"You shouldn't be here," I said, trying to close the door.Alexander's hand shot out, his palm flat against the wood as he pushed back. The door swung open against my resistance, his Alpha strength making my effort seem laughable."We need to talk," he growled, stepping inside my new den uninvited.Before I could protest, Alexander's hands gripped my waist. His touch burned through the thin silk of his ceremonial robe that barely covered my body. In one swift movement, he pulled me against his chest."Alexander, stop—" My words died as his mouth captured mine.The kiss wasn't gentle. It was hungry, desperate, full of an intensity I'd never felt from him before. His arms encircled me completely as we stumbled backward toward the sofa.My back hit the cushions as Alexander followed me down, his body pressing mine into the soft surface. His amber eyes glowed with something primal—something his wolf Alex was driving to the surface."Do you feel it?" he asked against my lips, his voi
*Four Days Later*(Aurora's POV)Sunlight streamed through my bedroom window, warming my face as I slowly opened my eyes. My hand instinctively reached across the bed, finding empty space still warm from Alexander's body.He had left recently.I breathed in, catching his distinctive scent—pine, wild rain, and that unique essence that was purely Alexander. For four nights, he had come to me in darkness, never announcing his arrival but somehow knowing when I would be alone.Each night followed the same pattern. He would hold me without demanding more, his strong arms wrapped around my waist as if afraid I might vanish."We could start over," he had whispered last night, his lips brushing against my hair. "Forget the past. Begin anew."The temptation had been powerful. My wolf Zoe whined within me, still drawn to her mate despite everything. But the wounds of betrayal cut deep.How could I forget seeing him with Ivy in our secret den? How could I erase the memory of his tendernes
(Aurora's POV)When I came back to my private den from the healing center, I spotted Alexander leaning against a tree near my den entrance.The moonlight highlighted his powerful frame and intense amber eyes. I wanted to turn around, but pride kept me moving."Aurora," he called softly as I approached.I ignored him and kept walking."Aurora, please," he persisted, following me. "We need to talk."My hand trembled as I unlocked my door. "There's nothing to talk about."Alexander pressed his palm against the door before I could close it. His strength made my resistance useless."Five minutes," he demanded. "That's all I ask."I stepped back, letting him in only to avoid attracting attention. Snowpaw growled at Alexander from his small bed, tiny teeth bared ineffectively."Say what you came to say," I said, crossing my arms.Alexander's eyes searched my face. "You've been avoiding my mind-links.""Yes.""You're still my mate, Aurora."I laughed bitterly. "A technicality tha
I straightened my dark charcoal shirt, adjusting the cuffs of my black suit as I approached Aurora's table at the Silver Moon Café. The formal attire felt appropriate for this meeting—it emphasized my status as pack enforcer while maintaining professional distance."Meeting someone here to discuss pack business?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.Aurora looked up, surprise flickering across her face before she composed herself. The soft afternoon light streaming through the café windows highlighted the honey-brown tones in her hair, making it appear almost golden."Ethan," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I didn't expect to see you here.""May I?" I gestured to the empty chair across from her.She nodded, and I settled into the seat, noticing the untouched moon tea before her. Tension hung between us—unspoken but palpable."I heard Enforcer Turner left rather abruptly," I remarked, keeping my tone casual.A flicker of resignation crossed her features. "News travels
(Aurora's POV)The luxury den Alexander and I had shared on the edge of pack territory loomed before me. My heart hammered in my chest, but I kept my expression neutral as I approached with four pack guards behind me."Remember, no one touches anything until I give the order," I instructed them.The guards nodded respectfully. Though I'd left Alexander, I was still technically his marked mate. The silver mate-mark on my neck guaranteed their obedience—for now.I pushed open the heavy oak door without knocking. The familiar scent hit me first—pine and wild rain, mixed with a sweeter, feminine fragrance. Ivy's perfume.She was lounging on our custom leather sofa, her blonde hair cascading over the armrest as she flipped through one of my healing journals. Our healing journals. She looked up, surprise quickly morphing into smug confidence when she saw me."Luna Blackwood," she said, making no move to stand. "Alexander isn't here."I stepped fully into the room, the guards flanking
(Alexander's POV)"What don't I know?" I demanded, my voice dangerously low.Ruby stepped forward, unafraid despite the obvious power difference between us. "Ivy Lawrence told Aurora's grandmother she was carrying your pups! The shock nearly killed the old woman!"My blood ran cold. I turned to Ivy, who suddenly couldn't meet my eyes."Is this true?" I asked, fighting to control my wolf Alex, who was snarling beneath my skin.Ivy's fingers twisted nervously. "I may have... mentioned something about a future with you.""She deliberately told Grace Winters she was pregnant with your heir!" Ruby insisted. "The poor woman collapsed immediately. She's in critical condition at the healing center right now!"The pieces fell into place—Aurora's rage, the confrontation, everything. I'd slapped my mate without even asking for her side of the story. Alex clawed at my insides, howling with regret."Ivy," I said quietly, my control hanging by a thread. "Did you lie to Aurora's grandmother a
(Aurora's POV)To avoid staying with Alexander, I excused myself to the washroom.My cheek throbbed with each heartbeat as I locked myself in the washroom. I pressed a cold cloth against the reddened skin where Alexander had struck me.The mirror reflected a woman I barely recognized. Green eyes dulled by betrayal. A fading bruise on my cheekbone. The silver mate-mark on my neck seemed to mock me.Ten minutes passed as I hid, hoping Alexander would leave. The main door to the healing room slammed shut. Had he gone?Then came a soft knock on the washroom door."Aurora." Alexander's voice was quiet. "Open the door."I remained silent, pressing my back against the wooden surface."Please," he added, his tone uncharacteristically gentle.When I didn't respond, the doorknob turned. Of course he would force his way in. Alexander Blackwood always got what he wanted.He stood in the doorway, his powerful frame filling the space. His amber eyes fixed on my cheek."Does it still hurt?
