WINTER'S POVI quickly finished putting on the last piece of clothing: a blouse that Linda had chosen. Even though it exposed more than I was comfortable with, I could do nothing about it.A stern warning had been placed by her for my outfit not to be exchanged else, and she would sabotage wherever I was going.A knock interrupted my thoughts. Maybe the out wasn't that bad, but I hadn't intended to stroll around the packhouse revealing so much cleavage and stomach.Ignoring the persistent knocking, I headed towards the wardrobe, hoping for a change of clothes. However, nothing there caught my eye. Instead, a collection of underwear I didn't even realize I owned was scattered across the wardrobe, and a sticky note caught my attention at the bottom.Picking up the note, I read its contents: "Another warning because I know you'll come here, don't think about changing into something else. You're perfect just the way you are. PS: I packed away the rest of your clothes for this reason. I do

WINTER'S POVAs I waited for Rafael to begin his story, I found myself looking around. It had been quite a while since I ventured into these woods. Maybe I had come before and just couldn't recall. However, my memories were tainted by Slade's death in these woods, even though it wasn't the same area. That event made me avoid this place altogether.Admittedly, it might sound a bit silly and somewhat cowardly, but being here stirred up unwanted emotions. The overwhelming urge to destroy things, a feeling I often experienced here, was linked to those memories. It was one of the reasons I avoided this place; I knew that wrecking everything around me wouldn't bring Slade back.Yet, here I was now, and the usual turmoil I felt in these woods wasn't surfacing. The destructive impulse was absent, which felt strange. Talking to Rafael about Slade's story seemed like something I had recounted to people before, though I hadn't been able to share it with anyone for the past four months.I had al

RAFAEL'S POVAfter ensuring Winter was well settled, I returned to the woods, my senses on high alert. I made certain no one was following me, not wanting to endanger anyone else. It was better for me to be in harm's way than someone else. I halted as my ears caught rustling nearby, and my nose twitched at the strange scent in the air.When I had been with Winter, I sensed something amiss, though I didn't detect the scent. Yet, alone now, it permeated the air, overwhelming my senses. Moving closer, I dashed silently to a large tree upon hearing voices approaching. I stood there, holding my breath and trying to mask my own scent.I dreaded being caught lurking, especially if they were a werewolf group. Facing them alone would be a daunting task. Judging by the voices, they numbered around ten or perhaps fewer. Attentively listening to their footsteps, I sighed in relief as they began to retreat.Peering cautiously, I saw them. My eyes widened at the sight before me. Instead of the prev

WINTER's POVThe morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow that illuminated the room. I rolled in bed, reluctant to rise. I found comfort in staying under the covers, enjoying the leisure of a slow morning. Not being a morning person, it often felt like a nuisance to wake up early.My rolling abruptly ceased as I collided with someone. With a jolt, my eyes shot open, and I suppressed a startled scream upon realizing who it was.Rafael lounged on the bed, his chin propped up on his hand, his gaze fixed intently on me."How long have you been awake?" I frowned, my annoyance evident as he continued to stare, a hint of amusement playing on his lips."Long enough to know you mutter my name in your sleep and are quite enthusiastic about kicking," Rafael quipped, pulling up his shirt.My eyes widened as I spotted fading bruises on his skin."How do I know you didn't cause those bruises yourself? And I certainly don't mention your name in my sleep!" I countere

WINTER'S POVThe afternoon had come, but Rafael still hadn't returned.I discreetly questioned Jude and Kendall about his whereabouts, hoping for answers, but both seemed reluctant to provide any. My suspicions extended to them; it felt like they knew where he had gone but were keeping it from me.Back in the infirmary, Naomi remained unconscious, her breathing steady compared to the ragged state it had been in just hours before. Her temperature had returned to normal. I sat by her bedside, my gaze fixed on the fading wound on her body, unable to conceal the grimace that crossed my face. I held her hand, noting the coolness of her skin.Despite my efforts to uncover the nature of her attack and the assailant responsible, I came up empty-handed. Rafael hadn't disclosed the identity of the people he had seen. All he mentioned was that he had encountered them, people who seemed formidable enough to deter any attempt to challenge them. That might explain why he chose to retreat and return