**(Elara's POV)**Lucian Thorne pulled me into his arms, trapping me beneath him. His eyes flashed with hurt."You want to abandon my wolf again."I met his gaze quietly. "I promised Thomas Reed. If we sever our mate bond, he won't target you. You're establishing territory. You can't have everyone watching you."Lucian scoffed. "I disagree."My fingers were cold as I touched his. "Haven't you considered that I approached you with a purpose? There aren't that many coincidences."Lucian frowned and sat up.I lowered my gaze. "Lucian Thorne, let's sever our mate bond."The words felt like silver in my throat. I hoped this would give us both a fresh start.Lucian stayed silent for a long time. Finally, he whispered, "Okay."The word hit me like a blow. I turned away, tears burning my eyes."Our pack bond did begin with mutual exploitation," Lucian admitted. "I used you as a shield to anger Victor Thorne and Seraphina Thorne. It was unfair to you."My shoulders shook with silent
**(Caleb's POV)**Rachel Woods looked down at me from the rooftop edge, her eyes glistening with unshed tears."What can I do to be your only one?" she asked, her voice barely carrying over the wind.My eyes burned with emotion as I stared up at her. "You've been my only one since the moment you entered my life! Rachel, please don't scare me like this."Her own eyes reddened at my words. "You're only saying that because you're afraid I'll jump, aren't you?"I shook my head frantically. "No! Rachel, you're everything to me!"Harold Reed's panic was evident as he shouted, "Come down from there, you crazy she-wolf!"Rachel's smile turned eerily calm. "Harold, do you dream of your brother at night? Does Harold Foster visit you in your sleep?"Harold's face went ashen at her words.Rachel spread her arms wide, tilting backward. "This damn world. Next life, I don't want to come again."She let herself fall.Both Harold and I rushed forward simultaneously. Harold stretched desperat
**(Lucian's POV)**I stared hard at Dr. Alex Walker. "What happened to Elara in that facility?"Dr. Walker hesitated. "Lucian, some things are better—""Tell me now," I demanded, my Alpha aura filling the room.Dr. Walker sighed. "Elara injured another inmate during an episode. Quite badly."My hands shook. They slowly formed fists. "Why?""She was being humiliated," he said coldly. "Other wolves tore off her ceremonial robes. They verbally abused her. Beat her while she was defenseless."My hands trembled harder. "That's self-defense."Dr. Walker shook his head. "I'm discussing triggers for her silver madness. The real question is - do you fear Elara might harm you?"I slowly unclenched my fists. I rubbed my temples. "Whatever Elara did was not wrong."Dr. Walker smiled that cold smile again. "Don't speak too soon. Her stability is temporary. Few wolves can accept a 'silver-touched' mate forever."His words hit their target. But I wouldn't show doubt."Elara is stronger th
**(Rachel's POV)**I returned to my den and tried to relax with a warm wash and moonlight herb mask. But my mind wouldn't stop spinning with thoughts of Caleb and Amanda.My pack communication device buzzed. A message from Amanda Reed appeared.I opened it. A photo made my blood freeze. Caleb was caring for Amanda, his face soft with concern. Below it: "Rachel Woods, if it weren't for you, we would be very happy together."I threw the device aside angrily. Childish games.Another message came: "Rachel Woods, do you dare to make a pack challenge with me?"I ignored it."Don't you want to see what your position is in Caleb Rivers' heart?"My claws dug into the sleeping furs."If you want to know the answer, come alone to White Moon Pack School tomorrow afternoon. That's where Caleb Rivers and I fell in love."My chest tightened painfully."If you're not confident, forget it. I'll meet Caleb there instead. When we relive our past feelings, he'll understand who is truly suitable
**(God's POV)**At Apex Holdings Headquarters, the pack beta practically bounced on his paws as he delivered the news to James Foster. The territory project assessment results had exceeded all expectations."Alpha Foster, the hunting rights from this Apex Holdings contract are substantial!" the beta announced breathlessly. "This will bring significant revenue to our pack enterprises."James looked up from his desk, his expression carefully neutral despite the good news. He'd made a promise to Elara Rivers about a premium territory den, and now he was desperately looking for ways to avoid honoring it."The project isn't actually that profitable," James said dismissively, waving his hand. "It barely covers operational costs, let alone something as expensive as a premium den in Ocean City's Second Pack Territory."The beta's enthusiasm dimmed slightly as he processed his Alpha's words. "Ah... yes, sir. When you put it that way, the margins are indeed quite tight."James nodded firml
**(Diana's POV)**The moonlilies Harold Foster had arranged for my naming day celebration filled my private territory with their intoxicating fragrance. The premium hunting grounds provided the perfect backdrop for what should have been a romantic evening.Harold raised his goblet of moonberry wine, his eyes soft with genuine affection. "Diana, to your naming day. To all the unspoken sacrifices you've made over the years."I smiled graciously, though my mind was already calculating the next move in my long game. "Harold, shouldn't we wait for Madeline Bell? She is your daughter with Madam Evelyn, after all. She's been missing from the pack for so long."Harold's face darkened immediately, his dominant aura flaring with irritation. "I wanted a private celebration tonight. I even rejected Selena Vance's request to join us."His tone carried finality, but I knew better than to push directly. Instead, I shifted tactics."Speaking of Selena," I said with calculated disappointment, "I