Third person POV The summer sun beat down on the pack as they gathered in the woods on the edge of their territory, their excitement building as each moment passed. Today was the day they'd release two prisoners who'd been separated from their mates for five long years. It was a rare sight—nobody had ever survived that long apart from their mates. The pack's curiosity was mixed with awe. Countless discussions going in the background as to how these two had managed the unbearable pain of separation.Cassian's scowl deepened, his discontent palpable. The alpha's hope was clear: he wanted the prisoners to die in prison. That’s how it should’ve been. The pack's healers whispered among themselves a lot of things, suggesting different reasons for the pair's remarkable endurance—perhaps they weren't true mates after all. Maybe the rogue had deceived Liya, manipulating her into believing a false bond. Beside the alpha, Ivy snuggled her two-year-old son closer, and moved towards her mate, w
[3 years later]“Oh wow, where’s my little Alexi off to, so early in the morning, hmm?”I paused when I heard Stella’s question. My brows shot up as I looked up from my book. Did she just call my pup’s name?I took another bite out of my half-eaten apple and turned around, only to be greeted with the sight of my mate standing there with our pup on his shoulder. Alexi looked at her grandma with a blinding bright smile as she exclaimed. “Papa taking me forwest!” “Your Papa’s doing what?!” I stood up like my ass caught on fire as soon as I heard it, forgetting for a second that I was halfway pregnant. I put a hand on my protruding belly and narrowed my eyes at my mate.Cassian looked away and stared at the wall like he suddenly saw a ghost pop out of there. The little one gasped immediately, slapping a hand over her mouth before she looked down at her father. “Papa! Mama here! Run!” she said, gripping Cassian’s hair tightly.“Don’t you dare move!” I glared at my alpha who gave me a ne
My legs trembled with each step towards the cabin, and I soon lost my balance. But before I could even flinch, Cassian's strong arms encircled my waist, sweeping me up in a gentle yet firm grasp. I gasped, clutching our pup tightly to my chest. "Cassian, our pup!" I shouted, prompting a deep chuckle from him. "You and our little one will always be safe in my arms," he whispered, his nose nuzzling my cheek with a reassuring smile. We swiftly arrived at the cabin, and Cassian carefully set me down on the bed. Ruth and Lily followed us inside, worry etched on their sweaty faces. "Ivy, are you alright?" Ruth questioned, eyes scanning me and the pup worriedly. "Tell me if you’re feeling pain anywhere," Lily added. I offered them a gentle smile and shook my head. "I'm all right," I reassured them. Now that I have my mate and pup beside me, unharmed, I feel better than ever. I looked up at Cassian only to see him looking around the cabin with a frown on his face. Cassian's expr
Cassian moved like a lightning, the pipe held up to deliver the final blow, but Liya was quicker. She flung herself in front of her mate, shielding him with her body while she pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. “Alpha, please! Please, I-I beg you to spare my mate!” Cassian let out a low and menacing growl, his eyes darkening as he snarled, “Move, omega. Move, or I'll make you!” The pipe in his hands hovered inches from Liya's face, his arm trembling with restraint while he warned the girl. I took a step forward, worry taking over my mind. He looked seconds away from attacking her and I didn't want my mate to lay his hands on an omega even if she's a betrayer. It wouldn't set a good example for the pack. Enemy is an enemy but still, she doesn't have the strength to fight him back. That'll be an unfair combat.“Cassian, if you kill him, she'll also die,” I warned, trying to reason with him. But Cassian's anger was unyielding.“I don't fucking care,” he snarled, his eyes b
Cassian's grip on the pipe faltered, his arms frozen in mid-air as our gazes clashed. He turned to me with a deep scowl etched on his face. I swallowed thickly, my throat constricting with fear. His wolf was livid, its fury palpable in the air, and my omega instincts trembled in response. Our pup whimpered softly, sensing Cassian's displeasure, and I instinctively pulled the little one closer to my chest. Cassian's slow, deliberate steps towards me were like a ticking time bomb, each footsteps echoing through the silence, making my heart race with nervousness.Cassian's golden eyes bore into mine, his gaze piercing as he stopped in front of me. “What are you doing here, omega? You should be resting.” I flinched when his bloody hand rose to touch me. Cassian froze for a moment, taken aback by my reaction. I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes before he caressed my cheek with a gentle touch, his fingers tracing the curve of my face. Oh right, his wolf is in control.Cassian's frown deepen
I stared at her like a fish out of water. Letting go of the man who killed my father? Can I….Can I really let go? Can I really do something like that? No….No…. I’ll cut his head off! Then I’ll stab him repeatedly, watching as life drains from his body. I'll make him suffer just like he made my parents suffer.I’ll make sure he’s dead a hundred times over and I'll erase his whole existence from the face of earth.That's what I will do."So please...please spare my mate's life. We'll accept any punishment, just don't take him away from me. I beg you, Ivy, have mercy. Tell Alpha Cassian to not take his life. I'm not asking for forgiveness, just a chance for my mate to live. You know what it's like to love someone, to want to protect and care for them. You have a mate and a pup, don't deny me the same chance at happiness. Don't take away my chance to be a mate and mother,” Liya's words poured out in a desperate plea, her sobs echoing through the room. My grip on my pup tightened as I s