Carson and m e. They immediately sprinted in our direction. I nced down


    and saw Carson¡¯s handgun.


    Forcefullying to a stop, I took his handgun. Before he could confront me, I aimed it at one of the


    oing wolves. A strange calmness took over the rage as I focused on my target.


    Gunshot echoed in my ears, the recoil sending vibrations up my arm. I watched i n satisfaction as the


    bullet went between the rogue¡¯s eyes, its front legs folding before it copsed on the ground. Another


    gunshot sounded, and the other rogue fell


    I didn¡¯t fire that. Diverting my gaze, I saw the Delta Unit and a few warriors run over to us with rogues in


    pursuit. There were too many.


    ¡°Protect the Luna!¡± shouted Sabri and the three of them immediately surrounded me as we sped into


    the woods.


    ¡°Lead them away from the vault!¡± shouted Chuck.


    He knew what he was asking of the warriors. They knew what he asked for, and yet none of them


    hesitated for a second.


    ¡°This way!¡± they shouted, as half of them moved to our front and lead us to the right. The rest stayed


    behind us.


    The rogues howled. Soon, they¡¯d catch up to us. I had to think of something. The Delta Unit, Carson,


    these young warriors


    ¡­ I couldn¡¯t just let them die.


    ¡°Status!¡± shouted Ethan


    Sabri turned and fired shots from an automatic. She threw one gun to the side then took out a


    magazine.


    ¡°Last one!¡± she shouted back.


    There was suddenly a group of roguesing from our side. A sword sliced through the air, piercing a


    rogue¡¯s skull. Then three knives were thrown, eachnding on its mark.


    ¡°I¡¯m out!¡± shouted Nalia,


    Carson tightened his grip on my hand.¡± Be, if we don¡¯t make it ¨C


    ¡°No one is dying for me!¡± I shouted. ¡°We either live or we die trying. There are noi n-betweens.¡±


    Ethan wolf-whistled.


    ¡°You sound just like Liam,¡± he said with a smile, and Sabri and Nalia smiled too.


    He ripped off his tactical vest. Sabri and Nalia followed suit.


    ¡°You are our Luna,¡± he said, chuckling.


    The three of them stopped and so did the warriors behind us. Carson, not looking back, ran even faster


    and continued to drag me along. The warriors were bumping their right fists on their chests.


    ¡°On our honor!¡± they shouted as all of them bowed slightly.


    ¡°Carson!¡± I screamed. ¡°Carson, stop!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    Before I could notice, I was lifted off the ground and being carried in his arms. We passed by the trees


    in a blur that I had to close my eyes. It didn¡¯t block out the sound. Their screams, their howls¡­


    I¡¯m useless. I can¡¯t at least transform into a wolf. I¡¯m powerless.


    ¡°Anna!¡± shouted a familiar voice.


    Lexy?


    Opening my eyes, I saw Lexy standing in front of us. Warriors ran from both sides, numerous weapons


    on hand while most have already shifted into their wolves. They emerged from the trees, howling


    and snarling ¨C an entire army of them.


    Carson put me down and Lexy immediately engulfed me in a hug.¡± Thank Goddess you¡¯re safe,¡± she


    breathed.


    What about them?


    I followed their direction, hoping that I¡¯ll see them again. Lexy squeezed my hand.¡° White Lake Pack,¡±


    she said. ¡°They came for you, Anna.¡±


    ¡°I- I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°They regret what they did, Be,¡± said Carson quietly. ¡°The day I was taking you back, they nned to


    ask you for forgiveness, and if you¡¯d ept, the Head Gamma position. They were all worried about


    you. They volunteered toe to save you before Flynn could give the order.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re something else, Anna,¡± said Lexy, holding both my hands. ¡°You have your own way of touching


    people¡¯s hearts, and it changes them for the better.¡±


    Carson wrapped an arm around her waist


    then ced a kiss on the top of her head. I stared in shock as my mind processed the information


    The White Lake Pack wants me to forgive them?


    I¡¯m a what?


    These two are¡­


    ¡°Mates!¡± I shouted and they both smiled. My heart melted. My best friend and my first girl best friend.


    Just then, Lexy¡¯s eyes zed over as she talked to someone in a mind-link. After a few seconds, they


    were back to normal.


    ¡°Duty calls,¡± she chirped.


    Carson pulled her into a quick kiss before I could close my eyes or turn my head.


    ¡°Tell Liam I want a vacation, and I need Rigel to carry my bags,¡± she said with a wink then she shifted


    into her wolf and left the two of us.


    From where we were, gunshots and howls vibrated through the air. More¡­ more of them were dying.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± said Carson, crouching in front of me. My mouth shaped into a small ¡°o¡±.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we¡­ too old for this?¡± I asked, cheeks heating up.


    ¡°The faster we are, the sooner we get to Liam and the others,¡± he exined, then i na softer voice,


    said, ¡°The Red w Pack needs their Luna, Be.¡±


    Awkwardly, I hugged him from behind and wrapped my legs around his waist. H e held me in ce,


    making sure I wouldn¡¯t fall


    ¡°Will they be-¡±


    ¡°We have a convoy half a kilometer from here,¡± he interrupted, turning his face to me. ¡°They¡¯re warriors,


    Be. Besides, my mate¡¯s with them.¡±


    I felt sick to my stomach. Lexy was now involved. Carson should be here with her, and yet he trusted


    her to be safe with my old pack.


    What happened thesest three months?


    ¡°Hold tight,¡± he warned then we were whizzing through the trees once more.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± said Carson, crouching in front of me. My mouth shaped into a small ¡°o¡±.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we¡­ too old for this?¡± I asked, cheeks heating up.


    ¡°The faster we are, the sooner we get to Liam and the others,¡± he exined, then i na softer voice,


    said, ¡°The Red w Pack needs their Luna, Be.¡±


    Awkwardly, I hugged him from behind and wrapped my legs around his waist. H e held me in ce,


    making sure I wouldn¡¯t fall


    ¡°Will they be-¡±


    ¡°We have a convoy half a kilometer from here,¡± he interrupted, turning his face to me. ¡°They¡¯re warriors,


    Be. Besides, my mate¡¯s with them.¡±


    I felt sick to my stomach. Lexy was now involved. Carson should be here with her, and yet he trusted


    her to be safe with my old pack.


    What happened thesest three months?


    ¡°Hold tight,¡± he warned then we were whizzing through the trees once more.


    I had my eyes closed; my face pressed hard on his back.


    They trusted each other. My old pack wanted me. I couldn¡¯t hear the war anymore, but I trusted we¡¯ll all


    meet again. Right now, I had to get my Alpha back. Watch over me, Father.

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Chapter 65 Brothers¡¯ Skirmishes


    ¨C Liam


    A silent groan escaped me as I blinked my eyes open. Moving my arms, I felt a sting around my wrists.


    ¡°About time,¡± said Gale.


    Gale?


    I raised my aching head to see that my wrists were bound in silver chains. Gale was to the wall on my


    left in the same position. He tipped his jaw forward.


    To my right was Rigel, in exactly the same position as us.


    ¡°You stink,¡± Imented.


    The stale air was filled with his repulsive scent. It didn¡®t help that my nose was sensitive.


    ¡°Fuck you, Liam,¡± he spat, his head down


    ¡°Hey, Alpha,¡± said another voice.


    I looked down and saw the prisoner on the concrete floor, on his knees. Chains


    bound his arms to his back and his ankles were cuffed, connected to chains that were held securely to


    the same wall as I, just below me.


    ¡°Now that you¡®re awake, how about figuring out a way to get us out of here?¡±


    I knew I smelt something familiar and equally repulsive!


    ¡°Shut up, inmate,¡± I replied, shaking my head to rid of the throbbing ache but only making it worse.


    He chuckled. ¡°Not the smartest, are you? I have to say I¡®m disappointed.¡±


    Gale growled at him. ¡°Shut up. I can¡®t think right.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± he asked, sounding amused.¡° What are you thinking of? Something... not right? I hope I¡®m the


    only one there, mate.¡±


    ¡°Mate?¡± shouted Rigel, raising his head.


    I was in disbelief too. I turned to face Gale and he had a slight blush on his cheeks like a high school


    girl who just heard a confession.


    ¡°What the fuck, Gale!¡± I blurted out.


    That guy had been in the Fun House for months and he didn¡®t bother to let us know he was his mate?


    Gale had a side unknown to many, but to his mate ¨C I didn¡®t take it he was that cruel.


    ¡°It was for the pack,¡± said Gale, his eyes looking everywhere but to any of us. ¡°He attacked Anna. He¡®s


    not my mate, he¡®s the enemy.¡±


    ¡°Whatever makes you sleep at night, mate,¡± said the prisoner.


    Gale scoffed.


    ¡°Where¡®s the kid?¡± I asked, diverting the subject back to how we were going to escape.


    ¡°Fucking Rigel¡®s cousin,¡± replied Gale, ring at him. ¡°Or about to have his balls cut. Who knows?¡±


    Alright. This wasn¡®t going to work. Gale was pissed off, Rigel stank, and the pack¡®s prisoner who


    happened to be my Beta¡®s mate was amused by the whole


    Great. Just what I needed to n.


    My head now feeling better, I closed my eyes to try to mind¨Clink Lexy, but there was interference.


    ¡°Won¡®t work,¡± said Gale.


    There was wolfsbane somewhere.


    A minute of silence passed us by before Gale spoke again.


    ¡°Is Anna alright?¡±


    ¡°She¡®s with the Delta Unit,¡± I replied.¡° They¡®ll keep her safe.¡±


    The prisonerughed aloud again.


    ¡°Shut it, Andrix!¡± shouted Rigel, but he justughed louder.


    ¡°Fuck. Your Alpha here thinks he¡®s keeping her safe!¡± he mocked.


    ¡°You underestimate my pack?¡± Gale challenged.


    ¡°No,¡± Andrix replied, then his voice became deadly serious. ¡°Pray to the Goddess my niece is safe,


    Alpha Liam, or


    I swear in Her name, I will make your life a living hell.¡±


    ¡°Line up,¡± I replied.


    ¡°You¡®re her what?¡± shouted Rigel before I could ask.


    My hands balled into fists as I reigned my anger in


    What do you care?


    I bit my tongue to prevent myself from shouting at him. It¡®d only worsen the situation than it already is


    and right now, I needed all of us to work together.


    ¡°Andrix,¡± I called, and he responded with a grunt, the chains rattling. ¡°What does her father want with


    my mate?¡±


    ¡°What every Alpha wants ¨C,¡± he replied i n an ¡°Are you a fucking idiot?¡± kind of tone, then added, ¡°¨Can


    heir to take over when he¡®s gone.¡±


    He grunted as he shifted his weight between his knees. ¡°Anna is the only heir to the Alphaship of the


    ck Mist Pack. Our Alpha... has just passed away. Whatever happened after you were


    called Delta Unit better do their job.¡±


    My heart fell to the pit of my stomach. Myron... it had to be him. Everything hadt o do with him


    ¡°We have to get out of here.¡±


    I¡®d held back for years, two long years. I understand Rigel was frustrated. I fucked up. I should¡®ve done


    this then.


    I¡®m going to kill him.


    I let out a low growl.


    ¡°Rigel... you don¡®t have a fucking choice.¡±


    ¡°I¡®m not going back to the pack,¡± he replied with a growl. ¡°You can¡®t use the Order on me.¡±


    I was going to keep this to myself, but he forced me to. ¡°Sabri¡¯s pregnant, bro. You didn¡®t know, did


    you?¡±


    His eyes widened and his jaw fell.


    ¡°I¡®m the Alpha. Nothing in the pack gets past me. You should know this by now. You two were keeping it


    a secret, and I waited for you toe around, but¡­ I¡¯m


    ¡°Where is she?¡± he asked, voice dripping


    venom.


    I didn¡®t answer


    ¡°Where the fuck is she, Liam!¡± he shouted, shaking his chains.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°She insisted,¡± I replied. ¡°She¡®s Delta, Rigel. You should know. You trained her.¡±


    He let out a frustrated groan. ¡°We have to get out of here.¡±


    ¡°What about him?¡± asked Gale, looking a t Andrix.


    ¡°AW... I¡®m touched, mate,¡± he said mockingly. ¡°A word of warning, mangoes. When I¡®m free, I¡®m fucking


    the daylights out of you.¡±


    ¡°Save it for when we¡®re actually free,¡± I interjected before things be graphic. My head had cleared


    up by now. Luca growled, anxious about our mate. Besides the choking scent, there was rot, pine,


    and... freshwater.


    I know where we are.


    ¡°Gale, if I remember correctly, the river¡®s on the northern side of the Blue Moon Pack, isn¡®t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°We¡®re far north. No one¡®s around for at least half a kilometer, and no guard hase knocking... yet.


    We¡®re not sedated. I t could be a trap.¡±


    ¡°From how I see it, we have two options: follow the river and escape from there orunch a suicide


    attack on this son of a bitch Myron,¡± said Rigel.


    I nced at Gale, then at Rigel, then at Andrix. None of them said a word.


    It¡®s settled.


    Stretching my neck to the sides, I concentrated on channeling Luca¡®s energy. I¡®d been training to


    increase my tolerance against wolfsbane so it wouldn¡®t sting as much, and after Anna¡®s donation, Lexy


    ran some tests and found that I could tolerate a small amount of ito n my system. Mighte in handy


    someday.


    I tugged on the chains, the wall behind m e shaking. Gritting my teeth as the wolfsbane burned my


    skin, I kept tugging at the cuffs. Sweat beaded my forehead, Luca howled, then finally, the chains


    broke. I fell to the ground, on my stomach


    ¡°You good, Alpha?¡± asked Andrix.


    That reminds me.


    ¡°Where¡®s Jaymer?¡±


    The door flew off its hinges and went flying into the room. A cloud of dust and smoke obscured


    whoever stood in front o fus. I got up to my feet, on full alert. Then, a hooded man entered, coughing as


    he did. I lowered my arms.


    ¡°About time you woke up.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Alpha,¡± he said between coughs.¡± Remind me why I¡®m on your pack again?¡±


    ¡°Bait, ace, liability...¡±


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± said Gale, chuckling


    Jaymer grinned as he lowered his hood.


    ¡°I had fun,¡± he said, then frowned. ¡°But ... not long enough. It got boring fast.¡±


    ¡°Get them out,¡± I ordered before he went into detail.


    He snapped his fingers, Gale and Rigel fell on the ground with a loud thud and the chains binding


    Andrix dropped on the ground. The cuffs from my hands fell.


    ¡°Done.¡±


    The three of them groaned as they got to their feet. Then, Rigel screamed as he charged at me,


    tackling me to the ground. He got two punches in before I turned us over and gave him a taste. Kicking


    me off him, I staggered backward as he got to his feet.


    ¡°Bro, I¡®m sorry, alright?¡± I said, trying to calm him down,


    We were wasting time and thest thing w e needed right now was...


    He came at me using a supernatural¡®s speed. I caught his right fist, but his left hook hit me square in


    the jaw.


    ¡°For my mate,¡± he said, growling.


    My eyes watered, then in a split second, h e was staggering backward, a hand on his broken nose.


    Blood trickled down to his lips.


    ¡°That¡®s for being stupid,¡± I said coolly.


    The bones crunched as he fixed his nose, and he groaned as he wiped the blood off. I tossed him the


    ring and he caught it.


    ¡°You did it for the pack,¡± I said, cutting him off.


    He looked away.


    We suddenly heard a moan. To our right, Andrix had Gale backed up against the wall as they made


    out. I cleared my throat to get their attention though I¡¯d rather forget about the scent.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± said Jaymer weakly.


    He swayed forward and I caught him before he fell.


    ¡°Now?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yeah... sorry,¡± he said sleepily, his eyes struggling to stay open.


    ¡°It¡®s alright. We¡®ll take it from here.¡±


    ¡°Soft... pillows...¡± he whispered then his body went limp


    ¡°What¡®s wrong with him?¡± asked Andrix.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Gale replied. ¡°He¡®s asleep.¡±


    ¡°We can¡®t leave him here,¡± said Rigel.¡° Someone has to look after him.¡±


    Jaymer was a member of my pack, and everyone¡®s high maintenance little brother. I chuckled at the


    thought of the pack missing him.


    ¡°You,¡± I said, looking at Andrix, ¡°Take him past the borders. Follow the river. It shouldn¡®t be guarded,


    and the trees will provide cover.¡±


    He raised a brow at me. ¡°How do you know their terrain so well?¡±


    I smirked.


    I¡®ve been studying it for years.


    ¡°The river¡®s their blind spot. Stay low. Once you¡®re out, head to the east. My men should be camping


    there.¡±


    ¡°I don¡®t have a choice, do I?¡± he asked, looking at Gale.


    I had the honor of watching Gale throw himself into his arms like a lovesick teenager before I could look


    away.


    Luca growled. He was getting more and more restless.


    ¡°How do I know your men won¡®t attack m e? I¡®m an ¡®inmate¡®.¡±


    ¡°You fucked up my Beta,¡± I replied.¡° Figure something out.¡±


    Andrix chuckled while Gale blushed.


    Goddess!


    ¡°We can¡®t trust him,¡± said Rigel firmly, nting his feet. ¡°He¡®s with Salina.¡±


    ¡°She wants Myron dead. This was necessary,¡± said Andrix calmly.


    I nced at the two of them, my weight shifting from one side to the other.


    ¡°She proposed the n to our pack. And since you badly wanted the same thing, m y Alpha let you in.


    A Head Gamma who shared our goal ¨C what better ally could w


    e ask for?¡±


    Rigel suddenly had him pinned against the wall. ¡°You used me,¡± he said slowly.


    ¡°Hardly,¡± replied Andrix. ¡°You volunteered, my friend.¡±


    ¡°Why should she want to kill her own father?¡±


    Andrix smirked. ¡°Why wouldn¡®t she?¡±


    While it was a twisted reason, it was possible. The Alphaship was well desired, and being female,


    Myron wouldn¡®t pass the position to her.


    Fuck! I didn¡®t realize she was this shallow


    Rigel growled.


    ¡°Let him go,¡± I said.


    ¡°If I find out you¡®re lying, I¡®ll fucking kill you in front of your mate, friend,¡± he threatened before stepping


    back.


    Minutester, we parted with Andrix and Jaymer.


    ¡°Those darts,¡± said Rigel.


    ¡°I noticed.¡±


    ¡°They¡®re alive?¡± asked Gale.


    ¡°We don¡®t kill innocents.¡±


    ¡°They kept their eyes closed and their ears shut, Liam,¡± said Rigel, growling.


    I sighed. ¡°Clearly, they didn¡®t learn their lesson.¡±


    The woods before us was eerily silent as the morning sun pushed back the night.


    Rescue Flynn, kill Myron, get the fuck out.


    ¡°I¡®ll let you two know: I don¡®t n on dying today.¡±


    I closed my eyes as I tried to link with Lexy. She immediately let me in.


    ¡°Busy... what do you need?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Is she with you?¡±


    ¡°She¡®s heading to you with Carson.¡±


    I cut off the link. Why would she let my matee here! Luca growled again, baring his teeth


    ¡°Alpha, there¡®s something wrong with the Delta Unit ? Gale reported


    the Delta Unit,¡± Gale reported.


    I searched for their links. There were... three.


    ¡°What happened?¡± asked Rigel nervously.


    Gale and I looked at each other.


    ¡°She¡®s alive ¨C,¡± said Gale, breaking the news, then added, ¡°¨C but your team... I¡®m sorry.¡±


    Rigel stared at him like he was stupid. He had trained the Delta Unit himself, groomed them through


    rain and shine to be the best fighters within the pack ¨C a personally handpicked team of highly skilled


    individuals.


    His hands formed into fists, then he turned his back on us.


    ¡°What¡®s the n?¡± he asked through gritted teeth.


    That was at least a good sign.


    ¡°We


    I was cut off by the sound of sudden explosions that came from the pack¡®s direction followed by


    howling. rms


    sounded and within seconds, there were wolvesing down in every direction.


    Red res went up in the skies.


    Fuck!


    ¡°Who¡®s leading them?¡± I shouted at Gale.


    There were no orders issued. Why the hell was my pack advancing!


    ¡°Who gave the order, Gale?¡±


    He looked just as shocked as I was.


    ¡°I warned them ¡®Red¡®, Liam,¡± he said.


    They should¡®ve lied low and waited for forty¨Ceight hours. My men wouldn¡®t make a move on their own


    ord until I gave the signal, unless... ¡°Anna.¡±

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Chapter 66 Shots Fired


    +Anna


    In the early hours of morning, the car came to a stop. I had slept for a few hours, having been taken


    over by exhaustion and the adrenaline cooling down my system. I hadn¡¯t met the warriors of the Red


    w Pack before, except for the Delta Unit.


    They weren¡¯t bothered by Carson. In fact, he blended right in with them as if he belonged. The


    remaining members of the Delta Unit were quick to act.


    Apparently, the warriors were divided into teams, based on their positions and assigned duties, and


    under each bracket was an assigned leader. The patrols, the spies, medic,batants, and as an


    addition, a special unit to rescue the Alpha, the Beta, and the Head Gamma.


    We were in a pinch. If Rigel was here, he¡¯d say, ¡°We¡¯re royally fucked.¡±


    Rigel went rogue. I was shocked when I was informed, but the pack didn¡¯t turn their backs on him.


    ¡°He¡¯s our Head Gamma,¡± was all Leo, the


    ¡°He¡¯s our Head G


    was all Leo, the leader of the front lines, said. He had a kind face that hid his experience in battle.


    No one voiced out any rejections. When the n was disseminated, none questioned why their Head


    Gamma, now a rogue, was included in the n.


    The witch was dead, which meant it was a n all-out battle between werewolves. The Blue Moon Pack


    had an advantage because of the terrain, and I wouldn¡¯t have given them the order if it was futile. Many


    of them wouldn¡¯t return. This was undeniable. They knew within themselves.


    ¡°They¡¯re ready for you,¡± said Carson, interrupting my thoughts.


    We were geared up for the impending battle, but it didn¡¯t guarantee our safety. He offered a small


    smile, sending butterflies in my stomach.


    ¡°The sooner you get marked, the easier it¡¯ll be for me to be around you,¡± I remarked. 1


    ¡°Trust me. After this is over, we¡¯re going on vacation.¡±


    I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I


    I took a deep brea. alm my nerves. I made my way to the front, the pack¡¯s warriors before me. There


    was a choking tension in the air, an unnerving tide sweeping over the ranks.


    A wolf-less werewolf was leading them instead of their Alpha, their Beta, or their Head Gamma. I was


    simply their Alpha¡¯s mate ¨C one who had no inherent ability t o protect them. 1


    My eyes gave them a sweeping nce. Dawn was breaking from the horizon, and it was eerily silent,


    one could hear a pin drop


    Carson squeezed my hand, assuring meh e was there.


    Without ncing at him, I pulled my hand away, clutching at the vial around m y neck


    I remember how you fought.


    ¡°Red w, I¡¯ve seen you fight to defend your people¡­¡±


    I remember how you grieved.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ve seen you grieve your loss...¡±


    I remember how you kept going.


    ...I¡¯ve seen your strength. I don¡¯t deserve to fight alongside you. I cannot shift into a wolf to lead you.


    I¡¯m powerless and weak, and this is why I need you. Beyond that clearing is your Alpha, your Beta, and


    your Head Gamma. I need your strength. I need you to fight. I¡¯m just a wolf-less werewolf, but ask you,


    will you fight with me?¡±


    I voiced the question aloud, my chest heaving. It was silent for seconds that I thought they¡¯d back out


    when a unified shout broke out.


    ¡°Red w Pack!¡± shouted Leo, and as he stopped, so did the shouts.


    They then straightened themselves, and i na remarkable perfect timing, ced their fists on their


    chests.


    ¡°On our honor!¡± they shouted, then they bowed their heads in respect.


    This is the Red w Pack ¨C my pack.


    I bowed my head in respect of them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± said Carson and I nodded, Leo nodding back at me.


    The special unit was me, Carson, Sabri, Nalia, and Ethan. They had arrived


    ad arrived


    Nalia, and Ethan. shortly after we did.


    While the pack attacked from the front, w e were to enter from behind. There was a small channel, the


    river, that could easily be overlooked. It was a distance from there to where the packhouse was


    located, but with a small unit, it was possible.


    With them beside me, we sped through the trees as quickly as we could, guns at the ready in case we


    encountered the enemy. Dawn was breaking, and soon the attack would begin.


    Goddess, please keep them safe.


    Soon, we heard footstepsing. Hiding behind the trees, I bated my breaths as we waited for the


    man to be within reach. Ethan was to take him out silently. We were still a distance away ¨C a gunshot


    would rm them.


    As soon as he was within reach, Ethan came out of his hiding ce, ckbo de swiftly cutting


    through the air. Then he froze, taking on a defensive position. We came out of hiding, pointing our guns


    at him.


    He was as tall as Ethan, with biceps


    He was as tall as Eh , with biceps bulging through the fabric of his sleeves for he had Jaymer¡¯s arm


    slung across his shoulders.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just calm down,¡± he said, holding out an arm. ¡°Your Alpha asked me to escort him to your army.


    He¡¯s asleep. Look.¡±


    He shook Jaymer.


    Jaymer let out a snore.


    ¡°Why would Alpha trust you?¡± asked Sabri raising her Glock, aiming it at him.


    He didn¡¯t look scared. Rather, he seemed amused. His eyes scanned all of us, then his eyesnded on


    me.


    ¡°Hey, Be,¡± he said casually. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your Father.¡±


    ¡°You know him?¡± asked Carson.


    ¡°No,¡± I said. My hands gripped my arsenal of choosing, the M4A1 Carbine.¡± How do you know about


    Father?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t he tell you?¡± he asked, raising his brow.


    My eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Andrix?¡±


    ¡°Woah¡­ woah¡­ woah.¡± Sabri moved


    Sabri moved


    ¡°Woah¡­woah¡­ closer to him


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°He¡¯s my uncle,¡± I said, and she stopped. ¡°If Liam trusts him with Jaymer, I see no reason why we


    shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°If Be says so,¡± said Carson, lowering


    his M4.


    ¡°The Alpha, mangoes, and the rogue are over that way,¡± he said, pointing at the direction from which he


    came from.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t they with you?¡± asked Sabri, narrowing her eyes at him.


    ¡°Sabri,¡± warned Ethan.


    ¡°It could be a trap,¡± added Nalia. She had a push dagger protruding from her left fist, her body a little


    twisted to the side to discreetly hide it from view.


    ¡°They¡¯re going to rescue some other guy named Flynn,¡± he said. ¡°He¡­ was detained somewhere else.¡±


    He adjusted Jaymer to keep him upright.


