(Audrey's POV)I watched Aunt Juliette's face carefully, searching for any hint of recognition or confirmation. The gravity of my words hung in the air between us."Aunt's expression froze. "Who did you hear this from?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper."Aunt, please don't hide it from me," I pleaded, reaching for her fragile hand.I pressed my lips together, gathering my courage. "This time... I'm certain before asking you. I've learned I'm from the Shadowcrest family in Northern Territory."Aunt Juliette's hands trembled violently in mine. Her eyes widened with a mixture of fear and shock that I hadn't expected."Shadowcrest? The Shadowcrest pack?" she gasped, her voice weak but urgent. "Your biological father's pack is Shadowcrest?"Her reaction confirmed what I already suspected, but seeing the truth written so plainly across her features still stole my breath away."Did they come looking for you?" she demanded, her frail body suddenly tense with anxiety. "Have t
(Audrey's POV)I stared at Arthur Moonstone standing in my doorway, wearing a casual hoodie instead of his usual tailored Alpha attire. The sight was jarring—like seeing a wolf in sheep's clothing. He looked almost... approachable."The Alpha, always refined and powerful, has gone this far for me. What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve this?" I thought to myself, a bitter edge to my musings.Yet I knew better. "Our relationship didn't evolve to this point in a moon cycle, and it has nothing to do with what clothes he wears. Even if he looked exactly like Florian Stormhowl, he would still be Arthur Moonstone, unchanged in the slightest."His dark eyes flickered over my face, searching for something. Vulnerability? Forgiveness? He wouldn't find it."I just suddenly discovered that wearing this is quite comfortable," Arthur explained with uncharacteristic casualness, gesturing to his hoodie.His gaze drifted past me to the travel pack sitting prominently in my living area. H
(Audrey's POV)I was stunned. It felt like I had been slapped across the face. The words I'd overheard between Arthur Moonstone and Nathan Snowfang spun in my mind, each syllable a knife twisting deeper into my chest.Betrayal burned through me like wildfire. I turned on my heel, my wolf senses heightened with anger. I should never have set foot in the Moonstone Pack territory again."Healer Winter, don't misunderstand. When Alpha Moonstone went to see her that time, it was only to warn her not to—" Daniel Hayes's voice trailed after me, his formal tone tinged with desperation.I barely heard him over the roaring in my ears. My fingers clenched around the photograph Nathan had given me—the evidence that would finally free me from my doubts.I stormed toward the underground parking area, each step fueled by righteous fury. The concrete walls of the parking structure seemed to close in around me as I reached my car.Just as my fingers brushed the door handle, a tall shadow fell acr
(Audrey's POV)"Did I ever say I would form a mate bond with you?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow at Florian Stormhowl's audacious assumption.His golden eyes glinted with amusement as a confident smile spread across his face. "Everything else is up to you, but this decision is mine."I felt my cheeks flush with indignation. The nerve of this wolf! First Arthur with his fake mate severance certificates, and now Florian acting like my future was already decided."You can't force me," I warned, turning away from him and striding toward the parking area.To my surprise, instead of arguing, Florian simply fell into step beside me. "Where are we going?" he asked casually, as if we hadn't just been discussing our potential mate bond."We? I'm going to my hotel.""Perfect."When we reached my pack car, Florian circled to the passenger side and got in before I could object. I stood outside for a moment, keys dangling from my fingers, debating whether to kick him out."Aren't you get
(Audrey's POV)I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the neckline of my emerald green dress. The color matched my eyes, eyes that always revealed a hint of my wolf, Grace. Tonight was supposed to be special - our third wedding anniversary.I let out a shaky breath. Everything was ready. The table is set with our finest silverware, the candles flicker delicately, and the aroma of the dishes I've so carefully prepared fills the dining room. Wine braised lamb is set alongside a chocolate soufflé, a dish that took me several tries earlier in the day to create to perfection.This was supposed to be a celebration. It was a reminder of the bond we'd shared for three years, a bond that, at least as far as the wolves were concerned, was strong and unshakable. Grace cooed softly in my head, but I sensed her unease.I cut my hair one last time. The dress fit my figure perfectly. For a moment, a flicker of hope flashed through my chest. Maybe tonight, despite the odds, Arthur would surpris
(Audrey's POV)My heart pounded as I smoothed down my robe and hastily tied my hair back. Victoria Moonstone was here—with a jewelry box. Could it possibly be the necklace I had seen in the video?I moved toward the staircase, eager to confront Arthur's stepsister, when a tall figure suddenly blocked my path. Arthur stood at the top of the stairs, his broad shoulders tense, his dark eyes watching me carefully."Where are you going?" he asked, his voice deceptively casual."Mary said Victoria is here to see me," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Apparently she has something to return."Arthur's jaw tightened. "I'll handle Victoria. You don't need to come down.""She asked for me specifically," I countered, studying his reaction. "She's returning something that belongs to me.""Audrey," Arthur said, his tone shifting to that authoritative Alpha voice he used when giving pack orders. "Stay upstairs. I'll bring whatever it is to you.""I'm coming down," I stated firmly, s
