(Siena’s POV) The morning of the third competition dawns with a quiet tension that settles deep in my bones.The air feels charged, heavier than usual, carrying the weight of unspoken things. I try to shake it off as I step out onto Windhowl’s training grounds, but the unease lingers, prickling at
A knot tightens in my throat. What’s happeneign to me? To him?“Forget it,” I say, forcing the connection closed, severing the brief glimpse of his turmoil. “It doesn’t change anything.” Rairity watches me carefully, her expression unreadable, but she doesn’t press. We move through the final p
(Raiden’s POV)The third round of the competition begins. This is where Silverfang excels—where I excel.Leadership evaluation isn’t about brute strength or dominance. It’s about strategy, foresight, and the ability to manage crises under pressure.These are the qualities that define a true Alpha.A
"Our data shows that territories employing this balanced approach have experienced 40% fewer security incidents while maintaining cultural integrity. This isn't about compromising who we are—it's about evolving how we coexist."A murmur passes through the judges.Her words are precise, her arguments
(Siena’s POV) The competition grounds buzz with excitement after the third round.The news that Windhowl and Silverfang tied for first spread like wildfire, igniting whispers of an unprecedented outcome—a shared victory—a possibility that no one had considered—not even me. But I know better than
I turn slowly, my pulse pounding in my ears as my eyes meet his. Midnight. He’s angry; I feel the storm beneath the surface. His posture stiff, and yet it’s his eyes that betray him. Possessiveness. Jealousy. For a fleeting moment, the mask slips, and I see the raw emotion he’s trying to b
(Raiden’s POV) Something primal snapped inside me.I tried to suppress it, to remind myself that she wasn’t mine anymore—if she ever truly had been.But Horace didn’t give a damn about logic or pride. It howled, clawing at my control, furious that another wolf—my Beta—had dared to pursue her. “T
The reminder feels like a blade slicing clean through my chest. Lila or not.I should be relieved. I should welcome the end of this torturous limbo. But all I feel is dread—an unbearable weight pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe. “He’s my Beta,” I say, though the words sound hollow e
I turn to face him fully, finding courage in the gathering darkness that somehow makes vulnerability easier.“I want a connection that strengthens rather than constrains. Partnership without possession. Trust earned through actions rather than assumed through ceremony.”My wolf surges forward at the
(Siena POV)The evening air wraps around me like a cool blanket as I sit on the settlement's eastern overlook, watching the sun's last rays paint the valley below in shades of amber and gold.My fingers trace the rough texture of the wooden bench beneath me, weathered by seasons of rain and sun. Lik
His eyes find mine across the distance, the challenge in them clear.I don't look away.If he wants a fight, well then, I will give him one.Conversation dies away as I approach the speaking stone—an ancient granite boulder worn smooth by generations of pack leaders who have stood upon it to address
(Siena POV)The scent of fresh pine from the forest beyond my window mingles with the lingering aroma of herbal tea gone cold in a forgotten mug. My eyes burn from lack of sleep, but my mind refuses to rest, spinning endlessly over the revelations of the past two days.I press my fingertips against
“Did it give you satisfaction to destroy this, too?”“The pack deserved to know the truth about someone wielding significant influence over our policies,” I reply, keeping my voice even despite the storm of emotions churning beneath the surface.Siena raises her head finally, amber eyes locking with
(Raiden POV) I tap my fingers against the ancient desk, feeling the smooth wood worn by generations of Alphas before me.The folder beneath my hand contains information that burns like fire—Zion's greatest failure, neatly documented and verified. My wolf stirs restlessly beneath my skin, urging act
The truth is bitter, and it burns, but it makes no matter, as long as I am the only one who knows it.The sacrifices are a necessary evil.Voices emerge from the eastern corridor leading toward the private office typically reserved for sensitive discussions.Rain still beating violently against wind
(Raiden POV)The rain falls in relentless sheets across pack territory, transforming the afternoon into premature twilight, which perfectly suits my mood.From my position in the eastern watchtower, I can observe the settlement without being immediately visible.It’s a tactical advantage in this ong
( Raiden POV)The Alpha chambers feel too confined tonight, centuries-old stone walls pressing inward despite their impressive thickness.I can’t breathe.Moonlight filters through tall windows, casting elongated shadows across the polished wooden floor where I pace with restless energy no amount of