Maya’s POV
The first light of dawn crept through the window, soft and pale, stirring something restless in me. My wolf was pacing, clawing at the edges of my mind, begging to break free.
The pack house felt too small, its stone walls closing in, and the ache in my chest, the one that had Conan’s name written all over it, wasn’t helping. I slipped out of bed, pulling on a loose shirt and pants, my bare feet cold against the floor. The forest was calling, and I needed to run, to feel the earth under my paws and let my wolf burn off this tangled mess of feelings. I couldn't remember the last time I even shifted fully.
I padded down the quiet halls, the Pack still asleep, and stepped into the garden. The air was crisp, smelling of dew and pine, and I was about to shift when a familiar scent hit me, warm, earthy, with a hint of cedar.
Conan.
My wolf perked up, tail wa
Maya’s POVMy eyes fluttered open, the world blurry and heavy, like I was swimming through fog. My body felt like it weighed a ton, my limbs weak, my throat dry as sandpaper. I was in the healer’s room, the faint smell of herbs hitting me. Conan was there, slouched in a chair beside me, his hand wrapped around mine, his face haggard, like he hadn’t slept in days. His eyes snapped to mine, and the relief in them nearly broke me.“Maya,” he said, his voice rough, leaning forward so fast the chair creaked. “You’re awake. Thank the gods.”I tried to speak, but my voice came out a croak. “What… happened?”He squeezed my hand, his grip firm but careful. “You were poisoned. Nightshade in your stew. You’ve been out for three days.”“Three days?” I rasped, my head spinning. “Who…?”“Samira,” he growled, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage. “Her maid confessed. She’s done, Maya. She’ll pay.”I swallowed, my throat aching. “I should’ve seen it coming.”“Don’t,” he said, his voice sharp
Alpha Conan’s POVJayden’s laughter rang out, high and bright, as he darted around, waving a stick like it was a mighty sword. Maya was right there with him, her dark hair loose and catching the light, her smile wide and unguarded as she pretended to dodge his “attacks.”My wolf hummed, content just watching her, the way her laugh lit up the space around us, making the battered pack house feel alive again.Henry sat nearby, quieter, but even he was smiling, tossing a pebble between his hands as he watched Jayden’s antics.“Daddy, save her!” Jayden called, pointing his stick at Maya, who clutched her chest dramatically, stumbling back like she’d been struck.“Oh, you got me, you little monster!” she gasped, collapsing onto the grass with an exaggerated groan. Jayden squealed, diving onto her, and she tickled him until he was a giggling mess. My chest ached, warm and full, seeing her like this, so free, so here. My wolf wanted to join them, to roll in the grass and soak up her joy, but
Maya’s POVThe first light of dawn crept through the window, soft and pale, stirring something restless in me. My wolf was pacing, clawing at the edges of my mind, begging to break free.The pack house felt too small, its stone walls closing in, and the ache in my chest, the one that had Conan’s name written all over it, wasn’t helping. I slipped out of bed, pulling on a loose shirt and pants, my bare feet cold against the floor. The forest was calling, and I needed to run, to feel the earth under my paws and let my wolf burn off this tangled mess of feelings. I couldn't remember the last time I even shifted fully.I padded down the quiet halls, the Pack still asleep, and stepped into the garden. The air was crisp, smelling of dew and pine, and I was about to shift when a familiar scent hit me, warm, earthy, with a hint of cedar.Conan.My wolf perked up, tail wa
Alpha Conan’s POVThe garden was alive with the late afternoon sun, its golden light spilling over the grass and warming the air with the scent of blooming jasmine and fresh earth. The pack house was still a mess, cracked stones and scattered debris from the battle, but out here, it felt like we could breathe. My warriors were off tending to repairs or resting, leaving the garden quiet except for the chatter of birds and the rustle of leaves. My focus, though, was on the small figure skulking near the hedge, half-hidden in the shadows.Henry, my son, stood there, his dark hair falling into his eyes, his shoulders hunched like he wanted to disappear. He was always like this, quiet, reserved, watching the world from a distance. My wolf whined, aching to pull him closer, to break through the walls he’d built. “Henry,” I called, my voice gentle but firm, carrying across the garden. “Come on out. Join us.”Hi
Alpha Conan’s POVThe great hall felt like an icebox, the stone walls soaking up the tension like a sponge. The air stank of old blood, melted wax, and the nervous sweat rolling off the Pack as they lined the walls, their eyes sharp and waiting.My warriors stood rigid, ready for my word, while Luna stood in the center, wrists shackled in iron, her usual swagger crumbling under the weight of her predicament.Her eyes blazed with defiance, but I could smell the fear on her, sharp and sour, like bad wine. My wolf was restless, clawing at me to get this over with so I could focus on what really mattered, Maya.I stood at the head of the hall, arms crossed, my Alpha aura pressing down on everyone like a thunderstorm ready to break.The Pack felt it, their wolves bowing instinctively, but Luna fought it, her chin jutting out like she could still talk her way out of th
Alpha Conan’s POVThe gardens sprawled out in front of us, a messy mix of green grass and golden sunlight filtering through the trees. The air smelled of crushed mint from trampled plants and the faint, sharp sting of blood from the fight we’d just survived. My pack was scattered around, some bandaging wounds, others dragging broken branches and stones to clear the paths.The pack house was pulling itself back together, and so were we. But my eyes weren’t on the cracked walls or my tired warriors. They were on her.Maya was in the middle of it all, moving like she didn’t know how to stop. Her dark hair was tied back, loose strands clinging to her sweaty neck as she knelt next to a warrior, wrapping a bandage around his gashed arm. She said something to him, her voice too quiet for me to catch, but the guy relaxed, his face softening as he nodded at her.My