Chapter 1 Coming Of Age Ceremony Raven’s POV

I was jolted awake by the relentless buzzing of my alarm clock. Growling in frustration, I reached over and shut it off. I was about to fall back into bed when my eyes landed on the time.

6 a.m.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.

Of all days to oversleep, why did it have to be today?

Dragging myself out of bed, I stumbled into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face in an attempt to wake up. Once I felt slightly more alert, I moved to my closet, pulling out a black hoodie and a pair of sweatpants. After slipping them on, I quietly stepped out of my room.

The hallway of the pack house was eerily silent. Good. Just what I needed.

I made my way through the main doors and out into the crisp morning air. My destination was clear.

The graveyard.

I walked in silence, my heart growing heavier with each step closer to my destination. When I finally reached a familiar grave, my legs gave out beneath me, and I sank to the ground. With trembling hands, I placed the flowers I had brought in front of the headstone.

“Mom,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

My eyes traced the name etched into the cold stone, a lump forming in my throat.

“Thank you… for giving up your life for me,” I choked out, my vision blurring as tears threatened to fall.

“Everyone says you were the bravest, the strongest…” My voice cracked, the tears falling freely now. “I wish I could remember you… even just a little.”

Today was my coming-of-age ceremony, a day that should have been filled with joy and celebration. But all I felt was emptiness.

“I’m scared, Mom… I’m so scared.”

My shoulders shook as I sobbed, my fingers curling into the cold earth under me. “I don’t want to be alone anymore. I wish you were here,” I admitted brokenly. “To hold me, to comfort me…”

As if in response to my grief, more tears spilled down my cheeks, falling onto the damp earth under me.

“You were the best mom, even though I never got to know you,” I whispered, wiping my tears as I stood up. I took one last look at her grave before forcing myself to turn away.

Today marked a fresh start in my life—it was my coming-of-age ceremony. Guests from other packs would be here, and I had heard the Alpha King would be attending, probably searching for his mate.

“Great,” I muttered sarcastically, grabbing a bottle of water from the kitchen before heading back to my room. I had no intention of dealing with anyone until the ceremony.

Hours later, the distant sounds of preparation stirred me awake. With a groan, I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the exhaustion clinging to me.

After a long, hot shower, I sat before my dressing mirror, staring at my reflection. Today wasn’t just about the ceremony. It was my birthday too, mine and Olivia’s. But No matter how much effort I put into my appearance, I knew she would steal the spotlight, like she always did. But that didn’t matter, I was already used to it.

I slipped into the dress and gasped as I looked at myself in the mirror. It fit perfectly.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I stared at my reflection. The dress clung to my figure in all the right places, accentuating my curves. It was a deep shade of midnight blue, complementing my dark hair and pale complexion.

For once, I felt… beautiful.

But I knew it wouldn’t last.

No matter what I wore, Olivia would always be the center of attention. My half-sister had a way of making sure all eyes were on her, as if the world revolved around her existence. And tonight would be no different.

Still, I refused to let her ruin this for me. Today wasn’t just her birthday—it was mine too.

Squaring my shoulders, I turned away from the mirror and grabbed my heels. Just as I was about to slip them on, a knock echoed through my door.

“Raven, are you ready?” a familiar voice called from the other side. It was Maya, my best friend.

“Yeah, coming,” I responded, slipping on my heels before heading to the door.

Maya’s eyes widened as soon as she saw me. “Wow, Raven. You look stunning!”

I felt a faint blush creep up my cheeks. “Thanks.”

She grinned, looping her arm through mine. “Let’s go. The ceremony’s about to start.”

My heart raced as we descended the stairs, the pack house buzzing with excitement. The air was filled with the scent of delicious food, and laughter echoed through the halls. Warriors from neighboring packs mingled with our own, but the room’s energy shifted the moment we entered the main hall.

A powerful aura radiated from the far end of the room, suffocating and intense. My eyes darted around the room, and my heart skipped a beat when my eyes fell on a certain figure.

The Alpha King was here.

I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening.

His presence was suffocating, his dominance palpable even from across the room. His sharp, chiseled features were framed by jet-black hair, his piercing green eyes scanning the crowd with a predatory intensity.

Stories of his ruthlessness, his unmatched power, and the fact that he was still unmated circulated through every pack. Many she-wolves dreamed of being chosen by him.

But not me.

All I wanted was to get through tonight without drawing attention.

The ceremony began, the pack elders chanting as they circled the ceremonial fire in. My heart thudded painfully in my chest.

Maya gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve got this,” she whispered.

But instead of calling me first, Olivia was called. I was the elder sister. It should have been me.

My frown deepened as Olivia stepped forward, the elders beaming at her as if she was the only one who mattered.

The applause was thunderous. Wolves whispered about how graceful she was, how radiant. As if I didn’t exist.

