LOGINAstaroth POVPerched on a ridge above the packhouse, I sat like a shadow stretched long by twilight—still, silent, soaked in rot and thought. The trees around me stood bare and brittle, stripped of bark, stinking of sulfur and secrets. I watched them. The packhouse stood like a monument of misplaced
Knox POVMy father's words hung in the air like smoke."She's not fooling me," my once-father muttered, stepping closer. "I see her. I see through all of you.""Pa," Kane replied coldly, his tone firm, a warning wrapped in ice. A warning Leigh ignored as his gaze narrowed in on my angel.The air in
Kane POVThe kitchen had never felt smaller. Tension bled from every surface, thickening the air, coiling like smoke. I leaned against the edge of the island, one eye on Charlotte—who sat pale but stubborn beside the stove—and the other on the ticking clock. The steady hum of the refrigerator was th
"I'm getting water," I muttered, needing something to do. My back ached. My hips screamed. I was one emotionally frazzled breath away from punching someone."I'll get it." Liam moved toward me, brushing his knuckles across my forehead with a frown. "You're hot.""She's fine." Knox growled."No, she'
Lottie POV"Seems we can't have one peaceful morning," Knox grumbled, dragging a shirt over his head. The bitterness in his tone wasn't aimed at me—but at the world, maybe. I reached out, brushing my fingers over his hand as he adjusted the hem."Soon, we'll have all the time in the world." I tried
"I didn't get anything," I confirmed, shooting a quick look at Liam, to see him checking his phone for the millionth time this hour."He mindlinked the entire pack last night—" She shifted her weight, and her confusion quickly turned to alarm. "Everyone was told we were under attack. Apparently, he'
"I thought you were going to behave?" He reminded me. "Making me ask you twice is not behaving." Sighing, I opened my mouth; the second my lips parted, he shoved my soaked underwear into the void my lips had created. "They are to stay in there till I tell you otherwise. Do you understand Charlotte
Kane POVI rechecked my watch, my foot tapping with mounting frustration. The heavy oak table was surrounded by Alphas, their gazes sharp and expectant. My father was at the head, speaking in his authoritative tone about borders and alliances. All of which I knew I should be focusing on, but honestl
Kane POV Sitting back in my chair, my eyes met Lilly's as she sat smugly on the top table with her mate and our parents. I wanted to be annoyed that she had challenged me, but I was proud of the woman she was becoming, her mate obviously bringing out the strength in her that she would need to be a
Knox POV I loved my sister, and I would defend her against anyone, but right now, I wanted to throttle the bitch; tightening my arms around my little mate, I narrowed my eyes on my stubborn brat of a sister and said nothing, watching her squirm under my gaze. "What?" Lilly snapped, crossing her a







