Lyra's POV The golden hues of the setting sun spilled across the porch, bathing everything in a soft warmth. Sabrina cradled Justine in her arms, rocking him gently as she hummed an old lullaby. I sat across from her, pulling Moon out of the crib and letting her tiny body rest on my arm. Her soft coos and bright red irises glittered under the evening light, making my heart swell with both love and longing.“What are their names?” Sabrina asked, her voice gentle, her gaze focused on Justine’s chubby cheeks as he gurgled in response to her lullaby.“Justine, Moon, and Tristan,” I replied softly, running a finger along Moon’s tiny hand as she gripped it tightly. Her giggle melted my heart.“Beautiful names,” Sabrina said with a smile that reached her eyes.“Thanks,” I murmured, my gaze drifting back to Moon. Her red eyes captivated me, glimmering like rubies. They reminded me of him. Of Varg.A pang of sadness hit me as thoughts of him surfaced. I wondered what he was feeling right now.
Lyra's POV"Tell him I’ll come to him, and that he should stop spying on her," a hushed voice drifted into my ears. My eyes fluttered open, the weight of sleep still clinging to me. I carefully stood from the bed and shuffled to the window, peeking through the curtains.Sabrina was standing near the woods, her figure tense as she faced a man dressed in a black hoodie and pants. Though they were a fair distance from the house, their voices carried as if they were right beside me."Alright," the man said, his deep voice sharp and full of warning. "He doesn’t like being kept waiting."Sabrina’s gaze dropped to the ground, her fingers trembling before she steadied them with her other hand. "I won’t let you down," she replied, her tone quiet but resolute. "Tell him that."The man didn’t respond. Instead, he turned and strode into the woods, his retreating figure swallowed by the shadows. I focused on Sabrina, her shaky breaths filling the silence as she turned toward the path leading back
Varg's POV“Marcus said he saw a lady with crying baby walk into the woods a few days ago,” Lucian said, his voice breaking the silence as we trekked through the woods, accompanied by Jacob and a few of Lucian’s Betas. “I think she’s the one they saw.”I didn’t immediately react to Lucian’s words. My mind wasn’t focused on what he was saying. Everything he’d mentioned since offering to help me had felt more like a shot in the dark.And who in the hell would believe someone like Marcus Blood Moon? The guy’s a loner who fled his pack years ago and now lives in the woods with his concubine, who, by the way, was mated to another man.The guy was insane, but I couldn’t entirely fault Lucian for trusting him. He had this odd habit of taking in whatever came his way.“That’s not enough reason to be out here wandering aimlessly,” Jacob chimed in, voicing exactly what I was thinking as he stepped up to walk alongside us.“We don’t know, but we have to try,” Lucian replied.I stayed quiet, my m
Lyra's POVThe soft light streaming through the window pulled me from sleep, and I rolled to the other side of the bed, clutching the pillows tightly. Their softness tempted me to drift back into slumber.A cool breeze swept into the room, pushing the beige curtains further inward. I felt it gentle touch on my face and sighed, finally sitting up. Pulling my hair into a tight bun, I made my way to the bathroom to splash water on my face.The day felt crisp, and I decided I’d take my pups out for a stroll. It had been weeks since we’d last stepped outside, and they deserved to experience the daylight and fresh air.But as I wiped my face with a towel, a faint sound caught my attention. My heart stilled. A cold shiver crawled down my spine.“I’ve waited long enough for your response,” a familiar voice said, low and menacing. “But as always, you’ve failed to get back to me. My men say you’ve been lying to them.”“That’s not true!” Sabrina’s voice trembled with fear. “You know I would neve
Lyra's POV“Shit,” he groaned, shoving me so hard my body slammed into the closet doors. The impact rattled the entire frame, but I forced myself to my feet, ignoring the ache in my back. Rage coursed through me, drowning out the pain. I lunged at him, claws outstretched, aiming for his face.My attack was wild, raw, and desperate, but he was ready. With a guttural growl, Thanos shifted into his wolf form. His black fur rippled like a storm cloud, and his crimson eyes burned with malicious delight. His massive frame dwarfed me, his presence suffocating the room.His growl deepened, and he snapped his jaws at me, a warning I ignored. I charged again, my wolf instincts sharpening my senses. I swiped at his side, claws barely grazing the thick hide beneath his fur. His strength was unmatched, and it showed in every movement.With a single swipe of his massive paw, he sent me sprawling to the ground, my body skidding across the wooden floor. I scrambled up, the metallic taste of blood poo
Varg's POV The sound of snapping jaws and guttural growls filled the air as I slammed into the wolves with everything I had. The impact sent us all tumbling in a blur of fur and claws, snarls tearing through the night. They thrashed, trying to overpower me, but I held firm.The first wolf lunged, aiming for my throat. I twisted sharply, my jaws clamping down on its scruff. With a surge of power, I hurled it aside, sending its limp body crashing into the dirt. It scrambled to its feet, hesitation flickering in its eyes, but it wasn’t done yet.The second came faster, fangs bared and eyes filled with murderous intent. It crashed into me, our bodies meeting with bone-rattling force. Pain flared through my side as its claws raked deep, but I didn’t let up. I drove us both into the underbrush, a whirlwind of snarls and strikes.I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t. Not when Lyra and my pups were in danger. The thought of what could’ve happened if I hadn’t followed the faint trail of black fur sent
