FAZER LOGINThe Blackridge mansion had grown restless since Deucalion left for the southern territory.Every day, his parents waited for news, hoping a messenger would arrive with information about the mysterious boy. So far, no word had come.Meanwhile, Damien was slowly settling into life at Blackridge after years away. His return had attracted attention, particularly from two women who wanted something he could give them.Aria wanted to understand the man who had returned to the mansion so unexpectedly. Celine, however, had a very different plan.She wanted an heir.Deucalion had refused to give her the position she desired, and she was tired of watching Aria receive the same treatment as her. Neither woman had given Blackridge a child, but Celine believed Damien could offer her another chance.If she became pregnant with his child, she could use the Blackridge bloodline to secure her future. More importantly, she believed the Luna would finally have to respect her.She was tired of being trea
Back at the settlement, I never expected to become Garrick’s second-in-command, but once I gave him my word, I had no intention of going back on it.The following morning, he gathered several members of the settlement in front of his house and officially announced my new position.“From today, Malia will stand beside me as my second-in-command,” he declared. “Her decisions will carry my authority, and anyone who has a problem with that can speak now.”Nobody objected.Some wolves nodded in approval, while others watched me with curiosity. I understood their hesitation. They had seen what I could do, but that did not mean they trusted me completely.I didn’t expect them to.Garrick turned toward me. “Your responsibilities will include helping me manage patrols, settling disputes, and protecting our people. When I’m away, you’ll oversee the settlement in my place.”“And if I disagree with one of your decisions?” I asked.His mouth curved into a small smile. “Then you can argue with me p
Lucius tightened his grip on the reins as the Blackridge carriage approached. He had hoped to reach the southern territory before Deucalion, but fate had placed them on the same road.He could not afford to let the Alpha discover his real destination.The carriage slowed, and one of the warriors riding beside it raised his hand. Lucius stopped his horse, forcing his expression into one of mild surprise.The carriage door opened.Deucalion stepped out, his cold eyes settling on the man before him.“Lucius.”“Deucalion.” Lucius raised his eyebrows. “What a surprise. I never expected to find you this far from Blackridge.”Deucalion studied him without returning the greeting. “The same could be said of you.”Lucius gave a short laugh. “I have business to attend to.”“Business?” Deucalion glanced at the supplies strapped behind his saddle. “You traveled this far with supplies for business?”“Must I explain every movement I make to you?”The question escaped before Lucius could stop himself
After the five visitors had left, stories about Derek’s power still circulated among neighboring packs. Two powerful packs had joined forces and were heading toward Garrick’s settlement to see the boy for themselves.Far away from the southern territory, Lucius received the news too. He sat in the main room of his family’s pack house when a messenger arrived. It's been over six years since he left Malia and the settlement. Everyday, he keeps wondering how they are doing. The lifeless atmosphere of his family’s home had already begun to wear on him.He looked up when his father entered with the messenger.“What happened?” Lucius asked.His father gestured for the messenger to speak.“News has arrived from the southern territories, Alpha. There was an attack on a settlement led by Alpha Garrick. During the fight, a young boy displayed extraordinary power. He defeated experienced warriors and forced several wolves to their knees.”Lucius straightened in his seat. “How old is the boy?”
“Come forward, one at a time. I don’t have all day.” The four visitors stared at me, but none of them moved. Before anyone could speak, Garrick stepped between us. “That is enough, Malia.” I glanced at him, surprised by the firmness in his voice. He turned toward the visitors. “You have seen more than you came here to see. One of you tried to attack a child, and another nearly started a fight with his mother. I will not allow this to continue under my roof.” The man I had thrown against the wall struggled to his feet with help from his companion. He looked embarrassed, but anger still burned in his eyes. “She attacked me off guard, let's do it again. You think you are so strong?” he complained. I let out a short laugh. “Off guard? You shifted into a wolf and lunged at my son. What did you expect?” He opened his mouth, but Garrick silenced him with a raised hand. “You came here claiming you wanted to confirm the rumors. You have seen Derek, and you have witnessed enough to un
“I dare you.” The words had barely left my mouth when the visitor’s smile widened. “You really think you can challenge me?” he asked. “I don’t think. I know what I’m saying.” He laughed, glancing at the other visitors as if he expected them to join him. Two of them exchanged looks, while another folded his arms and watched us with interest. I didn’t care what any of them thought. They had come into Garrick’s settlement, demanded to see my son, and insulted him because he was young. Now one of them wanted to fight him simply to satisfy his pride. I wouldn’t allow it. A small hand suddenly grabbed mine. “Mom?” I turned toward Derek. His brows were drawn together, and confusion filled his eyes. He looked from me to the strangers, then back at me. “Why do they want to fight me?” he whispered. My heart tightened. He was still a child. After everything that had happened during the Redfang attack, the last thing he needed was a group of strangers treating him like some creature







