Chapter three
Logan’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 instant. Not this again..."What brought this on?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.Luke shrugged, not put off by my brusque response. "Just thinking about the pack's future, that's all. The Blood Moon thing is days away, you'll officially lead all five territories. Wouldn't it be fitting to have a mate by your side?"I snorted, shaking my head. Trust Luke to bring up this topic with all the subtlety of a rampaging bear."You sound just like my mom," I grumbled. "And my sister. When will you all accept I'll get a mate when the right woman comes along?"Luke raised his hands in a calming gesture, his expression softening."Of course, Alpha. No disrespect meant. It's just..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "The pack is thriving under your leadership. But even the strongest tree needs deep roots to weather storms ahead. A mate could give you that stability, that anchor when times get tough."I exhaled slowly, mulling over his words. As annoying as this constant pushing could be, I knew Luke spoke from a genuine concern - for me and the pack's future."I appreciate your thoughts, my friend," I said finally. "But I won't be rushed into this. When the Moon Goddess decides it's time for me to find my fated mate, she'll reveal her to me. Until then, I got bigger stuff to deal with."Luke nodded, seeming to accept my rebuke with grace."Very well, Alpha. Speaking of bigger stuff..." His expression turned serious. "Farmers along the west border reported more rogue activity in their fields. They're getting restless, demanding we beef up the boundary markers before it escalates."I frowned, feeling that familiar weight of responsibility on my shoulders."Have the scouts picked up any trails? Camp signs?"Luke shook his head grimly. "Nothing definite, but you know how slippery those rogue scum are. We'd be wise to heed the farmers' warnings before it's too late."My jaw clenched as I weighed our options. The western border was always a hotspot for rogue packs slipping through undetected. If they gained a foothold in our lands..."Double the patrols," I said finally. "And reinforce the boundary lines with mountain ash - that should deter even the boldest trespassers. But keep your ears open; I want to know the second there's a whisper of rogue activity."Luke's expression turned grim, but he nodded without hesitation."It'll be done, Alpha. Should I have the builders focus efforts on shoring up the west wall?"I pondered for a moment before giving a curt nod."Yes, that would be wise. We can't afford any lapsed defenses, not with the Blood Moon so close."Luke clapped me on the shoulder, his touch reassuring."Have faith, my friend. Our pack is strong, our warriors loyal. Whatever threats lurk beyond our borders, we'll face them head-on - together."I allowed a faint smile, drawing strength from Luke's steadfast conviction."Well said. Come, let's go inspect the construction effo-"I cut off abruptly, nostrils flaring as I caught a faint unfamiliar scent drifting on the breeze. Earthy and rich, tinged with the coppery tang of blood.Luke instantly went on alert. "What is it? What do you smell?"Without a word, I took off at a brisk lope, following the elusive trail deeper into the forest. Luke kept pace beside me, his sharp senses now tuned to the strange new scent.We picked up speed, the wind whipping through our fur as we bounded over fallen logs and weaved between ancient trees. The trail grew stronger with every stride until it was unmistakable - the rich, heady aroma of werewolf, laced with the cloying reek of fresh blood."Logan, wait!" Luke panted, voice edged with concern. "This could be a trap, we should call backup!"But I was past heeding warnings. Something primal stirred in me, urging me onward with a ferocity I couldn't ignore. The scent was intoxicating, filling my lungs until all rational thought fled.I burst into a small clearing, skidding to a halt at the scene before me. There, lying in a rapidly expanding pool of blood, was the source of that bewitching aroma - a female werewolf, battered and broken, barely clinging to life.Instantly, the beast in me retreated, replaced by a surge of protective wolf so powerful, it stole my breath. I shifted to human form and dropped to my knees, cradling her fragile body in my arms."Luke!" I barked urgently. "Is she one of us ?Do you Recognize her scent?"My beta shook his head mutely, his expression a mix of concern and wariness."No, Alpha. Never encountered her before. She must be...""A rogue," I finished grimly, tightening my grip on the unconscious woman.Her pulse was thready and erratic, her skin ashen and clammy. Whatever - or whoever - had done this unleashed hell on this slight, delicate creature.My wolf raged, snarling at the injustice. She was so small, so frail... Yet she'd fought with everything just to draw another breath."Luke, get Marcus to prep the healing rooms," I growled, already rising with my precious cargo. "This woman needs urgent care if she's gonna