Kaiden’s Point Of ViewI barely had time to process what was happening.Avery’s glowing eyes, that blinding, otherworldly light were still locked on me, her body trembling with raw power. And then, before I could even think, before I could even breathe, Slade responded.His voice, deep, guttural, possessive shook through my very soul."MINE!"A wave of invisible force exploded through the room. The very walls of the house shuddered. The windows cracked. The air was charged, electric, humming with an overwhelming energy.But then, just as suddenly as it had come, the light vanished. Avery’s body collapsed against me, her frame trembling violently. I caught her just in time, holding her as she shook uncontrollably in my arms.Her body spasmed, her breath ragged, her limbs convulsing like she was fighting something inside her.I panicked.“Avery!”Her hands clawed at my shirt, her fingers curling into the fabric as if she were afraid I would disappear. And then, as abruptly as it started
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe past week had been absolute torture.Avery was safe now. Alive, healed. But… she was different. More reserved, more cautious, as if she was still processing everything that had happened. She barely spoke unless spoken to, barely smiled—and it drove me insane. I wanted her to talk, to laugh, to argue, to be the fierce, defiant Avery that I knew.But what killed me the most? She barely noticed me. And the worst part? I was still on heat. And having her near me only made it worse.Every single time I caught her scent, that intoxicating, irresistible scent of wild roses, vanilla, and honey, it made my body burn.Every single time she brushed past me, I had to clench my fists, dig my nails into my palm to stop myself from grabbing her. From claiming her.I was in my room now, sitting on the edge of my bed, breathing heavily. Sweat dripped down my forehead, soaking my shirt. My entire body felt like it was on fire. And Slade, the damn wolf, wasn’t making things any
Kaiden’s Point Of View"Avery… please… please don’t leave me!"A bone-crushing pain exploded in my chest.And then, I was back.Gasping.Panting.The vision ripped away, but the terror still clung to me. My hands were still shaking as I ripped my teeth from her skin, staggering back.Avery collapsed against the wall, dizzy, breathless.Her violet eyes searched mine, dazed, confused."Kaiden?" she whispered, her voice weak.I stared at her, at the mark on her neck… At the faint trickle of blood. And all I could see was her lifeless body, drowning in red, cold blood.My chest tightened.My breath hitched.No. No, no, no."I… I have to go," I choked out, stumbling backward."Kaiden, wait…"I didn’t.I turned and ran.Away from her.Away from the vision that haunted me.Away from the terrifying truth that hit me like a dagger to the chest. If I stayed with her… if I let this fire consume me… I would be the one to destroy her. And that was a fate worse than death.My breath came in ragged
Avery’s Point Of ViewI was still pressed against the wall, my body trembling, my breath shallow. My lips were swollen from his kisses, my skin hot from his touch.But it wasn’t just the way he had touched me. It wasn’t just the way his lips had devoured mine, the way his hands had explored every inch of my skin, leaving behind a trail of fire.It was what he had done.He marked me.A shiver ran down my spine, my fingers instinctively brushing over the tender skin of my neck.The bite was still fresh.The tingling sensation it left behind was impossible to ignore.But… why?I wasn’t his mate.I had known that from the very beginning.So why would he mark me?Did he finally accept me as his chosen mate? Did he want me as his Luna? My heart pounded in my chest at the thought, my fingers tightening over the mark. Then why did he run? The question hit me like a slap, knocking the breath from my lungs.Had he regretted it? Had he finally realized what a mistake it was? Had he finally reali
Avery’s Point Of ViewMy breath caught. A memory flashed… The vision… The pain… The wolf… The word that had left my lips. Mate. I gasped.And the voice finally spoke the words that shattered my reality.‘I am your wolf, Avery.’‘I’m Lynexia.’ The room spun. I staggered back, my breath hitching, my hands trembling.My wolf?No. No, that was impossible. I had never… I never shifted. I had lived my entire life believing I was nothing.But this… This wasn’t normal. I could hear her… Feel her. Like a second heartbeat inside of me. A part of me. My head spun, the walls around me seeming to close in."You’re lying," I rasped, shaking my head violently. "This can’t be true—this can’t—"‘It is true,’ Lynexia cut me off. Her voice was calm, but there was something beneath it… something ancient. Something powerful.‘You are not just human, Avery.’I clenched my fists, trying to breathe. Trying to think. Trying to understand. But it was too much. Too damn much. "You’re wrong," I whispered. "You h
Avery’s Point Of ViewWould he feel the bond now, the same way I did?Would he be searching for me, too?The idea sent my pulse racing, my heart hammering wildly in my chest. I had to try… I had to do something.The pull was unrelenting. I didn’t know where I was going, but I trusted it. I trusted the bond. I stepped outside, the night air cool against my skin, and for a moment, I hesitated at the entrance of the house.This was reckless.This was dangerous.I should have stayed inside, should have thought this through, should have done anything but this. But… I needed to find him. My heart pounded with every step I took, my feet carrying me forward as if they already knew where to go. I didn’t question it. I just followed.The pull was faint at first, like a whisper in my veins, a tug in my chest that urged me forward.And then it intensified. The further I walked, the stronger it became, until it was an undeniable force, guiding me into the heart of the forest.The towering trees st
