Isabelle's Point of View
We bid our farewells, and I stood there, watching as my father and Malik receded into the distance, their silhouettes gradually diminishing in the twilight. Only once they had vanished completely did the authoritative aura of my father's alpha status dissipate, leaving me to face the stark reality. I glanced down at the ring adorning my finger, pondering how they had managed to manipulate me into saying yes so effortlessly.
My father was utterly delusional if he believed I would accept this passively. I let out a piercing scream, my voice reverberating through the air.
Claiming my rightful position as the queen of the Silverstone pack ran deep within my blood. I spat on the ground where my father had stood merely moments ago. It was all a load of nonsense—a steaming pile of bullshit. My father was the epitome of archaic values, adamantly adhering to every antiquated rule imposed by the pack. It mattered not that half of them desperately required modernization and change.
The pack yearned for someone to propel them into the present era, not drag them back into the dark ages. This was utterly unacceptable, and I needed to uncover a loophole or unearth some form of lunar magic to combat this injustice.
Surely, there had to be a more viable alternative than enduring this nonsensical bullshit.
How could my father dare to wield the threat of handing over pack leadership to another ruling family simply because they were men? It infuriated me that he had arranged a mating for me with a wolf whom I hadn't even exchanged a single word with in over two years. I seethed with anger, rejecting the idea of being bound to a mate of his choosing.
My fingertips transformed into sharp claws, and I scraped them deliberately along the walls of my dorm room, oblivious to the damage I caused in my fury.
Chase, my ever-watchful bodyguard, observed me from across the room as I stormed through the doorway. Growling in warning, I made it clear that I had no tolerance for his interference and unwelcome advice.
"Isabelle," he cautioned, his deep voice adopting a soft and soothing tone. "Take a moment to calm down. It's crucial that you maintain control."
I struggled to rein in my emotions, the intensity of the situation threatening to overwhelm me. Losing control was the last thing I could afford.
I squinted my eyes in frustration. "What does it matter if I stay calm or not? I'm forced to obey whatever he commands, regardless of its nature.""Perhaps. However, if you lose control and your inner wolf takes over, it won't only reveal your anger towards your father. You risk exposing much more. Don't give him the satisfaction," Chase reasoned.
"Go to hell, Chase. This isn't messing with your own life."
While my words proved unfair to him, knowing that he had always been my closest friend and a constant presence since our first meeting, I wasn't ready to be swayed by reason—his special talent. He always possessed the right words and actions to appease the wolf when needed. He was a good man, a reliable friend who kept me grounded.
Yet, it wasn't the same as when...
I yearned to see Tyler.
"I'm going out. Alone," I declared through clenched teeth, determined to reach the door.
"If you venture out in this state, you'll only worsen matters," he cautioned, stepping in front of me to block my path. "Let me accompany you."
I let out a string of curses, my anger reaching its peak as I locked eyes with him. "I don't need someone to protect me! I can handle this situation by myself!"
My chest rose and fell rapidly as I glared at him, noticing a faint twitch at the corner of his lips as if he were suppressing a smile.
"You may think you don't need a protector, but that's exactly what you require. And perhaps a well-deserved swat on your backside," he retorted, his words laced with a playful tone.
I swiftly turned to face him, my expression filled with disbelief. "Excuse me?"
A slow grin spread across his face, causing my best friend to transform into one of the most irresistibly attractive men I had ever laid eyes on. I swallowed hard, aware of the inappropriate nature of my thoughts. Yet, given his constant presence by my side, it became increasingly difficult to ignore the undeniable pull I felt towards him.
"You heard me," he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
However, the idea of a shifter being romantically involved with their protector... It would undoubtedly invite trouble within the entire pack. Besides, I was already involved with someone else, and now I found myself inexplicably promised to another.
My mind felt like a jumbled mess, making it difficult to find clarity amidst the chaos. Three men now occupied an overwhelming amount of space in my thoughts, clouding my ability to discern the right path forward.
How could I possibly explain this complicated situation to Tyler in a way that he would comprehend? I wasn't supposed to reveal the entire truth to him, just bits and pieces. Only the protectors were privy to the knowledge of shifters, while the rest of humanity remained blissfully unaware. It was an unbreakable rule that the packs upheld, making Tyler strictly off-limits, much like the persistent bodyguard whose piercing gaze still bore into me as if he wanted to devour me whole.