Feeling already irritated, I bolted out, anger bubbling inside me as I walked back to my room.

I didn’t need them. I didn’t need any of them. I could transform on my own.

When I got into the room, I bolted the door and started my transformation.

The air buzzed with energy, and a strange heat spread through my limbs. My skin tingled as a deep pull in my core signaled the shift beginning. I clenched my teeth as pain rippled through me, my bones stretching and reforming. My nails elongated into claws, my spine arched, and a low growl escaped my lips.

I collapsed onto my hands and knees as fur sprouted along my arms and legs. The pain was unlike anything I had ever felt, burning through my veins like fire and ice at the same time. My breathing grew ragged, my vision blurred, and just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore—

Everything snapped into place.

I stood on four legs, my senses sharper than ever before. I walked over to my dressing mirror to see my inner self, and standing before me was a red wolf, her eyes glowing fiercely. And to be honest… I was breathtaking.

For the first time, I felt powerful. Beautiful.

Pride swelled in my chest, but before I could fully embrace my new form, an unfamiliar scent filled my nose, alluring and intoxicating.

My heart raced, my wolf howling excitedly.

“Mate.”

Mate Raven’s POV

“Mate,” my wolf howled again.

My heart stuttered, then raced as her words sank in. Could it be? Was my mate here, in the pack house?

The thought sent a rush of excitement through me as my wolf urged me to go check. I shifted back into my human form, and this time, the pain wasn’t as unbearable. I quickly went to my closet, searching for a dress, as the one I wore had been torn during my shifting. I settled for a black dress that fell just below my knees. Taking one last glance at my reflection, I stepped out of my room, following the intoxicating scent that was pulling me forward.

The scent was leading me toward the grand hall, where our coming-of-age ceremony was being held. My heart pounded in sync with my wolf’s excitement. Could it be that one of the guests was my mate? The closer I got, the stronger the scent became.

As I stepped into the grand hall, my breath hitched. The air was thick with the scent of different wolves, laughter, and the sound of glasses clinking, but I barely noticed any of it.

I was searching for him.

Then, my gaze locked onto a figure and my entire world came to a halt.

The moment his gaze met mine, everything around us blurred—the noise, the music, the people.

“Mate,” my wolf purred, and I felt the undeniable pull toward him.

His jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he inhaled deeply, his broad chest rising and falling. Did he feel it too? Did his wolf recognize me the way mine recognized him?

I took a step forward, ready to go to him, when loud clapping and cheers erupted from the crowd. Confused, I tore my gaze away from him, turning toward the source of the noise.

The crowd had parted, forming a path leading toward him. My eyes followed the movement, and my heart dropped.

There, walking gracefully toward him, was Olivia.

Her radiant smile was matched only by the joyful tears glistening in her eyes. She moved with an elegance that captivated everyone’s attention, including his. I watched in stunned silence as she approached him, her arms wrapping around his waist.

My heart shattered as I saw him respond. His face softened, his arms encircling her protectively. He looked down at her, his eyes warm and tender. A loving smile graced his lips as he leaned down, his forehead touching hers.

My entire body went numb. “What is happening?” I asked my wolf, but she didn’t respond. Desperation clawed at my chest, so I turned to a nearby maid.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice tight and my brow furrowed.

She blinked at me, surprised. “Oh, you don’t know? Your sister found her mate.”

I frowned. “Mate?” I echoed, my voice trembling.

The maid nodded, smiling. “Aren’t you happy for her?”

I couldn’t reply. I couldn’t breathe.

I was taken aback by what had just happened. Could it be that my wolf was mistaken? I turned back to look at Olivia and the Alpha King.

My mate.

I stumbled backward, my breath coming in short gasps as the weight of those words sank in.

No.

This couldn’t be happening.

My wolf whimpered, but she remained eerily silent. The bond that had just ignited inside me felt like it was being strangled before it could fully form. My heart ached, and my hands trembled at my sides as I watched Olivia smile up at him—my mate.

The Alpha King.

His eyes found mine again, and for a brief, torturous moment, I saw the conflict swirling within them. His jaw tightened, his fingers twitching at his side as if he were fighting the urge to reach for me. But Olivia’s laughter pulled him back, she clung to him, her delicate fingers resting against his chest possessively.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to demand answers. But I couldn’t. Not here. Not now.

I turned and ran.

Murmurs followed me, whispers questioning my sudden exit, but I didn’t care. The grand hall blurred as I pushed through the doors, stepping into the cold night air. My lungs burned, my vision clouded by unshed tears.

Was I wrong? Did I imagine the pull?

No. I felt it. My wolf felt it.

So why was my mate standing beside my sister?

The pain was unbearable, a searing agony spreading through my chest. I clutched my arms around myself, stumbling toward my room.

