Annabel smiles weakly, grateful for Luke's forgiveness and kindness. She knows she has a lot of making up to do, but she's determined to do better and be a better team member from then on.
Luke sets about trying to help Annabel clean up and get some food, even as he is lost in thoughts of how to make her pay for hurting him like she did. A part of him felt so much pity for her because she had been thrown into the dungeon and starved from day ten by the very Alpha she had been frolicking with.
The more he thinks about it, the more it hurts Luke, until he throws a punch and lands his fist in the wall, and instantly regrets it as the hard wall leaves a gashing wound across his four knuckles.
He just has to get back at Annabel. He tries to explore the forgive and forget option but it makes him so unhappy that he just accepts that he simply cannot get over her infidelity.
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SCARLETT'S POVAs she talks, I can't help but feel a sense of connection with her. Despite our different backgrounds, we both share a love for reading and escaping into different worlds.After our conversation, I lead Amelia to the dining room where everyone is waiting. "Okay, everyone, let's begin. As you all know, we have a new threat in town. We need to be cautious and alert at all times."I go on to explain the situation and the measures we need to take to ensure our safety. I also mention Amelia's confession, which surprises some of my family members."Thank you for being honest with us, Amelia. We will make sure to keep a closer eye on you and ensure your safety," I say, looking directly at her."Thank you, Alpha. I appreciate it," she replies, her eyes meeting mine.The meeting continues for a while longe
LUKE'S POVAfter the maid leaves, Annabel returns from her errand, being full of hugs and kisses that I can neither stand, nor do I need them. I really want to yank her off and throw her aside, but I hold myself down and try to be reasonable.As Annabel approaches me, I take a deep breath and try to compose myself. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I also don't want to be smothered with affection. I take a step back and try to create some space between us."Annabel, can we talk for a minute?" I ask, trying to keep my voice calm and measured."Sure, Luke. What's on your mind?" she replies, a look of concern crossing her face."I appreciate your affection, but it's a bit overwhelming for me. I need some space and time to myself," I explain, trying to be as clear as possible.Annabel looks hurt, but she nods her head in understanding. "I
LUKE'S POVIt all felt like a big nightmare. I felt like time had stilled and everything was starting all over again. Annabel seemed to be changing into a sweeter person than I could have ever imagined was possible.As we spend more time together, I start to realize how much Annabel means to me. She's kind, caring, and always there for me, even when I push her away. She brings out the best in me and makes me want to be a better person.I know that I've been stubborn and resistant to her affection in the past, but I also know that I can't imagine my life without her now. I want to make her happy and be there for her, just like she has always been there for me.As our relationship deepens, I start to see the benefits of being vulnerable and opening up to someone. I've always been guarded and closed off, but with Annabel, I feel safe to be myself and share my thoughts and feeli
SCARLETT'S POVAtlas is very sweet and kind to me, and has been since everything happened with me dying and all of that. But there is a part of me that has so many unanswerable questions. I wonder about what my life would be like if I ended up with Atlene, and the thoughts scare me.My reality is that I am a wolf, and Alpha who is capable of wanting to be with someone else aside my mate, and it makes me question so many things that I thought I knew about myself."Are you alright, Scar? You seem very distracted today." Atlas leans in, asking me in a warm whisper that makes my body react in heat."Oh, I'm just a little out of it." I reply, smiling lightly at him, not wanting to distract the speaker at the meeting from his speech."You know that this meeting can always be adjourned until you feel better right?" Atlas says again, and I feel
SCARLETT'S POV"Speak, my darling Lillian," I say loudly to Lillian, and she stands again."Thank you, great Alpha." She says, nodding with a mirth in her eyes that make me smile, and my other cousins giggle. "I honestly think that we can find a common ground. It is apparent that Annabel and Luke are the ones pushing the storm pack to attack us. Let's take it that the words of the spies are true. If that's the case, then we should focus on targeting them and finding a way to neutralize their influence on the rest of the pack. We could also try to reach out to other members of the storm pack and see if we can find allies within their ranks. It might take some time, but I believe that with patience and persistence, we can prevent a war from breaking out."I nod in agreement, impressed by Lillian's level-headedness and strategic thinking. "That's a good plan, Lillian. Let's start working on it righ
SCARLETT'S POV Lillian shakes her head. "No, but some of the storm pack members have said that she has a lair in the mountains, not too far from here. If we can find her, maybe we can put an end to this." I nod, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Let's gather a team and head to the mountains. We can't let this witch continue to manipulate and control our packs." With renewed determination, we set out on our mission. The journey is long and treacherous, but we press on, driven by our desire to protect our packs and put an end to the conflict once and for all. Finally, after days of travel, we reach the mountains and begin our search for the witch's lair. As we climb higher and higher, the air grows colder and the winds stronger. But we are undeterred, knowing that the fate of our packs rests on our shoulders. We push qwon, our hearts filled with courage and
ATLAS'S POV Scarlett scares me sometimes. The precision of her ticks, how assertive and outspoken she is. It threatens my mild male ego to see her be so wild and passionate and never-ending. I remind myself that her strength is one of the things that drew me to her in the first place. She's a force of nature, always moving forward, never slowing down. But then there are moments like this, where she's lying next to me in bed, her head on my chest, and she's so still. I can feel her breathing, slow and steady, but she's not fidgeting or tapping her foot or anything like that. It's like she's in some kind of trance, just existing in the moment. I envy her that. I feel like I'm always on the move, always trying to achieve something, always worrying about what's coming next. It's exhausting, and sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. But then I lo
ANNABEL'S POVThere is something different about Luke. I cannot pinpoint exactly what it is but I just know that there is something different about him. The way he grins from ear-to-ear, the way he walks around with so much more confidenceI am confused if it is more about the fact that I have let up and I am more focused on the war with Scarlett's pack, or if it is somebody else. He would not dare! Or would he? I decide to bring up the conversation with him."Baby... I have to discuss something with you..." I start to get his attention."What is it, Babes?" He says back, still tapping on his phone furiously."Can I please get your undivided attention? This should not take too long. Please," I add, feeling like a bloody simp.Luke puts down his phone and gives me his full attention. "What's on your mind, Annabel?" he asks, looking co