(Aurora's POV)I stared at the moonstone marking pendant nestled in its velvet box, my breath caught in my throat. The stones gleamed under the gentle glow of the moon-crystal lights, casting prismatic reflections across the walls of our chamber.In our world, such a pendant wasn't merely jewelry—it was a declaration, a binding promise, a symbol of commitment as ancient as our kind. The thought made my heart flutter wildly in my chest.Alexander's deep voice broke through my daze."Five ancient moonstones," he said softly, his amber eyes warm as he watched my reaction. "I selected them myself, flawless Northern Territory crystals, perfect for everyday wear."His fingers brushed against mine as he lifted the pendant from its box. The simple contact sent shivers racing along my skin."Aurora, mate bonds mean more to us than most—but I love you deeply, and I want to leave my mark." His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "I want every wolf to know that you are Luna Aurora Blackwood, a
(Alexander's POV)The territory air carried the sweet scent of pine as I stepped out of my ceremonial SUV. Twilight painted the Blackwood Ancestral Den in soft shadows, and I felt the day's tension begin to melt away. This was home.Before I could even close the car door, three excited forms barreled toward me from the entrance."Alpha Dad!" Daniel's voice rang out, his small arms outstretched.Lily sprinted across the courtyard on chubby legs, her dark hair bouncing with each determined step. Behind her, Silverleaf appeared in the doorway, tall enough now to hug her younger sister around the shoulders.The fatigue of endless pack councils and territory disputes vanished instantly. These small wolves were my world.I crouched down, opening my arms wide as Lily crashed into me with all the force her tiny body could muster. Her scent—milk and innocence—filled my senses, and I buried my face in her soft hair."Did you miss me, little wolf?" I murmured, lifting her into my arms.Li
(Aurora's POV)The moon cast silver shadows across our resting furs as Alexander's weight pressed me deeper into the soft pelts. His lips traced a burning path down my neck, making me arch against him with a soft gasp. Our bodies moved together in perfect rhythm, the culmination of years of learning each other."Alexander," I whispered, tangling my fingers in his dark hair.Just as we reached the precipice of passion, a persistent chime from the communication crystal on our nightstand interrupted the moment. We both froze, caught between desire and duty.Alexander growled in frustration, his amber eyes blazing in the dim light. "Ignore it," he murmured against my skin.The crystal continued its urgent call."Answer it first," I said gently, regaining my composure and pressing a palm against his chest. "We can continue later."With reluctance written across his features, Alexander pulled away and reached for the crystal. His brow furrowed as he noted the unfamiliar pack signature
**(Alexander's POV)**I stood in the presentation hall, watching the faces of our rivals as our victory was announced. The Advanced Moon-Crystal Communication project was ours. Blackwood Pack Holdings had emerged triumphant, just as I had planned.Deputy Alpha Thorne's expression was a masterclass in barely controlled fury. His jaw clenched so tightly I could almost hear his teeth grinding. He gave me one last venomous glare before stalking out of the hall, Heather Reed following demurely behind him.The moment they left, representatives from the other packs approached with their congratulations. Their words were gracious, their smiles fixed. None of them had expected us to win so decisively."A brilliant presentation, Alpha Blackwood," murmured the representative from Silverleaf Pack, though he'd addressed me by my former title rather than as 'Assistant.'I accepted his praise with a modest nod. "The entire Blackwood team deserves the credit."As I glanced around the hall, I cou
(Heather's POV)I stood frozen in the crowded territory gathering hall, my body turning to ice despite the warmth of the room. Deputy Alpha Thorne's fingers tightened around my palm, his touch possessive rather than comforting."Heather, I believe you won't let me down," he murmured, his voice smooth but with an undercurrent of steel.I managed a slight nod, but my attention had already shifted to the entrance. Alexander Blackwood had just walked in with Eva Dawnrunner at his side, and my heart sank. The confident stride, the subtle power in his movements, the calculating gleam in his amber eyes—this wasn't the weakened Alexander who'd lost his memory. This was the Shadow Alpha, returned in full force.Deputy Alpha Thorne might not realize it yet, but I knew: our defeat was inevitable.(Alexander's POV)I adjusted my ceremonial robe as Eva Dawnrunner and I moved through the gathering hall. The tension was palpable—all eyes tracked our entrance, whispers following in our wake. I s
(Third person's POV)Night fell over the Blackwood Ancestral Den as a black ceremonial SUV drifted silently into the estate, its headlights briefly illuminating the ancient trees before going dark. Inside the grand entrance hall, Richard Blackwood and his mate had been pacing anxiously for hours, their faces lined with worry.When Dominic Blackwood finally stepped through the doorway, flanked by Alexander and Aurora, Richard's mate rushed forward, relief and anger warring on her face."You terrified your uncle and me!" she cried, gripping Dominic's arm with surprising strength. "No matter what, you can't break pack law like this! Do you have any idea what could have happened?"Dominic's face was still bruised from his confrontation with Deputy Alpha Thorne, his expression a mixture of defiance and exhaustion. He opened his mouth to respond, but Alexander smoothly stepped between them."My cousin only acts out of deep love," Alexander said, his voice carrying a gentle humor that di