I reached my room, shutting the door behind me before collapsing onto my bed, sobbing. How had my life turned out like this? She had taken everything from me—my father’s love, the pack’s admiration, and now… my mate.

Why, Olivia?

Why did she always take everything from me?

Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks. I wanted to scream, to break something, to demand answers—but what good would that do? No one ever listened to me. No one ever chose me.

A soft knock at my door made me tense. I quickly wiped my tears and sat up, trying to compose myself. I hesitated before opening the door, and to my surprise, I found my father standing there.

It had been years since I last saw him here.

He walked past me into the room, the silence stretching between us before he finally spoke.

“Your sister found her mate,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

I scoffed. “Her mate? She stole mine,” I spat, my tone dripping with anger.

His face remained expressionless, as if he already knew. “You have to let your sister be mated to him.” His tone left no room for argument.

But I knew better than to stay silent. “Or I should tell him,” I challenged.

“Tell who?” he asked sharply.

“The Alpha King, of course,” I snapped.

His expression darkened. “You will do no such thing.”

“Watch me,” I countered, turning to leave the room.

But before I could take another step, my father grabbed my arm and yanked me back.

His gaze hardened. “You were never meant to have him, Raven. Accept it and stay silent. You will not tell anyone what happened if you still want to live,” he warned. “And for the time being, you will be locked up.”

I gasped as he turned on his heel and walked out, leaving me stunned.

Soon I heard the click of the door lock.

He knew all along.

I sank to the floor, tears flowing freely as I whispered, “He knew all along.”

Suddenly, a sharp pain struck my heart, and I clutched my chest, gasping as the pain intensified.

“What’s happening?” I whimpered to no one in particular. I rolled onto the ground, the pain unbearable.

“Mate,” my wolf howled inside me, her voice filled with anguish.

Then I realized.

He was mating with my sister.

CHAPTER 3 Must Leave Raven’s POV

I clutched my chest as if that would ease the unbearable pain crushing me from the inside. My breath came in short gasps, and my vision blurred with the flood of tears spilling down my cheeks. My mate. The one the Moon Goddess has destined for me, was leaving, and he was leaving with my sister.

How could he not feel the bond? How could he not sense me the way I sensed him? My wolf whimpered in my mind, still silent and withdrawn, as if the betrayal had shattered her spirit just as much as it had mine. She hadn't spoken to me since the moment I saw him standing next to Olivia, his hand resting protectively on her lower back. That touch was mine. He was mine.

I dragged myself up from the floor, my hands trembling as I gripped the edge of my bed. The window was still open, and the cold night air did nothing to soothe the fire of rage and heartbreak burning inside me. I forced myself to watch, even though it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest with every passing second.

Olivia turned, her face glowing with excitement as she wrapped her arms around him. He leaned in and whispered something in her ear, making her laugh. My stomach twisted violently. That laugh was supposed to be mine. Those whispered words—meant only for me. My nails dug into my palms, the pain grounding me even as my world crumbled.

I wanted to scream, to run outside and tell him. Tell him the truth. That Olivia was nothing more than a thief, a liar, a traitor. That I was his fated mate, not her. That he was mine.

But I couldn’t.

My father made sure of that.

His warning echoed in my mind like a sinister whisper: “Stay quiet, Raven. You don't deserve him. Olivia is the perfect Luna, not you.”

I had wanted to fight back, to tell him that he was mistaken. That the bond wasn’t something he could change with a few cruel words and manipulation. But the look in his eyes told me he wouldn’t listen. He had already made his decision, already chosen Olivia over me. His real daughter. His real heir.

I clenched my jaw, my whole body trembling as the car pulled away from the pack house, the sound of the tires against the gravel fading into the night. A piece of me left with them. A piece I would never get back.

A sob escaped my lips, raw and broken. My wolf whimpered again, but still refused to surface. I needed her. I needed her strength. But she was just as lost as I was.

I felt sick.

Betrayal wrapped around me like chains, suffocating, and heavy. My own father had handed over my mate to her. My own blood. The sister who had never once treated me like family, who had taken everything from me since the moment we were born. And now, she had taken the one thing that was truly mine.

I stumbled away from the window, my knees buckling beneath me as I collapsed onto my bed. My hands fisted the blankets, my nails digging into the fabric as I let out a silent scream. Why?

Why didn’t he feel it? Why didn’t he look at me the way I looked at him? The way Olivia looked at him—like he was hers?

Had the Goddess made a mistake?

No. No, she wouldn’t. The bond wasn’t something that could be faked. He was mine. I was meant to be by his side, not Olivia. But she had taken him. They had taken him.

And I had let them.

My body shook violently as the reality of my situation sank in. I had nothing left.

No mate. No family.

Just pain.

Tears soaked my pillow as I curled into myself, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My chest ached with a hollowness I had never felt before. And for the first time in my life, I realized something that sent a shiver down my spine.

