AlexeiThe room’s quiet except for the soft shuffle of paper and the occasional scratch of a pen. Mikhail’s at his desk, reading over some pack members requests while I go through the numbers of the pack's finances. The paperwork’s boring, but it keeps my hands busy. My mind... not so much.Mikhail reaches for a thick envelope from the pile between us. It’s cream-colored with a silver crest pressed into the front. His brows pinch slightly, but he doesn’t say anything as he tears it open.I don’t look up until I hear the paper rustle.Then I hear him exhale, just once, through his nose.He slides the card out, flips it open. His face stays unreadable.He holds out the card.I take it without thinking.And then I see the names.Irene and Owen.My hand tightens around the card.There’s a golden script printed across the top, all fancy like it’s something to be celebrated.Union Ceremony.Something in me snaps.My wolf stirs hard in my chest, growling low. My eyes flash before I can stop
Alexei“Oh... so the rumors are true.” Caleb strolls into the room with that smug grin he wears like it’s stitched to his face. He raises an eyebrow and nods toward the phone in my hand. “Finally we’re moving up in the world. Technology and all.”“I thank God for that,” Anastasia chimes in as she walks in right after him. “Hey, Caleb.” She gives him a casual side hug before dropping down on the couch beside me like she owns the place.Then, without missing a beat, she grabs an apple from the fruit bowl and takes a loud bite. “So, I heard our Beta boy here snuck into the Alpha’s daughter’s room to help her. Is it true?” she says, her tone way too casual but the mischeivous spark in her gaze tells she is enjoying this too much."Yup, totally true." Caleb nods his head as he leans against the wall. “So... did you have fun helping her?” He tosses me a wink like he’s proud of that sentence.“I’m sure he must’ve,” Anastasia laughs, reaching across to give Caleb a high five while chewing on
Alexei Officially, I’ve lost it. Because there’s no other reason why I’m out here like some lunatic, crouched below her damn window, checking over my shoulder to make sure no one’s watching me. This isn’t something I do. I don’t sneak around. I don’t tiptoe into bedrooms like some creep in the middle of the night. And yet, here I am. Like a goddamn thief. The window’s unlocked. And instead of feeling relieved, I’m pissed. Who the hell leaves their window unlocked at night? Anything could’ve happened. Anyone could’ve climbed in. What if it wasn’t me standing here? What if it was someone who actually meant harm? I push it open, trying not to make a sound, even though part of me wants to slam it shut just to prove a point. I swing my leg through and step inside, landing quiet on the floor. My foot touches the wooden floor, and then I’m in. No turning back now. She’s curled up on the bed, blanket tangled at her hip, brow creased like even sleep can’t give her peace. I pause, l
AlexeiIrene’s eyes don’t leave mine.And I don’t know what the hell it is, but something about the way she looks at me... it messes with my head. Makes my chest feel too tight and calm at the same time. Like I should look away but I can’t.There’s something in her gaze. Not just focus. Not just gratitude.Recognition.Which makes no sense at all.We’ve never met. Not properly, anyway. I saw her once at the Full Moon Ball, across the damn hall for maybe five seconds. That’s it. Just a look. No words, no touch. Nothing to build any kind of connection on.But right now, she’s holding on to my hand like she knows me. Like I’m some kind of anchor keeping her from slipping away.Abruptly, another realization hits me.I’m still completely naked.Normally, not a big deal. Wolves don’t really fuss about nudity, especially after shifting. But this? Sitting beside a girl in her bed, surrounded by her pack and family?Yeah. Doesn’t sit right with me. I am not a pervert, neither I don't think it
AlexeiThe border to Adolphus territory comes fast, but I don’t slow down. I don’t even care if I get attacked for crossing lines I’m not supposed to. I’m almost through when a guard tries to block my path, stepping right into my way with a snarl.Big mistake.I slam into him, my teeth flashing as I shove him down. I’m not trying to maim, but I’m not being careful either. He hits the dirt hard, yelping under my weight, and my jaw opens over his throat.I almost rip it out.A deep, sharp growl slices through the trees behind me. Loud. Commanding. Not mine.Dexter.I freeze, my chest heaving. My claws still dig into the dirt near the guard’s face, but I don’t move.Dexter doesn’t need to say anything. That growl is enough.I bolt forward again, leaving the guard scrambling behind me.I don’t stop. Not when more wolves stare as I crash past. Not when shocked faces turn my way like they’re seeing a threat. Maybe I am. I don’t care.My paws pound the packhouse steps two at a time. I slam m
AlexeiIt’s been more than a week since the Full Moon ball, but I still can’t shake it.That night plays in my head more often than I like to admit. Often, I find myself thinking about her.Irene.The second she walked into that ballroom, I noticed her. There was something about her presence that felt... still. Like she carried calm with her, even in a room packed with wolves buzzing with tension and ego. It felt like breathing in fresh air after being stuck too long in a crowded room. That kind of ease. That kind of pull.But that’s not the part that sticks with me most.What keeps coming back is her silence. Her pain. The way her eyes looked when she stood in front of that grave, like they were trying to hold pieces of her that kept slipping through the cracks. Her fingers digging into the dirt like if she held on tight enough, he might come back. Like love could undo death.She never even got a chance to feel that mate bond the way most do... no excitement, no happiness, no sense o