Lucas POV
Vanessa stood at the end of the long table in the room, leaning over what appeared to be architectural plans with Abel, my Beta. Her dark hair was pulled back in a severe ponytail. She had a serious expression on her face as she pointed to something on the document.
"These reinforcements need to be completed before the full moon," she was saying. "The eastern perimeter has been vulnerable for too long."
Lucas POVAbel looked between us; his features were scrunched into confusion. "What's going on?" he asked, his hand still hovering over his phone. "Luna Vanessa, what do you need to tell me?"I shot my mate a warning glance, silently reminding her of everything we'd planned. All the careful preparations, the documents Kevin had procured, our strategy to throw the Alpha Council off my back—all of it rested on her cooperation. But the hardness in her eyes told me she was having second thoughts about our arrangement.
Lucas POVVanessa stood at the end of the long table in the room, leaning over what appeared to be architectural plans with Abel, my Beta. Her dark hair was pulled back in a severe ponytail. She had a serious expression on her face as she pointed to something on the document."These reinforcements need to be completed before the full moon," she was saying. "The eastern perimeter has been vulnerable for too long."
Lucas POVThe sleek black SUV ate up the miles between the human world and Golden Moon territory, each passing minute bringing me closer to home. I rehearsed my story again in my mind, fine-tuning the details, perfecting my injured innocence."I was at the Summit the entire time," I murmured to myself, flipping through the forged documents Kevin had provided. "Someone used my scent, my identity, to frame me. I only learned what happened upon my return."Would they believe it? The Alpha Council wasn't known for its gullibility, but the evidence was substantial. Flight records, hotel confirmations, witness testimonies—Kevin had been thorough, I'd give him that. And Vanessa's unwavering insistence that I couldn't have been responsible would add credibility to my claims.I rolled down the window slightly, letting the familiar forest scents wash over me. After weeks surrounded by the stench of humanity—their processed foods, synthetic fabrics, and chemical-laden bodies—the crisp pine and r
Lucas POVThe quiet hum of the library's air conditioning system provided a soothing backdrop as I browsed through the shelves, feigning interest in the endless rows of human literature. I'd never had much patience for their writing—too simplistic, too far from the realities of our world—but the library served its purpose as a secure meeting place. Cameras monitored most areas, yes, but their very presence meant people kept to themselves, heads down, avoiding eye contact. Perfect for anonymity.Two weeks have passed since
Lily POVI stared at Uncle Tobias as if he'd suddenly grown a second head. His expression remained deadly serious, but the words coming out of his mouth were so absurd I could barely process them."Let me get this straight," I said slowly. "You want me to come with you? Just... leave? Right now?""As soon as you're discharged," he confirmed, his tone matter-of-fact, as if he were suggesti
Lily POV"Damn it, Lily," Uncle Tobias muttered, cursing out. "I'm sure Kai and his family can figure that out on their own. You have a more important role to play."I stiffened at his dismissive tone. "More important than helping my mate?""In the grand scheme of things? Yes." His expression was unyielding. "The fate of our entire species might rest on your shoulders."