(Audrey’s POV)The words glared back at me from my phone screen, sharp and unforgiving.Victoria Moonstone, the new Clinical Director of the Moonstone Therapy Center.For a moment, I just stared, the announcement coursing through me like a jagged blade. Victoria. Of all people, Victoria. My new boss.“Audrey?” Sarah’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. She was perched on the edge of my desk, her dark eyes sharp with concern. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”I swallowed hard, forcing my expression into something neutral. Anything to mask the wave of disbelief shaking me from the inside out. But Sarah had always been too perceptive for her own good.She leaned closer, her tattoos peeking out beneath the sleeve of her blouse as her arms crossed. “Tell me what’s going on,” she said firmly. “I know that look on your face. You’re holding something back.”My lips pressed together, the words fighting their way out. “It’s... Victoria,” I finally said, not quite
(Audrey's POV)Arthur’s dark eyes locked onto mine as I posed my question, half-expecting him to dismiss it."Consider it done."His words were calm but unwavering.I blinked at him, unsure if I had heard him correctly. "Just like that?"He leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly against the polished wood of his desk. His lips curved into a faint smile, but his tone carried no jest. "Just like that. It’s not a challenge, Audrey. The territory isn’t going to someone outside the pack. You’re my mate. My Luna."I stared at him, caught completely off guard by his readiness. Grace stirred in my mind, her ears perking up with interest. Territory meant respect. It meant something far deeper—power and loyalty tied to our pack’s very foundation. It was no trivial thing to him or anyone in the pack."You're in a good mood today," I replied carefully, studying him.His expression didn’t shift, but the intensity in his eyes softened slightly. "It’s not about my mood, Audrey.
(Audrey's POV)"Did I ever say I would form a mate bond with you?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow at Florian Stormhowl's audacious assumption.His golden eyes glinted with amusement as a confident smile spread across his face. "Everything else is up to you, but this decision is mine."I felt my cheeks flush with indignation. The nerve of this wolf! First Arthur with his fake mate severance certificates, and now Florian acting like my future was already decided."You can't force me," I warned, turning away from him and striding toward the parking area.To my surprise, instead of arguing, Florian simply fell into step beside me. "Where are we going?" he asked casually, as if we hadn't just been discussing our potential mate bond."We? I'm going to my hotel.""Perfect."When we reached my pack car, Florian circled to the passenger side and got in before I could object. I stood outside for a moment, keys dangling from my fingers, debating whether to kick him out."Aren't you get
(Audrey's POV)I was stunned. It felt like I had been slapped across the face. The words I'd overheard between Arthur Moonstone and Nathan Snowfang spun in my mind, each syllable a knife twisting deeper into my chest.Betrayal burned through me like wildfire. I turned on my heel, my wolf senses heightened with anger. I should never have set foot in the Moonstone Pack territory again."Healer Winter, don't misunderstand. When Alpha Moonstone went to see her that time, it was only to warn her not to—" Daniel Hayes's voice trailed after me, his formal tone tinged with desperation.I barely heard him over the roaring in my ears. My fingers clenched around the photograph Nathan had given me—the evidence that would finally free me from my doubts.I stormed toward the underground parking area, each step fueled by righteous fury. The concrete walls of the parking structure seemed to close in around me as I reached my car.Just as my fingers brushed the door handle, a tall shadow fell acr
(Audrey's POV)I stared at Arthur Moonstone standing in my doorway, wearing a casual hoodie instead of his usual tailored Alpha attire. The sight was jarring—like seeing a wolf in sheep's clothing. He looked almost... approachable."The Alpha, always refined and powerful, has gone this far for me. What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve this?" I thought to myself, a bitter edge to my musings.Yet I knew better. "Our relationship didn't evolve to this point in a moon cycle, and it has nothing to do with what clothes he wears. Even if he looked exactly like Florian Stormhowl, he would still be Arthur Moonstone, unchanged in the slightest."His dark eyes flickered over my face, searching for something. Vulnerability? Forgiveness? He wouldn't find it."I just suddenly discovered that wearing this is quite comfortable," Arthur explained with uncharacteristic casualness, gesturing to his hoodie.His gaze drifted past me to the travel pack sitting prominently in my living area. H