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewBlood dripped from my fingertips, soaking into the grass beneath me. I didn’t even remember when I did it. Didn’t even feel it when my claws tore into my own flesh. I only knew one thing, I’d rather die than be the one to hurt my mate.The pain, the self-inflicted wounds, were nothing compared to the war raging inside me. I had thought that staying away would keep her safe. That keeping my distance would be enough. But the bond… The fucking bond. It refused to be ignored.I had pushed. It had pulled. I had fought. It had clawed back. Now here I was, slumped against a tree, my breathing ragged, my vision blurred.Weak.Pathetic.I closed my eyes, but then a scent… Her scent. It crashed into me like a tidal wave, invading every cell in my body.Fresh roses… soft and delicate.Vanilla… warm and intoxicating.And something else… Almond, honey, and wild fruits.A scent so uniquely hers, so dangerously addictive that it made my pulse skitter. Slade, stirred. His restl
Warning: Explicit Content Ahead. Avery's Point Of View "His smirk was sinful. His emerald eyes burned into mine, dark with hunger, his breath ragged as his hands gripped my waist with a force that sent a shiver down my spine. God, he looked like a man on the verge of losing control. And I wanted him to lose control. I barely had time to catch my breath before he dipped his head again, his lips brushing over the exact spot where his mark already sat on my neck. A low, satisfied growl rumbled deep in his chest, the sound vibrating through me. "Look at this," he murmured against my skin, his fingers tracing over the mark. "Mine." The possessiveness in his voice made my stomach tighten, made my thighs clench around his waist. Then, before I could respond he latched on. A broken gasp escaped me, my back pressing harder against the tree as his mouth claimed me all over again. His tongue flicked, his lips sealed around my mark, and then he sucked. Hard. My entire body a
Maya’s Point Of ViewI couldn’t breathe for a second. The humiliation. The rage. The molten fire ripping under my skin, threatening to consume me whole.I would not let her win."He told me himself!" I snapped, my voice slicing through the thickening tension like a blade. I stomped forward so violently the designer let out a startled yelp, clutching her clipboard to her chest like a shield."He said I'm the only one fit to stand beside him!" I screamed, trembling with fury, my hands clenched into fists so tight my nails bit into my palms.Laura stood there, arms folded, completely unbothered. That damn smirk… that infuriating, mocking smirk, curled across her lips like she already knew the ending of a play I was fumbling through."Probably just trying to chase away a clinging little parasite," she said lightly, voice dripping with boredom, as if I was less than a fly buzzing near her ear.My blood boiled over."You…" I lunged at her, reckless, blinded by white-hot rage, my hand swingi
Maya’s Point Of ViewI watched, lounging like royalty, as Laura finally… finally, lifted her delicate hand and waved dismissively toward the designer. "You may attend to her," she said, her voice smooth but clearly edged with something cold. "I’ll wait."The designer hesitated, looking between us, visibly torn. I smirked wider, crossing my legs slowly, deliberately.As it should be. The future Luna didn’t wait for anyone.I rose from the chair in one graceful, commanding movement, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Every movement screamed power. Entitlement. Destiny."Come along now," I said breezily to the poor designer, who scurried ahead of me like a frightened rabbit. Jenna and Tasha, who had waited in the corridor, immediately fell in step beside me, their eyes shining with excitement.I tossed a look over my shoulder, giving Laura a smug little wave. "Pity," I said, voice dripping with faux sympathy. "You’ll get used to waiting behind me soon enough." The way La
Maya’s Point Of ViewWe cranked the volume up even louder, the music roaring through the house like a living thing. The maids wisely disappeared, or maybe fled, leaving us alone to bask in the madness. Wine flowed like water. Laughter echoed through the halls.We danced, wild, reckless dancing in our designer clothes, hair flying, glasses sloshing, makeup smudging, not caring about anything but the rush, the pure high of victory. At one point, Jenna climbed onto the coffee table, waving her glass over her head and shouting, "Long live Queen Maya!"Tasha and I howled with laughter, nearly collapsing onto the floor. I flopped down into a chair, breathless and giddy, my chest heaving. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Tasha plopped down beside me, still giggling, and leaned close."So," she said, voice dropping conspiratorially. "When's the big announcement?" I smirked. "Soon," I said, swirling the wine in my glass lazily. "I want it to be a moment. Big, public. No doubt left in anyon