    ¡°Let him go,¡± I said. ¡°We¡¯ll deal with himter¡­ after we finish the mission.¡±


    Sabri lowered her arm while Nalia narrowed her gaze, her guard still up.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Andrix. He moved towards me, stopping when Ethan aimed at him again.


    ¡°That¡¯s far enough,¡± Ethan warned.


    ¡°You look just like your mother,¡± he said with a smile.


    I returned it. ¡°We¡¯ll talk it over a barrel of beer¡­ter.¡±


    ¡°And just as brave.¡±


    Jaymer chortled and he chuckled. 1


    ¡°Bring her back,¡± he said, addressing them but looking at me.


    ¡°You can count on it,¡± said Carson with a


    grin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get moving,¡± said Ethan


    We continued towards the direction Andrix led us to, quicker than when we started, hoping to catch up


    with Liam and the others.


    What were they thinking! Rescuing Flynn on their own when they needed rescuing themselves!


    Howls soon sounded from the packhouse. It had begun. rms sounded and


    It had begun. m a nded and werewolves started to descend. Soon, the woods would be crawling of


    them.


    A powerful growl came from where we were headed. The Delta Unit remained unfazed and continued,


    going faster.


    ¡°They¡¯re close!¡± shouted Ethan.


    Liam¡­


    Butterflies exploded in my stomach at the thought of seeing him again.


    We came upon an ongoing fight. Three wolves against three. The ck wolf turned his head to me,


    and the enemy wolf lunged at him, pinning him to the ground.


    Instinctively, I raised the gun and aimed. Then the enemy wolf fell on top of him. Two more gunshots


    followed, and the other two were no longer standing. My beautiful ck wolf shifted back into his


    human form, and Liam stood there with a shocked expression.


    Two. I¡¯d taken two lives. And I doubt that¡¯d be thest. 1


    In an instant, the gun in my hands was thrown to the ground and he had an arm


    thrown to the gran d he had an arm wrapped around iny waist. He stared into my eyes for a few


    seconds then his lips pressed into mine. I moved in sync with him, explosions happening in my head.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he whispered, tugging on my lip.


    ¡°Rescuing you,¡± I replied breathlessly.


    Carson cleared his throat, garnering our attention. Liam growled at him and pulled me to his side


    possessively.


    I missed you, too, my jealous Alpha.


    I molded my hand with his, hoping the sensations we shared would get his head back in the game.


    He grinned.


    ¡°There will be more of them,¡± he said. ¡° Any idea how we can get up there?¡±


    If anything, we were still at the base, with a clearing right in front of us and an uphill fight ahead.


    ¡°Not a clue,¡± replied Gale. ¡°Did you, by any chance, meet some_.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered, cutting him off. ¡°He called you mangoes.¡±


    Gale blushed. That was weird.


    Sabri stomped her way to Rigel and pped him, twice. Aiming the gun at him, she spat, ¡°Give me


    one good reason not to pull the trigger.¡±


    Rigel looked at her calmly, but his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed


    ¡°Because I want to be Dad,¡± he said.


    Sabri¡¯s eyes widened, her mouth slowly shaping into an ¡°o¡±. She lowered her arm, and he took


    advantage of her distraction to kiss her. The rest of them groaned while I stared in shock.


    ¡°They¡¯re mates,¡± said Liam.


    I can see that!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sabri, baby,¡± said Rigel. ¡°I didn¡¯t know _¡±


    ¡°Shithead,¡± she said bitterly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry...¡± he whispered.


    Howls suddenly came from all directions.


    ¡°You two, talk it outter,¡± said Liam firmly. ¡°Gale, Ethan, Nalia, you¡¯re with m


    e.¡±


    He looked at Carson next. ¡°I take it you¡¯reing?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my Alpha,¡± Carson simply replied.


    ¡°What about me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going back with Rigel and Sabri.¡±


    The pack was out there fighting!


    ¡°I will not turn my back on you and run!¡± I replied, looking him dead in the eye. I fixed the gun on my


    arms. ¡°I¡¯m a trained warrior¡­ and I got a score to settle.¡±


    I turned my back on him and shot down a n approaching enemy wolf. It whimpered before its legs


    folded.


    ¡°So, how do we get up there?¡±


    ¡°Use the tunnels,¡± said an all too familiar voice. I looked to my left and there was Salina, wearing a tank


    top and shorts like she was taking a stroll and there was no pack war happening


    ¡°Where¡®s Fynn?¡± I asked, aiming my gun at her.


    She scoffed. ¡°Locked in Daddy¡¯s study. He¡¯s using your ex as bait.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± asked Rigel,


    What are you do Te asked Rigel, growling as he pulled Sabri behind him. She rolled her eyes and


    stepped beside him.


    Salina raised a perfectly shaped brow at them. ¡°I see you¡¯re over Maya.¡±


    The howls came again. Gunshots sounded in the air and explosions shook the ground. ¡°Follow me or


    you all die here. I don¡¯t care either way.¡±


    ¡°Why are you helping us?¡± asked Rigel.¡± We won¡¯t hesitate to kill him.¡±


    She smiled sweetly, but there was no innocence in her smile. It was a beautiful smile that hid an evil


    intention.


    ¡°Believe me, couz,¡± she replied. ¡°I¡¯m counting on it.¡±


    Minutester, Liam held my hand as we ran through a dark secret passage, single file, with Salina in


    the lead. If it came to i t, we could use her as bait too. What she was after was none of our concern. In


    my mind, it was the Alphaship.


    Typical


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± she announced. ¡°Step back a little.¡±


    We did as instruct then the walls before u s parted slowly, revealing a luxurious bedroom that looked


    like it came straight out of a fairytale book. Every part of the room screamed royalty, princess; it made


    me cringe.


    The Delta Unit, including Rigel and Carson, stepped into the room immediately. guns at the ready. Gale


    peered out the blinds while the others checked the closets, the bathroom, and the rest, guarded the


    door. Until they gave the signal, Liam kept me inside the passage


    ¡°I found this tunnel when I was little. Used to escape to the back because Daddy won¡¯t let me out,¡± she


    exined. ¡°He should be in the ¡®safe room¡¯ by now. Daddy handles business from there.¡±


    ¡°His pack is under attack and he leaves his daughter unguarded,¡± said Liam, stepping in front of me.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°This pack hasn¡¯t lost a single war,¡± she said with pride. ¡°Daddy¡¯s confident -.,¡± she paused, sneered at


    me, then added, ¡± ¨C that your warriors will die.¡±


    Liam growled.


    She rolled her eyes.


    This stunning little¡­


    ¡°What are you still doing here? Go do what you do¡­ you know, killing¡­¡±


    She waved her hand at them like they were peasants.


    My fist was shaking in anger. She deserved a hit from me. Just¡­ one hit!


    ¡°Why?¡± asked Liam, holding my fist tightly.


    I inhaled his scent to calm me down. Never would I ever want to have her scent on him again. He was


    mine!


    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell?¡± she asked, folding her arms. ¡°Daddy¡¯s getting old. It¡¯s time for a new Alpha and he


    doesn¡¯t want me because there¡¯s never been a female Alpha¡¯.¡±


    Salina smiled sweetly again.


    I¡¯m going to be sick.


    ¡°So, if you kill Daddy, the pack won¡¯t have a choice. I¡¯m the only heir!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re sick,¡± I spat


    Myron might have been a horrible person, but he was still her father, Karma was a bitch ¨C they had the


    same rotten mind.


    She fluttered hershes prettily.


    I¡¯m gagging¡­


    ¡°Daddy¡¯s study is guarded. It¡¯s off-limits to me.¡±


    ¡°You can still be Luna,¡± said Gale.¡± You¡¯re mates with Alpha Flynn, aren¡¯t


    you?¡±


    ¡°Daddy won¡¯t allow it,¡± she whined, pouting


    L¨ªam held a stony face.


    Good Alpha¡­


    ¡°He has him locked up so he could ckmail him into giving the White Lake Pack to him. My stupid


    mate would rather die, and I don¡¯t want that happening.¡±


    ¡°Liam¡­¡± called Gale.


    Can we trust her?


    ¡°Ethan, Nalia, and Carson, you three go with her. Rescue Flynn, then escape through the tunnel,¡± he


    ordered.


    through the tun


    dered.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± Ethan and Nalia said in unison. Carson nodded in response.


    ¡°Where¡¯s this ¡®safe room?¡± he asked.


    Salina smiled evilly. Beauty only is skin-deep.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Chapter 67 Smoking Ghosts


    ¨C Liam


    Salina, along with Carson and the Delta Unit went to save the kid. They went to the left-wing and the


    rest of us, to the right-wing. The ce was built like a castle, and surprisingly, there weren¡¯t too many


    guards.


    Gale guarding our backs, with my girl on the right and the couple on my left, we made our way through


    the halls, then up the stairs.


    I was channeling Luca¡¯s energy to sharpen my senses. I wasn¡¯t taking any chances. My mate, my


    brothers, and my sister-inw were all here. 1


    Walking through a wide hallway, the thick wooden double doors, reinforced with iron, ahead was the


    ¡°safe room¡±. Scanning the top of the door to the bottom, it was either a trap or what Salina imed it to


    be. There were no cameras in the corners of the walls.


    And yet, as if they knew we were present, the doors cracked slightly open and four young men stepped


    out. Each worebat uniforms that were all too


    hadn¡¯t existed for years.


    ¡°Well, fuck me,¡± muttered Rigel. This was rather unexpected. Everything was starting to fall into ce


    now ¨C the coordinated rogue attacks, the sudden stop of those attacks after my mate¡¯s kidnapping, and


    those darts.


    All four of them had a well-built physique, their eyes hungry for blood. They wanted vengeance, and we


    were just who they wanted


    Anna fearlessly aimed at one of them, and the kid smirked.


    This was bad¡­ for her. We weren¡¯t facing ordinary rogues. They were all rogue Alphas, heirs of the


    Alphas that the Red w Pack had taken down. This wasn¡¯t her fight. It was ours.


    ¡°Stay behind me,¡± I said firmly as I pulled her behind me.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t this a sight,¡± said sandy blonde and blue eyes. ¡°Do you remember me, Alpha? Alpha Jared, son


    of thete Alpha Jackson of the Waning Moon pack.¡±


    ¡°And I, Alpha Rich, son of thete Alpha Richard of the Blue Lake pack,¡± dered beach blonde and


    blue eyes.


    Gale had moved beside us, but he was still keeping watch of our backs. The couple had let go of each


    other¡¯s hands, Rigel preparing to shift and Sabri to guard him.


    ¡°We have a score to settle, Alpha Liam. Ia m Alpha Xander, son of thete Alpha Xavier of the ck


    Lake pack,¡± said ck hair and ck eyes.


    Finally, it was auburn hair and gray eyes¡¯ turn. He was the only one wearing a hip holster.


    To think he¡¯d go down this path.


    He was going to die first for sticking a fucking dart in my neck. He missed his chance to kill me when he


    shot me with a n ordinary bullet.


    Should¡¯ve at least shot the heart, pup.


    ¡°I am Alpha Connor, son of thete Alpha Colton of the tinum Crest pack. This is the end of the line


    for you, Liam.¡±


    That was rude.


    I smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t tter yourselves.   Trash isn¡¯t worth remembering.¡±


    All their fathers were abusers. Their lives were short payment for the abuse those young girls suffered.


    The only reason I spared these four because they were kids. They had the potential to choose to stray


    from their father¡¯s ways. But they didn¡¯t.


    They growled at me, caninesing out. There wasn¡¯t enough space to amodate five Alpha


    wolves. They weren¡¯t stupid enough to shift.


    ¡°ck eyes have been eyeing my mate. He¡¯s mine,¡± said Rigel, growling.


    ck eyes chuckled, licking his lips.


    ¡°Revenge and a woman,¡± he replied in a low tone. ¡°How loud can you scream, sweets?¡±


    In a split second, Rigel went flying across the hallway to the other end. The wall caved around him, and


    he groaned at the impact


    ¡°Rigel!¡± shouted Sabri, interrupted when ck eyes held her wrist, his face too close to her.


    Before I could make a move, gray eyes charged at me at inhuman speed. Gently


    charged at me at an speed. Gently pushing Anna to the side, I grabbed himb y the throat then


    mmed him headfirst into the floor. Satisfied that his head was now buried beneath the marble tiles


    with his body sprawled on the floor, Luca howled in delight at the shocked faces of two self-proimed


    Alphas.


    Sandy blonde signaled to the other, and h e came charging at me but was intercepted by Gale. My


    Beta tackled him t o a wall, before throwing him behind us. I didn¡¯t have time to watch further as Jared


    casually strolled towards me with a grino n his face.


    ¡°I have to thank you for killing my shitty old man, Alpha Liam,¡± he said. ¡°He was too perverted to be an


    Alpha, anyway. Disgusting shit.¡±


    A bullet near his foot stopped him.


    ¡°That¡¯s far enough,¡± Anna warned.


    I¡¯m seeing a side of her I haven¡¯t seen before. She never told me she can handle firearms. It looked


    hot.


    Jared shed her an amused look. ¡°The wolf-less Luna¡­ aww¡­ look, Liam, she¡¯s protective of you,¡±


    he mocked,ughing a this own joke,


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Somehow, hisughter sounded louder than the growls and gunshots from behind us.


    ¡°You heard the rumors, haven¡¯t you? How Alpha Liam destroys packs?¡±


    ¡°He saved those packs from their cruel Alphas!¡± she replied confidently, and a slight shiver of guilt ran


    in my heart. ¡°If you had a heart, you would¡¯ve saved your pack yourself!¡±


    Jared growled, his nails sharpening into ws.


    ¡°Babe, I love you, but you have to stop talking,¡± I said as gently as I could.


    He was directing his attention on her, cing her in more danger than she already was.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of him,¡± she said coolly.


    Who is this Anna?


    He chuckled at her reply, then shifted his gaze to me.


    ¡°A mate for a mate,¡± he said in a cold tone, then he came at¡­ her.


    I pulled her behind me, grabbing his


    I pulled hier behin cabing his wrists in the air. Luca was urging me to let him take control, but he¡¯d go all


    instinct on him and not think about protecting our mate. I growled, threatening him to back off.


    No one touches my mate.


    His eyes flickered from blue to a deeper shade. I pushed him off, and he crouched on the floor on all


    fours.


    Anna went in front of me and fired at him. He ran to the right, avoiding the bullets which broke the ss


    windows,


    Using his ws, he climbed up a wall and then jumped to a chandelier. Anna and I backed up as she


    continued to fire indiscriminately at him, angering him further. He dropped to the floor; eyes now pure


    ck as his fur began toe out of his skin.


    The gun finally ran out of ammo and all that followed was clicking sounds.


    ¡°Stay behind me!¡± I ordered her. Thank the Goddess she obeyed.


    I growled at him as he carefully stalked u s, snarling. Thest bits of his shift took ce, and he was


    now a huge ck wolf,


    ce, and he was huge ck wolf, snarling and baring his teeth. His stench grew. As I was thinking of


    shifting, he was suddenly thrown back. ck eyes bumped into him, and the two were sent rolling on


    the floor before colliding into the door.


    ¡°Keep your hands off my woman,¡± said Rigel, growling. His head was bleeding, and he had deep


    scratches in his arms and across his chest. Sabri came right up t o him, throwing her Glock on the floor


    then kissing him.


    I smiled.


    It¡¯s been a long time since I saw him as happy as he is now.


    A whimper, then it was gone. We turned t o see Gale holding gray eyes in a headlock, an arm around


    his neck. Within seconds, the rogue had his eyes closed, body limp as Gale rolled him off him. Panting


    and sweating, I offered him a hand to pull him up.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re out of shape,mented Rigel, smirking.


    ¡°Wait ¡¯til the baby¡¯s out and you have a dad bod. Then we¡¯ll see who¡¯s out of shape,¡± snapped Gale.


    We had smiles on our faces, just like old times. Fighting alongside each other, looking out for each


    other ¨C we were brothers born from different parents.


    ¡°Brothers ¡¯til the end?¡± asked Gale, extending a fist.


    Rigel met it with his own. ¡°Brothers til the end.¡±


    That¡¯s right.


    We were brothers long before we were born, and nothing was changing that. Nothing


    ¡°Brothers ¡¯til the end,¡± I said firmly, meeting their fists.


    I felt a small squeeze on my hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with and go home,¡± I. said, smiling at the most beautiful woman in the world.


    A loud growl interrupted our moment. Jared and gray eyes were back on their feet. I flexed the muscles


    on my arms, growling back at him. Gale took my left, ripping his shirt off, a smirk on his face. Rigel took


    my right, running a hand through his hair. Anna and Sabri were behind us, each holding a Sig Sauer


    M17.


    She fucking looks hot.


    Keep your dick out of this,¡±snapped Luca, making me chuckle.


    Gray eyes started shifting too. Two Alphas, two ck wolves, each hungry to rip each of us into pieces.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking scotch,¡± said Rigel.


    ¡°Liam¡¯s collection?¡± asked Gale.


    I chuckled. ¡°Help yourselves.¡±


    Gale whistled. ¡°I¡¯m bringing a plus one.¡± 1


    ¡°Fine by me, bro.¡±


    The two wolves charged at us, howling, and I immediately shifted into my wolf. The girls would need a


    clean shot, and we were not about to be upstaged. It was bad for our reputation.


    Rigel and Gale took on gray eyes, their canines and ws out.


    Jared and I went around in a circle. When he lunged for me, I lowered my head to the side and quickly


    leveraging himself, bit onto my back.


    I let go of his throat and he backed away. Then he ran towards Anna, shifting back into his human form.


    Anna and Sabri fired at him, hitting him o n the shoulder, but he was too fast for them. I set chase,


    changing back into my human form, and tackling him to the ground before he got his hands on her.


    Sabri pulled Anna to the side to get them both out of the way. Straddling him, Inded two solid


    punches right in his face before he used his strength to throw me off him.


    My back hit a wall. Still stered between cement, hended a kick on my stomach, then by the neck,


    pulled me out, and threw me across the floor.


    ¡°Liam!¡± Anna screamed.


    Don¡¯t worry about me.


    I raised my body off the floor only to lie back down on my back as he kicked me in the stomach. I might


    have supernatural prowess, but it didn¡¯t mean I was immune to pain. It hurt like a bitch since I was in


    human form, and he was channeling his wolf¡¯s strength.


    Blue eyes lit up as he watched over me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve a second mate,¡± he spat as he stomped on my stomach. ¡°The great Alpha Liam


    Rose! Defender of helpless packs ¨C ¡°he eximed, then lowering his tone, added, ¡°- and murderer of


    mates.¡±


    His foot came close to my head and I caught it, then pulled him down. Quickly maneuvering my body, I


    wrapped my legs around his lower abdomen, then locked his head between my arms.


    ¡°How¡¯d¡­ it¡­ feel¡­,¡± he said, strugglingt o free himself.


    It was my fault. I didn¡¯t mean to, but it was my fault. He had every right to be angry, to want to kill me,


    but I couldn¡¯t give him a second chance again. During the raid, his mate tried to kill me. I didn¡¯t hesitate


    to kill her. He¡¯d never stop hunting me down, he¡¯d never give up until my Anna was dead.


    A grin etched across his face, despite his weakening attempts.


    ¡°Killing¡­ Sarina¡­¡±


    My grip loosened a little at the name.¡±


    al ure nante.


    Nymptuosen What did you say?


    He chuckled. ¡°A mate for a mate,¡± he spat, and I choked him harder.


    He struggled to breathe, the smile never leaving his face. In a few seconds, his arms fell to his sides.


    He killed her, to avenge his mate. If I didn¡¯t let him live, Sarina, my baby, they¡¯d still be alive.


    Luca growled.


    This ends here.


    Anna looked at me with an unreadable expression on her face.


    No more ghosts.


    Fear shed in her eyes, fear of me¡­ of the man she was seeing. The rumors were true, to a certain


    extent. I was ruthless, in a way that I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to take the lives of anyone who dared to even


    thinko fharming the ones I care for. I took a step towards her and she backed away. Sabri shook her


    head slightly.


    A scream echoed through the halls, sounding more distant as gray eyes fell to the ground. Carson and


    Rigel had thrown


    the ground. Carso, him out the windows.


    Rigel had thrown


    Red res suddenly went up the skies and howls erupted.


    ¡°Fuck me¡­,¡± said Rigel, looking at Anna. ¡°What¡¯d you do?¡±


    Gale and I were surprised, too. Neither of us could connect with Leo nor with anyone on the pack. And


    in the open pack channel, it was only the usual gossips.


    ¡°Luna, they¡¯ve breached the pack¡¯s area,¡± said Sabri, watching out the windows


    That meant¡­ soon, this castle would be overrun by our own men.


    The pack was winning, against the Blue Moon Pack, without the Alpha, the Beta, o r the Head Gamma


    inmand. Anna couldn¡¯t have followed through the ns they made since she was wolf-less, and


    she was with me all this time.


    She blushed and looked to the side. Luca was in awe and so was I.


    ¡°They did it!¡± shouted Carson, hugging her from behind.


    I growled and he immediately let go.¡±


    Igrowled and he Sorry.¡±


    ately let go


    Ethan and Nalia joined us. Salina and Flynn walked in with their hands together. He looked like he was


    beaten up, with bruises and cuts on his face.


    Anna stepped away from him and went to me. I pulled her to my side, assuring her I wouldn¡¯t let him do


    anything.


    ¡°Daddy didn¡¯t approve?¡± mocked Rigel, raising a brow at Salina.


    She red at him and asked, ¡°Is he dead


    yet?¡±


    ¡°Not¡­ yet,¡± said Anna in a tone I hadn¡¯t heard from her before.


    She turned to face the door, cold anger in her eyes. I nodded to Rigel and Gale. Carson went beside


    her and handed her a


    pistol.


    ¡°Mark XIX Desert Eagle,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°How many do I have?¡±


    Who the fuck is she!


    ¡°All seven,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Father¡¯s favorite.¡±


    ¡°And if I remember correctly, so is


    yours.¡±


    Her fingers wrapped around the rubber grip as if it was made for her.


    Flynn looked at her like a lost puppy while Salina smirked at me. Ethan and Nalia were already by the


    door, awaiting my signal.


    She proved herself to be a trained warrior and a great leader. 2


    I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry I made you feel like you aren¡¯t enough when you mean the world to me.


    She killed an enemy wolf in front of me with neither hesitation nor remorse in her eyes. This was


    certainly a side of her I hadn¡¯t seen before, and it took me by surprise. She didn¡¯t have to. I would¡¯ve


    loved her the same and respected her.


    My chest swelled with pride.


    This is my Luna¡­ fearless and cunning... and beautiful.


    I was in awe of her, but¡­ the thought of her taking Myron¡¯s life¡­ didn¡¯t settle well with me


    She was a strong woman, and like me, she¡¯d protect those she cared for, but her


    she¡¯d protect tho. cared for, but her eyes¡­ her eyes were simr to Jared¡¯s ¨C burning with cold fury


    and justified hatred.


    I grabbed her arm to stop her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop me,¡± she said coldly, and my grip loosened.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let her do this,¡± warned Luca.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t you,¡± I said softly.


    ¡°She needs this, Alpha Liam,¡± said Carson firmly.


    I understood. I understood it better than anyone else, and I wanted it, too. I wanted my vengeance on


    Myron. He gathered all my ghosts and pitted them against me. I lost my parents, my first mate and


    unborn child, and warriors. I almost lost my life, and I almost lost my mate. My hands itched to feel his


    life slowly leave his body, but¡­ even after killing Jared, the pain of losing them still lingered.


    I can¡¯t do this to you. You¡¯re not a monster.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Chapter 68 Not Alike


    ¨CAnna


    He should understand me out of everyone here! I lost everyone I loved because of the man behind


    those doors ¨C it was proper that he pay for what he did. Even the Goddess would judge it to be just.


    The gun cool in my hand, and heavy; I positioned myself beside Nalia. Carson was beside Ethan. The


    rest had no other choice. Liam stood beside me, and the group divided between two sides.


    Nodding to Ethan, he and Nalia pushed open the doors. Quickly, they entered with their guns aimed.


    From where I was, I could see Ethan scanning the right side. I was about to follow when Liam


    squeezed my hand


    ¡°Wha


    I was interrupted by the ringing gunshots that shot through the entrance. Bullets pierced through the


    wooden door.


    Liam pulled me back into the safety of the concrete wall before I was full of holes.


    Ethan!


    I looked to where he was and saw him sprawled on the floor. My heart jumped, my breathing rapid as


    the ringing in my ears shut me from the world around me. While a part of me hoped that Nalia was still


    alive, my mind knew for a fact that she was already dead.


    I fought it. They couldn¡®t be dead ¨C there was still time. I could heal them.


    Someone forcefully turned my head. I red at Liam. He pressed his forehead t o mine, his breath


    fanning my face.


    No more deaths.


    Myron! He was the root cause of everyone¡®s suffering, but no more. No more victims.


    Roaringughter came from inside the room, taunting and mocking, loud and clear amidst the


    continuous shooting. My blood boiled. He deserved more than a quick death.


    The shots eventually ceased. I pulled away from Liam and entered the room ¨C a throne room. Pirs


    lined the sides, and


    chandeliers hung above the red carpet that led straight into a tform, of which sat a throne, a wolf¡®s


    skin draped over the armrests with wolf heads sitting on top of its ends. My stomach felt sick just


    looking at it.


    He sat on his throne like a king, a smirk o n his face as he tossed three shotguns to


    the floor. Crossing his legs, he leaned back and scratched the heads.


    I kept the gun pointed at him as I stepped closer and closer until I was only five meters away.


    ¡°It¡®s nice to see you again ¨C,¡± he said casually before adding, ¡°¨CAnna.¡±


    His cold gray eyes eyed me up and down like the day I first met him, and a wave of disgust washed


    over me.


    This wasn¡®t how I pictured it. He should b e begging for me to spare him in hisst moments.


    I had already taken lives. His would be thest. His life would pay for all his sins and everything would


    be alright. The lives he had taken, the people he made suffer ¨C I¡®d have the honor of returning


    the favor. But first, he¡¯d beg, fearful eyes showing my reflection.


    I squeezed the trigger. He bit back a groan as a bullet hit his right shoulder.


    ¡°It¡®s nice to see you too, Myron,¡± I replied with a smile.


    He chuckled. ¡°You¡®re different from when Ist saw you. I doubt Daddy will approve.¡±


    I shot him again, this time on his left shoulder.


    ¡°Bitch!¡± he cursed, and the smile on my face grew


    Blood oozed from the wounds. They weren¡®t healing, the bullets were silver andced with wolfsbane.


    ¡°You deserve to suffer for everything you¡®ve done,¡± I spat as I lowered my arm, and shot his right foot.


    He cursed aloud; his breathing was now heavy, but he still managed tough.


