ログインMelody's POV Blake and I looked at each other, then we both burst out laughing."Your family is wonderful," he said."My family is a menace," I corrected."They love you.""They do. Unfortunately, they have decided that embarrassing me is their preferred way of expressing it."He laughed again, and I found myself smiling at the sound.We walked away from the house, following the familiar path that led towards the woodland behind the eastern gardens. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and leaves. Sunlight filtered through the trees, scattering golden patches across the path.I have always loved the Moonwater Trail. It is one of the few places in Shadows Pack where I could sit quietly and enjoy the scenery.Before everything fell apart with Asher, I often came here when I needed time to think. Sometimes I would sit beside the stream and read. Other times, I would simply listen to the water and let my thoughts wander.I didn't realize how much I missed it
Melody's POV THREE HOURS EARLIER I was beginning to suspect that my mother had developed a new hobby; embarrassing me. Because judging by the way she's been smiling at me all morning, she was getting very good at it. It started shortly after breakfast preparations began. Aunt Lucia and her family were getting ready to return to Eclipse Pack, while my mother moved between the kitchen and dining room, making sure everyone of them had eaten enough to survive the journey back home. My father already left for work, leaving me to deal with the women in my family. A dangerous situation, if you ask me. "So…," Aunt Lucia said, drawing out the word as she folded a piece of clothing into her travel bag. "You and Alpha Blake seemed to have had a lovely time last night." I nearly choked on my water. "Excuse me?" She looked at me innocently. "You both spent quite some time outside last night." "He was our guest, Aunt Lucia. I was only being friendly." "Of course." She nodded solemnly. "And
Asher's POV The warrior stopped in front of me, bent forward with his hands braced against his thighs as he struggled to catch his breath."Alpha..." He tried to speak, but his voice broke.I stepped closer."Stand straight and speak clearly," I demanded.He forced himself upright."Two of our warriors were attacked during border patrol, Alpha. They were patrolling the eastern boundary with warriors from Oakwood Pack when a group of rogues ambushed them."My wolf stood up immediately."Where?" I asked."Near the old watchtower, Alpha. Close to the boundary markers.""When did this happen?" Alexander asked. He was standing beside me now."Less than an hour ago. Another patrol found them and raised the alarm.""How many rogues?" I asked."We're not certain. The warriors saw at least four, but they said there may have been more hiding in the trees."My wolf was on edge.Rogues attacking our border patrols was bad enough but attacking a joint patrol involving Oakwood warriors was worse.
Asher’s POVThe following morning, I found Alexander at the Moonstone Pavilion, a secluded spot on the eastern side of the Alpha's quarters where the forest met the training grounds. It was one of the few places on pack territory where I could sit without being interrupted by anyone. The pavilion was built around an enormous ancient oak tree, its thick branches stretched over a circular stone terrace. Wooden benches surrounded a low table carved from dark cedar, and a narrow stream flowed nearby, its gentle murmurs blending with the chirping of birds.The air carried the fresh scent of pine, damp earth, and the faint traces of wolves returning from their morning runs. I have spent countless hours here with Alexander over the years. We used this place to escape our tutors, argue about everything from pack politics to women, and make promises we were too young to understand but these days, our conversations were rarely that simple.Alexander sat on one of the benches, a steaming mug of
Asher’s POV"I was in the room next door when I heard you screaming," Veronica said as she moved closer to my bed."You were calling for your father," she added. Her gaze searched my face, as though she expected me to break down and tell her everything she wanted to know.I clenched my jaw."Why are you sleeping in the Alpha's quarters instead of your father's house?" My tone was sharp.Veronica blinked, apparently caught off guard by the sudden change in subject."Your mother asked me to spend the night here," she saidI exhaled slowly and gently rubbed the back of my neck."Of course she did," I muttered under my breath, "My mother really does have a hand in everything.""What was that?" Veronica asked.I placed the glass back on the bedside table and straightened."You can leave now," I said.Veronica didn't move. Instead, she took another step towards the bed."Asher, you don't have to pretend you're fine."I looked at her."Did you have a nightmare? You were screaming in your sle
Asher's POV The forest was silent and the air was thick, heavy enough to make every breath feel like an effort. Mist crawled between the trees, twisting around their roots like pale fingers searching for something to drag beneath the earth. Above me, the moon hung low in a blood red sky, its light staining the forest floor with an ominous glow.I stood in the middle of the clearing, barefoot and dressed in nothing but the black trousers I usually wore when shifting. My chest rose and fell with each breath I took as I turned slowly, searching the darkness. I could feel something or someone watching me.My wolf stirred beneath my skin, restless and agitated, his instincts screaming at me to leave. But my feet remained rooted to the ground, as though an invisible force held me in place."Hello?" I spoke into the darkness. My voice sounded strange in the silence.There was no answer.I frowned and took a step forward."Who's there?" I asked.A branch snapped somewhere behind me and I imm







