LOGINIrene'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."
Irene's POVMidnight came slowly.I waited in the shadows near the depot. My body tense. My senses stretched to their limits. Every rustle of leaves. Every whisper of wind. Every distant owl call amplified in the darkness.The children were hidden safely behind the main building. Far from the trap zone. Close enough to alert us if their sharp noses detected anything unusual.
Irene's POVThe trap needed bait.Good bait. The kind that would make Lexie abandon caution entirely. The kind that would draw her in like a moth to flame.I knew exactly what that bait needed to be.Me.
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
IRENE"You didn't have to come, Alpha Lucas. I'm fine, I swear," I forced the words out as I tried to keep my eyes open but they only hurt."Yeah, and you're not shivering in bed right now," Alpha Lucas pointed out with narrowed eyes, standing next to my bed where I lay."Ugh, I feel like I'm being sco
KARSON'S POVI could still picture Irene's face on the little ones. They had her eyes and smile. Everything pointed to her as their mother but I still found it hard to believe.I was aware that these days, she-wolves could have pups with anyone, it didn't have to be their mate but what was new to me w