Maya’s Point Of ViewI left the packhouse with my heart soaring so high, it felt like I could float. The moon bathed the grounds in a silver glow, and for once, everything… everything, felt exactly right. The door slammed behind me, and I practically skipped down the marble steps, my heels clicking with sharp satisfaction.I was going to be Luna.Not just some pretty little shadow hovering behind Kaiden. No, I would be his equal, his queen. I would finally take the place that had always been mine by right.I huffed out a laugh, half disbelief, half giddy euphoria, tossing my hair over my shoulder as I made my way to my sleek black car. Sliding into the leather seat, I ran a manicured hand through my hair and grinned at my reflection in the rearview mirror."Finally," I whispered to myself, voice trembling with elation. "Finally, Maya Pierce gets everything she deserves." I revved the engine and sped off, the scenery blurring past me as I drove toward my private house just off the pack
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThirty minutes later, we stood outside in the training field behind the house.The morning air was cool and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of dew-covered grass and the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. The sun was a low, molten gold on the horizon, casting a soft glow over everything, painting Avery’s hair in threads of silver and honey as she stood across from me.Arms crossed, chin tilted defiantly, she was the perfect picture of stubbornness and beauty. Her hair was tied up in a messy braid that somehow made her look even more irresistible. And gods, her outfit. Black, fitted workout clothes that clung to her like a second skin, highlighting every curve, every dip, and line of her body.I could barely focus.She noticed my stare instantly, her cheeks tinging a delicious shade of pink. "Stop staring," she muttered under her breath, fiddling with the hem of her top. I grinned wolfishly. "Not my fault you look so damn edible," I said shame
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe words echoed through my mind long after Slade’s voice faded into the silence.The curse. The darkness.It would come. But so would I. I stared down at the girl sleeping against my chest… my mate, my heart, my reason for breathing, and a fierce, almost primal need to protect her surged through me.No matter what happens, I swore silently. No matter what it takes... I will protect you, Avery. Even if it costs me everything. Even if it costs me myself.Slowly, I shifted, careful not to wake her. I cupped her face, feeling the delicate warmth of her skin under my palm. Her lashes fluttered slightly in her sleep, and she made a small, contented sound that squeezed my heart until it physically hurt.I dipped my head, brushing my lips over her forehead. Then her temple.Then her cheek. And finally, finally, her mouth. I kissed her softly, deeply, pouring every unspoken vow, every desperate promise into that kiss. She stirred faintly, her lips moving against mine in
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewHer hands clutched at my shirt, and she made a small, wounded sound that shattered me from the inside. "I swear it, Snowy," I murmured, moving my lips to her forehead, placing a reverent kiss there. "Even if the world falls apart, I will always find my way back to you.""You better," she whispered fiercely, her fingers fisting tighter against me. "Because if you don’t, I'll come drag you back myself." I laughed, a rough, broken sound, and crushed her closer, my arms aching with the need to keep her safe."Deal," I breathed.We sat like that for a long time, just holding each other, as if afraid the other would disappear if we let go. She pulled back a little after a while, eyes searching mine, vulnerable and fierce all at once."You scared me," she said, voice cracking again. "You idiot." I smiled sadly and pressed my forehead back to hers. "I know. And I'm sorry. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."She blinked, a few more tears spilling free. I
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe night air still clung to my skin as I dashed through the thick woods, each stride devouring the distance between me and her.My heart beat with a wild rhythm, not from the exertion… gods, no, but from the anticipation curling tighter and tighter inside me.I burst through the last stretch of forest, leaves scattering in my wake, and there it was — the small house tucked neatly under the starlit sky, warm lights glowing from inside like a beacon.My chest ached just looking at it. At what waited for me inside. I slowed my pace as I approached the door, brushing a hand down my clothes half-heartedly to knock off the dirt. I gripped the doorknob, twisting it open.The living room was… Empty. The lights were still on. The faint golden hue cast soft shadows against the furniture, the walls, and the forgotten blanket draped over the couch.It screamed of waiting. Of someone sitting up, long past when they should have slept, hoping — praying for someone to walk thr
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe color drained from her face. Her lips parted, a soft whimper escaping as the full weight of her mistake slammed into her. "N-No…" she whispered, stepping back. I stalked toward her, slow, deliberate, every step like a drumbeat of doom."You touched her," I said, my voice low and deathly calm. "You dared to touch what belongs to me.""She betrayed us!" Maya cried, her voice shrill and broken, desperate now. "She betrayed you!""No," I said simply, as if I were correcting a child's math homework. "You betrayed me." The room felt like it was shrinking around her. Her back hit the wall, and she pressed herself against it, as if she could disappear into the stone.Her eyes darted toward the door, calculating, desperate for escape. "Kaiden, p-please," she stammered, her tears falling freely now. "I-I only did what I thought was right! I did it for you!"I loomed over her, my body blocking out the light, casting her in shadow. "For me?" I echoed, almost amused. "Yo