AlyssaMy body is still shaking even though I've stopped crying. Every time I close my eyes, I see Adam's anger and feel his fingers digging into my arms. I'm cradling the bruises now, alone in our room, hurting in more ways than one.Our fight keeps replaying in my head, the words cutting as deep as his violence. The raw pain in Adam's eyes, when I told him about Tobias, will haunt me for a long time. But I never thought his anger would become physical. The Adam I knew would never have hurt me.When he grabbed me, squeezing hard enough to leave marks, I saw the monster I always feared lurking inside him. The wolf prowling under his human skin, ready to break free with gnashing teeth and claws. In that moment, I didn't recognize the man I called my lover. His harsh tone and relentless interrogation were foreign to me.The shock on Adam's face matched my own when I cried out. He let go immediately, staring in disbelief at the damage from his rage. I stumbled away, holding my arm, unabl

AlyssaThe ground shakes beneath my feet as a deafening explosion rends the night. My heart leaps into my throat as panic rises - we are under attack.Adam turns to me, eyes wide with shock which quickly hardens into grim resolve. "Stay here," he orders, then turns and races off towards the source of the explosion, a dozen warriors on his heels.I stubbornly follow after them, refusing to be left behind like a helpless human while my pack mates rush into danger. By the time I catch up, the scene unfolding makes my blood run cold.A rival pack has launched a surprise ambush, their numbers overwhelming our outer defenses through sheer force. The air is thick with the scent of blood and smoke, howls and snarls of rage echoing through the trees. Bodies litter the forest floor, some writhing in agony, others eerily still.My heart constricts at the sight, of pack mates I have known all my life struck down defending our home. I join the fray without hesitation, the need to help too strong t

AlyssaMy morning sickness has finally passed, much to my relief. Entering my third trimester, my pregnancy seems to be progressing normally. Adam dotes on me constantly, attending to my every need. His care and devotion comfort me during this time. Our love grows deeper with each day as we await the birth of our first child.We spend evenings discussing names for the baby, making plans to convert one of the spare chambers into a nursery. Though uncertainty lingers about what the future may hold, our shared joy in this experience overcomes any lingering fears. By the end of each day, I know that whatever path may come, we will walk it side by side as a family.However, as my belly swells more each week, so too do the rumors. I've heard whispers that some in the pack do not truly view me as Adam's Luna. They see me as an outsider who seduced their Alpha, and our unborn child as illegitimate. The malicious gossip threatens to shake the confidence I've gained in my place here.The rumors

AlyssaThe wail of an infant pierces the night, shaking me from sleep. My eyes fly open to find the space beside me empty, Adam's warmth long gone. Fear trickles down my spine as I throw off the furs, following the sound of Sophia's cries across the den.Scooping up my distressed daughter, I check her over but find nothing wrong. She's fed and dry, yet continues shrieking at the top of her small lungs. "Hush now, little one," I murmur, bouncing gently in place. Exhaustion wars with unease as the reason for her upset eludes me.A glance outside shows the moon still hangs high, its light revealing nothing amiss in the clearing surrounding our packhouse. But my wolf senses stir, detecting a presence that lurks just out of sight. We are being watched.Clutching Sophia to my chest, I stride from the den in search of Adam. His guards should be stationed here, yet there is no sign of them. "Adam!" I call out, picking up speed as my pulse thrums in my veins. With our newborn to care for, he s

AlyssaThe howl echoes through the night, signaling an emergency meeting. My heart leaps into my throat as I rush to the gathering place, fearing the worst. What now?I find the pack already assembled, tension thick in the air. Adam stands before them, his expression grim. Our eyes meet and I see my own worry reflected there. This can't be good."We come together again under grave circumstances." Adam's voice is steady but I detect the anger simmering beneath. "The filth who poisoned me remains at large. They caught us unprepared once - we will not make that mistake again."Protests rise from some, arguing we should exercise caution rather than provocation. I want to agree but Adam is right; whoever did this must be dealt with before they strike once more. We got lucky; next time, the whole pack may be at risk.I step forward, silencing the dissenters with a look. "Our priority is protecting this pack. Increase patrols, set traps and practice combat - effective immediately."Grumbling