CHAPTER ONE

The pack members gathered outside the square, there was tension in the air, my heart pounded in my chest matching the echoing howls that surrounded us. A knot tightened in my stomach as everyone's gaze fell on Magnus. The accused stood at the center. His black hair fell over his face, covering most of his features, his gray eyes that always glistened now looked dull by the weight of accusation.

Magnus was accused of treason against the Alpha, the very leader we were bound to obey. Such crimes were unforgivable. I stood in uncertainty observing silently what judgment would be passed. My heart ached for him. I knew he was innocent, but my words held no strength as I couldn't prove his innocence. 

The judgment came, Alpha Lucas, a commanding figure with an aura of authority, stepped forward. I braced myself for the sentence that would seal Magnus' destiny. The Alpha, his voice a low growl, declared

 "Magnus Kade, accused of treason against the Alpha, by the sacred laws of our kind, you are hereby sentenced to exile." 

The growls of the pack grew louder, and Magnus' jaw clenched. You could see the pain of betrayal in his eyes but he didn't say a word. My father the Beta turned to me, his gaze indicating it was time to carry out his commands, and my heart shattered into pieces. I and Magnus had a strong connection and now I was forced to sever it. 

I stepped forward, meeting Magnus' gaze. I could see the shock in his eyes, and in a desperate mind-link attempt, he pleaded with me, 

"What are you doing Audrey?" I could feel the fear in his tone, but I had to carry out my father's commands,

 "I'm sorry Magnus, but I have to do this" I responded through the link.

 "No baby listen.." I quickly closed the link, not wanting to hear him anymore, because it would be too difficult to go on with the task. I struggled to compose myself and pushed the words out in a voice I couldn't recognize. 

"I, Audrey Smith, daughter of the Beta of the Brown Pack, reject you, Magnus Kade, as my mate".

 Each word I spoke felt like a betrayal and as the last words left my lips, there was a collective howl in the air from the pack members. I felt like my heartbeat had stopped, the pain was excruciating and I could only imagine what Magnus was going through. His face was soaked with tears.

'I'm sorry, please don't hate me' I whispered to myself, meeting his eyes one last time before turning away.

Three years later

The morning sun filtered into my room through the windows, causing me to squint. I woke up stretching my arms. A sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach as I woke up. It grew worse when I noticed the hurried footsteps and hushed conversation of the pack members echoing through the pack house. I hurriedly threw clothes on and rushed downstairs, my eyes searching for my father among the busy pack members. 

When I spotted him, his usual calm face was now etched with worry, 

"Dad, what's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, but you could detect the urgency in it. He sighed heavily.

 "Audrey, a message was sent to the Alpha last night. Magnus had challenged him to a fight. The entire pack is on edge, and we don't know when he'll arrive." 

My heart skipped a beat 

"Magnus?" 

I asked again to be sure I wasn't hearing wrong. "Yes" my father responded. This was the name that haunted me in my dreams every night for the past three years. The man I rejected and severed ties with, was he returning? I could feel my inner wolf turning at the news. Since I rejected Magnus, Silver has been very moody. Sometimes I barely felt her, but as soon as Magnus was mentioned I could feel the anticipation building up. 

"What does he want?" 

I questioned, looking at my father's face, searching for answers. 

"We don't know Audrey but we just have to be prepared" 

The weight of uncertainty was in the air and everyone was busy. Some guards accompanied the young pups to school and were assigned to wait and bring them back. The security was tightened, everyone took precautions and nobody journeyed outside the safety of the pack for fear of the unknown. I couldn't help but wonder what his return would be like.  

It was three days already since the day the letter got to the Pack. There was still tension in the air as Magnus' day of arrival was still unknown. Rumors of Magnus' challenge to Alpha Lucas filled the whole pack. 

A few days later, it was the day of the full moon celebration. The full moon shone bright in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the pack's celebration. Laughter and joy echoed through the square as pack members partook in the festivities. 

The air was filled with anticipation, the whispers of Magnus's return becoming the undercurrent of the night.

Suddenly, like a shadow emerging from the moonlit night, Magnus made his entrance. The crowd hushed, their celebration momentarily frozen as all eyes turned toward the imposing figure. Accompanied by Jaxon, the Alpha of the Blue Moon pack, Magnus moved with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes.

I quickly looked at my dad, his face showed a mix of curiosity and caution, similar to what others in the pack were feeling. The happy rhythm of the celebration slowed down, and everyone started talking quietly.

As Magnus and Jaxon reached the heart of the festivities, a sudden hush fell over the square. All activities ceased, and the young pups were ushered back to safety by vigilant guards, sensing an imminent shift in the atmosphere.

My heart raced as I watched Magnus step into the spotlight. He looked different, transformed by the passage of time and the weight of his experiences. His black hair flowed untamed, framing a face that bore the scars of exile. The once-dull gray eyes now glowed with an intensity that spoke of newfound strength. Magnus possessed a powerful aura, an undeniable force that commanded attention.

Alpha Lucas, the reigning leader of the pack, faced Magnus. "Magnus, after all these years, you dare to return?" Alpha Lucas's voice cut through the tense silence.

Magnus met Alpha's gaze, his expression unreadable. "I've come to settle unfinished business," he replied, his voice low and filled with a quiet determination that echoed through the square.

The pack's collective breath seemed to hitch as the two Alphas locked eyes. The air buzzed with an unspoken challenge, and I felt a mix of emotions. Despite everything, the undeniable truth lingered. I still loved Magnus.

Silver, my inner wolf, stirred within me. Her restlessness portrayed my own conflicting feelings. She seemed to sense the depth of my emotions, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that refused to break.

Magnus continued, "Your reign has gone on for too long, Alpha Lucas. It's time for change." His words echoed through the square, carrying an unforgiving tone.

Alpha Lucas, retained an air of authority. "You left as an outcast, Magnus. You have no claim here," he retorted, his stance unshaken.

Magnus's eyes gleamed with a determined intensity, revealing a strength shaped by the challenges of exile. "Things have changed, Alpha Lucas. Prepare to meet your end,"