Darren POV:The sight of the lifeless body sears into my mind, the spiral symbol carved into the warrior's flesh like a brand of chaos. I clench my fists so tightly that my nails dig into my palms with little droplets of blood flowing out.Vengeance!Derrach isn't just sending a message, he's taunting us, daring us to react. And that symbol, is also his way of showing his spite for Derek's position as Alpha.My warriors stand frozen, the weight of the sight rendering them motionless. I could see the terrified look on their faces, and I am sure they know as much as I did, what this means.I straighten, forcing my Beta's mask back into place. "Don't just stand around. Get him up," I say, my voice sharp and unyielding. "We take the body back to the Alpha."Ethan hesitates, his face pale. "Beta, the spiral - doesn't it mean -""I don't need you telling me. I know what it means," I snap, cutting him off. "And I also know that standing here gawking pups isn't going to help us. So, move!"Th
Darren POV:The room feels heavy with tension as Derek issues his command, his voice absolute and sharp, leaving no room for arguments."Gather the warriors. I need him - Alive!"I nod, keeping my expression neutral, though my insides churn. There is no room for hesitation now; the weight of the pack's survival is pressing down on all of us. And every decision taken in this room decides the pack's fate. I can't shake the uneasiness curling in my gut. Derrach Thorne. His name was poison in this pack, an unforgettable reminder of wounds that had never fully healed. A treacherous scar!I step out of the room, the echo of Derek's command still ringing in my ears. Outside, the cool predawn air brush against my face, offering a brief respite and escape from the storm brewing inside. I inhale deeply, trying to clear my head. The pack grounds were quiet, save for the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional howling in the distance. But I know, at that moment that it wouldn't last. I can
Mel POV:I watch as Derek paces the room long after Alessia's breathing had steadied. The scent of blood still lingered in the air, his fist is still clenched by his sides, claws threatening to pierce his skin.Alessia is alive, but that doesn't seem enough for Derek, he wants answers. And, he'll stop at nothing till he gets one.The door creaks open, and Darren slips inside, his expression somber. Without even as much as throwing me a glance, he ask cautiously, "She's stable?"I nod affirmatively.Everyone seems to be too bothered about a lone wolf! I thought.Derek nods also, but his gaze never leaving Alessia's face. "For now." he adds."We need to talk," Darren says, his voice low. "The attack wasn't random. The blade, the wolfsbane - it was all deliberate."Derek turns sharply, his eyes blazing and bloodshot. "What are you saying? That someone planned this?"Darren hesitates but hold his ground. "Yes. And they knew exactly who they were targeting. You! Alessia took the fall inste
Derek POV:The room fills with an unnatural silence, as press my palms on the cut on Alessia's side. She looks pale, her breathes now shallow and uneven, each one a knife twisting my gut. Her blood stains my hands and clothes - a stark reminder of my failure to protect her.The attendants burst into the room, their faces pale as they take in the scene. I snarl, snapping them out of their hesitations."Get clean towels, hot water, anything that can stop this bleeding - now!" My voice, which now sound almost like a roar, is raw, demanding, and barely human. They scatter, obeying without question. I kneel beside the bed, still applying pressure to her wound. I can hear Mason growling in the back of my mind, his desperation mirroring my own.The door slams open again, and Darren stumbles in, panic etched into his features. "Doctor Dathan is on his way!" he announces, breathless, but his words feel distant. All I can think about is keeping Alessia here, with me, alive."She's not healing,
Derek POV:The metallic tang of blood fills the air before I even fully register what is happening. Alessia's gasp cuts through the heavy silence, and I pull back, my heart thundering against my rib-cage. She'd suddenly jerk me forward, placing herself between me and the attacker, protecting me.She'd taken the cut meant for me!She falls into my arms, her body trembling, her dark grey tank top now soaked in crimson. A sharp pain lances through my chest, not just physical but emotional - a pang of guilt and rage, amplified by Mason, who stirs in violent rage within me.Protect her. Now. Mason's voice rumbles like a storm, primal and commanding. I transform into my humano form - Half human, half wolf.I turn my head sharply, scanning the dimly lit garden, my senses on high alert. My enhanced sight catches the faint glint of a blade in the shadows before the figure disappears into the darkness. A growl rises in my throat as I lie Alessia down gently on the swing."Stay here," I murm
Alessia POV:"I'm so sorry I kept you waiting," I apologize as I rush down the stairs to the garden.Derek just sits, looking at me, transfix. I dress casually, wearing a dark grey tank top and a pair of fitted, high-waist black shorts, and a black checkers."Ummm...." I clear my throat, hoping to break his fix gaze."Oh....I'm sorry.." he apologizes, running his fingers through his rich chestnut color hair, that now glitter in the half moonlight, messy. "Come over.", he says pointing to the only available seat which is beside him in the garden, on the swing."I walk over, flipping and clapping my hands against themselves, nervously. While I watch him pour me a drink."You look edible..!" he says again."Sorry?" I blurt out.He smiles, repeating."You look edible."I guffaw. "I'm not some strawberries..!""I meant, you look beautiful," he chuckle, handing me a glass of brandy. "Ice?" he asks.I nod. "Three cubes please."***********In silence we watch the moon, as we sip from our gla