Chapter 26Nathan's POVI wake up with a start, heart pounding. Mia's side of bed is cold and empty. She not here again. I frown, looking around our small den. No sign of her nowhere. Where she go at this hour before sunrise?Worry twist my gut. Mia been acting strange lately, like part of her drift away somewhere I can't follow. I want help her, be good mate, but she not let me in no more.Rustle outside make me tense. Ears perk up, catching familiar bootsteps and sweet herbal scent. Just Mia coming back from one of her lone forest walks. But why she out roaming alone so early, before light even? Not like her to take such risks these days, not after all the troubles that plague us.Making up my mind quick, I tug on clothes and slip out after her trail. Need to understand what troubling her so. If she won't confide, at least I can settle my own fears about how she been lately.I follow her winding path through the dark trees. The quiet only broke by night critters and soft footfal
Chapter oneSelene’s povMy heart was beating so fast, I thought it might burst right out of my chest. This was the night I had been dreaming of for years - Nathan being named the new Alpha of Nightfall pack! I smoothed my hands down the soft fabric of my dress, unable to stop fidgeting. The ceremonial hall was packed full of our packmates, drinking and laughing and cheering loudly. Anticipation crackled through the air like lightning.Finally, Nathan strode up onto the stage, his muscular frame radiating power and confidence. A hushed silence fell as he raised one hand, then gestured for quiet with that signature smile that always made my insides melt."Thank you, my beloved Nightfallers," he called out in that rich, commanding tone. "I am humbled and honored to take on the mantle of your alpha."The crowd exploded into roars of approval. I couldn't breathe from the pride swelling in my chest. This was my best friend since childhood, the male I had given up my own birthright to lead
Chapter two Selene povI was stuck in that gross, wet dungeon. My body hurts bad from the nasty poison inside me. I couldn't feel Ezra, my wolf buddy, anymore. We used to share a tight bond, but now it was gone."Ezra? You there?" I whispered, my voice barely a peep.No answer, just dead silence pressing down on me. I hugged my knees tight, fighting back tears."This wasn't s'posed to happen," I mumbled, voice shaky. "The Moon Lady...she wouldn't ditch me like this, right?"Footsteps echoed down the hall. The cell door creaked open, bright light pouring in."Get up," a rough voice barked. "Alpha wants you."I struggled to my feet, wobbly legs barely holding me up. Two big guards grabbed my arms in a vise grip, dragging me out and down the twisty passages.Memories hit me hard - Nathan's warm hugs, his soft kisses, the sparkle in his eyes when he looked at me. And Mia...my so-called bestie who knew all my secrets. How could I have been so blind?We reached the courtyard, the whole pac
Chapter threeLogan’s povI landed the last hit, sending Luke staggering back with a grunt. Sweat dripped down my forehead as I straightened up, rolling my shoulders to ease the muscle tension."Not bad, old pal," I said, flashing him a smirk. "But you're still holding back."Luke chuckled, wiping his arm across his sweaty brow. "You know me too well, Alpha. Didn't wanna embarrass you in front of the pack."I laughed out loud, shaking my head in amusement. Luke's unwavering loyalty and easy jokes never failed to lift my spirits, even after all these years. "Come on, you know you could never beat me, even on your best day."His eyes twinkled with mirth, but he didn't argue. As my beta, Luke knew his place - and accepted it without a fuss.We grabbed towels and water pouches from the training area. Luke took a long gulp before fixing me with a pointed look."You know, Logan, it's been a while since you took a mate. Maybe time to weigh your options?" I tensed up, good mood gone in an i
Chapter four Logan’s pov"Marcus!" I roared, bursting into the healing den. "She's fading, damn it! You have to help her!"The grizzled old healer took one look at her broken form and his eyes widened. He ushered me over to a cot, already barking orders to his assistants."Easy now, Alpha. Let me see the extent of her injuries." "She's been poisoned," I growled through gritted teeth. "Some kind of toxin I've never encountered before."Marcus leaned in close, sniffing delicately at her wounds. His brow creased into a deep frown."Indeed, this reeks of powerful magic - far beyond my skill to treat." He met my gaze, his eyes full of regret. "Unless we can find an antidote, or break whatever hex has been cast...her odds of survival are slim at best.""That's not good enough!" I roared, rounding on the startled healer. "Tell me what I need to do, Marcus. There has to be a way!"Marcus raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Perhaps...if we could enlist the aid of a skilled witch or sh
Chapter five Selene pov I peeled my eyes open slowly, blinking against the warm sunlight filtering through the window. Where...where was I? This wasn't the dark forest floor I remembered. The sheets beneath me were crisp and clean, the room airy and bright. I inhaled deeply - the air smelled of dried herbs and a faint wisp of woodsmoke. Definitely not the musty stench of my usual surroundings.Moving cautiously, I pushed myself upright. A twinge of pain lanced through my ribs, but it was distant, dulled. Like whatever nightmare I'd endured was finally fading into a bad dream.Throwing back the covers, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. The plush fur rug tickled my bare feet as I stood on shaky legs. What was this place? The door stood ajar, a tantalizing glimpse of the world beyond. Throwing caution to the winds, I crept across the room and peered out into the hallway. It was...a house. Not just any house, but one of those sprawling wooden lodges, the type only the most re
Chapter sixLogan’s povI was having a friendly chat with Selene in one of the sitting rooms when my beta Luke came rushing over, his face apologetic."Sorry to interrupt," he said, slightly out of breath. "But Mother demands your presence right away, Logan."I raised an eyebrow. "Any idea what this is about?" Luke shook his head. "No, she didn't say."Turning to Selene, I gave her a regretful look. "I'm sorry, I have to go see what she wants. I'll come right back as soon as I can."Selene smiled softly. "Of course, I understand. We can continue our discussion later."I left her in the sitting room and made my way across the pack grounds to the packhouse where my mother resided. As I approached her quarters, I could hear hushed voices coming from behind the door. Knocking firmly, I entered at her call."Ah, Logan, there you are." Mother's expression was unreadable as she looked up from where she sat with another wolf - Zara from the Council. "Come in, come in."My eyes narrowed sligh
Chapter seven Selene’s povAfter Logan left the sitting room to go see his mother, I sat there feeling a bit confused and unsettled. Part of me still couldn't quite believe what he had said about us potentially being true mates according to the goddess. How could that be possible? Surely there had been some mistake.I got up and wandered into one of the bedrooms, needing space to sort through my jumbled thoughts and emotions. Sinking down onto the edge of the bed, I closed my eyes and tried to calm my racing heart."Ezra?" I called out tentatively. "Are you there? I need your counsel." There was a brief shimmer in the air before my spirit guardian materialized before me. The ethereal she-wolf regarded me kindly with those ancient, knowing eyes."What troubles you, my friend?" Her voice was warm and soothing in my mind.I twisted my hands nervously in my lap. "It's Logan. He...he says the goddess has blessed us as true mates." I shook my head slowly. "But how can that be? After everyt