survive."My beta wavered, casting a wary glance at the unconscious she-wolf."Alpha, I must advise caution. She could be a spy, sent by rivals to sow discord. Perhaps wiser to let her..." He didn't finish that grim thought.I leveled him with a look that could freeze hellfire."Questioning my judgment, beta?" I all but snarled, the words laced with quiet menace.Luke swallowed hard, shrinking back a step. "N-No, Alpha. Of course not. I'll fetch Marcus."He turned and loped off, leaving me alone with the mysterious stranger. I looked down at her ashen face, brushing a stray lock of hair from her brow with surprising tenderness."Just hold on a little longer," I murmured, more to myself than her. "I'll keep you safe, I swear."Cradling her against my chest, I took off at a ground-devouring lope, pushing my body to its limits as I raced toward my territory. The pack healers would know what to do, I told myself. They'd worked miracles before.They had to... Because if this woman died in my arms, I knew with soul-deep that a part of me would die along with her.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
Chapter eightSelene’s pov Everything was pitch black when I finally came to, my head pounding and mouth dry as cotton. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was that blurred figure bursting into the room and some sickly-sweet smell overwhelming me. I tried to move but quickly realized my hands were bound tightly behind my back. Panic lanced through me as my eyes strained against the inky darkness, searching for any hint of light or an escape route."Ezra?" I called out tentatively, hoping against hope that my spirit wolf guardian could hear me somehow. "Ezra, where are you?"But there was no response, no shimmering form appearing by my side. A sob tried to work its way up my throat as a hollow feeling of isolation consumed me. I was utterly alone here in this void.The sound of a heavy door scraping open somewhere nearby made me flinch. Harsh light flooded the space, stabbing into my sensitive eyes and making me squint. As my vision slowly adjusted, I could make out the rough hew
Chapter eight Nathan’s povThree days after I betrayed Selene, my life fell apart. I could not shift into my wolf form anymore. My wolf Max abandoned me. He did not agree with me mating Mia instead of Selene, my true mate. Max went silent and refused to come out, making me very weak.I regretted believing Mia's lies about Selene cheating and not being able to have a child. I should not have plotted against Selene and banished her from our pack, even though she had poison in her system. The guilt ate away at me. I thought about the beautiful Selene and our love constantly. I remembered her charming smile, her sweet lips, our promises to mate and have children. I thought about our plans for our first time after her Luna ceremony. One cold night, I wandered into the dark forest, hoping to find Selene alive. I came across the clearing where we used to meet. Suddenly, I smelled Selene's scent! I ran towards it and saw a woman running, maybe from vampires. "Let me save you, Selene!" I gr
Chapter nineZara’s povTears streamed down my face as I hurried away from Logan's room. How dare he accuse me of such a horrible thing! Kidnapping his mate Selene? I didn't even know who this Selene was.My heart raced with a mixture of anger, hurt, and determination. If Logan thought he could just dismiss me so easily, he had another thing coming. I would make him regret treating me this way.With quick strides, I headed straight for the Luna's quarters. If anyone could set Logan straight, it was his own mother. I needed her on my side."Luna! Luna!" I called out frantically as I reached her rooms, pounding on the door.The Luna emerged, her expression one of alarm and concern. "Zara? What's wrong, child?"I put on my most distraught face, forcing out dramatic sobs. "It's Logan...he...he sent for me..."Taking shuddering breaths, I let the tears flow freely. The Luna ushered me into the sitting room, her eyes wide with worry."There, there, calm yourself," she soothed, guiding me to
Chapter eleven Selene’s povLogan came out from the kitchen carrying a tray with a plate of beef ragu and another of Chinese soufflé. The delicious smells immediately made my mouth water. "Dinner is here," he said, bringing the tray over to me. "Hope you like it." He gave me a warm smile, though tinged with concern.I nodded eagerly. My stomach rumbled loudly, the rich aromas reminding me just how ravenously hungry I felt after my ordeal. As I reached for my fork, Logan gently caught my hand, shaking his head. "Allow me," he said in a soft tone, picking up the fork himself."Logan, I may need some rest but that doesn't mean I can't eat my food myself," I protested, though not too firmly. There was something comforting about him fussing over me.He gave me an apologetic look. "I know, I'm just..." He paused, seeming to search for the right words. "I want to make sure you lack for nothing after what you went through. Humor this overprotective wolf?" I couldn't stop a small smile fro