KNOX
I wake with Aubrey's scent surrounding me like a dream—vanilla and jasmine mixed with the musky aftermath of our lovemaking. My arm tightens around her waist automatically, pulling her warm body closer to mine as consciousness slowly returns. The memory of last night hits me in waves: her desperate kisses, the way she came apart in my arms, the sound of my name on her lips as I claimed her completely.
I press my face into Aubrey's dark hair, breathing in that addictive scent while my hand traces lazy patterns across the smooth skin of her hip. She's still naked beneath the sheets, her body fitting perfectly against mine like she was crafted specifically for this purpose. Which, according to the Moon Goddess, she was.
"Good morning, beautiful," I murmur against her shoulder, my voice rough with sleep and s
AUBREYI stand before the ornate mirror in my bridal chambers, watching my reflection as morning light streams through the tall windows. My wedding dress hangs nearby—ivory silk with intricate beadwork that catches the sunlight like scattered diamonds. In just hours, I'll walk down the aisle to marry Knox, and tonight... tonight I'll tell him everything.The decision sits heavy in my chest, but it feels right. After last night, after hearing him whisper that he loves me, I can't keep living this lie. I can't let more innocent people risk their lives while I harbor Jax's secrets. Most importantly, I can't afford to lose Knox. Not now. Not when I've finally understood what we could have together.My fingers trace the diamond bracelet Elder Lina gave me, its warm pulse a reminder that some magic protects rather than controls. Whatever
KNOXThe morning of my wedding should be filled with anticipation, not the cold dread that sits like lead in my stomach as I make my way to Elder Lina's tower. Her summons arrived at dawn, brief and urgent: "Come immediately. The blood results are ready."Each step up the spiral staircase feels heavier than the last. Part of me doesn't want to know what Lina has discovered, doesn't want confirmation of the suspicions that have been eating away at me for days. But if I'm right about the white wolf's identity, if my worst fears are true, then Aubrey deserves to know—no matter how much it will destroy her.I find Lina standing before her workbench, her silver hair gleaming in the morning light as she studies a collection of vials filled with various colored liquids. When she turns to fac
AUBREYI lie in the darkness, staring at the ceiling as moonlight filters through the gossamer curtains. Sleep refuses to come, my mind churning with Lina's devastating revelations about the possibility that Jax might have manipulated my memories.What if everything I believed could be a lie?The thought makes my stomach clench with nausea. Even though nothing has been confirmed, even though we don't know for certain, just the possibility that my memories of that night, my loyalty to Jax, even my burning need for revenge could all be manufactured—it's terrifying beyond words.I turn restlessly in the massive bed, and my movement wakes Knox. His arm tightens around my waist as he stirs, pulling me closer against his warm chest."Can'
AUBREYThe narrow spiral staircase to Elder Lina's tower feels endless as I climb, my hand trailing along the cold stone wall for balance. Each step echoes softly in the confined space, mixing with the sound of my slightly labored breathing. I've been putting off this visit for days, but the diamond bracelet on my wrist—the one that somehow protected me from Jax's mental assault during the ceremony—deserves proper gratitude.Plus, I'm curious about her cryptic words. "Make the choice you already know in your heart." What did she mean by that?The scent of herbs and something else—something that tastes like old magic—grows stronger as I near the top. When I finally reach the heavy wooden door, I pause to catch my breath before knocking."Come in, child," Lina's
KNOXThe heavy oak door of my private study creaks as I pace behind my mahogany desk, afternoon sunlight streaming through tall windows and casting long shadows across scattered reports. Three days have passed since the Awakening Ceremony, and while the ritual itself was flawless—the wolf spirits blessing our union with ethereal beauty that still makes my chest swell with pride—everything afterward has felt wrong. Like watching storm clouds gather on what should be a clear horizon.Noah sits in the leather chair across from my desk, his wire-rimmed glasses catching the light as he studies a collection of documents with growing concern. The familiar scratch of his pen fills the silence between us, but I can see the tension in his shoulders that mirrors my own unease."Tell me about Nora's pack again," I say, stopping my restle
AUBREYThe sacred waters of the Moonlight Pool lap gently against the ancient stone edges, their surface reflecting the full moon like captured starlight. Knox stands beside me in the shallow water, his formal ceremonial robes clinging to his muscled frame as moonbeams dance across his skin. The entire werewolf kingdom surrounds us in a reverent circle, their faces upturned to witness this most sacred of rituals.This is it. The Awakening Ceremony that Jax demanded I sabotage.The thought makes my stomach clench with nausea, but Elder Lina's bracelet pulses warm against my wrist, a steady reminder of her words: Make the choice you already know in your heart."Are you ready?" Knox murmurs, his green eyes searching mine with tender concer