(Audrey's POV)I watched Aunt Juliette's face carefully, searching for any hint of recognition or confirmation. The gravity of my words hung in the air between us."Aunt's expression froze. "Who did you hear this from?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper."Aunt, please don't hide it from me," I pleaded, reaching for her fragile hand.I pressed my lips together, gathering my courage. "This time... I'm certain before asking you. I've learned I'm from the Shadowcrest family in Northern Territory."Aunt Juliette's hands trembled violently in mine. Her eyes widened with a mixture of fear and shock that I hadn't expected."Shadowcrest? The Shadowcrest pack?" she gasped, her voice weak but urgent. "Your biological father's pack is Shadowcrest?"Her reaction confirmed what I already suspected, but seeing the truth written so plainly across her features still stole my breath away."Did they come looking for you?" she demanded, her frail body suddenly tense with anxiety. "Have t
(Audrey's POV)"I'll be right down." The words tumbled from my lips automatically as Arthur's news about Aunt Juliette hit me like a physical blow.My hands trembled as I ended the call. The room suddenly felt too small, the air too thin. Aunt Juliette—the woman who had taken me in when I had nowhere else to go, who had shown me kindness when others turned away—was in critical condition.Sarah Mitchell glanced at my pale face, concern evident in her eyes. "What's wrong over there?" she asked, setting down her coffee cup.I moved on instinct, grabbing essential items and shoving them into my bag. "My aunt Juliette has taken a turn for the worse. I need to rush back to Central Territory."A dark suspicion flashed through my mind: was this truly a natural deterioration of her condition, or had Emma Shadowcrest's schemes reached beyond Northern Territory? The timing felt too convenient—just as I discovered my true identity, the one person who might know about my past was suddenly at d
(Audrey's POV)Florian Stormhowl stared at me with those mesmerizing golden eyes. The moment hung between us like a fragile thread connecting our pasts and futures."Yes, you are Serena, my intended mate," he declared with unwavering certainty. His voice lacked its usual teasing tone, replaced by something deeper, more sincere.A storm of emotions washed over me. Relief, confusion, fear, and strangely, a sense of homecoming all battled within my chest. Who was I really? Audrey Winter or Serena Shadowcrest? Could I be both? The ground beneath my feet felt unsteady, as if my very identity was sand slipping through my fingers."Thank you," I whispered, fighting back tears. "For never giving up on me."His mouth curved into a small smile. "I promised I would find you.""You were always there," I said, the realization dawning on me. "Every time I needed someone most—when I was kidnapped, when someone stole my identity—you appeared."I thought of Arthur Moonstone, of Nathan Snowfang,
(Audrey's POV)"Elder!" I cried out as the elderly she-wolf collapsed in my arms, her frail body suddenly heavy against mine.Florian Stormhowl moved with blinding speed, catching her before she could fall to the floor. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, staining her pale lips crimson."Get the pack healers!" Florian commanded, his voice cutting through the shocked silence that had fallen over the room.The Beta wolf by the door immediately snapped to attention. "Is there a medical team available?" he asked, already moving toward the exit."The wolf healers are already waiting outside," Mr. Shadowcrest responded, his voice oddly detached. "They were here for... Serena's needs."The irony wasn't lost on me—healers brought to tend to a fake Serena would now fight to save the real Serena's grandmother.Within moments, the room filled with pack healers in their traditional white robes. They worked with practiced efficiency, checking Elder Shadowcrest's vitals and preparing
(Audrey's POV)The Shadowcrest gathering hall felt suffocating as I sat beneath the weight of Mrs. Shadowcrest's piercing gaze. Her demeanor had transformed from the anxious anger of previous nights to something far more chilling—cold mockery that made my skin crawl."Where are the bloodline verification ritual results that were supposed to come out today?" she demanded, her voice slicing through the tense silence.Florian's casual "Soon" only seemed to irritate her further. She turned to me, her lips curving into a cold smile that never reached her eyes."Ms. Winter," she said, practically spitting my name, "once the report comes out, I have only one request: never set foot in our Shadowcrest territory again! You've thrown our pack into chaos with your absurd claims!"I flinched at her venom, unable to defend myself against accusations I hadn't even made. It was Florian who believed I might be Serena, not me."SILENCE!!" Elder Shadowcrest's voice thundered through the hall with
(Audrey's POV)"Take me home."Those four simple words from Florian Stormhowl struck me with unexpected force. In all my years as a lone wolf, no one had ever said that to me before. Not Arthur Moonstone during our mate bond, not any pack member, not even my aunt Juliette who had occasionally taken me in.Home. Such a small word to cause such a large ache in my chest.I blinked rapidly, fighting back the moisture gathering in my eyes. Despite my best efforts, a single tear escaped, trailing down my cheek before I could wipe it away."Florian," I began hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper, "if I'm not who you think I am... could we still be friends?"The question seemed absurd even as it left my lips. Yet I couldn't help the desperate desire to hold onto this warmth, this connection—even if only as packmates. After losing my mate bond with Arthur, after the betrayal and heartache, I'd convinced myself I didn't need anyone. But Florian's persistent presence in my life had so