Yet, Tyler possessed an unwavering intensity. He defied conventional norms and lived by a fierce inner strength forged through hardship, refusing to tolerate any nonsense from anyone. I had assumed his resilience stemmed from growing up as an orphan, but it seemed to be ingrained in his very being. He ought to have been a wolf himself.
A pained whimper escaped my inner wolf.
There lay the dilemma. He was a mere human.My hands clenched tightly, my fury barely contained, as I pondered the unjust regulations that had been imposed upon me. I had spent countless hours suppressing the truth, denying the depths of my emotions for multiple men, even though it felt completely natural to my wolf. Every fiber of my being rebelled against the archaic notion that I had to confine myself to choosing just one man...Yet, time was slipping away. I had to take action, to make my father comprehend that it was acceptable to love more than one person, before it became too late. I gazed down at the ring adorning my finger, a constant reminder that my choices were already constrained.
Silently, I howled within the depths of my mind, my wolf vehemently rejecting the rules that would force her into a life she had not chosen.
With Chase's words lingering in the air, I turned away from him, attempting to push aside the weight of his implications. He was the epitome of forbidden, the one I shouldn't even consider. Unlike Tyler, there were no lines being crossed between us. We weren't bound by a mating bond.
However, if I held even the slightest hope of persuading my father to change his stance before it became irreversible, I had no choice but to adhere strictly to the rules.
Once again, my wolf whined within the recesses of my mind, expressing her discontent with this limited option. She yearned for both Tyler and Chase, a desire that felt impossible to fulfill. I wasn't sure if I was reminding her or myself of our predicament. Though we were essentially one, there were moments when we didn't seem to be in sync.
"I'm going out. Don't try to follow me," I declared, granting him no opportunity to argue as I stormed out of the room and forcefully shut the door behind me. Tyler and I had been seeing each other for weeks, and it was time for me to reveal the depth of my feelings. He deserved to know the truth.
He had professed his love for me, and together we would find a way to navigate this complex situation. We would make it work.
Without wasting a moment, I swiftly sent him a text, urging him to meet me in the serene woods just beyond his dormitory. He proposed that I come to his room instead, but I politely declined. The confinements of four walls were suffocating at that moment. I yearned for the liberating embrace of the great outdoors.
My emotions were in disarray, swirling like a tumultuous storm, leaving me feeling utterly off-kilter.
Isabelle’s Point of ViewAfter Tyler agreed to meet me in the woods, I hurriedly tucked my phone into my pocket and dashed down the narrow path that wound its way through the towering trees. My fingers clenched tightly into fists as I sprinted, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions - desperation, anger, and an overwhelming sense of dread.The woods enveloped me in an eerie silence, devoid of any signs of life. The only sound that filled the air was the rhythmic thud of my feet hitting the ground, propelling me forward with a fierce determination. Each step brought me closer to Tyler, but it also fueled a raging fire within me, a primal fury that threatened to consume everything in its path.Nothing and no one would hinder my progress. I glanced up at the night sky, and it dawned on me that it was a new moon, the most potent phase for individuals like me. No wonder my thoughts felt clouded and my emotions were running wild. The timing couldn't have been worse.As I finally reache
Chase’s Point of ViewIn response to Isabelle's heart-wrenching howl, I sprinted through the dense woods, driven by a mix of worry and anger over whatever Tyler had done to her. Something had clearly gone terribly wrong, and as a seasoned member of the Silverstone pack, I could discern the distinctive cries of my packmates, including the ones that tore at my own heart."I'm on my way, baby," I murmured under my breath, my determination propelling me forward. The clearing where Isabelle and Tyler had initially met was now empty, but I sensed her presence nearby. Her wolf's whimpering echoed through the trees, tugging at my instincts.Regretfully, I hadn't thought to bring my night vision goggles, but I relied on my enhanced wolf senses to guide me. Though my human vision was sharp, it paled in comparison to the keen sight of a wolf. However, I did have my trusty gun, which I quickly drew from the concealed holster at the small of my back. I knew I had to be prepared for anything, ready
Chas's Point of ViewBut now, the barriers were breaking down, and there was no turning back. The intensity of our connection could no longer be denied. It was time to fulfill our desires and unleash the pent-up passion that had smoldered between us for far too long."Oh, Isabelle," I groaned, my ability to think clearly slipping away as quickly as hers. The desperation in her voice tugged at my heart."Please, Chase. I can't take it anymore. I feel like I'm going to explode."Summoning every ounce of focus, I managed to open the car door, but it took all my strength to guide us inside while she continued grinding against my hand.As soon as I locked the door, she flipped me over, straddling my legs. Her words sent a surge of desire through me. "I want you so badly.""But we...," I tried to interject, but she cut me off."Don't say we can't. How many times have you pleasured yourself, calling out my name?""You heard that?" I was taken aback, unsure of how much she had actually notice