    ¡°Everything I did?¡± he asked exaggeratedly. ¡°You speak like I started the game. You and I are alike,


    Anna. We¡®re both victims of this awful, awful


    game of power.¡±


    I shot his left foot and I watched in satisfaction as he breathed deeply, sweat glistening in his face.


    ¡°I don¡®t understand what you keep bbering about,¡± I said in a bored tone.


    ¡°Anna!¡± shouted Liam as I heard his footsteps draw near.


    ¡°Don¡®t do this,¡± he said, cing a hand o n my arm, asking me to lower it.


    Myronughed. ¡°Listen to him, Anna. Don¡®t do this...¡±


    I red at Liam. ¡°He killed your mate and child!¡± I screamed. Pain shed in his eyes and I bit my


    tongue.


    ¡°He killed Mr. and Mrs. Rose. He poisoned you. He nned the rogue attacks,¡± said Myron in a girly


    voice with a smile, finding the matter amusing. For that sound toe out of a middle¨Caged man made


    it more disturbing.


    Liam growled at him. ¡°You were taken in by the pack. He treated you like a brother!¡±


    His eyes flickered from brown to ck as he fought to keep Luca in control.


    Myron scoffed. ¡°Exactly,¡± he said in a matter¨Cof¨Cfact tone, amusement in his face reced by a cold,


    hard stare. ¡°I remember the day your grandfather attacked my pack. Seeing my father die while


    protecting my mother and me, then my mother dying while protecting me. I remember the sickening


    res and the gs of four packs ¨C the Blue Moon Pack, the Red w Pack, the White Lake Pack, and


    ¨C¡± he paused, shifting his gaze to me then adding, ¡°¨Cthe ck Mist Pack.¡±


    ¡°The Old Alliance betrayed my father,¡°I spat, and heughed, humorless.


    He grinned at me with a knowing look in his eyes. I aimed the gun between his eyes. ¡°Talk!¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡± he challenged. ¡°You¡®re going t o shoot me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied and lowered my arm to shoot his right knee. ¡°Thest bullet¡®s in your head. Talk!¡±


    ¡°Aren¡®t you going to stop her?¡± he said to Liam as he raised a brow.


    He crossed his arms and clenched his jaw.


    ¡°Fucking Alphas, always giving in to their mates.¡±


    ¡°Can¡®t you just shoot him?¡± asked Salina from behind us, sounding annoyed.


    Myron rolled his eyes. ¡°Like father, like daughter, huh, Salina? See, Anna. It¡®s our own kin who¡®s quick


    to betray us. I told you, we are alike in many ways than you think.¡±


    ¡°You and I are not alike!¡± I spat. ¡°No one betrayed me. Your daughter¡®s betrayal is none of my


    concern.¡±


    ¡°Then why did Aiden and Fraser hide the truth from you?¡± he asked, smirking.


    He groaned as he forced himself to sit upright. ¡°That Anabe was a fucking beauty. Too bad she


    couldn¡®t protect Emery from me.¡±


    I breathed deeply at the mention of my parents. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    ¡°Simple. It¡®s fairly easy to make anyone believe that the Alpha is up to no good when so many Alphas


    out there do the same thing. Rape, abuse, outright very


    ... and with the ck bloodline having such a reputation until your father and the alliance, there wasn¡®t


    a shortage of evidence... or a better term perhaps, witnesses.¡±


    ¡°My father was a good man,¡°I whispered.


    My heart sank at the thought of the ck Mist Pack suffering under the hands of a cruel Alpha ¨C how


    many of them had gone through what I did and worse?


    Father...


    ¡°Not good enough for your mother,¡± he replied. ¡°And it was easy convincing your father,¡± he said to


    Liam.


    Liam narrowed his eyes at him. ¡°You tricked him.¡±


    Myron shook his head. ¡°He heard what h e wanted to hear ¨C an opportunity to expand the pack¡®s


    territories. Your ¡®father ¡®, my so¨Ccalled ¡®brother¡®, was a slithering snake and a starved leech when need


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    be. ying the hero to the packs the alliance saved while he robbed them of theirnds.¡±


    He faced me. ¡°Why do you think the ck Mist Pack weakened, huh? Because the alliance attacked?


    Because of the rogue attacks? Stupid girl... your boyfriend¡®s father made Emery gave up hisnds


    under the guise of protection, which of course, he never fulfilled.¡±


    ¡°Can somebody please just kill him!¡± shouted Salina.


    I looked back to see her ring at Myron. Flynn met my gaze and lowered his head apologetically. His


    father was also involved in this


    ¡°I saw the game. And the more I observed, I realized that there is only one way to make it end. If I had


    all the power t o myself, I could change everything. I never wished to inflict upon anyone that which


    happened to me, but the game required certain... sacrifices.¡±


    He took deep breathes. His face paled. He smiled at me. ¡°You and I want the same thing, Anna. We


    just want it to end. Isn¡®t this what you came here for?¡±


    Was it? I came here to avenge them, to end it all.


    End what? This circle of violence and hatred? This game that he talked about?


    ¡°You¡®re right,¡± I replied, shooting his right knee as I stepped closer to him.


    He screamed in pain, his face twisting as he let go of a breath. I went up the steps o f the tform,


    pointing the gun at him ¨C right between the eyes.


    All it needed was one bullet and it would all end ¨C the suffering, the pain, the anger. I could finally have


    peace and so would everyone he wronged. His sins would¡®ve been paid. ¡°It¡®ll end with you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡®t... do this, Anna,¡± said Liam,ing up beside me.


    ¡°It can end here, Liam,¡± I said, annoyed. ¡°When he¡®s dead, our packs would be safe. They can all be


    avenged. Don¡®t you want Sarina to rest in peace?¡±


    ¡°Anna ¨C Anna, look at me!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I shouted as I turned to him.


    The words died in my mouth as he looked at me with a soft expression on his face. H e smiled a little.


    ¡°We can¡®t turn back time, Anna. What¡®s done is done. We both lost people we care about.¡±


    ¡°Then, why are you stopping me?¡± I asked, holding back the tears.


    It¡®s just a bullet away...


    ¡°You¡®re right. He deserves what you did t o him and more. He deserves to die. But if you think killing


    him will make the pain g o away, it won¡®t. They¡®re gone, Anna. Killing him won¡®t change what you feel,¡±


    he said gently, a hand cupping my cheek. 1


    I leaned into his hand, closing my eyes to feel his warmth. Then I stepped back and pointed the gun at


    him.


    ¡°You¡®re defending him. Why? Is it because he¡®s Sarina¡®s father? You¡®ve always known he killed your


    mate, but you never came after him.¡±


    Myron chuckled then stopped when I pointed the gun at him.


    ¡°I¡®d kill him. Goddess knows I wanted to, and I still do.¡±


    ¡°Then, why?¡± I asked exasperatedly.¡±


    Why won¡®t you let me?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡®re not like him,¡± he replied. ¡°You¡®re not a coward who hides behind his walls while


    ming the embers of wars. You¡®re not blinded by a selfish ambition. You¡®re not a ve to power.¡±


    He held out his hand.


    ¡°You¡®re my Luna. You¡®re the Alpha of the ck Mist Pack. You protected our pack, lead our pack to


    victory to prove yourself worthy when you could¡®ve done nothing and still have it all. I want it to end, my


    love... but not like this ¨C not when you¡®ll be like him.¡±


    ¡°For fuck¡®s sake, just kill me!¡± shouted Myron. Sweat ran down his face and his breathing hadbored.


    I aimed the gun at him again and he smirked.


    ¡°Go on. End it. Don¡®t I deserve to die? After all of the horrible things I did?¡±


    I aimed the gun between his eyes, right where I promised thest bullet would go.


    Liam turned his head away.


    I looked into his eyes, the very eyes that reveled in our suffering, the very same pair that witnessed


    everything.


    I saw light blue eyes that looked at me with love. I saw deep blue eyes that looked at me with hope. I


    saw deep brown eyes that looked at me with joy, lose their light. I saw gorgeous brown eyes tinged with


    golden orange that looked at me with pure adoration. And as I closed my eyes, I saw ck eyes


    reflecting flickering yellows ¨C the eyes of a stranger, burning with fury, a twisted smirk on his face at the


    thought of my death, his action fueled by unquenchable hatred.


    I opened my eyes to see my reflection in his eyes, and what stared back at me wasn¡®t the person I was,


    but that man ¨C that same man consumed by the torments of his pain.


    A sudden calmness washed over me as I stared back at him ¨C an odd sense of peace that I hadn¡®t felt


    before. Then there was no pain, no anger, no desire to kill. Instead, there was a lightness in my chest,


    as if the iron chains that bound my


    heart disappeared into nothingness.


    I looked at his entirety and I saw a man too scared to face the world, too selfish to share his heart ¨C a


    man who once knew love but had forgotten it. A sad, sad man.


    ¡°I¡®m not like you,¡± I said, lowering my arm, the gun dropping to the floor in a tter. A warm hand held


    mine and intertwined our fingers. I smiled up at Liam and he smiled back.


    We went down the tform towards Gale, Rigel, and Sabri.


    Carson smiled at me


    Lexy, please mark him ASAP!


    Flynn avoided looking at me while Salina openly red.


    Nalia and Ethan had their backs against the wall as they leaned against each other, sharing a sk.


    ¡°Bulletproof vests,¡± said Ethan with a smile. I swear the guy was the definition o f tough. They were


    both bleeding from their legs and arms, but they¡®ll make it through


    ¡°You alright?¡± Liam asked Rigel, who was still looking at Myron.


    He looked away. ¡°Yeah...¡±


    ¡°So... my knight has a real princess, now?¡± I teased, nudging his side. A grin stretched on his face as


    he looked at Sabri.


    ¡°A queen ¨C,¡± he said as he ced a hand o n her lower abdomen before adding, ¡± and maybe a little


    prince.¡±


    Sabri raised a brow. Rigel stepped back, his arms in fake surrender. ¡°Or a little princess ¨C,¡± he


    defended. ¡°I already love him... or her. I don¡®t care either way.¡±


    Look at him. Already tied around her finger.


    Liam wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me to him.


    Someone wants attention.


    He kissed the top of my head, then leaned down to whisper into my ear, ¡°I want to work on our little


    prince, too.¡±


    ¡°Liam!¡± I scolded, pping his chest.


    I could feel the heat creep up my cheeks a


    t the thought of what it entailed.


    ¡°Or princess,¡± he added then kissed his mark


    ¡°I¡®ll think about it,¡± I said, pulling away from him and holding his hand. ¡°For now, I want to go home.¡±


    His eyes lit up as he smiled.


    ¡°With all due respect, can we please get out of here before you all start fucking?¡± said Gale, already


    heading out the door.


    Rigel and Sabri followed.


    I looked over at Ethan and my eyes widened for he and Nalia were making


    out.


    When did that happen?


    Liam chuckled. ¡°Come on.¡±


    ¡°But... she¡®s mated to someone from my pack,¡± I said. ¡°She¡®s mates with Chuck.¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°Must have two mates. The Goddess does whatever She wants,¡± he said, dismissing it


    easily.


    ¡°Alpha Liam,¡± said Carson, joining us.


    We left Flynn and Salina behind to sort matters between them. Also, if she still wanted her father dead,


    she could just let him bleed ¨C he had already passed out on his throne.


    ¡°I hope this isn¡®t too soon to ask, but ¡±


    ¡°Whatever makes my sister happy,¡± Liam said, cutting him off. ¡°Don¡®t screw i tup.¡±


    Carson smiled from ear to ear then bowed slightly at him.¡°Thank you, Alpha!¡±


    ¡°Call me Liam,¡± he said coolly.


    I couldn¡®t help but smile. My knight was going to be a father, Gale was mated to m y uncle, and my


    male best friend was mates with my female best friend!


    I looked up at my mate, then leaned into him as I wrapped an arm around his waist. We still had things


    to talk through, but they could wait forter. I took in his scent, letting it cloud my head.


    We heard heavy footsteps approach. Soon, our warriors were spilling out into the hall, with Leo in the


    lead. They stopped when they saw us, then ced


    their hands on their chests and bowed deeply.


    ¡°I don¡®t think I¡®ll ever get used to this.¡±


    Liam chuckled. ¡°I¡®ve been nning how t o attack the Blue Moon Pack in years, and you came up with


    a n in less than a day. How?¡±


    ¡°I¡®ll never tell,¡± I said smugly.


    There was a little someone who had been sneaking into his office when he was out for stuff. I couldn¡®t


    help it. I got bored in my room and ying with my phone was gettingme. It was more exciting there


    ¨C he had all these maps and guns. I also found out where he hid his alcohol.


    ¡°I think I can make you,¡± he said confidently.


    Not a chance.


    Leo raised his head at the same time Rigel looked back. Their eyes both widened. The next thing I


    knew, Rigel had gone past me and a gunshot echoed i n the hall. More gunshots followed, as our


    warriors shot someone behind me.


    Then I heard a scream ¨C Sabri¡®s. A feeling


    of dread washed over me, and as I slowly turned to look back, time froze.


    Rich was falling on his back, shards of ss stuck all over his body. Rigel was on the floor, bleeding


    from his chest, wheezing as he coughed up blood.


    They surrounded him, Sabri crying as she screamed something at him.


    My legs carried me forward. Kneeling beside him, I ced shaking hands on his chest. I felt Liam¡®s


    presence beside me. I felt the tears roll down my cheeks.


    Rigel coughed up blood and held Sabri¡®s hands tightly.


    Not this time.


    I took a deep breath, then I closed my eyes and focused. My mind conjured images of Father, holding


    my hands and refusing to let me heal him; of my hands glowing then stopping,


    No more.


    I was wolf¨Cless, but I was a healer, just like mother. I couldn¡®t save my fathers, but if my blood could


    save my mate, it could also save my knight.


    I¡®m not giving up on you.


    Feeling the warmth all over my body, I pulled it all into my hands. I felt a strange sensation run through


    my skin, like electricity shooting through me. My palms felt warm as more warmth gathered, then it


    began to heat up more.


    I couldn¡®t hear anything anymore. I focused on my hands, the sensations getting more and more prickly


    until it felt like a thousand needles were pricking my skin, but I didn¡®t give up.


    He was going to be a father. He was going to have a daughter, or maybe a son, or both, or more. I


    wasn¡®t going to rob his child of a parent.


    Not yet. It isn¡®t your time yet.


    My hands felt like they were burning, scalding hot, but I kept going. As more warmth went into my


    hands, the rest of m e started to feel cold and numb. My head began to throb as if it was a drum and


    the beats were getting louder and louder.


    Finally, thest of the warmth went into my hands, and I felt myself falling.


    Someone caught me. Somehow, my mind still registered what was happening.


    I shivered from the cold.


    Forcing my eyes open, I saw Liam¡®s jaw through myshes. So... cold.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    Chapter 69 The Unforgiven


    ¨CFlynn


    I sighed. ¡°Father, please take your meds.¡±


    He turned on his side with his back to me. After what happened in the Blue Moon Pack, I told him


    everything, and he hadn¡®t talked to me since.


    His wolf had weakened. He was dying, but he refused to take his medicines and h e wouldn¡®t eat.


    The pack healer said he could die at any moment. It wasn¡®t helping that he was being stubborn. He


    even refused to look a t me now. This must be what Anna felt like all those years. I was paying for what


    I did to her.


    ¡°Father, if you take your meds, I¡¯ll give the Red w Pack a call and ask for Anna.¡±


    I could tell he was thinking about it. Thest time he spoke to a person was when Anna came to visit


    him. She left teary eyed, and I didn¡®t dare ask her what they talked about. Hopefully, she at least


    forgave my father for hiding the truth from her.


    When they found out that Myron lied, they were risking their alliance with the Red w Pack and the


    Blue Moon Pack. Father and Head Gamma Aiden knew about their real intentions and couldn¡®t let the


    pack undergo the same fate as the ck Mist Pack.


    Myron was right. It was an awful, awful game. We were all yers whether we wanted to be or not, but


    we could change the course of the game to ensure a better future, where no other child would have t o


    go through what he did, what Anna did, what other children out there did.


    No more victims.


    Liam kept his promise and convinced Anna to talk to me. We talked in private and I told her all that I


    kept from her for two long years and more. I asked for forgiveness, for a second chance, to be her


    friend again, but she wasn¡®t ready to forgive me just yet and asked me to give her time. Hopefully, the


    day woulde. I¡®d wait until myst.


    ¡°Thank you for letting me talk to her, Alpha,¡± I said to Liam.


    ¡°I gave you my word. But it wouldn¡®t have worked if she hadn¡®t agreed. You should be thanking her


    instead,¡± he replied.


    I held my hand out and for a handshake and he epted. It was at least a start. Our short truce was


    over, but there was a mutual understanding between us which was better than a fragile alliance.


    I saw Anna over his shoulder walking over to us. There was something different about her now. I


    suspect it had a lot to do with Liam. I was d to see she was happier than when she was with my


    pack.


    ¡°Thanks for taking care of her,¡± I said.


    ¡°Don¡®t worry about her now,¡± he said.¡± Congrattions on finding your mate.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    I turned around and opened the door tom y car.


    ¡°Flynn,¡± he said as I got in. ¡°Take care of her.¡± 1


    ¡°I will,¡± I said then drove away.


    Father turned to his back. Then he slowly sat up, took the pills and the ss of water on the nightstand,


    and washed the pills down with the water. He didn¡®t look a


    t me.


    I forced a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know how it goes,¡± I said.


    He lied on his back and closed his eyes.


    The man that I admired and dreamed of surpassing ¨C even on his deathbed, I was still beneath him. He


    made mistakes, he had his fair share of sins, but none of them were greater than mine. His impending


    death loomed on my mind, every corner of the mansion reminding m e that I wouldn¡®t have these


    moments of outright rejection.


    Still, a part of me hoped that he¡®d at least hug me one more time. Strangely, these brief painful


    encounters brought about a smallfort ¨C he was still alive.


    I quietly left his room, then made my way out where my mate was waiting for me.


    It was definitely a surprise. I hadn¡¯t


    expected the Moon Goddess to bless me with another after what I did. I took it as a second chance ¨C


    maybe She saw something in me and believed that I was worth a mate.


    When Salina and I got talking, I learned that she was in many ways like me. We were fair reflections of


    one another, and s o we felt a deep connection. I¡®d fallen for her, and now I wish happiness for her. I


    hope she felt happy around me. She always had this smile only when she was with me, like right now.


    1


    ¡°Hello, beautiful,¡± I said, kissing the top of her head.


    She worefortable clothes ¨C my sweatpants and my shirt that was too big for her. She smelled like


    lcs and sunshine. It suited her.


    ¡°Hello, handsome,¡± she replied, kissing my cheek.


    We decided to take things slow ¨C get to know each other more and just be there for each other until we


    were both ready to fullymit.


    Farrell wanted to mark her, im her as


    ours. After a long discussion, he gave in.


    He actually started talking to me again, and we were repairing our broken rtionship. I missed my


    wolf. My head was lonely without him. Getting him back made me happy beyond belief.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to do this?¡± I asked, looking into her beautiful emerald eyes.


    ¡°I¡®m ready,¡± she said.


    She discussed her ns with me after Liam dered her as the new Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack. He


    could¡®ve taken whatever he wanted, took over the pack, did anything he wanted. Instead, he left the


    pack alone and relinquished control t o her.


    The pack was still recovering from the battle, but her people epted her as their leader. I couldn¡®t be


    prouder. My mate was an Alpha. 1


    The drive to her pack was silent. She fell asleep on the way, allowing me about an hour to admire her


    beauty. The more I spent time with her, the more I told myself that I didn¡®t deserve her.


    When we reached her pack, she led me down into the dungeons. The smell was atrocious. She didn¡®t


    seem to mind.


    ¡°Leave us,¡± she ordered the guard on duty. He left immediately.


    I held her hand as we went inside a cell.


    ¡°Well, isn¡®t this nice,¡± said a hoarse voice. ¡°A visit from the Alpha herself. I¡®m honored.¡±


    ¡°I thought about forgiving you,¡± she said. ¡°I thought about it day and night, Daddy. I really did.¡±


    Myron scoffed. He was constantly sedated with wolfsbane ¨C the effect must¡®ve worn off.


    ¡°Don¡®t tell me you¡®re getting soft, Salina. Is the Alpha going to pardon this lowly prisoner?¡± he mocked.


    ¡°No,¡± she said, pulling off a handgun from its holster which was strapped to her right leg. ¡°I can¡®t,


    Daddy. I tried, but I really can¡®t.¡±


    ¡°Don¡®t cry, sunshine. You should save your tears for the future. When you¡®re all alone at night and all


    your sinse to


    haunt you.¡±


    Her hand shook and she swallowed, hard. ¡°I didn¡®t want to do them, Daddy. You know I didn¡®t.¡±


    Myron smirked. ¡°But you did, sunshine. You were a part of it all. You could¡®ve said ¡®no¡® but you didn¡®t.


    You could¡®ve defied m e, but you didn¡®t. You could¡®ve asked for help, but you didn¡®t.¡±


    ¡°I was afraid of you,¡± she replied, her voice breaking. ¡°You would¡®ve killed me.¡±


    ¡°But your conscience would¡®ve been clean,¡± he said in a bored tone. ¡°Go on. Convince yourself that you


    had no choice. Tell yourself that you did it because I told you to. You didn¡®t want to do any of it?¡±


    Heughed mockingly. ¡°You loved Liam. You were jealous of Sarina. Admit it, sunshine. You wanted to


    take her ce so badly you wanted her dead. Why else would you lead her into the woods, far from the


    safety of the pack? I almost thought you betrayed me when you gave her the antidote.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡®t ¨C


    ¡°That sickening Rose... hypocrite! And that Fraser and Aiden... nothing ever washes the stink of blood,


    sunshine. You have to kill that bitch.¡±


    My hands balled into fists at what she was calling Anna. My jaw clenched so as not to interfere.


    ¡°You are a good girl, Salina.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡®t know you would kill her! I¨C¡±


    ¡°A¨Ca¨Cah... you knew very well.¡±


    ¡°She was pregnant with your granddaughter, Daddy,¡± Salina cried. ¡°I didn¡®t think you¡®d be so heartless


    as to kill her.¡±


    His lips curved into a frown. ¡°Ah... well, the sacrifices we make... for the sake of a better world.¡±


    ¡°You did it for you, Daddy,¡± she whispered. ¡°Was Mommy Julia a sacrifice too? I thought you loved her.


    She epted Sarina and me ¨C we saw her as our mother.¡±


    ¡°Julia...¡± he drawled. ¡°Sweet innocent Julia. It was for her own sake, sunshine. She didn¡®t understand


    my dreams. She


    would¡®ve betrayed me given the chance. Just like how you betrayed me... like how that bastard Myron


    betrayed me. Haha! H e killed my men to protect your mate¡®s Beta? Ha¨Cha! Hypocrites! Who would¡®ve


    thought his daughter was Rose¡®s Luna, huh?¡± 2


    Salina ced a hand over her mouth, her hand shaking.


    ¡°You¡¯re different, sunshine. Unlike our innocent Sarina, you¡®re more like me. You¡®re Daddy¡®s good little


    girl.¡±


    ¡°Don¡®t call me that,¡± she spat. ¡°You¡®re a nevil man.¡±


    ¡°It don¡®t matter now, sunshine. Pull the trigger if you think it¡®ll help you sleep. The deed is done.


    Seducing Liam, getting into that bitch¡®s head, sessfully getting her out of Liam¡®s hands ¨C.¡± Myron let


    out augh then continued, ¡± you¡®re such a good girl, Salina! I¡®m not mad at you for betraying me. You


    know what they say, ¡®an apple doesn¡®t fall far from its tree¡®.¡±


    Salina let out a breath. Then she fired. Myron grunted.


    That¡®s for Mommy Julia,¡± she said firmly.


    Myronughed hysterically. ¡°Go on, sunshine.¡±


    Another gunshot. ¡°That¡®s for my niece.¡±


    He muffled a scream, the chains holding him rattling. Then he let out heavy breaths.


    ¡°Be a good girl and kill your Daddy,¡± he said, growling.


    She sniffled as more tears fell on her cheeks. ¡°I can still remember who you used to be, Daddy. I


    remember you spinning me around and cooking me waffles and braiding my hair. I remember you


    reading us bedtime stories and tucking me in bed. I remember all the good you¡®ve done, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°All the good I¡®ve done...¡± he repeated, his lips curving into a smirk.


    ¡°Please... Daddy... let me talk to him...¡± Salina cried.


    Myron shut his eyes, seemingly remembering the things she mentioned When he looked at her again,


    his face


    softened, and he smiled genuinely as al proud father would


    ¡°You¡®ve grown, Salina. Have I ever told you, you look just like your Mom? Your real Mom, Janice.¡±


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Salina shook her head.


    ¡°Ah... well, I¡®m in for one of her cold treatments,¡± he said, chuckling,


    ¡°I can¡®t watch you die slowly, Daddy. The world doesn¡®t want you anymore. You have to go.¡±


    ¡°Hold the gun steady, sunshine,¡± he said softly, no trace of the man he was moments before. ¡°I taught


    you better than that.¡±


    ¡°I¡®m sorry, Daddy,¡± she said.


    My heart was breaking from their words and her tears. I could stop her now, but it wasn¡®t my decision to


    make. Watching her father suffer a slow death was torturous, and I couldn¡®t let her go through the


    same.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, sunshine. Don¡®t waste your tears on me,¡± Myron said, smiling,¡± Take care of my daughter,


    kid.¡±


    I held her hand. ¡°I will,¡± I promised.


    She held my hand tighter. ¡°I love you, Daddy,¡± she said.


    ¡°I love you, too, sunshine.¡±


    She pulled the trigger.


    It was a straight shot to his heart. The gun fell on the floor and so did her tears. Her knees gave away


    and I caught her in my arms. For the next hours, I held her in my arms,forting her as best I could


    until she passed out.


    I carried her out the dungeons then to her room. Iid her on her bed, and sat beside her, stroking her


    hair.


    Me and my mate ¨C there was just the two of us now ¨C two Alphas who had nobody else but each other.


    Carson left me. He deserved better and I was happy for him. The pack understood. He left with no hard


    feeling between us. W e were still friends, but some things just couldn¡®t be fixed.


    Iid beside her, staring at the ceiling as I thought about my life and what was next for me.


    While it troubled me that she used to be i n love with Alpha Liam, she still recognized the bond between


    us. Both of u s shrouded in shadows, and there was no one I¡®d rather be with than her. She stirred


    hourster when it was dark outside and so was the room.


    Her arm fell around my waist and she rested her head on my chest. I kissed the top of her head.


    ¡°How are you feeling, beautiful?¡±


    ¡°Not good,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Do you want me to get something for


    you?¡±


    ¡°No, just stay here,¡± she said, taking a deep breath then rxing.


