*Logan*"And now! Don't stop; concentrate on your opponent! Right, left, center!"I shouted commands from the sideline, never taking my eyes off Poppy and Gamma Chloé, who were punching each other like pros. My heart was pounding as I watched Poppy's progress in just a few months, but I was still afraid for her as I watched Chloé deliver blows to her so efficiently and precisely."Don't let your guard down! Up! Up! Now, double chin!"Poppy followed all my instructions, and Chloé's mate cheered on his wife from the other side. Both women did great, collecting points and improving their skills. Even though Chloé was a highly trained and experienced warrior, she sometimes buckled under Poppy's pressure. The people gathered around cheered the two women, but most of them chose Poppy, surprised and proud of her remarkable progress.Poppy's blows began to look like those thrown in a frenzy, thoughtlessly and definitely as if she was taking out her frustration, aggression, or pain on her oppo
*Poppy*I sat in an uncomfortable hospital chair and stared at Ryan, who was sleeping and hooked up to a drip. I shouldn't be so worried about his condition, but I couldn't help but feel guilty. I'm the one who put him in here. A part of me felt proud that I had defeated such a great and good warrior as Ryan. Still, on the other hand, there was a knocking fear in my heart that this fury might attack me again, and it wouldn't be directed at someone equal or Seamus but at someone close to me, maybe even weaker than me.'Stop blaming yourself for winning. Ryan understands he's a fighter himself.' Iris convinced me, but I couldn't look at this victory with full pride. Not after the way Chloé looks at me.'She is just jealous. She lost to Loser Poppy.' She growled, recalling Chloé's comments behind my back.
*Poppy*I watched as Daliah tried to call Tanner again but to no avail. His phone was still out of range, and the agreed emergency number was not answering. Arthur moved towards his wife and rubbed her shoulders, whispering reassuring words to which she nodded."Maybe Seamus started to suspect something. Maybe Tanner needs to be more careful and hide his phone; you said yourself that his last call was strange." I hinted, trying to comfort a frightened woman.It was the first time I had talked to Arthur or Daliah since I visited Autumn Pack. First, our trip was disrupted. Although I must admit that the help in overcoming the pain was pleasant, the fact that I allowed myself to be so stupidly surprised was not my best moment.Then, this sparring, which helped me more than running through the forest, also caused me a few additional problems. And I'm not talking about stupid gossip, which hasn't bothered me for a long time, but the fact that many people witnessed my little madness didn't
*Tanner*I heard water dripping into the metal bowl in the left corner of my cell. The cold and dampness of the musty floor made my body shiver, and a very sharp, frosty wind pierced me, causing a fever. My eyes were tired and sleepy, and my eyelids were too heavy to lift, but my brain screamed at me to move."How long do we have to keep him here? It's been almost ten days, and the guy hasn't said a word.""We are to hold him until he arrives. We are not paid to extract information from him; they will take care of that."I heard the muffled but still quite distinct voices of several men talking nearby. Although slightly muffled, my hearing still registered everything that was happening around me."Time for another dose."This announcement made me panic and made my heart beat faster. I knew what these words meant, and I was afraid that I would no longer be able to resist the effects of the drug. Otis was already so heavily intoxicated that his further resistance wavered. Even though I
*Tanner*"As you can see, I took the liberty of providing a little protection in case you betray me again. I hope you don't mind me bringing a guest." Seamus got up from his chair and slowly walked towards my Rose."N-no!" I tried to scream, "R-roseee!" I tried to make a full sound, but my tongue seemed too heavy.My heart sped up to an almost steady beat as his foot nudged my mate's delicate shoulder. Otis woke up for a second, and I growled at my Alpha in warning."U hu hu. Well, well, what a display of aggression. I just wanted to say hello to our little human being." Seamus mocked, crouching down next to Rose, revealing the dark cloth from her face that covered her entire body."Pretty. It's a pity she's an ordinary human. Such people usually die quickly." He added, playing with her red strands, causing me to feel fear, panic, and rage that I couldn't do anything. This drug gradually knocked me off my feet, leaving only my mind able to process reality."L-leave h-her." I pleaded,
