Kieran’s POVLucien keeps stealing nervous glances in my direction, and honestly, I don’t blame him. Even I’m a little surprised at how calm I feel. Maybe it’s because, for once, everything seems to be in place—Zoey’s safe, the pack is steady, and despite the coming war, there’s a fragile sense of order. Or maybe I’m just pretending I don’t feel the storm building beneath my skin.“What’s this meeting about?” I ask, keeping my voice low as we move through the long corridor leading to the meeting room. The sound of our foot steps echoes off the quiet hall, the only sound besides the distant grunts of the sparing soldiers.“To clarify the terms of the war,” Lucien mutters, clearly irritated. “I can’t believe you didn’t know.”I shrug. “It doesn’t really matter. Matilda probably meant to tell me—she said there was something urgent yesterday.”“And he shouldn’t be allowed to schedule meetings with such short notice,” Lucien adds with a scowl. “And shouldn’t Damon be here for this?”I glan
Zoey’s POV I try not to think of the worst-case scenario. He’s the Alpha King of the werewolves, after all—one preparing for war to defend his throne. If anyone embodies the word busy, it’s him. Yes. That has to be it. So, I dress slowly, forcing my hands not to tremble as I slip on one of the oversized shirts I’ve come to favor. I take a deep breath and try to resume my routine, pretending that everything is fine. Lucien and I usually have breakfast together by now, but as the minutes tick by, that hope dissolves like mist. Then, a text buzzes on my phone. “Can’t make breakfast this morning. But Raven will be there soon. Meet up later.” —Luce. I stare at the message for a long second before nodding to myself, even though no one’s there to see it. It’s okay. He’s just... busy. Soon enough, there’s a knock at the door. Raven stands on the other side, her normally easy going demeanor replaced with an anxious tightness in her eyes. “You ready?” she asks. I nod, not trusting mys
Kieran’s POV The stares are different this time—but I don’t mind. Let them look. With Zoey asleep in my arms, there’s only one thing on my mind: getting her to bed, safe and undisturbed. Her weight against me is feather-light, yet she anchors my whole world. Each step I take feels like I'm walking toward something sacred. And when I finally lay her down on her bed, it feels like an exhale I’ve been holding for hours. Her chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, calming and soft. Strands of her hair spill across her face in wild curls, catching the rising sunlight. I reach out gently, brushing it away, tucking it behind her ear. The moment my fingers meet her skin, a chill races down my spine. Not mine. Hers. I still. Ragnar stirs. Something’s bothering her... a dream? A memory? I ball my fists at my sides, jaw clenched. It’s maddening how powerless I feel when it comes to protecting her from what I can’t see—what I can’t fight. “There’s someone watching...” Ragnar growls in my
Zoey’s POVLeaving the office with Raven, I feel more confident than I ever have in my entire life. The air feels different, like the world is subtly acknowledging my shift. My steps are lighter, my thoughts clearer.“Whew,” Raven exhales as we descend the stairs of the pack house. The late morning light filters in through the high windows, casting golden rays over her dark curls. “That was intense.”“I know, right?” I reply, the edges of my mouth curving into a smirk.“And you actually kept Kieran in check,” she says with amusement, nudging me. “No one has ever been able to do that. Not even Aubrey.”My cheeks flush at the comment. The warmth in my face spreads to my chest, a quiet thrill rising with the realization of just how strong the mate bond is. It's more than emotional—it’s cosmic. Powerful.The entire walk to Anders’ cabin, a smile teases my lips, refusing to leave.“Wow,” Anders says as I step into his cabin. The rustic smell of his home greets me, earthy and grounding. “So
Kieran’s POV Waking up with Zoey curled against my side makes the looming uncertainties of the day feel like distant storms on the horizon—still threatening, but not yet here. Her warmth grounds me, a quiet reminder of what matters. For a moment, everything else fades. Just her. Just us. We get dressed quietly, exchanging soft looks and a few hushed words, and then make our way to the office. There's still unfinished business from last night, and it demands our full attention. Raven and Lucien are already there, waiting. Zoey settles into her seat beside me, her expression calm but alert. We discuss the plan again—clean, deliberate, and necessary. Then, Lily is brought in. It doesn't take long for things to spiral. Lily opens her mouth and says something smug, something stupid. The words barely leave her throat before Ragnar surges forward. My vision tints red, and before I know it, my hand is wrapped around hers. She gasps violently as her feet lift off the floor, her throat crus
Zoey’s POV I hold my breath as Anders stares at the open journal in front of him, hesitation flickering across his usually composed face. “What is it, Anders?” I press, my voice tight with impatience. He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he rubs his bald head sighing deeply. “I started going through my brother’s journals,” he begins, “and I found something. I think I finally know what triggered your reaction—the day your parents died.” My breath stills. He continues, voice low, unreadable. “Andrew spent his entire life researching Moonborns. You and your brother, specifically. He knew that traditional wolf poisons like wolfsbane have no effect on Moonborns… unless they’re combined with the root of Moonbane. That’s what was in the ‘candy’ Maven gave you.” My body tenses, anger flashing through me. “But how did Ronan know that? How could he have known how to hurt me?” Anders shakes his head. “I don’t know. But we’ve just confirmed something important. We need to be more carefu