    ¡°What are you thinking of?¡± she asked, minutester.


    ¡°Of us,¡± I said. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I think we should merge our packs.¡±


    That would pose new problems. Our packs used to be in alliance with each other. Conflicts might arise


    from within, weakening the pack instead.


    ¡°Don¡®t you want to be an Alpha?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I just want to be with you,¡± she whispered. ¡°Do you see me differently


    now?¡±


    ¡°No, beautiful. You did what you had to,¡± I said, pulling her closer.


    ¡°He¡®s gone now.¡±


    ¡°Do you regret it?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she said, propping herself on her elbows. ¡°I think he¡®s happier with his family.¡±


    I smiled, even though she couldn¡®t see it.


    A family, huh.


    ¡°What do you want to name our pack?¡±


    ¡°Mm... it¡®s really dark in here,¡± she said.


    ¡°That¡®s a long name,¡± I said, chuckling.


    ¡°Turn on the lights.¡±


    ¡°A little shorter.¡±


    She pped my chest. ¡°Flynn!¡±


    ¡°It¡®s a new moon, beautiful,¡± I said. ¡°It¡®s a moonless night.¡±


    That¡®s it!¡± she eximed.


    ¡°That¡®s what?¡±


    ¡°New Moon Pack,¡± she said.


    I repeated the name.


    ¡°You don¡®t like it?¡±


    ¡°It¡®s perfect,¡± I said.


    I felt her breath on my face, then her soft lips pressed against mine. I turned us over, so she was under


    me. ¡°Just perfect.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°Not tonight, handsome,¡± she said, pecking my cheek.


    ¡°I understand,¡± I said then I captured her lips again. I rolled off her and pulled her close to me.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to do this?¡± she asked. ¡°Daddy has done a lot more, and h e has more rogues


    under hismand. I don¡®t know if they¡®d obey me... or you.¡±


    ¡°We¡®ll make it happen, my lc... together,¡± I said.


    She yawned and stretched.


    ¡°Together,¡± she said, rubbing her face on


    my chest


    Maybe... even if just by a little, we could change the course of the game.


    GIVE YOU AN EXTRA FREE BONUS: 1000 BONUS!


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 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Chapter 70 Miracles Happen


    m squeezed my hand. I leaned into his chest and he hugged me to hitu. Beside me was Carson,


    and i at the seats opposite us, Gale and Sabri. We were in the lobby, waiting for Lexy or any of her staff


    to inform us of the result of the operation.


    When I passed out, so did Rigel. The wound had closed, and he expelled the poison, but how he was


    still alive with a silver bullet inside him, was a mystery. In a way, my own gift scared me. Tf word about


    it spread, the pack might make trore enteries than before and would suffer more attacks.


    Liam told me he had to keep it a secret even from the pack, so when Rigel¡¯s wound closed, they


    somehow made it appear like I only expelled the wolfsbane.


    None of them would tell me the details.


    | It didn¡¯t settle well with me.


    Can¡¯t we trust our own pack with a secret?


    He said he didn¡¯t want to risk it. We left it at that. There was a bigger issue at the moment, which was


    again rted to me Liam and I talked about it ¨C we weren¡¯t merging our packs, but the Red w Pack


    would help the ck Mist Pack recover. Between Alphas, we formed an alliance.


    I was d he took it so well. He¡¯d been very supportive of my decision. I was the first female Alpha and


    the first to be both an Alpha and a Luna, although thetter was yet to be made.¡±official¡±.


    Alphas of other packs quickly heard about me that they demanded a meeting. They were quite civil of


    their hostility and were aware that I was wolf-less. However, they couldn¡¯t do anything about it. ¨C hone


    of them nor any other alliance could force me to choose a side. The Red w Pack and its alliances


    were allied with the ck Mist Pack, and although not an official ally, the newly formed New Moon pack


    voiced out their support.


    It was difficult seeing Flynn and Salina. Then again, they themselves were breaking the norm= an


    Alpha allowing his Luna to attend an Alpha meeting. Perhaps he had changed, and he wasn¡¯t the Flynn


    I knew before. Perhaps someday, when I could face the scars that he gave me, I could also learnt o


    forgive him, just like how I learned to forgive my fathers and Alpha Fraser.


    They kept the truth from me, but they raised me as one of them. Alpha Fraser was apassionate


    Alpha. The fact that my Mother was treated well with them, and that he gave me a ce in his pack I


    couldn¡¯t simply waive these. I¡¯d always be grateful to him and Beta Colton.


    Aiden stood as my father in every way. We weren¡¯t rted by blood, but we held a stronger bond. He¡¯d


    always be my father, and I was so, so proud to be the daughter of a brave and kind man.


    It felt like pushing them around, and it reminded me of Myron. However, unlike him, I wasn¡¯t going t


    ouse this power to force the other packs to submit or to wage war upon them. Instead, it¡¯d be used in


    forging a future that Father envisioned where the burden of our generation didn¡¯t have to be passed


    unta the next


    Liam and I talked things over ¨C everything from what happened that night I caught them. I was really


    stupid to let her get into my head. 2


    So far, things were going well between us. Despite everything that happened, I was happy, and there


    was so much to look forward to.


    ¡°Alpha, Luna.¡±


    We all stood as a nurse came over to us. She smiled and broke the news. ¡°The operation is a sess.


    Head Gamma will be moved to the recovery ward. You may visit him there.¡±


    Sabri started sobbing, Gale assisting her as she sat back down.


    Thank you, Goddess.


    Thank you,¡± said Liam.


    The nurse nodded then left. Helet out a relieved sigh then slumped on the chair. He¡¯d been worrying


    about Rigel though he tried his best to hide it. Unfortunately for him, Lexy taught me well and I learned


    fast. I even picked up new ones, but these were just between my Alpha and me.


    I kissed his cheek and smiled up at him. The minimal noise in the lobby was interrupted when Aunty


    came running in. ¡°Is it over?¡± she asked, more like screamed. For someone who was always


    appeared to be in control, she was a panicking mess today. ¡°He¡¯s fine, Aunty),¡± I replied, walking over


    to her, and giving her a hug. ¡°They¡¯re moving him to the recovery ward. We can visit himter.¡±


    ¡°Thank, Goddess!¡± she eximed.


    She pulled away and went to Sabri. It was heartwarming to see a more human side to Aunty J. She


    was like a machine in the kitchens, but outside, she was a mother¡­ who was about to be a


    grandmother!


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We¡¯re going for now, Aunty J, Sabri,¡± said Liam, getting up. ¡°We¡¯lle by againter.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± said Aunty), hugging him. ¡°I¡¯ll have them prepare a hot meal for you two.


    Thank you, Aunty J.¡±


    T¡¯ll have to leave for now, too,¡± said Gale.


    He looked the worst among us. There was something bothering him, and I had a hunch it had


    something to do with my Uncle, but if he didn¡¯t want to talk about it, I figured it¡¯d be best to let him b


    41 have something to pick up from the mall today. But I¡¯ll be back for my brother.¡±


    I¡¯m staying,¡± said Carson when we all turned to him. ¡°You know why.¡±


    ¡°See youter, Car,¡± I said, waving to him. After he left the White Lake Pack to be with Lexy, I offered


    him the Beta position. Being my best friend and impliedly the husband of my, hopefully, sister-inw, he


    epted


    What can I say? He loves me.


    ¡°See you, Be.¡±


    do


    On our Way Out, Ethan and Na walked in. After a brief rechange, they joined up with Sabrand Aunty


    L. We bid goodbye to Gale, then we headed back to the castle.


    The surrounding tres provided shade, and it¡¯d been some time since we went out for a walk, just the


    two afus.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you tell me how you nned the attack?he asked.


    I giggled, grinning up at him. There was no way I was telling him.


    The Blue Moon Pack, deemed to be an imprable pack, was taken down under the leadership ofm y


    wolf-less mate,¡± he said, sounding awed.


    ¡°Yes, it was,¡± I replied.


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never tell.¡±


    ¡°My grandfather used to speak highly of ¡®The Phantom General¡¯. He said the Gerteral¡¯s ns secured


    their victories. It was during his years and he told me this when Dad had already taken over and the


    Old Alliance was disbanded.¡±


    Alpha Fraser called Father with the nickname once, but Father warned him not to use it again. I


    dismissed it as a joke and hadn¡¯t thought about it since.


    *You take after him, don¡¯t you?¡± he asked, holding my mind.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He taught me¡­things¡­ but it was all part of try training,¡± I shrugged.


    He suddenly pulled me to his side then kissed the top of my head. ¡°You are fucking amazing, babe. I


    should have Rigel train under you,¡± he said, chuckling at his own words.


    ¡°Actually¡­ I was thinking¡­ that maybe I could train with you?¡± I asked, hoping he¡¯d say yes. Being in


    the frontlines was dangerous as it was exhrating, but if I could protect my pack by doing so¡­


    ¡°I¡¯d love to see you in action, babe,¡± he replied, grinning.


    ¡°Yes!¡± I eximed. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Don¡¯t misunderstand, Anna. I meant action as in training. I won¡¯t let you put yourself in danger again,¡±


    he said firmly.


    But


    ¡°No buts, babe. Besides, I¡¯d rather have you in Command,¡± he said, inhaling deeply. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have


    underestimated you.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at him, ¡°I was raised to be the Head Gamma. Give me a gun, and I¡¯ll shoot. Give me a


    team, and I¡¯ll n and lead.¡±


    ¡°You.. didn¡®t strike me as the type,¡± he said,ughing ¡°My Luna won us a pack war: You¡¯re getting


    famous, you know.¡±


    Hal Didn¡¯t think i¡¯d have a feared reputation.¡±


    He tipped my chin up.


    Cooooo


    # Not fear, my love Admiration,¡± he said, kissing my forehead.


    I wouldn¡¯t have realized it if it wasn¡¯t because of you, Liam,¡± I replied, crossing my hands around his


    neck. Thank you.¡±


    Lain leaned closer until our lips met. Dizzying, as his tongue danced with mine, as his teeth tugged o


    na my bottom lip. We parted for air, sharing smiles and pure adoration.


    Fuck, you¡¯ve no idea how hot you looked then,¡± he murmured, pecking my lips.


    Theld his hand, walking towards the castle before he made a move.


    With himn toy my side, even silence wasfortable. These days have been peaceful and emotional


    and I was beginning to adjust to my new life now.


    In no time, we reached the castle. As soon as the door closed, Liam swept me off my feet, making m


    yelp.


    ¡°Alone atst,¡± he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Chapter 71 Loving Alpha


    I crossed my arms and huffed. ¡°No.


    *No?¡± he asked, raising a brow


    ¡°No,¡± I repeated


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I feit a slight thug then the bedroom door mmed behind me.


    You have to stop doing that!¡± I shouted:


    ¡°Doing what?¡± he asked, smirking, then my back was hitting the mattress.


    That super-fast thingy!¡± I blurted:


    What did I say?


    Heid beside me then leaned forward. ¡°You like it when I get fast¡­ super fast¡­.¡± he said, his voice


    husky. His voice alone was making me doubt my own words.


    ¡°Liam¡­.¡± I whined. ¡°Can¡¯t you hold back for just this once?¡±


    His tongue swiped over his mark and as he sucked on the skin. My hands instinctively found their way


    behind his head.


    ¡°No,¡± he replied, trailing kisses up my neck then my jaw.


    I felt my dress being raised as his hand slithered up my thigh, then pushing my panties to the side, he


    slid two fingers right in. I gasped at the sudden intrusion. ¡°You¡¯re so wet for me, babe,¡± he said as his


    fingers sped up, curling inside me.


    His mouth muffled my moans and he quickly brought me to orgasm. My body shook and my juices


    came out of me as his fingers continued to fuck me, prolonging my orgasm for as long as possible.


    My chest heaved as I panted for air, my walls clenching around his fingers. He pulled them out and I


    whimpered at their loss. His lips came crashing down on me, and I moved mine along with this.


    He had me under a spell ¨C his spell. I was powerless under the assault of his touch, and I wouldn¡¯t


    want to have it any other way. I was his as was he mine, in every way.


    Kneeling on the bed, he pulled me down to hirn. My eyes took in every bit of his gorgeous body ¨C from


    The bundles of muscles in his arms to his chest, down to his abs that I drool over.


    ¡°No?¡± he asked as he unbuttoned his jeans.


    I raised myself on my elbows and bit my lower lip. How could I say no when he was teasing me like


    that?


    Take this off,¡± he said, pulling my dress up to my waist.


    ¡°No,¡± I said, crossing my legs and leaning back a little, sinirking at him. His gorgeous brown eyes


    darkened.


    ¡°No?¡± He growled, crawling on top of me.


    ¡°No,¡± I said firmly.


    I felt myself getting lifted then brought back down. Looking down, I was already in my ck two plece


    my bra.


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking beautiful,¡± he murmured. Iid back down as his mouth closed on my right breast while


    his hand and fingers gave equal attention to my left. His tongue teased iny nub repeatedly, grazing it


    with his teeth before sucking to soothe the pain


    My thighs rubbed against each other at the mix of pleasure and pain


    ¡°Liam,¡± I breathed, feeling the need to have something down there, again: As if reading my mind, he


    trailed wet kisses down my stomach before ripping my panties off and flicking huis tongue over my clit.


    I gasped at the contact. His delicious tongue licked my clit in circles, making my toes curlin delight. A s


    his tongue worked on my clit, his fingers pumped me faster. I pushed his head closer¡­


    That samne feeling was returning. Heat pooled in my lower region, and I was shaking. Liam had to


    push down my right thigh to keep me still. My mind turned to mush as I drowned in pleasure.


    ¡°Liam!!!¡± I screamed as I came. I was a panting mess as hepped my sticky juices.


    He fixed his gaze on me as he pushed inside. My walls stretched to wee his girth, feeling every bit


    of him as he pushed slowly, pushing more of him as he pushed in. We both let out a breath when he


    was all the way in.


    Raising my tired legs to his shoulders, he began to thrust, slowly, making me feel all of him, my walls


    contracting around him. He thrust in and out of me, faster and faster, until my breaths were in sync with


    his rhythm. As he hammered into me like there was no tomorrow, my hands searched for his solid


    nes. The muscles tensed and rxed under my touch, as I glided my palins down his arms then up


    again. He sucked and nipped at his mark while my nails dug into his back.


    I was going delirious with each thrust. I¡¯d already lost count of how many times I came, but he was


    nowhere near finishing. As he breathed on the crook of my neck, asionally capturing my lips, I


    closed my eyes and relished the moment.


    Moans left my mouth ¨C and I screamed his name over and over and over.


    Liam ¡ª my mate, my Alpha, the only man I¡¯ll ever love for a lifetime and more.


    He shuddered as he groaned, then he came inside me, uttering my name repeatedly. His thrusts


    slowed down?, but he didn¡¯t pull out. My walls clenched around him, throbbing and hot from his seed.


    My heart raced as Theaved for air. Our bodies slick with sweat, he pressed closer onto me but not too


    much as to crush me with his weight.


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing,¡± he murmured, looking into my eyes.


    I pulled him into a kiss, smiling as I did.


    ¡°iloveyoul,¡±linkulsporuci, plucing his foreheadhoning, our webpathes Tanning ources.


    si love you, 10), my Alpha.¡± ** My Lama,¡± fue replied, smiling into the kiss. ¡°Let¡¯s do it again.¡±


    My dryers widenedl. ¡°No!¡±


    Hechuckled as he ground his hips 1 moined at the sensation.


    ¡°Letne test,¡± I whined. ¡°I¡¯m tires, Liam


    prouted at him and butted myshes. He sighed and turned his head as he thought about it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you browniester?¡± he asked, smirking


    My mouth watered. Who knew the bad scity Alpha could bake brownies better than me?


    ¡°No?¡± I replied, thinking about it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you hot chocte,¡± he added, thrusting at the same time my walls clenched.


    Amoan escaped luis lips. If there was anything that could turn me on in an instant, it was that beautiful,


    beautiful sound. However, I wanted to hear something else.


    ¡°No,¡± I said, firmly, untangling my legs from his back and pressing them together for as close as


    [Possible. His eyes shut tight as his brows knitted, another moan escaping his lips as my walls


    Lightened even more around him.


    I also had him under a spell ¨C my spell. I could just as easily ce him under my mercy and make him


    beg for what we both want.


    What are the words?¡± I teased, tracing kisses along his jaw. His stubble pricked my lips, but I didn¡¯t


    mind it.


    As I tightened and eased around him, he bit his lip and groaned.


    Please¡­,¡± he said breathlessly.


    ¡°Please¡­ what?¡± I asked softly. ¡°Brownies, hot chocte, and?¡±


    He stared at me with lust-filled eyes, golden orange flecks glinting,


    Please¡­ Alpha.¡±


    I craned my neck and kissed him hungrily. Our tongues danced in heated passion, sliding over the


    smooth muscle seductively, teasingly. He growled.


    ¡°Good boy.¡± I praised, locking my legs around his back.


    I love you,¡± he murmured, thrusting in and out of me


    We went at it again until he was spent, and I, exhausted.


    After a warm and rxing sex free shower, I took a nap as he worked on his promise. Soon, I was


    pulled out of sleep by the smell of hot chocte and freshly baked brownies. I sat on hisp, my legst


    Done side with the te on myp as I sipped my drink.


    Thank you, Liam.¡± I said, resting my head on his chest. He kissed the top of my head then took a


    brownic from the te.


    ¡°If this keeps up, I¡¯m going to lose my abs,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°If lose my abs, I¡¯ll have a gut.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°If I have a gut, you won¡¯t have an eye candy, babe.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You can work out more.¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s not how it works.¡±


    I patted his boulder hard abs. ¡°Always stay this way.¡± I whispered, and he chuckled.


    Work out with me,¡± he said.


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m good. I¡¯m not bod obsessed like you.¡±


    ¡°Babe,¡± he said, cing his empty mug on the nightstand. He also took the te off myp, then my


    empty mug. ¡°I can¡¯t feel my legs.¡±


    Ipped his chest and he fell back onto the bedughing


    ¡°I¡¯m not that heavy!¡± I eximed, jumping off the bed and walking into the closet. In front of the mirror, I


    raised my shirt and studied my stomach. 1 pinched at the sides, then the front. I hadn¡¯t worked out


    since I left my old pack!


    ¡°Babe¡­I whiined as he entered.


    ¡°Let me see,¡± he said, kneeling in front of me. Without warning, he pinched my side and I squealed. I


    swatted his hand away.


    ¡°Oh?


    He smirked.


    I stepped back.


    ¡°No,¡± I said, then I was mmed into the drawers. He tickled me at my sides,ughing


    ¡°Ha-ha¡­ S-S-Stoph¡­ ha!¡± I screamed as Iughed. My middle hurt. I was in tears.


    He finally let me go and I pushed him hard. He fell to the floor,ughing. I sat beside him, waiting for


    him to calm down.


    ¡°You¡¯re adorable,¡± he said, kissing the top of my head.


    I pouted


    ¡®t like it.¡±


    I raised a brow at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll maintain my abs, babe. You just keep gaining weight for me.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I said in disbelief. I was starting to think about working out¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you have abs, or a t stomach, or a muffin top. I¡¯ll still love you.¡±


    I smiled and kissed him, tasting sweet chocte. Then I got up and headed to the bathroom to brus my


    teeth.


    Wait. What if I have a gut? Will you still love me then?¡±


    I giggled. Seeing Liant with a gul, in my head, he looked really funny


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± he asked, pretending to sulk.


    Ah! You big baby. ¡°Do you only love me because of my abs?¡± I shook my head. Couldn¡¯t this wait until I


    finished brushing? He didn¡¯t say anymore as he brushed his teeth


    I went out of the bathroom, yawning.


    ¡°Anna? Is it because of my abs?¡±


    I giggled as I slipped under the covers. Soon, he was beside me, wrapping an arm around my waist.


    Gut,¡± he whispered in my ear and I giggled. The picture was too funny!


    ¡°Big, jiggly gut.¡± I muffled augh with my pillow.


    He wouldn¡¯t let it go!


    ¡°Jiggly, jiggly. Jiggly gut.¡± I couldn¡¯t help butugh! In my head was an image of a shirtless Liam without


    his abs, doing a stupid dance. 1


    You¡¯re so adorable,¡± he said, kissing my cheek.


    I turned to face him.


    ¡°Jiggly gut,¡± he said again, and I giggled.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll still love you,¡± I said, giving him a quick kiss. ¡°When your hair is all gray, and you¡¯re all


    wrinkly, and you have a gut, and you can no longer carry me, and you¡¯re not as fast as you used to, I


    know I¡¯ll love you much, much more then than I do now.¡±


    ¡°T love you, too,¡± he said, brushing a thumb over my lips. ¡°Fat, scars, stretch marks, cellulite, or


    whatever you don¡¯t like about your body, I love everything about you, farts and all.¡±


    Heat crept up my cheeks. Liam imed I fart in my sleep.


    I do not!


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± I muttered, turning my back on him while he chuckled.


    ¡°I love you, brownies,¡± he said, pulling me closer to him.


    ¡°Mmm.. I love hot chocte,¡± I replied, a smile pulling on my lips.


    ¡°Goodna-Wait. That¡¯s not right.¡±


    I kept quiet, fighting the urge tough.


    You¡¯re supposed to say, ¡®I love you, too, hot chocte¡¯. You forgot to say ¡®you¡¯.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I love hot chocte.¡±

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Chapter 72 Paced Recovery


    ¨C Gale


    My hands gripped the steering wheel. I shouldn¡¯t be here. When we got back to the pack, Jaymer was


    in the clinic, but Andrix had left.


    This wasn¡¯t going to work.


    How do I even begin?


    I couldn¡¯t just walk up to him and say, ¡°Hi, I¡¯m sorry for torturing you for months but I¡¯m your mate so


    let¡¯s just forget about it?¡±


    Idiot.


    Gil was howling in my head. He¡¯d been missing our mate and I couldn¡¯t get him to shut u p. I tugged at


    my hair and let out a groan. I should go back, think about it more, and then return on ater day.


    On the passenger seat was a box of choctes that made me feel more stupid. What should I say? ¡°I


    saw it when I was passing by and thought it¡¯d be nice to¡­¡±


    I groaned again.


    Fuck. I can¡¯t do it.


    I finally found my mate and the first thing I did was torture the living daylights out of him. Goddess, he


    drove me crazy.


    Those months were hell. I couldn¡¯t sleep and I barely ate. If it wasn¡¯t for the coffee, the drinking, and


    the weekly sessions I forced myself to see him, I wouldn¡¯t have gotten through them. I was Beta. The


    pack relied on me. One little mistake could¡¯ve been disastrous. I couldn¡¯t let my emotions overpower


    me.


    I tried¡­ so hard to get him off my mind, to forget about his alluring blue eyes and that charming smile.


    His tenacity drew me to him like a moth to a me. I got burned.


    Gil whimpered.


    ¡°Shut it, you. We¡¯re leaving,¡± I told him.


    I furnbled with the keys that it dropped. I ducked down to reach it, then a sudden knock o n the window


    surprised me that my head hit the steering wheel. I turned to re at the person, only that person was


    none other than my mate.


    Sweat bathed him from the top of his head down his wet gray cotton shirt. He leaned on the window


    and smiled. He looked like he was out for a run.


    Gllbut howled happily.


    Andrix knocked again, pulling me out of my sinful thoughts. I lowered the windows and his scent wafted


    to me.


    Sweet basil and in mint it was just¡­ him.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see you around here,¡± he said.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    I still couldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°I was just passing through,¡± I said, then showed him the keys. ¡°Dropped my keys.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re here, how about a cup of coffee?¡± he asked. ¡°My ce is a five-minute walk. You can


    leave your car here. I¡¯ll inform them the Red w Pack¡¯s Beta¡¯s dropping b


    At the mention of coffee, my brain decided it was the best time to send a signal and make me yawn.


    Andrix chuckled. ¡°Looks like you need more than a cup.¡±


    ¡°Back off,¡± I said, my hand on the grab handle.


    He stepped to the side. Against my better judgment, I grabbed the box beside me then stepped out.


    The car¡¯s lights shed as I locked the doors.


    I should really get myself a car of my own. Maybe a McLaren 720S¡­


    Unlike Liam¡¯s babies, mine wouldn¡¯t be sitting on a garage.


    That for me?¡± he asked, smirking.


    ¡°I bought it for me,¡± I said, yawning.


    Gil, you bastard! He yawned on purpose. Why does this apply in this setting!


    ¡°This way,¡± he said, knowing full well that I bought it for him. ¡°So, what brings the Beta of the Red w


    Pack all the way here?¡±


    ¡°Call me Gil.¡±


    He raised a brow at me.


    Goddess¡­


    ¡°My wolf says ¡®hi¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Gil,¡± he said, as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.


    I wasn¡¯t the slightest bit disgusted.


    Goddess¡­


    TESS


    I was totally into my Luna¡¯s uncle. This was just¡­ Weird.


    ¡°My wolf says ¡®hi¡¯ back. His name¡¯s Axel. Would you like to meet him?¡±


    Gil all but howled louder.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ next time,¡± I said, and Gil growled at me.


    ¡°d there¡¯s a next time,¡± he said.


    His ce was a charming modern log cabin. We climbed a set of stairs that led to an L shaped deck.


    The interior was surprisingly modern ¨C simplistic and cozy. He took off his running shoes by the door


    and neatly set them to the side. I did the same.


    ¡°Let me take a quick shower then I¡¯ll fix you a cup of coffee you¡¯ve never had before,¡± he said with a


    wink.


    He had house slippers for me to use. I put them on and followed him inside.


    Make yourself at home,¡± he said as he disappeared up the stairs.


    I ced the box on the countertop. His house was¡­ neat. The copper and bronze ents


    round coffee table was empty save for a small potted cactus nt.


    I let out a sigh.


    What am I doing here?


    ¡°You missed him,¡± said Gil.


    ¡°I miss sleeping, Gil. You wouldn¡¯t let me rest.¡±


    With his scent all over the ce, I found myself sinking deeper into the soft cushions. I hadn¡¯t slept


    enough since the Blue Moon Pack. I shook my head awake. Sleeping on someone¡¯s sofa? Wake up!


    ¡°You really need that coffee,¡± said Andrix.


    He had sweatpants on and¡­ nothing on top except for a white towel hung on his neck.


    I fucking woke up.


    His hard pecs, harder abs, and¡­


    ¡°Eyes up here, babe,¡± he said, chuckling.


    I met his gaze, getting pulled further into the abyss of his clear blue eyes that stared back at me. I


    couldn¡¯t see his features properly then because he was bound, but seeing him up close and personal


    and half naked¡­.


    Gil was running around in circles.