*One week later*(Aurora's POV)The northern edge of Blackwood territory was breathtaking in autumn. Golden leaves swirled around my new healing den as I signed the final papers for my five-year lease."Congratulations, Healer Winters," the property agent said, handing me the keys. "The mineral springs access is included, as specified."I smiled, feeling a small victory. "Thank you."This space was mine alone—no memories of Alexander, no painful reminders of our failing mate bond. The building had excellent ventilation for drying herbs and multiple treatment rooms for patients. Most importantly, it was far from the main pack house.As I explored the garden area where I'd plant healing herbs, I heard light footsteps approaching."Healer Winters!" A cheerful female voice called.I turned to see a young woman with steel-gray eyes—unmistakably related to Ethan Gray. She had the same dark hair with natural silver highlights, though hers was longer, tied in a practical braid."You m
(Richard's mate's POV)I hurried back to the Blackwood Ancestral Den, my heart racing with an unexplainable sense of dread. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the territory, but my thoughts were darker still. Something felt wrong.The large house stood eerily silent when I entered. Usually, there would be pack members moving about, attending to their duties, but today an unnatural stillness permeated the air."Has my mate returned?" I called out, my voice echoing through the empty hallway.A pack member serving the household appeared from the kitchen area. The moment she saw me, her eyes welled with tears."Madam," she choked out, her voice breaking. "Please go to the Pack Healing Den! Alpha Heir Dominic has been in a terrible vehicle accident."My blood ran cold. "Dominic?""One of his arms has been crushed," she continued, tears streaming down her face. "The Pack Healers don't know if it can be saved. He's undergoing an intensive healing procedure now."I didn't wait
(Alexander's POV)The early morning light streamed through the nursery windows of Mooncrest Villa, catching the fine dark hair of my daughter as she slept peacefully in her crib. Three days. That was our bargain – three days with Aurora fulfilling the role of my mate before she took Silverleaf to the Northern Territories.I stood in the doorway, watching Aurora gently tuck the soft blanket around our daughter. Time was slipping through my fingers like fine sand, impossible to grasp no matter how tightly I clenched my fist."I'll need to leave soon," I said softly, ensuring my voice was clear enough for her to understand despite her damaged hearing. "Pack business."Aurora looked up, her green eyes meeting mine briefly before darting away. She nodded once, the gesture curt and dismissive. The distance between us stretched like an unbridgeable canyon."Eva will be here if you need anything," I added, lingering longer than necessary. "Anything at all."Another silent nod. This was h
(Alexander's POV)I stared down at the small bundle in my arms, my heart hammering against my ribs. Silverleaf Winters shifted within her soft nesting furs, her tiny eyelids fluttering as she woke.My daughter. My pup.She was only ten days old, so incredibly tiny and perfect. As the furs fell away from her face, I couldn't help the sharp intake of breath. She was unmistakably mine - the distinctive amber eyes so like my own, the angular Blackwood facial structure already evident despite her infancy, even the faint dimple in her left cheek that was an exact mirror of my own.My large hands, hands that had torn rival wolves apart in territory disputes, now cradled her with trembling gentleness. As I held her closer, I inhaled deeply, catching the sweet scent of pup milk clinging to her. My wolf Alex rumbled with contentment inside me, recognizing our offspring."Hello, little one," I whispered, my voice rough with emotion. "I'm your father."To my surprise, tears welled in my eyes
(Aurora's POV)The rain pounded against the windows of the black SUV as we pulled up to the imposing Blackwood Pack Headquarters. Each drop seemed to echo the rapid beating of my heart. I hadn't been back here since before Daniel's birth—since before I believed he had died.I stared up at the gleaming building, memories washing over me like the rain outside. This place had once been my domain as Chief Healer. These halls had witnessed my rise in pack hierarchy, my mate bond with Alexander, and ultimately, my heartbreak.The driver opened my door, holding an umbrella over me as I stepped out. The familiar scent of power and wolfsbane smoke clung to the air. My wolf, Zoe, stirred within me, anxious and uncertain.Eva Dawnrunner greeted me in the marble lobby, her face professionally neutral though I caught the flash of sympathy in her eyes."Healer Winters," she said. "Alpha Heir Blackwood is currently in a crucial pack council meeting. May I escort you to his private study to wait?
