NovaMinutes later, the pack headquarters is full—everyone gathered and waiting. A low murmur ripples through the room, confusion and tension thick in the air.I step forward, letting my gaze sweep over my pack. My people.Nate, Selene, and Aurora are the only ones in attendance, not part of this pack. Lyra and the witches remain in my father’s hall—I couldn’t risk her sharp tongue derailing this moment. The tension on the packgrounds is palpable. The questioning looks are overwhelming. Even though I was welcomed home with open arms, far too many things have been happening since my return. The first Wendigo attack in weeks. Strangers—witches—living in the Alpha's Hall… something I refused to allow weeks ago. Nate and Selene’s abrupt arrival. Raven’s appearance. I abandoned my pack for weeks, and since my return, things have only gotten worse.I have been a shitty Alpha, and something tells me that today, I’m going to hear it.Either way, I take a deep, steadying breath, greet my p
AlexBy the time I return to the packhouse, the witches and our luggage have arrived. Lyra and the others settle into the Alpha’s hall, but I don’t stay to talk. My feet carry me to Nova’s room—our room now.When I step inside, she’s sitting on the bed, bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp. Her laptop rests open on her lap, but as soon as she sees me, she closes it and sets it aside.“Hey,” she says softly. “What took you so long?”Your head trainer/ex lover threatened me, so I choked him and threw him across the room.I nearly smirk at the thought, but instead, I say, "Leon took me to your father’s house to shower and change. Lyra and the others are unpacking now—our stuff should be up soon.”She frowns. “Why there?”How the hell do I answer that?I hesitate, then say, “Leon and I had a little chat…”“Define chat.”I smile, trying to lighten the mood.“Just a little man-to-man.” I say shrugging.Her eyes narrow. “So he threatened you.”I exhale. “He just let me know what the p
NovaAs we move closer to the gates of the Arcane Pack, I feel the weight of everything on my shoulders—doubts, uncertainties swirling like a storm in my chest. I’ve been away for weeks, and now, I’m walking back into my home.But I’ve brought a new member with me. How will they react? Will they accept him? They barely know him, and yet he’ll stand beside me— as their Alpha. A stranger they’re expected to follow.And I... I chased Raven away. My own sister. The pack’s family. Someone who should’ve been respected, loved, and cherished. And I threw her away.When I saw her like that—vulnerable, torn apart—I couldn't help but feel the pang of guilt. The warriors, my people—they will have questions. I saw the doubt in their eyes when they left. Alex nudges me gently, his warm breath brushing against my fur, his reassuring touch pulling me back from the edge of my thoughts. He can sense the uncertainty in me, the cracks I’m trying so hard to hide. His nose against my side is both playful
SeleneI don’t want to do it, I don’t want to hurt him, but he needs to see. He’s still lost in his thought when I touch him, “Nate?”His head whips toward me, that sharp look in his eyes again.I slowly lean in to kiss him, He responds instantly, deeply, with that familiar gentleness wrapped in heat. It steals my breath—makes my heart ache—but I can’t let myself drown in it. I don’t even know if it will work, but something tells me it will. Aurora told me to always trust my instincts and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.I focus on his mark on my neck, drawing power from it. From him. And I open my mind to him through the bond. The visions pour in.The images present themselves again. The full moon, blood flowing. Wolves fighting wendigos. Wolves fighting each other. Then—That awful scream.Nova.Falling.Shaking.Cradling Alex’s body.The gaping hole in his chest. His eyes glazed over. Lifeless.Nate trembles against me. I hold him steady, anchoring him to me as the vision s
NateSelene is being damn difficult.I know it’s not her fault. She’s carrying our pup, and that’s no small thing. I’ve seen it before—hell, I’ve even helped a few she-wolves through it—but never with someone I care about as much as her. And no one I know of has ever struggled this much. It's exhausting for both of us. And while I wish I could do more to help, apparently "being a supportive Alpha" does not include magically fixing pregnancy cravings, mood swings, or the very specific, life-or-death matter of getting her tea perfect.I’m in the middle of the most ridiculous battle of my life. Six failed attempts. Six. Thirty minutes of trial and error. I’ve brewed, steeped, adjusted the honey, whispered prayers to Diana, considered sacrificing a goat—nothing works.Finally, I take a deep breath, grab the latest version, and walk over to Selene. She’s curled up on the couch under a blanket, looking like the world has personally offended her. Her eyes are puffy from my last failed atte
AlexLyra tosses her bag into the limousine and slides in beside Aurora, flipping her hair over her shoulder with a dramatic sigh.I lean against the open door. “You sure you don’t want to run with us, princess?”She scoffs. “Why would I, when I can relax in a climate-controlled vehicle with cushioned seats and refreshments?” She waves her hand toward the limo interior. “You two can enjoy your sweaty, exhausting, flea-infested bonding experience.”I smirk. “So you’d rather spend two hours in a car than shift and be there in thirty minutes?”Lyra glares. “I’d rather do literally anything than watch you two eye-fuck each other in wolf form for half an hour.” She sighs, "Just don’t die or whatever,” she mutters.Nova chuckles beside me, and I grin, stepping back as the door shuts. As much as I love getting under Lyra’s skin, I’m relieved it’ll just be me and Nova for the run back.I want her to myself.We walk into the trees, the thick scent of pine and earth surrounding us. As we strip