I wasn’t just heartbroken.

I was alone.

And I had no one except my wolf.

Then I heard the door creak open. I was reluctant to move. I buried my face in the pillow as the door burst open. I felt footsteps approaching my bed, so I raised my head to see my father, a smile on his face.

“What do you want, Father?” I yelled at him, the first time I had ever done that—but at this point, I didn’t care. He was a stranger to me.

He took a long breath before speaking. “I just came to see how you are doin...”

“Or came to see if I was broken by your betrayal?” I spat at him, cutting off his sentence.

My father’s smile didn’t falter, but his eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. He took a step closer, his towering presence making the room feel even smaller.

“You should watch your tone, Raven,” he said smoothly, as if he wasn’t the one responsible for my suffering. As if he hadn’t just handed over my mate like I was nothing.

I sat up, my hands gripping the sheets tightly. “Or what?” My voice was hoarse, laced with pain. “You’ve already taken everything from me. What more could you possibly do?”

His lips curved into a smirk, but there was no warmth in it. “You act like this is the end, but it’s not. You’re stronger than you think, Raven. You’ll learn to accept your place.”

“My place?” I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “And where exactly is that, Father? In the shadows? Watching my mate love someone else? Watching my so-called family betray me over and over again?”

He sighed, feigning disappointment. “Olivia was always meant to be Luna. You were never fit for the role, and you know it.”

A growl rumbled in my throat, my wolf stirring faintly at his words. I wasn’t fit? I had trained harder than Olivia ever had. And yet, none of it mattered. Because in his eyes, I was never good enough.

“Why?” My voice cracked as I looked into the face of the man who was supposed to protect me. “Why do you hate me so much?”

For a moment—just a moment—something flickered in his expression. Guilt? Regret? But it was gone instantly, replaced by cold indifference.

“You were never meant to be here,” he said simply, as if those words didn’t cut me deeper than any blade ever could. “Now, stop this pathetic display. Olivia and your mate will be happy together, and you will stay out of their way. Do you understand me?”

Rage burned through me, hotter than ever before. I wanted to lash out, to scream, to make him hurt the way he had hurt me. But I knew it wouldn’t matter. Nothing I did would ever matter to him.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my nails digging into my palms. “Get out.”

I yelled at him, my voice sharp and raged. “And don’t you dare think you have a daughter named Raven from now on,” I spat, hatred evident in my voice.

He tilted his head slightly, as if contemplating my reaction, then let out a small chuckle. “As you wish.”

He turned and walked toward the door, pausing only once to glance over his shoulder.

“You’ll see, Raven. This is for the best.”

And then he was gone.

I stared at the closed door, my body trembling with barely contained emotion.

How was he able to do it? How did my father and Olivia manipulated the mate bond? This was something I need to investigate But first, I needed to escape, I must leave this pack, and I will leave tonight.

CHAPTER 4 Mate Bond Alpha Ethan’s POV

Five Years Later

I woke up to the early morning sun streaming through my window. Slowly, I opened my eyes, got out of bed, and drew the curtains closed. My gaze drifted to the sleeping Olivia, and I sighed. It had been five years since we were mated. Five long years.

I walked into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and took a cold shower. When I stepped out, a towel wrapped around my waist, I returned to the room, only to find the bed empty. Olivia was already gone. Shaking my head, I went to my closet, pulled out a heavy blue suit, and slipped it on. The fabric fit perfectly, accentuating my broad shoulders and muscular frame. I adjusted my tie, ran a hand through my slightly damp hair, and stepped out of the room.

As I descended the stairs, the rich aroma of food filled the air, making me pause. This wasn’t the usual scent of meals prepared by the maids. My mind immediately went to Olivia. Could she be the one cooking? The thought almost made me laugh. Olivia never cooked. She never cared whether I had breakfast or not.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to check the kitchen. Maybe she had changed.

But as soon as I stepped inside, my hope was crushed. Elisa stood at the stove instead. I sighed.

She turned at the sound of my footsteps, a warm smile on her face. “Good morning, brother.”

I frowned. “You didn’t tell me you were coming back.”

Elisa chuckled. “Chill, big brother. I wanted to surprise you, and I did, didn’t I?”

I smirked. “So, tell me, how did you do it?”

“You should already know. Didn’t you come here because of my cooking?” she teased, flipping an omelet onto a plate.

A brief silence settled between us before I broke it. “I thought she was the one cooking,” I admitted, frustration lacing my voice.

“She?” Elisa asked, her brow raised, but I didn’t respond.

“Olivia?” she guessed.

“Who else?” I muttered.

Elisa sighed, shaking her head as she turned off the stove. “You should know by now that Olivia has never been the type to cook,” she said, disappointment evident in her voice.

