After Rafe and Delia finally showered, he carried her into the bedroom, his arms strong and steady as she nestled against him. The moment they reached the bed, the world outside ceased to exist. They made love with an unrelenting passion, their bodies drawn together like magnets. Time blurred as their desire seemed endless, and the day melted into night. They were insatiable, exploring every inch of each other, their connection deepening with every touch, every whispered word, and every shared breath. It wasn’t until the first rays of morning sunlight spilled into the room that they finally surrendered to exhaustion. Delia lay curled up in the sheets, her soft, steady breaths signaling her deep sleep. Rafe watched her for a moment, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and affection. A sudden twinge in his mind broke through the peaceful moment—a mind link from Alex. “Rafe, we need to meet. It’s urgent.” Rafe sighed, already knowing the responsibilities of his positio
Ring… ring… ring… Delia groaned softly, stirring from sleep as her phone vibrated insistently on the nightstand. Still half-asleep, she fumbled for it, squinting at the screen. Riley. A small frown creased her brow. Riley wasn’t supposed to call her. A sliver of unease crept into Delia’s chest as she swiped to answer. “Hello?” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. “Delia.” Riley’s voice came through the line, tense and anxious. Delia sat up instantly, her heart pounding. “Riley? What’s wrong?” A sniffle. Then a shaky breath. “Oh, Delia…” Riley’s voice cracked. “I think they found me. The people who were looking for you.” Delia felt the blood drain from her face. “What? How? Tell me everything!” “I don’t know,” Riley’s voice wavered. “I was headed home from work and stopped by the corner store to grab some milk. When I looked out the window, I saw them—two men standing right outside my building.” Delia’s grip tightened around the phone. “Are you sure it was them?
Delia had gone back to Rafe’s room, but her mind refused to settle. She tried lying down, hoping exhaustion would take over, but with the sunlight streaming through the windows and her thoughts tangled in knots, sleep evaded her.She kept replaying everything—Riley’s call, the men looking for her, Rafe’s reaction when she told him. She had been about to tell him everything about her past when Alex interrupted.But the look on Alex’s face—something was wrong.Unable to shake the unease creeping up her spine, she paced the room, her bare feet padding softly against the cool floor.Then came a gentle knock on the door.Delia froze for a second before quickly walking over and pulling it open.Standing there was Ethan, his usual easygoing expression replaced with something more serious.“Hi, Ethan,” she greeted, scanning his face. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”Ethan gave her a small nod, not wanting to alarm her but also not willing to lie. “Yeah. But Rafe’s handling it.”Delia folded her
Ethan sat near the grand windows of the mansion, his body tense as Alex’s mind-link echoed in his head.“Rafe’s been hit with wolfsbane. He’s unconscious. We’re taking him to the hospital now”A chill settled in his bones. Wolfsbane was no ordinary poison—it was lethal to werewolves, weakening them beyond recovery if not treated quickly. And if Rafe, their Alpha, had fallen in battle, the situation was even worse than he thought.But his biggest concern at the moment sat across from him.Delia was curled up on the couch, her slender fingers lightly tracing the spine of the book in her lap. Though her eyes were locked onto the pages, he could tell her mind was elsewhere. Probably on Rafe.Ethan swallowed. She didn’t know the truth.About Rafe. About werewolves. About the extent of the war that Rafe was fighting right outside these walls.And yet—he had to tell her something.Making a quick decision, he pulled out his phone, pretending to read a text. He needed an excuse. A human excuse
Delia kicked and thrashed, but the rogues’ grip on her was unyielding.The jungle floor was a blur beneath her as they dragged her through the dense undergrowth, her legs catching on roots and jagged rocks. Thorns scraped her exposed skin, but she barely felt the pain—her mind was in pure panic mode.“Let me go, you sick bastards!” she snapped, her breath coming in ragged gasps.The rogue on her left, a burly man with a thick scar down his cheek, barked out a laugh. “Feisty little thing, ain’t she?”The other, a wiry rogue with wild, matted hair, grinned. “Shame we ain’t allowed to have a little fun with her first.”Delia’s stomach twisted in revulsion.She jerked hard, trying to rip free, but the scarred rogue yanked her back so violently that her feet nearly lifted off the ground.“You’re making this real difficult for yourself, sweetheart,” he sneered. “I’d save your energy. You’re gonna need it.”She spat at him, her eyes blazing with fury. “Go to hell.”The rogue wiped the spit o
