MasukLIANA POVIt smells… not like home. It never really was.The scent of pine and wet earth hits me as we cross the territory line, bringing back a deluge of memories I've tried so hard to forget.My heart's been doing this annoying tap dance in my chest since I left Moonlight territory because it knows we're heading back here. I keep reminding myself it's for a good cause; that Sam and the pack need this, but my body ain't buying what my brain is selling.I look up through the wound-down windows of the taxi and there's a massive wooden sign that reads "Welcome to Blood Moon Pack" in shiny gold letters. Not only was it never there before, but it’s the first change here that I notice. And as we cruise down the main road, more changes jump out at me. There are new, modern houses; the old general store's been replaced with some hipster-looking cafe. Even the town square's got a fancy new statue.The more I see, the faster my mind keeps circling back to Kane, who I’m aware is now the alpha i
KANE POVMoonlight Pack. They're a small pack tucked away in the foothills about a four-day run from our territory. It’s not the kind of place you'd stumble across by accident, but not so remote that it's completely cut off from the world. From what I've heard, they mostly keep to themselves. They're not big players in politics nor do they have much in the way of resources or territory."We're next," I mutter, more to myself than to Dan after doing quick calculations and eliminations in my head."You think they'll come to us for help," Dan finishes and I nod again.“Gather the elders for a quick meeting,” I add contemplatively, handing the folder back to Dan.He takes it with a nod and turns to leave.Something… I don’t know what, but it makes me grab Dan’s arm quickly.My eyes drift to the training grounds below me, where another pair of wolves have started sparring. But I'm not really seeing them because my mind is now racing a million miles per hour."Moonlight Pack… do we have any
KANE POVThe sun beats down mercilessly on the training ground. From my vantage point on the elevated platform, I watch two female wolves circling each other. The taller one takes the lead and lunges forward with a snarl and her opponent barely manages to dodge, stumbling slightly. She takes this advantage to land a rapid fire of kicks and punches on the shorter one.The latter tries to counter the attacks, but it’s not working. And in a matter of seconds, she’s knocked off balance. The tall girl immediately pins her to the ground with a knee to her chest, grabbing her throat with one hand and raising her other claws high in the air.For a heartbeat, the only sound is their ragged breathing. Then she eases back up, lending a hand to her opponent as she pulls her up. Both girls are covered in dust, with sweat cutting trails down their faces.I descend two steps. "Well done, Freya.”She smiles and bows her head respectfully."You effectively exploited your opponent's weaknesses. Impress
LIANA POV (continued)"Another cup of Persimmon juice, please!”I smile, already picking up a clean glass. "A cup of our persimmon special coming right up.”Then I pick up a bottle to pour out some of my homemade juice which has become one of the most popular items on my menu, much to my surprise."Here you go," I say as I gently place the glass on the table. “Fresh from the batch."The customer’s eyes light up after he takes a long swig."Ah, I swear this gets better every time. You sure you're not using some kind of magic on this stuff?""No magic, just some good trial and error. And maybe a secret ingredient or two,” I shrug proudly, my smile widening as some other men laugh agreeably from their seats.When I think back to those days and weeks of aimless wandering six years ago, after I left my hometown and packed, I’m just grateful. It was fate, or maybe just dumb luck that led me to Moonlight Pack. I remember stumbling into town, exhausted and wary, expecting to be turned away li
LIANA POV"Another cup of Persimmon juice, please!”I smile, already picking up a clean glass. "A cup of our persimmon special coming right up.”Then I pick up a bottle to pour out some of my homemade juice which has become one of the most popular items on my menu, much to my surprise."Here you go," I say as I gently place the glass on the table. “Fresh from the batch."The customer’s eyes light up after he takes a long swig."Ah, I swear this gets better every time. You sure you're not using some kind of magic on this stuff?""No magic, just some good trial and error. And maybe a secret ingredient or two,” I shrug proudly, my smile widening as some other men laugh agreeably from their seats.When I think back to those days and weeks of aimless wandering six years ago, after I left my hometown and packed, I’m just grateful. It was fate, or maybe just dumb luck that led me to Moonlight Pack. I remember stumbling into town, exhausted and wary, expecting to be turned away like I had bee
LIANA POVFor a moment, I’m confused; I don’t understand what I’m hearing and witnessing. But as the other boys start handing in their own money, with Kane grinning as he pockets every single one of them, my eyelids start to twitch.The sound of all of them laughing begins to grate against my ears and sickens my stomach to the point the noise in the bar fades to a dull roar in my ears, with the thundering of my heartbeat vibrating against my ribs. My hands tremor at my sides and I clench them tightly into fists as an aching pang lances through my body."So that's what it was?" I sourly choke out and am still in a state of utter shock because I can’t fathom if I’m actually standing here, witnessing all of this, or if it’s just a nightmare I’ll soon wake up from.The group falls silent, all heads immediately turning towards me. I see how Kane's eyes expand the moment they land on me."A bet?" I continue with a soon trembling voice.Kane jumps to his feet, nearly knocking over his barsto
Jill POV Owen and I walk home to our apartment, the streets becoming darker as evening draws near.“Should we order food tonight?” I ask him as we walk up the stairs.“Sure,” he says enthusiastically.“Chinese?”“Yes, please!” he grins.“Fine, but only if you go straight and take a bath,” I tell h
Matthew POV Hunting usually helps clear my mind. I find myself restless for something to do and focus on, so I leave the hotel, eager to find a trail. It doesn’t take long before I find something.The scent fills my nostrils and my wolf encourages me forward. I can smell him—the rogue. There’s onl
Jill POV I feel like screaming but don’t get the chance as another customer walks in.“Welcome to Jill’s bakery. What can I get for you?” I say automatically as the client walks forward, scanning the items for sale.I glance at Matthew’s back as he turns the corner, leaving for the final time.My
Matthew POV The city is still asleep as I walk the streets restlessly. I can’t stop thinking about last night. It shouldn’t have happened. In a moment of weakness, with my wolf’s emotions heightened, I’d forgotten who she is and her relation to my parents’ death.When I woke and saw her sleeping b