I ran a hand down my face, exhaling sharply. “I know,” I admitted, taking a seat at the kitchen counter. “It’s been five years, Elisa. Five damn years, and I still don’t feel the mate bond the way I’m supposed to. I thought it would grow, that maybe, with time, I’d feel something stronger. But every day, I wake up, and it feels… forced. Like I’m just going through the motions.”

Elisa placed the plate in front of me, her expression unreadable. “Then why are you still holding on?” she asked, crossing her arms.

I scoffed, picking up my fork but barely touching the food. “Because the bond is supposed to be sacred. Rejecting her after all these years would make me look weak. I thought maybe I was the problem. Maybe I wasn’t trying hard enough.” I clenched my jaw. “But regardless of what I do, Olivia is still the same. Cold. Distant. And when she does speak to me, it’s with nothing but irritation or demands. She barely acknowledges me unless she needs something.”

Elisa sat across from me, her blue eyes filled with sympathy. “I’ve noticed,” she admitted. “She treats the pack like they’re beneath her, Ethan. Even the omegas fear her. She acts entitled, as if being Luna means everyone should serve her, but she gives nothing in return. You deserve more than that.”

I let out a humorless chuckle. “Tell that to the elders. They believe Olivia is the perfect Luna. That she’s strong, independent, and exactly what this pack needs. If I go against that, I’ll have to justify rejecting my own mate. And honestly? I don’t even know where to start.”

Elisa tapped my shoulder. “Then don’t force it.”

Her words hit harder than I expected because deep down, I knew she was right. I had spent five years convincing myself that love would come, that the mate bond would eventually make everything right. But love couldn’t be forced. And whatever I had with Olivia—it was nothing like the stories I had grown up believing.

I sighed, pushing my plate aside.

Elisa hesitated before speaking again. “Be honest with yourself. And with Olivia. If she’s truly your mate, then ask yourself—why does she make you feel so empty?”

I stared at my sister, her words settling deep into my bones. Olivia and I were bound by a mate bond, but it felt more like a chain than a connection. Every day with her was a reminder of what we lacked—what I lacked. Passion. Warmth. Love.

Before I could respond, the sharp sound of heels clicking against the floor echoed through the hallway. A moment later, Olivia stepped into the kitchen, dressed in an elegant black dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her hair was styled to perfection, and her makeup was flawless. She looked every bit the Luna the pack admired.

But to me, she was nothing more than a stranger.

Her sharp brown eyes flickered to me, then to Elisa. “What are you two talking about?” she asked, suspicion laced in her tone.

I scoffed. “Is that how you greet your husband?” I spat in anger, my wolf silent but angry at her.

Elisa, however, decided to speak. “We were just discussing how the mate bond is supposed to bring two people closer, not push them apart.”

Olivia scoffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “The mate bond is what it is. We don’t have to be sickeningly in love, like some foolishly believe. We have an understanding, Ethan. That should be enough.”

I clenched my jaw. “An understanding?” My voice was sharp, my patience thinning. “That’s all you have to say?”

She crossed her arms. “Yes. You lead the pack. I stand by your side. We don’t need to pretend to be something we’re not.”

I slammed my palm against the counter, making both Olivia and Elisa flinch. My wolf growled inside me, my dominance radiating through the room. “You are my mate, and you should act like it,” I snapped, my voice dangerously low.

For five years, I had sacrificed my own happiness, waiting for her to change. But hell no—she only got worse.

For the first time in a long while, Olivia hesitated. A flicker of nervousness crossed her face, but it vanished as quickly as it came. “Then that’s your problem,” she said smoothly, reaching for a cup of coffee.

But I was faster. I grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. “You don’t walk out on me,” I growled. “I’m not just your mate—I’m your Alpha. And you will respect that.”

I released her hand, making her lose her balance. She stumbled back and fell to the floor.

Just then, the door burst open. One of the guards on patrol ran in, gasping for breath.

“Alpha,” he panted, worry in his eyes. “We’re under attack.”

CHAPTER 5 Rough Attack Alpha Ethan's POV

“A rough attack,” I muttered to myself as I took in the chaos unfolding before me. The scent of blood tainted the air, mixing with the heavy aroma of damp earth and burning wood. The night had been eerily calm before the first howl shattered the silence, signaling the beginning of an invasion.

Without hesitation, I mind-linked my Beta, James. We’re under attack. Assemble all warriors immediately. We need everyone on the front lines—no exceptions.

James responded instantly, his voice sharp and alert. Understood, Alpha. How many are we dealing with?

I surveyed the battleground, my keen eyes picking up the swift-moving shadows in the tree line. More than a dozen, perhaps more, but something tells me this is just the beginning. I sense more waiting beyond the trees. Move fast, James.

On it, he confirmed before cutting the link.

My claws elongated instinctively as I stepped forward, my wolf clawing beneath my skin, eager to be unleashed. I turned toward my Gamma, Caleb, who was already shifting, his powerful black wolf standing ready beside me.

