Mikhail The silence between us is suffocating, pressing down on me with a weight I didn’t know I could bear. I steal a glance at Sophia walking beside me, her face expresses nothing, calmness. But I can sense the storm beneath her composed exterior, the whirlwind of emotions she’s trying so hard to hide. I know I’m the cause of that storm, and the guilt twists like a knife in my gut.I never meant to hurt her.But I did.I don't know if she will ever forgive me for that.And I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive myself for that.For so long, I fought against this bond, against what the Moon Goddess had chosen for me. I was a fool, too blind and too stubborn to see what was right in front of me. I was too caught up in my own foolishness, my own insecurities, to realize that Sophia was everything I ever needed. That she was the one I’d been searching for, even when I didn’t know it myself.I took her for granted.Took us for granted. I never wanted to accept it—the bond, the love, the co
SophiaThe morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue over the room. I blink awake, momentarily disoriented, before a tiny hand reaches out to touch my face.Pushing back my gloomy feelings, the remnants of last night, I turn on my side to watch Rose, who seems to have just woken up."Mommy," Rose whispers, her big, blue eyes—so much like Mikhail's—wide with curiosity and still a bit sleepy. "Wake up, Mommy!"They both share the same eye color; however, unlike Mikhail's, Rose's blue looks bright and lively.I can't help but smile, the heaviness in my chest lifting a little at the sight of her. "Good morning, my little sunshine," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She giggles, her laughter bright and sweet, filling the room with a lightness I desperately need."Mornin'!" she replies with a cheerful bounce, her hair sticking up in all directions. I reach out to smooth it down, but it springs back up stubbornly. She giggles again, swatting at my hand.
MikhailThe restless energy pulses beneath my skin, the wolf inside me pacing back and forth, agitated and anxious. I stare out the window of the room I am currently staying. Even though I should have returned back to my pack now, since I found Sophia, I am not ready to leave yet.I told Russo that I would shift to the nearby motel, but he refused, saying it was better if I stayed here because, in that way, I would be near to her. Luna Leah was also happy to find out that Sophia is alive and I have found her.The rogue attack yesterday… has rattled me.And then Sophia's doubts that those rogues were after my daughter made me see red.I have made so many enemies and could be anyone, but how did they find out about my daughter?But whoever they are... they made the biggest mistake of their lives by trying to hurt my pup. I will give them a slow, painful death once I find out who they are because no one deserves to live when they even think about hurting who is mine.Rose's face comes be
SophiaWatching Mikhail and Rose together stirs a confusing storm of emotions within me. It’s hard to keep my heart from softening at the sight of them playing on the floor, their laughter echoing through the room. I see the way Mikhail looks at her—with a tenderness and protectiveness that makes it clear he’s already in love with our daughter. It’s hard not to be affected by that.I wrap my arms around myself, leaning against the doorway as I watch them. Mikhail has a way with Rose that I didn’t expect. He’s gentle, patient, and he doesn’t seem to mind making a fool of himself for her amusement. I see Rose light up in his presence, and I realize just how much she’s missed having a father figure. It’s something I’ve never been able to give her, something I’ve kept her from—maybe out of fear, maybe out of my own pain.And now… seeing them together like this, I wonder if I made the right choice by keeping them away.Mikhail looks up, catching my eye, and for a moment, everything else fa
Mikhail Watching Rose run around the room with her stuffed wolf in one hand and a cookie in the other, I feel a strange warmth spreading through my chest, something I haven’t felt in a long time. I never imagined this—having a daughter, feeling this kind of love. It’s a kind of love that’s pure, unconditional, and fiercely protective. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.I glance up and see Sophia standing in the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself. She’s watching us with a look I can’t quite decipher—somewhere between longing and fear. My heart tightens at the sight of her. I want to reach out to her, to tell her how much I regret everything, how sorry I am for the pain I caused. But I know that words won’t be enough. Not now. Maybe not ever.I turn my attention back to Rose, who’s now climbing onto my lap, giggling as she tries to stuff the cookie into my mouth. I pretend to bite it, making her laugh even harder. Her laughter is like music, soothing the ache in my che
MikhailSophia’s threat hangs heavy in the air, and I can feel the gravity of her words settling in my bones.I don’t doubt her for a second.I know she means every word, and honestly, I don’t blame her.If I were in her shoes, I’d feel the same way. Hell, I’d probably feel worse.But as I watch her now, her gaze softening as she looks at Rose, I feel a flicker of hope. It’s small, almost invisible, but it’s there. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for us to find some kind of peace… for Rose’s sake. Maybe, in time, we can rebuild what was lost. Or at least start fresh.I crouch down beside Rose, watching as she carefully places another block on top of her tower.She’s so focused and so determined, and I can’t help but smile. She’s got Sophia’s spirit, her fire.And maybe a bit of my stubbornness, too.“Careful, little wolf,” I say softly, steadying her hand. “You don’t want it to fall.”She looks up at me, her eyes shining with mischief. “If it falls, I build again,” she declares wi