    Don¡¯t you have a shirt?¡± I muttered as I peeled my eyes off him.


    ¡°I figured it¡¯ll be more fun to tease you.¡±


    He disappeared into the kitchen. I followed him and sat on a stool, leaning on the countertop. His scent


    was getting to me.


    I shouldn¡¯t havee here. This was a bad time.


    ¡°So, what are you here for?¡± he asked, leaning forward on his side.


    ¡°I already told you. I was just passing through.¡±


    Thankfully, that was enough to get him to back off. I was controlling my breathing. Being so close to


    him was triggering another session.


    ¡°You won¡¯t mind?¡± he asked, opening the box.


    ¡°Help yourself.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­¡±


    My right hand balled into a fist, the knuckles turning white. Why did he have to make that sound?


    ¡°It¡¯s ready,¡± he said.


    I forced a smile. He poured me a cup and another for himself.


    The bitter aroma soothed me. I took a sip and gulped it down immediately. Disgusting!


    Andrixughed as he took a sip of his own.


    ¡°You said it was ¡®coffee like I¡¯ve never had before,¡± I used.


    It tasted too bitter and there was just¡­ something off about it. Whatever it was, it was disgusting. He


    drank it like it was a normal cup of coffee.


    ¡°Have you ever had coffee like this before?¡± he asked calmly.


    ¡°What do you think?


    ¡°Exactly,¡± he said. He tricked me!


    ¡°How can you drink that¡­ thing¡­¡±


    ¡°Coffee,¡± he corrected.


    ¡°That isn¡¯t coffee. It¡¯s just ck water.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t taste anything unless it¡¯s something strong,¡± he said, calmly taking a sip. Then h man WAHANA


    medenhout


    e stuck out his tongue like a child. It looked cute though.


    ¡°Calm down. It was like this long before you.¡±


    Before you were in the ¡°Fun House¡±.


    I forced myself to take another sip, holding my breath so it¡¯d pass my tongue faster. I shuddered.


    ¡±That bad, huh?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I said awkwardly. I was being rude to iny host.


    ¡°I thought we were over it,¡± he said, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Over what?¡±


    ¡°The torture thing.¡±


    He ced his mug down into the sink. Then, he took out another cup, put in a teabag, and poured hot


    water.


    ¡°Hope this tastes better,¡± he said, cing it in front of me.


    ¡°Chamomile?¡± I asked, slightly narrowing my eyes at him.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ does it taste bad?¡±


    Was he feigning ignorance, or was he really worried? I decided on the former.


    ¡°Can you taste tea?¡±


    liNo. I just keep a bunch of stuff around for health and stuff,¡± he said.


    Thank you.¡± I said under my breath. I seldom drink tea, but it was better than his coffee.


    ¡°You¡¯re still hung up on the torture thing?¡± he asked, sitting beside me. He propped an elbow up and


    leaned his head into his hand, so he was facing me. I was getting more conscious of what I looked like.


    I was wearing a hoodie and tattered jeans, a stud earring on my right ear. I styled my hair just right this


    morning and even put on a bit of cologne.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been tortured countless times before, babe. Don¡¯t think too much of it,¡± he said casually, I gulped


    and set down the mug.


    What!? I blurted out.


    How can he talk about it like it¡¯s normal?


    ¡°Calm down,¡± he said, chuckling. ¡°The pack went through dark times. They tried to extract information


    from me¡­ I¡¯d rather die for the pack than betray it.¡±


    I¡¯m sorry.¡± I said, looking down at the mug.


    Information was valuable ¨C the smallest thing could ensure victory. Extracting it, however, wasn¡¯t


    always easy. I enjoyed what I do ¨C I wasn¡¯t going to lie to myself. Inflicting pain upon others led a side


    of me ¨C the side that was once on the receiving end. It was sick-twisted, even.


    ¡°Look at me,¡± he said, his fingers on my jaw. His touch sent tingles through my skin. Any more of this


    and it¡¯d be triggered. It was a walk in the park, babe. Don¡¯t think too much about it.¡±


    How can you say it so calmly? I¡¯m your mate. I should¡¯ve protected you.


    ¡°I am Beta. I could¡¯ve spared you that hell,¡± I said softly.


    His eyes shone brightly, and his smile was kind and genuine. It didn¡¯t affect him at all? I refused to


    believe it. I went through it and it fucked me up. Liam saved me from that hell, but he couldn¡¯t save me


    from my myself.


    He epted both sides of me and put it to use instead of banishing me from the pack. In every way


    except blood, he was my brother.


    Andrix was different. It didn¡¯t bother him¡­ or did it? He seemed to be indifferent.


    Can¡¯t he feel anything?


    ¡°You did,¡± he said, leaning forward. ¡°You kept me sane.¡±


    He cut me off by sticking his tongue inside my mouth. I tasted that disgusting ck water on his


    tongue, then¡­ him. My hands tugged into his wet hair, pulling him closer to me.


    He growled as he pulled away.


    ¡°I can taste you,¡± he breathed.


    ¡°Wha


    His tongue explored every corner of my mouth and I wasn¡¯tining. I needed this. His hands went


    to my hips and he pulled me off the stool. My legs wrapped around his waist.


    ¡°No,¡± I breathed as we both gasped for air.


    My head was spinning. His scent, his touch, his taste¡­ everything about him was heavenly. His hands


    ran up and down my thighs. I had a better idea in my mind, and he seemed on board with it.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±he cursed as I bit into his shoulder.


    Pain assaulted my lower abdomen. It was happening. I lost control and it took over.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said, tightening my hold around him.


    I captured his lips again, fervent for more. My blood felt hot. I needed something something that only he


    could give. I peppered his face with kisses, then traced his jaw down to his neck.


    ¡°You¡¯re in heat,¡± he said, growling in my ear.


    In a quick second, I was on my back on the sofa and he was straddling me. He ground hips into mine. I


    couldn¡¯t help but moan, my pants feeling constricted.


    He smirked. ¡°Is this what you came for?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I replied, my breathing rapid as the sweet pleasure built up. I felt like I could cum with just his


    kisses and movements.


    He suddenly stopped and I whimpered at the loss. I tried to buck my hips up, but his weight held me in


    ce. ¡°Andrix!!!¡±


    It hurt. It hurt so much. My heat came around this week and it was driving me to insanity. Cold showers


    didn¡¯t do it anymore ¨C not since we knew who our mate was.


    Andrix chuckled. ¡°You poor thing,¡± he whispered, entangling his fingers with my hair as he leaned


    forward to ce kisses on my neck. ¡°How long did you wait?¡±


    ¡°T-Two days,¡± I replied, panting as he sucked on my sweet spot.


    He growled as he nipped at my marking spot.


    He inhaled sharply like he was taking in my scent, making me shiver. ¡°You poor thing¡­ Why didn¡¯t you


    Another shot of pain in my lower abdomen made my arms shoot up. I didn¡¯t need him worrying about


    me now, I needed him to help me. It hurt, and he could make it go away. I needed more ¨C inore of what


    he could give me.


    I pulled him to me, but he resisted. Yanking my arms off him, he suddenly got off me.


    ¡°Is this what you came for?¡± he asked calmly, throwing the towel on the floor,


    My eyes wandered down and I swallowed at how turned on he was.


    He sighed. ¡°Your scent¡¯s everywhere.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said.


    He kneeled beside me and cupped my face. It hurt. It hurt so much¡­


    ¡°Is this what you came for?¡±


    Enough! I made a move to get up. He pressed my shoulder down. Goddess, I felt like a whore. I was


    the Beta of the Red w Pack and here I was on someone¡¯s couch, practically offering myself to a


    beautiful man.


    His hand crept down to my thigh, kneading the flesh near where I wanted his hand to be. His other


    hand went inside my shirt, and soon his fingers yed with my nipples. I closed my eyes as I bit back


    on my moans.


    ¡°You¡¯re.. sensitive,¡± he said, his voice husky. ¡°Answer me¡­¡±


    He nipped at my marking spot. ¡°Why did youe here?¡±


    ¡°N-No,¡± I whispered. He pulled the zipper down and undid the button, then his fingers teased around


    the band of my boxers.


    ¡°To get fucked? Is that it? You came all the way here for dick?¡± he asked, growling.


    My eyes snapped open. Was he¡­ mad? He was smiling, but for the first time since we met, there was


    no amusement in his eyes.


    I sighed, then I held his wrists firmly. He raised a brow at me. ¡°I came here to apologize. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m


    sorry for what I did. I know it¡¯s not enough to make it up to you, but I just had to say it.¡±


    I pushed his hands off me and slowly sat up, biting my tongue at the growing pain. ¡°I came here to


    reject you.¡±


    My eyes widened when he grabbed my throat.


    His jaw clenched. ¡°You are my mate!¡± he shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I¡¯ve been thinking about it. I can¡¯t keep on thinking about it, so I came, to free the botho fus. I should¡¯ve


    protected you ¨C I didn¡¯t. I put you through things worse than nightmares.


    ¡°It¡¯s for


    ¡°Shut up,¡± he said coldly, and my mouth zipped. His grip loosened. I gasped for air and was denied it


    when he kissed me again, harder, hungrier. I shouldn¡¯t be enjoying this, and yet my heart swelled. I


    wanted him¡­ wanted my mate, but after all I did, I couldn¡¯t force him to be with me just because of a


    bond. I kissed him back like my life depended on it, allowing myself onest memory.


    He broke the kiss for air. ¡°T, Beta-¡±


    He gave me a quick kiss. ¡°Shut up. I won¡¯t ept your rejection, mangoes. Don¡¯t make m e put a gag


    you.¡±


    He broke the kiss for air. ¡°I, Beta


    He gave me a quick kiss. ¡°Shut up. I won¡¯t ept your rejection, mangoes. Don¡¯t make m e put a gag


    you.¡±


    My brows furrowed. There was something wrong with his head. I might¡¯ve caused it.


    ¡°I keep repeating myself around you. Don¡¯t think too much about it.¡± He removed his hand from my


    throat and the words died in my mouth.


    I can¡¯t not think about it!


    Another shot of pain and I groaned. I have to get out of here.


    He smirked. ¡°We can talk about it all you want, but for now, let¡¯s just fuck,¡± he said, nuzzling the crook


    of my neck. ¡°Mmm¡­ Don¡¯t put on cologne. I prefer your scent. Sweet ¡­ like mangoes.¡±


    I can¡¯t get out of here!


    For the rest of the morning untilte afternoon, he cured me. Not that I was a manwhore like Rigel and


    Liam once were, but that was the best fuck of my life. Luckily, werewolves healed fast.


    ¡°Mm¡­ you alright?¡± he asked as he ced soft kisses on my shoulders.


    ¡°No more,¡± I said sleepily, and he chuckled.


    He peppered my face with kisses. I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°I can feel you staring.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s apliment,¡± he said. ¡°My mate¡¯s hot.¡±


    My eyes snapped open. He was on his side, facing me with a soft smile. Then I remembered all the


    horrible things I did to him, spoiling the moment.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about it¡­ again.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it,¡± I said, sighing. I sat up and searched the room for my clothes.


    Stupid. It¡¯s on the stairs.


    ¡°Do I have to fuck you harder to make you understand?¡± he said bluntly.


    My back hit the mattress and he was on top of me, again. His eyes were dangerous ¨C they pulled me in


    with how bright they were. I was being ced on a trance and I was willingly epting it.


    ¡°L.. care about you,¡± he said softly.


    ¡°This can¡¯t work, Andrix. Mates don¡¯t torture their mates.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I like both Gales,¡± he said casually then stole a quick kiss. ¡°I like him most when he¡¯s on


    my bed¡­¡±


    *Andrix¡­


    He kissed me again.


    ¡°¡­screaming my name¡­.¡±


    His hands traveled to my hips.


    ¡°¡­ thrashing under me.¡±


    ¡°Andrix¡­¡±


    ¡°I say we give it a try,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯ll talk it out and when you¡¯re being unreasonable, we¡¯ll fuck.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°We¡¯ll take it slow¡­ however long you need,¡± he said as he leaned forward. ¡°I can¡¯t


    make it longer, but from earlier, I judge it¡¯s just right?¡±


    More than enough. I felt like I was being ripped in half!


    Gil whimpered. I sighed. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll take it slow.¡±


    He started moving his hips and I moaned in response, We will, babe,¡± he whispered. ¡°We will¡­¡±

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    Chapter 73 Long Overdue


    -Liam


    ¡°Calm down, bro,¡± said Gale. Maybe I would if he wasn¡¯t obviously nervous in front of m e. He¡¯s been


    squeezing a stress ball since he got here.


    I paced back and forth on my office, my nerves on edge all day. Tonight, she would be formally


    introduced to the pack as Luna. While it was traditionally an exclusive event for the pack, we invited the


    ck Mist Pack. Besides, I also wanted them to be there tonight. Since we already broke tradition, we


    invited the allied packs.


    Everyone I cared about, including proven allies would be there, but it wasn¡¯t why I felt like I was about


    to lose my mind.


    As Gale and I pondered on our own businesses, Rigel, as always, was seated casually, actually


    wearing formal clothes for the event. Leaning back, legs crossed, and a ss of scotch in hand.


    I was yet to learn how they found where I kept my alcohol ¨C they¡¯ve been raiding it since. I saved them


    for special asions, but I guess today, I could let it slide. It was, after all, a very special day.


    ¡°Security, check. Venue, check-,¡± said Rigel then nced at Gale before adding, ?_ Dates, check.¡±


    Gale threw the stress ball at him and he easily caught it.


    ¡°You should calm down, yourself, bro. He¡¯sing. We went shopping for suits together,¡± he remarked.


    ¡°You two are awfully close,¡± asked Gale, catching back the stress ball.


    ¡°Aww¡­ don¡¯t get jealous, bro. We don¡¯t fuck,¡± Rigel said, smirking.


    Gale blushed and looked away, hand tightening on the stress ball, it might burst.


    At least one of us was having fun. After the surgery, he recovered in less than a day. For now, he was


    taking a break from his Head Gamma duties to spend more time with Sabri and Aunty). It was good to


    see them¡­ close instead of the usual, distant.


    He¡¯d changed. The drinking wasn¡¯t as frequent, and he was easier to get along with. Soon, he was


    going to be a proud father of a lovely baby boy. He was unaware for now and it wasn¡¯t my ce to tell


    him ¨C just that, as Alpha, I had to know everything that concerned the pack


    What caused my brother¡¯s return ¨C it wasn¡¯t mine to answer. In my case, it was one special person. It¡¯d


    been a tumultuous year for all of us, but we emerged stronger and


    itter. Our bonds reforged as we moved on with our lives, as we put the past in its ce,


    was anxious as to where these changes might take us, but I also couldn¡¯t wait to spend ne day after


    another with my person. So was Luca.


    Don¡¯t mess this up,¡± Luca warned.


    You also need to calm down,¡± I said coolly. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. How hard can it be?¡±


    learned the answer as I stood in the waiting room. I adjusted my tie for the¡­ I lost ount. I wore a ck


    suit with a red tie that matched the dress she¡¯d wear tonight.


    t was worn by fourteen Lunas in total since it was first made, including my mother and my first mate.


    Toplete the outfit, I offered her a ne and earrings set. Although she was in awe, she insisted


    on using the same ne her fathers gave her and kept the earrings.


    Goddess, I love her.


    The door opened by a crack. I caught the scent of vani and freshly cut roses. The flowy skirt of the


    dress glided across the floor. It was the first I saw, then she slipped in and I froze.


    Stunning


    The see-through bodice glittered in the light, with the numerous tiny red diamonds sewn into it. Starting


    from the bodice across the length of the skirt was three jagged lines of a slightly lighter shade of red to


    symbolize the pack¡¯s sigil.


    The Luna¡¯s dress hugged her body perfectly, highlighting her beautiful curves. She had light make-up


    on, her lips shimmering with lip gloss. Even Luca was left speechless.


    I¡¯d kiss her right away but tonight; it was all about her.


    She smiled nervously as she blushed. ¡°Say something?¡±


    Taking long strides, I was in front of her in seconds. I held her hand and ced a gentle kiss on the


    back. ¡°You look like a rose in bloom, my love.¡±


    Her smile was everything.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said sheepishly, but not looking away. I could stare into her mesmerizing honey


    brown eyes for the rest of my life. ¡°I can¡¯t look away from you.¡±


    I smirked.


    ¡°know,¡± I said, offering her my arm. ¡°I¡¯m hot.¡±


    She pped my chest then linked her arm with mine. ¡°All this ¡®hotness¡¯ is mine, so don¡¯t even dare look


    at anyone else but me.¡±


    I smiled inwardly. She was getting used to ordering people around ¨C she was born to be a n Alpha


    That¡¯s my woman.


    I thought of a quip to reply, but tonight, I was the perfect gentleman. Instead, I said, ¡°All yours, my fiery


    Luna. Just as you are all mine.¡±


    The doors opened for us, and we walked in. The entire room quieted in an instant.


    A loud voice announced, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, leaders of the Red w Pack and ck Mist Pack,


    Sir Liam Rose and Madam Anna Be Fiora ck.¡±


    The lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on us. I led her to the center of the dance floor and held her


    waist while she ced her hands gently on my shoulders.


    Slow piano music yed. Following my lead, we danced to the it. She was graceful, beautiful, and with


    every turn and step, for a few moments I forgot where we were. It was just the two of us, dancing to a


    music that yed in the background. It was just her, my Anna, staring back at me with genuine


    adoration.


    Unfortunately, the music came to a stop and so did we. The crowd cheered and we took a bow. Then,


    for all of them to see, I kneeled on one knee in front of her and presented to her the Luna Ring. The


    titanium prongs held a red diamond as a centerpiece, two smaller diamonds on each side.


    ¡°Will you, Anna Be Fiora ck, Alpha of the ck Mist Pack, honor the Red w Packa sit honors


    you, from the moment you ept this Luna Ring until yourst, in the Moon Goddess¡¯s name?


    ¡°With the Moon Goddess as my witness, I will honor the Red w Pack as it honors me, and ept


    the Luna Ring,¡± she said aloud. I slipped the ring on her finger and kissed it.


    The crowd erupted into a series of cheers and apuse.


    ¡°On our honor!¡± the pack said in unison, bowing to her.


    ¡°Let the night begin!¡± I eximed, and the lights turned back on.


    People gathered on the dance floor and music yed. I took her to where they were.


    ¡°It¡¯s finally official!¡± squealed Lexy in her lovely baby blue gown, hugging her. ¡°This is one long overdue


    ball!


    ¡°Congrattions, Be,¡± said Carson, giving her a hug.


    1. L. I don¡¯t feel anything,¡± she said excitedly. ¡°Did you


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Yeah..¡± answered Carson, grinning Lexy was blushing as she held Carson¡¯s hand.


    Did they


    ¡°You marked her?¡± I asked, a little too loud.


    That means they


    I red at Carson. ¡°You ¨C


    Anna tugged on my arm, pulling me into another direction as she chuckled.


    ¡°Leave the lovely couple alone, Alpha,¡± she said.


    ¡°That¡¯s my sister he¡¯s screwing!¡± I whisper yelled.


    ¡°Get over it, Liam. They¡¯re mates!¡± she said.


    I know that!


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you d I¡¯m no longer affected by the curse?¡±


    That was a good thing. I didn¡¯t have to witness her blushing or fawning over him. I¡¯d have to get used to


    the fact that my little sister now a had a mate ¨C it happened too fast. She should have a mate when she


    was thirty!


    ¡°Liam, you know Carson,¡± she said. ¡°And Lexy¡¯s all grown up now. He¡¯ll take care of her. And she¡¯s


    happy with him, Liam.¡±


    I watched them slow dance, my little sister giggling at whatever he was whispering in her ear.


    I sighed. She grew up so fast.


    ¡°Liam! Princess!¡± called Rigel. They were hand in hand, and Sabri¡¯s baby bump was noticeable through


    her light blue gray mermaid dress. She hugged Anna tightly.


    ¡°Have you asked her yet?¡± he whispered as Sabri and Anna talked about babies and dresses.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for the right time.¡±


    I was trying not to let it show and have a good time tonight.


    ¡°Keep waiting and it¡¯ll be morning,¡± said Rigel, going to his mate and taking her to the dance floor


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be an aunt,¡± Anna said excitedly.


    There was no distraction in sight. This was it. I wasn¡¯t waiting around until morning.


    ¡°Anna¡±


    Be!Andrix called from behind me. Beside him was a blushing Gale. My brother


    Beta, and Head of the Red Point Unit was acting like a fucking teenage girl around his


    mate.


    Where was the cold and furious Gale? He was somewhere in there, but he was happier


    now.


    I guess it¡¯s about time¡­


    ¡°Liam, do you mind if I steal thedy from you for a moment? asked Andrix.


    How could I say no to those sparkling gorgeous eyes of hers? My chance gone, I watched as Andrix


    led Anna to the dance floor. He was her only living rtive now ¨C it was only proper that he do the


    honors if there was no one else.


    ¡°Have you asked her yet?¡± asked Gale.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± I replied, taking a flute of champagne from a server.


    ¡°Sorry. He wanted to see her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you two worked it out,¡± I said, and he shrugged.


    ¡°We¡¯re getting there.¡±


    Andrix finally returned my mate to me and took Gale somewhere¡­ else.


    For the rest of the night, I introduced Anna to our allied packs. I had to chat with the other Alphas, so


    she was once again, out of my sight as the other Lunas took her.


    I excused myself as I felt a familiar presence.


    ¡°Sharp as ever, Alpha,¡± said Helia. It was always good to see her. She gave me a hug and w e chatted


    for a bit until a certain gentleman caught her eye.


    Looking around for my mate, I was in confusion when I couldn¡¯t see her anywhere. She wasn¡¯t in the


    dance floor, not in the bar, not at the top of the stairs. Her scent was everywhere, making her difficult to


    track.


    I spotted Carson by one of the pirs.


    ¡°Have you seen Anna?¡± I asked. ¡°Where¡¯s Lexy?¡±


    ¡°Anna said she wanted to get some fresh air,¡± he said. ¡°And Lexy¡¯s in thedies room.¡±


    Thanking him, I turned to look for my mate before I did something I¡¯d regret. Going up the stairs again, I


    made my way to the balcony. Her scent grew stronger as I neared her.


    She had her back to me, the clear night sky the background to her lovely figure. She must¡¯ve sensed


    me for she turned her head, smiled, then called me over.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you,¡± I said, taking off my suit jacket and cing it on her shoulders. ¡°Have you


    been here long? You¡¯re c.¡±


    Sorry,¡± she said, turning her gaze back to the sky.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± I asked.


    Did something happen when I wasn¡¯t looking? She was being¡­ silent.


    She shook her head and smiled up at me. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, Liam. I¡¯m just¡­ overwhelmed is all.¡±


    I nodded, pulling her to my side.


    ¡°T¡¯ve never thought that I¡¯d be¡­ this one day. I was supposed to be Head Gamma of the White Lake


    Pack, maybe even its Luna, then die in battle or of old age. Then, that happened, and I thought I¡¯d just


    live as a rogue with humans.¡±


    She turned to face me, holding my hands. ¡°Then you saved me and now, here we are. Alpha and Luna.


    Luna and Alpha. Thank you, Liam.¡±


    I shook my head.


    I was lost, drinking to keep going, drowning in sorrow. Lexy couldn¡¯t get me to stop, and I ignored my


    brothers. Salina was an added headache, unless she was sleeping, then I could pretend that Sarina


    was still alive. I was fucked up, until she came along,


    ¡°You think I saved you that night?¡± I asked and she nodded.


    You did,¡± she replied, ¡°You did so much more to me, Liam. I wouldn¡¯t be who I am now i f you weren¡¯t


    by my side.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be who I am now if it weren¡¯t for you, my love. I didn¡¯t save you that night, you saved me.¡±


    ¡°Froin a badly thought-out agreement?¡± she said, smiling,


    ¡°Not that,¡± I replied, cing my arms around her waist. ¡°From myself.¡±


    This bond we share is stronger than any vow or tradition. In our world, we are already one, but¡­ I want


    to make every moment special, for you, for us.


    I got down on one knee for the second time tonight. Luca howled in my head.


    She gasped as her eyes went wide, hands flying to her mouth. I smiled. I presented to her another ring


    It had an exquisitely cut red diamond as a centerpiece. On each side were two smaller white diamonds.


    I had this ring especially made¡­just for her.


    Hljam.¡±


    4Anna Be Fiora ck, Alpha of the ck Mist Pack and Luna of the Red w Pack, I ¨C 4


    anche svimed online men


    Yes!¡± she eximed, cutting me off.


    I chuckled.


    ¡°Babe, you have to let me finish.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. Lately, she¡¯d been giving me a lot of sass.


    ¡°Then ask me and forget the cheesy lines!¡±


    ¡°Anna Be Fiora ck, will you marry me?¡± I asked, skipping to thest line of a thought out dialogue


    that Luca and I had been practicing for days.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    I slipped the finger in her hand, marveling. She threw herself at me and pulled me into a kiss. Then she


    kissed me all over my face.


    ¡°I love you,¡± she said, hugging me tight.


    ¡°I love you, too, Anna,¡± I said, hugging her back.


    She was happy. Luca was happy. I was happy.


    I could finally rx and enjoy this night.


    ¡°You know, I prepared a poem for you.¡±


    She hushed me with a finger on my lips. ¡°I have a lifetime to hear your lines.¡±


    Fair enough.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked when she giggled.


    She took my handkerchief and rubbed on my cheeks as she giggled. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°What?


    ¡°Keep still,¡± she said, rubbing harder.


    Oh¡­


    As she rubbed off the marks she left, my eyes fell on her gorgeous lips. Unable to help myself, I leaned


    in for another fervent kiss.


    Mine.


    ¡°You are mine,¡± I said, growling, holding her by her hips and pulling her closer. She smiled into the kiss.


    My heart swelled.


    I can¡¯t wait to spend another day and another and another with you.


    She pulled me down by mytie, so I was face to face with her then pecked my lips. As are


    you mine.¡±


    All of me


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here, I ofteredt, sweeping her up to Hyannis.


    I¡¯ll keep doing this unol i can¡¯t


    ¡°What about the party?¡± she asked, fergmng concern. ¡°We¡¯ll be back before anyone notices, answered,


    and she googled I still want to hear thel po¨Cem!


    e nring be legs.¡±


    Ijumped up the ledge and she yelped as dung lo me.


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t even think about


    Toote.


    I winked at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ¨C ah!


    Wended safely, just behind the building where no one could sees. She pped my chest a couple of


    times, ring at me.


    ¡°Not the first time we did this, babe, ¡°I teased. ¡°Luka wants to run. Connevoitte


    I let her down then shifted into Luca. He circled her, puzzling his head at Taet it higits while she giggled


    and directed his head somewhere else


    Seriously?