Isabelle’s Point of ViewThe distant thumping echoed through my veins, synchronized with the rapid rhythm of my heart, intensifying the pulsating desire within me. The anticipation for tonight's ceremony had been building up all day, and I absorbed every ounce of energy in the air. Standing unclothed by the window, gazing up at the moonless night sky, I couldn't believe I was about to embark on this journey.My attempt at a normal college life a few years ago had ended disastrously, leading me back home under the protective shield of my father. It had been a defining moment for me, shifting my perspective. What had once felt suffocating and confining now became my liberation from the inner turmoil that had haunted me since my mother's passing. The primal wolf within me demanded acknowledgment, and the pack rituals provided the necessary balance for our human side to coexist harmoniously."You look absolutely breathtaking," a deep, resonant voice broke through my reverie. Startled, I t
Isabelle’s Point of ViewThe room grew increasingly tense, causing my skin to prickle with unease. My inner wolf whimpered, sensing the mounting aggression and my own need to assert dominance over Malik. As if that would be an easy feat. He could hold his ground and match my strength, always keeping me on my toes.A soft, apprehensive knock echoed at the door.My heart sank."It's time, Isabelle. Everyone is waiting outside, including your father," a voice called out, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped the room. My father, the one who had orchestrated this arrangement, insisted that before I took over as pack leader, Malik and I must undergo a traditional mating ceremony. However, deep down, I sensed his doubts about my capability and dedication to Malik. It seemed he was using this night to test me and push me towards a decision.Tonight, under the black moon, the time had come for me to face my father's expectations. I had known since my return to the pack that this moment wo
Isabelle’S Point of View"Tonight is a momentous occasion, my pack," he declared, his voice commanding attention and respect. The moonlight cast a mesmerizing glow on his figure, emphasizing his authority. "As the black moon graces our presence, we gather to celebrate not only the cycle of life and creation but also a sacred union between two souls."The pack erupted in cheers and howls, their excitement palpable in the air. The beat of drums reverberated through the clearing, stirring a primal energy within me. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the rhythm, allowing it to carry me into a state of heightened anticipation.The forest seemed to come alive with unseen forces, as if nature itself acknowledged the significance of this night. Leaves rustled in the wind, whispering secrets, and the scent of pine mingled with the earthy aroma of the forest floor. It was a symphony of sensations, a symphony that mirrored the surge of emotions coursing through my veins.In this moment, I let go
Isabelle’s Point of View"Claim me," I demanded, my voice laced with a raw hunger that matched the intensity in his eyes.Without hesitation, Malik prowled towards me, his features subtly shifting. I tilted my head in a submissive gesture, a rare display of vulnerability, as he seized my throat with his teeth. A sharp pang of pain mingled with pleasure, igniting an electric current within me. The metallic scent of my own blood, mingling with the heady scent of desire, filled the air, fueling our mutual craving to its climax.My body quivered with a potent mixture of desire and anticipation as Malik released my throat, his teeth trailing along my skin until they reached my shoulder, where he bit down once more. The sensation sent a surge of electric pleasure straight to my core, igniting a burning hunger that begged for more.But it wasn't enough. I craved his touch, my skin tingling with a desperate need for more. My hips strained against his, desperately seeking the friction that wou
Chase’s Point of ViewGood Lord. I knew this day could come, but I never pictured myself hauling Isabelle through the woods with her bare behind in my face and desire dripping down her legs. This was a scenario nobody had even thought about. Responsibility was one thing, but witnessing my woman engage in primal, animalistic sex during an archaic moon ceremony that bound her to another of her kind had been pure torment. Distant screams filled the air, urging me to quicken my pace. Isabelle was now the pack's alpha, and her safety was paramount. We had roughly twenty-one hours and fifteen minutes before she regained her full strength. I prayed that the patrols had a damn good reason for allowing something, or someone, to breach the town's defenses.The ground beneath me sloped downwards. "Shit." I gripped Isabelle's thighs tightly to maintain my balance."Put me down. I can keep up on my own two feet now." Isabelle clawed at my shirt once more. If I didn't let her go, my back would be