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
Riley's POV My eyes fluttered open and the moonlight streamed through the window temporarily blinding me for a moment. I raised my hand and blocked the unwelcomed light after which my eyes gradually adjusted to the illumination.My gaze flew to the wall clock. It was just 4:am.Hearing the sounds of water from the restroom, I stood up gingerly. Norman didn't come home last night, he had told me he needed to attend to some political issues.I balled my hand into a fist as I took a slow, quiet step towards the door of the restroom. On the bedside table, I picked the only thing I could use to defend myself if it comes to it—a scalpel.My heart pounded hard in my chest as I maintained the slow steps until I got to the door of the restroom.Just as I reached to gently open the door, it swung open from the inside. I didn't bother for a moment to think. I didn't bother to look at the intruder. I swung the scalpel straight, wanting to do enough damage.A hand caught my own hand effortlessly.
Norman's POV “Prince Norman.” Mr. Crestwood’s voice boomed through the room and I felt my ears instantly prickle. Did he just mention my name? I almost didn't believe it. I pinched myself hard, and the pain that shot through me told me I wasn't dreaming. The shocked expression of Damon and Kirk is another confirmation that this wasn't a dream. “This can't be happening!” Damon clenched his knuckles, his gaze dark gaze roaming between Mr. Crestwood and I. “You had this planned, you fucking pave way for him!” He pointed an accusing finger straight at Mr. Crestwood. The hall fell into chaos as most of the kingmakers suddenly flared at Damon's accusations. It was a careless thing to say, daring even. The traditions of the kingdom forbids anyone from calling out the kingmakers like this. “Silence.” Mr. Crestwood’s voice rang through the room and the noise in the hall suddenly dissolved. “Did you realize what you are saying, Prince?” Mr. Crestwood asked Damon calmly. “Your claims ar
Norman's POV “We head to the Pack hall,” I told the driver immediately as I settled into the car.The council of elders sent a notice for me to appear in the hall yesterday. I didn't know what they wanted to discuss, but I knew it had to be a serious issue.My bet was on Riley—they’d probably want to remind me of the need to discard her. If that was indeed what they wanted to discuss, I'd really prefer to sip a hot drink even on a hot Tuesday afternoon. None of their words could convince me from going back on settling with Riley.About fifteen minutes later, the car eased into the driveway of the large packing space of the pack hall. Glancing at my watch, I was right on time. The huge doors of the antiquated building were ajar. That could only mean one thing, the elders have already arrived.“Hang around,” I turned to Adrian, “Chadwick would be here in a few minutes, I need to meet some investors after this meeting.”“Yes Prince,” Adrian nodded, curtseying a little.I walked in huge