SophiaThe sharp scent of pine and earth fills my lungs as I step into the training arena. The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows across the open space, and a cool breeze rustles through the trees surrounding the clearing. I roll my shoulders back, feeling the familiar tension settle in my muscles, the anticipation of a good fight building inside me.I love to train because it not only clears my mind, but it also like a bonding session between me and my wolf, which I have missed for so many years. She is also in front, giving me strength, and sometimes also guiding my actions while I am fighting. But I have to keep her reminding that this is just a practice and we don't have to kill our opponent because she is fiery.Somewhere, her personality has rubbed off on me as well. I walk to the center of the clearing, where Alec is already waiting for me in his wolf form. His fur is a rich, dark brown, his eyes sharp and alert. He’s one of the best fighters we have, quick and str
SophiaI stare at Mikhail, his words hanging in the air between us. His gaze is unwavering, filled with a resolve that makes my heart race for all the wrong reasons.I try to keep my face from betraying the chaos inside me, but it’s a losing battle.Why is he doing this?But the important question is, why am I being affected?All these years of hate, and he comes back into my life, and again, my heart starts to betray me?I want to be furious. I want to rip into him, to tell him exactly how much I despise him for what he’s done, for the pain he caused me, for abandoning me when I needed him the most. But standing here now, with him looking at me like that—like I’m the only thing in the world that matters—it’s hard to hold onto that anger. It’s hard to keep my walls up.I clench my fists, nails biting into my palms, the pain a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.“You don’t get to just waltz back into my life and say things like that,” I finally manage
AnastasiaThe second I hear that howl, I don't even stop to think. My feet are already moving, carrying me outside like I’ve got no control over them. The pull in my chest only gets stronger with every step I take. It’s not pain exactly, but it’s this deep ache, like a part of me is missing and screaming to be whole again.I follow the sound around the side of the house, past the trees, until I reach the outskirts of the pack… and then I freeze.Jake's wolf.He’s massive, all muscle and wild fury, snarling and thrashing like a storm no one can contain. His fur bristles with rage, and his eyes... they’re completely taken over by something feral. And what the hell... chains? Actual metal chains are wrapped around him, digging into his fur as a bunch of people try to hold him down. They’re failing miserably. He yanks and shakes, sending two guys flying like rag dolls. He’s wild. Uncontrolled.I spot Mikhail standing there, tense, and beside him is Alexei, barking orders. “Get more men! H
AnastasiaI blink up at the ceiling, confused as hell for a second. My brain feels like it’s swimming through thick fog, trying to latch onto something that makes sense. The sheets under me are soft, smell faintly like lavender and old memories, and the light slipping through the curtains is warm, too warm for how cold I remember feeling.Where…?I turn my head and it all clicks into place.This room.Same pale blue curtains swaying a little from the breeze sneaking through the window. Same wooden dresser with the chipped paint. Same soft hum of nothingness outside, the kind of quiet you only get out here. It’s like I’ve time-traveled. Like someone hit rewind and dropped me right back into the past.I sit up slowly, my muscles sore but not screaming anymore. That alone messes with my head. I lift my arm, the one where I’d dug for the tracker, and stare at the skin. It’s healed. Like really healed. Smooth, with just the faintest pink mark. No blood. No torn flesh. No proof of how bad t
JakeBefore I can even blink, Anastasia throws the knife across the room and, to my horror, she digs her hand right into the wound she just made. Blood gushes out, running down her arm and dripping onto the floor. She bites her lip so hard trying not to scream that her teeth tear through the skin, blood mixing with the sweat on her face."What the hell are you doing, Anastasia?" I rasp out, my heart slamming against my ribs. I grab her wrists, trying to stop her from tearing herself apart, but she fights me like she doesn’t even hear me.Nothing I say is getting through that crazy haze she’s trapped in. It’s like she’s somewhere else, lost in her own mind, and I have no clue how to pull her out of it. Watching her hurt herself like this is ripping me apart. I’m scared outta my damn mind."I have to find it," she grits out between her teeth, her voice rough and broken. She keeps digging into her own flesh surprisingly it looks like she doesn’t even feel the pain. "He fucking can’t cont
