LOGINThe laughter lingered for longer than expected. Even after the pub had hidden behind his mother's leg in embarrassment and the warriors had stopped trying to act like they weren't relieved I couldn't actually hear every embarrassing thought they had. For the first time since stepping outside of my room days ago, I didn't feel watched but instead I felt included. It was strange, a warm dangerous strangeness because moments like this made you forget that life had a way of changing too quickly. Eira sighed dramatically.'Look at us being social, next thing you know we'll have friends.'I almost rolled my eyes. 'We already have friends.' 'Those don't count. They were assigned to us by circumstances.' she argued. I opened my mouth to argue back but then I caught it, a familiar scent that was fast and purposeful and urgent. My smile slowly faded as I knew who it was. Aly. My head turned just as she emerged from the entrance of the packhouse. Her eyes immediately found mine, she w
ZAHRA-ROSEThe moment I stepped out of Ashvin’s chambers, I took a deep breath. The air feels lighter somehow.Maybe it was because I had finally spoken to him about Francis or maybe it was simply because every time I walked away from Ashvin these days, I felt a little less stress alone than before. Or maybe it was because for the first time in what feels like forever, I actually had hope. Hope that connects Francis' story with my family and that maybe someone somewhere knew what had happened to them. And a hope that answers existed somewhere out there.And then a hope that pieces surrounding my father’s death and my family missing might finally begin falling into place. ‘Look at you being all optimistic and stuff.’ Eira teased. And a laugh threatened to escape me. ‘Don’t ruin the moment.’‘I would never.’ Liar, I muttered out loud.Shaking my head I stepped farther into the corridor. Pack members moved through the hallways, some carrying reports, others heading towards the train
ASHVINSeeing her standing in my room sent warmth spilling through my chest. So many time I had imagined this exact moment. Zahra-Rose standing where she was now, her silver eyes fixed on me as I reached for the towel around my waist.The number of times I had imagined her here was embarrassing.Enough that for a brief second, I rubbed at my eyes, wondering if she was another one of those daydreams. One more illusion created by a wolf who wanted more than whatever was going on from his Luna.'But she is actually here,' Zen said, sounding far too pleased with himself.The scent filling the room was real. She was real."Oh, I'm so sorry."She spun around so quickly she nearly tripped over her own feet, both hands flying up to cover her eyes as if turning away wasn't enough.A smirk tugged at my lips.Seconds ago she had been staring directly at my chest. Not that I was complaining."It's okay, Luna," I said lazily. "It's all yours anyway. Look as much as you want."She scoffed and still
"My mate has been missing for three weeks."She made the announcement with tears gathering in her eyes.I straightened slightly, searching for the right words."I am so sorry to hear that. Have you informed the warriors?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral and calm.She nodded, using the back of her hand to wipe away the tears threatening to spill."Yes." She nodded again. "They searched, but nobody found him."The pain rolling off her was impossible to miss.She must have gone to everyone she could think of before finally coming to me.I didn't know what to make of the situation yet, but seeing how hard she was trying to remain strong despite her missing mate made my chest ache for her.'We should help her,' Eira said softly.Even my wolf could feel the grief the she-wolf was trying so desperately to hide.I knew she had exhausted every option before seeking me out.And there had to be a reason she had come to me.I wasn't letting her leave until I understood why."Why are you coming
I woke up that morning and, for the first time in a very long time, I didn't feel anxious.Instead, I woke up with excitement buzzing beneath my skin.The events of the previous day, the feeling of being accepted, the respect in the pack's eyes, and the walk I had shared with Ashvin afterward had left me in unusually high spirits.I remembered falling asleep with a smile on my face.Now I was waking up with that same feeling.'If you're that happy, then I'm happy too,' Eira said, sounding far more energetic than usual.A small smile tugged at my lips.I didn't know what today would bring or how the day would unfold, but for now, I was content to bask in the warmth of yesterday's victory.I had earned that much.A knock sounded at my door.For the first time that morning, I frowned.Who was disturbing me this early?Climbing out of bed, I walked to the door and unlocked it.The second it opened, Aly pushed her way inside, completely ignoring the look on my face."It's good to see you t
ASHVINPride.It wasn't an emotion I allowed myself to dwell on too often. An Alpha could not afford to.Pride made wolves careless. It made them overlook flaws and mistakes. It clouded judgment.Yet as I watched Zahra-Rose accept the bows of the council chamber, I found myself feeling exactly that.Proud.The entire council had been prepared to side with the Michaelsons. Even I had nearly been convinced.Then she had spoken.One simple question, and that was all it took to unravel twenty years of lies.My gaze found her across the chamber. The pack was looking at her differently now. Not with fear. Not with uncertainty.With respect.Respect she had truly earned.And Goddess help me, I couldn't stop staring.As the last of the pack members filed out of the council chamber, I found myself rising and walking straight toward her. As though she knew I was coming, she stopped midway through a conversation and turned to me.Our eyes met and held.Pink immediately dusted her cheeks, and she
I don’t know how or where the rumor all started, but suddenly, I could hear the whispers, the hushed, cutting words people spoke about me throughout the pack.I tried to ignore it at first, convincing myself it was temporary. That it would pass. But I was wrong. The whispers grew louder, sharp and
ZAHRA-ROSE’S POVWhatever they have planned, I’m calling it bullshit.I’m sitting on a chair as some she-wolves apply makeup to my face. Ugh, makeup. I hated it so much.Whenever my sister, Haelyn, who’s obsessed with this stuff, would practice on my face or whatever the hell she claimed she was do
The next two days were intense, more than I had anticipated. I probably thought it was a little thing I would be learning, how foolish of me.The intense training I did pushed me beyond my limits, I worked, I learned, I sweat, and yet it never seemed to be enough. Luna Verena and the women who thou
I woke up the next day, married.That word still felt foreign on my tongue. How would I ever get used to it?I climbed out of bed, stretching my sore limbs, and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up. It was still early, but I didn’t want to sleep in, not when I had no idea what was expected of me.H







