You're brave

Torne Pack

Magnus’s POV

I walked into the bedroom and locked the door behind me.

My baby boy is gone, ripped from me. How much more agony can I bear? Ronda did it on purpose. She defied me, took my child, shattered my trust, destroyed everything. Someone will pay. Someone must bleed for this.

I started thinking about the girl holding Diane. Her scent stirred something in me.

Meet her again, Han urged.

No. I refuse. No woman will ever get close again. I’ve tasted betrayal twice—cut so deep I can’t trust, not ever. The wounds will never close.

I hurled my cane at the door, rage burning hot, and pressed painful hands to my face. Her scent still haunted me, clinging to my skin like a ghost I couldn’t shake.

There was a knock at the door.

I limped over and opened the door. "Michael, tomorrow we’re heading to Rova pack."

"Glad you came to your senses. Let’s thank them for Diane."

"We take an eye for an eye. Ready four cars."

Alpha Magnus, I think we should...

"Are you undermining me, Michael?"

Of course not, I’m just advising you. Look, they’re an ancient pack. It won’t look good if we threaten them. Michael pressed on. There won’t be a threat. I want them to feel the same pain I do. Taking their firstborn isn’t just about revenge. It’s about making them understand what it means to lose what you love most.r.

I won’t kill them, but I’ll make them ache. If they feel even a splinter of this torment, maybe I’ll find justice. Maybe the universe will notice my pain.

Michael stared at me. He knew it was pointless to argue.

As you wish, Alpha Magnus, he said, then turned and left. I finally undressed and dropped onto the bed. When I closed my eyes, I saw the girl’s face. I cursed.

 

 

As the sun rose over Rova pack territory, a new tension settled in the air.

Alexander’s POV

I saw a caravan of black SUVs pull up to the pack’s main house.

A man opened the door, and Alpha King Magnus stepped out, limping.

Everyone bowed their heads.

"Take me to your Alpha’s office," he barked.

I stepped in his path. "Our Alpha and Luna are away. I’m Beta Alexander. How can we help you?"

Magnus pointed his cane at the door. I motioned and followed him.

"I want the man who cut the tree. It fell on my wife and killed my boy."

"We are very sorry to hear..."

"Stop talking and bring him," Magnus shouted.

I gestured.

The man walked in. "You cut the tree?" Magnus asked.

"Yes. I didn’t know she was there. She entered our territory. We warned everyone."

"Shut your mouth," Magnus said. "Now let’s go outside." He leaned on his cane as he limped. The pack had gathered. They sensed trouble.

"This man killed my unborn child. Eye for an eye! Bring me your firstborn."

"Alpha Magnus," I started, as Adira made her way through the crowd, holding a little girl. Both wore flower crowns. She stared at Magnus. We all did. A man in his late twenties stands tall, drawing everyone’s attention. His long, jet-black hair falls past his shoulders, framing a chiseled, stern face. His golden eyes are intense and almost otherworldly, giving him a mysterious air. He has broad shoulders and a strong, athletic build, making him look imposing. Intricate tattoos wind across his arms and peek above his collar, hinting at stories beneath. His expression is serious, and his sharp features rarely show emotion.n.

Magnus raised his hand. "Will you bring the child, or should I go get him?"

Adira looked at me.

He wants an eye for an eye, I whispered.

One of Magnus’s men pushed through the crowd, dragging the mother forward with her little boy in her arms. She stumbled and fell at Magnus’s feet.

"I beg you, he is so small..."

"You've got to hold your child. I never had the chance to hold mine."

"Take me," my daughter said

I pulled her back from Magnus. She didn’t mean that, I said quickly, then walked over to Magnus.

Magnus leaned in. She was beautiful and recklessly brave, he whispered, equal parts admiration and disbelief flooding him.

"Yes, I mean it," Adira said. "If you’re a monster, take me. Spare the boy, he wouldn’t survive you. Take me instead."

"Is she daring me?" Magnus asked.

"Deal," he said. "Take her."

Before I had a chance to respond, his men shoved her in his SUV.

"No!" I shouted. "You can’t. There’s something you need to know... please..."

The car was already moving.

 

Magnus’s POV

I turned and looked at her.

"You’ll be my servant and obey me."

"Yes, Alpha Magnus,"

"Are you mocking me?" I shouted.

"I wouldn’t dare. I respect the ranks and elders."

Did she call me an elder? Fury simmered in my chest, Han barely leashed, trashing. Yet beneath my anger, something familiar in her scent gnawed at me, confusing and relentless.

"Quiet," I told Han.

Her small hands rested in her lap. Her scent hit me hard. My wolf was screaming to break free.

"Stop the car!" I shouted. "Take her in another car, now."

Michael gently took her arm and led her into his car.

 

Michael’s POV

"You’re brave," I whispered. "Magnus has suffered."

Has no one ever loved him?

"What? I don’t know. He never found his mate."

"That’s what I meant," she said softly.

"Your name?" I asked.

"Adira. Sir, thank you for being kind to me."

I was already drawn to her. Her scent was intoxicating.

"We’re almost there. Please, do what he asks, and you’ll be fine."

Adira nodded.

The caravan stopped. I got out first and helped Adira out of the car. Magnus, already out, was limping away toward the house.

You follow me. I nodded to Adira.

 

Magnus’s POV

Inside my office, I sat down in the chair and let out a breath.

I hesitated, the battle inside raging. Part of me ached to be gentle, to remember how to care, but the agony inside me screamed for harshness, drowned out every softer thought.

"Adira, do as I say. No running, no talking back." I lifted her chin with my cane.

Her eyes locked on mine. I felt as if she could see right through me.

"Now go bring me my lunch. I’m starving."

"Yes, Alpha," she said, and opened the door to leave.

"Wait. Jan!" I shouted.

The woman appeared. "Yes, Alpha?"

"After she brings my lunch, show her to her room."

Jan didn’t move. "Sir, I don’t know..."

"The one next to mine,"