**Stella's POV** Cold. That's the first thing I feel when consciousness returns. "Awww," I groan in pain while I try to open my eyes, but my lids feel like they're made of lead. Everything hurts—my chest, my head, my throat. Even breathing sends sharp pains through my ribs. 'Stella.' Piper's voice is weak, distant. 'Stella, wake up. We're in danger.' Danger? I force my eyes open. The sky above me is gray, heavy with clouds. Tall pine trees surround me, it blocks out most of the light. Where am I? I try to sit up and immediately regret it. Pain explodes through my body, and I collapse back onto the ground with a choked gasp. "She's awake Alpha." I hear a familiar male voice speak. I turn my head slowly, my neck protesting the movement. That's when I see Cole standing a few feet away, with his arms crossed. Behind him, at least a dozen pack warriors form a semicircle, their expressions carefully neutral. "Cole..." My voice comes out as a rasp. "What's happeni
Last Updated : 2025-12-05 Read more