Elara’s POVThe moment I stepped into Andrew’s office, a cold sense of unease settled over me. The air felt heavy, like something unsaid remained between us, waiting to be revealed.It wasn't long ago that I got a message that Andrew required my presence. The first thought that entered my head was the fact he probably wanted to see me concerning what was left unsaid.I wasn't sure I wanted to tell him anymore. Especially not after what Lora told me concerning her own mate.If I told him about my former plans to kill him, he might reject me and even worse lock me in a cell.I didn't want any of that.I didn't think I will be able to survive any of it. I will need to come up with something else.Andrew was behind his desk, his hands steepled together in front of him, watching me with those sharp, emotionless eyes. He seemed relaxed, but there was something in the way his gaze followed my movements that made my stomach twist.What surprised me the most was seeing Michael, standing just b
Andrew’s POVElara was still sitting across from me, her face pale like she had seen a ghost, her fingers clenched into the fabric of her pants. She hadn’t moved since Michael finished speaking, but I could see it—her mind racing, trying to process everything.And there was a lot to process. I hadn't gotten around to asking her what she wanted to tell me the other night. But for now, I think this is more important.The Blood Moon. Her powers. The fact that she was at the center of it all seemed to overwhelm her all at once.I was sure she hadn't fully gotten over her nightmare that had her knocking on my door at the odd hours of the night.So, I didn’t blame her for shutting down. Hell, I expected it. But shutting down wasn’t an option right now.“We need a plan,” I said, my voice cutting through the extended silence as I swivelled my chair so that I see both of them as I spoke.Michael exhaled sharply, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “Agreed. Dorian won’t wait. He alr
Michael’s POV“Where do you think you're going?” Andrew asked, his voice dropping to threatening level. Gone was the warmth he tried to offer and in its place an icy tone that could cripple any wolf.But not Elara. She wasn't fazed by his reaction. “Trying not to waste your time.” She retorted, turning to towards the door.“We're not done yet.” He replied, as his body took on a stiff posture.“I don't think so.” She replied as she wrapped her hand around the door knob ready to twist and pull.“Sit.” He growled barely able to contain the anger that I saw on his face.“I said—”“I don't care what you said.” Andrew roared. “Sit down now.” His voice was filled with the Alpha power in him.There was no way she could resist that.I could see the resistance in her eyes. She was fighting it but no one could resist the an alpha’s command.Reluctantly, she dragged her feet back to her seat.“Now, where were we?” Andrew asked staring straight at her.“There's no way I'm putting myself in danger
Andrew’s POVThe door clicked shut behind Michael, leaving me alone with Elara. She was still sitting stiffly in the chair, arms crossed, a deep line between her brows.How much more of this insolence I could take, I didn't know. But somehow she knew how to push my buttons and get me all reeled up.But she is afraid. And my wolf does not appreciate it. I need to take it easy with her.I exhaled slowly. Michael had left because he knew this conversation wasn’t going anywhere. But I didn’t have the freedom of walking away. Not when it was my mate staring back at me with fire in her eyes and doubt in her heart.“Alright,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “No more yelling. No more commands. Just listen.”She scoffed but didn’t interrupt. Progress.I stood up from my seat and walked around my desk slowly as I made my way to her.When I was a feet away from her, I began.. “You know why I won’t let this go, Elara?”She lifted her chin. “Because you think I’m weak?”Weak? How could she say such
Lora's POVI sat alone in Elara’s room, the silence hanging over me like a dark cloud. The air still held traces of her presence—the faint scent of pine and something else uniquely hers. I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply before letting out a slow breath. I always felt safe around her.But now we had a new problem on our hands.The prophecy.I could still see the haunted look in her eyes when she spoke about it. Whatever she dreamt of was really scary to have her in that shape. The pressure of it weighed down on her like a heavy boulder, and for good reason. If the blood moon truly meant what she feared, then none of us were safe. But thinking about it now wouldn't change anything. I wasn't Elara. I had no part in the prophecy, no role in whatever destiny had chosen for her.But there was no way I was going to let her face it all alone. When the time is right, I would do what I must.So I decided to temporarily forget about the prophecy and Blood Moon. Instead, my mind dr
Michael’s POVI stood outside Elara’s room, staring at the door like it might attack me.This was stupid. I should turn around and walk away. Pretend like I was never here.But I couldn’t.Not after the way I treated her last night.Lora.The name echoed in my mind like a whisper and a war drum all at once.I exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of my neck.This was the right thing to do.I had to apologize.So, before my cowardice won, I raised my fist and knocked.Silence.Then, I knocked again, a little harder this time before I heard soft footsteps. A pause.The door creaked open.And there she was.Lora.Her dark eyes met mine, widening slightly before she schooled her features into something unreadable.“Michael.”Her voice was careful, controlled. Not cold, but not warm either.Not that I blamed her.“What are you doing here?” she asked , her voice cold. I hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Can I come in?” “Why?”My jaw tightened slightly. “I need to talk to you.”Why was