“Hold the eastern flank,” I ordered, my voice laced with authority. “We cannot let them break through. If they do, the pack house will be vulnerable.”

Caleb growled in agreement before taking off, his massive form disappearing into the darkness.

A piercing snarl rang through the night as the first wave of rogues lunged forward, their eyes gleaming with savage hunger. I met them head-on, shifting mid-leap into my wolf form. My bones cracked and rearranged, fur bursting from my skin as I landed on all fours, fangs bared. The first rogue made the mistake of rushing me blindly—I clamped my jaws around its throat, snapping its windpipe with ease before tossing the lifeless body aside.

More followed, their movements frenzied and erratic. These weren’t ordinary rogues; they fought with an unsettling coordination, their attacks calculated. I barely had a moment to register this before three of them pounced at once. Twisting my body, I used their momentum against them, knocking two unbalanced while sinking my teeth into the third’s hind leg. A pained yelp filled the air as I dragged the rogue down, tearing into its flesh until it stopped moving.

Through the haze of battle, James’ voice rang in my mind again. Warriors are assembled and moving into position. We have around seventy on the field now, but I sent a distress call to the allied packs. If this is an organized assault, we’ll need reinforcements.

Good. We hold our ground until they arrive, I replied, dodging a rogue’s snapping jaws. I retaliated with a brutal swipe of my claws, shredding across its face.

Shouts and snarls filled the air as our warriors clashed with the rogues. The night pulsed with the violent symphony of battle—bodies colliding, bones crunching, pained cries echoing into the darkness. My pack fought fiercely, but the rogues kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.

Then, from the shadows beyond the tree line, a figure emerged—a tall, imposing man, his scent foreign yet oddly familiar. Unlike the rogues, he didn’t charge into battle. Instead, he stood still, his piercing gaze locked onto me.

A growl rumbled deep in my chest as I took a step forward, readying myself. Whoever he was, he wasn’t just another rogue.

This attack wasn’t random. It was planned.

And the real fight was just beginning.

The rogue in front of me lunged, but I was faster. I slammed my weight into it, sending it crashing into the dirt before snapping its neck. Blood sprayed the ground as I turned to face the next attacker.

We were holding our ground, but barely. The rogues were relentless, their numbers growing instead of thinning. James and Caleb fought fiercely beside me, but I could see exhaustion beginning to creep into their movements. Our warriors were strong, but the onslaught was wearing us down.

Then, just as a massive rogue barreled toward me, something changed. A powerful presence rippled through the battlefield, a force unlike anything I had felt before. The air grew thick with energy, and for a moment, even the rogues hesitated.

A golden blur shot through the darkness, its movements swift and lethal. The massive wolf landed in front of me, its golden fur gleaming even under the dim moonlight. It moved with an otherworldly grace, its eyes burning with an intensity that made even the most savage rogues falter.

I had never seen this wolf before.

And yet, something about it felt familiar.

The golden wolf wasted no time, launching itself into the fray with devastating efficiency. It tore through the enemy lines, its powerful jaws crushing bones, its claws slicing through flesh like they were nothing. The rogues scrambled to defend themselves, but they were no match.

I took advantage of the shift in momentum, throwing myself back into the fight. With renewed strength, my warriors pushed forward, cutting down the remaining rogues with ruthless precision.

The battle that had seemed unwinnable only moments ago now turned in our favor.

The golden wolf fought as if it had a personal vendetta against the rogues, its movements precise and brutal. It struck down every enemy in its path, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake.

When we were done fighting, she stood before me, but just as I was about to shift and ask who she was, she pushed past me, causing me to stumble and fall to the ground. When I turned, I saw her fighting with a rogue.

I was stunned.

Did she just save me?

The fight between them was rough. I wanted to help, but I couldn’t. She brought out her fangs, biting into the other wolf, and it growled in pain before collapsing to the ground. When she raised her head, her mouth was full of blood.

Just then, I saw a bullet coming toward her from behind.

“Watch out!” I shouted.

But before she could react, the bullet pierced into her chest from behind.

“No!” I shouted as she fell to the ground.

CHAPTER 6 Our Saviour Alpha Ethan's POV

“Bring a blanket,” I ordered my Beta, who quickly complied. I covered her up, staring at her unconscious body, blood rushing from the shot where the bullet had penetrated. I pulled off my shirt, using it to wrap around the wound, temporarily stopping the blood flow while I ordered a car to take us back to the pack house. As I waited, I could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me as I watched her—her long black hair matted with blood, her body lifeless and barely hanging on. The bullet wound was bad, and I had no idea how much time we had. My hands shook slightly as I tightened the makeshift bandage, my mind racing with thoughts of what could’ve been if we hadn’t arrived in time.