Varg's POV The cries of my babies pulled me from my thoughts, their wails slicing through the night. I turned toward Lyra, who rocked them desperately, trying to soothe them, but their sobs didn’t ease.I knelt beside her, watching the way her red-rimmed eyes flickered up at me, filled with pain, fear… and doubt. It was as if she expected me to hurt them. And honestly, I couldn’t blame her. I hadn’t done enough to protect her before.Gently, I reached for one of the babies. “I’m sorry, Lyra,” I murmured, lifting the tiny, trembling body into my arms.The moment I did, the cries quieted. The baby’s red eyes, so much like mine, locked onto me, filled with warmth instead of fear.“Daddy’s here,” I whispered, pulling him closer.A soft coo replaced the sobs, followed by a tiny, breathy chuckle. A smile tugged at my lips as I brushed a finger over his nose before pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.“You look just like me,” I mused. “I hope you’re strong too.”Lyra’s voice broke throug
Lyra’s POVThe cold night air brushed against my skin as I stood across from the Dom mansion, staring at the towering structure that loomed before me. The scent of pine, damp earth, and something deeply familiar drifted through the air, stirring memories I wasn’t sure I was ready to face.Years ago, I had wanted nothing more than to escape this place, to run as far away as my legs could take me. But now, standing here with my children in my arms, it felt different. This place, once my prison, had become my solace. The walls I once despised now offered safety. Protection. A home for my pups.A warm hand settled on my shoulder, grounding me.“You’ll be fine. Trust me,” Varg murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “I’m here. And I’m never leaving your side.”I lowered my gaze to the two babies nestled in my arms, then to the one he held. Their tiny fingers curled into the fabric of my clothes, their warmth seeping into me. I wished, for a fleeting moment, that they could tell me what t
Varg’s POV“Daddy, Mommy said we’re leaving,” Moon’s tiny voice chimed as she padded across the living room, her soft curls bouncing with each step.I smiled down at her, reaching out to lift her onto my lap. She curled against my chest, her warmth settling something deep inside me.“Yes, sweetheart,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “We’re going to the Moon Pack, where your mommy came from.”Bethany entered the room, pushing her father’s wheelchair, her expression composed yet tinged with something unspoken. She settled onto the couch across from me, her eyes steady as she met mine.“Varg,” Tommy said with quiet certainty, “I know you’re going to be a great leader. It’s always been in you, and I’m glad you finally get to step into that role.”I exhaled, a slow, relieved breath. “I just hope things turn out right from now on,” I admitted. The weight of responsibility was still settling over me, but with Thanos gone, the darkness that had loomed over us for so long h
Lyra’s POVA deep voice swept into my subconscious, pulling me from the edge of sleep. I turned the other way, but the cold seeped deeper into my body. My arms wrapped tightly around myself, but it did little to stop the shivers racking through me.I knew I should get up and go to the room, but I couldn't, not when I knew Varg wasn’t there. The bed would feel just as cold, just as empty.A familiar warmth surrounded me suddenly, strong arms lifting me effortlessly. Before I could fully wake, my body was cradled against a solid chest, and a familiar scent wrapped around me like a shield against the cold.My eyes snapped open. “Varg?“He didn't offer a word and carried me down the hallway, his grip firm but careful, his expression unreadable. I let my head rest against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my ear.When we reached the bedroom, Varg placed me gently on the bed and pulled the blankets over me, tucking them securely around my shoulders.The warm
Lyra’s POV"Bethany… Bethany," I called softly, reaching out to touch her shoulder. But she didn’t flinch. She remained still, lost in her thoughts, her numbness beginning to frighten me."It’s okay," I whispered, kneeling beside her. "Please, let’s go inside before you catch a cold."She lifted her head slowly, her eyes filled with unspeakable pain, but she didn’t move."Please listen to me, Bethany," I pleaded. "I don’t want you getting sick, for your sake and for the baby’s."Her gaze flickered at me for a moment before lowering to the ground. She had been sitting in the exact spot where Lucian had fallen, even though his body was no longer there."Lyra, I don’t think I can survive this," she murmured, her voice fragile, her tears sliding down her pale cheeks. "Why did Lucian had to leave me now that we were planning of getting married?"If only I had an answer. If only I could give her the comfort she so desperately needed. But I couldn’t. I didn’t even have it for myself.Ever si
