DAYA POV I woke up the next morning genuinely excited for the training session. I mean, I’m always excited for training sessions. But today, the new female squad will be joining the male warriors. I’m curious to see everyone’s reactions. The women have only been training for two weeks, but a lot of them have been progressing quickly and showing a lot of potential. I made my way over to the training fields and I was surprised to see Alpha Darius and Beta Tobias already there. I typically get to training half an hour early to mentally prepare and do my own warm up, so I’m ready to go before all the women arrive. As I get closer to the fields, I can see that the two are already breathing heavy and have a light coating of sweat. It was difficult not to notice how Darius’ muscles had a good pump already, making his fitted shirt even tighter. Jeeze, Daya, snap out of it! Like I’ve never seen a guy in workout clothes before. I could feel my wolf stirring in the back of my mind at the sight o

DARIUS POV (8 HOURS EARLIER) I was leaving the packhouse after wrapping up a meeting with Tobias and Lucas. Nobody stood out to us during the morning training session as a potential threat, or traitor. We will go back in the morning to continue watching and observing. The walk to my cottage isn’t far, maybe a 15-minute walk. I was about halfway there when suddenly my wolf began to stir, and my body felt like it was being electrocuted. I’ve have had minor shocks and static zaps occasionally, but this feeling was radiating all over my body, and it felt…amazing. I was sensitive all over and I was smelling the most incredible scent in the air. Seconds ago, it smelled like pine trees and fresh snow. Now, I feel like I’m walking along the beach, smelling sea salt with hints of tangerine and orange blossoms. I feel more and more energized with each inhale. Without realizing it, I find myself walking in the opposite direction- my wolf has taken control. What is happening? My

DARIUS POV The last 24 hours have been crazy. The other night, under the full moon, the fated mate bond decided to appear out of nowhere for the first time in 30 years and tell me that I have a mate somewhere in my pack. It took all my self-control and mental strength to resist the urge of the bond. Then, I stupidly fucked Mara. Granted, that took my mind off the mate bond, but my wolf was disgusted with me… and I hated myself for it as well. Then Daya had some mysterious ailment, which has made it impossible for her to leave the medical clinic. She was so convinced she would only have the one episode, but a few hours after I left the clinic, she had another episode. I was in my office when I got the mindlink from Richard. He sounded so scared for Daya. Not proud to admit that when he mindlinked me, I was with Mara again. I didn’t want to. I was in my office looking into that girl, Saph Bellos, that Daya and Emmy told me about. Her full name is Sapphire. What is with these gi

DAYA POV Pain. Bone chilling, gut wrenching pain. Why? Why is this happening? I passed out quickly, thank the Goddess for that. I woke up in the medical clinic again. Four sets of eyes were watching me: Emmy, Saph, Dr. Richard, and Darius. There was a mixture of relief and concern on their faces. My eyes immediately connected with the set of dark brown eyes towards the back of the room. It seemed like he was in pain as well. I went to speak but was immediately stopped. “Don’t try to speak just yet, Dye. Even though this attack was brief, it seemed extremely intense. Perhaps each attack becomes more extreme than the previous ones.” Saph began to explain. I nodded and tried to adjust myself in my bed so I could sit up and look around the room better. “Richard and I have been hitting a wall as to what can be causing these attacks. And since you haven’t experienced one in a week, we let our guards down. But, I do have a new theory.” Saph continued. She glanced at Dr. Richard and

DARIUS POV Mara left and I had to shower again. Even though she didn’t touch me, she was close enough. I don’t want any trace of her near me. After cleansing myself of her presence, I got dressed to go to the packhouse to meet with Tobias and Lucas. Even though Mara probably just has an intense crush on me, I don’t think it’s smart to keep her on the warrior squad. Maybe, in time, she can come back. For now, she needs to find a different job...away from me and Daya. Daya. What do I do about her? I found myself sitting in a simple leather chair in my living area, in front of a stone fireplace. This is my favorite part of my home. It’s a simple cottage, but it brings me peace. Most of the pack lives in cottages close to one another. I choose to live a little farther away from everyone. I love my pack and would do anything for them, but this job is exhausting. Having a small place all to myself provides me with a bit of comfort and privacy I crave at times. Daya is comfortable. That hug