*Poppy*I stood in a beautiful long blue tulle dress, staring at my reflection in the dark window, watching the snow fall on its glass. I felt out of place, out of my skin; although the dress, shoes, and the whole arrangement made me feel like a charming woman, I felt like a usurper in someone else's fairy tale.I took another sip of champagne that was too dry for my taste and turned towards the ballroom, looking for the one face in the crowded room I didn't want to see but forced myself to encounter to gain an advantage for my case.I noticed some of Seamus's good friends, who surprisingly didn't even look at me, apart from the typical male salivation over my body as if it was the next snack on their menu. I haven't seen or sensed Seamus anywhere. The lustful looks gave me creeps, and I turned around and focused on the golden carvings in the columns surrounding the windows. I didn't think such a situation would happen to me, especially in the face of the royal family, for whom mate b
*Poppy*Another hour passed, and I could feel Logan's eyes on me, although he did not need to watch me. Seamus didn't show up. There was neither him nor his Beta nor the fake woman he exchanged me for. To tell you the truth, I felt devastated. I was sure that Seamus would not let go of such an opportunity to shine in the salons, especially if it involved the royal family and the possibility of obtaining their support.I glanced to my left, where Alexander and Anastasia were accepting another gift from another couple, showing their gratitude for the invitation and their support and devotion to our leaders. Anastasia looked phenomenal in her black and scarlet dress with quite bold gold lace along the entire length. Her warm but trained smile never left her face, and her eyes shone with happiness and joy, although this was probably due to the champagne her waiter supplied her with hec
*Poppy*"I can't believe it! Arranged marriage?" I gasped, almost spilling all the contents of my ceramic mug."Can you believe it? And to think that Lex rejected the proposal without seeing the bride. But it would be funny if he realized what a fool he was if it was too late." Easton laughed as he drank the last drop of wine straight from the bottle."I wonder what he would have done then. Did he accept his fate, or did he kill me to have Anastasia?" He thought, turning the empty bottle of wine in his hands.I blinked several times, wondering if it was my imagination or the effect of two cups of wine giving me the images. I noticed a slight mischievous smile on Easton's lips, but it quickly disappeared or wasn't there initially."The question is, what would you do?" I answered with a question, although I didn't think I would hear the answer."I would kill."I heard the answer, and I was stunned. Shocked, I looked at Easton, staring off into the distance with his look, which I had pre
*Poppy*When we finally arrived at the Autumn Pack territory, the sun had just dipped below the horizon. The familiar scents of pine and earth enveloped me, and with every step closer to the pack house, I felt a mixture of emotions swell within me. It had been far too long since we had walked these grounds, yet it felt like coming home.As we approached the front steps of the large, welcoming house, the door swung open, revealing Daliah and Arthur - a couple who had been pillars of strength and warmth throughout my life. The years may have added silver to their hair and deep lines of wisdom to their faces, but the joy in their eyes remained youthful and vibrant."Poppy! Gemma!" Daliah exclaimed, her arms wide open as she rushed to embrace us."Daliah, it's so good to be back," I squeezed her tightly. A wave of relief washed over me; this was th
*Poppy*I stood at the courtyard's edge, my heart racing as uncertainty knotted my stomach. The vibrant garden colors around me felt muted compared to the swirling emotions within me. The time had come for me to face Andrew and Amara to deliver the news I had wrestled with for days. I could no longer ignore the call of my heart, the longing for home, and the necessity of returning to the Autumn Pack.Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the large stone archway that led into the main hall. Inside, Andrew and Amara were conversing, their expressions serious. I knew precisely what they were whispering about, and the weight of that knowledge settled heavily like a lead upon my heart as I faced this agonizing decision. How could I walk away when their home was cloaked in such a shroud of sorrow? The air was thick with grief, and I felt the aching pull of my reluctance. Blaze was gone, his suffering mercifully at an end, yet the relief felt like a cruel taunt i
*Poppy*I sat on the edge of my bed, staring out the window at the sprawling landscape beyond the mansion's walls. The sun was slowly sinking behind the distant mountains, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was beautiful and captivating, but I found no solace in the view. My mind was a tangled mess of worry and frustration, and the weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on my chest.For days, I had scoured every possible lead in search of the identity behind the recent events that sent ripples of unease throughout our community. The whispers of betrayal, secrecy, and impending danger loomed over me like a dark cloud, suffocating any flicker of hope. Each day had been met with disappointment; unreliable informants, half-truths, and more questions than answers left the journey feeling as though