    Luca purred when she scratched his head, dowts under his chin.


    ¡°Hello, again,¡± said Anina.


    Luca licked her cheek in response. Then he lowered himself so she could ride on his back


    He smirked at me, but I scolded him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Not tonight, Luca,¡± I said firmly as I took partial control


    He took off, but not too fast that it¡¯d scare our mate. Sheid on our back, her finders running through


    our fur. The wind in our face as our paws pounded on the earthly floor and the trees went pass in a


    blur. We went up a cliff, then to the moon raised our heads and howled. Just me and her¡­ now and


    forever.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    Chapter 74 Graves¡® Farewell


    ¨C Anna


    ¡­and I¡¯m getting married now,¡± I said to mother and fathers. After discussing with Alpha Flynn, he gave


    permission to move their graves to my pack¡¯s territory,


    I¡¯d forgiven him, but we there was no fixing what had been done. We were on good terms, but we could


    never be what we used to be. We were simply Alphas, who recognized each other¡¯s strengths and


    respected each other¡¯s status,


    He had to ept it and move on, with his mate. They seemed to look after each other, and with the


    way he looked at her, I could tell she wouldn¡¯t go through the same I did. Besides, they had already


    marked each other.


    After Alpha Fraser passed away, the New Moon Pack was formed. Now, news of their pack helping


    those in need from other packs were gaining recognition.


    Flynn did those things, but he deserved to be happy, too. Farrell deserved to be happy. And if they


    were happy with Salina, I wasn¡¯t one to judge. Somehow, she seemed different when she was around


    him.


    The cold wind made me shiver. It had been peacefultely¡­


    I smiled at their graves. Now, theyid side by side, all three of them.


    ¡°I miss you all.¡±


    I hugged my knees to my chest as I watched the candles burn. It was a windy afternoon. I closed my


    eyes, listening to the swaying trees, the shouts of warriors doing training, and the giggles andughter


    of the children that yed near the training grounds. I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the


    chilling bite of the wind that messed up my hair.


    My favorite scent, along with the calcted steps of someone creeping up behind me made me smile.


    ¡°I wish you were here,¡± I whispered.


    The wind blew harder. I felt hands on my shoulders, and someone kiss my forehead.¡± Be,¡± whispered


    distinct voices. I snapped my eyes open and looked around. The wind had died down into a soft


    breeze.


    ¡°Almost got you!¡± eximed Liam.


    Tlooked around again.


    ¡°¡®Is something wrong?¡± he asked,ing up beside me:


    ¡°No,¡± I said, smiling up at him. ¡°What are you doing here? Don¡¯t you have a meeting with the Waning


    Moon Packa||


    He shrugged. They asked to reschedule. And besides, I missed you,¡± he said as he pulled me to my


    feet.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been gone for five hours, not five years,¡± I said, rolling my eyes. He hugged me from behind,


    resting his chin on my shoulder.


    ¡°Thank you for gifting the world with the most amazing woman. I promise to love her and cherish her


    and worship her for all our years.¡±


    I leaned back into him for a quick kiss. ¡°Was that Liam or Luca?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± he asked, raising a brow.


    ¡°No-thing,¡± I sang. I didn¡¯t expect Luca to be, well, the cheesier one between them. Our wolves were


    usually more aggressive and instinct based.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re cold,¡± he said, taking my hands. He took off his jacket and let me wear it while he suffered from


    the cold.


    ¡°Min¡­ So warm and nice,¡± I said, blowing into my hands. It was fun seeing him shiver as the winds


    picked up again. I deliberately walked slower, covering my mouth with a hand, and biting on my lip to


    hold myself fromughing,


    ¡°Ah!¡± I yelped when he suddenly carried me. ¡°You have to stop doing that!¡±


    It felt like a whoosh and a whaash every time he used his speed on me.


    He pouted. ¡°You¡¯re being slow on purpose. Do you want me to freeze over?¡±


    I shook my head slowly, giggling.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be the end of me. What¡¯s the Alpha position doing to you?¡±


    ¡°No thing,¡± I said, raising my shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m learning to order people around?¡±


    It was weird having to issue orders on the simplest matters, but Carson and Uncle Andrix had been


    very supportive and patient. Soon, Uncle Andrix would be retiring, to be


    reced by Chuck


    At times, I¡¯d ask Liam for advice. He was amazing at this sort of thing.


    Perhaps the biggest surprise were the assets that both the Red w Pack and the ck Mist Pack


    had in the human world. I shook my head to remove the mental image of the


    list. Supernaturals had a lot to hide.


    His pace quickened. I stared at his face and admired the view. Beautiful thickshes, a perfect nose,


    and soft, thin lips. T hugged his waist, making sure to feel his abs in the process, just because.


    ¡°Babe,¡± I said, resting my head on his chest and taking in his scent. He responded with a


    hmm. ¡°You¡¯re not that hot.¡±


    Hisughter cut through the howling winds, the vibrations on his chest travelling to my check.


    ¡°And yet your eyes fuck me every day,¡± he said, and Iughed with him. ¡°And don¡¯t think I don¡¯t catch


    you staring at my ass.¡±


    TE


    He smirked.


    ¡°You do it, too!¡± I eximed, crossing my arms.


    He stoppedughing and the next thing I felt was my back against a tree,


    ¡°Are you purposefully turning me on?¡± he growled as he took my hand let me feel just how hard he


    was. I bit my lower lip and moved my hand, making him hiss. His warm breath fanned my face as my


    heart raced in my chest. Then I remembered where we were.


    ¡°Liam!¡± I shrieked. ¡°Have some respect. We¡¯re in a graveyard!¡±


    ¡°Then we better hurry out of here cause I¡¯m not waiting any longer,¡± he said, throwing me across his


    shoulder this time. ¡°Enjoy the view.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Liam!¡± I eximed,ughing.


    That¡¯s right,¡± he drawled, making meugh harder.


    I love you so, so much.


    I raised my head to look back at their graves. I waved at them as if they were waving back at me. I


    found my happiness, Mother, Father Emery, Father Aiden. I found my home.

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    Chapter 75 Forever Yours


    ~Anna


    ¡°You look so beautiful, Anna,¡± said Lexy, dabbing at her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, Lexy¡­ for everything,¡± I said and gave her a tight hug.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you at least tell me what happens after? I heard Aunty J stressing over the menu for tonight.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know how the ceremony would proceed, and they¡¯d been keeping their mouths sealed.


    ¡°Well¡­ we, your loyal subjects, enjoy a night of feasting and drinking and some alone time with our


    mates¡­¡±


    I sniggered, surprised that she could be so bold when it came to Carson.


    ¡°¡­ while you and bro copte somewhere else.¡±


    Oh, Goddess¡­


    ¡°I think I¡¯m joining you all in the feasting and drinking, instead.¡±


    ¡°No can do,¡± she said, shaking her head as she ced a hand on her hip. ¡°Besides, you won¡¯t be able


    to resist him¡­ or so the elders say.¡±


    My cheeks were fuming. Everyone knew!


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± asked Carson from behind the door.


    Lexy answered the door and ushered him in. They looked cute together.


    His eyes widened as soon as he saw me. ¡°Wow.¡±


    My lips pulled into a smile to keep the butterflies at bay. This was it ¨C the day we¡¯ve all been waiting for.


    I never would¡¯ve imagined that my simple path in life would take unexpected turns and lead me to


    where, to who, I was happiest.


    Carson held my hands. ¡°Aiden would be so proud of you right now, Be.¡±


    I took a deep breath. I wouldn¡¯t have been who I am now without them. They made me strong and


    taught me to be stronger. They¡­ were watching over me, weren¡¯t they?


    Lexy smacked his head, earning both of us a chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare make her cry! I¡¯m already crying


    so she won¡¯t have to!¡±


    Carson rubbed the back of his head. ¡°You hit hard,¡± he mumbled, pouting at her.


    In seconds, they were in each other¡¯s faces, making cutesy eyes and low murmurs.


    Then, someone mmed the door open. Nobody here knew how to use doors.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, but there was no trace of the word in his smiling face.


    ¡°You look gorgeous, Be,¡± said Andrix, giving me a hug.


    He had a polished wooden ck box in his hand. ¡°This was something that belonged to your Mother,¡±


    he said, opening it.


    I gasped and looked up at him. He took it out of its box and motioned for me to turn around. The jewels


    felt cold on my skin, and as it hang around my neck, heavy. It was Mother¡¯s ¨C the same ne I saw


    in that painting.


    ¡°She wore it on her wedding day. They¡¯d be so happy seeing you wear it, Be,¡± he said.


    My fingers touched the smooth surface of the finely cut diamond at the center and the string of


    diamonds that lead to it. As the light hit it, numerous colors spotted my skin.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    I turned and wrapped my arms around his waist. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, little moonshine,¡± he said, hugging me back.


    ¡°Why are you all here? The ceremony¡¯s¡­ woah¡­Rigel walked inining, only to stop when he


    saw me. ¡°Liam¡¯s going to have a hard time at the ceremony,¡± he said, chuckling


    I blushed. The sweet couple red at him. Andrix balled his fist.


    ¡°Calm down, man,¡± said Rigel, patting his back.


    He opened his arms. ¡°You look beautiful, princess.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my knight,¡± I said, hugging him.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s waiting and I find you all here,¡± said Gale, entering. ¡°You said you¡¯d be quick.¡±


    Andrix smirked. ¡°I canst.¡±


    Goddess, the sex talk never ceased when these two were together. How they could reference a sex


    thing in every conversation was beyond me. If anything, I was shocked at myself for having understood


    their banter.


    Still, I was really happy for them, all of them. Lexy was head over heels over my best friend and vice


    versa. Rigel was surprisingly a family man through and through. Gale was livelier than usual. And my


    Uncle¡¯s eyes always lit up when his mate was around. 1


    ¡°Come here, you gorgeous thing,¡± said Gale, hugging me to him. When he pulled away, Andrix held his


    hand


    My heart was melting. Everyone here had been with me through thick and thin. They¡¯ve been through


    highs and lows themselves. Now, we found where our happiness lies, and I could just explode into


    fireworks at how happy I felt.


    Today, however, wasn¡¯t for drama. Tonight, was a joyous asion.


    I grinned at all of them. ¡°Let¡¯s get me married!¡±


    I had an arm linked with Uncle Andrix¡¯s. Torches lined the flower showered path towards my husband-


    to-be. The pack members were all around us, chanting an ancient script that no one understood


    anymore.


    The most refreshing scent calmed me, but not the butterflies as they fluttered around my stomach. My


    knees felt like jelly and my heart wanted to jump out of its cage. I¡¯d envisioned myself doing this for


    nights on end, but the wave of emotions that washed over me this moment caught me off guard.


    I felt like running away, anxious to face my Alpha. My hand patted the soft fabric of the skirt, my feet


    kicking then stepping. At the same time, I was excited to see him and start a new chapter of our lives.


    As we got closer, his face became slightly visible from the full moon. The river was quiet. He was still.


    We reached the end of the path, and Andrix finally let me go.


    ¡°I¡¯m truly happy for you, moonshine,¡± he said before walking away, disappearing into the gathered


    crowd. Somehow, I knew he¡¯d find Gale.


    Turning my gaze to my love, I gave him a smile. A chill ran up from my toe to my spine, making me


    shiver.


    Liam chuckled.


    Taking a deep breath, I dipped my foot past the water¡¯s surface.


    Freezing!


    A hand stretched out from in front of me. ¡°Come.¡±


    Liam¡¯s warm hand wasforting as I shivered from the cold. He guided me in slowly, the water now


    up to my waist. 1


    ¡°You look beautiful,¡± he murmured, his head resting at the crook of my neck.


    I inhaled sharply as he kissed and sucked on his mark. ¡°So fucking gorgeous.¡±


    ¡°Liam¡­ the chanting.¡±


    It was getting louder. It sounded clearer this time, but I still understood nothing.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to spend my life with you, my love,¡± he said, kissing the back of my hand as he paced back.


    ¡°With the Goddess¡¯s blessing.¡±


    Through the dark, I could make out the solid outline of his firm and bulging contour. His irises gleamed


    a dark red as he kept his gaze fixated on me. Slowly forcing the waters to part for each step, we circled


    around each other seven times.


    My eyes never left his form. His burning gaze made it impossible to look at anything else but him. He


    demanded my full attention, and it was his.


    As the chants continued, faster, almost iprehensible, we met again right at the center.


    Liam¡¯s scent clouded my mind. The water was no longer freezing, the chants seemed far away. It was


    only him and me.


    He raised his right arm, and from his fingers, droplets of water wet the top of my head, cascading down


    my forehead. Intricate patterns, simr to the Alpha Duel¡¯s death mark ran along the length of his arm


    to his chest.


    I gasped when I saw it.


    ¡°It¡¯s different,¡± he said calmly, pointing to his left side. Upon his left pec was a beautiful moonflower in


    bloom, in the same inky ck color, with vinelike patterns emerging from beneath it, swirling,


    intertwining, creeping along the length of his left arm.


    I raised a hand to touch it, when I noticed that the same patterns were on my arm. ¡°It¡¯s Her mark,¡± he


    said.


    Liam ced his hands on the neckline of my dress, tugging at thece.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I whispered, heat creeping up my cheeks.


    He simply grinned, his tongue licking his lips, a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    ¡°I want to see it,¡± he said.


    Before I could ask him, I heard a rip as thece parted. The sleeves were forced off my shoulders, then


    down to my elbows.


    ¡°You ruined my dress,¡± I whisper-yelled.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± he whispered.


    Following his gaze, I looked down to see the same blooming moonflower just above my left breast. The


    patterns continued to my left arm, up until the tip of my fingers.


    Liam tipped my jaw so I would look at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful,¡± he said softly, sending a shiver up my spine.


    His hand found mine under the water, then he raised it above his head. In the same manner he did


    earlier, the droplets fell from my fingers into his head.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Luna,¡± he replied in his low baritone voice.


    My eyes went wide as the droplets rose from our heads, glimmering in a light blue. It circled us


    overhead, spinning faster and faster around the outline of the full moon. Then, in a wide burst, lightly


    showered the two of us.


    Liam had to close my mouth. He kept me in the dark on how the ceremony would proceed. This was a


    traditional wedding for werewolves, for the Alpha and Luna, and it was rarely held. It was possible for


    us because of Helia; Lexy divulged.


    We were asking the Goddess, Herself, for Her blessing. It was also meant to kept me safe. I assumed


    it was because I was wolf-less.


    As the mist fell upon us, the patterns began to glow. His glowed a light red like the glint i n his eyes


    while mine glowed a faint blue. With the lighting from us, I could clearly see his face for the first


    time tonight.


    His half-lidded eyes held adoration, sending tiny sparks throughout my skin. I touched his cheek lightly.


    He leaned in and closed his eyes.


    My heart pounded in my chest, my breathing ragged.


    I love this man.


    He was my mate, my Alpha, and my everything.


    I love him with every centimeter of my being, to the moon and back.


    The moonflowers on our chests glowed a bright white. I moved closer to him and ced my hands


    around his neck, the pack forgotten. For now, I needed to feel his lips on mine.


    I closed my eyes as the lights glowed brighter. I felt it envelope both of us, but it could¡¯ve just been my


    imagination. My mind was more drawn to the softness of his lips. I moved i n sync with him, and parting


    my lips, gave him permission to plunge his tongue inside.


    Slowly, his tongue swirled around mine. Sucking the air out of me, he kissed me until I felt my lungs


    about to explode.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he whispered, his warm minty breath fanning my face.


    Keeping my eyes closed, I leaned in for a quick kiss. ¡°I love you, too, my Alpha.¡±


    Cheers and howls erupted from all over us. I hadn¡¯t noticed the chanting had stopped.


    ¡°Look,¡± he said, pointing to his chest. The moonflower was still there, but this time,


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    smaller. And from its core, it looked like a wolf¡¯s head emerging. ¡°The Goddess has given us Her


    blessing.¡±


    I looked down on my chest, embarrassed at the erect nips, and saw the same.


    You¡¯re my blessing, Liam.


    He pulled me close to him and kissed me again until my head was dizzy.


    ¡°Mrs. Rose,¡± he murmured in my hair. ¡°You look gorgeous half-naked, babe.¡±


    My eyes went wide, realizing my top half was exposed. I crossed my arms on my chest and turned my


    back from the pack.


    Werewolves can see at night!


    ¡°They¡¯re not allowed to look,¡± Liam said, chuckling. He led me out of the waters, on the other side of the


    river. Was he¡­


    Heat crept up my cheeks. Liam¡¯sughter rang in my ears.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know I was naked?¡±


    I nodded. Nobody told me anything about this!


    Stillughing, he pulled me to his side and kissed the top of my head.


    ¡°Come. We¡¯re leaving,¡± he said.


    My brows furrowed. ¡°Where?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°It¡¯s our first night, babe. I don¡¯t intend to fuck you, up against a tree,¡± he said, smirking.


    I pped his chest then crossed my arms. My cheeks were definitely red now. His remark brought me


    back to the night he proposed to me.


    Ah¡­ that was embarrassing. Out in the open¡­


    I yelped when he suddenly swept me off my feet.


    ¡°My heart can¡¯t take any more of this, Liam!¡± Iined.


    He chuckled, his chest vibrating. ¡°Rest your heart, my love. You¡¯ll need it forter.¡±


    Oh, Goddess!


    I covered my face with both hands. I wasn¡¯t against it, but it was still embarrassing! Now I see why I


    could understand their innuendos from earlier.


    The night air blowing on my wet lower half made me shiver. I hugged him closer, resting my head on


    his chest for warmth.


    ¡°We¡®re resting in a cabin up ahead then were heading off to the airport,¡± he said.


    ¡°Where are you taking me, Mr. Rose?¡± I asked yfully.


    He shed me a grin. ¡°On our honeymoon, Mrs. Rose.¡±


    ¡°And where would that be, Mr. Alpha?¡±


    ¡°Hawaii, then Paris, then Madrid, then Tokyo. We¡¯re going away for a month so I could fuck you with no


    one interrupting. No pack duties, no raids, no nothing. Just me and you, making love all day long¡­ and


    night.¡±


    My poor body¡­


    I pped his chest hard. While it sounded very, very tempting¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re going to kill me, Liam!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll smother you with my love, Mrs. Luna,¡± he said, chuckling.


    My cheeks heated up. My core clenched at the thought of being with him, just the two of u S, with none


    of them around. My nips rubbed against my arm, which were the only thing covering them from his


    lecherous eyes.


    ¡°I¡­ I also want to take you out on proper dates, Mrs. Rose.¡±


    My eyes widened.


    ¡°Ha-ha! We did skip that part.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you,¡± he said, grinning. ¡°I promise.¡±


    He didn¡¯t mention his birthday. I almost forgot this month was his birth month. What kind of gift should I


    get him? 1


    I¡¯ll think about it on the way¡­


    ¡°Liam¡­¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­ yes, Mrs. Rose?¡± he asked yfully.


    I smiled. I was officially his in every way and him, mine.


    ¡°Mr. Rose¡­¡±


    He growled.


    ¡°¡­ Thank you.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡± he asked, grinning like an idiot.


    ¡°For everything.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± I felt myself getting turned around then mmed into a tree.


    Liam nipped and sucked on his mark harshly. My body trembled in anticipation as I let out a low moan.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­¡± he said, his voice strained. ¡°You smell¡­ so good¡­¡± His hands roamed my body, one


    cupping my breast while the other slid up my thighs then parted my lips


    ¡°Liam.¡± I gasped when he plunged two fingers in, easily.


    Ah¡­ can¡¯t believe I was this ready for him.


    ¡°You look so fucking gorgeous, babe,¡± heplimented in a husky voice.


    His fingers pumped in and out of me, curling against a particr spot. His hot mouthtched onto my


    breast, sucking and tugging at my nipple.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Liam.¡±


    My hand found his length which was already leaking precum. I wrapped my fingers around it. They


    weren¡¯t enough for his girth. Slowly, I stroked him up and down, making him moan.


    That beautiful, beautiful sound¡­


    I swiped my thumb over the engorged head. He hissed.


    ¡°Anna,¡± he moaned, pumping faster. I moved my hand faster, following his rhythm. Hard and heavy, he


    throbbed in my hand, leaking his seed.


    His mouth left my breast to capture mine, muffling our moans. I smirked as he bucked his hips, urging


    me to jack him off faster. I gasped for air, feeling my release draw near.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Liam.¡± His dick was hot in my hand and it throbbed endlessly.


    ¡°Cum for me, Anna,¡± he growled, slipping his fingers out to circle my clit harshly.


    ¡°Cum now!¡± His fingers plunged inside me. It sent me over the edge. My juices coated his hand at the


    same time his cum coated mine.


    Panting for air, he put his fingers on my mouth so I could taste myself. I sucked and licked my juices


    clean, moaning at the sweetness. I followed it right after by licking his cum off my fingers. He tasted


    sweet and musky¡­ and I liked it. I really, really liked it. I closed my eyes as I savored his taste. 1


    Sex was gross, but I wouldn¡¯t want to have it any other way. With him, it felt right. It felt good. And it


    made me bolder.


    Liam growled. I opened my eyes to see him staring back at me with lust-filled eyes. His tongue was


    inside my mouth in an instant. The thought of him tasting himself aroused m e further.


    He carried me in his arms again. ¡°I¡¯ll have to do the super-fast thingy or I¡¯m fucking you right here, right


    now,¡± he said, growling.


    Goosebumps rose on my skin. My walls ached to feel him between them, filling them up over and over.


    I unintentionally let out a moan at the dirty thought. It hurt. I needed him now, but not here.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    He growled and inhaled sharply; jaw clenched. He was controlling himself, but he wouldn¡¯tst for a


    minute if I took longer to answer.


    ¡°Do it,¡± I whispered.


    A smirk settled on his lips. He raised me higher and pulled me closer, securely to him. ¡°As many times


    as you want, my love.¡±

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    Chapter 76 Real Happiness


    ¨C Rigel


    ¡°The little fucker¡¯s asleep.¡±


    Igrinned in triumph. My carbon copy had been crying for hours, keeping everyone wide awake at


    twenty minutes past twelve on a Friday night! Sabri was lying in bed, her eyes closed, tired from the


    sleepless nights and early mornings.


    I wouldn¡¯t let Mom take care of my kid while I slept. She needed to rest, too, after a long day of feeding


    the pack.


    I could train for hours, spar with every warrior willing to get bruises, but holding a kid and dancing him


    around for hours¡­ every muscle in my arms screamed at me to let them down on my sides. Funny


    thing was that he didn¡¯t even weigh much.


    A settled man. None of the guys would¡¯ve expected that I¡¯d be the first one. My bachelor days were


    over, and yet despite the added responsibilities, I was¡­ happier?


    I had a beautiful queen in bed, and a little prince in my arms. What more could I ask for?


    Mom was over the moon when she found out about us. She was fond of her grandson, too, and was


    more protective of him than his own Mom. I shrugged. They¡¯d get along. If they didn¡¯t, my head would


    fucking explode. I had neither the time nor energy for more drama.


    Until the construction of my house waspleted, we had to stay here.


    Thanks to Raixel, Sabri¡¯s parents agreed that we live with my Mom for the time being. Sabri had an


    older brother, and five cousins in her parent¡¯s house. It was a rowdy environment, not good for the


    baby.


    Adopted by the nice family when she was a rogue at thirteen, she grew up not-so conservative despite


    their ¡°teachings¡±. They found out in the worst case possible.


    I wasn¡¯t to me; they had no sense of privacy at their house. If they didn¡¯t want to catch me on top of


    their daughter, with her hands tied to the headboard while I was balls deep inside her, and cumming,


    with no sheets to cover us, they should¡¯ve knocked. I¡¯m willing to bet my balls they could still hear her


    screaming ¡°Daddy¡±. 1.


    I could swear I remember locking the door. Then again, maybe I forgot. Sabri was fucking hot. She


    could easily make all rational thoughts leave my mind and make my dick take control.


    Also, who the fuckes back from a date after an hour?


    They should¡¯ve been going at it like we were and came back when it was safe to assume


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    that everyone was asleep. Her manwhore of a brother went to the club, two of her cousins were out for


    a sleepover, and the other three sneaked out to get some. So much for a quick lesson on ¡°How To Be


    Parents¡±. Our first lesson on babysitting, and we both fucked and fucked up. At least we covered both


    sides of the coin.


    I¡¯ve got no regrets.


    It was a fun one hour. And I wouldn¡¯t have to go through pain in the ass family gatherings because it


    was still awkward between me and her parents. They were good people. I was simply not the prince


    charming they expected for their darling daughter.


    Too bad for them. The Goddess had other ns.


    I patted my prince¡¯s back gently, softly. He was the most delicate thing in the world, second only to his


    Mom ¨C his lovely, silk-covered Mom. I hummed and slowly, slowly, ced him back down on his crib.


    Fuck. He was my son in every way ¨C impossibly handsome.


    Since he has my genes, he¡¯d inherited a certain asset. Because which chick in the world would dig


    worms? A woman had to be satisfied. 1


    You¡¯re wee, Raixel.


    As I walked back to bed, I shook my arms and stretched my taut neck and back muscles. Slipping in


    beside her, I ced kisses from her hand up her arm, her shoulders, then her neck. Fuck, she smelled


    so good. Peaches and cream, and fuck it if that sounded dirty, only I could smell it from her.


    ¡°Mm¡­ Rigel¡­¡±


    She turned to face me and pushed my face back down into my pillow. ¡°I¡¯m tired, baby. Tomorrow.¡±


    Tomorrow. Last night, she said tomorrow, and she said the same thing two nights back. ¡°Please¡­


    baby?¡±


    From getting it at any time I wanted, I was reduced to begging for sex. She gave birth to my kid. That


    little fucker came out of her pussy. Fuck, I could still hear her screams. I¡¯d get a vasectomy, but I


    wanted a little princess and Rain wanted more pups.


    It was her body, so her terms. We respected that. So long as we weren¡¯t waiting until I turned thirty-five,


    give or take, thirty-three.


    Fuck no. I wouldn¡¯t be changing diapers and losing sleep and missing pussy when I was a t that age.


    Daddy would be fucking and even a shriveled dick wouldn¡¯t stop him.


    Life is short. Might as well enjoy it.


    Sabri smiled and snuggled closer to me.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of our little prince, Daddy.¡±


    My dick stirred. I growled. ¡°Daddy demands a reward, baby.¡±


    ¡°If Daddy behaves tonight¡­¡±


    She ced her hand on the crotch of my boxers and rubbed, hard.


    Fuck!


    She cupped my balls and yed them through the fabric with her fingers. Then she stopped.


    ¡°¡­ he¡¯ll get a very¡­ special reward,¡± she said sensually, biting and tugging on my lower


    lip.