(Aurora's POV)The morning light filtered through the silk curtains of the Thornwood guest den. I sat by the window, watching Silverleaf sleep peacefully in her basket. My father had been making arrangements for our move to the Northern Territories, securing everything with the efficiency that marked his leadership style."The Northern Territories in June, the air is crisp, suitable for recovery," he had told my mother yesterday, his voice carrying that familiar tone of assurance I'd grown to recognize.I watched him now from the doorway of our sitting room, noting how his shoulders seemed to carry an invisible weight. My mother bustled about, organizing our belongings with meticulous care. Four large traveling chests stood by the door, filled with ceremonial robes and everything Silverleaf would need.My mother wiped her brow, exhaustion evident in her every movement. "That should be everything," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.When she entered the sitting room, s
(Alexander's POV)I stared through the transparent wall of the healing pod, my heart breaking anew each time I watched my son's tiny chest struggle to rise and fall. Little Silver Moon—Daniel—was impossibly small, each breath a battle, each heartbeat a miracle.The specialized healing den hummed with advanced equipment, the sterile scent mingling with the faint herbal notes of healing salves. I'd barely left this room in days, unable to tear myself away from my son's side."Alexander."I turned to find my father, Richard Blackwood, and my mother entering the private wing. Their expressions were a mixture of hope and heartbreak as they approached the healing pod.My mother's eyes filled with tears as she gazed down at the tiny form of her grandson. "Oh, Alexander," she whispered, her voice catching. "He's so small.""But alive," my father added, his usually commanding voice uncharacteristically gentle.I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. My wolf Alex whined insi
(Alexander's POV)I watched Aurora's slender form move around the bedroom, her steps careful but determined. The moonlight streaming through the windows cast her in a silvery glow, highlighting the fragility of her recovery."May I have my communication device back?" she asked quietly, not meeting my eyes.I remained silent, my hand instinctively tightening around the small device in my pocket. It was childish, perhaps even cruel, but I couldn't bear the thought of her contacting someone to take her away from me so soon.Aurora's green eyes finally lifted to mine, a storm of emotions swirling behind them. Her voice was soft but carried the weight of her suffering when she spoke again."Alexander Blackwood, do you want to lock me up again? But this time..." Her voice faltered slightly. "I don't have Grandmother Grace anymore."The mention of Grace's name struck me like a silver blade to the heart. The elderly healer who had sacrificed herself to save Aurora and our pups—pups I had
(Aurora's POV)The moon cast long shadows across the grounds of the secluded villa. I found myself wandering outside, my feet moving without conscious thought. The night air was cool against my skin, but I barely felt it."Daniel," I whispered, the name of my lost son a prayer on my lips.I hadn't meant to leave my room. Hadn't meant to wander the unfamiliar grounds of this place Alexander had brought me to after our visit to the sacred memorial grounds. But sleep eluded me, and the walls of the bedroom felt like they were closing in.The grief was a physical presence, a weight crushing my chest, making each breath an effort. Each heartbeat a reminder that my son's heart would never beat."You shouldn't be out here alone."Alexander's voice came from the shadows. He stepped into the moonlight, his amber eyes reflecting the silver glow. He approached cautiously, as one might approach a wounded animal.Without speaking, he draped his heavy ceremonial cloak over my shoulders. Its w
(Alexander's POV)Ten days had passed since I buried my son. Ten days of existing between moments of crushing grief and the mechanical performance of duty.I stepped into the Blackwood Pack Headquarters, the familiar scent of power and privilege doing nothing to ease the hollowness in my chest. The private elevator hummed softly as it carried me upward, each floor passing in a blur.When the doors slid open, Eva Dawnrunner stood waiting, her usually composed expression troubled."Alpha Heir," she said, her voice hushed. "Aurora Winters is here."I froze mid-step. "Aurora? Here?"Eva nodded, her eyes carefully watching my reaction. "She arrived twenty minutes ago. She... insisted on seeing you."My wolf Alex stirred within me, alert and anxious at the mere mention of our mate. Aurora hadn't set foot in these headquarters since severing ties nearly seven moons ago. Her presence now could only mean one thing – she had come about our son."Daniel," I whispered, more to myself than