Zahra's POVAfter devouring some absolutely divine scrambled eggs on toast with maple bacon, Daphne’s breakfast game is unmatched, we head out in her car. It’s not far, but Abby apparently can’t be bothered to walk. I roll my eyes at her, and she just giggles in response. Typical.When we arrive, the training field is packed. I’ve never seen so many pack members in one place before. There’s a small platform set up in the middle of the field in front of the main building, complete with a microphone. None of the ranked members are here yet, so everyone’s just milling around. The sheer number of people is a bit much for me. Overstimulating doesn’t even begin to cover it.Abby and Sienna seem to pick up on my discomfort because they each loop an arm through mine. Goddess, I love these girls. They don’t push or pry, they just anchor me in the chaos.Just then, I notice Max and Sebastian heading over from the car park. Seb’s dad is with them, along with two girls I vaguely recognize from sc
Zahra's POVMy tears blur my vision as I sprint away from the bonfire. I can’t believe Zach. Is that really how he feels? Hogging the spotlight? Seriously? I was fucking attacked! How is surviving something that horrific the same as grabbing attention?Zanthe paces restlessly in my mind, her energy radiating frustration, but she keeps sending calming waves of love through me. ‘It’s not your fault, Z. They’ve suffocated you ever since, and you never asked for that. They’re projecting their issues onto you.’‘I know,’ I snap back, swallowing hard as I push my legs to move faster. ‘But it doesn’t stop it from hurting. I didn’t ask for any of this.’I can’t help it. The hot sting of tears falls harder, and my sobs leave me gasping for air. My legs slow, almost of their own accord, as the lack of oxygen drags me down. I come to a stop, bracing my hands on my knees as sobs shake my chest. It’s like every horrible thing I’ve kept bottled up is breaking free all at once, spilling out of me li
Zach's POVMy insides feel like they’re melting. My sister. My little, 14-year-old sister, just announced she’s graduating this summer. In six weeks. What the actual fuck? How can my baby sister be finishing school a full year before me?The crackling fire is the only sound around the circle. Zahra is staring down at her shoes, and the rest of us are just gawking at her, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.The hot, prickling sensation in my stomach spreads, crawling up my back and neck. I can’t think straight. My emotions are tangled and burning, and before I know it, I’m on my feet, pacing the small space in the middle of the logs.“What?!” It’s all I can manage.“What do you mean, Little Bit?” Oscar croaks out, his voice just as stunned as I feel.Zahra looks up briefly, then back at her shoes. “Well… I’m graduating at the end of the semester. Finals start in two weeks,” she says softly. Her eyes meet mine as I pace. There’s an almost apologetic look in them, but it just fuels the storm ins
Tobias's POVEventually, Xander gets a mind-link from his mum, calling us down to dinner. The group starts to make their way downstairs, the usual chatter and noise filling the air. As we stand, I see Sebastian step toward Zahra, his hand reaching for her arm. She pulls away sharply, and while I cannot hear what she says over the chatter, her expression leaves no doubt that she is far from pleased.I step forward, offering my arm to her. “Zahra, will you allow me to escort you to dinner?”She glances at me, a relieved smile lighting up her face. “Thank you, Prince Tobias, that would be very welcome.”I scowl playfully at her. “Tobias,” I correct.She giggles softly, her eyes sparkling. “Sorry. Thank you, Tobias.”“That’s better.” She rests her hand on my forearm, and together we head toward the staircase.Sebastian does not follow immediately, and for a brief moment, we are alone as we descend. Dropping my voice so only she can hear, I ask, “Are you all right, little one?”She looks u
Tobias's POVI don’t know why I’m at all surprised, but Zanthe is incredible. I’ve heard the legends of white wolves all my life, their grace, their power, their rarity. But actually, seeing one in the flesh... it’s impossible to put into words. Her fur is breath taking, an almost silvery white that shimmers in the sunlight. And her size; goddess, she’s massive. Regal. Perfect.I can’t believe that was her first time sparring in wolf form. She moved like a seasoned warrior, every motion precise and instinctual. It was mesmerizing.‘She’s magnificent,’ Thor rumbles in my mind, his deep voice practically purring with pride. In that moment, all I wanted was to go to her, to pull her into my arms and tell her everything. About the bond, about us. I wanted her to know that she was mine—mine to protect, mine to cherish, mine to love. But I couldn’t. Not yet. The weight of that secret is suffocating, but revealing it too soon would only add to the pressure she’s already carrying.As I watch
Zahra's POVWhat the actual fuck?! Yetanotherthing to be worried about—more differences, more reasons I’m a total freak. Just as I was starting to relax and enjoy myself, the Alpha King drops this bombshell: I have to stay hidden because there’s a cult out there who might want to hunt me down and kill me. Oh, and let’s not forget the cherry on top—some psycho alphas might also try to kidnap me and force me into a mate bond. Fantastic.Can’t I, for once, just live a normal life?Walking to training surrounded by the others, my mind won’t stop spinning. Every little thought seems to dredge up something worse, and suddenly, the image from my dream comes roaring back. That thing, thatpresencefrom the dream. I guess being hunted isn’t a new concept for me after all.