LOGINLily’s POVThe cold wind blew through the high branches, making Beta Samuel’s lifeless body sway gently back and forth. My heart was pounding so hard against my ribs I thought it would burst right out of my chest. The fresh smell of blood hanging in the air made my stomach turn into sharp knots.I took a fast step backward, my sneakers slipping slightly in the wet mud under the giant oak tree. I needed to run. I needed to get back to the mansion and tell Holden that the Rogue Mountain Base already knew we were coming.A thick, white fog suddenly rolled out from the deep pine trees, covering the forest floor in seconds. It moved like a living thing, swallowing the moonlight and making the tall trunks look like dark, twisted monsters.A loud, cruel laugh echoed out from the white mist, making the hair on my arms stand straight up.Did you really think a simple Beta could help you, a familiar, arrogant voice sneered.The heavy fog parted slowly, and Marcus Flint stepped into the small c
Lily’s POVThe heavy silence inside the grand conference room felt like a physical weight pressing against my lungs. Beta Samuel raised his hands in a calm, non threatening gesture as the Blood Moon enforcers closed in on him, their sharp claws showing.I understand your anger, Alpha Thomas, Beta Samuel said smoothly, stepping backward toward the double doors. History has dark pages, but my Alpha is not the same man from fifty years ago. The offer stands. If you change your mind, I will be waiting at the old oak tree near the northern edge of the forest until midnight.Alpha Thomas did not answer. He just growled, his golden eyes burning with pure hatred until Samuel slipped out of the room and vanished into the dark hallway.Holden tried to argue with his father for another hour, but the older Alpha would not budge. Alpha Thomas insisted his own warriors were strong enough to launch a direct frontal attack on the Rogue Mountain Base without help from old enemies. He ordered the pac
Lily’s POVThe empty arena was completely silent as Beta Samuel remained down on one knee. His bright blue eyes shone like clear water in the dim light, his bowed head showing total respect.Holden took a step back, his hand pulling me slightly behind his broad shoulders. His brown eyes were wide with shock, but his Alpha instincts were sharp and alert.Get up, Holden said, his voice dropping into a serious growl. Why would a Beta from the Northern Star pack pretend to be a college sports scout for three months?Beta Samuel stood up smoothly, picking up his black clipboard and dusting off his crisp suit trousers. He looked at us with a steady, solemn expression.Because we knew the Shadow King was moving his pieces, Samuel explained, his voice low and clean. The rogue forces across the entire country are rising up. They are no longer just wild, lone wolves hiding in the dark woods. They have united under one violent banner, and their only goal is to hunt down the last living healer.
Lily’s POVThe head scout’s harsh words echoed through the loud, echoing room like a heavy iron door slamming shut forever. Banned from the college draft. Forever.Holden stood completely frozen in the middle of the broken wooden seats. His hands slowly uncurled from his sides, dropping limply to his thighs. His shoulders slouched down, looking heavier than they ever had when he was wearing his full hockey gear. I could hear his heart breaking inside his chest, a slow, painful thump that tore right through my soul.He had spent his whole life waking up at five in the morning to skate on frozen ponds. He had spent years pushing his body through endless workouts, giving up normal high school parties, and taking brutal hits just for a chance at a professional sports career. Now, in less than ten seconds, it was all gone. Wiped out because he chose to jump through a plastic wall to save my life.I stepped over the broken wooden bench, ignoring the scattered popcorn cups and the frantic
Holden’s POVMy breath burned in my throat as I skated back to the center of the ice. Every single rib in my chest felt like it was on fire, but the pain in my body was nothing compared to the fear tearing through my soul.Marcus had me completely trapped. If I played well and won this game, the rogues would murder Lily's dad at their mountain camp. If I played like garbage, I would throw away every college dream I had ever worked for.I looked toward the front row of the bleachers, just looking for Lily’s face to keep myself grounded.My heart completely stopped beating.Lily was stepping off the concrete stairs, her hands tucked into her sweater pockets. She was heading right toward a tall man in a dark hood sitting in the second row. My Alpha wolf vision zoomed in, cutting through the dim sports lights.The hooded man was not watching the hockey puck. He was pulling a sleek black dart gun from his heavy leather jacket. His yellow eyes flashed with a cruel, cold light as he raised t
Lily’s POVThe referee dropped the black puck between them.Instead of snapping his stick forward with his usual lightning speed, Holden froze. His hands went loose on the wooden grip, and Marcus easily stole the puck, passing it down the ice toward our goal.The crowd let out a loud groan of disappointment. I leaned over the metal railing, my heart sinking as I watched Holden skate slowly back into position. His head was hanging low, his broad shoulders slouched under his heavy navy blue padding. He looked like a player who had completely given up on the game.I knew Holden better than anyone. He was the varsity team captain, a guy who hated losing more than anything in the world. He had spent his entire life working toward this college scholarship. He would never play like this unless someone held a knife to his throat.Marcus skated past him again, letting out a loud, mocking laugh as the rival team scored an easy goal. The scoreboard flashed red, setting off a loud siren that echo