    My sweet temptress.


    She wrapped an arm around my waist and closed her eyes to sleep like she didn¡¯t just rile me up, like I


    wasn¡¯t going to fuck her senseless after what she just did. My dick was half hard and aching. Her scent


    fueled my arousal.


    Fuck it!


    I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. My queen was exhausted. I should let her sleep. I kissed


    the top of her head and pulled the sheets higher to cover her.


    ¡°Goodnight, baby,¡± I whispered. She responded with a hmmm.


    Back down, my friend. Our woman needs her sleep.


    I scanned her sleeping face and sighed. I¡¯d forever live with the guilt of what I did. She loved me too


    much to forgive me. I traced a finger down her cheek, watching as it slide smoothly on her soft skin.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± I whispered.


    The pack epted me like I didn¡¯t desert them. They came to the Alpha¡¯s rescue, the Beta¡¯s, and me. I


    owed them. Now I had to prove myself worthy of their trust. The initiation was painful, but I was, once


    again, proudly, the Head Gamma of the Red w Pack.


    At least from the Delta Unit, I got what I deserved. I trained them well and each one of them hit hard.


    Who would¡¯ve thought I¡¯d be their punching bag one day? They finally got a hit on me, and more than


    once. Good for them.


    Currently, the team was on a break. We figured we needed at least a month off to think


    things over before deciding what to do for the team next. It was either disband or continue. After all,


    who had the guts to join the Delta Unit? Almost every high-risk mission was assigned to us.


    I lost my men, who I¡¯d go as far as to consider family. They trained under me, shed blood and sweat


    with me, and I left them behind. I let them die.


    The guilt would live with me. There was no cure. It was my penance for rejecting everyone. The least I


    could do now was look after those they¡¯d left behind.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Thinking about it now, Maya would¡¯ve kicked me in the balls. She was a scorching sun that deprived


    me of water yet gave me life. This was what she would¡¯ve wanted for me.


    I agree. I was¡­ dare I say it, happy.


    My brothers had found their own happiness. Lexy finally found her mate and the three of us approved


    of Carson. Anna was a hundred and one percent genuinely happy for them. W e knew of the curse, but


    he did care for our little sister. And Lexy was the softest around him. She had a weakness we could


    exploit, and I couldn¡¯t wait to take advantage should the opportunity rises.


    Andrix and I became close friends. He was a great guy to hang out with, until Gale was near him and


    he¡¯d fucking lose control. Gale should tie him on their bed or something.


    They were moving on from their pasts and looking forward to the future. I should, too. I loved my family,


    especially that little cockblock, second only to his Mom.


    It still felt surreal. I had my own family now ¨C a wife, a kid, and more kids¡­ soon. It was time for me to


    let go. It was time for me to be happy.


    Thank you, Maya.


    ¡°Thank you, Sabri,¡± I whispered. I pulled her closer to me, inhaling her scent. Mine and mine alone. I


    wasn¡¯t sharing her with anyone, not even my kids. Their Mom belonged to me.


    I closed my eyes, my mind peaceful for the first time in nights. The silencefortable, and the


    darkness called.


    I smiled. My two babies¡¯ breathing an oddly soothing sound. I¡¯ve made a little world for myself. It wasn¡¯t


    much but it was something real. And I truly was, very, very, happy. ¡®

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    Chapter 77 Sour Brownies


    ¨C Liam


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m sorry. You told me I can have it.¡±


    I ate thest brownie on the fridge and forgot to bake more since I spent the day in the office. For the


    mean time, I was handling two packs because I didn¡¯t want her to stress herself over pack matters. She


    was on board with the idea. It gave her more time to read books and nap ¨C she¡¯d been napping at


    almost after every hour.


    When she was in the mood for boring paperwork, she¡¯d join me. I enjoyed herpany ¨C things finish


    faster, and her mood would lighten up at the ck Mist Pack¡¯s reports which were usually on their


    progress on the numerous programs implemented to help stabilize their position.


    I didn¡¯t get yelled at or pushed away for being smelly, even though I just took a shower, o r have to deal


    with an emotional breakdown.


    When she was in a good, I was in a good mood. There was peace in the house. And if she was really


    in a good mood, we¡¯d make love. Everything was good.


    However, today wasn¡¯t a good day for either of us. Anna was unhappy, pissed, and angry a t me over


    one fucking brownie!


    Anna crossed her arms and huffed.


    ¡°I never said you could!¡±


    I swear on the Goddess¡¯s name that she was smiling as she said I can have thest brownie. In the


    future, I¡¯d never eat thest of anything. She¡¯d have to force it on my mouth herself so we wouldn¡¯t


    have this discussion again.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you some more,¡± I offered.


    It was the only thing I could think of. She wouldn¡¯t eat brownies unless they were baked, by none other


    than me.


    She red at me. This wasn¡¯t going to work. As my head solved equations, Luca was silent.


    Just when I needed him.


    We got her pregnant ¨C we should both be responsible for everything that came with it!


    ¡°I want it now!¡± she screamed.


    ¡°Babe¡­,¡± I said softly, taking her hand.


    You¡¯re being unreasonable


    She pulled her hand away and stomped out of the kitchen.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you more thanst time!¡± I yelled after her.


    She came back, a smile on her face.


    ¡°You will?¡± she asked, her eyes sparkling.


    I want to take a nap, too.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered, and she squealed then hugged me. At least I didn¡¯t smell now. I hugged her back


    gently, taking in her scent.


    ¡°Can you make me sour brownies?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Babe, -¡± I started, my mind working out a list of every sour food I could add on a brownie, before


    adding, ¡°-brownies are made¡­ sweet.¡±


    The change in her expression made me regret my words. Her lips pulled down into a scowl as she


    narrowed her eyes at me. Her hands fell to her sides, then she bit her lower lip.


    Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no¡­ not this Anna!


    This was the sad and overcritical Anna. She was the most difficult to deal with because her tears were


    my weakness. SAO Anna made me feel helpless. In the worst case so far of a SAO Anna, I had to hold


    back from crying too. Her SAOness was contagious and I wasn¡¯t getting immune to it the more she


    came out. There was only one thing good thing that came out SAO Anna, but it was a rare urrence.


    It happened only once.


    Her lips quivered then she let out a cry. Tears fell down her cheeks.


    ¡°Babe, babe, don¡¯t cry. I¡¯ll make you sour brownies, alright? All the sour brownies you want.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ you don¡¯t want me to eat brownies because it makes me¡­ fa-a-at,¡± she cried.


    Goddess, help me.


    I hugged her then kissed the top of her head.


    ¡°No, babe. You¡¯re not fat. You¡¯re carrying our baby,¡± I said softly as I stroked her hair.


    She sniffled.


    ¡°Ba-by,¡± she repeated.


    It¡¯s working!


    ¡°That¡¯s right. You look so beautiful wearing this dress, babe. Look at you ¨C you¡¯re glowing!¡±


    She giggled.


    It¡¯s a good sign.


    ¡°You¡¯re the most beautiful in the world, babe. I¡¯m so lucky to have you.¡±


    She pursed her lips. ¡°You are?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I am! See, I¡¯m going to make you sour brownies so how about you take a nap and I¡¯ll wake


    you up when they¡¯re ready.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said, yawning. She kissed my cheek then turned around, stretching her arms over her


    head.


    Can¡¯t believe that worked.


    As I thought about how to make a brownie ¨C a universally sweet treat since its first creation ¨C taste


    sweet and sour, I heard Anna squeal in the living room.


    ¡°Hey, Liam!¡± said Andrix, handing Anna a decorated box.


    I didn¡¯t know we were expecting guests ¨C at nine in the evening!


    ¡°We brought you¡­ specially made choctes!¡± He opened the box for her, and she squealed, hugging


    him immediately.


    So, when it¡¯s her uncle, HE doesn¡¯t smell?


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    I red at Gale and he got the signal. While I was truly happy for the two of them, couldn¡¯t he put a


    leash on his mate and tie him to their bed?


    ¡°Now that that¡¯s done, we really should get going,¡± said Gale.


    ¡°And Anna here needs to take a nap,¡± I replied, pulling her to my side. She was stuffing her mouth with


    choctes, not paying any attention to us.


    ¡°Sure,¡± said Andrix after a short pause. ¡°Goodnight, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Mm-mm¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey there, Be,¡± said Carson, getting in with Lexy.


    Why are they here?


    He held up a bag for her, saying, ¡°We didn¡¯t know what you¡¯d like so we bought you pickled cucumbers,


    pickled papaya, pickled red onions¡­¡°


    He took out a pack of something yellow then continued. ¡°¡­pickled radish¡­ we bought this at a Korean


    store. Lexy said you¡¯d crave for sour foods.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Car!¡± she said, hugging him.


    Can I add pickles to brownies?


    ¡°Sometimes I think you got these two pregnant, bro,¡± said Lexy as Anna hugged her


    next.


    ¡°You¡¯re all here,¡± said a new guest.


    Why are they all here?


    Rigel, like the rest of them, invited himself in and gave Anna a quick hug. He handed her a fruit basket.


    A fucking fruit basket!


    Can¡¯t they all wait until tomorrow?


    And all it had were mangoes. I took it from him on Anna¡¯s behalf because she just had to hug him


    longer. Apparently, everyone else smelled alright to her and only I stank from time to time that she¡¯d


    even kick me out of our room!


    I took all of their presents to the kitchen as she chatted with them. I took a deep breath for ten seconds,


    then I felt her hands run along my waist to my stomach as she hugged m e from behind.


    ¡°Are you mad?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Jealous?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    She inhaled deeply then exhaled loudly.


    Do I smell good now?


    ¡°I still prefer your brownies,¡± she said softly. ¡°And hot chocte. And everything you cook for me.¡±


    I sighed, turned around, and kissed her hard. Was the rare urrence repeating itself?


    ¡°Do you want to try those pickles?¡± I asked.


    She nodded. As I washed the mangoes, she tried whatever she wanted.


    ¡°Gross¡­¡±


    ¡°Expired?¡± I asked, rmed.


    I saw what she was holding and smiled. I didn¡¯t like pickled red onions, too. I took it from


    her and put it aside, to be thrown to the trashter.


    ¡°Mangoes?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Woond.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what she meant, but when she pulled me down into a kiss, it didn¡¯t matter. She tasted like


    pickled red onions ¨C the one thing I couldn¡¯t stomach. It just tasted¡­ awful.


    I made a move to pull away, but she wouldn¡¯t let me.


    I see.


    ¡°Are you feeling sorry for me?¡±


    She looked to the side. ¡°No.¡±


    Not very convincing when I can smell you.


    ¡°Is this your apology?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I smiled and tipped her jaw, so she¡¯d look at me. How could I stay mad at you? I kissed her slowly,


    missing her closeness. She¡¯d been denying me the simplest formstely. I understood it had something


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    to do with the changes she was going through, but sometimes, it was frustrating.


    ¡°I love you, hot chocte,¡± she said under her breath.


    ¡°I love you, too, brownies,¡± I replied, sliding her off the stool with her legs crossed at my back and going


    out the kitchen before she recalled her order of sour brownies.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Chapter 78 Whispering Promises


    ¨C Liam


    I¡¯d been squeezing a stress ball since morning ¨C Gale¡¯s rmendation. As ridiculous a s it looked, it


    was helping.


    ¡°Did you hear back from Helia?¡± I asked as soon as Lexy entered my office.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be here by tomorrow morning,¡± she replied, dropping on the sofa like a bag of potatoes. ¡°Are you


    sure you want to me to handle this, bro? We can ask the humans ¨C they¡¯ve more experience and


    frankly, I¡¯ve only ever delivered one baby.¡±


    We owned hospitals and leaving her in the hands of an expert would maybe lower the risks, but she


    was a special case.


    Her blood, her race ¨C if something hocus pocus happened while a human was around, the safest


    measure would be to kill that human. It would upset her. Then again, she didn¡¯t have to know. Still¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving you in charge of preparations,¡± I said firmly. ¡°If something¡­ starts happening, do whatever


    you have to save her.¡±


    ¡°I want her to make it through this, too, Liam,¡± she said. ¡°But I can¡¯t guarantee she will.¡±


    There was a short pause after. Helia might be there to assist, but even Lexy¡¯s magic had its limits.


    It was said that the first Luna gave birth alone to the first Alpha¡¯s firstborn and thus, only heir. He died in


    battle while his Luna was inbor. As she felt the bond break, her wolf was also in agony. Stories said


    this was when the first split happened.


    With the pain of losing her mate coinciding with the pain of childbirth, her wolf couldn¡¯t handle the


    exchange of energy between her and the child and the loss from her soulmate¡¯s death. It killed the


    child.


    As the Luna breathed herst, she begged the Moon Goddess to save her child. The Goddess took


    pity on her and used her wolf¡¯s remaining energy to breathe life into her son. Both a curse and a gift,


    Lunas had to battle with their wolf to birth an Alpha¡¯s child.


    Some stories said the Luna returned, but who knew what really happened then? Jaymer might but he


    didn¡¯t even know he really was.


    All Lexy and Helia could do with their magic was maintain her physical body. None of us


    knew what might happen to her ¨C she was wolf-less. It might be a normal delivery like a human¡¯s and


    any other normal she-wolf, or something else.


    I can¡¯t lose her¡­


    I was the Alpha and yet with her life on the line, I was helpless. And it wasn¡¯t just her. This was my fault


    ¨C my desire to have an heir. Then again, at some point, she would¡¯ve asked for this. Anna wanted a


    family with me, and as worried as I was, I couldn¡¯t deny her what I wanted as well.


    ¡°We¡¯re ready for her any day¡­ I pray the Goddess grants mercy,¡± said Lexy, lying on her back.


    ¡°I¡¯m going out,¡± I said, standing.


    ¡°Say ¡®hi¡¯ to Anna for me,¡± she called behind me as I closed the door.


    I went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. By seven, she still hadn¡¯te down, so I decided to just bring


    it up to our room.


    Anna was lying down on her side with a lot of pillows surrounding her. I walked up to her and stroked


    her hair, smiling at her peaceful sleeping figure. For many more nights, for many more days, opening


    the bedroom door or getting up in the morning, she would


    always be the first I¡¯d look for.


    Her stomach was bigger than the rest of her and I was so proud of her for doing so well. She was going


    to be a great Mom and I¡¯d beg the Goddess like the first Luna did if I had to.


    I couldn¡¯t picture a future without my Anna. She was in every moment in time that I could think of and


    our pups¡­ they deserved to grow up, with her.


    Her eyes fluttered open.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said softly as I leaned in to kiss her forehead.


    She wasn¡¯t as moody as she was before, and I was thankful to the stars that phase was over.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she said sleepily. ¡°We¡¯re hungry.¡±


    I rubbed a hand over her stomach gently. ¡°I made you spaghetti.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She smiled sweetly at me. I kissed her slowly before helping her get up.


    ¡°Thank you, babe.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡± she asked, cing her hand on top of mine.


    ¡°For this¡­ for us¡­ I¡¯m so happy for all you do for me. Thank you.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°Have you thought of names yet?¡±


    I¡¯m always thinking of names!


    ¡°Too many to choose from. Do you have names in mind?¡±


    I helped her get up from bed then held out her robe for her. She was having difficulty doing the simplest


    things now. I didn¡¯t mind. She¡¯d pamper me, too if it was the other way around.


    ¡°I have a few in mind. What do you think of ¡®Liam Jr.¡¯?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said firmly with a straight face. ¡°Fuck no.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha! I¡¯m kidding!¡±


    Sheughed as she went to the bathroom to do her business. Sometimes, she needed help with


    something. Usually, it was someone to hold her hair away from her face as she threw up.


    We had a nice dinner after. She still had a healthy appetite which was always a good thing. I made sure


    she didn¡¯t eat too much, though and that she was getting the proper nutrition the four of them needed.


    4


    Lexy put me through countless briefings and lectures ¨C she¡¯d kill me if I didn¡¯t look after her right.


    As always, I made sure she had her supplements. Then, as sheid on her back, I gently applied


    natural cocoa butter on her belly before massaging her now swollen feet to get her to rx. My Anna


    was going through so much.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said as I slipped in beside her.


    I kissed her forehead then replied, ¡°Anything for you, babe.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about it, aren¡¯t you?¡± she asked. Her head was resting on my chest, her back and legs


    and sides supported by pillows. ¡°You¡¯re worrying too much.¡±


    My heart sank.


    Your life and theirs are at stake.


    ¡°I just¡­ want you and¡­ our pups to be healthy,¡± I replied, trying to divert the subject.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine, Liam. Keep worrying like that and your hair will fall out,¡± she said, giggling.


    You¡¯re so adorable.


    I held her hand and kissed her fingers.


    ¡°I worry because I care about you, Anna,¡± I murmured.


    She looked up at me and touched my cheek. I leaned into her palm, her warm touchforting


    ¡°As do I, my love,¡± she said softly.


    She suddenly gasped and I was instantly on high alert. Was it happening? Is the bed wet?


    ¡°They¡¯re kicking!¡±


    She took my hand and ced it on her stomach. ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    I felt a small kick and my heart swelled. It was an amazing feeling.


    She smiled as she breathed deeply. ¡°Oh!¡±


    I felt another kick and I couldn¡¯t help but be in awe. Life was growing inside her and letting us know.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I whispered, leaning down to kiss one side of her belly.


    ¡°And you,¡± I said as I kissed the middle.


    ¡°You, too.¡± I also kissed the other side.


    Then I kissed her slowly until we parted for air. ¡°And you, my love.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re going to need you, Liam,¡± she said.


    I held her hand, rubbing small circles at the back of it with my thumb.


    ¡°Us, Anna. They¡¯re going to need us. We¡¯re going to raise them together then kick them out the house


    when they¡¯re old enough so we could make up for the sexless nights.¡±


    She yfully pped my chest and I chuckled. ¡°Liam! They can hear you.¡±


    ¡°No, they can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not kicking them out the house!¡±


    She rubbed her belly. ¡°Your Father didn¡¯t mean it, kids.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯d have to go to college.¡± I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll have the walls soundproofed instead.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Liam!¡± she eximed,ughing.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, babe,¡± I murmured, cing soft kisses on her shoulder.


    ¡°You¡¯re distracting me with the sex talk, aren¡¯t you?¡± she questioned.


    How did she ¨C


    A woman¡¯s intuition is scary.


    Sheughed at me then pecked my lips. ¡°You¡¯re adorable,¡± she said, smirking.


    I sighed. She looked at me with a soft expression as she touched my cheek, her forefinger tracing


    along my jaw. These peaceful momentssted for as long as they could when I wished they couldst


    forever. It made me think that we¡¯d be alright, that when this was all over, she would still be here with


    me. The prickly feeling in my gut made me feel otherwise ¨C that these were simply constion,


    memories to live by, for when the impending day came


    I held her hand and kissed the back of it.


    ¡°I can¡¯t lose you,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± she whispered back. ¡°I¡¯ll always be with you. I promised.¡±


    ¡°But I want you here, with me, just like this¡­ the way we are now.¡±


    I can¡¯t continue without you.


    ¡°Whatever happens, promise me you¡¯ll love them,¡± she said, taking my hand and cing it on her belly.


    ¡°And raise them well and look over them¡­ and always tell them I love them, and their Mother has


    absolutely no regrets¡­ and you don¡¯t, too.¡±


    ¡°You can tell them yourself,¡± I whispered, afraid that my voice would crack if I said it aloud, a clear


    sound from my heart.


    ¡°Promise me, Liam,¡± she said firmly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­¡± I said, looking away.


    How can you be so selfish? You can¡¯t leave me¡­ us.


    ¡°Please, Liam,¡± she whispered as she blinked rapidly and inhaled deeply.


    I balled my hidden hand into a fist.


    ¡°I¡­ promise,¡± I said. ¡°But you have to promise me¡­ you¡¯ll fight for us, all five of us.¡± 1


    I wiped her tears with my thumb.


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    I brought my face closer to her, then captured her lips. Flicking my tongue at her lips, she gave me


    permission.


    Sweet¡­ addictive¡­


    I poured all I had in me into the kiss as her hands tugged on my hair. I nibbled on her lips, captured her


    lips, and sucked the air out of her until we parted for air.


    Goddess, don¡¯t take her from me. Don¡¯t take her from our pups.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    My mind kept me awake. My eyes were closed, and I breathed in her scent to calm me. I pretended to


    be sleep because Anna wasn¡¯t sleeping. When it was close to midnight, she got up and locked herself


    in the bathroom.


    She turned the tap on a little, then for thirty minutes or more, she cried. I could hear her a s she muffled


    the sounds ¨C hups, sniffles, and the silent screams. I turned to the side, my pillow soaking up


    evidence of my eavesdropping. I was helpless and it was worse than getting punched in the gut a


    thousand times.


    I calmed myself down, thankful that she didn¡¯t turn the lights on when she came back to bed. She


    touched my face, tousled my hair, and kissed me all over as she whispered things I recorded in my


    heart. Then she slept, her hand holding mine tightly.


    Brave. She was the bravest person I¡¯d ever known.


    ¡°You can bring me down on my knees and strengthen me at my weakest.¡±


    I brushed the few strands off her face then kissed her cheek. I took in the sweetest and most calming


    scent that only I could smell.


    One more day. One more night. I lived in these moments now and I would until forever, a s we create


    more. Stay with us, my love...

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Chapter 79 Hopeful Hearts


    ~Liam


    ¡°AAAHHH!!!¡± Anna¡¯s screams filled the entire room as our babies pushed their way out. I n a few more


    hours or minutes, we were going to be parents!


    ¡°AAAHHH!!! Ughm!¡±


    I clenched my jaw as she crushed my hands in a death grip. She was sweating profusely, her breathing


    heavy. Lexy and Helia and nurses were constantly checking on her.


    I didn¡¯t know what else to do. If I could share the pain with her, I would. The only n m y mind came


    up with was to talk to her like it would help.


    ¡°¡¯You¡¯re doing great, babe!¡± I encouraged.


    I can¡¯t feel my hands.


    ¡°Breathe¡­ breathe¡­ you¡¯re alright¡­ you¡¯re doing great!¡±


    Her screams rang in my ears. Tears fell from the corners of eyes and all I could do was watch. The


    hours Carson and I spent watching videos of women giving birth because Lexy forced us to, was


    nothing inparison with witnessing it happen in person. The screams, the smell, and tension ¨C


    these weren¡¯t conveyed from the screen.


    ¡°Deep breaths, babe¡­ deep breaths.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Just shut up!¡± she screamed.


    My hands were dead by this point. Pups, pleasee out now¡­


    ¡°AAAHHH!!! Get them out!!!¡±


    ¡°I can see the head,¡± said Lexy. ¡°Keep pushing, Anna.¡±


    Her eyes widened as she screamed, ¡°I can¡¯t!¡± that my knees almost gave away.


    Fuck you, Liam. You can do this! ¡°Almost there, Luna. One, two, three, push!¡±


    She responded with an all-out effort to push our pups out.


    Out of her¡­ head and ¡­


    I shifted my weight between my feet to steady myself.


    ¡°Push!¡±


    After what seemed like time slowed down, cries filled the room. Amidst the smell of vani and freshly


    cut roses, of sweat, and of metal, three new scents registered.


    I was in awe as I watched their tiny bodies, their tiny hands and feet twitching as they cried. They


    looked¡­ wrinkly¡­ and¡­ precious.


    ¡°Anna¡­¡±


    I looked down at her to see the whites of her eyes roll back. It sent a punch in my gut. The machines


    started beeping and Lexy¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Get the Alpha out of here!¡± she ordered.


    Her hands let go of mine.


    ¡°No. No, Anna. Anna!¡±


    A nurse pushed me out of the room and closed the doors behind me.


    Goddess¡­


    Rigel and Gale held me up before I lost my bnce. Carson¡¯s mouth was moving but I couldn¡¯t hear


    him. Andrix was frozen from where he stood.


    I heard nothing. Nothing. She was inside, fighting for her life.


    You have to fight, my love. I¡¯m waiting for you. Our pups are waiting for you. Everyone¡¯s here for you.


    I found myself sliding down a wall, my elbows resting on my knees as I ran my fingers through my hair.


    You promised me you wouldn¡¯t leave. You promised me you¡¯d fight to stay.


    I kept remembering everything ¨C from when we met to when we first fought to when we first kissed ¨C


    everything that we had been through. I couldn¡¯t live without her.


    I need your smile and your giggles. I need you pping my chest and being adorable. I¡¯ll bake and


    cook anything you want. Juste back to us ¨C we¡¯re waiting for you.


    We have the perfect names for our babies. Don¡¯t you want to meet them? Don¡¯t we have a game to see


    who looks like who? We have more to go through, my love.


    My tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought about everything. Then we felt it. Luca began howling in


    pain. Her mark burned my skin. Pain shot through my body like lightning, my limbs jerked


    uncontrobly, then I slumped on the floor.


    Don¡¯t go.


    A scream tore through my throat as something pulled itself apart in my mind, stretching and stretching


    Don¡¯t go.


    ¡°Anna!¡± I screamed as I forced myself to get up. Another round of pain jerked my limbs, forcing me


    back on the floor.


    Don¡¯t leave.


    Luca howled louder than he had ever done before. My head felt like splitting into two. And as


    something kept stretching, the pain intensified.


    I didn¡¯t know how, but I got to my feet and somehow kept myself straight enough. I turned to face the


    doors.


    Goddess, don¡¯t take her.


    As pain traveled through my body, I forced a silent prayer.


    She deserves to live. Everyone¡¯s waiting for her. Her pups cry for her.


    It wouldn¡¯t stop stretching.


    If you should take a life, take mine instead. I¡¯ll dly return, just please¡­ bring her back.


    I felt numb all over. I¡¯d never felt this much pain before. Then it happened. I screamed.


    Something snapped, and the world fell away.


    I fell forward into the room.


    My body, my mind, my soul ¨C unimaginable pain coursed through my being, my heart unspared. I


    forced to look up at her. She was gone.


    I didn¡¯t have a second to clear my confusion. I screamed as more pain assaulted me.¡± Anna,¡± I


    whispered as darkness covered me.


    When I woke up, I was in my room. I¡¯d been waking up then passing out for two days. Lexy was beside


    me,forting me, again. My brothers stood silent, their presence a


    silent condolence.


    It took me some time to get a grip on myself. Lexy and Helia offered to look after my pups, but I


    declined.


    I stood to close the blinds, refusing to let the full moon peek in the windows.


    Amiry, An, and Alia slept peacefully on their crib. They looked adorable with their cute noses and


    tiny bodies, their tiny hands in tiny mittens. And I couldn¡¯t ept that Anna was just gone. 1


    We should be here together, watching over them. She should be here doting over them. She should be


    here, in my arms, both of us in awe.