The crew parted as Delia was shoved forward, their yellow eyes gleaming in the dim lantern light. Some grinned, others eyed her like she was prey.But it was the man standing at the railing that held her attention. His stance was casual, hands resting lightly on the wooden railing, but Delia could tell immediately—he was dangerous.His sandy brown hair was wild from the wind, and when he finally turned, the glowing gold of his wolf eyes pierced through the darkness.He was tall, broad-shouldered, and despite the way he stood with ease, Delia’s sharp eyes caught the subtle stiffness in his posture. His shirt was dark, unbuttoned just enough to reveal the bloodstained bandages beneath it.He was injured and it had likely been when they attacked St. John.A flicker of satisfaction curled in her chest. So, they hadn’t won completely.“Ah,” the man finally murmured, a slow smirk curving his lips. “So, this is the infamous Delia.”She lifted her chin, refusing to show fear. “And you are?”H
The moment the scent of smoke reached Delia’s nose, a fresh wave of panic surged through her.A faint crackling sound reached her ears, followed by the distant shouts of men above deck. Heavy boots pounded against the wood, the sound chaotic—frantic.For a split second, she wondered—was this a rescue?Or something much worse?Delia scrambled to her feet, pressing her palms against the door. It was still locked, trapping her inside while something—someone—set the ship ablaze.She had to get out.If she didn’t get out, she’d burn with this damn ship.Sweat beaded on her forehead as she pressed her ear against the wooden door, her breath coming in shallow pants. The smoke was getting thicker, curling into the room like a living thing, its tendrils creeping up the walls, filling her lungs with every breath.Her fingers traced the door’s rough surface, her nails scraping at the old wood. She slammed the door again and again but no one seemed to hear her.She took a step back, then rammed h
Once Simon was back on his battleship with an unconscious Delia in his arms, he moved swiftly through the deck, his boots thudding against the wooden planks. His grip on her was firm but careful, mindful of her injuries.He pushed through the infirmary doors, his voice cutting through the tense air.“Get the doctor. Now.”The nurses jumped into action, one of them sprinting down the corridor while Simon gently laid Delia onto an empty cot. She looked fragile under the harsh medical lights, her skin pale beneath the soot and grime. His jaw clenched. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.Within a minute, the doctor arrived and he wasted no time, kneeling beside Delia and inspecting her wounds.“Her leg is badly injured,” Simon muttered, his voice tight.The doctor worked quickly, his hands moving over Delia’s body with practiced efficiency. After a thorough check, he turned to a nurse. “Put her on oxygen. She’s weakened and has inhale a lot of smoke. If we don’t stabilize her soon
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
Aria stepped into Rafe’s dimly lit bedroom, careful to keep her steps light as she made her way toward his bedside. The room smelled faintly of herbs and antiseptic, a reminder of how weakened her once invincible brother had become. It hurt to see him like this—pale, resting against the pillows with dark circles under his eyes. He had always been the strongest person she knew, the one who had shouldered the weight of the pack, their family, and most importantly, her. Ever since they lost their parents, Rafe had done everything in his power to make sure she never lacked for anything, even when he carried his own burdens in silence. Seeing him vulnerable like this made her chest ache. She pulled a chair close and sat beside him, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. Then, as if sensing her presence, Rafe stirred. His silver eyes fluttered open, slightly unfocused at first, before they found hers. A weak, familiar smile touched his lips. “Hey, kid. Where have you been?