I glanced up, finding my Beta standing nearby, ready to follow any order. “The car should be here soon,” he said, but I barely heard him. My gaze lingered on the woman who had saved my pack, who had saved us all. She was the last person I expected to see in this condition.

Her face, though obscured by the mess of hair, still held a certain quiet strength. Even unconscious, there was something powerful about her presence. I couldn’t stop myself from wondering who she really was—what had driven her to risk everything for a pack she didn’t belong to? My heart clenched, a mixture of gratitude and confusion swirling inside me.

The car pulled up, and I gently lifted her into my arms, cradling her against me, trying to keep her as still as possible. My mind kept circling back to her—who was she? And why had she been the one to fight for us when no one else had?

I couldn’t stop my thoughts from spiraling as I made my way into the pack house, her body still in my arms. The healer was already standing by, waiting for us with a grim expression that mirrored my own. There wasn’t time to waste. Every second felt like it might be the last one we had.

I gently laid her down on the examination table, making sure her body was as comfortable as possible, even in this fragile state. The healer quickly stepped forward, her hands expertly moving over the wound, her eyes sharp with focus.

“Her blood pressure is dangerously low,” the healer muttered, her brow furrowing as she inspected the wound. “We need to act fast, Alpha. The bullet’s still in there, and it’s causing more damage than we thought.”

I nodded, my throat tight. I wasn’t sure if I could even breathe right now. The woman lying before me wasn’t just some stranger—I could feel it deep in my bones. She was important. But why? My mind kept reaching for answers that weren’t there.

“How long until we can stabilize her?” I asked, trying to mask the panic that threatened to rise. I had to be strong. I had to stay in control, but it was hard when everything inside me was screaming.

The healer didn’t look up from her work, but her voice was steady. “It’ll take some time. I need to get the bullet out first, then we can start to address the blood loss. But with this much damage…" She trailed off, glancing up at me, her eyes filled with quiet concern.

I clenched my fists. “Do whatever it takes. She's not dying. Not on my watch.”

The healer nodded sharply, and I turned away, pacing the room, my mind a whirlwind of frustration and guilt. I should’ve done something sooner. I should’ve protected her. But no matter how many times I replayed the events in my head, I couldn’t change what had already happened.

My Beta, who had been waiting quietly in the corner, stepped forward. “Alpha, do you want me to send for backup? For more help?” he asked quietly.

I shook my head. “No. We’ll handle it here. I’ll stay with her.”

I couldn’t leave her. Not now. Something inside me had shifted the moment I saw her lying there—vulnerable, fighting for life. She wasn’t just some warrior who happened to show up at the right time. There was something more to her. Something I needed to understand.

The healer moved with practiced precision, cutting away the fabric of her clothes around the wound and carefully beginning the process of removing the bullet. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her face. Her skin was pale, and I could see the faintest flush of fever creeping in, but still, there was that strength in her expression, even in unconsciousness. It was like she was fighting something deeper than just this injury.

The healer muttered under her breath as she worked, trying to stabilize her vital signs. I could feel the weight of each moment pressing down on me.

Minutes dragged on, and with every passing second, I felt like the distance between us grew, the questions swirling inside me intensifying. Who was she? What was she really doing here? And most of all—why did it feel like I had known her for so much longer than I actually had?

Finally, the healer spoke, her voice soft but relieved. “The bullet’s out. We’re stabilizing her now. She’s not out of danger yet, but she’s got a chance.”

A wave of relief washed over me, but it was fleeting. I wasn’t sure if I could ever truly relax until I saw her awake again, heard her voice, and felt the warmth of her presence return. But for now, all I could do was wait.

Just then, Olivia barged into the room. When her eyes landed on the girl, her brow furrowed, and I could tell she was shocked, but I didn’t know why. “We have to talk,” she said, pulling me out of the room. “What is that girl doing here?” she asked the moment we were out of the room.

“She saved us and got injured. So the least I could do was keep her here until she recovers.”

“She is not staying here,” she muttered, but I heard her clearly.

“And why wouldn’t she stay?” I asked, my voice laced with anger.

She didn’t reply immediately. “I don’t like her, and she should be out,” she said.

“And who are you to tell me what to do? A mate who doesn’t know her duties to her mate, huh?” I spat angrily.

“You know what? I wish that girl lying there was my mate and not…” I snapped angrily and walked out.

CHAPTER 7 Hunted To Go See Her Alpha Ethan’s POV

It’s been two days now since the mystery girl saved us. She was still in a coma, and though I hadn't visited her since, it wasn’t out of neglect—I’d been buried under an avalanche of duties that demanded my attention. I sighed in frustration, slowly sitting up on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb Olivia, who was still sound asleep. Her soft breathing filled the quiet space, a gentle reminder that peace still existed, even if just for a few hours.

