*Mackenzie*Spirit.That word rang in my head constantly for the last two hours. Nothing could have prepared me for what Maddox told me. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine such a scenario.Spirit, what does it even mean?Am I a ghost, some unknown energy floating in the air? Am I even real? I got scared suddenly. I sat in my cottage, gazing at the fireplace while Fireball lay on my lap, peacefully pouring as a stroke at red fur. Maybe he was wrong and told a complete bullshit.”You're still processing? Stop worrying. Let's wait for his return.”Connor walked in with a stack of firewood and placed it on the ground. I gave him speechless, as I had no idea how to answer.Was I processing? Yes. Was I worrying? Yes. Was I anxious for Maddox's return? Absolutely not.I was done when he mentioned celestia

*Mackenzie*I woke up to the sound of Fireball slurping water from her bowl. I reluctantly peeked from under my warm blanket and looked around the bedroom. My eyes were still filled with the morning sleepiness, but I was sure that the room I saw was not my bedroom. I lifted my hands, pushed away the curls that covered my eyes, and rubbed my fists to clear my vision. I blinked a few times, and my eyes met a dimming fireplace. Fireball lazily lapped up the milk while gazing at me with strange eyes. She narrowed her eyes at me momentarily before turning her head and continuing her drink, ignoring me.I pushed the cover, looked at the other side of the room, and gazed at the shreds of my clothes scattered everywhere, with a few broken flower pots and spilled soil on the floor. I gasped as I noticed the overturned chairs under the table, the tablecloth hanging carelessly from the table, and claw scratches on the wood.I widened my eyes as I tried to recall yesterday’s incident. I uncovere

*Conrad*I muffled the chuckle that threatened to escape my throat and gazed at my embarrassed mate, trying to hold herself together. She paled at my explanation and probably hoped to vanish into the ground. I couldn’t help but smile at her reaction. She was shy and reserved, but I thought she was accustomed to werewolves’ customs and abilities.I linked everyone to stop staring and give their Luna space as I grabbed her chin and lifted her to meet her eyes. I didn’t want to embarrass her, so I kissed her parted lips and grazed her cheek lovingly. Never in a million years would I do that to any girl, yet my little starfish made me a different man, and the whole pack saw that change in me, too.”Don’t worry, starfish. Don’t mind them. They’re happy to have their Luna finally.” I whispered in a reassuring voice.She looked at me with rosy cheeks and wide, shining blue eyes, nodding and making her red curls bounce the way I liked. I don’t know when it happened, but I started noticing an

*MacKenzie* I opened the oven and carefully took out the last batch of scones. I placed them on the kitchen island to cool down. I tore one of the first ones and put one piece into my mouth, and the other was thrown onto the floor for Fireball. I know wild animals shouldn’t eat baked foods, but I couldn’t resist her pleading eyes when I started baking. It’s been two hours since I was kidnapped and placed in Conrad’s apartment. I don’t know what’s going on or how long it’s going to take because no one bothered to give me any explanations. All I received when I asked about the mountain of muscles guarding me was Alpha’s orders. So, I gave up. After being placed in my mate’s home with a bodyguard stationed at the attic’s stairs, I decided to make myself comfortable. The last time I was here, I mostly used the gym section. I lamely punched the punching bag. But to my surprise, it worked, and although my hits were not strong enough to move the bag even an inch, it allowed me to release a

*MacKenzie*The closer I came to his apartment, the more I tried to convince myself everything would be fine. Although I didn’t know what would await me there, I knew that Conrad wouldn’t hurt me. He may not have said it directly, but I know he loves me and wouldn’t let anyone hurt me. Even Rip didn’t have an ounce of hatred toward me, so I should be safe.The roars and tearing noises come mainly from the living room, and when I reached the last step, the stairs shook under his mighty roar, and I knelt and covered my ears. When agitated, werewolves can utter terrifying and loud sounds, but I have never heard of power strong enough to shake buildings.When my ears stopped ringing and I looked behind the stair rungs, I gasped and widened my eyes at the sight of this disaster. This beautiful and luxurious place no longer resembled it. Instead of a tastefully furnished and decorated apartment, shreds, shavings, feathers, and dust floated in the air. And in the middle of this mess stood C