Back in St. John, Rafe sat in the backseat, his head leaning against the window, his body still weak from the effects of the wolfsbane. His sharp silver eyes, though dulled with exhaustion, flickered with an unreadable emotion as he gazed out at the passing scenery. The doctor had ordered complete bed rest for the next week, but Rafe had insisted on returning home as soon as he was stable enough to be moved.Alex sat beside him, tense and silent. Ethan was still in the hospital in critical condition, and Alex’s mind was weighed down with everything that had happened. The pack was in disarray, their Alpha was injured, and the only person who could possibly bring Rafe back to his full strength quickly—Delia—was gone.And now, Rafe didn’t even remember her.Natasha sat on Rafe’s other side, her fingers occasionally brushing against his arm in small, possessive gestures. She had barely left his side since he regained consciousness, playing the role of the devoted fiancée. Alex still did
The first thing Delia became aware of was pain. A deep, burning ache that radiated from her leg, spreading through every inch of her body like molten fire. It was sharp, relentless—a cruel reminder that she was still alive. Every nerve felt raw, every muscle weak, as though she had been trampled underfoot and left for dead. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, blinking rapidly against the dim lighting of the room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic. A rhythmic beeping filled the otherwise silent space, and it took her a moment to register that it was the sound of a heart monitor. Her heart. She was lying in an unfamiliar bed, strapped up to IV drips and medical monitors, her wrist connected to a heart rate machine that quickened the moment she tried to move. She tried to shift, to sit up, but the moment she moved, agony exploded in her leg. A white-hot pain shot up from the wound, searing through her nerves like lightning. A strangled gasp escaped her lips, her fingers clutchi
Alex turned to Natasha sharply, his patience wearing dangerously thin. His voice came out low, barely contained. “What the hell is going on, Natasha?” His eyes burned with frustration. “Why did you just refer to Delia as some new maid?” Natasha met his glare with an impassive expression, but there was a flicker of something—calculation—behind her striking blue eyes. “Lower your voice, Alex,” she chided, glancing around the hallway as if worried someone might overhear them. “Rafe’s still recovering, and the last thing he needs is unnecessary stress.” Alex stepped closer, his imposing height overshadowing her, but Natasha stood her ground. “Unnecessary stress?” he repeated, incredulous. “Delia is missing! Kidnapped by rogue pirates! And now you’re acting like she doesn’t exist?” Natasha let out a slow breath, as if dealing with a child who didn’t understand reason. “No, Alex. I’m acting like someone who actually cares about this pack’s survival.” Alex’s fingers curled into
Alex stood in his office, staring out the large window, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The moonlight cast long shadows across the pack lands, and everything looked deceptively peaceful.But his mind was anything but at peace.Natasha’s words kept replaying in his head. You need me. The pack needs me.Damn her.A sharp ring shattered the silence, and Alex turned swiftly, his jaw tightening before he reached for his phone. He didn’t recognize the number at first, but as soon as he answered, a familiar, breathless voice came through the line.“Alex?”He exhaled, shoulders easing just slightly. “Aria.”“Thank God I’ve reached you.” Her voice was laced with worry. “Marcus told me what happened, and I just—I couldn’t believe it. Is it true? About the attack? Rafe and Ethan…and Delia missing?”Alex rubbed a hand down his face, the weight of everything settling deeper into his bones.“Yeah, kid,” he said, voice rough. “It’s true. Things are…not great here.”There was a beat of silenc
The scent of blood lingered in the air as Alex strode down the hospital corridors, his mind racing. The sterile white walls and the faint beeping of monitors did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside him. Rafe was still unconscious, his body fighting against the potent wolfsbane that had nearly killed him.And now, Delia was gone.Alex gritted his teeth, his hands clenching at his sides as he paced near Rafe’s room.Shortly after bringing Rafe and the injured warriors to the hospital, his head had snapped up at the sudden intrusion of a mind link.Ethan.His voice had been weak, barely a whisper in Alex’s mind.“Rogues… ambushed… Delia… I—”And then nothing.Alex had bolted. He barely had time to gather Marcus and a few other warriors before they rushed out.When they arrived, the scene was worse than he imagined.Ethan lay crumpled on the side of the road, a pool of blood beneath him. His throat had been slashed wide open, his breathing ragged and barely there. His usually strong
Once Simon was back on his battleship with an unconscious Delia in his arms, he moved swiftly through the deck, his boots thudding against the wooden planks. His grip on her was firm but careful, mindful of her injuries.He pushed through the infirmary doors, his voice cutting through the tense air.“Get the doctor. Now.”The nurses jumped into action, one of them sprinting down the corridor while Simon gently laid Delia onto an empty cot. She looked fragile under the harsh medical lights, her skin pale beneath the soot and grime. His jaw clenched. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.Within a minute, the doctor arrived and he wasted no time, kneeling beside Delia and inspecting her wounds.“Her leg is badly injured,” Simon muttered, his voice tight.The doctor worked quickly, his hands moving over Delia’s body with practiced efficiency. After a thorough check, he turned to a nurse. “Put her on oxygen. She’s weakened and has inhale a lot of smoke. If we don’t stabilize her soon