LOGINKarson's POVThe forest was different at night.Shadows stretched between the trees like dark fingers. Moonlight filtered through the canopy in scattered patches. Every sound amplified in the stillness. Every rustle of leaves a potential threat.I followed Irene through the darkness. Keeping my footsteps light. Matching her pace exactly.
Irene's POVKen arrived just as the meeting was winding down.His face was grim. The kind of grim that meant bad news. The kind that made my stomach clench before he even opened his mouth."Princess." He gave a quick nod to the elders. "I need to speak with you. Privately."
Irene's POVThe war room felt smaller with everyone crowded inside.Elders filled the seats around the main table. Maps and diagrams spread across every surface. The smell of blood and smoke still lingered on our clothes from the battle hours before.We had won the skirmish. But winning a battle wasn't the same as winning a war.
Karson's POVThe scratches on her arm weren't deep.But they were there. Red lines carved into her skin. Evidence of a fight that could have gone differently. Evidence of my failure.I watched her apply the ointment. Her movements efficient. Practiced. She didn't wince at the sting. Didn't hesitate or fumble.
Irene's POVThe battlefield was still settling when Karson appeared at my side.He moved fast despite his injured leg. Limping across the blood-soaked ground like the wound didn't exist. Like nothing mattered except reaching me."Irene." His voice was rough. Breathless. "Are you hurt? Did they—"
Irene's POVLexie was broken beneath me.Bleeding. Whimpering. Defeated.I shifted back to human form. Stood over her crumpled body. Ready to end this once and for all."It's over, Lexie." My voice came out cold. Flat. "You've lost."
IRENEI could tell he was angry. The heavy frown on his face and the way he clenched his jaw, my words had done more than my actions have. I hope he gets the memo now. Despite my deadpan stare into his eyes with my unwavering resolve, I gulp, feeling worried that he would take this up as a challenge.
Irene had her thoughts with Luna Teresa throughout the drive back home. She felt a dull ache in her chest as she drove farther and farther away from the Pack.She had missed her so much that seeing her again, sprung up all the feelings she thought she could hide and suppress.She kept her eyes on the
Irene and Aunt Teresa talked at length, trying to catch up for the times they missed together but not once did Irene mention the kids. Although she felt guilty for keeping that bit away from her, there was nothing she could do about it.If she wanted her secret safe and to remain a secret, she needed
The night was a long one for Karin. As she rubbed her eyes and yawned, she stiffened in her room. Despite how quiet it was in the house, she could hear the little whimpers coming from the room next to her.Her little ears picked up the sound faster than anyone would. How could it not? She had Alpha b