Varg's POV The urgency in Jacob’s voice sent a sharp prickle down my spine. Something was definitely wrong, but I couldn’t quite place what it was. Maybe Jacob had figured out who the traitor was and needed me there before delivering punishment.“What’s the problem?” Tommy asked, noticing the worried expression on my face.“Just got a call from Jacob. I need to return to the mansion,” I replied absentmindedly, my voice sounding hollow.“Then you have to go. Don’t worry, you can visit whenever you want. And don’t forget what we discussed.” Tommy gave me an encouraging look, but it barely registered in my mind.I glanced at my phone, staring at the multiple missed calls from Lyra. A strange feeling crept up my spine, but I brushed it off.I stood up. “Thanks for your time, Tommy. I understand if you don’t want Lucian to know where you are. But it would really be nice if he knew.”“I’ll tell him when all this is over,” Bethany said as she walked in, handing Tommy a tea mug. “But for now
Lyra’s POVThanos’s voice slithered through my mind like a snake, his words sharp and taunting."Oh, this is exactly what I wanted."His laughter echoed through my head, sending a shiver down my spine. I had never truly tried using the mind link before, not like this. But now, in this moment, it felt like he was inside my head, his presence pressing against my thoughts like a dark cloud."I’ve got you where I wanted, and now you can’t run away from me."A snarl ripped through my throat, my teeth clashing together in a vicious warning. My wolf burned with rage, ready to lunge, but before I could move, a massive force crashed into me from behind.I barely had time to register the weight before I was slammed into the ground, my breath knocked from my lungs. The world spun, dirt and leaves sticking to my fur as a heavy body pinned me down.A deep growl rumbled above me as I realized it was Harold in his wolf form.I thrashed, my claws digging into the ground as I tried to buck him off, bu
Lyra’s POVBile rose in my throat as I stood frozen at the sight before me. Thanos stood tall, his presence menacing, flanked by five wolves with eyes that glowed in the dim moonlight. He was toying with us, drawing this out, knowing full well that Lucian was alone and outnumbered.Lucian held his ground, his jaw clenched, but I could sense his unease. He was strong, but against Thanos and five of his wolves? He wouldn't last.I needed to do something.My gaze darted around the living room, searching for my phone. It lay on the couch, its screen reflecting the dim glow of the chandelier above. I rushed over, snatching it up, and quickly dialed Varg’s number.It rang, a breath of relief left me. If Varg could get here in time, we had a chance. But then it went into voicemail.I cursed under my breath and tried again. Once, twice, three times, nothing.My fingers tightened around the phone before I hurled it onto the couch in frustration. My mind spun, searching for another plan, anothe
Lyra’s POVI stood by the entrance of the mansion, my eyes locked on Jacob as he spoke to Harold. There was tension in Jacob’s posture, the kind that signaled he was piecing together a dangerous truth. Harold, however, remained composed, his face a mask of innocence.Jacob’s jaw tightened as he leaned in closer, his words sharp and demanding, but Harold didn’t waver. A cold unease settled in my stomach. Something wasn’t right.I cast one last glance at the confrontation before turning on my heel and stepping into the mansion. My steps were brisk but quiet as I moved through the dimly lit hallway toward the children’s room. I needed to make sure they were inside, away from any potential danger.Reaching their door, I cracked it open and peeked inside. Moon was curled up beneath her blanket, her small hand resting near her face. Tristan and Justine lay still on their beds, their chests rising and falling in slow, steady breaths. The sight of them safe and asleep sent a wave of relief th
Lyra’s POV“Mommy, I haven't seen Daddy in a while now," Moon complained, her voice soft as she rested her head on my lap.We sat on the lush green lawn in the garden, the warm afternoon breeze brushing against us. Tristan and Justine sat a little distance away, their notepads propped on their knees as they scribbled down whatever held their interest.I ran my fingers gently through Moon’s silky hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. “Baby, your dad has been busy for quite some time now," I said, keeping my voice calm despite the ache in my chest.Moon shifted slightly, turning her big, curious eyes up at me. “Is it about that bad man that came over that day?" she asked innocently. "I heard Daddy talking to Aunt Bethany about someone helping him."I chuckled softly, masking my worry with a reassuring smile. “Oh, sweetheart. It’s not just about that man. Your daddy has other important things to take care of.”She pouted, her small fingers tracing absent patterns on my lap. “I tol
Varg’s POV“Thank you for coming,” I said to Jacob as I stepped forward, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.He gave me a slight nod, his gaze sharp but unreadable. Without another word, I turned and walked away, glancing over my shoulder briefly to see if Bethany was following. She cast a hesitant look at Lucian before finally stepping forward, her pace cautious.Sliding into the driver’s seat, I turned on the engine, the low hum filling the air. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bethany hesitating before opening the passenger door. She slipped inside, her face lined with unease, her hands nervously twisting in her lap.“If there’s anything you want me to know, don’t keep it from me,” I said, casting her a knowing look before resting my arm against the steering wheel.She turned to me, and though I kept my eyes on the road ahead, I could feel the tension rolling off her in waves. “I don’t know if my father is ready to see you,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “He ma