Lora’s POVMichael’s lips hovered just inches from mine, his breath warm against my skin. My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could hear it. The kiss we’d just shared had left me lightheaded, but it wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough.I wanted more. I felt too hot in my clothes. I wanted the fire that had erupted inside me and managed to lit my mons quenched.It was only him that could do it.His hand cupped the side of my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek with a tenderness that made my chest ache. “Lora…” His voice was rough, uncertain, as if he was still trying to hold back.I didn’t want him to.I had spent too much time second-guessing, too much time wondering if he wanted me or if he saw me as a mistake. But there was no hesitation in the way he looked at me now. No doubt in the way his body leaned into mine, drawn by something stronger than logic, stronger than our backgrounds.So, I did what I’d wanted to do from the moment I realized he was mine. I closed the space betwe
Michael’s POVThe hallway was quiet, except for the faint drone of voices drifting from the lower levels of the packhouse.I ran a hand through my hair as I stepped out into the dimly lit hallway, my body still humming with the aftermath of what had just happened. Lora’s scent lingered on my skin, a reminder of the sacred moment we just spent together.I have officially marked her. Lora has a mate. And it was me.It took everything in me to steady my breathing, and to push back the powerful need to go back, and spend some more time with her. My wolf couldn't get enough of her. I could feel his annoyance about leaving my mate back there. As much as I wanted to follow my animal instincts, I couldn’t.Not now.Andrew was waiting. And he was sure to ask questions. I had left in the middle of a meeting with his mate.The memory seemed so distant now though it was just a few hours ago.I exhaled sharply, rolling my shoulders as I forced myself forward.I had a job to do. I wonder what ha
Andrew’s POVI threw on my shirt, barely managing to button it as Elara rushed into her jeans. Her hair was still messy, cheeks flushed from everything we just did, but the look in her eyes had changed. Worry had replaced pleasure. She knew me too well not to read the tension in my voice.She didn’t even ask what Greg had said again. She just grabbed her boots.“Do you think it’s Dorian?” she asked as she yanked them on.“I don’t know,” I muttered, heading toward the door. “But Greg sounded...off. And if it’s enough to make him call mid-morning like that, something’s wrong.”I opened the door, and the cold air slapped us like a warning. I reached for the keys to the Jeep, but before I could even hit the button, I heard familiar footsteps. Fast. Urgent.“Andrew!” Michael’s voice carried through the trees, Lora right behind him.“Thank goodness you guys are here.” I asked as we met halfway across the clearing.“We were relaxing close to the lake,” he said, breathing hard. “Got the sam
Andrew's POVThe moment I whispered those words into her ears I was greeted with goosebumps on her skin where my lips were and a shiver.I smiled at the effect that I was having on her. I can't believe I managed to survive so long without spending every waking moment beside her.With a hunger that rose deep from my stomach, I shifted and captured her mouth with mine eliciting a moan from her as she adjusted practically climbing into my lap.Without any much resistance, she opened her mouth to me as my tongue slipped into her and I groaned my delight as I enjoyed the taste of her.Her hand rested on my shoulder while the other wound around my neck drawing my head as she intensified the kiss almost making it bruising.But I loved it. Every single fucking moment. I nipped on her bottom lip and sucked it into mouth as she grinded against my hard on.“You're going to be the death of me Elara.” I muttered as I broke the kiss for a moment to catch my breath as I leaned my forehead against he
Elara's POVBy the time we all made it back to the cabin, it was well into the day. Bone tired, we all fell into position on a piece of furniture or the floor as we thought back to how the night had gone.I sat in the the couch with Andrew beside me. He drew me close to his side as he was scared that I would evaporate from his side.Michael and Lora took the other sofa in the room, practically sandwiched together. Greg chose the floor close to the wooden walls.“I can't believe we actually survived that.” Michael muttered as he looked between me and Greg.“Why will you say that?” I asked “I didn't know you had little faith in us.”“Oh c’mon, that's not I meant and you know it.” He replied giving me his full attention.I knew that wasn't what he meant. It was just that the look on his that still held disbelief just unsettled me and I wanted to tease him a bit.I sighed. “I know exactly what you mean.”“And?” He urged.“It was a miracle. What with the god rising and the way he was deter