*Andrew*The dim light of the hospital room flickered gently, casting a warm glow over Azize as she slowly regained her strength. The walls were adorned with calming landscapes, but the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension and curiosity. After days of worry and uncertainty, Azize finally opened her eyes. Dr. Kyle and I sat beside her, our faces etched with concern and reassurance."Azize," I breathed with a mixture of relief and urgency. You're awake!"The remnants of exhaustion lingered in her features as she struggled to sit up, clutching the soft blanket around her for reassurance. "Hey, Drew. Hey, Kyle." Her voice was hoarse, but each word carried the weight of everything she had endured.Kyle, seeing her stubbornness, leaned closer. "Take your time, Azize. You've been through a lot. But if you can,
*Andrew*I stood at the eastern window of the mansion, gazing out at the horizon. I felt a strange unease stirring within me, a thread of anxiety woven through the quiet. My twin sister, an intrepid adventurer and skilled operative, had been missing for weeks since the last mission. This treacherous undertaking had pulled me into the shadows of the unknown. We have been waiting for news, hoping against hope that she would return.The Piemontesi Valley, cradled by majestic mountains and cloaked in a blanket of vibrant green, had always been a sanctuary of peace. The sun cast a golden hue over lush valleys and placid streams, the air filled with the fragrance of wildflowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. It was a haven where time seemed to stand still, and every care would dissolve into the landscape. But as the sun dipped below the mountains, the sky flared with vibrant hues of or
*Poppy*The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the room. Andrew and I sat in a cluttered room filled with papers, charts, and remnants of late-night coffee sessions. I leaned back in my chair, my brow furrowed in thought as I stared at the wall, which seemed to be closing in on us with every quiet moment."Andrew," I began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us, "how long has it been since we picked up any signs from the distribution channel?"Andrew glanced at his watch, the weariness in his eyes evident. "Almost three weeks. My contacts are spread out and searching, but... there haven't been any leads. It's like they vanished into thin air."
*Poppy*I sat at the kitchen table, the morning light filtering through the half-drawn curtains, casting long shadows against the worn wood. The news of the arson at the Larch Groove Pack had unsettled me, stirring deeply buried fears and memories. I wrapped my arms around the lukewarm cup of coffee, feeling its familiar warmth seep into my palms, yet it did little to calm the swirling thoughts in my mind.With his charm and charisma, Seamus had always danced at the edges of legality, a figure caught in a web of deceit with my parents and Amanda. Yet, as the events of the past few weeks unfolded, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about him—and everyone around me.After a restless night, my decision was
*Tanner*The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the estate as I slipped silently through the darkened halls. Tonight was another night of secrets, another night where burdened memories loomed over me like a shadow, urging me toward the hidden chamber. The scent of old parchment mingled with the musk of the damp stone walls as I arrived at my destination. I had come to consult the documents I'd discovered—records that could change everything we had fought for.To anyone else, the door to the hidden room appeared solid and unyielding. But I knew the entrance well; a subtle twist of the handle, a gentle pull, and the familiar scent of history greeted me. The flickering light from my lantern illuminated the dusty furniture and weathered shelves lined with forgotten tomes and ancient ma
*Tanner*The atmosphere in the pack house had shifted in the days following Amanda's banishment. A lingering tension hung in the air, and whispers filled the halls. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the windows, I found myself wandering the vast corridors that had become so familiar yet held secrets I had never sought to uncover.With each step, I felt a strange pull toward a part of the house I had never explored - the old wing where the previous Luna, Seamus's Mother, had once held her meetings and conducted her duties. As I approached her office, the air grew colder, and I instinctively paused at the doorway. Memories of Luna's strong presence flooded my mind; she had been a beacon of leadership and wisdom for the pack.