MasukLuca’s POVThe dining area went dead silent. Bax surfaced with a loud growl. I couldn’t control the anger; then I felt her small fingers touching my face. Her scent was seeping inside my lungs, and my beast started to calm down.Luca, my father said, let’s regroup in the office. All four of us walked there.My mom took her hand. Emily, this could be reversed. I do not know the damage yet, but I can try to fix it.How…I took a deep breath. They did this to her?It could have been water or food; she couldn’t have known. Luca, let’s start her treatment soon, and meanwhile you’ll mark her; that will also help heal her wolf.Emily's face turned red. Mom, okay, can you give us some privacy? I need to think and be with her.My dad sighed and took my mom’s hand; they left the office without another word.I’m sorry, she…was talking medically, and I don’t want you to feel pressured. If you’re not ready…Emily walked to me and hugged me. Then sobbed as I held her close.I promise you, your wolf w
Emily’s POVMy palms felt clammy as I clutched my purse, and my heart hammered unsteadily in my chest. I couldn’t stop myself from sneaking glances at Luna Adira. She had a presence that filled every space, and it made my stomach twist in knots. It was hard not to feel small next to someone so beautiful and accomplished; I kept wondering if I would ever live up to her expectations.“ Thank you for doing this with me," I started to say to her.Emily, you are family now; stop thanking me. I expect you to take over where I left off. Being a Luna, she said, smiling.I let out a breath. Yes, of course, I will do my best to fill in your shoes.You’re an amazing woman, strong, a fighter, a survivor. My son loved you the moment he saw you…her eyes were far away. He suffered all these years without you; she turned to me. Please don’t tell him that I told you…he will be very angry with me.I started to open my mouth when my phone chimed several times. I figured Luca sent me messages.At first,
Luca’s POVI knew my father had a worse temper than me, but my mother held his hand, and I could see his glowing eyes slowly turn back to their normal color. My heart pounded. Part of me wanted to explode, to bare my teeth and lash out at Cassandra for pushing things so far. But I also felt a tight, cold knot in my stomach—a flicker of fear, anxious about what would happen if I lost control. Mostly, I just felt tired. I expected Cassandra to do this, and I didn’t want to react. Keeping myself steady, I gripped the edge of the table, forcing my breathing to slow, determined not to give her the satisfaction.Anyone who has a problem with my chosen fated mate or me feels free to leave the pack; my words came strong and firm. Then I turned to Emily and kissed her hand.Son, I will try not to interfere with your business, and she’s making it harder for you, he said, pointing to Cassandra.Yeah, and I expected it. Don’t worry, Father; everything is under control. Let’s eat.After dinner, I
Luca’s POVIn the middle of the night, she climbed into my bed and curled up next to me. I just pretended I didn’t notice. She must be terrified after what happened. The guards were not at the pack meeting and tried to assault her. Besides, they got a brutal beating. I locked them in the dungeon to teach them a lesson and to serve as a lesson for others who might think of disrespecting any woman.I listened as her breathing evened out, pulled her into my arms, covered us, and, for the first time in a while, I slept like a baby. Her scent was so intoxicating, calming.Her hand on my face woke me up. Luca, are you mad I came into your bed?I flipped her on her back and pinned her under me. Mad? You’re my fated mate; you belong with me, mine.Kissing her neck and then chest, she let out a soft moan. I moved over because otherwise I wouldn’t have stopped.Do you want breakfast here or downstairs? I asked her to take my shirt off, as her cheeks got pink.Here, I want to spend more time wit
Emily’s POVThe car slowed to a stop in front of the pack house, and my breath caught. The house was massive, all stone and timber, with wide steps leading up to a porch lined with flickering lanterns. Even from inside the car, I could smell fresh pine and something warm baking, drifting from the kitchen windows. My heart pounded in my chest as the door swung open, letting in the crisp evening air. Luca stepped out first, his grip steady on my hand. The pack stood outside, bowing low as we walked past them. Their voices were hushed, but their faces were welcoming, and I felt the weight of all their gazes pressing in, making my cheeks flush.Alpha Luca, did you find her? Someone asked. He stopped and turned.I did. This is Emily, my Luna. Promise we will have a gathering to introduce her properly. Tonight, make sure everyone attends.They looked at me with smiles, and I smiled back, lowering my head.Luca turned, and I walked at his step. We have this floor, he told me, or we can go to
Luca’s POVFor a few seconds, everyone was silent. Alpha Hunder stood up and took a step; my wolf Han surfaced.Keep your daughter on a leash, or next time I won’t be so gentle. Fury pulsed beneath my skin, and my chest tightened with the effort to hold back my wolf. Every muscle in my body screamed to retaliate, to show Alpha Hunder I would not tolerate another threat, but I forced myself to focus on Emily. I took her hand, feeling her warmth steady me, and gestured for Hathor to get the SUV.This is not over, Alpha Hunder shouted, your father gave his word. That did stop me.Then why wasn’t I aware of it? Besides, my father cannot decide who my fated mate is.I dialed his angry number. Dad, we have a situation, I started telling him. Alpha Hunder claims that his daughter, Cassandra, is my Luna.Luca, put him on the phone, now. I handed him the phone, then turned to Emily and touched her face softly.He finished talking and handed it back. Dad?Luca, let her come for three months; yo
Magnus’s POVThree and a half years have passed, and nothing I do matters. Every day is empty without her. I wake up hoping to hear her laugh or smell her scent. I remember her smile, her hand in mine, her hair on my cheek. Everything feels dull and heavy. Will missing her ever stop hurting?I miss
Magnus’s POVAs soon as I got out of the car, Luca ran into my arms. I lifted him on my shoulder.Daddy, I miss you, he said, giggling.What about me Adira said, looking disappointed.Mama, of course I miss you too, I said, reaching out an arm to Adira and giving her a big smile. I pulled her and L
Adira’s POVMagnus was still chuckling after talking with Luca. He was smart and outspoken for his age.Magnus grinned at me and said, "Let me tell you, he definitely got your smartness."I smiled back at him and replied, "And your good looks."You think I’m good-looking. He started flirting with m
Magnus’s POVIn the car, I tried to take her hand, but she pulled away. My heart pounded. Desperation rose in me, hope fighting against the walls I’d built. Tell me, Adira, who is the father? My voice came out rougher than I meant, but I couldn’t hide my fear and longing.Look, he is not in the pic