I rubbed a hand down my face, the weight of sleepless nights and countless meetings clinging to me like a second skin. My muscles ached, not from battle, but from the strain of leadership. Getting to my feet, I padded silently across the room, the floor cool beneath my bare feet. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting silver streaks across the polished wood.

Once in the bathroom, I flicked on the light, squinting a little as it flooded the space. I walked up to the sink and turned the faucet on, splashing cold water over my face to shake off the remnants of sleep. The chill woke me instantly, grounding me back into reality. I reached for my toothbrush and toothpaste, brushing my teeth with a focused determination that mirrored how I ran my pack—firm and thorough. Rinsing my mouth, I looked up at the mirror.

My reflection stared back, jaw clenched, eyes shadowed with exhaustion, and strands of dark hair falling into my face. I barely recognized myself these days. I looked… heavier, not in body, but in presence. The kind of weight that doesn’t lift with time or training. The mystery girl haunted my thoughts. Who was she? Why did she save us? And why did I feel this strange pull to her, a connection I couldn’t explain?

I shook off the thoughts and stepped into the shower, turning the dial until the water was hot enough to scald the uncertainty from my skin. Steam rose around me, fogging up the glass as the spray hit my back. I let out a slow breath, leaning forward to rest my forehead against the cool tile wall. The water rushed over me, soaking my hair, trailing down the curve of my shoulders and chest, tracing every scar, every memory etched into my skin.

My mind wandered again.

I should have visited her. No matter how busy I was, I owed her that much. She risked her life for mine, for Olivia's, and for the pack. Yet, she lay in that hospital room alone, unconscious, surrounded by machines instead of people who cared. That fact burned in my chest like fire.

I stayed in the shower longer than usual, letting the heat loosen the tightness in my shoulders. When I finally stepped out, I wrapped a towel around my waist and wiped the mirror clean with my palm. I stared at my reflection again—still the same tired eyes, but now with more resolve.

Time to get dressed.

I walked back into the bedroom, still silent as a shadow. Olivia stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent before turning onto her side. I pulled on a pair of black slacks, then chose a dark button-up shirt, rolling the sleeves up to my forearms. I ran a hand through my damp hair and fastened the top few buttons, the fabric hugging my chest and arms snugly.

I went to the wardrobe and retrieved my black leather watch, snapping it onto my wrist. Then I reached for my ring—my family crest engraved into the silver—and slipped it onto my finger, grounding myself in the legacy I carried. Alpha. Leader. Protector.

But more than anything, I felt something unfamiliar growing inside me—curiosity laced with concern for the girl who still hadn’t woken up.

I walked out of my room and made my way downstairs, where other members of the pack stayed. When I got down, the maids were all busy with their work. I walked past them, not responding to their greetings. I needed to see her at the pack clinic before going to the company. But just as I was about to step out, a figure blocked me. I looked up to see Olivia standing before me. I was stunned. She had been sleeping minutes ago. How did she get here?

“Good morning, mate. Leaving without breakfast?” she asked, giving me a warm smile.

I was surprised by her attitude. Throughout my six years of being mated to her, this was actually the first day she had acted all sweet to me.

“I don’t have time for breakfast,” I replied, my tone cold, and I tried moving past her, but she wouldn’t move.

“What do you want, Olivia?” I asked her.

She was quiet for a moment before replying, “Just wanted to make sure my mate was okay.”

I was more shocked.

“I’m fine. Just want to get to the pack hospital before heading to the company,” I replied.

“And why are you going to the hospital? You look perfectly fine,” she asked.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just wanted to check on the girl who saved our pack—”

“What?!” she said out loud before I could finish my sentence.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her, holding her arms, but she pushed my hands away.

“You are not going to that girl,” she said, her tone cold.

I moved closer to her, towering over her with my tall figure.

“Listen, I’m going to see her, and there’s nothing you can do about it,” I said, walking past her, my anger bubbling over. But then her words stopped me.

“That girl isn’t who you think she is.”

“And then who is she?” I asked, not turning back.

“She is my…”

She didn’t finish her sentence when I got a call and left.

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The bullet tore through her chest like a curse fulfilled. One moment she was standing tall, golden fur gleaming under the moon, fangs bared over a fallen rogue. The next—she collapsed, blood blooming across her back.

"No!" The roar ripped from my throat before I even realized I'd moved. I dropped to her side, fingers pressing into the wound, my shirt already tearing free to stem the flow. Her breath was shallow, her heartbeat fading.

She saved us. She saved me. And I didn't even know her name.

"Get the car NOW!" I snarled at James, cradling her head in my arms. Her face was pale, streaked with dirt and blood, but something about her—her scent, the shape of her lips—tugged at a memory I couldn't grasp.

As the healer worked, Olivia stormed in, eyes blazing. "She can't stay," she hissed. "She's dangerous."

But I couldn't look away. This woman had fought like a goddess. Died for us.

And my wolf... was howling.