LOGINAfter what felt like decades, Crane finally opened the door and stepped out. But what stunned everyone was that he walked out casually in his wolf form, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. The great white wolf moved with quiet authority, his paws making almost no sound against the floor. The air around him seemed heavier, charged with the silent pressure of an Alpha who had made up his mind. He stopped in front of Alex. Stay with her, Crane’s voice echoed in Alex’s mind, deep and commanding. Alert me if she moves even a muscle. I need to make a few preparations for the Assembly of Kings. Alex nodded immediately, placing a hand over his chest in acknowledgment before turning and heading straight into Lara’s room without another word. Yousef and Peter instinctively moved to follow. Crane’s massive head turned slightly. And where do you think you’re going, young pup? he said, his voice firm inside Yousef’s mind. We’ve got work to do. Turn around. Now. Yous
Mother Seraphine stepped into the grand hall as though she owned every stone beneath her feet. The doors had barely settled behind her before her presence filled the entire space heavy, ancient, suffocating. The faint scent of herbs and old parchment clung to her robes, mixing uneasily with the familiar warmth of the pack house.Crane descended the staircase slowly, his expression calm but guarded. Behind him followed Yousef and Peter, both silent, both tense. Alex had remained upstairs with Lara, at Crane’s direct command.By the time Crane reached the last step, Mother Seraphine had already turned to face him, her sharp eyes scanning him as though searching for cracks beneath his skin.“Mother Seraphine,” Crane greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. “I was not expecting you. I would have arranged a proper welcome.”“Save it,” she said, lifting a hand sharply to silence him.Her voice cut clean through the hall, leaving no room for ceremony or politeness.“I did not co
James was barely at the entrance of the estate when his phone rang. His assistant’s name flashed across the screen. He exhaled sharply and answered. “Sir, just a reminder, you have an important meeting in thirty minutes. The board is already” James rolled his eyes, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. His jaw hardened. “Postpone it,” he said coldly, and ended the call before another word could be spoken. His foot pressed harder on the accelerator. Reaching home, he parked and entered the mansion quietly. No greetings. No footsteps rushing to meet him. The house felt… still. Too still. He climbed the stairs and pushed open Maya’s door first. She was fast asleep, curled up comfortably. He smiled faintly, pulling the blanket higher to cover her properly before brushing a gentle kiss over her hair. “Sleep well,” he murmured. Closing the door softly, he walked into his own room. Empty. The bed untouched. A faint crease formed between his brows. Turning
“Aunty Jan Jan?” Maya’s voice floated down the hallway.Janis turned just as the girl peeked out from the living room. “ Your portion of breakfast big brother made is in the kitchen, on the counter , incase you feel hungry.”Janis blinked, momentarily pulled from her thoughts. " oh okay baby, thank you"Maya’s face lit up instantly. “you're welcome big sis" then she continued stuffing her mouth with snacksJanis followed more slowly. She ate a little—just enough to quiet the tight ache in her stomach—then slipped through the back door behind the kitchen, letting the fresh air wash over her.The garden was quiet.She sat on the soft outdoor couch beneath the trees, fingers curling into the fabric of her robe as her mind drifted back to the dream. Corey’s face. His smile. The way he turned away.Her chest tightened.Then James’ face surfaced knd, familiar… distant.The realization hit her harder than she expected.
She kept running.Mocking voices echoed behind her, chasing her relentlessly, growing louder with every step she took.Suddenly, she froze.A tall, handsome figure stood before her, his presence cutting through the darkness like light breaking through storm clouds. His smile warm, familiar pushed away the ache in her chest, even if only for a second.“Corey…” she called out, hope flooding her voice.But the happiness didn’t last.Beside him, Lara suddenly appeared.She smiled slow, wicked, nothing like the gentle woman Janis knew.“Awwn… you want him?” Lara mocked softly.Her smile faded as she wrapped her arm possessively around Corey’s, pulling him closer.“Dream on,” she sneered. “This is your payback for taking James away from me.”Janis shook her head frantically.“You took my happiness,” Lara continued coldly, “now I’ll take yours.”Then Lara laughed sharp, cruel and turned away.Corey’s smile vanished.Without a word, he turned too, following Lara into the darkness, leaving Ja
Crane stood at the side of the bed, his chest tight as he watched Lara lying there—already back in her room, unconscious and still.Alex placed two fingers gently on her forehead and closed his eyes. His lips moved in a low murmur as thick black smoke curled around them both, slow and controlled.Peter and Yousef stood a few steps away, silent, their confusion evident.Worry etched deep lines into Crane’s face."Calm down. She will be fine". His wolf tried to reassure him.After what felt like years, Alex finally stepped back. Lara remained asleep, her breathing steady.With a subtle signal, they all moved out.Yousef and Peter stayed behind, standing guard outside Lara’s door, while Alex placed a firm hand on Crane’s shoulder. In the next instant, they teleported straight into Crane’s study.The moment they arrived, Alex snapped his fingers. Thick black smoke sealed the door and windows, shutting the world out.He turned sharply to Crane, rubbing his temples.“Now tell me,” Alex sai
“Go change into clean clothes and come downstairs for lunch, Maya,” James said. Maya pouted. “Okayyy, big brother.” She blew a kiss toward Janis’s tummy. “I’ll be right back in a jiffy, baby!” she said and ran upstairs, her footsteps thudding before her do
The drive was silent.Janis kept stealing glances at James behind the wheel of a sleek black Aston Martin DBX707, its scent of new leather mixing with the soft hum of power beneath her. James, aware of her gaze, only tightened his grip on the steering and reached across to lace his free hand over h
The heavy doors of the dark mansion swung open. James walked in, his polished shoes clicking sharply against the marble floor — click, click, click — echoing through the silent hall like a countdown.His suit jacket hung open, unbuttoned down to the fourth button, revealing a white shirt loosened a
Vince watched them carry Janis up the stairs, shoulders still taut with a dangerous impatience. He turned at last to the tall figure beside him, voice sharp. “I didn’t touch her thanks to you—now what are you standing there for?” The huge man exhaled slowly, not looking away from the stairs.