Elara’s POVThe first breath I took was like drowning in light.Not air—light. Thick and sharp and everywhere. It filled my lungs, my veins, my mind.Then I came back.And everything hurt.My eyes snapped open. The world rushed in too fast. The ruins. The silence. The blood on my hands. The echo of Andrew’s voice still whispering my name.He was holding me.His arms were wrapped around me like he was afraid I’d disappear again.“Andrew,” I croaked. My voice didn’t sound like mine. It was softer—richer. Like something else had laced itself through me.He jerked back just enough to look at me, his face streaked with blood and ash and tears. His lips parted in a shaky breath.“You’re awake,” he whispered. “Elara, you’re awake—”“I’m okay.” I wasn’t. But I had to say it for him.He exhaled and pressed his forehead to mine. “You scared the hell out of me.”I touched his jaw. “You offered your life.”“I’d do it again.”He kissed me, quick and desperate. It wasn’t gentle. It was real.I clun
Lora’s POVThe world cracked.Not metaphorically. Not in the dreamy, nice and poetic way people say when things fall apart.I mean the altar—centuries old, cursed by blood and time—split down the middle with a sound like the earth itself had screamed.I flinched as shards of stone flew past my face. One grazed my cheek, warm blood sliding down before I could even register the sting. But I didn’t stop moving.“Elara!” I shouted, weaving between the broken stones and bodies. I saw her in Andrew’s arms, limp and deathly still, and something in me nearly shattered too.Not her. Please, not her. She was my best friend and the last thing I wanted was for her losing her life in this wretched place.Then Greg—no, the thing that had been Greg—turned toward me. His eyes weren’t his anymore. Red and empty. His smile too wide, very wrong and completely twisted.My heart pounded, fists clenched. The god had taken him. It had used him.But now?Now even that thing was looking like it wanted to devo
Andrew’s POVThe moment Elara expended her power trying to keep the god locked, it seemed like everything had stopped to focus on this particular moment. I stood screaming her name as she tried to do the impossible. But when I watched her falling, I couldn't take it anymore."Elara!" I tore through the red-glowing haze that had blanketed everything. My feet slammed hard into the ancient steps, sliding as I reached her. She was limp. Her skin had gone pale, almost gray, and her eyes fluttered like she was on the edge of leaving me. “Stay with me, dammit. Elara, breathe.”She didn’t respond. Her lips trembled, breath catching in shallow bursts.The air cracked above us—the sky splitting as the Blood Moon hit its peak. I looked up.And saw it.The gate was open. Not just some door or portal. This was ancient, raw, and alive. It was jagged light framed by black mist, spinning slowly in the heavens above the altar. And from it, something moved, a hand reached out.The forgotten god.Did
Elara's POVThe scream that tore from my throat didn’t feel like mine.It came from somewhere deeper—bone-deep, soul-deep. My back arched against the pulsing altar, and the red light crashing down from the Blood Moon carved through me like I was paper. Everything inside me felt like it was breaking apart. Shattered pieces of a girl who used to be Elara.Then I heard him."Elara!" Andrew’s voice cut through the chaos.I clung to it.The pain was still there, like I was being ripped from the inside out, but I clung to the sound of him. It grounded me. Reminded me of who I was. Of the nights we used to spend togetger as a couple. As mates. Of the way he whispered my name when no one else was listening.I blinked through the red haze and found him kneeling beside me, hands cupping my face. His eyes wide. Terrified. His thumb brushed the tears off my cheeks, and I leaned into the touch like it was the only thing keeping me alive."You’re still here," I choked out."I’m not going anywher
Andrew’s POVThe world went quiet.It shouldn’t have. There was chanting all around me, the sky roaring with thunder, cultists pacing like wolves ready to tear the altar apart. But all I could hear was the sound of her heart breaking.Elara’s eyes were locked on me—pleading, desperate, furious.And I’d faltered.Fates, I’d faltered.The girl beside her—the replacement—was glowing now. Not metaphorically. Literally. The altar pulsed under her knees, and I could feel the magic reaching for her like it had once reached for Elara.This was the moment.One path ended in her survival. The other? Salvation for the rest of the world.I didn’t move.My chest felt like it was splitting in half. The prophecy I didn't know much about seemed not to care who she was. It just needed a vessel. And now it had one.But she wasn’t Elara.“You said you loved her,” Michael’s voice tore through the tension, sharp and shaking. “So act like it.”I blinked.“She’s dying,” Dorian said again from behind me. Cal
Elara’s POVI couldn’t feel my hands.Not because of the chains—they’d long since numbed my wrists. It wasn’t even the dark magic humming through the stone under me, or the pulsing weight of that fake moon bleeding into the sky.It was the woman.Her.The one Dorian dragged in like an offering. The one who looked like me. I didn't know how he managed to do something this sick all on his own but it had my hackles rising.She stumbled, dirt in her hair, blood down one arm. Her eyes met mine—and I saw myself.I froze.My mouth went dry.No.No, no, no. I have to get to the bottom of this.“What is this?” I croaked. My voice was rough, scraped raw from screaming earlier. “Who is she?”Dorian smiled, cold and smooth. “Insurance,” he said. “A vessel the altar will accept willingly.”“She’s not me.” I pointed out trying to figure out exactly was going on.“She’s enough,” he said. “The Blood Moon doesn’t care for names. Only bloodlines. Only sacrifice.”Behind him, Harrow stood silent, arms f