Riley's POV My eyes fluttered open, struggling against a heavy weight that seemed to press down on my eyelids. My head swam, a thick fog coating my brain. The world was a blur of muted colors and indistinct shapes, swaying gently. A rough vibration hummed beneath me, a constant, low thrum that spoke of movement. The air was cool, smelling faintly of old canvas and something metallic, like stale oil. Where am I? What happened?Panic flared, sharp and cold, instantly clearing some of the haze. My wolf felt muted, dazed, but instinct was still there, a frantic whisper of Danger! My muscles tensed. I felt the resistance of bodies on either side, holding me, restraining me. My elbows jabbed out, my feet kicked, a choked sound escaping my throat. They had me. The outlanders. I was captured. The thought was a hot coal, burning through my exhaustion. I struggled harder, a wild, thrashing attempt to break free.“Easy, Riley. Easy now. You’re safe.”The voice. Deep and familiar, it cut through
Riley's POV The heavy, alien helmet felt strange on my head, pressing down on my ears, muffling the sounds of the bustling camp just slightly. My heart hammered against my ribs, a continuous pounding against the stolen outlander uniform. Every instinct screamed to run, to shed this disguise and jet away, but I forced myself to stand tall, to project an air of calm I was far from feeling. This was it. No turning back now.We stood just outside the cluster of tents and makeshift structures, the air thick with the metallic tang of their technology and a faint, acrid smell I couldn't quite place. Karl, and the other three warriors, now similarly disguised, looked like distorted versions of themselves. The helmets seem to be a blessing. It help hide the fear within—at least I can say that for myself.“Alright, Riley,” Karl’s voice was low, almost a rumble from within his helmet. He didn't look at me directly, instead gazing out at the chaotic activity of the camp. “Just walk. One foot in
Riley's POVThe cold night air bit at my exposed skin, but the chill that ran through me wasn't from the weather. It was the thrill of the hunt, the sharp edge of danger that always accompanied a mission like this. Karl’s voice, low and gravelly, cut through the quiet, giving his final instructions.“Hardin, Dr. Walker, Zoey, the rest of you – stay back,” he commanded, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. “Do not engage. Do not reveal yourselves unless I give the order. Your role is support, a fallback. Understand?”A chorus of murmured agreements followed. I watched Hardin nod, his face a mask of grim determination. Dr. Walker adjusted his spectacles, his medical kit clanking softly. Zoey, usually so vibrant, was subdued, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and admiration. It was a stark reminder of the gravity of our situation. We were walking into a viper’s nest, and they were the last line of defense. My stomach churned with a mixture of fear and pride. This was it. The real t
Riley's POV The wind whipped around me, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, a stark contrast to the metallic tang of fear that hung in the air. HornSide. We were on the outskirts, hidden amongst the dense foliage, the outlanders’ camp visible in the distance. A sprawling settlement, teeming with activity, a stark reminder of the threat we faced. My enhanced senses picked up the low hum of their technology, a constant, unsettling background noise. I could almost taste the tension, the fear, the anticipation hanging heavy in the air.I stood beside Karl, Vinny, and Hardin, the three of them grim-faced, their eyes fixed on the enemy camp. My wolf pulsed within me, restless, eager to unleash its power. I was ready. Fully ready. My abilities were sharpened, honed for this mission. This wasn’t just another test. This was something real, a good use of my unique skills.We discussed the plan, a hushed conversation amongst the trees. The strategy was simple, yet incredibly risky: infil
Damon's POV The crumpled report in my hand felt like a lifeline, a stroke of luck in a game I'd been playing for far too long. The outlanders' attack on HornSide. It was bad news if it spread among the people of the kingdom, a devastating blow, a strategic setback for Norman. But for me… it was an opportunity. A chance I wouldn't let slip through my fingers.My spy network, meticulously cultivated over years, had yielded valuable information. Norman had sent troops to HornSide, a desperate attempt to reclaim lost ground. And, more importantly, Riley was with them. A thrill shot through me, and my heart beat in anticipation and long-suppressed desire. Norman wouldn't be there. That was my chance. My opportunity to strengthen the mate bond with Riley, to rekindle the flame that had flickered and almost died. The news of Riley's deployment ignited a fire within me, a burning desire that pushed aside all other concerns. I knew this was my chance. My chance to get close to her, to reconn
Norman's POV The air in the council chamber was thick with tension, the scent of old wood and anticipation hanging heavy in the air. Around the massive oak table sat the council of warriors, their faces grim, etched with the weight of the news I was about to deliver. The attack on HornSide. The outlanders had struck a brazen assault on our borderlands. That was what Chadwick had told me. Nate had sent an urgent email pleading for help.I stood at the head of the table, the weight of my crown—not yet officially placed, but promised—bearing down on me. The rhythmic tap of my fingers against the polished wood was the only sound for a moment, a contrast to the rising unease in the room."Alpha Nate of HornSide pack sent an urgent message. The outlanders have breached the defenses at HornSide," I announced, my voice cutting through the silence. The faces of the men in the room transformed into a collective gasp.After making sure the whisperings and shock had dispersed, I continued. "Thei