Ashley’s P.O.V.Luna’s eyes were filled with fear; her voice cracked in a way that shattered me. “I have been calling him. But he isn’t waking up. He isn’t …”My stomach twisted painfully. “What?”I rushed forward, heart thundering in my chest again. Fear swallowed me as a whole as I followed Dr. Alex and Luna Rose back into the room. Vincenzo was lying peacefully just as I left him earlier.His head was turned slightly towards the pillow, lashes resting against his pale cheeks, lips parted with steady breath.“Vincenzo!” I whispered, my voice rose as I moved to his side. “Alpha … Please answer me!”Dr. Alex placed his hand on my shoulder and spoke.“Step back, Ashley. Let me examine him!”He checked Vincenzo’s vitals swiftly: monitors, heartbeat, pulse, pupils’ dilation. I stood there frozen, the seconds dragging like centuries. Luna Rose clasped her hands together, begging for the goddess’s mercy. We both were desperately waiting for some good news when finally, the doctor straig
Ashley’s P.O.V.Taking a deep breath, I carefully sat on the edge of his hospital bed, the sterile sheets crinkling under my weight, as I eased closer. Without thinking, I lay my head gently on Vincenzo’s chest, my hand resting just about his heart. His heartbeat was steady and smooth, ringing in my ears like a beautiful symphony. The rhythm of it calmed the war inside me, pulling tears from my eyes as I closed them in silent gratitude. “I forgive you, Vincenzo!”My voice was barely above a whisper as I said.“For the past, for everything! I just want to be with you for the rest of my life.”I sniffled softly, my tears dampening the thin fabric of his hospital gown. “Wake up and just tell me how much you love me, Vincenzo. I can’t live without you anymore.”Inhaling deeply, I relished his faint scent, no longer just crisp pinewood and musk. Now my scent was weaved into his, a soft wisp of wild flowers and vanilla beneath the storm. My heart raced as a realization hit me h
Ashley’s P.O.V.Hearing about my wolf, I looked away, the weight of her name made my chest constrict. I sighed dejectedly.“She is gone!Since I woke up after marking … She is just … not there.”My throat tightened with pain.“There’s no sign of her presence, only darkness. It’s like the bond has taken her from me, as Dr. Alex warned us.”Jenna’s expressions softened with concern. She spoke softly.“You have been through hell, Ashley. You nearly died bringing Alpha back. So, it can be nothing. Perhaps your wolf is in deep healing.”“I feel like a ghost!”My grip tightened on the pillow as I expressed my unease. “My body is too weak and I can’t walk a few steps without panting hard. There is an invisible strain on my skin, making me feel restless. And pain …”A wave of agony coursed through my body as I shuddered, biting down a whimper. “It’s unbearable.”However, Jenna disregarded my condition, clinging to her former point.“Sounds like your first heat to me, Ash. It
Ashley’s P.O.V.My breath was shallow, fury bubbling in my chest like molten lava. Among the names of minor rogues, unfamiliar allies, Gamma Carson, written in bold letters, blurred my vision. But the tag was clear: Active relay contributor-Code: William16.This revelation hit me harder than I expected. I had never imagined that out of all people, Carson, the one who assisted me all day, the one who brought Cassidy’s phone without hesitation, the one who swore loyalty to Vincenzo, was the traitor we were looking for all along.How was it even possible?The wave of betrayal hit me so hard that I didn’t even think and stormed out of the investigation chamber like a beast unchained. Cassidy’s phone was clutched in my hand like a weapon.Gamma Carson was standing just outside, checking his communicator. He looked up, barely registering my wild expressions, before I grabbed his collar with both hands and slammed him against the stone wall.“You traitor!” I roared, my voice cracking w
Ashley’s P.O.V. As a daughter, I could understand how difficult it was to pick someone else over your father. It was impossible to put others before your parents, the ones who raised you. But Cassidy’s case was different! She caught me off guard with her swift response. “Do you really need to ask this, Ashley?” She walked slowly towards the bars, resting her hands on them. “I will pick Vincenzo over everyone every single time. This isn’t even a question.” Then she raised her brow. “You tell me, Ashley. Are you willing to trust me?” Crossing my arms over my chest, I responded coldly. “Nope! I don’t trust you at all, Cassidy.” Her brows frowned in confusion as countless question marks popped up around her head. She blurted out. “Then why?” “Because you can be beneficial for the pack.” I replied to her, stating facts. “As Alpha’s mate, I have to put aside my personal hatred and distrust to think about the pack’s welfare. And right now, Vincenzo needs help. Then
Ashley’s P.O.V.The stone corridors of the underground prison were colder than I remembered. The torches on the walls flickered against damp stone, casting long, eerie shadows. My footsteps echoed as I walked with Gamma Carson towards the investigation wing, his silence a heavy shield beside me. The report he gave me didn’t have names of spies, but he mentioned suspects and unknown contacts from when he investigated the spy system in the territory.It was a long shot, but there was no harm in starting with the arrested criminals. At the top of the suspect list was one name: John Blackwell, a quiet, low-ranked warrior who always kept to himself.He had served under Beta Dean’s command for the border reconnaissance. He was indeed a perfect candidate for spying. The iron door creaked open with a groan as I stepped into the investigation room, the smell of blood and mold clung in the air.John was sitting chained at the table, his wrists were red and raw where the silver cuffs bit