The path ahead was long and dangerous, but I would face it. I would find Leila, and then, with a heart full of relief, I would finally turn my attention to Amelia, my wayward daughter. Amelia was the one who always found her way back home every single time. Only the moon goddess knows where she always came back from. I knew, deep down, that she would be alright, but the frustration and the gnawing worry would not leave me until I found her, until she was safely tucked in her bed, the scent of lavender soap filling the air around her.****Xander's povThe air hung heavy, thick with the humid scent of honeysuckle and the approaching dawn. I sat on the edge of the pool, my bare feet sinking into the cool, slick tiles. The water, still and reflective, mirrored the luminescent glow of the moon, a silver disc hanging low in the sky. Liela's father, the esteemed beta of my pack, was out there, prowling the moonlit woods, searching for Leila. But I knew he wouldn't find her by just moving ar
Xander's povIt was already night but I still didn't think I wanted to leave the pool. Making up my mind, I jumped into the pool and made my way through the waters.The water, cool and refreshing, provided a welcome respite from the pressures of governing my sprawling pack territory. As I glided through the water, my mind was surprisingly at ease. A rare moment of peace in my otherwise demanding life.Suddenly, a blinding flash of white light erupted in my mind, jarring me from my tranquil moment. It was a vision, stark and vivid. I suddenly saw a group of strange, unfamiliar figures, their faces hidden in shadows, infiltrating the Red Den. Their movements were swift and calculated, their purpose clear - to break someone out of his strict custody. The vision was fleeting, gone as quickly as it had arrived, leaving me with a gnawing sense of unease.I surfaced from the water immediately, shaking the water from my hair and letting out a long exhale. It was unusual for visions to be so s
Xander povMy voice, filled with honest anger, resonated with power, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard me. The pack, sensing my determination, responded with a resounding roar of agreement. They were ready to follow their leader, to fight for their territory, for their pack, for me, their alpha.The night air crackled with anticipation, the scent of danger mingling with the scent of the pack's collective determination.The rival pack, calling themselves The Shadow pack, had dared to challenge my dominion over the territory. Their message was simple: yield, or be defeated. For me, this wasn't just about territory. It was about respect, about proving my pack's strength, about reaffirming my role as Alpha. I wouldn't back down."The Shadow pack awaits," I barked, my voice a deep rumble that resonated through the forest. "they wait for us to fight on their terms. But we are the black pool. We do not succumb to intimidation.'A chorus of growls echoed back, each wolf's eye
Xander povRomero, my delta, stood beside me, his eyes pleading."Alpha," Romero said, his voice heavy with concern. "We have a larger problem.""What do you mean?" I turned and asked, my anger subsiding.Romero pointed towards the edge of the clearing. There, emerging from the shadows, were more rogues, their numbers far exceeding those they had just subdued. They were armed, not just with claws and teeth, but with crude weapons fashioned from wood and bone. These were not the rogues of the Shadow pack. These were different. More dangerous."They weren't part of the plan," Romero whispered. "They had been waiting in the shadows, watching. They knew this was coming. They are here for us."My heart sank. This was a trap. The rogues had set a trap for his pack, a deadly game that they were caught in the middle of. I felt a coldness creep into my chest, a fear I hadn't felt in years. I really don't care about dying. My fear is not being able to save Leila before I die.My gaze swept over
Xander's povEach rogue fought back against the immense pain, enduring it with stubborn resilience. Their bodies were broken, but their spirits remained unbroken. Despite the overwhelming agony, they held onto their silence, their resolve, and their unwavering loyalty to the freaking troublemaker of a master.As the sun began to set, casting long shadows through the den, I paused, my fury finally waning, replaced by a hollow exhaustion. I looked at the rogues, their faces contorted in pain, their bodies wracked with spasms, and no flicker of something akin to pity crossed my eyes.I went to them, my eyes darker than ever as I threatened to do worse. I appeared at their front with swords all over my arm, not minding if they ended up dying. If they won't be useful, I see no reason for their existence.Sensing the chilling aura, I watched them change their minds."I will do as you say. I will do everything y
Xander's povI felt the magic pulsing through him, a surge of power that almost overwhelmed me. I concentrated, focusing all my energy on the spell. I turned to a man who was not just fighting for his pack but for his very existence at that point.The ground began to tremble, and the trees swayed as if caught in a storm. The magic around the Shadow Falls grew in intensity, the shadows swirling with increasing ferocity. I felt a surge of pain in my chest, the magic taking its toll. I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold on.Kingdom's eyes narrowed a flicker of surprise in their depths. "You're... You're actually resisting," he hissed in pain, his voice dripping with disdain. "But it will not be enough. I am the master of the shadows. You cannot defeat me.""You are just a rogue," I replied to him.I pressed on, pushing the limits of his magic. The light around me intensified, pushing back against the encroaching darkness. The shadows around Kingdom writhed as if they were being pul
Chapter 23Kingdom's povPanic clawed at my throat, a cold knot of dread twisting in my stomach.“You’re awake,” a voice rumbled like that of gravel rolling.I whirled around, my heart hammering against my ribs. What could I have gotten myself into? I thought, my heart bonding ferociously.I tried my best to see if I could disappear because I didn't trust what I was going to see next but then realized I had no choice. It was my reality.Agreeing with that fact, I looked up only to see my newest and greatest enemy.Alpha Xander!His face was etched with a chilling smile that got me frozen.He stood beside a towering oak, his eyes glinting with amusement.“What…what happened?” I asked croaking, my voice dry and hoarse.Alpha Xander chuckled, a low, guttural sound. "You drank a little too much, my friend. A little too much of the good stuff.""What did you do to me?" I asked, trying to remember my life before that very moment but nothing was coming in as I was in a state of confusion.
Chapter 24Kingdom's pov"You think you can tame this wildness? You fools!" I cursed.I pounded my fists against the iron walls, the sound echoing back at me like the mocking laughter of my captors. I wanted to break free regardless but would it be that easy? I knew the pack would not keep me imprisoned forever. I was a valuable asset, a weapon they needed, and eventually, they would release me.But until then, I needed to make sure their lives remained miserable. I would be a thorn in their ass, a constant reminder of their failure to tame me. I would turn this dungeon into my personal stage, using every tool at my disposal to wreak havoc on their peace of mind that's if they had it at that moment.I howled, a mournful, chilling wail that sliced through the silence of the den, echoing off the stone walls, a persistent reminder of my presence. I snarled a continuous low growl that rattled the bars of my cage and sent shivers down the spines of the guards that stood there. I wanted to