    I couldn¡¯t¡­


    I didn¡¯t have the chance to thank her for giving me a family. I didn¡¯t have a chance to tell her just how


    much she meant to me. I didn¡¯t have a chance to tell her I love her, and that I always will.


    Now, I had no chances of showing her I could love her like no other. I couldn¡¯t show her our babies ¨C


    she would¡¯ve been fawning all over them.


    Bring her back. Goddess, bring her back.


    Every time I looked at my kids, I couldn¡¯t help but be reminded that she was gone because of me. Anna


    gave her life for them, for me. And the guilt ate at me like maggots, and every day I feel a part of myself


    die.


    Anna left a cold divide, a ck hole that only she could satisfy. There was the familiar feeling of


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    emptiness and helplessness and regret ¨C my three best friends. I thought I¡¯d gotten rid of them a long


    time ago, but they must¡¯ve been hanging around in dark corners that I didn¡¯t notice.


    I sat on the edge of the bed, the white envelope beside me. Carson handed it to me right when I woke


    up feeling that a part of me was gone¡­ empty. No one could exin what happened. She was just¡­


    gone.


    There were no names written on it. It¡¯d been days. I couldn¡¯t open it. If I did, I might find something¡­ a


    validation, that this was real, and that she knew it was going to happen. I couldn¡¯t live with the thought


    that she continued to live everyday like normal, knowing full well within herself that she wasn¡¯t going to


    survive.


    I heard her cry. I knew what she hid, but I still had hope that she¡¯d fight for us. I hoped that she¡¯d be


    here with us ¨C one happy family. Why couldn¡¯t the Goddess give me this?


    Why must You take my happiness from me? Is it never enough for You? Haven¡¯t I suffered enough?


    I missed her ¨C everything about her. It killed my heart when she left me because of a


    misunderstanding. Those three months without her, I burned in fire.


    This was different. It was killing me by the day, by the hour, by the second. Her scent had almost


    dissipated, and I feared the day it wouldn¡¯t be here anymore. I needed her warmth, but all I had was a


    cold empty bedside from where she used toy, beside me, our fingers interlocked as I stroked her


    hair.


    The room was silent, as if mocking me, a constant reminder that these four walls wouldn¡¯t witness her


    prayed and mourned the loss of his other half.


    Luca was silent from the moment I regained consciousness. He was grieving with me, and right now,


    we were doing what we could to keep it together. Everyone was worried, but I was anxious about


    tomorrow.


    Come back to me¡­


    Come back to us¡­


    Their sudden cries pulled me out of my thoughts. They must¡¯ve been grieving with me.


    Do they know? Can they feel that their Mom¡¯s not with them?


    What do I tell them? When they start to ask questions, when they start to wonder where their Mom had


    gone, what should I say?


    I couldn¡¯t ept it myself¡­ it¡¯d be too selfish and cruel to force it upon them.


    Their cries grew louder. I gently held Alia in my arms, her lightness still a surprise to me. I leaned her to


    my right as she cried, rocking the crib gently for our two boys.


    ¡°Are you crying for your Mom?¡±


    ¡°Your Dad¡¯s crying for her, too.¡±


    Their cries pierced through my heart. ¡°We miss her, don¡¯t we?¡±


    I held each of them gently, like the slightest pressure would hurt them. I fed them milk ¨C Lexy taught me


    how to properly feed them. Helia taught me how to calm them down.


    Soon, they were fast asleep. Amiry, An, and Alia ¨C their names were perfect. Anna came up with the


    boys¡¯ names, my sole contribution was a ¡°yes¡±.


    Amiry came out first, then An, then Alia. 1


    They¡¯re adorable, Anna. If you can see them now, you¡¯ll see how precious they are. I¡¯m guessing Alia


    will take after you ¨C she¡¯ll be as pretty as her Mom and as much of a handful. Amiry and An will


    probably be a pain ¨C I know I was when I was young.


    It was adorable when they stuck out their tiny tongues or when their hands would moves o slightly as


    they slept.


    Amiry and An will be the best brothers in the world for Alia. I¡¯ll pound it into their heads. I love them,


    Anna. They¡¯re our tiny versions until they¡¯re grown. I just¡­ wish you¡¯re here with me.


    ¡°Amiry, An, and Alia. You know, your Mom fought hard for us until the end,¡± I whispered. ¡°She was


    the bravest woman I¡¯ve ever known, and she saved your Dad from himself. Well, she saved me a lot of


    times¡­ We¡¯ll¡­ get through this¡­ together, alright?¡±


    ¡°She¡­ she will always be with us, tiny pups. And maybe someday- someday, the Goddess will bring


    her back.¡± 3.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    Chapter 80 Little Alphas


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of adopting,¡± said Gale as he ran a hand though his hair. ¡°I haven¡¯t talked t o Andrix about


    it yet, but he won¡¯t be averse at the idea, would he?¡±


    Rigel calmly drank his ss of bourbon, which was from Liam¡¯s not-so-secret personal collection.


    ¡°A human kid?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No, you fucking dumbass. Do you want the kid to die?¡± Gale said, scowling.


    Liam muttered under his breath, something about not having a moment of quiet time for himself as he


    scanned and signed through a stack of documents. Gray streaks dyed his hair, and lines had begun to


    show on his face. He had a stubble from having forgotten to shave that morning. It was because of the


    children jumping up on him before daybreak.


    Sighing, he signed thest of the fist stack. Gale and Rigel were still bickering on how to make the


    adoption work.


    ¡°What if the kid¡¯s a spy?¡± asked Rigel as he poured himself another ss.


    The stress from work showed on the asional drooping of his eyes. The Delta Unit were sent to a


    recon mission for the past week and they had just returned.


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it! Don¡¯t you want me to have a kid?¡±


    Rigel filled another ss and ced it on Liam¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Liam grumbled.


    Looking after two packs was taxing work. He¡¯d thought about absorbing the ck Mist Pack into the


    Red w Pack, and Carson and Andrix had proposed the idea to him. He rejected it. Anna kept the


    packs separate in honor of her father and he wasn¡¯t about to ruin what she left behind.


    A knock interrupted the three of them.


    ¡°Come in, babe,¡± said Gale, then turning to Rigel, ¡°Not a word.¡±


    Andrix showed signs of aging as well, but he still had that charismatic air around him. Gale walked up


    to him and pulled him into a quick kiss that had Rigel looking away.


    ¡°Hello, you. You¡¯re here early,¡± said Gale.


    ¡°I was here earlier but I went to check on my nephews and niece,¡± Andrix said, chuckling. ¡°Hey, Liam,


    Rigel.¡±


    Liam grumbled.


    Not a moment of peace.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t give them chocte, did you?¡± he asked, not looking up.


    ¡°I left the treats at the cupboard,¡± answered Andrix. ¡°It¡¯s like they were wearing diapers only yesterday,


    now they¡¯re running around like they never tire.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t,¡± muttered Liam.


    Each one constantly seeked his attention for whatever reason, no matter the time, be it the middle of


    the night or three in the morning.


    ¡°You ready to go?¡±


    Gale nodded, sping Andrix¡¯s hand. ¡°See you all tomorrow,¡± he said.


    Rigel raised his ss, smirking at Gale.


    ¡°So¡­ how are you holding up?¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s tough having kids, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Liam sighed. It required immeasurable patience that he could just snap at times. If he wasn¡¯t working,


    he was ying with the kids. He drank thest of the bourbon then rubbed his temples.


    ¡°It¡¯s not always a piece of work. I love those kids, but the only time I get peace and quiet i s when I¡¯m


    asleep,¡± he answered.


    Rigel chuckled, put the ss down, then stood.


    ¡°You can say that again.¡±


    Rigel observed him for a while but said nothing. His brother had been more and more absorbed in his


    work over the years. He took it as his brother¡¯s way of coping with Anna¡¯s loss.


    ¡°Carson proposed we all go out for a boy¡¯s night. You can leave the kids at my ce. Sabri loves


    having them around Raixel and Rasi.¡± 1


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± answered Liam, finishing another stack, then starting with another.


    Rigel nodded, then left.


    As the door clicked, the pen stopped moving. Liam set it down, then deeply sighed. They¡¯d been


    worrying about him as ofte and tried to get him away from his work. He wasn¡¯t enved to his work,


    he simply found that when he did have some quiet time, it wasn¡¯t to his liking.


    Alone in his office, surrounded by stacked documents and empty furniture in the quiet, there were too


    many reminders of his inner condition.


    Liam nced at his watch; it was almost four. The kids would be home soon.


    After cleaning up for the day, he grabbed his jacket from the rack then went to the kitchen. Minutes


    before five, a car stopped outside and in seconds, roaringughter and loud voices pushed back the


    silence better than the simmering pot of sauce.


    He heard small footstepsing to his direction and the squeak of sneakers on the floor as two more


    sets hurriedly ran up the stairs. Liam¡¯s lips pulled into a grin. They knew what they did today and that


    they were in for it, so they were going to use his weakness against him to soften him up a bit.


    A little girl came into the kitchen, wearing Timbend boots and a thick jacket. She had a white bo


    on, which was a contrast to her long dark brown hair. Her honey zed orbs sparkled when she saw


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Liam, white teeth shing.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± she squealed as soon as she saw him.


    Liam opened his arms to her while crouching. The little girl giggled, then dropping her bag to the floor,


    ran up to him that her bo dropped to the floor, and threw her arms around his neck.


    ¡°I missed you, Daddy!¡±


    He hugged her tightly, feeling his tiredness leave his body. ¡°I missed you too, baby. How was school?¡±


    wa


    She scrunched up her nose and stuck her tongue out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like school,¡± she whined.


    ¡°Why not, baby?¡± asked Liam, patting her head.


    ¡°The boys pulled my chair this morning. I fell and hurt my butt,¡± she said, her cheeks


    blushing.


    Liam held back his anger. ¡°Who pulls your chair, baby? Does it hurt? We can call Aunty L,¡± he said


    worriedly.


    The little girl shook her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt now, Daddy. It hurt this morning. Then, w e had lunch and


    they said ¡®sorry¡¯ and gave me their cookies.¡±


    Liam grinned. ¡°What did you tell them, baby?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I said ¡®okay¡¯, then took their cookies. I had three cookies and they didn¡¯t have cookies and I felt bad, so


    I gave them back their cookies,¡± she said proudly. ¡°And if they pull my chair again, I¡¯ll tell on them. I told


    them my Daddy was a big strong Alpha!¡± she eximed while pressing Liam¡¯s cheeks together.


    Liamughed at her. Some of those kids wouldn¡¯t understand what she meant.


    She crossed her arms and pouted. ¡°I still don¡¯t like them, Daddy. I¡¯ll never talk to them again. Ever!¡±


    Liam brushed her hair and fixed the headband that was almost to her forehead.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, baby. They won¡¯t pull your chair again. I promise.¡±


    ¡°You mean it, Daddy?¡± she asked, almost teary-eyed. ¡°Everyoneughed at me and teacher didn¡¯t see


    them. She got mad at me. It hurt when I sit down.¡±


    He kissed her forehead while getting up, holding her to his side. ¡°They won¡¯t hurt you again, baby. And


    I¡¯ll have a talk with Mrs. Wilson. Don¡¯t you worry.¡±


    As she saw what her Daddy was cooking, her eyes sparkled. Her stomach let out a sound.


    Liam chuckled as she blushed deeper.


    ¡°Go and change, baby. I¡¯ll have a huge serving ready for you when youe down,¡± he said, putting


    her down. ¡°And call your brothers, will you, baby?¡±


    ¡°Are you mad at them, Daddy?¡± she asked slowly, rocking on her boots.


    ¡°I¡¯m not mad at them, baby. But if they won¡¯te down, they won¡¯t have dinner.¡±


    She seemed to be thinking about it as her gaze shifted.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said finally, picking up her bag then leaving the kitchen.


    After getting everything ready, Liam quickly made his way up his room, not the faintest sound heard


    save for the click of the bedroom doors. He took a quick shower, finally


    shaved his stubble, much to his relief, changed into a suit, then went back to the kitchen.


    Liam set the table for the four of them. He generously ted spaghetti for all of them, adding lots of


    shredded cheese just as the kids liked it. Taking the bottle, he brought out earlier, he poured Chianti for


    himself and for the kids, carbonated water.


    The big bowl at the center had Alia¡¯s eyes sparkling. It was filled with her favorite, fried chicken.


    ¡°Daddy, I love you!¡± she squealed, running to him to give him a hug. The skirt of her royal blue dress


    fluffed as she ran as fast as her short legs could let her, from the door to one end of the table.


    Liam kneeled to her level so he could receive her hug.


    The two boys inched their way inside the dining room while Liam pulled a chair for his little girl.


    She giggled as she sat down. ¡°Thank you, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very wee, baby,¡± he replied, smiling.


    Slowly, he turned to face the boys. An pushed his sses up as he stared at the floor. H e had one


    hand hidden on a pocket of his ck cks, which was paired with a well ironed white dress shirt. His


    lips pursed. Then he took out his hand to tinker with the ck bowtie which was already neatly worn.


    On the other hand, Amiry looked to the side as if the wall was the most interesting thing. His dress shirt


    tucked on one side, the dark blue tie hanging down his shoulders.


    While it was difficult to tell which was who, they gave themselves away with the way they carried


    themselves. Unless they were ying a prank on Liam, again. Tonight, however, h e felt that they


    weren¡¯t ¨C even the two troublemakers wouldn¡¯t dare.


    He kept his face cid, his cold demeanor making the boys more and more ufortable each


    passing second.


    Internally, Liam was d and couldn¡¯t be prouder of them. They protected their sister from her bullies,


    but he still had to reprimand them for skipping a few minutes of training. Liam cleared his throat.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you join your sister at the table? Food¡¯s going to get cold.¡±


    The two boys stared at each other¡¯s deep brown orbs, mirroring each other¡¯s confusion. An


    shrugged, then took his seat on Alia¡¯s right. Amiry sat on her left. Liam was


    directly opposite Alia.


    ¡°Fix your tie, Amiry,¡± said Liam coolly.


    The little boy fumbled with the tie for a few minutes, tying and untying until he got it decent. Without


    being told, he tucked in his dress shirt, giving him a neater look.


    Liam smiled as the kids ate their servings and dly served them seconds. The chicken was devoured


    first, and the shredded cheese followed. Sauce smothered their lips and


    cheeks, which he found funny but held back fromughing in front of them. For now, he just wanted to


    enjoy a nice dinner with his family.


    Afterward, the kids were leaning back on their seats. Liam drank thest of his wine, then got up, and


    wet a napkin. Amiry scowled as Liam wiped his face clean. Alia was all smiles and giggling while An


    was as rigid as a tree.


    ¡°Thank you, Daddy,¡± said Alia, then nudged her brothers.


    ¡°Thanks¡­ Dad,¡± An said awkwardly, looking to the floor.


    Amiry just crossed his arms.


    Liam pretended not to notice their little acts as he collected the dishes to the sink, smiling to himself.


    The little girl nudged Amiry again, this time ring at him with her cheeks puffed up. She was mad, but


    she looked adorable.


    Amiry pursed his lips, then, in a strained voice said, ¡°Thanks for¡­ dinner, Dad.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very wee,¡± Liam drawled. ¡°Now, who wants to watch a movie?¡±


    ¡°Me!¡± eximed Alia. ¡°It¡¯s my turn, Daddy!¡±


    ¡°Alright, baby. What do you want to watch?¡± he asked.


    The boys visibly cringed. She always chose a Barbie movie. They looked at their Dad with pleading


    eyes, but he smirked at them.


    ¡°I know a movie you haven¡¯t seen yet,¡± he said.


    Alia giggled and shook her head. The boys were looking expectantly at her.


    Liam pouted. ¡°No?¡±


    She pushed his cheeks together. ¡°Amiry and An don¡¯t like girl movies. They like dinosaurs.¡±


    Amiry nodded in approval.


    ¡°Are you sure, baby? It¡¯s your turn. You can choose anything you like.¡±


    ¡°Rawr!!!¡± She held her hands out like ws and Liam gasped, stumbling back.


    ¡°Calm down, dinosaur,¡± he said, and she giggled.


    He brushed the strands of hair from her face and smiled. ¡°You go ahead and get everything ready,


    baby. Daddy has something to say to your brothers.¡±


    ¡°But _¡°


    ¡°Go on, baby. We won¡¯t keep you waiting.¡±


    Alia looked at her brothers and they nodded slightly at her, epting their fates. Their Dad was strict


    with them with training, simply because they were the next to take over as Alpha. Their cousins Raixel


    and Rasi were always training with them. Either of them could be the next Head Gamma.


    Liam gestured for them to take their seats. He sat opposite them, calmly observing their fidgeting


    fingers.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want to keep your sister waiting,¡± he said slowly. ¡°Gale and Rigel had the scouts and spies


    looking for both of you within the territory. Where were you?¡±


    They nced nervously at each other. ¡°Being an Alpha means learning to take responsibility for your


    actions. Every decision you make has a good or bad effect on the pack. Do you understand?¡±


    They nodded.


    ¡°Good. Now tell me why you were twenty minuteste for training today.¡±


    An chewed on his lip, his gaze moving to the side to nce at his brother.


    ¡°Lame humans,¡± An muttered.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± he asked, getting up slowly, the chair scraping against the floor.


    An nudged Amiry.


    The truth was that Liam already knew. He simply wanted to test them and to make sure there would be


    no troublesome qualms with the humans.


    ¡°We made them cry,¡± answered Amiry, crossing his arms and puffing up his chest.


    His eyes met Liam¡¯s cold, calm gaze. He held it for two seconds before looking away, mumbling,


    ¡°Sorry¡±, under his breath.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Liam stated.


    ¡°I- I punched the bathroom wall,¡± said An sheepishly.


    That¡¯s my boy!


    ¡°They made Alia cry,¡± Amiry said quietly. ¡°Theyughed at her when she fell. Humans are weak.¡±


    ¡°Andme,¡± added An, pushing his sses up. ¡°Alia was smiling and saying it¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°And Phil called her ¡®ugly¡¯, Dad!¡± said Amiry.


    Liam¡¯s eyebrow twitched. A young kid called his adorable, sweet baby ¡°ugly¡±?


    ¡°We told them to say ¡®sorry¡¯ to her and if they don¡¯t An will punch them.¡±


    An crossed his arms, too. ¡°And if they hurt her again, we told them their parents will lose their jobs,¡±


    he said proudly.


    Who was teaching these kids?


    ¡°They didn¡¯t understand,¡± said Amiry, smirking. ¡°Of course, they didn¡¯t, bro. They¡¯reme humans,¡± said


    An.


    Liam sighed. They¡¯d been spending too much time with Andrix.


    ¡°Amiry, An, an Alpha protects the people he loves. I am very proud of you both for defending your


    sister,¡± he said and the two beamed. ¡°But next time something happens, you leave it to the grown-ups,


    alright? They don¡¯t know we exist, and it is very important we keep it that way. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Dad, we are stronger than anyone in our ss,¡± said Amiry, scowling.


    ¡°There are kids of Alpha blood in your ss, too, Amiry,¡± said Liam, sighing.


    ¡°We¡¯re stronger, Dad,¡± said An. ¡°And humans areme. Why should we keep hiding?¡± ¡°We¡¯re not


    hiding, little Alphas. We are simply co-existing. Don¡¯t show your strength unless absolutely necessary.


    Am I clear?¡±


    ¡°Daddy!¡± called Alia.


    She had the speakers turned up loud that the opening was loudly heard in the dining room to the


    kitchen.


    ¡°Am I?¡± Liam repeated.


    The boys nodded.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± they responded.


    ¡°Good. Now go join your sister.¡±


    Liam washed the dishes before joining his kids. They were all gathered on the couch, with him in the


    middle, the two boys on his right and his only daughter, who used his leg as a pillow, to his left. The


    screen was showing the group of young dinosaurs leaving their homes, but Liam wasn¡¯t paying


    attention.


    His mind drifted to his two little Alphas who would someday take over the Red w Pack. His little girl


    would grow up to be the Alpha of the ck Mist Pack. It went without saying that she¡¯d be single until


    she was at least thirty since Liam would bar all boys from getting a meter close to her. They¡¯d have to


    keep their dicks in their pants, or he¡¯d cut them off and feed it to them himself. No one, not a single guy,


    no matter his position, was ever going to steal his only daughter from him.


    He smiled to himself. Time flew by quickly. It seemed only yesterday, they were crawling and cooing.


    Next thing he knew, he was chasing them all over the house. Now, they were already five, old enough


    to start getting involved with the pack. Soon, he¡¯d be an old man and they¡¯d be all grown up.


    They¡¯d start their own lives and he¡¯d have to look forward to his own end. Although Liam was content


    with how things were, and that the boys and Lexy assured him he was doing well, the emptiness


    haunted him. It was in the peaceful moments, when his mind was tired and his heart, vulnerable, that


    the sneaky darkness in his soul seeped through its confines.


    No matter the distractions he set for himself, it found a way to remind him that something¡­ someone¡­


    was missing.


    The movie ended. The kids yawned and stretched. Alia hesitated to get up from the couch. Holding her


    hands out, Liam had to carry her in his arms and bring her to her room, with the boys behind them.


    ¡°Goodnight, Dad,¡± said An, hugging his side.


    Amiry followed.


    ¡°Goodnight, Dad,¡± he said, hugging his other side. Their heights only allowed them to reach his hips, so


    he had to bend a little on one knee.


    ¡°Goodnight, Alia,¡± said the two, kissing her cheeks.


    She giggled and said, ¡°Goodnight, An. Godnight, Amiry.¡±


    ¡°Remember to brush your teeth,¡± said Liam as they closed the door. He brought Alia inside her room


    andid her on the bed.


    ¡°You should brush your teeth first, baby,¡± he said.


    Alia yawned. ¡°Okay,¡± she said softly.


    Liam waited for her to finish, helped her with her pajamas, then tucked her in.


    ¡°Goodnight, baby,¡± he said, kissing her forehead.


    ¡°Daddy¡­¡±


    She looked up at him with a guilty look.


    ¡°¡­ I think Amiry and An scared them. Amiry looked angry when theyughed at me.¡±


    ¡°They love you, baby. It is natural for them to get angry when someone hurts you.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t get mad at them, Daddy?¡± she asked softly.


    Liam smiled and shook his head. ¡°I can never get mad at you three, baby. Now, go to sleep. We¡¯re


    going somewhere tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Where, Daddy?¡± she asked, her eyes half-closed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise, baby,¡± he whispered.


    Liam left her room, closing the door slowly. Then, he checked up on the boys.


    ¡°Dad?¡± called Amiry just as he was about to close the door.


    He turned the lights on and entered the room with the door halfway open.


    ¡°We did something,¡± said An. The two were in their pajamas, sitting up on their beds. Thinking they


    were acting on the Alpha talk he just gave them, he sat on Amiry¡¯s bed, patiently waiting for them to


    talk.


    An took out an all too familiar envelope from the top drawer of his nightstand. ¡°We¡¯re


    sorry, Dad,¡± he said quietly.


    Liam sighed. ¡°Did you read it?¡± he asked. They both nodded.


    ¡°Alia wanted to y dress-up and thanks to someone, our ties were destroyed,¡± said An. Liam


    raised a brow, pushing the matter into the back of his head.


    ¡°I was this close to making a slingshot!¡± roared Amiry.


    That¡¯s not how you make a slingshot.


    ¡°Alia¡¯s asleep.¡±


    Amiry looked to the side. ¡°Sorry, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡± Liam beckoned to An to sit beside his brother.


    He gathered the two in front of him, then asked, ¡°Is there a reason why you¡¯re telling me this now?¡±


    The two boys looked at each other and smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s Mom¡¯s birthday!¡± eximed Amiry and An shushed him.


    ¡°You know, for what you did for your sister today, she would¡¯ve been so proud of all of you,¡± said Liam,


    ruffling their hairs.


    ¡°Mom¡­ loves us, right, Dad?¡± asked An.


    ¡°Very much, An.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯lle back, right?¡± asked Amiry.


    ¡°Aunty L said the Goddess will return Mom if we¡¯re good. But we made you mad today,¡± said An, his


    gaze downcast.


    ¡°Uncle Gale and Uncle Rigel were mad at us, too,¡± added Amiry.


    ¡°Is She not going to return Mom because of us?¡± asked Amiry, his eyes brimming with tears. ¡°We-We


    promise not to bete to training.¡±


    Liam¡¯s chest tightened. Lexy shouldn¡¯t have said that. Though he hoped within his heart that she will,


    there were no facts, no signs, no evidence that she would ever return.


    The boys rubbed their eyes with the back of their arms. They were old enough to understand the


    contents of the letter. Reading how much Anna loved them fueled their guilt. However, they had nothing


    to be guilty of ¨C there was simply an abundance of love i


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    n the family. And Liam fought back tears of his own from the blessings Anna had left him.


    Liam engulfed them both in a hug. He kissed the top of their heads as he patted their backs. ¡°She loves


    all of you so, so much.¡±


    ¡°Will Mome back to us?¡± asked An, sniffling.


    ¡°She is always with us, An, Amiry. She¡¯s watching over us, always,¡± he replied, pulling away. ¡°It¡¯s


    alreadyte. Go to bed, little Alphas.¡±


    An picked up the envelope and handed it to him.


    ¡°Keep it,¡± he said, and the little boy hugged it to his chest as he went back to his own bed. ¡°Does Alia


    know?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± answered Amiry.


    Fair enough


    ¡°We¡¯ll let her know tomorrow, Dad,¡± said An. ¡°Mom loves her, too.¡±


    ¡°Dad, do you miss Mom?¡± asked Amiry when Liam was by the door.


    ¡°Always,¡± he replied with his back to them. ¡°Now go to sleep.¡±


    ¡°We love you, too, Dad,¡± said An, melting his heart.


    ¡°We do,¡± added Amiry, yawning.


    It took him a moment to get over the shock. The boys usually shied away from things that were normal


    to their sister.


    ¡°I love you, too, little Alphas,¡± he replied as he closed the door slowly.


    His legs carried him to his room, walking like he was possessed while his mind wandered. He sat at the


    edge of the bed. Atop the nightstand, beside themp, was a photo frameid t on its face. He raised


    it and let it sit. It was a picture of Anna, one that she included with the letter.


    Her beaming face brought a longing smile on Liam¡¯s face.


    ¡°You are simply amazing, my love. The kids love you even though they¡¯ve never met you. They know


    you by the stories and the pictures ¨C they are in awe of you, brownies¡­ as am


    I.¡±


    Liam raised the frame and brought it to his lips. His fingers stroked the ss lovingly as i fit would


    crack. Luca purred; his eyes closed as he remembered how she used to y with


    his fur. ¡°Happy Birthday, my love.¡±


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