~∆~ Mariah's POV ~∆~The hate mail started three days ago.Sophia and I have been working around the clock to counter Natasha's viral video about me being a scammer. At first, it seemed like we were winning. Sophia used her platform and her network of influencer friends to show proof that I would never scam anyone."Look at her portfolio," Sophia said in her response video, showing screenshots of my work. "Look at the testimonials from her clients. Does this look like someone who steals designs?"Her followers responded immediately. Within hours, they were sharing their own experiences with my work, posting screenshots of our professional conversations, showing the design process from concept to completion.My past clients started speaking up too. Companies I'd worked with for years posted statements vouching for my integrity. The president of Apex Marketing, who'd dropped me after Natasha's accusations, even issued a public apology and offered to reinstate my contract.For forty-e
~∆~ Rain's POV ~∆~The locker room hums with pre-game energy, but I can barely focus on Coach Tom's talk. My mind keeps drifting to everything Luna revealed last night.I can't wrap my head around my sister being a guardian, and there was Ethan, and most importantly, about Mariah being a descendant of the seven guardians. That's freaking me out. If others knew..."Cross! You listening?" Coach Tom barks, making me snap back to attention."Yes, sir. Ready to go."Jackson catches my eye from across the room and gives me a look that says we must talk. He's been watching me closely since I got back from my "injury".Everyone believes I miraculously healed overnight after that hit from Boston. If only they knew. In this upcoming game, I promise myself to be very careful.The game against the New York Rangers goes better than expected. We're up 3-1 in the second period, and I've managed to score twice without using any supernatural abilities. It felt good playing clean hockey, just the way
~∆~ Ethan's POV ~∆~I sit across from Alpha Kane in his office, trying to look composed while my mind races with panic. The person I saw at the hockey game, Luna, could destroy everything I've worked for. She's the one who saved me, the reason I'm alive and strong enough to be sitting here instead of dead in some forgotten grave."Ethan, are you okay?" Alpha Kane asks, his gray eyes studying me from behind his wire-rimmed glasses."Yes, Alpha," I answer, even though I feel far from okay. My mind keeps circling back to Mariah, to how I still haven't been able to talk to her properly since that night she found out about Natasha. I don't know how I'm going to make her fall in love with me again. The mate bond I feel for Natasha keeps interfering with my thoughts about Mariah, making it harder to focus on the plan. Every time I think about how Mariah's powers are going to make me more powerful, my wolf whines for Natasha instead.But if my first plan doesn't work, I'll involve a witch
~∆~ Mariah's POV ~∆~I stare at Luna, my mind spinning as I try to understand what she just said. Seven guardians? And what about me? Nothing makes sense. I'm drowning in information that sounds more fantasy than reality."What seven guardians are you talking about?" I finally ask, feeling completely lost. "And why do you say it has anything to do with me?""It's a long story," Luna answers, suddenly restless. She stands up from Rain's couch and starts moving around."Rain, do you know what the seven guardians are and what they have to do with me?" I ask, turning to look at him, hoping he can make sense of this madness.Rain nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. "I know the legends. But I don't know what it has to do with you. The seven guardians are mythic beings among us, supernaturals, who are chosen to watch over some portals to different realms. They're said to be incredibly powerful, even other supernatural beings can't defeat them because of their insane strength."He pauses
~∆~ Rain's POV ~∆~The drive back to my apartment is quiet, my mind filled with what just happened. I didn't need to be told who was responsible for everything that happened.My body is healing. I feel the silver pulling its way out of my system. My body was burning through the poison faster than any human doctor would believe, not that anyone would believe silver was poisonous, but to us werewolves, it was deadly.However, I don't tell that to Mariah, who keeps checking on me every few minutes, her hand finding mine or touching my shoulder just to assure herself and believe that I was indeed okay. I'm not complaining about the attention. I love it.Mariah's friend sits in the backseat beside me, unusually quiet for someone who's normally a chatterbox. I could hear their chats, not that I intentionally listened to them, my wolf is just too interested in our mate."Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Mariah asks for the fifth time, her fingers tracing patterns on my forearm. "You l
~∆~ Mariah's POV ~∆~I can't stop shaking.My hands are trembling so violently I can barely hold onto my phone as I try to call the hospital, try to figure out where they're taking Rain, try to do something other than stand here in this parking lot.The ambulance disappeared into traffic five minutes ago, and I feel like part of my soul went with it."Mariah."The voice brings me from my panic. Luna is standing beside me, her eyes filled with concern."Follow me," she says simply. "Now.""I need to get to the hospital," I stammer, wiping tears from my face with shaking hands. "I need to find out where they took him, I need to...""Mariah." Luna's voice is firmer this time. "Look at me."I do, and something in her expression calms the wild panic in my chest just enough for me to breathe."Rain is going to be alright," she says with absolute certainty. "You don't need to worry. But we need to move fast."Before I can ask what she means, another voice calls my name from across the parki