ZANDERWhen we finally arrived at my pack, I didn’t waste time. I carried Vivian in my arms, still unconscious, still pale and quiet.Her body felt too light like the weight of her soul was missing. Every step I took toward our house felt heavy like something was sitting on my chest.As soon as I stepped into the hallway, Mrs. Gale appeared out of nowhere. Her eyes widened when she saw me carrying Vivian.“Oh my goodness! Alpha Zander, what happened to her?” she gasped, rushing over with worry all over her face.Her voice was louder than I liked. It didn’t take long for a few of the other staff to poke their heads out, curious.I didn’t want anyone asking too many questions. The last thing I needed was gossip spreading through the house when I didn’t even know how to fix what was wrong with Vivian.Before I could open my mouth to come up with something, Priestess Tanya stepped in, her voice calm and firm.“She’s okay,” Priestess Tanya said quickly. “Vivian’s just sleeping. Zander didn
ZANDERJust as I was about to start the engine, Priestess Tanya’s voice stopped me.“Zander,” she said gently, “Don’t you think leaving Alpha Magnus’s house without at least saying goodbye would seem suspicious?”I paused and leaned back in the seat, letting her words settle in my mind.She was right. Leaving Aloha Magnus’s house without at least leaving an explanation as to why I left wasn't right at all. How could I forget that? I facepalmed.Also Leaving like that, without a word, might raise questions. Especially with how tense everything had already been lately. Magnus was still a fellow Alpha, disappearing suddenly wouldn’t sit right.“You’re right,” I said after a moment. “I was going to call Lucas and Derek and tell them I’d be leaving early. I figured they could come later in the day. But since you said this, I’ll tell them to wait and say goodbye to Magnus first.”She nodded in approval.“I’ll drop Magnus a text too,” I added, pulling out my phone. “I’ll tell him something
ZANDERI stared at Caroline, not sure I’d heard her right.Did she really just say she would do it?She stood there, her hands shaking, eyes red from crying, but there was something strong in her voice. Something determined. She meant it.I was stunned. Completely shocked. I didn’t expect her to offer herself up like that. Not her.“Caroline…” I said slowly, trying to understand where this was coming from.She looked at me, her face was pale but serious and I could see that she was hurting. I could see how much what happened to Vivian had broken her. I understood that she wanted to help.She was doing this because Vivian had saved her, and now she wanted to do something—anything at all—to make it right.But I couldn’t let her go, it was too dangerous. I shook my head immediately.“No,” I said firmly. “It’s too risky. That man and his son. We aren’t sure for certain but they may be dangerous. I’m not letting you go anywhere near them.”Caroline’s jaw clenched. Her eyes filled with fru
ZANDERI froze where I stood.Priestess Tanya’s words echoed in my head like a warning bell. “We only have one option left, and I know you’re not going to like it.”Each time she said something like that, it always ended with her suggesting something I hated.And right now, the fear inside me was already twisting my stomach. But I didn’t care what it was anymore. I was desperate. I just wanted to see Vivian open her eyes and smile at me again.“Tell me,” I said, my voice low but firm. “What’s this option?”Priestess Tanya looked at me with tear-stained eyes and hesitated. “Since none of us here has magic strong enough… and with Selene gone…” she paused, her lips trembling, “There’s only one person left who can help.”My chest tightened. I didn’t even need her to say the name. Something inside me was already screaming the answer.“And who is that?” I asked, already dreading her reply.She didn’t say anything right away, and in that silence, the pieces in my head came together.My brows
ZANDERI heard someone call my name.At first, it sounded far away. Like a whisper carried by the wind. I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming or just lost in a deep sleep.Then I heard it again—“Zander.”It came clearer this time, but my body still felt heavy. I couldn’t move. I wanted to wake up, but something held me down.“Zander…”The voice grew louder. I felt someone shaking me, hands on my arm, pulling me gently, trying to wake me up.And I wanted to wake up. But I couldn't wake up. I tried to open my eyes.Still, I couldn’t open my eyes. Everything felt distant, like I was swallowed into an abyss.Then, suddenly, Selene appeared.She was standing in front of me in a place that didn’t feel real.Her hair flowed around her shoulders, and her eyes were calm and full of light. She looked peaceful.“Selene…” I whispered.She smiled at me. “Vivian needs you.”My heart stopped. I stared at her, confused and full of pain. “Selene,” I said, reaching out to her. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t there f
VIVIAN I lay beside Zander, feeling his warmth, his skin pressed against mine, and our bodies still tangled from the love we just made.I gently ran my fingers through his hair and whispered into his ear, my lips brushing softly against his skin.My voice was soft and slow, and with each word, I let my magic slip into his mind like a gentle breeze.“You’re safe… you’re loved… sleep now, my Alpha,” I whispered, channeling my magic into every word.His breathing slowed, and I felt the magic settle over him like a thick blanket. His body relaxed completely afterward.A victorious smile spread across my face.Just to be sure, I nudged him lightly. “Zander,” I whispered again. Nothing. I pushed a little harder. Still nothing.My heart skipped. Was he dead? Did my magic mistakenly kill him?Oh no. I began to panic.My smile disappeared as I sat up quickly, placing a hand on his chest. I shook him harder this time. “Zander?” Still, no response.Panic hit me more like a slap this time around