LOGINVictor’s POV My hand moved on instinct, blocking Michael’s view with my shoulder as I bent down and scooped the small silver hairpin off the dusty floorboards. The faint scent of vanilla and fresh pine flared up in my nose again, sharp against the heavy smell of copper and dark magic. I slid the cold metal deep into my pocket, letting my fingers linger there to ensure it was completely hidden. I stood up straight and forced my expression to remain blank, but as I turned around, I realized I hadn't been fast enough. Elder Helen was already walking toward the rocking chair, her sharp eyes scanning the area where I had just been standing. She stopped right where I had been a second ago, her nose twitching as she caught the scent trail I had accidentally disturbed. Her gaze dropped to the floor, then snapped up to my right hand, which was still hovering near my pocket. "Victor," Helen said, her voice dropping to a cautious, strained whisper. "What did you just pick up?" The room
Victor's POV The room went dead silent. Michael didn’t hesitate. The exhaustion that had weighed on his shoulders during dinner vanished, replaced by the rigid, commanding aura of an Alpha. For a moment I stared at him, impressed. "Where?" He demanded. "Her cabin on the eastern ridge," the warrior panted, clutching his side. "Elder Marcus and Elder Helen are already there trying to secure the scene.” "I'm coming with you," I said, stepping out from behind the table. Michael paused, his eyes darting to me. For a split second, I saw the conflict in his gaze. By law, I was just a regular pack member now, a criminal newly returned from exile. He had every right to command me to stay put. But Michael also knew that when it came to tracking, violence, and dealing with crime scenes, my wolf and I had years of experience he couldn't afford to waste. "Keep the house locked down," Michael said to his mate, not breaking eye contact with me. "Don't let anyone in.” Sarah nodded, her f
Arielle’s POVThe three hooded figures didn't move an inch. They just kept staring up at my window, their faces completely hidden in the dark shadows of their hoods. A cold weight settled heavily in my stomach. Who were they? Why were they watching me?My hands trembled as I gripped the edge of the curtain. Part of me wanted to yell for my dad or call our security guards, but a deeper, stronger instinct told me to be quiet. If these people were connected to the world Marcus had just dropped me into, normal human security wouldn't stand a chance.I carefully stepped back from the window, letting the curtain fall completely shut. The darkness of my bedroom felt suffocating. I crawled back into my bed, pulling the thick duvet all the way up to my chin, but I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, Marcus’s harsh voice echoed in my mind.“It is most likely because you mated with a wolf.”My face burned hot against my pillow, a mix of pure embarrassment and anger washing over me.
Victor's POV "We are lifting your banishment, Victor." Elder Marcus said before a low vibrating sound filled the room. He immediately excused himself and exited the room. I could tell his subordinates were not pleased with the abruptiveness of this action. But the meeting went on. I do wonder though, the kind of emergency that would make someone like Marcus leave an important meeting like this. "The council has decided that your years in exile have served as penance for the blood on your hands," Elder Helena continued. Her eyes remained sharp and cold, lacking even a shred of the grace her words implied. "You are free to walk pack grounds. You are, once again, a member of the Bloodclaw clan." "And my title?" The question slipped out before I could stop it. Rowan let out a dry, mocking chuckle from the corner. "You lost the right to the Alpha seat the moment you let your wolf rip open a human throat, Victor. The Moon Goddess herself turned her back on you. Michael remains A
Arielle's POVI was running in a forest and right beside me ran a massive wolf. His fur was as black as the night sky, but it was his eyes that caught my attention. They were a striking, bright electric blue. I would recognize those eyes anywhere.Victor.We ran side by side, our fur brushing against each other. A deep, natural heat started to build between us that had nothing to do with the chilly night air. When he slowed down, turning his massive head toward me, the intensity in those blue eyes made my breath hitch. He leaned in close, gently rubbing his nose against the side of my neck. His hot breath bloomed against my fur. A low, rumbling purr vibrated deep in his chest, sending a fierce, electric shock straight down my spine. It felt incredibly close, raw, and completely overwhelming. He pressed nearer, his heavy weight gently pinning me down to the forest floor. As his muzzle stroked against mine, the sheer intensity of the moment made me throw my head back, a soft purr
Victor’s POV Harrison Hunt could not stop staring. The creature lying on the floor of the hallway was a wolf. There was no denying the reality of it. Its silver gray fur shone under the bright chandelier lights. The wolf looked weak, and helpless. But Harrison could not forget what wolves meant to him. For years, he had hated them with a passion. He blamed them for taking his wife away. He had promised himself that if he ever saw a wolf again, he would shoot it without hesitating. Now, one was lying right in front of him. And it was his own daughter. The realization felt like a sharp knife twisting inside his chest. "Sir?" One of the bodyguards gripped his gun tighter, his knuckles turning white. "What should we do?" The sound of the guard preparing his weapon broke Harrison's trance. He swallowed hard, his throat dry. He was still terrified and completely confused, but nothing could change the truth. That wolf was Arielle. He had watched the horrific change hap
Arielle’s POVThe iron gates groaned open as the car rolled up the long driveway, and the mansion came into view the same way it always did. It looked too large, too quiet, too full of things that didn’t move. Every topiary trimmed to the same perfect angle. Every window was gleaming. Nothing was
Arielle's POV The cloth tied around my wrists was starting to burn against my skin. I shifted slightly in the backseat and tried to loosen my hands again, but it was useless. The man beside me immediately grabbed my arm harder. “Sit still.” I glared at him, unable to say anything since my mout
Arielle's POVThe guy had a phone pressed to his ear but I didn't hear what he was saying. I just didn't care. I was too focused on his piercing blue eyes and his biceps standing out through the shirt he wore. He had that look that could make even the toughest pussy drip. I even had to squeeze my t
Arielle's POV"I'm taking the pink hoodie too."The sales receptionist, a slim young lady, smiled and stretched out her hand. "Let me take your card."She swiped it and waited, then swiped it again."This isn't working." She kept her voice professionally flat. "You can pay with another card.""That