JakeI carry Anastasia toward the cells, not loosening my hold even a little. I can hear Sophia and Mikhail following close behind, their footsteps quick but not rushed. They know something’s up even if they don’t have all the pieces yet.When we get to the old brick building, Mikhail steps around me and tells the guard to open the door. The guy fumbles with the keys for a second before the lock clicks and swings open.The place smells like metal and damp stone, but I hardly notice. All I see is her. All I feel is her heartbeat against my chest.Anastasia stirs a little and tugs at my shirt weakly.She shifts a little in my arms. "Put me down," she whispers, her voice soft but firm.My wolf snarling in protest. Every part of me wants to keep her close, safe, where nothing can get to her. Letting her go feels wrong, like I’m cutting off a piece of myself. But I can't let my own fears and emotions get in her way, undermining the strength and power she carries.So, even though it goes ag
JakeI skid to a stop near the border, my heart slamming against my ribs so hard it feels like it might shatter. Mikhail and the rest of the patrol are crouched low, hidden behind trees and thick bushes. For a second, I don't get it. Why the hell are we hiding? Anastasia could be right there, so close I can almost taste her in the air.My wolf fights me hard, clawing at the inside of my chest, roaring at me to move, to tear through anything standing between me and her. But my human side digs in, just barely keeping control. I suck in a ragged breath and crouch low, reminding myself that rushing in without thinking could cost Anastasia her life.I notice the black hummer rolling down the old dirt road just outside the border. The windows are tinted so dark I can't see a damn thing inside. Every part of me wants to charge in and flip the damn thing over, but I grind my teeth and stay low."That's them..." Irwin says in a low voice from where he’s crouched behind a fallen log. He nods hi
Jake“How do you know Anastasia?” I ask, trying hard to keep my voice level. I don’t want to scare him off if he’s got real information. But damn, it’s tough when every second I can feel her pain twisting inside me like a knife.He leans on that broken branch a little, then shrugs like it’s no big deal. “We are… or were… friends.” His voice drops a little at the end, more to himself than to any of us. “I’m saying were because I know once she sees me, she’ll probably try to kill me for abandoning her.”He gives a short, humorless laugh that doesn’t reach his eyes. I don't laugh with him. None of us do.“That’s not what you should be worried about,” he says, looking back up at me, his eyes sharp. “Your focus should be on Ana. I don’t trust a damn soul over there. They’re vultures, all of them. But Ana’s smart. Smarter than most. She’ll know what’s going on. I trust her to get herself out.”I am still skeptical whether to trust a word coming out of his mouth, especially when I heard he a
JakeMy body shakes as my wolf pushes harder, breaking through the thin line between us. My skin stretches, bones shift, and I fight the change with everything I’ve got, but it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s done waiting.He’s angry. And scared.And so am I.Sophia’s voice is somewhere nearby, soft but panicked. “Jake? What’s happening? Jake!”But I can’t answer. I can barely breathe.All I know is I feel her. Anastasia. Not just the bond tugging... this is something more.She’s hurting.And that pain? It’s mine now, too.I slam a fist into the dirt and snarl, trying to get control back, trying not to lose it completely.Pain flares in my body like a wildfire, and I can hardly breathe. My vision goes all hazy, like I'm looking through a foggy window. I blink hard, trying to clear my head, but it’s no use. Everything around me turns into a blur. I’m dimly aware of the sounds around me, but they’re distant, like I’m submerged underwater. My mind is racing, but it’s too focused on one thin
JakeThere’s this heat sitting right under my skin, like fire trying to crawl out of my bones. It’s been there since I woke up, simmering just below the surface. I keep telling myself it’s nothing, that I’m overthinking it, but I know better.Something’s wrong.I can’t explain it, not in a way that makes sense. It’s like my instincts are pulling at me, dragging my thoughts to one place. Or rather… one person.Anastasia.I close my eyes and try to focus on the reports in front of me, but it’s useless. All I can see is her face. The way she looked when she left.... not angry, not cold, just… hurt.I didn’t want her to leave. Not like that.I wanted more time. Just a little more. I would’ve stolen her from the world if I could, even if it was selfish. But after that talk she had with Sophia, I saw it in her eyes... she was hurting.From Sophia's words, she might have gotten the impression that Sophia is against our bond, which is untrue. However, Sophia is slightly disappointed with me.
Anastasia“I don’t think this plan will work.”Ethan leans forward in his chair, arms crossed, wearing that annoyed look like everything’s just wasting his time.Pete just finished laying out the whole plan — my plan — and I can already feel the tension rising.“We’re not weak,” Ethan adds, like he’s trying to remind everyone of something they never forgot. “We don’t need to waste time spying on mutts. We should just attack, wipe them out, and take their Luna. Simple.”He shrugs like he just solved everything in two seconds. Like it’s just that easy.I can't stop myself from rolling my eyes, as I shake my head.Since everything is taking a three-sixty turn, all the high-ranking hunters are also part of this meeting, even Edwin and his group.Edwin, who’s been quiet the whole time, finally speaks up.“One of the biggest mistakes any hunter can make is to underestimate their enemy,” he says, his eyes locked on Ethan like he’s done babysitting his ego. “What do you think they are, helples