(Florian's POV)I watched as Natalie wiped away the last of her tears, her emotional moment passing quickly. The arrival of a large group at the airport terminal caught our attention.The werewolf artist team had landed, right on schedule. They moved with purpose through the crowded airport, led by none other than Ethan Blake. His electric blue floral shirt stood out in the sea of travelers, drawing curious glances from humans who couldn't possibly understand the power he wielded beneath that ridiculous attire."Alpha! Luna!" Ethan called out, raising his hand in greeting. Behind him trailed a procession of artists and assistants, followed by pack members carefully pushing the silver-free safes containing Natalie's paintings.I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Eighty paintings, each a masterpiece in its own right, created by my mate's talented hands. The culmination of months of work, now ready to be displayed to the Northern Territory."Is everything secure?" Natalie aske
(Third-person's POV)Two months had passed since the kidnapping incident that had left Natalie Silverstone with an injured hand. The trauma of that day had faded, replaced by newfound confidence and skill.At the shooting range, a silver bullet struck the target's center with remarkable precision. The clean shot punctured the bullseye, a testament to hours of dedicated practice.Natalie lowered her silver-loaded gun, removing her protective earmuffs and goggles with practiced ease. Her movements were fluid now, no longer carrying the hesitation of a novice. She turned to look at Florian Nightshade, who leaned against the railing with an appreciative smile playing on his lips."Well done," Florian said, clapping slowly. His amber eyes shone with pride.Natalie rolled her shoulders, easing the tension from hours of practice. "It's just a close-range bullseye.""Don't minimize your achievement," Florian countered, approaching her with predatory grace. "Two months ago, you could bare
(Natalie's POV)The final target stopped moving, a perfect bullet hole through its center. I blinked in amazement, turning to stare at Florian."That crazily erratic moving target suddenly stopped, hit!" I exclaimed, immediately checking the target screen to confirm what I'd seen. Another perfect bullseye.My jaw nearly dropped. The target had been moving so unpredictably that I could barely track it with my eyes, yet Florian had hit it dead center while looking at me instead of his target."How did you do that?" I asked, genuinely impressed by his marksmanship.Instead of answering, Florian's amber eyes locked with mine, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Answer me first, am I handsome?"I sighed, recognizing his playful demand. Though I desperately wanted to know his technique, I relented."Handsome," I conceded.His smile widened, clearly pleased with my admission. He reloaded the silver-loaded gun with practiced ease, the movements so smooth they seemed effortless."It'
(Natalie's POV)"Turn left here," Florian directed, pointing to a narrow road that branched off the main highway.I navigated the White Ghost smoothly along the indicated path. The powerful engine purred beneath my touch as we headed deeper into the isolated countryside."How much farther?" I asked, noting that we'd left civilization behind some time ago."Just a few more minutes," Florian replied, his amber eyes scanning the dense forest surrounding us.I noticed armed wolves patrolling the perimeter as we approached what appeared to be a secured compound. This didn't look like any ordinary shooting range."Your pack owns this facility?" I asked, slowing the car as we reached a heavily guarded gate.Florian nodded. "One of several. This one specializes in silver training."The guards recognized Florian immediately, stepping aside with respectful nods. I drove through the gate, pulling into a designated parking spot."It's completely empty," I observed as we stepped out of the
(Third-person's POV)Lucas his face went white as he stumbled forward, now walking faster than his father as a sudden realization dawned on him.The city was crawling with rogue wolves. Dangerous individuals lurked almost everywhere - desperate creatures who would do anything for the right price. And if the Nightshade pack wanted to make problems for them...He shuddered at the thought, quickening his pace toward their car.Richard Silverstone hurried after his son, casting nervous glances over his shoulder. The mere mention of rogue wolves from Ethan Blake had been enough to send both Silverstone wolves fleeing. The threat couldn't have been clearer: cross the Nightshade pack, and your territory might face some "unexpected visitors."Charlotte Reed stood beside Ethan, watching the retreating figures with undisguised curiosity. Her red dress stood out vividly against the academy's stone facade as she tilted her head in confusion."What was that all about?" she asked, still holdin
(Third-person's POV)Richard Silverstone and Lucas Silverstone had reached the door of the New Zealand Academy of Art when a voice stopped them cold."Gentlemen, it's been a long time, hasn't it?"Both wolves froze, a chill racing down their spines. They turned slowly, their faces draining of color as they recognized the source of that voice.Ethan Blake stood before them, resplendent in his clashing floral shirt, a predatory smile on his face. The same enforcer who had "hosted" them on that nightmarish yacht in neutral waters. The same wolf who had shown them exactly what happened to those who crossed the Nightshade pack."Ethan Blake," Richard whispered, the name escaping his lips like a prayer of desperation.Lucas stared, paralyzed. His hands began to tremble uncontrollably as memories flooded back – being held over the side of the yacht while Ethan listed, in excruciating detail, exactly how long it would take him to drown if dropped into the cold waters below."What a plea